bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Density-potential inversion from Moreau–Yosida regularization
Authors: Penz Markus , Csirik Mihály A , Laestadius Andre 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
For a quantum-mechanical many-electron system, given a density, the Zhao–Morrison–Parr method allows to compute the effective potential that yields precisely that density. In this work, we demonstrate how this and similar inversion procedures mathematically relate to the Moreau–Yosida regularization of density functionals on Banach spaces. It is shown that these inversion procedures can in fact be understood as a limit process as the regularization parameter approaches zero. This sheds new insight on the role of Moreau–Yosida regularization in density-functional theory and allows to systematically improve density-potential inversion. Our results apply to the Kohn–Sham setting with fractional occupation that determines an effective one-body potential that in turn reproduces an interacting density.
Detection of antigen Ag85B expression is useful for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially for those with an antituberculosis treatment history
Authors: Dong Yujie , Zhou Lijuan , Zhang Chen , Li Kun , Liu Zichen , Chen Xuejing , Che Nanying 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The present study used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect antigen Ag85B in tissue sections and aimed to evaluate its validity in histopathologic diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).

Methods
In total, 204 patients with confirmed TB and 40 other diseases were included in the present study. Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) stains, IHC (anti-Ag85B), and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction were used to detect acid-fast bacilli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) antigen, and MTB DNA.

Results
Immunohistochemistry was significantly more sensitive than Z-N stains (93.1% vs 67.2%; P &lt; .001). The sensitivity of Z-N stains significantly correlated with anti-TB treatment history. The sensitivity of Z-N stains was lower in rifampicin (RIF)-resistant TB compared with RIF-sensitive TB (52.8% vs 69.0%; P = .091) and those without treatment history (52.8% vs 84.0%; P = .015). However, IHC was not significantly affected by treatment history (P = .410). Moreover, expression patterns of Ag85B were dependent on treatment history and commonly showed weak scattered spots in RIF-susceptible TB. Conversely, strong brown rods were often found in those with RIF-resistant TB.

Conclusions
Immunohistochemistry is a simple, sensitive technique for the diagnosis of TB, especially for those patients with treatment history. The expression pattern of Ag85B is a potential marker for evaluating anti-TB treatment response.
Skatole-induced p38 and JNK activation coordinately upregulates, whereas AhR activation partially attenuates TNFα expression in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Kurata Koichi , Ishii Katsunori , Koto Yoshihito , Naito Kazuma , Yuasa Kana , Shimizu Hidehisa 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Increased tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) plays a major role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between TNFα and skatole, a tryptophan-derived gut microbiota metabolite. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist CH223191 promoted, whereas the p38 inhibitor SB203580 suppressed the increase in TNFα mRNA and protein expression induced by skatole in intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 repressed only the increased TNFα protein expression, whereas the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor U0126 did not affect increased TNFα expression at any level. A neutralizing antibody against TNFα partially inhibited skatole-induced cell death. Overall, these results suggested that TNFα expression is increased by the concerted actions of skatole-activated p38 and JNK, and that TNFα exerts autocrine/paracrine actions on IECs despite partial suppression by activated AhR. Therefore, skatole might play an important role in the development and progression of IBD and CRC via increased TNFα expression.
Alteration in the number of neuronal and non-neuronal cells in mouse models of obesity
Authors: Andrade Mayara M , Fernandes Caroline , Forny-Germano Leticia , Gonçalves Rafaella A , Gomes Michelle , Castro-Fonseca Emily , Ramos-Lobo Angela M , Tovar-Moll Fernanda , Andrade-Moraes Carlos Humberto , Donato Jose , De Felice Fernanda G 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health and is a risk factor for developing other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorder. Obesity is also associated with structural and functional alterations in the brain, and this condition has been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, while obesity has been associated with neurodegenerative processes, its impact on brain cell composition remains to be determined. In the current study, we used the isotropic fractionator method to determine the absolute composition of neuronal and non-neuronal cells in different brain regions of the genetic mouse models of obesity Lepob/ob and LepRNull/Null. Our results show that 10- to 12-month-old female Lepob/ob and LepRNull/Null mice have reduced neuronal number and density in the hippocampus compared to C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Furthermore, LepRNull/Null mice have increased density of non-neuronal cells, mainly glial cells, in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and hypothalamus compared to wild-type or Lepob/ob mice, indicating enhanced inflammatory responses in different brain regions of the LepRNull/Null model. Collectively, our findings suggest that obesity might cause changes in brain cell composition that are associated with neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes in different brain regions of female mice.
Infectious Complications of Lung Transplant for Coronavirus Disease 2019–Associated Lung Injury: A Single-Center Case-Control Cohort Study
Authors: Osborn Rebecca , Alamri Maha , Tomic Rade , Ison Michael G 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Lung transplantation is one of the only options for patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–associated lung injury (CALI). Studies on patients who received a lung transplant for CALI have, to date, not looked at the infectious outcomes.

Methods
After institutional review board approval, a retrospective case-control cohort study, matched 1:1, collected data on patients who underwent lung transplantation for CALI (case) and for non–COVID-19 end-stage lung disease (control) between 1 June 2020 and 1 April 2022 at a large academic hospital in Chicago. We assessed infectious complications and other key outcomes pre-transplant and for 1 year post-transplant.

Results
Among 78 patients (39 CALI and 39 matched control lung transplant patients), those in the CALI cohort were less likely to be vaccinated pre-transplant and were more likely to have diabetes, to be obese, to not be ambulatory, and to require pre-transplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanical ventilation. Patients transplanted for CALI had higher rates of infection pre-transplant (66.7% vs 15.4% of patients in the control) and in the first 30 days post-transplant (43.6% vs 20.5%). Numbers and types of infection were similar in both groups at other time points. One-year mortality was similar for CALI and control groups (12.8% vs 10.3%, respectively).

Conclusions
Patients who received a lung transplant for CALI are more deconditioned with prolonged hospital stays and experience more infectious complications immediately pre- and post-transplant. Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms are important contributors to morbidity and mortality in this population. Antimicrobial stewardship is urgently needed.
Females adopt sexual catalepsy to facilitate mating
Authors: Liu Jihe , Liu Keke , Tang Yu , Wang Weihua , Xu Xiang , Liang Jianhui , Xiao Yonghong , Elgar Mark A 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Theory predicts that males and females of dioecious species typically engage in an evolutionary sexual conflict over the frequency and choice of mating partner. Female sexual cannibalism, a particularly dramatic illustration of this conflict, is widespread in certain animal taxa including spiders. Nevertheless, females of some funnel weaving spiders that are generally aggressive to conspecifics enter a cataleptic state after male courtship, ensuring the males can mate without risk of attack. In this study, we demonstrated that the physical posture and duration, metabolites, and central neurotransmitters of females of Aterigena aculeata in sexual catalepsy closely resemble females in thanatosis but are distinct from those in anesthesia, indicating that the courted females feign death to eliminate the risk of potentially aggressive responses and thereby allow preferred males to mate. Unlike the taxonomically widespread thanatosis, which generally represents a deceptive visual signal that acts against the interest of the receivers, sexual catalepsy of females in the funnel weaving spiders may deliver a sexual-receptive signal to the courting males and thereby benefit both the signal senders and receivers. Therefore, sexual catalepsy in A. aculeata may not reflect a conflict but rather a confluence of interest between the sexes.
Pancreatic imaging in MEN1—comparison of conventional and somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging in real-life setting
Authors: Kostiainen Iiro , Majala Susanna , Schildt Jukka , Parviainen Helka , Kauhanen Saila , Seppänen Hanna , Miettinen Päivi J , Matikainen Niina , Ryhänen Eeva M , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objective
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) are the leading cause of death in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). The role of somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (SSTR PET/CT) in MEN1 has not been established. The aim was to assess pancreatic imaging in MEN1 in a real-life setting.

Design
Fifty-eight patients with MEN1 [median age 40 (range 16-72) years] underwent SSTR PET/CT imaging; either as a screening tool regardless of disease stage (n = 47) or to further characterize known panNETs (n = 11). SSTR PET/CT and matched conventional imaging were blindly analyzed. We assessed the findings and the impact of SSTR PET/CT during a median follow-up of 47 months.

Results
SSTR PET/CT detected three times as many panNETs as conventional imaging (P &lt; .001). SSTR PET/CT altered the management of 27 patients (47%). Seven patients (12%) were referred for surgery, and five (9%) received systemic treatment. In 15/25 (60%) patients with no previous panNET (n = 22) or in remission after surgery (n = 3), SSTR PET/CT identified a panNET (n = 14) or recurrence (n = 1). In eight patients, SSTR PET/CT revealed a panNET not immediately visible on conventional imaging. During a median follow-up of 47 months, three became visible on conventional imaging, but none required intervention. When SSTR PET/CT was negative, no panNETs were identified on conventional imaging during 38 months of follow-up.

Conclusions
SSTR PET/CT demonstrates high accuracy in the detection of panNETs and alters the clinical management in nearly half of the MEN1-patients. SSTR PET/CT enables timely diagnosis and staging of MEN1-related panNETs.
Characterization of dominant-negative growth hormone receptor variants reveals a potential therapeutic target for short stature
Authors: Andrews Afiya , Cottrell Emily , Maharaj Avinaash , Ladha Tasneem , Williams Jack , Schilbach Katharina , Kaisinger Lena R , Perry John R B , Metherell Louise A , McCormick Peter J , Storr Helen L 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveGrowth hormone insensitivity (GHI) encompasses growth restriction, normal/elevated growth hormone (GH), and low insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1). “Nonclassical” GHI is poorly characterized and is rarely caused by heterozygous dominant-negative (DN) variants located in the intracellular or transmembrane domains of the GH receptor (GHR). We sought to determine the molecular mechanisms underpinning the growth restriction in 2 GHI cases.Methods and DesignA custom-made genetic investigative pipeline was exploited to identify the genetic cause of growth restriction in patients with GHI. Nanoluc binary technology (NanoBiT), in vitro splicing assays, western blotting, and flow cytometry, characterized the novel GHR variants.ResultsNovel heterozygous GHR variants were identified in 2 unrelated patients with GHI. In vitro splicing assays indicated both variants activated the same alternative splice acceptor site resulting in aberrant splicing and exclusion of 26 base pairs of GHR exon 9. The GHR variants produced truncated receptors and impaired GH-induced GHR signaling. NanoBiT complementation and flow cytometry showed increased cell surface expression of variant GHR homo/heterodimers compared to wild-type (WT) homodimers and increased recombinant human GH binding to variant GHR homo/heterodimers and GH binding protein (GHBP) cleaved from the variant GHRs. The findings demonstrated increased variant GHR dimers and GHBP with resultant GH sequestration.ConclusionWe identified and characterized 2 novel, naturally occurring truncated GHR gene variants. Intriguingly, these DN GHR variants act via the same cryptic splice acceptor site, highlighting impairing GH binding to excess GHBP as a potential therapeutic approach.
Variation and clinical consequences of wait-times for atrial fibrillation ablation: population level study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Qeska Denis , Singh Sheldon M , Qiu Feng , Manoragavan Ragavie , Cheung Christopher C , Ko Dennis T , Sud Maneesh , Terricabras Maria , Wijeysundera Harindra C 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder. Emerging evidence supporting the efficacy of catheter ablation in managing AF has led to increased demand for this therapy, potentially outpacing the capacity to perform this procedure. Mismatch between demand and capacity for AF ablation results in wait-times which have not been comprehensively evaluated at a population level. Additionally, the consequences of such delays in AF ablation, namely the risk of hospitalization or adverse events, have not been studied.

Methods and results
This observational cohort study included adults referred for catheter ablation to treat AF in Ontario, Canada, between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2020. Wait-time was defined from referral to the earliest of ablation, death, off-list, or the study endpoint of 31 March 2022. The outcomes of interest included a composite of death, hospitalization for AF/heart failure, and emergency department visit for AF/heart failure. Our study cohort included 6253 patients referred for de novo AF ablation. The median wait-time for patients who received and who did not receive ablation was 218 days (IQR: 112–363) and 520 days (IQR: 270–763), respectively. Wait-time increased consistently for patients referred between October 2017 and March 2020. Mortality was rare, but significant morbidity was observed, affecting 19.2% of patients on the waitlist for AF ablation. Paroxysmal AF was associated with a statistically significant greater risk for adverse outcomes on the waitlist (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.18–1.93).

Conclusion
Wait-times for AF ablation are increasing and are associated with significant morbidity.
Cause-specific mortality in Spain during the pandemic: educational differences and its impact on life expectancy
Authors: Spijker Jeroen J A , Trias-Llimós Sergi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundLife expectancy in Spain fell by 1 year between 2018/19 and 2020. Yet, little is known on the impact on cause-of-death (COD) dynamics and educational inequalities therein.MethodsWe use individual-level death counts data by age, sex, education and multiple causes of death (MCOD) and the corresponding population exposures from national registers in Spain. Deaths were examined both as underlying cause of death (UCOD) and as contributory cause. We estimated life expectancies and lifespan inequalities by subpopulation groups and decomposed life expectancy differences between 2018/19 and 2020 by age groups and COD to assess the impact of COVID-19 (as MCOD) and major UCOD.ResultsCOVID-19 contributed to a decline in male and female life expectancy in Spain between 2018/19 and 2020 (respectively, −1.7 and −1.4 years). Conversely, cancer, respiratory and circulatory system diseases and ill-defined causes as UCOD contributed to life expectancy increases. Life expectancy declines equalled −1.4 years among the low-educated in both sexes (population 30+), −1.0 and −0.7 years among middle-educated and −1.1 and −0.9 years among high-educated men and women. Without COVID-19, educational inequalities in life expectancy would have remained at similar levels, whereas lifespan variation would have been lower (−22% for women and −8% for men).ConclusionsLife expectancy declines in Spain in 2020 were mainly driven by COVID-19, with possible substitution effects, especially for respiratory system diseases (fewer deaths compared to 2018/19 when coded as UCOD but more as contributing cause). We therefore advocate analysing MCOD when studying changing COD patterns during the pandemic.
Vanillic Acid Improves Stress Resistance and Substantially Extends Life Span in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Osorio-Paz Ixchel , Valle-Jiménez Xareni , Brunauer Regina , Alavez Silvestre 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Aging is the root cause of several pathologies like neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Identifying compounds that improve health span and extend life span, called geroprotectors, could be crucial to preventing or at least delaying the onset of age-related diseases. In this regard, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is emerging as an easy, efficient, low-cost model system to screen natural products and identify novel geroprotectors. Phenolic acids can be found in a wide range of natural products that are part of the human diet. Vanillic acid (VA) is a phenolic acid that has previously been attributed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective features. To determine whether these beneficial health effects amount to an extension of health span and life span, in this work, we thoroughly explore the effect of VA on C. elegans stress resistance and life span. We found that VA increases thermotolerance (19.4%), reduces protein aggregation (between 30% and 40%), improves motility, and extends life span by almost 50%, an extent hardly ever achieved with a natural compound. The increased thermotolerance induced by VA is independent of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway but requires heat shock factor-1 and is associated with increased heat shock protein-4 (HSP-4) and hsp-16.2 expression. These results provide new insight into understanding the therapeutical properties of VA and warrant further investigation of VA as a novel geroprotector.
The Multiple Punishment of Being an Older Adult Coping With Health Problems in Prison
Authors: Avieli Hila , Band-Winterstein Tova 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Studies have examined the vulnerabilities and the extent of health problems experienced by the older adult population in prison. However, reports about the subjective experiences of incarcerated older adults who are coping with health problems are scarce. This is alarming since older adults comprise the fastest-growing demographic in the prison systems of the United States and Europe. The aim of the current study was to bring forth the voices of older adults who are living with diseases in prison and to outline the landscape of struggling with everyday health care management.

Research Design and Methods
An interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the narratives of 23 individuals aged 60–88 who were coping with health problems in prison.

Results
The narratives revealed 3 major themes: (1) living day to day with illness in prison: fighting prison bureaucracy and public humiliation; (2) coping with complex medical issues: lack of professional medical care and cumulative problems, and (3) what does the future hold? Fear of living with illness out of prison.

Discussion and Implications
Intersectionality was used as a conceptual framework for understanding the participants’ narratives. The cumulative effect of belonging to systematically oppressed and marginalized groups is discussed. The research findings point to issues and experiences that are unique to older adults coping with health problems in prison and can serve as a framework for developing tailored interventions for these individuals.
Robust Bayesian moment tensor inversion with optimal transport misfits: layered medium approximations to the 3-D SEG-EAGE overthrust velocity model
Authors: Scarinci Andrea , Waheed Umair bin , Gu Chen , Ren Xiang , Dia Ben Mansour , Kaka Sanlinn , Fehler Michael , Marzouk Youssef 
Published: March 2023

SUMMARYA velocity model is generally an imperfect representation of the subsurface, which cannot precisely account for the 3-D inhomogeneities of Earth structure. We present a Bayesian moment tensor inversion framework for applications where reliable, tomography-based, velocity model reconstructions are not available. In particular, synthetic data generated using a 3-D model (SEG-EAGE Overthrust) are inverted using a layered medium model. We use a likelihood function derived from an optimal transport distance—specifically, the transport-Lagrangian distance introduced by Thorpe et al.—and show that this formulation yields inferences that are robust to misspecification of the velocity model. We establish several quantitative metrics to evaluate the performance of the proposed Bayesian framework, comparing it to Bayesian inversion with a standard Gaussian likelihood. We also show that the non-double-couple component of the recovered mechanisms drastically diminishes when the impact of velocity model misspecification is mitigated.