bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐risk histopathologic features in local advanced conjunctival melanoma
Authors: Zhu Tianyu , Zong Chunyan , Li Yongyun , Jia Shichong , Shi Hanhan , Tian Hao , Rao Yamin , Zhang Xiao , Ge Shengfang , Fan Xianqun , Li Yimin , Jia Renbing , Xu Shiqiong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To identify high‐risk histopathologic and molecular features of local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis (DM) and disease‐specific death (DSD) in conjunctival melanoma (CoM).

Methods

Ninety patients with pathologically diagnosed CoM between 2008 and 2023 were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry staining of BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, CD117, PD‐1 and PD‐L1 was performed in 65 and 45 patients, respectively. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were conducted to identify risk factors for local recurrence, nodal metastasis, DM and DSD.

Results

Pathologically, ulceration (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.170; 95% CI: 1.312–7.659; p = 0.01) and regression (HR: 3.196; 95% CI: 1.094–9.335; p = 0.034) were risk factors for DM. Tumour thickness ≥ 4 mm (HR: 4.889; 95% CI: 1.846–12.946; p = 0.001) and regression (HR: 4.011; 95% CI: 1.464–10.991; p = 0.007) were risk factors for DSD. For patients with tumour thickness < 4 mm, the presence of ulceration indicated a higher risk of nodal metastasis (log‐rank p = 0.0011), DM (log‐rank p = 0.00051) and DSD (log‐rank p = 0.02). Patients with regression (+)/tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (+) had a higher risk for DM (log‐rank p = 0.011) and DSD (log‐rank p = 0.0032). Molecularly, the positive rate of BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, CD117, PD‐1 and PD‐L1 was 40.00% (26/65), 43.08% (28/65), 70.77% (46/65), 46.67% (21/45) and 28.89% (13/45), respectively. Positive BRAFV600E was identified as an independent risk factor for DM (HR: 2.533; 95% CI: 1.046–6.136, p = 0.039). The expression level of BRAFV600E was positively correlated with vascular invasion (p = 0.01), as well as the expression levels of PD‐1 (p = 0.038) and PD‐L1 (p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Tumour thickness ≥ 4 mm, ulceration, the coexistence of regression and TILs, and positive BRAFV600E were risk factors for poor prognosis of CoM patients. Besides, expression level of BRAFV600E was positively correlated with the expression levels of PD‐1 and PD‐L1.
Influence of social pension on well‐being and health of the rural elderly: the case of South Korea
Authors: An Jiyeon , Ahn Taehyun
Published: February 2024

This study examines whether a social pension for the elderly population affects the well‐being and health of older adults in rural areas and whether pensions are more effective in rural areas than in urban areas. Using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we exploit a difference‐in‐difference specification that compares changes in well‐being and health in rural areas for those who are 65 or older relative to the younger population before and after a pension reform. We also consider a triple‐difference specification to investigate the rural–urban difference. The results reveal that the expansion of the social pension significantly improved cognitive function and alleviated depressive symptoms among the rural elderly, but it had little impact on well‐being or other health measures such as subjective health status. We also find that this impact has been more effective in rural than in urban areas. Our findings suggest that social pensions can be crucial in enhancing cognitive functioning and mental health for rural elderly individuals and emphasise the effectiveness of pensions for rural elderly populations.
Mapping gender networks of music self‐concept and music emotions: A network analysis study of music majors in China
Authors: Yang Xiantong , Song Lu , Zhao Yuehan , Cheng Dandan
Published: February 2024

Background

Students' music self‐concept and music emotions are becoming prominent topics within the area of music education.

Aims, Samples and Methods

The majority of previous research on self‐concept and music emotions has examined the two constructs independently and focused on gender differences in externalizing behaviours in music learning, but has neglected the internal interactions between individual music self‐concept and music emotions. Network analysis is a promising method for visually examining music self‐concept and music emotions as part of a network of interactions to identify core features and interrelationships among nodes in the network. In this study, 515 students majoring in music from a Chinese university were recruited.

Results

The results showed that high music self‐concept and boredom were the common features at the core of the network for both men and women college students. The boredom exhibited by women differed from that of men in that men's boredom was directed at the entire music course, while boredom in women manifested as daydreaming and boredom with learning materials.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore gender differences in the music self‐concept and music emotions from a holistic perspective. The findings could help music teachers gain insight into the complex system of music self‐concept and music emotions. Music teachers could capture the respective features of men and women to design individualized teaching strategies.
Ethnicity and socio‐economic status affects the incidence and survival of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Bishton Mark J. , Crooks Colin J. , Card Timothy R. , West Joe
Published: February 2024

To address the lack of contemporary population‐based epidemiological studies of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma (HSTCL), we undertook a population‐based study of ICD‐O‐3‐coded HSTCL in England. We used the National Cancer Registration Dataset and linked datasets on hospital admissions, Systemic Anti‐Cancer Therapy, socio‐demographics, comorbidities and death, identifying cases from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019 with survival data up to 5 January 2021. Crude and directly age‐standardised incidence rates per million persons per year were calculated. Crude and adjusted incidence rate ratios compared incidence between groups using Poisson regression. A Cox proportional hazards model estimated mortality risks adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation and allogenic stem cell transplant (allo‐SCT; time varying). We identified 44 patients, mean age 42 years. Median survival was 11 months, and 1 and 5 year survivals were 48% (95% CI 29%–43%) and 22% (95% CI 12%–42%) respectively. The age‐standardised incidence was 0.1 per million/year. Incidence was higher in areas with greater deprivation (0.15 per million/year), and more cases than expected were in non‐White patients (39%). Non‐Whites had a twofold increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.21 [95% CI 1.03–4.78]) even after adjusting for deprivation, younger age and allo‐SCT. In conclusion, ethnicity and socio‐economic status affect both the incidence and survival of HSTCL.
Intellectual humility as a tool to combat false beliefs: An individual‐based approach to belief revision
Authors: Gollwitzer Anton , Bao Evelina , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: February 2024

False beliefs pose significant societal threats, including health risks, political polarization and even violence. In two studies (N = 884) we explored the efficacy of an individual‐based approach to correcting false beliefs. We examined whether the character virtue of intellectual humility (IH)—an appreciation of one's intellectual boundaries—encourages revising one's false beliefs in response to counter‐information. Our research produced encouraging but also mixed findings. Among participants who held false beliefs about the risks of vaccines (Study 1) and the 2020 US Election being rigged (Study 2), those with higher IH explored more information opposing these false beliefs. This exploration of opposing information, in turn, predicted updating away from these inaccurate health and political beliefs. IH did not directly predict updating away from false beliefs, however, suggesting that this effect—if it exists—may not be particularly powerful. Taken together, these results provide moderate support for IH as a character trait that can foster belief revision but, simultaneously, suggest that alternate pathways to combat false beliefs and misinformation may be preferred.
Development and experimental validation of an M2 macrophage and platelet‐associated gene signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy sensitivity in bladder cancer
Authors: Muhuitijiang Bahaerguli , Zhou Jiawei , Zhou Ranran , Zhang Zhiyong , Yan Guang , Zheng Zaosong , Zeng Xiangbo , Zhu Yuanchao , Wu Haowei , Gao Ruxi , Zhu Tianhang , Shi Xiaojun , Tan Wanlong
Published: February 2024

Platelets and M2 macrophages both play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, but their relationship and the prognosis value of the relative genes in bladder cancer (BLCA) remain obscure. In the present study, we found that platelets stimulated by BLCA cell lines could promote M2 macrophage polarization, and platelets were significantly associated with the infiltration of M2 macrophages in BLCA samples. Through the bioinformatic analyses, A2M, TGFB3, and MYLK, which were associated with platelets and M2 macrophages, were identified and verified in vitro and then included in the predictive model. A platelet and M2 macrophage‐related gene signature was constructed to evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapeutic sensitivity, helping to guide personalized treatment and to disclose the underlying mechanisms.
Intercontinental dispersal and niche fidelity drive 50 million years of global diversification in Vertigo land snails
Authors: Horsák Michal , Ortiz David , Nekola Jeffrey C. , Van Bocxlaer Bert
Published: February 2024

Aim

We aimed to understand how biogeographical processes and moisture niche ecology contributed to the spatio‐temporal diversification dynamics in the land snail genus Vertigo.

Location

Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Africa).

Time Period

Cenozoic era.

Major Taxa Studied

Minute terrestrial snails of the genus Vertigo.

Methods

We reconstructed a time‐calibrated phylogeny of 94 Vertigo taxa (~85% of all known extant species) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data. Leveraging this phylogeny with distributional and ecological data from >7000 populations, we performed biogeographic and ecological modelling to investigate evolutionary mechanisms of global Vertigo diversification.

Results

Vertigo has diversified since the Early Eocene, ca. 47.6 Ma (95% HPD = 46.0–52.7), with its six subgenera originating from the Late Eocene (30.2–48.7 Ma) to the Early Miocene (13.3–23.0 Ma). Species diversity accumulated linearly, with a slight increase 35–30 and 25–20 Ma, coinciding with the emergence of most subgenera and northern hemisphere cooling, respectively. Biogeographic modelling indicated that most diversification events occurred in sympatry (no range modification), but that rare founder events drove global diversification. Soil moisture conditions, a major variable defining Vertigo niches, displayed significant phylogenetic signal, but varied less among subgenera relative to within. Shifts in biogeographical ranges and moisture niches (or the absence thereof) were significantly associated at macroevolutionary scales, with most niche shifts upon sympatric cladogenesis and hardly any upon founder‐event speciation.

Main Conclusions

Our results indicate that ecological shifts in soil moisture niches occasionally drove cladogenesis in sympatry and anagenetic range extensions, but that long‐distance dispersal was mainly successful in the absence of such shifts. A combination of neutral (founder events and drift) and selective mechanisms (adaptive habitat shifts) has determined the macroevolutionary success of Vertigo. Our results imply that species with high niche fidelity or fewer opportunities for long‐distance dispersal will be more vulnerable to future anthropogenic stressors.
Common processes drive metacommunity structure in freshwater fish
Authors: Kadoya Taku , Nilsson Karin A. , Kelly Jocelyn , Bartley Timothy J. , Säterberg Torbjörn , Guzzo Matthew M. , Esch Ellen , Koide Dai , Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Terui Akira , Akasaka Munemitsu , MacDougall Andrew S.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Environmental change affects metacommunity structure both directly—via abiotic factors and dispersal that affect species occurrence—and indirectly—via complex interactions among co‐occurring species. We examined how the three main metacommunity factors—environmental conditions, spatial processes and species associations—affect metacommunity structure and whether responses are predictable in real‐world systems by using novel methods to disentangle the drivers.

Location

Eastern Asia, northern Europe and central North America.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Freshwater fish.

Methods

We used a dataset of freshwater fish species occurrences in temperate lakes in three countries in different biogeographic regions. We analysed co‐occurrence patterns by using a joint species distribution model.

Results

We demonstrated that environmental processes are the main drivers of species' distribution and diversity, suggesting that future climate change (anthropogenic alteration of abiotic factors) will heavily influence the structure of metacommunities. We also showed that spatial processes and species interactions mediated the influence of environmental processes, especially at the lake level.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that ongoing changes in metacommunity structure are modulated not only by the direct impacts of shifting abiotic factors but also by indirect effects of species interactions. Our global analysis indicates that even under the current high rate of environmental change, an identifiable set of underlying processes can be used to predict impacts of this change on metacommunity structure.
Vascular, adipose tissue, and/or calyceal invasion in clear cell tubulopapillary renal cell tumour: potentially problematic diagnostic scenarios
Authors: Sangoi Ankur R , Tsai Harrison , Harik Lara , Mahlow Jonathan , Tretiakova Maria , Williamson Sean R , Hirsch Michelle S
Published: February 2024

Aims

The 2022 WHO classification for kidney tumours recently downgraded clear cell tubulopapillary (also known as clear cell papillary) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to a benign neoplasm (i.e. clear cell tubulopapillary renal cell tumour) based on the overwhelmingly banal nature of this neoplasm. However, it has been recognized that some clear cell tubulopapillary renal cell tumours demonstrate vascular, adipose or pelvicalyceal invasion, raising the possibility of more aggressive behaviour. The goal of this study was to determine if these ‘high stage’ features have an effect on tumour prognosis, warranting a carcinoma designation.

Methods and Results

After excluding cases with tissue artefact (i.e. prior core biopsy track changes) and other RCC subtypes with next‐generation sequencing, nine clear cell tubulopapillary renal cell tumours with these so‐called ‘high stage’ features, and otherwise classic morphologic and immunophenotypic findings, including low‐grade cytology and ‘cup‐like’ CA9 expression, were evaluated. Median tumour size was 2.2 cm with a range of 0.8 to 6.7 cm. Eight cases (89%) demonstrated perinephric or hilar adipose tissue invasion, although most of these cases showed a bulging (in contrast to an infiltrative) growth pattern. One case demonstrated renal vascular invasion in addition to hilar adipose tissue invasion, and one case demonstrated extension into the pelvicalyceal system. There were no recurrences or evidence of metastatic disease.

Conclusion

These overall findings continue to support the benign designation for clear cell tubulopapillary renal cell tumours, despite morphologic features that might raise the possibility of a ‘higher stage’ neoplasm.
Interaction effect between low birthweight and resistin gene rs1862513 variant on insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood: Toon Genome Study
Authors: Yoshida Ayaka , Takata Yasunori , Tabara Yasuharu , Maruyama Koutatsu , Inoue Shota , Osawa Haruhiko , Sugiyama Takashi
Published: February 2024

Aims/Introduction

Gene–environment interactions are considered to critically influence type 2 diabetes mellitus development; however, the underlying mechanisms and specific interactions remain unclear. Given the increasing prevalence of low birthweight (LBW) influenced by the intrauterine environment, we sought to investigate genetic factors related to type 2 diabetes development in individuals with LBW.

Materials and Methods

The interaction between 20 reported type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes and the development of type 2 diabetes in LBW (<2,500 g) individuals in a population‐based Japanese cohort (n = 1,021) was examined by logistic regression and stratified analyses.

Results

Logistic regression analyses showed that only the G/G genotype at the rs1862513 locus of the resistin gene (RETN), an established initiator of insulin resistance, was closely related to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with LBW. Age, sex and current body mass index‐adjusted stratified analyses showed a significant interaction effect of LBW and the RETN G/G genotype on fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment 2‐insulin resistance, Matsuda index and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (all P‐values for interaction <0.05). The adjusted odds ratio for type 2 diabetes in the LBW + G/G genotype group was 7.33 (95% confidence interval 2.43–22.11; P = 0.002) compared with the non‐LBW + non‐G/G genotype group. Similar results were obtained after excluding the influence of malnutrition due to World War II.

Conclusions

Simultaneous assessment of LBW and the RETN G/G genotype can more accurately predict the risk of future type 2 diabetes than assessing each of these factors alone, and provide management strategies, including early lifestyle intervention in LBW population.
Simplified electrophysiological approach combining a point‐of‐care nerve conduction device and an electrocardiogram produces an accurate diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Hayashi Yusuke , Himeno Tatsuhito , Shibata Yuka , Hirai Nobuhiro , Asada‐Yamada Yuriko , Sasajima Sachiko , Asano‐Hayami Emi , Motegi Mikio , Asano Saeko , Kato Makoto , Nakai‐Shimoda Hiromi , Tani Hiroya , Miura‐Yura Emiri , Morishita Yoshiaki , Kondo Masaki , Tsunekawa Shin , Nakayama Takayuki , Nakamura Jiro , Kamiya Hideki
Published: February 2024

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic potential of two simplified tests, a point‐of‐care nerve conduction device (DPNCheck™) and a coefficient of variation of R‐R intervals (CVR‐R), as an alternative to traditional nerve conduction studies for the diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in patients with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Inpatients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (n = 167) were enrolled. The study population consisted of 101 men, with a mean age of 60.8 ± 14.8 years. DPN severity was assessed using traditional nerve conduction studies, and differentiated based on Baba's classification (BC). To examine the explanatory potential of variables in DPNCheck™ and CVR‐R regarding the severity of DPN according to BC, a multiple regression analysis was carried out, followed by a receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Based on BC, 61 participants (36.5% of the total) were categorized as having DPN severity of stage 2 or more. The multiple regression analysis yielded a predictive formula with high predictive power for DPN diagnosis (estimated severity of DPN in BC = 2.258 – 0.026 × nerve conduction velocity [m/s] – 0.594 × ln[sensory nerve action potential amplitude (μV)] + 0.528In[age(years)] – 0.178 × ln[CVR‐R], r = 0.657). The area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic analysis was 0.880. Using the optimal cutoff value for DPN with severer than stage 2, the predictive formula showed good diagnostic efficacy: sensitivity of 83.6%, specificity of 79.2%, positive predictive value of 51.7% and negative predictive value of 76.1%.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that DPN diagnosis using DPNCheck™ and CVR‐R could improve diagnostic efficiency and accessibility for DPN assessment in patients with diabetes.
Safety of biliary drainage with 6‐mm metallic stent for preoperative obstructive jaundice in pancreatic cancer: PURPLE SIX STUDY
Authors: Harai Shota , Hijioka Susumu , Yamada Reiko , Ogura Takeshi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Okuda Atsushi , Horike Hideyuki , Inoue Dai , Sekine Masanari , Ishida Yusuke , Koga Takehiko , Kitamura Hidetoshi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Yoshinari Motohiro , Kobayashi Katsumasa , Chatto Mark , Yamashige Daiki , Kawasaki Yuki , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Okusaka Takuji
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

The 10‐mm self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) is the standard for endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage before pancreatic cancer surgery. However, the efficacy of stents thinner than 10 mm has not been adequately validated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the safety of a 6‐mm fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) during preoperative chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

This was a single‐arm, multicenter, prospective phase II study of endoscopic transpapillary initial biliary drainage for DMBO before pancreatic cancer surgery. The primary endpoint was stent‐related adverse events, and the key secondary endpoint was the non‐recurrent biliary obstruction (non‐RBO) rate during the observation period for both resectable (R) and borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic cancers.

Results

The study enrolled 33 patients, among whom 32 received the study treatment. There were 23 and 9 cases of R and BR pancreatic cancers, respectively. The technical and clinical success rates were 97.0% and 90.1%, respectively. The stent‐related adverse event rate was 3.1% (n = 1, acute pancreatitis) (95% confidential interval, 0.00–16.2), which met the criteria to be considered safe. The overall non‐RBO rate during the observation period (median 96 days) was 78.1% (82.6% and 66.7% for R and BR pancreatic cancer cases, respectively).

Conclusions

The 6‐mm FCSEMS is an extremely safe metallic stent with a low stent‐related adverse event rate of 3.1% for preoperative biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer. It is considered the optimal stent for preoperative biliary drainage in terms of the non‐RBO rate. UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN‐CTR 000041704).
Morphological examination of abdominal vertebral bodies from grass carp using high‐resolution micro‐CT scans
Authors: Barak Meir M. , Schlott James , Gundersen Laura , Diaz Giovanni , Rhee Vanessa , Villoth Naomi , Ferber Alexandra , Blair Salvatore
Published: February 2024

The vertebral column, a defining trait of all vertebrates, is organized as a concatenated chain of vertebrae, and therefore its support to the body depends on individual vertebral morphology. Consequently, studying the morphology of the vertebral centrum is of anatomical and clinical importance. Grass carp (GC) is a member of the infraclass Teleostei (teleost fish), which accounts for the majority of all vertebrate species; thus, its vertebral anatomical structure can help us understand vertebrate development and vertebral morphology. In this study, we have investigated the morphology and symmetry of the grass carp vertebral centrum using high‐resolution micro‐CT scans. To this end, three abdominal vertebrae (V9, V10, & V11) from eight grass carp were micro‐CT scanned and then segmented using Dragonfly (ORS Inc.). Grass carp vertebral centrum conformed to the basic teleost pattern and demonstrated an amphicoelous shape (biconcave hourglass). The centrum's cranial endplate was smaller, less circular, and shallower compared to the caudal endplate. While the vertebral centrum demonstrated bilateral symmetry along the sagittal plane (left/right), the centrum focus was shifted dorsally and cranially, breaking dorsoventral and craniocaudal symmetry. The sum of these findings implies that the caudal aspect of grass carp vertebral centrum is bigger and more robust. Currently, we have no information whether this is due to nature, for example, differences in gene expression, or nurture, for example, environmental effect. As the vertebral parapophyses and spinous processes are slanted caudally, the direction of muscle action during swimming may create a gradient of stresses from cranial to caudal, resulting in a more robust caudal aspect of the vertebral centrum. Expanding our study to include additional quadrupedal and bipedal (i.e., human) vertebrae, as well as testing if these morphological aspects of the vertebrae are indeed plastic and can be affected by environmental factors (i.e., temperature or other stressors) may help answer this question.
The moderating effect of dietary selenium intake on the risk of infertility‐associated depressive symptoms in female
Authors: Wang Zhuran , Xiao Ting , Qi Guanglan
Published: February 2024

Aim

To analyze the associations between infertility or dietary selenium intake and depressive symptoms as well as the role of selenium intake on the association between infertility and depressive symptoms in women.

Methods

This study retrieved the data of 4949 women from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Univariable and multivariable weighted logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the associations of selenium intake or infertility with the risk of depressive symptoms as well as the regulation of selenium intake on the risk of depressive symptoms related to infertility.

Results

The elevated risk of depressive symptoms was found in participants with infertility (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.15). The risk of depressive symptoms was reduced in women with selenium intake ≥55 μg (OR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.46–0.90). Compared with women without infertility who had selenium intake <55 μg, those with infertility and had selenium intake <55 μg were associated with elevated risk of depressive symptoms after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.03–3.90). The risk of depressive symptoms was not significantly increased in women with infertility who had selenium intake ≥55 μg in comparison with subjects without infertility who had selenium intake ≥55 μg (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Selenium intake regulated the association between infertility and depressive symptoms.
Soil microbial subcommunity assembly mechanisms are highly variable and intimately linked to their ecological and functional traits
Authors: Fan Qiuping , Liu Kaifang , Wang Zelin , Liu Dong , Li Ting , Hou Haiyan , Zhang Zejin , Chen Danhong , Zhang Song , Yu Anlan , Deng Yongcui , Cui Xiaoyong , Che Rongxiao
Published: February 2024

Revealing the mechanisms underlying soil microbial community assembly is a fundamental objective in molecular ecology. However, despite increasing body of research on overall microbial community assembly mechanisms, our understanding of subcommunity assembly mechanisms for different prokaryotic and fungal taxa remains limited. Here, soils were collected from more than 100 sites across southwestern China. Based on amplicon high‐throughput sequencing and iCAMP analysis, we determined the subcommunity assembly mechanisms for various microbial taxa. The results showed that dispersal limitation and homogenous selection were the primary drivers of soil microbial community assembly in this region. However, the subcommunity assembly mechanisms of different soil microbial taxa were highly variable. For instance, the contribution of homogenous selection to Crenarchaeota subcommunity assembly was 70%, but it was only around 10% for the subcommunity assembly of Actinomycetes, Gemmatimonadetes and Planctomycetes. The assembly of subcommunities including microbial taxa with higher occurrence frequencies, average relative abundance and network degrees, as well as wider niches tended to be more influenced by homogenizing dispersal and drift, but less affected by heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation. The subcommunity assembly mechanisms also varied substantially among different functional guilds. Notably, the subcommunity assembly of diazotrophs, nitrifiers, saprotrophs and some pathogens were predominantly controlled by homogenous selection, while that of denitrifiers and fungal pathogens were mainly affected by stochastic processes such as drift. These findings provide novel insights into understanding soil microbial diversity maintenance mechanisms, and the analysis pipeline holds significant value for future research.
Genomic underpinnings of head and body shape in Arctic charr ecomorph pairs
Authors: Fenton Sam , Jacobs Arne , Bean Colin W. , Adams Colin E. , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: February 2024

Across its Holarctic range, Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) populations have diverged into distinct trophic specialists across independent replicate lakes. The major aspect of divergence between ecomorphs is in head shape and body shape, which are ecomorphological traits reflecting niche use. However, whether the genomic underpinnings of these parallel divergences are consistent across replicates was unknown but key for resolving the substrate of parallel evolution. We investigated the genomic basis of head shape and body shape morphology across four benthivore–planktivore ecomorph pairs of Arctic charr in Scotland. Through genome‐wide association analyses, we found genomic regions associated with head shape (89 SNPs) or body shape (180 SNPs) separately and 50 of these SNPs were strongly associated with both body and head shape morphology. For each trait separately, only a small number of SNPs were shared across all ecomorph pairs (3 SNPs for head shape and 10 SNPs for body shape). Signs of selection on the associated genomic regions varied across pairs, consistent with evolutionary demography differing considerably across lakes. Using a comprehensive database of salmonid QTLs newly augmented and mapped to a charr genome, we found several of the head‐ and body‐shape‐associated SNPs were within or near morphology QTLs from other salmonid species, reflecting a shared genetic basis for these phenotypes across species. Overall, our results demonstrate how parallel ecotype divergences can have both population‐specific and deeply shared genomic underpinnings across replicates, influenced by differences in their environments and demographic histories.
A Cost‐Effective Approach to Resistant AV Fistula Stenosis: Successful Treatment Using Coronary OPN NC® Balloon in a Low‐Income Setting
Authors: Lalani Kanhai , Rao M. Sudhakar , Sagar M. Harsha , R Padmakumar
Published: February 2024

Stenosis in the anastomotic site or venous limb of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most frequent cause of AVF failure. Percutaneous angioplasty with a standard or high‐pressure balloon is the first‐line treatment for AVF stenosis due to its higher technical success rate (90%) and lower complication rate (4%). Almost 20% of stenosis cases are resistant or undilatable by regular‐pressure balloon angioplasty due to fibrosis, leading to technical failure or restenosis. Alternative therapies, such as atherectomy devices or cutting balloons, are expensive and difficult to obtain in low‐income developing countries. We successfully treated resistant AVF stenosis with a coronary OPN‐NC® ultra‐high‐pressure balloon and produced a good angiographic result with technical success. Coronary hardware is easily available and relatively cheaper compared to dedicated peripheral balloons or devices in our country due to reuse, which can be a boon in such type of cases. According to the standard hospital protocol, Cathlab hardware was reused.
Evaluation of the anti‐aging effects of Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein peptide in clinical and in vitro study
Authors: Lee Sang Gyu , Ham Seoyoon , Lee Joohee , Jang Yujin , Suk Jangmi , Lee Young In , Lee Ju Hee
Published: February 2024

Background

Skin aging, characterized by the deterioration of skin density and elasticity, is a common concern among individuals seeking to maintain a youthful appearance. Zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG) is secreted by various body fluids, and is associated with lipolysis and identified as an atopic dermatitis biomarker. This study evaluated the potential of ZAG peptides, which exert multiple benefits such as anti‐aging.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a 4‐week clinical trial on patients with noticeable periorbital wrinkles (n = 22) using a ZAG peptide‐containing product. The effects of the products on skin density, elasticity, and the depth of periorbital wrinkles were evaluated using Cutometer Dual MPA580, Ultrascan, and Antera 3D CS, respectively. The effect of ZAG peptides on UVB‐treated keratinocyte cells was evaluated in vitro to understand the mechanisms underlying its effects against impaired skin barrier function, collagen degradation, and senescence. In addition, the effects of ZAG peptides on cell viability and expression of aging and skin barrier‐related genes were assessed using cell counting kit assay and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results

The patients demonstrated improved skin density, elasticity, and reduced periorbital wrinkles. Further, more than 85% patients scored the product as satisfactory regarding anti‐aging effects. Furthermore, ZAG peptides reduced SA‐β‐gal staining, downregulated the senescence‐related genes, and upregulated the skin barrier function‐related genes in UVB‐irradiated keratinocyte cells.

Conclusions

Our clinical and in vitro findings showed that ZAG peptides exert anti‐aging effects and improve skin barrier functions, suggesting their promising potential as therapeutic agents to combat skin aging and improve skin health.
A vanishing theorem for varieties with finitely many solvable group orbits
Authors: Wang Yiyu
Published: February 2024

We reprove and generalize a result proved by Yavin that the intersection cohomology groups of a toric variety with coefficient in a nontrivial rank one local system vanish. We prove a similar vanishing result for a certain class of varieties on which a connected linear solvable group acts, including all spherical varieties.
Defective pollen tube tip growth induces neo-polyploid infertility
Authors: Westermann Jens , Srikant Thanvi , Gonzalo Adrián , Tan Hui San , Bomblies Kirsten
Published: February 2024

Genome duplication (generating polyploids) is an engine of novelty in eukaryotic evolution and a promising crop improvement tool. Yet newly formed polyploids often have low fertility. Here we report that a severe fertility-compromising defect in pollen tube tip growth arises in new polyploids of
Arabidopsis arenosa
. Pollen tubes of newly polyploid
A. arenosa
grow slowly, have aberrant anatomy and disrupted physiology, often burst prematurely, and have altered gene expression. These phenotypes recover in evolved polyploids. We also show that gametophytic (pollen tube) genotypes of two tip-growth genes under selection in natural tetraploid
A. arenosa
are strongly associated with pollen tube performance in the tetraploid. Our work establishes pollen tube tip growth as an important fertility challenge for neo-polyploid plants and provides insights into a naturally evolved multigenic solution.
Shifting rules in a brain disorder
Authors: Choquet Daniel
Published: February 2024

The mode of action of a synaptic protein is challenged
New origin of life theory may explain biomolecular handedness
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: February 2024

Experiments suggest chemical reaction rates explain how proteins came to be built from left-handed building blocks
Antimicrobial susceptibilities of
Campylobacter fetus:
report from a reference laboratory
Authors: Zhang Ming May , Melton Tanner A. , Akhtar Haris , Shah Aditya , Schuetz Audrey N. , Clement Josh , Stevens Ryan W.
Published: February 2024

Campylobacter fetus
is known to cause human disease, particularly in elderly and immunocompromised hosts. There are limited published data for antimicrobial susceptibility patterns with this organism, and no interpretive criteria are available. We reviewed antimicrobial susceptibilities of
C. fetus
isolates tested at a tertiary care center and reference laboratory over an 11-year period.
C. fetus
isolates from patients treated at Mayo Clinic and those sent as referrals for identification and susceptibility were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using agar dilution for ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, meropenem, and tetracycline. Geographic distribution, culture source, organism minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions, and MIC
50
and MIC
90
were examined. Excluding duplicates, 105 unique isolates were identified from 110 positive cultures. Blood cultures represented the most common source, followed by body fluids, skin and soft tissue, and central nervous system. Gentamicin and meropenem had favorable MIC
50
and MIC
90
of 1 µg/mL. Ciprofloxacin demonstrated an MIC
50
of 1 µg/mL; however, the MIC
90
was >2 µg/mL. Erythromycin demonstrated MIC
50
and MIC
90
of 2 µg/mL. Tetracycline and doxycycline were tested on a limited number of isolates and showed a wide range of MICs. Gentamicin and meropenem demonstrated favorable MICs in
C. fetus
isolates. These may represent therapeutic options for consideration in serious
C. fetus
infections, pending susceptibility results. Ciprofloxacin, which showed variable results, may be more appropriate for use only after susceptibility testing.
C. fetus
interpretive criteria are needed to aid clinicians in selection of both empiric and definitive therapies.

IMPORTANCE

Our findings contribute to the scant literature on
Campylobacter fetus
antimicrobial susceptibility test results. We used a reference test method of agar dilution and provide MICs for a large number of organisms and antimicrobial agents.
Infliximab rescue therapy in a case of severe granulomatous colitis associated with rituximab use
Authors: Martinez Perez Pablo , Hanna Luke , Jaynes Eleanor , Gwiggner Markus
Published: February 2024

Colitis occurs in about 4% of individuals treated with rituximab. Optimal management of rituximab-induced colitis, which does not improve with cessation of the drug and supportive care alone, is poorly defined due to limited evidence. Severe refractory disease can lead to colectomy. We present a case of suspected rituximab-induced colitis occurring in a woman in her 70s suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The patient achieved full clinical, endoscopic and histological remission of colitis with infliximab therapy. The use of biological therapy to treat rituximab-induced colitis can be a potentially organ-saving rescue therapy; however, it must be balanced against the increased risks of immunosuppression in patients already exposed to rituximab. While more evidence is required to fully understand the efficacy and risks of antitumour necrosis factor therapy in this scenario, our case provides an example of the successful use of infliximab for rituximab-induced colitis, which likely helped the patient avoid a colectomy.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Cumulative Incidence, Risk Factors, and Overall Survival of Disease Recurrence after Curative Resection of Stage II–III Colorectal Cancer: A Population-based Study
Authors: Boute Tara C. , Swartjes Hidde , Greuter Marjolein J.E. , Elferink Marloes A.G. , van Eekelen Rik , Vink Geraldine R. , de Wilt Johannes H.W. , Coupé Veerle M.H.
Published: February 2024

Flowchart of exclusions
Data from Cumulative Incidence, Risk Factors, and Overall Survival of Disease Recurrence after Curative Resection of Stage II–III Colorectal Cancer: A Population-based Study
Authors: Boute Tara C. , Swartjes Hidde , Greuter Marjolein J.E. , Elferink Marloes A.G. , van Eekelen Rik , Vink Geraldine R. , de Wilt Johannes H.W. , Coupé Veerle M.H.
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Real-world data are necessitated to counsel patients about the risk for recurrent disease after curative treatment of colorectal cancer. This study provided a population-based overview of the epidemiology of recurrent disease in patients with surgically resected stage II/III colorectal cancer.

Patients diagnosed with stage II/III primary colorectal cancer between July and December 2015 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (N = 3,762). Cumulative incidence of recurrent disease was estimated, and multivariable competing risk regression was used to identify risk factors for recurrent disease in patients with primary colon and rectal cancer. Moreover, overall survival (OS) after diagnosis of recurrent colorectal cancer was estimated.

Median clinical follow-up was 58 months (Q1–Q3: 22–62). Five-year cumulative incidence of recurrent disease was 21.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.0–23.2] and 30.0% (95% CI: 28.3–33.5) for patients with primary colon and rectal cancer, respectively. Stage III disease and incomplete resection margin in patients with primary colon cancer and extramural vascular invasion in patients with primary rectal cancer were strongly (HR ≥ 2) associated with recurrent disease. Median OS of patients with distant, locoregional, or the synchronous combination of distant and locoregional recurrent disease was 29, 27, and 13 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with distant recurrences limited to liver or lung showed a median OS of 46 and 48 months, respectively. The incidence of recurrent disease was higher in patients with rectal cancer than in patients with colon cancer, predominantly due to higher rates of distant recurrences. OS after recurrent disease was impaired, but subgroups of patients diagnosed with recurrent disease limited to one site showed statistically significantly longer OS.
Significance:
Population-based data on recurrent colorectal cancer are rare, but crucial for counseling patients and their physicians. This large nationwide, population-based study provides an up-to-date overview of the epidemiology of recurrent disease in patients with stage II and III primary colon and rectal cancer treated with surgical resection.
Pitfalls in Salivary Gland Cytology
Authors: Saoud Carla , Bailey Gabrielle E. , Graham Ashleigh , Bonilla Lorena Marcano , Sanchez Sandra Ixchel , Maleki Zahra
Published: February 2024

Background: Salivary gland lesions possess diagnostic challenges on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material. They are relatively uncommon, yet present with a wide spectrum of cytomorphology. Herein, we review common salivary gland neoplasms, their cytomorphologic features, their diagnostic pitfalls, and ancillary studies helpful in achieving an accurate diagnosis. Summary: There are many cytomorphologic overlaps between benign and malignant salivary gland entities. Moreover, metaplasia, cystic changes, and degenerative changes are common findings adding to diagnostic dilemmas. These complicating factors contribute to a minute risk of malignancy in salivary gland lesions that are interpreted as benign on FNA. In rare cases, even malignant salivary gland neoplasms are misinterpreted as benign on aspirated material due to the many cytomorphologic overlaps. For example, benign and malignant neoplasms containing stroma such as myoepithelioma and adenoid cystic carcinoma may be misinterpreted as pleomorphic adenoma. Moreover, diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms with basal cell features can be confusing on FNA materials; for example, basal cell adenoma can be misinterpreted as adenoid cystic carcinoma. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas have many different appearances on aspirated material due to variable amounts of mucin, degree of nuclear atypia, cellular content, and squamous metaplasia. Acinic cell carcinoma exhibits large cells with abundant cytoplasm on FNA, which can be mistaken for oncocytic cells in oncocytoma or Warthin tumor. Salivary duct carcinoma shows distinct features of malignancy and thus can be mistaken for secondary tumors involving the salivary glands or other malignant salivary gland tumors. The presence of tumor-associated lymphocytes is another underlying cause of misdiagnosis, especially when considering the differential diagnosis of an intraparotid lymph node. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular studies are gaining more attention to be utilized on FNA cases. PLAG1 immunostaining, CD117, DOG1, mammaglobin, and androgen receptor (AR) are examples of commonly used immunostains in diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. MYB gene fusion, rearrangements of the MAML2 gene, and ERBB2/HER2 are examples of molecular alterations useful in diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms. In conclusion, the aim of salivary gland cytology is to differentiate benign entities from the malignant ones and to prevent unnecessary aggressive treatments. Key Messages: The diagnostic pitfalls are enormous in salivary gland cytology. Familiarity with cytomorphology of different entities and their cytomorphologic overlaps, and application of ancillary studies improves the diagnostic yield, patient management and prevents unnecessary aggressive procedures.
Accommodation Industry its Strategic Business Practices that Survive in Times of Crisis
Authors: Andias Amiel B.
Published: February 2024

This study examined the accommodation industry: its strategic business practices that survive in times of crisis of Dipolog City Zamboanga del Norte. The qualitative case study methodology employed to obtain an in-depth investigation of the real-time experiences of the research participants. The study anchored on Fred R. David's (2021) five strategic business management practices: leadership, people, operations, marketing, and financial performance. The study revealed that accommodations industry practicing democratic forms of leadership, hiring of employees based on skills, providing motivations to their employees, operating their business by giving customer satisfaction, advertising their products and services, and ensuring that they attain financial stability.  Despite the size of these enterprises, they still carried out sustainability practices that revolve around social, economic, and environmental practices that corporate social responsibility. The study also found out that accommodation industry challenges imposed by external and internal factors.  In order to survive the challenges, Accommodation Industry employed business-level strategies to develop competitive advantage in the market.  It therefore recommended that accommodation industry develop and strengthen their strategic practices taking into consideration their corporate social responsibility.
Features of the Unpublished Katigbawan Festival Dance of Catigbian, Bohol
Authors: Cagulada Elian Rose , Bulilawa Rafunzel Y.
Published: February 2024

The Katigbawan Festival in Catigbian, Bohol, is a celebration deeply rooted in the town's cultural heritage. Among its vibrant components is a dance that encapsulates the spirit and identity of the community. Over the years, cultural practices have undergone transformations, and without careful documentation, the essence of these dances may be lost. In an age of globalization, sustaining local cultural practices is critical to retaining a distinct identity. This study aimed to identify and analyze the distinguishing characteristics of Katigbawan Festival Dance; the symbolism it conveys in the costumes and dance equipment/props used; the purpose of creating the dance; the values demonstrated in the Katigbawan Dance Steps; and the preservation initiatives implemented by the LGU.

This study utilized qualitative descriptive research method with interview guide questions serving as data-gathering methods. The analysis finds that the Katigbawan Festival's basic dance steps are classified as festival dance, with motions arranged within time signatures of 2/2, 3/4, and 4/4. The research also sheds light on the symbiotic link that exists between the dance steps (Katigbi, Tigbaw, and Kabaw) and the matching costumes and props. These elements contain basic qualities such as thankfulness, ingenuity, power, and hard work. The costume represents the Carabao, also capturing the sense of nature which is the cave and the growth of the plant Katigbi. Dance equipment and props are artfully intertwined throughout the performance to represent the richness of natural resources.