bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Alzheimer’s disease reactive astrocytes exhibit a loss of homeostastic gene expression
Authors: Dai David L. , Li Mingyao , Lee Edward B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAstrocytes are one of the brain’s major cell types and are responsible for maintaining neuronal homeostasis via regulating the extracellular environment, providing metabolic support, and modulating synaptic activity. In neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, astrocytes can take on a hypertrophic appearance. These reactive astrocytes are canonically associated with increases in cytoskeletal proteins, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. However, the molecular alterations that characterize astrocytes in human disease tissues have not been extensively studied with single cell resolution. Using single nucleus RNA sequencing data from normal, pathologic aging, and Alzheimer’s disease brains, we identified the transcriptomic changes associated with reactive astrocytes. Deep learning-based clustering algorithms denoised expression data for 17,012 genes and clustered 15,529 astrocyte nuclei, identifying protoplasmic, gray matter and fibrous, white matter astrocyte clusters. RNA trajectory analyses revealed a spectrum of reactivity within protoplasmic astrocytes characterized by a modest increase of reactive genes and a marked decrease in homeostatic genes. Amyloid but not tau pathology correlated with astrocyte reactivity. To identify reactivity-associated genes, linear regressions of gene expression versus reactivity were used to identify the top 52 upregulated and 144 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that upregulated genes were associated with cellular growth, responses to metal ions, inflammation, and proteostasis. Downregulated genes were involved in cellular interactions, neuronal development, ERBB signaling, and synapse regulation. Transcription factors were significantly enriched among the downregulated genes. Using co-immunofluorescence staining of Alzheimer’s disease brain tissues, we confirmed pathologic downregulation of ERBB4 and transcription factor NFIA in reactive astrocytes. Our findings reveal that protoplasmic, gray matter astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease exist within a spectrum of reactivity that is marked by a strong loss of normal function.
Meeting report of the sixth annual tri-service microbiome consortium symposium
Authors: Pantoja-Feliciano De Goodfellow Ida G. , Agans Richard , Barbato Robyn , Colston Sophie , Goodson Michael S. , Hammamieh Rasha , Hentchel Kristy , Jones Robert , Karl J. Philip , Kokoska Robert , Leary Dagmar H. , Mauzy Camilla , Racicot Kenneth , Stamps Blake W. , Varaljay Vanessa , Soares Jason W. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium (TSMC) was founded to enhance collaboration, coordination, and communication of microbiome research among DoD organizations and to facilitate resource, material and information sharing amongst consortium members, which includes collaborators in academia and industry. The 6th Annual TSMC Symposium was a hybrid meeting held in Fairlee, Vermont on 27–28 September 2022 with presentations and discussions centered on microbiome-related topics within seven broad thematic areas: (1) Human Microbiomes: Stress Response; (2) Microbiome Analysis & Surveillance; (3) Human Microbiomes Enablers & Engineering; (4) Human Microbiomes: Countermeasures; (5) Human Microbiomes Discovery - Earth & Space; (6) Environmental Micro & Myco-biome; and (7) Environmental Microbiome Analysis & Engineering. Collectively, the symposium provided an update on the scope of current DoD microbiome research efforts, highlighted innovative research being done in academia and industry that can be leveraged by the DoD, and fostered collaborative opportunities. This report summarizes the activities and outcomes from the 6th annual TSMC symposium.
Decarbonization of the electricity generation sector and its effects on sustainability goals
Authors: Michaelides Efstathios E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe substitution of fossil fuels, especially coal, with renewable energy is a crucial step for the CO2emissions reduction and the avoidance of Global Climate Change. The electric power generation industry is the first economic sector that will have to transition to renewable energy. However, wind and solar energy, the two most abundant renewable energy forms, are not dispatchable. The high penetration of these renewables in the energy market will create a demand–supply mismatch, which can only be alleviated with large-scale energy storage. This paper uses the case of Texas—a state that generates and consumes more electricity than several large, industrialized nations—to quantitatively examine the required infrastructure for the decarbonization of the electricity generation industry, while satisfying the current electric power demand in the State. Among the parameters that are examined are: the additional solar and wind capacity; the necessary energy storage infrastructure; the energy dissipation in the storage/regeneration process; and the effect of decarbonization on the cost of electricity and the welfare of the citizens. The computations show that the technology is available for the transition to a decarbonized electric power sector but requires significant investment in new wind and photovoltaic units as well as substantial energy storage. This would increase the electricity prices by a factor between 2.9 and 3.7 and, would have a disproportionate impact on the citizens in the lower income brackets.
Successful neurolytic thoracic sympathetic ganglion block using C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography in patients with postmastectomy pain syndrome: a report of 3 cases
Authors: Hagihara Shintaro , Abe Yoichiro , Godai Kohei , Enohata Kyo , Matsunaga Akira 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Postmastectomy pain syndrome involves persistent neuropathic and sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain that can be improved using a thoracic sympathetic ganglion block. However, conventional fluoroscopic procedures pose technical difficulties and are associated with potential severe complications. We report the use of C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography to enhance procedural success and treatment safety.

Case presentation
Three women diagnosed with postmastectomy pain syndrome and experiencing persistent pain underwent C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography-assisted ethanol neurolytic thoracic sympathetic ganglion block. Pain severity decreased substantially after the procedure. The therapeutic effects were sustained for 12 months in cases 1 and 2 and for 5 months in case 3. All patients experienced a remarkable decrease in allodynia and hyperalgesia intensities.

Conclusion
C-arm fluoroscopic cone-beam computed tomography-assisted neurolytic thoracic sympathetic ganglion block offers a valuable alternative for managing otherwise intractable postmastectomy pain syndrome before considering more invasive techniques.
The influence of gender, media, and internet usage on adolescents' fast food perception and fluid intake
Authors: Al-Haifi Ahmad R. , Bumaryoum Nayef Y. , Al-Awadhi Balqees A. , Alammar Fahad A. , Ashkanani Rasha H. , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Understanding the factors that influence adolescent’s perception of fast food and their fluid consumption is crucial for designing effective nutrition education programs tailored to this population. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of sex and the use of media and the internet with adolescents' perception of fast foods and the amount of fluid consumption.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on school adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 years in Kuwait, using a multistage stratified random sampling method (N = 706 adolescents; 343 boys and 363 girls). A pre-tested and specifically designed self-report questionnaire covering several measures such as: (a) types of foods that are considered fast foods; and (b) participant’s fluid consumption. Body weight and height were measured using calibrated medical scales. Body mass index (BMI) was computed. The adolescents were stratified by sex into two groups: boys and girls, for the purpose of analysis.

Results
Seven out of 14 food choices showed significant sex differences (p values ranged from 0.016 to < 0.001) in the adolescents’ responses to whether they perceived such food choice as fast food or not. Although differences were found between sexes, the majority of the listed fast foods were correctly recognized as fast foods by the adolescents. In addition, there were significant differences between males and females in the amount of daily drinks (ml/week) consumed from full fat milk (males = l197.1 ± 27,652.1 and females = 1662.8 ± 2221, p = 0.013), sugar-sweetened beverage (males = 2350.8 ± 3324.3 and females = 3088.9 ± 3701.1, p = 0.004), and energy drinks (males = 429.5 ± 1117.2 and females = 267.6 ± 733.8, p = 0.037). Compared to adolescents who seldom or do not watch TV or use the internet, those who engage in these sedentary activities are less likely to classify pizza (aOR (95% CI) = 0.660 (0.440–0.990), p = 0.045), grilled meat (aOR (95% CI) = 0.674 (0.477–0.954), p = 0.026), fried egg sandwiches (aOR (95% CI) = 0.617 (0.425–0.894–0.189), p = 0.011), and rice (aOR (95% CI) = 0.598(0.409–0.875), p = 0.008) as fast foods.

Conclusion
The influence of TV and internet use on adolescent’s ability to accurately identify fast foods has been observed. Findings indicate the need for increased fast food nutrition education programs that are tailored towards adolescents. The study recommends further research to enhance consumer awareness of foods and drinks among adolescents in the State of Kuwait.
Strengthening coordination and collaboration of one health approach for zoonotic diseases in Africa
Authors: Alimi Yewande , Wabacha James 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDespite the One Health progress made in some African countries in addressing zoonotic disease outbreaks, many still lack formal and funded One Health programs. Countries lack diagnostic capacity for zoonotic diseases, coordinated surveillance mechanisms, multisectoral response strategies and skilled workforce. With the devasting impacts of zoonotic disease outbreaks, recent epidemics have caused a loss of lives and negatively impacted the economy. Strengthening One Health approach across African Union (AU) Member States will improve the continent’s ability and capacity to efficiently prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases. The policy and practice changes needed to address zoonotic diseases require strong political commitment, financial investments, and institutionalised national One Health programs. The African Union endorses a One Health approach in which multiple sectors work jointly to raise awareness, gather credible data, implement programs, and promote evidence-based policy and practice in improve human, animal, and environmental health. The African Union working through its technical agencies set up an interagency multidisciplinary group “the One Health Coordinating Group on Zoonotic Diseases” to strengthen coordinated surveillance, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases on the continent. There is an urgent need to strengthen the coordination of One Health activities across the African continent. The African Union will leverage its unique political position on the continent to raise awareness, secure commitments, and influence policy at the head of state level. This manuscript highlights the opportunity to improve and strengthen One Health coordination and harmonisation of efforts through a continental strategy for zoonotic disease control.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: correlation with MRI morphometry
Authors: Maheshwari Sagar Ganeshprasad , Kuber Rajesh , Lamghare Purnachandra , Thomas Joel , Arkar Rahul , Avhad Madhuri , Tharmalingam T. , Bhamare D. S. , Katuri Sanjana , Nagraj Harish , Redla Shridhar , Elsayad M. , Vrizidou Sofia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aims to investigate the association between bony morphological features and ACL injury and to identify potential risk factors for the identification and prevention of ACL injuries. The study used knee MRIs to examine the distal femoral and proximal tibia morphology of 500 patients aged 19–50, including 250 cases with an injured ACL and 250 controls with a non-injured ACL. Previous literature has shown that ACL injuries are a common occurrence in sports and can have serious long-term consequences. Several risk factors have been identified, including anatomical variations in the bony structures of the knee. However, the relationship between bony morphology and ACL injury is not well understood, and there is a need to investigate the potential role of these factors in the identification and prevention of ACL injuries. This study was necessary because of the high incidence of ACL injuries and the potential long-term consequences, such as osteoarthritis, associated with this injury. By identifying potential risk factors, such as bony morphological features, it may be possible to develop targeted prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. The study also adds to the existing literature by providing new insights into the relationship between bony morphology and ACL injury, and by identifying specific parameters that can be used to predict ACL injury.

Results
There was a significant difference in bony morphology between ACL-injured and non-injured patients. The most convincing parameters of femur and tibia were notch width index (NWI), medial tibial plateau depth (MTPD), and lateral tibial plateau slope (LTPS). A significantly smaller intercondylar notch was seen in the injured patients (mean 17.25 mm) than in controls (mean 18.41 mm) (p < 0.001, unpaired t test). The findings indicate that among all the features assessed, the medial tibial plateau depth (MTPD) stands out as the most statistically significant with an odds ratio of 2.4, and it demonstrates a substantial association.

Conclusions
ACL-injured patients have a narrower NWI, shallower MTPD, and steeper LTPS, which appear to be associated with ACL injury. Identifying the cut-off values for these parameters can help predict ACL injury.
Are microtubules electron-based topological insulators?
Authors: Subramanyan Varsha , Kirkpatrick Kay L. , Vishveshwara Saraswathi , Vishveshwara Smitha 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA microtubule is a cylindrical biological polymer that plays key roles in cellular structure, transport, and signalling. In this work, based on studies of electronic properties of polyacetelene and mechanical properties of microtubules themselves (Spakowitz A. J.,Phys. Rev. Lett.,103(2009) 248101), we explore the possibility that microtubules could act as topological insulators that are gapped to electronic excitations in the bulk but possess robust electronic bounds states at the tube ends. Through analyses of structural and electronic properties, we model the microtubule as a cylindrical stack of Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chains (originally proposed in the context of polyacetylene) describing electron hopping between the underlying dimerized tubulin lattice sites. We postulate that the microtubule is mostly uniform, dominated purely by GDP-bound dimers, and is capped by a disordered regime due to the presence of GTP-bound dimers as well. In the uniform region, we identify the electron hopping parameter regime in which the microtubule is a topological insulator. We then show the manner in which these topological features remain robust when the hopping parameters are disordered. We briefly mention possible biological implications for these microtubules to possess topologically robust electronic bound states.
Ovine CRH Stimulation and 8 mg Dexamethasone Suppression Tests in 323 Patients With ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Elenius Henrik , McGlotten Raven , Nieman Lynnette K 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Context
Determining the etiology of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) is often difficult. The gold standard test, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS), is expensive and not widely available.

Objective
Evaluate the performance of the corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test (CRH-ST) and the 8 mg high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) in distinguishing Cushing's disease (CD) from ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS).

Methods
Retrospective review in a tertiary referral center. A total of 323 patients with CD or EAS (n = 78) confirmed by pathology or biochemical cure (n = 15) in 96% underwent CRH-ST and HDDST performed between 1986 and 2019. We calculated test sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy (DA) for the diagnosis of CD, and determined optimal response criteria for each test, alone and in combination.

Results
The CRH-ST performed better than the HDDST (DA 91%, 95% CI 87-94% vs 75%, 95% CI 69-79%). Optimal response criteria were a ≥40% increase of ACTH and/or cortisol during the CRH test and a ≥69% suppression of cortisol during the HDDST. A ≥40% cortisol increase during the CRH test was the most specific measure, PPV 99%. Seventy-four percent of subjects had concordant positive CRH test and HDDST results, yielding Se 93%, Sp 98%, DA 95%, and PPV 99%, with a pretest likelihood of 85%. A proposed algorithm diagnosed 64% of patients with CD with near perfect accuracy (99%), obviating the need for IPSS.

Conclusion
CRH is a valuable tool to correctly diagnose the etiology of ACTH-dependent CS. Its current worldwide unavailability impedes optimal management of these patients.
A Protein Needle Facilitates Encapsulation of Target Proteins via
In-Cell Protein Crystallization
Authors: Pham Thuc Toan , Abe Satoshi , Hirata Kunio , Katayama Kazuhiko , Ueno Takafumi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We have established a new method for encapsulating superfold green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) into polyhedra crystal (PhC) with high efficiency using a protein needle (PN). H1-sfGFP-PN, in which PN is fused to the C-terminus of H1-sfGFP, exhibits a 55-fold increase in encapsulation of sfGFP relative to H1-sfGFP with the improvement provided by the synergistic effects of the H1-helix, PN, and the His-tag at the C-terminus of PN. This method is expected to provide useful materials based on encapsulation of various functional proteins.
Incidence and risk factors of recurrence in limb osteomyelitis patients after antibiotic‐loaded cement spacer for definitive bone defect treatment
Authors: Wu Hongri , Sun Dong , Wang Shulin , Jia Chao , Shen Jie , Wang Xiaohua , Hou Chunli , Xie Zhao , Luo Fei 
Published: August 2023

AimsThis study was designed to characterize the recurrence incidence and risk factors of antibiotic-loaded cement spacer (ALCS) for definitive bone defect treatment in limb osteomyelitis.MethodsWe included adult patients with limb osteomyelitis who received debridement and ALCS insertion into the bone defect as definitive management between 2013 and 2020 in our clinical centre. The follow-up time was at least two years. Data on patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and infection recurrence were retrospectively collected and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 314 patients with a mean age of 52.1 years (SD 12.1) were enrolled. After a mean of 50 months’ (24 to 96) follow-up, 53 (16.9%) patients had infection recurrence including 32 tibiae, ten femora, ten calcanea, and one humerus. Of all patients with recurrence, 30 (9.6%) occurred within one year and 39 (12.4%) within two years. Among them, 41 patients needed reoperation, five received antibiotics treatment only, and seven ultimately required amputations. Following multivariable analysis, we found that patients infected with Gram-negative bacilli were more likely to have a recurrence (odds ratio (OR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 6.94; p = 0.046) compared to Staphylococcus aureus; segmental bone defects (OR 5.25, 95% CI 1.80 to 15.26; p = 0.002) and smoking (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.50; p = 0.005) were also independent risk factors for recurrence after treatment.ConclusionPermanent ALCS might be an alternative strategy for definitive bone defect management in selected osteomyelitis cases. However, the overall high recurrence found suggests that it should be cautiously treated. Additionally, segmental defects, Gram-negative infections, and smoking were associated with an increased risk of infection recurrence.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(8):467–475.
Ultra-compact integrated photonic switch using miniature phase change material inserted in a slot waveguide
Authors: Shi Hao , Zhang Lei , Wang Lin , Li Zhenjiang , Gao Yang , Wu Yanqing , Tai Renzhong 
Published: August 2023

Utilization of phase change material in integrated photonic switches has gained significant attention due to its benefits of a broader bandwidth, higher switching contrast, smaller footprint, lower energy consumption, and better structural stability. In this paper, we propose an ultra-compact integrated photonic switch that utilizes a Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST) nanodisk with a diameter of 440 nm inserted into a slot waveguide on a standard silicon on insulator, with a footprint of only 2.8×0.66µm2. A meta-structure mode conversion element is also proposed to be used in series with the slot GSST switch. Simulations of the photonic switch show that the insertion loss of the device during the “ON” state is below 0.564 dB, and the extinction ratio is above 12.846 dB over a large wavelength of 1210 to 1410 nm (covering the entire O band), with a peak value of 16.694 dB. The proposed photonic switch will find potential in various applications in optical communication systems and optical networks.
Personal values and people’s attitudes toward older adults
Authors: Fong Joelle H. , Wang Ting-Yan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundWe examine the relationship between people’s personal values and their attitudes toward older adults. In addition to the two conventionally-used measures of personal values (agency subdimension and communion subdimension), we distinguish across 10 different value types and explore how each impacts attitude.MethodsWe use data from the World Values Survey for three aging Asian societies, namely Japan (N= 2448), Singapore (N= 1972), and Hong Kong PRC (N= 1000). For each sample, we perform regression-based analyses to assess the relative importance of the 10 value types in explaining people’s attitudes towards older adults. Results are then compared against regressions based on the two aggregate value measures.ResultsIn all three economies, the agency subdimension was a more consistent predictor of unfavorable attitudes toward older adults, as compared to the communion subdimension. Our disaggregated analysis reveals two additional insights. First, the positive association between agentic values and attitudes was driven predominantly by the power (wealth) and stimulation (excitement) value types. Second, the lack of association between the communion subdimension and attitudes must be interpreted with caution since certain value types within this subdimension may act in opposite directions causing effects to cancel each other out at the aggregate level.ConclusionsDisaggregating personal value types provides greater prognostic power than the two aggregate measures, as well as insights on ways to improve people’s attitudes toward older adults. Interventions aimed at reducing ageist attitudes in aging societies can target individuals with agentic traits by emphasizing notions of power (e.g., older adults’ economic success) and stimulation (e.g., positive images of older adults learning new things).