bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P30: MUTATIONAL SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT HETEROGENEITY IS WIDESPREAD AND CAN BE ADDRESSED BY ENSEMBLE APPROACHES
Authors: Andy Wu Jialun , Perera Akila , Kularatnarajah Linganesan , Korsakova Anna , Pitt Jason James
Published: April 2024

Single base substitution (SBS) mutational signatures have become standard practice in cancer genomics. In lieu of de novo signature extraction, reference signature assignment allows users to estimate the activities of pre-established SBS signatures within individual malignancies. Several tools have been developed for this purpose, each with differing methodologies. However, due to a lack of standardization, there may be inter-tool variability in signature assignment. We deeply characterized three assignment strategies and five SBS signature assignment tools. We observed that assignment strategy choice can significantly influence results and interpretations. Despite varying recommendations by tools, Refit performed best by reducing overfitting and maximizing reconstruction of the original mutational spectra. Even after uniform application of Refit, tools varied remarkably in signature assignments both qualitatively (Jaccard Index = 0.38 – 0.83) and quantitatively (Kendall tau-b = 0.18 – 0.76). This phenomenon was exacerbated for “flat” signatures such as the homologous-recombination repair deficiency (HRD) signature SBS3. An ensemble approach (EnsembleFit), which leverages output from all five tools, increased SBS3 assignment accuracy in BRCA1/2-deficient breast carcinomas. After generating synthetic mutational profiles for thousands of pan-cancer tumors, EnsembleFit reduced signature activity assignment error 15.9 – 24.7% on average using COSMIC and non-standard reference signature sets. We have also released the EnsembleFit web portal (https://www.ensemblefit.pittlabgenomics.com) for users to generate or download ensemble-based SBS signature assignments using any strategy and combination of tools. Overall, we show that signature assignment heterogeneity across tools and strategies is non-negligible and propose a viable, ensemble solution.

Citation Format: Wu Jialun Andy, Akila Perera, Linganesan Kularatnarajah, Anna Korsakova, Jason James Pitt. MUTATIONAL SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT HETEROGENEITY IS WIDESPREAD AND CAN BE ADDRESSED BY ENSEMBLE APPROACHES [abstract]. In: Proceedings of Frontiers in Cancer Science; 2023 Nov 6-8; Singapore. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(8_Suppl):Abstract nr P30.
FIGURE 8 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

Bacteria polarize M-MDSCs toward immunosuppressive M2 phenotype. A, Representative microscopic images of cell cultures of M-MDSCs at day 0 and after 72 hours incubation with or without bacteria at a ratio of 1:100, in the presence or absence of GMCSF or MCSF (n = 3–6). Magnification: 20x, Scale bar, 100 µm. B, Flow cytometry plots of the surface markers MHC II and CD86 of M-MDSCs (left). MHC II+ CD86+ cells are gated and their percentages are summarized (right; n = 4–6). C, Flow cytometry plots of the surface markers MHC II and F4/80 of M-MDSCs. MHC II+ F4/80+ cells are gated and their percentages are summarized in (right; n = 4–6). D, Flow cytometry analysis of F4/80 expression in M-MDSCs that were incubated in the presence or absence of bacteria at a ratio of 1:10 with or without MCSF (n = 4 per group). Results are represented as MFI. E, Flow cytometry histogram showing the expression levels of CD206 in M-MDSCs that were incubated with or without bacteria at a ratio of 1:10, in the presence or absence of MCSF (left; n = 4). Results are summarized and the MFI is presented (right). Representative data of one out of two independent experiments. Results are represented as mean ± SEM; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01.
Mortality Risk in US Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Infants by Birth Size Classifications Comparing Three Growth Curves
Authors: Ferguson A. Nicole , Granger Marion , Olsen Irene E. , Clark Reese H. , Woo Jessica G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Three widely referenced growth curves classify infant birth anthropometric measurements as small (SGA), appropriate (AGA), or large (LGA) for gestational age (GA) differently. We assessed how these differences in assignment affect the identification and prediction of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) mortality risk in US preterm infants. Methods: Birth data of infants admitted to NICUs from the Pediatrix Clinical Data Warehouse (2013–2018) were analyzed. Birth weight, length, and head circumference of 46,724 singleton infants (24–32 weeks GA) were classified as SGA, AGA, or LGA using the Olsen, Fenton, and INTERGROWTH-21st curves. NICU mortality risk based on birth size classification was analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression stratified by GA. Results: Odds of mortality were increased with SGA classification at all GAs, size measurements, and curve sets, compared with AGA infants. LGA classification for weight was associated with lower mortality risk at 24 weeks GA and higher risk at 30 weeks GA. Odds of mortality did not differ significantly across curve sets. Classification of size at birth alone had relatively low predictive ability to identify mortality risk, with unadjusted AUCs near 0.5 for all analyses. Conclusion: There were no significant differences across curve sets in predicting mortality. Classification of size at birth is a relatively imprecise method to identify infants at risk for NICU mortality.
A Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Aetiology of Paediatric Olfactory Dysfunction
Authors: Deller Matthias , Schriever Valentin A. , Hummel Thomas
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Although previous studies have examined olfactory dysfunction in children, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has certainly had an unprecedented effect on their olfaction, which could not be taken into consideration. The aim of this report was to present data on the epidemiology of olfactory dysfunction during the pandemic and compare this dataset with a pre-pandemic set. We hypothesized an increase in URTI-related olfactory dysfunction. Methods: Data of paediatric patients consulting a smell and taste clinic between March 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The frequency of major causes of olfactory dysfunction was examined and compared with three subsets of an older dataset. Results: A total of 52 patients were included in the analysis. Most children presented with olfactory dysfunction due to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (52%). Congenital olfactory dysfunction was present in 34% of cases. Sinonasal disorders and idiopathic cases accounted for 6 and 4%, respectively, whereas head trauma was the least common cause (2%). This was in contrast with the results of the older set. The frequency of URTI-related olfactory dysfunction increased significantly. The frequency of head-trauma-related or congenital olfactory dysfunction showed marked reductions. There were no significant differences regarding the other aetiologies between our patient cohort and the three subsets. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in differences regarding the prevalence of aetiologies between our dataset and the subsets of pre-pandemic times. The surge of the frequency of URTI-related olfactory dysfunction may be ascribed to a novel pathomechanism involving sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium.
Pleurale Infektionen: VATS oder Thorakotomie – das ist hier die Frage
Authors: Keymel Stefanie
Published: April 2024

Weltweit sind Pleurainfektionen mit erheblicher Mortalität und Morbidität verbunden, die Inzidenz nimmt kontinuierlich zu. In Ihrem Übersichtsartikel untersuchten die Autoren, ob die videoassistierte Thoraxchirurgie (VATS) oder die Thorakotomie die besten Resultate bei der Behandlung von Pleurainfektionen im Stadium II und III hervorbringt. Dafür wurden relevante Artikel in PubMed überprüft. Einbezogen wurden insgesamt 9, zwischen 1996 und 2020 veröffentlichte, nicht randomisierte Studien, in die knapp über 2100 Patientinnen und Patienten eingeschlossen waren. Die Ergebnisse der Studien unterschieden sich in geringem Maße voneinander, aber in der Gesamtheit wiesen alle Studien nach, dass die VATS im Vergleich zur Thorakotomie einige Vorteile bietet: kürzere Operationszeit, weniger Tage mit Drainage, kürzerer Krankenhausaufenthalt und geringfügigere Schmerzen nach der Operation und eine höhere Patientenzufriedenheit. Die VATS hat ihre Grenzen bei der Behandlung von Patientinnen und Patienten mit Pleurainfektion im fortgeschrittenen Stadium (Stadium III). In solchen Fällen erhöht eine verzögerte chirurgische Überweisung nachweislich das Risiko einer Konversion zur offenen Thorakotomie während der Operation. Die bisherigen Da­ten legen nahe, dass bei einer Pleurainfektion im Stadium II ein Debridement mittels VATS so früh wie möglich empfohlen wird, während es bei einer Pleurainfektion im Stadium III in Erwägung gezogen werden sollte.
Bedeutung der Multiplex-PCR für die Therapie der schweren bakteriellen Lungenentzündung
Authors: Dessajan Julien , Timsit Jean-François
Published: April 2024

Eine Lungenentzündung ist eine häufige und schwere Erkrankung, die eine schnelle und wirksame Behandlung erfordert. Die Diagnose von Patienten mit schwerer bakterieller Lungenentzündung und die rasche Auswahl einer geeigneten antimikrobiellen Therapie, die innerhalb der ersten Behandlungsstunden eingeleitet werden muss, erfordern fortschrittliche, schnelle und genaue Instrumente. Zwei molekulare Multiplex-Tests, Unyvero HPN und FilmArray Pneumonia+ Panel, wurden unter Verwendung der Multiplex-Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (mPCR) entwickelt, um Krankheitserreger und ihre wichtigsten Mechanismen der Antibiotikaresistenz in Atemwegsproben von Patienten schnell zu identifizieren. Die Leistungsbewertung dieser Tests zeigte starke Korrelationen mit den Referenztechniken. Eine gute Kenntnis der Indikationen, Ziele und Grenzen dieser Tests ist jedoch unerlässlich. Die Zusammenarbeit mit Mikrobiologen ist daher für ihren angemessenen Einsatz von entscheidender Bedeutung. Unter diesen Bedingungen und bei standardisiertem Management können diese Schnelltests das therapeutische Management schwerer Lungenentzündungen schneller und präziser sowie mit einer Breitspek­trum-Antibiotikatherapie verbessern. Weitere randomisierte kon­trollierte Studien sind notwendig, um die vielen offenen Fragen zu molekularen Multiplex-Schnelltests in der Diagnose und Therapie der schweren Lungenentzündung zu klären. Diese narrative Übersichtsarbeit befasst sich mit dem aktuellen Wissensstand sowie den Vor- und Nachteilen dieser Tests und schlägt Lösungen für ihre routinemäßige Anwendung vor.
Systematische Übersicht über die Methoden und Qualität der Meldung von Komplikationen in Studien zur Beurteilung von innovativen glaukomchirurgischen Verfahren
Authors: Bonnar Jonathan , Azuara-Blanco Augusto
Published: April 2024

Das Ziel dieser systematischen Übersichtsarbeit ist die Ermittlung der Art der Meldung von Komplikationen bei der mikroinvasiven Glaukomchirurgie (MIGS) in randomisierten kontrollierten Studien (RCTs) und die Bestimmung der Qualität dieser Meldungen im Vergleich zur CONSORT-Erweiterung für Schäden. Aus einer Datenbank mit systematischen Übersichtsarbeiten und der aktuellen Literatur wurden MIGS-Verfahren bewertende RCTs ermittelt. Die Studien wurden im Vergleich zur CONSORT-Erweiterung für Schäden bewertet, um die Qualität der Berichterstattung über Schäden zu quantifizieren. Für die CONSORT-Checkliste wurden einfache deskriptive Statistiken berechnet. 21 Studien wurden als geeignet zur Einbeziehung ermittelt, davon untersuchten 14 Studien iStent, 1 Trabectome, 3 Hydrus, 1 Cypass, 1 PreserFlo MicroShunt und 1 Studie die Excimer-Laser-Trabekulotomie. Die durchschnittliche Anzahl der von den Studien erfüllten Punkte der CONSORT-Checkliste für Schäden betrug 10 von 16. Keine der Studien verwendete ein validiertes Instrument, um die Schwere der Schäden zu melden, und nur 4 hatten eine Liste oder Definition der unerwünschten Ereignisse. Eine Analyse der Schäden wurde in 19 von 21 Studien (90%) durchgeführt. In 19 von 21 Studien wurden geeignete Metriken für die Meldung von Raten unerwünschter Ereignisse verwendet, aber in nur 4 Studien wurde versucht, diesen unerwünschten Ereignissen einen Schweregrad zuzuordnen. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass die meisten der die MIGS-Verfahren bewertenden Studien sich bemühen, Daten zu Schäden anzuerkennen, dies jedoch nicht einheitlich gut oder auf die gleiche Weise geschieht. Ein validiertes Instrument zur Meldung des Schweregrads und eine Standardliste der Komplikationen für die MIGS würden entscheidend zur Lösung dieses Problems beitragen.
Temporal Protrusion of the Optic Disc Implicated in Central Visual Field Abnormalities in High Myopia: Two Case Reports
Authors: Nomura Takuhei , Yoshida Takeshi , Ito Taiju , Ohno-Matsuia Kyoko
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Severe central visual field defects are frequently observed in highly myopic eyes. This report details 2 cases of central visual field defects in individuals with high myopia, characterized by an unusual temporal protrusion of the optic disc, a feature not previously documented. Case Presentation: Two patients, a 54-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman, were diagnosed with high myopia in their left eyes, displaying an outward protrusion of the optic disc toward the macula. Swept-source optical coherence tomography revealed a focal lamina cribrosa defect at the temporal edge of the protruding optic disc, corresponding to the papillomacular bundle area of retinal nerve fibers, which exhibited thinning around the focal lamina cribrosa defect. Visual field examination indicated a central visual field defect in the affected eyes, which pattern corresponded to the papillomacular bundle responsible area. Conclusion: The emergence of a temporal protrusion in the optic disc may lead to a focal lamina cribrosa defect, resulting in a central visual field defect in highly myopic eyes. This distinctive optic disc feature may constitute a critical risk factor for a central visual field defect. Hence, optic disc protrusion in high myopia warrants attention, necessitating careful ophthalmic examinations for central visual field defects.
The Prevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus in Normal, Premalignant, and Malignant Uterine Cervical Samples in Iran
Authors: Chavoshpour-Mamaghani Sara , Shoja Zabihollah , Jalilvand Somayeh
Published: April 2024

Introduction: It is suggested that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play an important role in cervical cancer development. Most studies found a higher rate of EBV in cervical cancer samples in comparison to premalignant and normal groups. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of EBV in cervical samples. Methods: In total, 364 samples from 179 healthy subjects, 124 women with premalignant lesions, and 61 patients with cervical cancer were investigated using nested-PCR. Results: The mean age ± SE was 54.1 ± 13.4 in women with cervical cancer, 36.1 ± 9.4 among women with premalignant lesions, and 36.6 ± 11.5 in healthy individuals. In total, 290 out of 364 samples were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and the following HPV genotypes were detected among them: HPV 16/18 was found in 43.1%, 23.9%, and 65.5% of normal, premalignant, and malignant samples, respectively, and other high-risk types were detected in 56.9% of normal, 76.1% of premalignant, and 34.5% of malignant samples. The prevalence of EBV was found to be 9.8%, 2.4%, and 2.8% in cervical cancer, premalignant lesions, and normal specimens, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.028). The overall frequency of coinfection between EBV and HPV was shown to be 3.6%. The coinfection was more prevalent among HPV 16/18-infected samples than other high-risk HPVs (6.6 vs. 2.9%) although the difference was not reached a statistically significant difference (p = 0.23). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that EBV could play an important role as a cofactor in the progression of cervical cancer. However, future studies with larger sample sizes and the expression analysis of EBV transcripts or proteins are mandatory.
Guia do usuário de campo do Kit SOHMA de saúde do solo
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Schiebelbein Bruna Emanuele , Cherubin Maurício Roberto ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz
Published: April 2024

Em sistemas agrícolas, a saúde do solo refere-se à "capacidade continuada de um solo manter-se equilibrado sob o ponto de vista químico, físico e biológico, sustentando processos e funções que proporcionem um ambiente favorável para o crescimento das plantas". No entanto, a saúde do solo não pode ser medida a partir de apenas um parâmetro, mas indiretamente avaliada por meio de indicadores químicos, físicos e biológicos que são dinâmicos e sensíveis ao manejo. Dessa forma, o KIT SOHMA foi desenvolvido para otimizar esse processo, oferecendo uma metodologia prática e econômica e que não gera resíduos ao meio ambiente para avaliação a campo dos indicadores químicos, físicos e biológicos de saúde do solo. Assim, este "Guia do Usuário" oferece diretrizes para aferir e interpretar esses indicadores, bem como para consolidá-los em um índice unificado de saúde do solo. Além disso, o guia apresenta sugestões de práticas de manejo que promovem a melhoria na saúde do solo e sustentabilidade agrícola.
Sensitization to inhaled allergens in children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Munivrana Škvorc Helena , Anzić Srđan Ante , Jerković Ivana , Mrkić Kobal Iva , Škvorc Marko
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that most often occurs in children and it is a growing global health problem. Aim: Aim of the study was to examine the sensitization on inhalant allergens in children with allergic rhinitis and its association with asthma. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from our hospital records (2018-2022). A total of 412 children with symptoms of allergic rhinitis participated in the study, aged from 4 to 17 years old. The presence of allergic rhinitis was evaluated by specialist of allergology, immunology and otorhinolaryngology. The diagnosis was made on personal and family history, physical examination of the patient, skin prick tests and laboratory parameters. Results: Out of 412 children enrolled in the study, 205 (55.1%) were male. All were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, while 168 (40.78%) were, in addition to allergic rhinitis, diagnosed with bronchial asthma 66.26% (N=273). Hypersensitivity to the inhalant allergens according to positive skin prick test was found as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (67.96%; N=280 subjects), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (62.87%; N=259 subjects), Betula (54.13%; N=223 subjects) Corylus (52.91%; N=218) and grass pollen (52.91%; N=218 subjects).Hypersensitivity to the inhalant allergens according to higher levels of specific IgE was found as follows: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (66.26%; N=273), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (66.02%; N=272), Betula (57.52%; N=237), Corylus (55.34%; N=228), Poa pratensis (45.39%; N=187), Artemisia vulgaris (27.67%; N=114), Phelum pratense (25.46%; N=105), cat dander (28.64%; N=118) and dog dander (23.54%; N=87). Conclusion: Our data suggest that sensitization on house dust mite has important role in development of allergic rhinitis. Most children have allergic rhinitis linked to asthma.
The Urban Environment and Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Rajagopalan Sanjay , Vergara-Martel Armando , Zhong Jeffrey , Khraishah Haitham , Kosiborod Mikhail , Neeland Ian J. , Dazard Jean-Eudes , Chen Zhuo , Munzel Thomas , Brook Robert D. , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Hovmand Peter , Al-Kindi Sadeer
Published: April 2024

Urban environments contribute substantially to the rising burden of cardiometabolic diseases worldwide. Cities are complex adaptive systems that continually exchange resources, shaping exposures relevant to human health such as air pollution, noise, and chemical exposures. In addition, urban infrastructure and provisioning systems influence multiple domains of health risk, including behaviors, psychological stress, pollution, and nutrition through various pathways (eg, physical inactivity, air pollution, noise, heat stress, food systems, the availability of green space, and contaminant exposures). Beyond cardiometabolic health, city design may also affect climate change through energy and material consumption that share many of the same drivers with cardiometabolic diseases. Integrated spatial planning focusing on developing sustainable compact cities could simultaneously create heart-healthy and environmentally healthy city designs. This article reviews current evidence on the associations between the urban exposome (totality of exposures a person experiences, including environmental, occupational, lifestyle, social, and psychological factors) and cardiometabolic diseases within a systems science framework, and examines urban planning principles (eg, connectivity, density, diversity of land use, destination accessibility, and distance to transit). We highlight critical knowledge gaps regarding built-environment feature thresholds for optimizing cardiometabolic health outcomes. Last, we discuss emerging models and metrics to align urban development with the dual goals of mitigating cardiometabolic diseases while reducing climate change through cross-sector collaboration, governance, and community engagement. This review demonstrates that cities represent crucial settings for implementing policies and interventions to simultaneously tackle the global epidemics of cardiovascular disease and climate change.
Preliminary evidence for altered brain-heart coherence during anxiogenic movies
Authors: Kirk Peter A. , Robinson Oliver J.
Published: April 2024

During states of anxiety, fundamental threat circuitry in the brain can increase heart rate via alterations in autonomic balance (increased sympathetic activity and parasympathetic withdrawal) and may serve to promote interoceptive integration and awareness of cardiac signals. Moreover, evidence indicates pathological anxiety could be associated with increased communication between the brain and the heart. Yet, this phenomenon remains not well understood. For instance, studies in this area have been conducted within the confines of tightly controlled experimental paradigms. Whether anxiety impacts brain-heart communication outside of such experimental settings, and in relatively more naturalistic contexts, is less clear. Here, we used a suspenseful movie fMRI paradigm to study induced anxiety (n = 29 healthy volunteers; Caltech Conte dataset; Kliemann et al., 2022). We predicted that brain responses across an anxiety-relevant “defensive response network” (amygdala, hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, subgenual anterior cingulate, and anterior insula; Abend et al., 2022) would show increased coherence with heart rate as participants watched a suspenseful movie clip compared to a non-suspenseful movie clip. Counter to our predictions, we found decreased coherence between heart rate and brain responses during increased anxiety, namely in amygdala-prefrontal circuitry. We suggest these alterations may be underpinned by parasympathetic withdrawal and/or decreased interoceptive awareness during suspenseful movie-watching.
Migration Attitudes of Postgraduate Students: on the Issue of Educational Migration
Authors: Smyslova Maria M.
Published: April 2024

Background. To date, a significant number of researchers have noted the shortage of highly qualified scientific personnel employed in research organizations. It is due to a number of reasons, among which emigration of scientists to those countries where highly qualified work is paid higher can be marked. In this regard, issues related to the international mobility of postgraduate students, including educational mobility, are very important. Objective. The study focuses on the socio-psychological characteristics of postgraduate students' attitudes to educational migration. Study Participants. The study involved students of postgraduate schools at research organizations involved in the training of graduate students in the field of educational sciences, as well as pedagogical universities in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other regions of the Russian Federation. A total of 803 respondents were interviewed. Methods. The article is based on the materials of a monitoring questionnaire. Results. The study revealed a connection between socio-demographic factors (gender, age) and attitudes related to educational migration: men more often indicate a desire to improve their professional qualifications abroad; with age, the number of graduate students wishing to study abroad decreases. In addition, the influence of socio-stratification factors (the income level of graduate students and the educational status of the family) on attitudes towards educational migration was revealed: high-income graduate students, as well as those graduate students whose parents have academic degrees, are more focused on professional development abroad. The study also showed that migration attitudes related to temporary educational migration are significantly more widespread among graduate students than among researchers. Conclusion. The attitudes of graduate students related to educational migration are determined by the influence of a number of socio-demographic and socio-stratification factors. At the same time, studying abroad is considered as a career elevator, primarily by those postgraduate students who do not plan to link their further professional activities with scientific work and teaching at budgetary institutions. Also, the larger migration mobility has been revealed in postgraduate students as a socio-professional group in comparison with researchers.
Phaeoacremonium philippinense (Togniniales, Sordariomycetes), a novel freshwater fungus from the Philippines
Authors: CALABON MARK S. , BAGACAY JAN FELNESH EXE , NIM JAMES ARIEL , SADABA RESURRECCION B. , FERRIOLS VICTOR MARCO EMMANUEL N. , CONCHA MICHAEL JEE , VELO JASMINE , JONES E.B. GARETH
Published: April 2024

An investigation of freshwater fungi in the Philippines resulted in the collection and isolation of a new species of Phaeoacremonium (Togniniaceae) from unidentified decayed submerged wood. The novel hyphomycetous species, Phaeoacremonium philippinense, shares the same morphology with other members of the genus, such as having short, usually unbranched conidiophores, the presence of three types of phialides, and oblong-ellipsoidal to oblong conidia. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of the combined ITS-tub2-act-tef1-α-LSU dataset placed P. philippinense as a sister taxon to P. thailandense and indicated a shared clade with P. sicilianum. Detailed descriptions and photographic illustrations of P. philippinense are provided.
Amana yunjuensis (Liliaceae), a new species from Jiangxi, China
Authors: SONG XIANGWEN , LI BING , WANG WEI , XU TAO , SHEN XIAOXIAO , HAN BANGXING , YI SHANYONG
Published: April 2024

Amana yunjuensis is a newly discovered species from Mount Yunju, Jiangxi Province, China. It initiates growth in a different period than other species and has similarities to A. anhuiensis, both possessing two leaves and three bracts. However, A. yunjuensis is distinguished by its larger bulbs that are papery outside and glabrous inside. Additionally, the lower leaf of this species attains its broadest point two-thirds of the way from its base. The flowers of A. yunjuensis are typically solitary, occasionally in pairs, and have a non-oblique white stigma.
A Grammar of the Jewish Arabic Dialect of Gabes
Authors: Gębski Wiktor
Published: April 2024

This volume undertakes a linguistic exploration of the endangered Arabic dialect spoken by the Jews of Gabes, a coastal city situated in Southern Tunisia. Belonging to the category of sedentary North African dialects, this variety is now spoken by a dwindling number of native speakers, primarily in Israel and France.

Given the imminent extinction faced by many modern varieties of Judaeo-Arabic, including Jewish Gabes, the study's primary goal is to document and describe its linguistic nuances while reliable speakers are still accessible. Data for this comprehensive study were collected during fieldwork in Israel and France between December 2018 and March 2022.

The volume's primary objective is a meticulous comparative analysis of Jewish Gabes, with a special emphasis on syntax, aiming to discern unique linguistic features through comparison with other North African dialects. The results of the study suggest that the Jewish dialect of Gabes emerged in the first wave of the Arab conquest of the Maghreb, thus exhibiting features that set it apart from its Muslim counterpart. This old variety therefore has the potential to provide invaluable information on the formation of Maghrebi Arabic and the mechanisms of language contact in the pre-Islamic Maghreb.

The volume is organised in three main sections: phonology, morphology, and syntax, with the syntax section adopting historical and typological perspectives to shed light on this linguistic terra incognita.
1. Introduction
Authors: Gębski Wiktor
Published: April 2024

The introductory chapter comprises several sub-sections outlining the theoretical and methodological background of the study. After a brief description of the history of the Jewish community of Gabes, an overview of its Arabic dialect is provided. Building on various phonological and morphological isoglosses, the argument is presented that this dialect is a sedentary variety that originated in the first wave of Arabisation of the Maghreb in the seventh century CE. Currently, due to the process of language obsolescence, this dialect is on the brink of extinction. The subsequent section addresses existing scholarship on North African Arabic and its challenges, with a particular emphasis on the scarcity of data from provincial cities and the lack of syntactic studies in the field of spoken Judaeo-Arabic. Following this, the next section seeks to explore the linguistic landscape in pre-Islamic North Africa. Given that Jewish Gabes belongs to the group of first-wave dialects, it is reasonable to search in it for traces of languages spoken in the region before the seventh century CE. The final section elucidates the methodology and transcription system used in the study.
6. Syntax of verbs and Clauses
Authors: Gębski Wiktor
Published: April 2024

This chapter includes sections on subordination, expressions of tense and aspect, and word order. The first study explores three types of subordination in Jewish Gabes—relative clauses, adverbial clauses, and complementation—considering both cross-linguistic and Semitic dimensions. Relative clauses are post-nominal, influenced by historical patterns of nominal dependency. Adverbial clauses, historically linked to nominal dependency, involve coordination for rendering relations. The analysis of complementation emphasises the influence of the matrix predicate's semantics on the complement's syntactic structure, and includes a semantic taxonomy. The second section explores aspectual and temporal values of the prefix and suffix stems. In addition, compound forms involving auxiliaries and preverbal particles are explained. The final section deals with word-order patterns attested in the narratives and aims to outline the functional differences between the subject-verb and topic-comment alignments.
8. Conclusions
Authors: Gębski Wiktor
Published: April 2024

This section offers a summary of the key linguistic features of Jewish Gabes, highlighting both commonalities and distinctions with other Jewish and Muslim dialects in the region. Additionally, it suggests potential directions for future research.
Which Error Components in TRMM-Based Multisatellite Precipitation Estimates Reduce over Chinese Mainland after Official Bias Adjustments: Systematic or Random?
Authors: Shen Zhehui , Yong Bin , Wu Hao
Published: April 2024

Climatological calibration algorithm (CCA) and satellite–gauge combination (SG) are two official bias adjustments for satellite precipitation estimates (SPE) in the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA). The CCA is designed for the near-real-time SPEs, while the SG procedure is a final step to merge pure SPEs with gauge observations. This study explored the impacts of CCA and SG on the systematic and random errors of TMPA SPEs. The errors of TMPA version-7 near-real-time products before and after CCA (RT_UC, RT_C), and the research product TMPA 3B42 (V7), were decomposed into systematic and random components, benchmarked by the China Gauge-based Daily Precipitation Analysis (CGDPA). After being calibrated by CCA, RT_C reduced the systematic errors relative to RT_UC over the Chinese mainland, except in the Tibetan Plateau and Tianshan Mountains. However, CCA did not aid in reducing random errors; instead, it even exacerbated the random errors. On the other hand, the SG merging is more effective in reducing systematic errors of SPEs than CCA calibration because of the direct inclusion of simultaneous gauge data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC). We also found that SG merging reduced the random errors of pure SPEs over regions with relatively higher elevations. Despite lower random errors in V7 over the complex terrain region, the SG unfavorably increased the random errors over southeastern China. The results reported here may offer valuable insights into the effects of CCA and SG techniques drawn from TMPA, with the potential to advance the development of bias-adjusting algorithms for SPEs in the future.
Development of an IoT-based firefighting drone for enhanced safety and efficiency in fire suppression
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Niloy Tawab Bin Maleque , Silvi Jannatul Fahima , Hasan Mahdi , Nashia Ishrat Jahan , Khan Riasat
Published: April 2024

An uncontrolled fire poses severe threats to both humans and the environment, making firefighting a perilous and complex task. Traditional fire suppression methods are inefficient, costly, and without thorough testing, leading to delays in gaining control over fire outbreaks. This paper presents a novel firefighting drone aimed at mitigating risks to firefighters by extinguishing fires and providing real-time imaging, gas concentration and fire location data monitoring. The proposed intelligent quadcopter utilizes the Pixhawk PX4 microcontroller for precise control and the Pixhawk Telemetry system for data processing. The proposed device is constructed from an ultra-strength S500 Quadcopter frame, NodeMCU, Arduino Nano, various gas sensors, a servo motor to extinguish the fire and a camera to detect fire events in real time. Equipped with an FPV camera and a video transmitter, it transmits live video feed to the ground, enabling efficient navigation using the Flysky I6X controller. The intended position and height of the drone are controlled using an adaptive optimization technique known as fuzzy-based backstepping control. This article demonstrates the effectiveness of the device by collecting and analyzing gas emissions data from controlled burns of various materials. The drone successfully measured concentrations of CO, CO2, O3, SO2, and NO2 in affected areas, providing valuable insights for firefighting operations. Different levels of gases have been measured depending on the concentration from burning alcohol, clothes, plastic materials, paper, leaves, and so on. The novelty of this work lies in the development and comprehensive analysis of an IoT-based firefighting drone conducting extensive real-time experiments.
The Black Hole at the Center of the Psalms
Authors: Strawn Brent A.
Published: April 2024

This essay explores the motif of "the Pit" as a third, thematic focus for the Psalter (alongside "refuge" and "pathway"). Especially as it comes to fullest expression in Psalm 88, the Pit can be seen as the "black hole" at the center of the Psalms. Yet, while powerful, Psalm 88, and the presence of the Pit therein, does not have the final word. The sequence of the following psalms (Psalms 89, 90, and 91) slowly but surely draws the poet of Psalm 88 out of what has been called the saddest of all psalms. In this way, Psalm 88 retains its witness within the Psalter, but it is also not alone within the Psalms. Astrophysics has determined that black holes are not only destructive; they are also generative, shaping things around them and producing massive amounts of energy. In this light, the Pit, too, can be viewed as a generative theme for the Psalms, one that is crucial—somehow even central—but, in the end, transcended.
“Happy Are All Who Take Refuge in Him”: The Theological Shape of the Psalter
Authors: Creach Jerome F. D.
Published: April 2024

By reading the Psalms in its entirety as a book (also called the Psalter) rather than focusing on individual psalms or sections, a primary theological claim becomes clear: the Lord alone reigns over the cosmos and therefore is the only reliable source of refuge. The essay also explores the role of David in the formation of the Psalter and the ancient view of David as a prophet that grows out of the structure and content of the Psalter. David, along with Moses, is the primary voice that urges hearers and readers to take refuge in the Lord alone (Pss 2:12; 37:39-40; 146:3-4).
Traditional Authorities, Norm Collisions, and Communal Conflict
Authors: Neupert-Wentz Clara
Published: April 2024

I examine the effect of the policing capacity of traditional authorities (TAs) on communal conflict. TAs of ethnic groups use distinct customary laws and dispute-resolution mechanisms. Their coexistence with national norms and those of other TAs results in parallel legal systems. I argue that this generates uncertainties about norms and vertical and horizontal jurisdictional conflict, which increases the risk of communal conflict. However, this effect can be dampened by state-level rules on norm collisions, which lead to a system of co-production and less violence. To investigate these claims, I use global georeferenced expert survey data on customary policing of TAs and data measuring their constitutional regulation. I show that customary policing can have an adverse effect on communal peace. More subgroups of the larger ethnic group with policing institutions increase the risk of conflict. State-level regulation moderates these relationships. Additional evidence suggests that policing increases communal conflict through vertical jurisdictional conflict but otherwise achieves its intended purpose of providing security.
Strategies for Improving Impaired Osseointegration in Compromised Animal Models
Authors: Deng J. , Van Duyn C. , Cohen D. J. , Schwartz Z. , Boyan B. D.
Published: April 2024

Implant osseointegration is reduced in patients with systemic conditions that compromise bone quality, such as osteoporosis, disuse syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Studies using rodent models designed to mimic these compromised conditions demonstrated reduced bone-to-implant contact (BIC) or a decline in bone mineral density. These adverse effects are a consequence of disrupted intercellular communication. A variety of approaches have been developed to compensate for the altered microenvironment inherent in compromised conditions, including the use of biologics and implant surface modification. Chemical and physical modification of surface properties at the microscale, mesoscale, and nanoscale levels to closely resemble the surface topography of osteoclast resorption pits found in bone has proven to be a highly effective strategy for improving implant osseointegration. The addition of hydrophilicity to the surface further enhances osteoblast response at the bone-implant interface. These surface modifications, applied either alone or in combination, improve osseointegration by increasing proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells and enhancing angiogenesis while modulating osteoclast activity to achieve net new bone formation, although the specific effects vary with surface treatment. In addition to direct effects on surface-attached cells, the communication between bone marrow stromal cells and immunomodulatory cells is sensitive to these surface properties. This article reports on the advances in titanium surface modifications, alone and in combination with novel therapeutics in animal models of human disease affecting bone quality. It offers clinically translatable perspectives for clinicians to consider when using different surface modification strategies to improve long-term implant performance in compromised patients. This review supports the use of surface modifications, bioactive coatings, and localized therapeutics as pragmatic approaches to improve BIC and enhance osteogenic activity from both structural and molecular standpoints.
Phase 1, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and effect on altered states of consciousness of intranasal BPL-003 (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine benzoate) in healthy participants
Authors: Rucker James Jonathan , Roberts Claire , Seynaeve Mathieu , Young Allan H. , Suttle Ben , Yamamoto Takahiro , Ermakova Anna O. , Dunbar Fiona , Wiegand Frank
Published: April 2024

Aims:

To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of BPL-003, a novel intranasal benzoate salt formulation of 5-methoxy- N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), in healthy participants.

Methods:

In all, 44 psychedelic-naïve participants enrolled in the double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose study (1–12 mg BPL-003). Concentrations of 5-MeO-DMT and its pharmacologically active metabolite, bufotenine, were determined in plasma and urine. PD endpoints included subjective drug intensity (SDI) rating, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI).

Results:

BPL-003 was well tolerated at doses up to 12 mg. There were no serious adverse events (AEs), and most AEs were mild; the most common being nasal discomfort, nausea, headache and vomiting. 5-MeO-DMT was rapidly absorbed and eliminated; the median time to peak plasma concentration was approximately 8–10 min and the mean terminal elimination half-life was <27 min. 5-MeO-DMT systemic exposure increased approximately dose-proportionally, while plasma bufotenine concentrations and urinary excretion of 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenine were negligible. The intensity of the SDI ratings was associated with plasma 5-MeO-DMT concentrations. MEQ-30 and EDI scores generally increased with the BPL-003 dose; 60% of participants had a ‘complete mystical experience’ at 10 and 12 mg doses. Profound and highly emotional consciousness-altering effects were observed with BPL-003, with a rapid onset and short-lasting duration.

Conclusion:

The novel intranasal formulation of BPL-003 was well tolerated with dose-proportional increases in PK and PD effects. The short duration of action and induction of mystical experiences suggest clinical potential, warranting further trials.

Clinical trial registration:

NCT05347849.
Prominent crista terminalis mimicking a right atrial mass: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Matusik Patrycja S , Mikrut Katarzyna , Bryll Amira , Podolec Mateusz , Popiela Tadeusz J , Matusik Paweł T
Published: April 2024

The crista terminalis is an anatomical structure localized on the posterolateral wall of the right atrium (RA). We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis concerning cases of unusual prominent crista terminalis mimicking RA mass. Moreover, we described the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses with the use of echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We also emphasize the potential importance of this structure in electrophysiological procedures, including its role in exaggerated arrhythmias. Prominent crista terminalis may be a potential obstacle during invasive cardiac procedures or catheter ablation target. In analyzed cases, the crista terminalis was often erroneously interpreted as pathologic and at first confused with a thrombus or tumor during transthoracic echocardiography examination. The correct final diagnoses were mostly made with used transesophageal echocardiography or CMR. The most important imaging findings suggestive of prominent crista terminalis rather than tumor were a similar echogenicity/intensity with adjacent myocardium, the location on posterolateral wall of the RA, the phasic change in size, and no enhancement after contrast injection. We describe up to date and detailed imaging features for the differential diagnostics of selected intracardiac masses using various imaging techniques, including multimodality cardiac imaging. Familiarity with the anatomy and the imaging findings of the prominent crista terminalis will reduce misdiagnosis and avoid additional tests and unwarranted clinical interventions, while in patients considered for invasive cardiac procedures it might increase their efficacy and safety.
Tissue and cellular tropism of Eptesicus fuscus gammaherpesvirus in big brown bats, potential role of pulmonary intravascular macrophages
Authors: Perdrizet Ursula G. , Hill Janet E. , Sobchishin LaRhonda , Singh Baljit , Fernando Champika , Bollinger Trent K. , Misra Vikram
Published: April 2024

Gammaherpesviruses (γHVs) are recognized as important pathogens in humans but their relationship with other animal hosts, especially wildlife species, is less well characterized. Our objectives were to examine natural Eptesicus fuscus gammaherpesvirus (EfHV) infections in their host, the big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus), and determine whether infection is associated with disease. In tissue samples from 132 individual big brown bats, EfHV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 41 bats. Tissues from 59 of these cases, including 17 from bats with detectable EfHV genomes, were analyzed. An EfHV isolate was obtained from one of the cases, and electron micrographs and whole genome sequencing were used to confirm that this was a unique isolate of EfHV. Although several bats exhibited various lesions, we did not establish EfHV infection as a cause. Latent infection, defined as RNAScope probe binding to viral latency-associated nuclear antigen in the absence of viral envelope glycoprotein probe binding, was found within cells of the lymphoid tissues. These cells also had colocalization of the B-cell probe targeting CD20 mRNA. Probe binding for both latency-associated nuclear antigen and a viral glycoprotein was observed in individual cells dispersed throughout the alveolar capillaries of the lung, which had characteristics of pulmonary intravascular macrophages. Cells with a similar distribution in bat lungs expressed major histocompatibility class II, a marker for antigen presenting cells, and the existence of pulmonary intravascular macrophages in bats was confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. The importance of this cell type in γHVs infections warrants further investigation.