bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left atrial reservoir strain is a superior discriminator of cardioembolism in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Bhat Aditya , Gan Gary C H , Chen Henry H L , Khanna Shaun , Mahajan Vipul , Gupta Arnav , Burdusel Camelia , Wolfe Nigel , Lee Lina , Nunes Maria Carmo P , Taconeli Cesar Augusto , da Silva José Luiz Padilha , Tan Timothy C
Published: March 2024

Aims

Echocardiographic measures of left heart size and function have long been associated with cardioembolic mechanisms of stroke development, however, the diagnostic performance and comparison of measures of atrial function in this context has not been well studied. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) in identification of cardioembolism in the ischaemic stroke population relative to traditional measures of left heart size and function.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients admitted to our institution with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack were recruited and underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography. Strokes were classified by aetiology with comparison undertaken between cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic types. Four hundred and eighteen consecutive stroke patients with a cardioembolic (n = 229) or non-cardioembolic (n = 189) stroke aetiology were analysed. LASr was impaired in cardioembolic compared with non-cardioembolic strokes (16.7 ± 8.2% vs. 26.0 ± 5.5%, P < 0.01) and provided greatest discrimination [area under the curve (AUC) 0.813, 95%CI 0.773–0.858] in differentiating stroke subtypes when compared with LVEF (AUC difference 0.150, P < 0.01), LAVI (AUC difference 0.083, P < 0.01), and E/e’ (AUC difference 0.163, P < 0.01). Inclusion of LASr in a model with conventional left heart echocardiographic factors improved model performance with a net reclassification improvement of 1.083 (95%CI 0.945–1.220, P < 0.01). Further, a proposed user-defined model-based clinical algorithm with LASr demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy of the identification of cardioembolic stroke subtypes which was best appreciated in patients without atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

LASr may provide enhanced diagnostic accuracy beyond conventional echocardiographic measures to discriminate cardioembolic from non-cardioembolic stroke mechanisms, in particular amongst those without comorbid atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation ablation workflow optimization facilitated by high-power short-duration ablation and high-resolution mapping
Authors: Fink Thomas , Sciacca Vanessa , Nischik Flemming , Bergau Leonard , Guckel Denise , El Hamriti Mustapha , Khalaph Moneeb , Braun Martin , Winnik Stephan , Didenko Maxim , Imnadze Guram , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian
Published: March 2024

Aims

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a time-demanding procedure. High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation protocols and high-density mapping catheters have recently been introduced to clinical practice. We investigated the impact of high-density mapping and HPSD ablation protocols on procedural timing, efficacy, and safety by comparing different standardized set-ups.

Methods and results

Three electrophysiology (EP) laboratory set-ups were analysed: (i) circular catheter for mapping and HPSD ablation with 30/35 W guided by an ablation index (AI); (ii) pentaspline catheter for mapping an HPSD ablation with 50 W guided by an AI; and (iii) pentaspline catheter for mapping and HPSD ablation with 90 W over 4 s using a novel ablation catheter. All patients underwent PVI without additional left atrial ablation strategies. Procedural data and operating intervals in the EP laboratory were systematically analysed. Three hundred seven patients were analysed (30/35 W AI: n = 102, 50 W AI: n = 102, 90 W/4 s: n = 103). Skin-to-skin times [105.3 ± 22.7 (30/35 W AI) vs. 81.4 ± 21.3 (50 W AI) vs. 69.5 ± 12.2 (90 W/4 s) min, P ≤ 0.001] and total laboratory times (132.8 ± 42.1 vs. 107.4 ± 25.7 vs. 95.2 ± 14.0 min, P < 0.001) significantly differed among the study groups. Laboratory interval analysis revealed significant shortening of mapping and ablation times. Arrhythmia-free survival after 12 months was not different among the study groups (log-rank P = 0.96).

Conclusion

The integration of high-density mapping and HPSD protocols into an institutional AF ablation process resulted in reduced procedure times without compromising safety or efficacy.
Grüneisen parameter formalism in the study of the Earth’s core formation: a sensitivity study
Authors: Clesi Vincent , Deguen Renaud
Published: March 2024

The Grüneisen parameter is an important parameter for the thermal state and evolution of the core, but its uncertainties and their implications are sometimes overlooked. Several formalisms using different parameters values have been used in different studies, making comparison between studies difficult. In this paper, we use previously published data sets to test the sensitivity of modelling the thermal state of the early core to the different formalisms and parameter values used to describe the evolution of the Grüneisen parameter with density. The temperature of the core obtained in our models is less sensitive to the uncertainties of the parameters used in Al’Tshuler et al. formalism than the uncertainties of the parameters used in Anderson formalism.
The philanthropic privatization of supranational justice?
Authors: Parau Cristina E
Published: March 2024

In European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation, Gaëtan Cliquennois illustrates how a handful of tax-exempt philanthropic foundations, predominantly American, have redefined European courts to further their commercial agenda. Foundations such as the Open Society and Ford Foundation finance activist non-governmental organizations to carry out litigation that promotes the philanthropies’ preferred policy objectives, notably exemplified by systematic disregard for socio-economic human rights, which conflict with neoliberal principles. This review essay suggests that a deeper understanding of these dynamics can be achieved by moving beyond the philanthropic facade to view these benefactors not merely as neoliberals exploiting tax breaks for their lobbying activities, but more broadly as oligopolists converting their immense wealth into considerable non-majoritarian political power. Cliquennois’s findings reveal a situation less reminiscent of a “new Cold War” in lawfare, as he puts it, indicating a balanced contest, but rather a comprehensive Kulturkampf weaponizing supranational courts to undermine traditional Christian values and national sovereignty. Cliquennois encourages us to scrutinize the genuine philanthropic nature of these organizations, and, importantly, to assess their real effect on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
How Truth Commissions Can Effect Transformative Change in a Polarized Age
Authors: Sunga Seetal
Published: March 2024

Truth and reconciliation commissioners face the challenge of establishing legitimacy with survivors, victims and broader society, determining a way forward that will have longterm transformative impacts and completing their mandates. In this article, the author suggests ways for truth and reconciliation commissioners to ethically design activities around survivors voicing their experiences, creating space for management of fear, ethical learning, remembering and resurgence of epistemic resources. To do so, she engages with the work of several relational philosophers to propose areas of attention for newly appointed commissioners as they begin their work. How we understand memory, epistemic injustice, ethical fearing and calling in instead of calling out all lead the author to suggest that care around the design of processes around testimony, listening, sharing and responding will have the potential for transformation through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s activities.
On the Moments of the Number of Representations as Sums of Two Prime Squares
Authors: Sabuncu Cihan
Published: March 2024

We study the moments of the function that counts the number of representations of an integer as sums of two prime squares. We refine some of the previous arguments and apply the Selberg sieve to get an unconditional upper bound for all moments. We also prove a lower bound for all moments conditional on some generalization of the Green-Tao theorem on linear equations in primes. More precisely, for the fifth moment and onward, we get the expected order of magnitude lower and upper bounds. In addition, we provide some heuristics on the mass function of this representation function.
High CD62L expression predicts the generation of chimeric antigen receptor T cells with potent effector functions
Authors: Kasuya Hitomi , Zhang Haosong , Ito Yusuke , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Nakashima Takahiro , Li Yang , Matsukawa Tetsuya , Inoue Satoshi , Kagoya Yuki
Published: March 2024

The efficient generation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is highly influenced by the quality of apheresed T cells. Healthy donor-derived T cells usually proliferate better than patients-derived T cells and are precious resources to generate off-the-shelf CAR-T cells. However, relatively little is known about the determinants that affect the efficient generation of CAR-T cells from healthy donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) compared with those from the patients’ own PBMCs. We here examined the efficiency of CAR-T cell generation from multiple healthy donor samples and analyzed its association with the phenotypic features of the starting peripheral blood T cells. We found that CD62L expression levels within CD8+ T cells were significantly correlated with CAR-T cell expansion. Moreover, high CD62L expression within naïve T cells was associated with the efficient expansion of T cells with a stem cell-like memory phenotype, an indicator of high-quality infusion products. Intriguingly, genetic disruption of CD62L significantly impaired CAR-T cell proliferation and cytokine production upon antigen stimulation. Conversely, ectopic expression of a shedding-resistant CD62L mutant augmented CAR-T cell effector functions compared to unmodified CAR-T cells, resulting in improved antitumor activity in vivo. Collectively, we identified the surface expression of CD62L as a concise indicator of potent T-cell proliferation. CD62L expression is also associated with the functional properties of CAR-T cells. These findings are potentially applicable to selecting optimal donors to massively generate CAR-T cell products.
Informally Governing International Development: G7 Coordination and Orchestration in Aid
Authors: Cormier Ben , Heinzel Mirko , Reinsberg Bernhard
Published: March 2024

Abstracts

Informal groupings like the G7 aim to address global development challenges but lack the administrative and budgetary capacity to drive change directly. Instead, the G7 seeks to catalyze international action that reflects its priorities. For example, the G7 attempts to set the international development agenda by publishing annual communiqués with actionable commitments designed to influence the behavior of G7 donor countries, non-G7 donor countries, and international organizations. But questions about the G7’s ultimate impact persist, as critics contend the informal G7 can do little more than pay lip service to development challenges. We provide empirical evidence that the G7 shapes international development in two ways. First, when the G7 emphasizes a policy area in its annual communiqués, donors allocate more aid to that policy area. Second, when the G7 highlights a policy area in its annual communiqués, donors establish more trust funds in that policy area. This suggests the G7 serves simultaneous coordination and orchestration roles in international development: it coordinates its member states’ aid and orchestrates non-G7 bilateral and multilateral aid. The study’s theory, approach, and findings can inform further research on whether and how informal organizations ultimately affect states, formal international organizations, international cooperation, and global governance.
Pathophysiology of Severe Burn Injuries: New Therapeutic Opportunities From a Systems Perspective
Authors: Dobson Geoffrey P , Morris Jodie L , Letson Hayley L
Published: March 2024

Severe burn injury elicits a profound stress response with the potential for high morbidity and mortality. If polytrauma is present, patient outcomes appear to be worse. Sex-based comparisons indicate females have worse outcomes than males. There are few effective drug therapies to treat burn shock and secondary injury progression. The lack of effective drugs appears to arise from the current treat-as-you-go approach rather than a more integrated systems approach. In this review, we present a brief history of burns research and discuss its pathophysiology from a systems’ perspective. The severe burn injury phenotype appears to develop from a rapid and relentless barrage of damage-associated molecular patterns, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and neural afferent signals, which leads to a state of hyperinflammation, immune dysfunction, coagulopathy, hypermetabolism, and intense pain. We propose that if the central nervous system control of cardiovascular function and endothelial-glycocalyx-mitochondrial coupling can be restored early, these secondary injury processes may be minimized. The therapeutic goal is to switch the injury phenotype to a healing phenotype by reducing fluid leak and maintaining tissue O2 perfusion. Currently, no systems-based therapies exist to treat severe burns. We have been developing a small-volume fluid therapy comprising adenosine, lidocaine, and magnesium (ALM) to treat hemorrhagic shock, traumatic brain injury, and sepsis. Our early studies indicate that the ALM therapy holds some promise in supporting cardiovascular and pulmonary functions following severe burns. Future research will investigate the ability of ALM therapy to treat severe burns with polytrauma and sex disparities, and potential translation to humans.
Numerical investigation of entropy generation of Joule heating in non-axisymmetric flow of hybrid nanofluid towards stretching surface
Authors: Rafique Khadija , Mahmood Zafar , Adnan  , Khan Umar , Muhammad Taseer , El-Rahman Magda Abd , Bajri Sanaa A , El-Wahed Khalifa Hamiden Abd
Published: March 2024

The industrial sector has shown a growing interest in hybrid nanofluids affected by magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) owing to their wide range of applications, including photovoltaic water heaters and scraped surface heat exchangers. The main purpose of this study is to look at how entropy is created in a hybrid nanofluid of ${\rm{A{{l}_2}{{O}_3}{-}Cu}}$ mixed with ${\rm{{{H}_2}O}}$ at a non-axisymmetric stagnation point flow with Joule heating and viscous dissipation. By using appropriate non-similarity transformations, the partial differential equations (PDEs) governing the boundary layer region of this issue are transformed into a set of non-linear PDEs. The BVP4c MATLAB program, which uses local non-similarity and additional truncation, may fix the problem. The velocity profiles in both directions grow when the values of ${{\phi }_2},\ M,\lambda $, and A parameters increase. The temperature profile rises as the values of A and $Ec$ grow and lowers as ${{\phi }_2}$ and M increase. The obtained numerical findings demonstrate significant impacts on both the heat transfer rate and fluid flow parameters of the hybrid nanofluid. When the concentration of nanoparticles and the magnetic parameter are heightened, there is an enhancement seen in the skin friction coefficient and decline in heat transfer rate. In addition, the entropy production profile shows an increasing tendency as a function of the parameters ${{\phi }_2},\ M,$ and $Br,$ while demonstrating a decreasing tendency of function of the parameter $\alpha $. The Bejan number profile has a positive correlation with the parameter $\alpha $ but shows a negative correlation with the variables ${{\phi }_2},\ M,$ and $Br$.
Kinematical small-scale fluctuations do not affect the measurement of the dynamical mass of galaxies
Authors: Zhong Zehao , Zhao Gang
Published: March 2024

The stellar kinematics of low-mass galaxies are usually observed to be very unsmooth with significant kinematical fluctuations in small scales, which cannot be consistent with the projected centrosymmetric stellar kinematics obtained from commonly used dynamical models. In this work, we aim to test whether the high degree of kinematical fluctuations affects the dynamical mass estimate of galaxies. We use the asymmetry parameter η obtained from the 180° rotation self-subtraction of stellar kinematics of galaxies to quantify the degree of kinematical small-scale fluctuations. We use TNG50 numerical simulation to construct a large sample of mock galaxies with known total masses, and then obtained the virial dynamical mass estimator of these mock galaxies. We find that the dynamical masses within three-dimensional Re to the mock galaxy centres are overall averagely accurate within around 0.1 dex under the symmetric assumption, while Re means the projected circularized half-stellar mass radius in this work. We study the local virial mass estimation bias for mock galaxies of different η. The maximum bias difference of two η bins is around 0.16 dex, which with other local biases may help apply the observational virial mass estimators obtained from massive galaxies to other types of galaxies. We find that the Spearman’s ρ of η with the intrinsic mass estimation deviations is near zero if the local bias is eliminated properly. The results indicate that even for low-mass galaxies, the existence of high degree of kinematical small-scale fluctuations does not affect the measurement of the dynamical mass of galaxies.
Properties of a fading AGN from SDSS-IV MaNGA
Authors: Mo Hao , Chen Yan-Mei , Zhang Zhi-Yun , Moiseev Alexei , Bizyaev Dmitry , Shi Yong , Gu Qiu-Sheng , Bao Min , Cao Xiao , Li Song-Lin
Published: March 2024

We identify a fading AGN SDSS J220141.64+115124.3 from the internal Product Launch-11 (MPL-11) in Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey. The central region with a projected radius of $\sim$2.4 kpc is characterized as LINER-like line ratios while the outskirts extended to $\sim$15 kpc show Seyfert-like line ratios. The ${\rm{[O {\small III}]}}$$\lambda$5007 luminosity of the Seyfert regions is a factor of 37 (2) higher than the LINER regions without (with) dust attenuation correction, suggesting that the AGN activity decreases at least $\sim$8 $\times$ 10$^3$ yr ($\sim$2.4 kpc/light-speed) ago. We model the emission line spectra in the central region with double Gaussian components (a narrow core and a broad wing) and analyse the properties of each component. The narrow core component mostly co-rotates with the stellar disc, whereas the broad wing component with a median of the velocity dispersion $\sim$300 km s$^{-1}$ is related to a wind outflow. The kinematic position angle (PA) of the ionized gas shows an $\sim 20^{\circ }$ twist from the galaxy centre to 1.5 effective radius. The median of the PA difference between the gas and stellar components is as large as $\sim 50^{\circ }$ within 0.4 effective radius. The tidal feature in DESI image and star–gas misalignment suggest this galaxy is a merger remnant. Combining all these observational results as well as public available X-ray and MIR luminosities, we confirm this is a fading AGN, the merger process kick-started the central engine to quasar phase which ionized gas composed of tidal debris, and now the activity of the central black hole decreases. The discontinuity in ${\rm{[O {\small III}]}}$$\lambda$5007 flux and EQW maps is due to multiple AGN outbursts triggered by merger remnant gas inflows.
Mass–radius relation for magnetized white dwarfs from SDSS
Authors: Karinkuzhi Drisya , Mukhopadhyay Banibrata , Wickramasinghe Dayal , Tout Christopher A
Published: March 2024

We present the observational mass–radius (M–R) relation for a sample of 47 magnetized white dwarfs (WDs) with the magnetic field strength (B) ranging from 1 to 773 MG, identified from the SDSS data release 7 (DR7). We derive their effective temperature, surface gravity (log g), luminosity, radius, and mass. While atmospheric parameters are derived using a Virtual Observatory Spectral Energy Distribution Analyzer (VOSA), the mass is derived using their location in the HR diagram in comparison with the evolutionary tracks of different masses. We implement this mass measurement instead of a more traditional method of deriving masses from log g, which is unreliable as is based on SED and generates errors from other physical parameters involved. The main disadvantage of this method is that we need to assume a core composition of WDs. As it is complicated to identify the exact composition of these WDs from low-resolution spectra, we use tracks for the masses 0.2 to 0.4 M⊙ assuming a He-core, 0.5 to 1.0 M⊙ assuming CO core, and above M⊙ assuming O–Ne–Mg core. We compare the observed M–R relation with those predicted by the finite temperature model by considering different B, which are well in agreement considering their relatively low-surface fields, ≲109 G. Currently, there is no direct observational detection of magnetized WDs with B > 109 G. We propose that our model can be further extrapolated to higher B, which may indicate the existence of super-Chandrasekhar mass (M > 1.4 M⊙) WDs at higher B.
Local limit of non-local gravity: a teleparallel extension of general relativity
Authors: Tabatabaei Javad , Baghram Shant , Mashhoon Bahram
Published: March 2024

We describe a general constitutive framework for a teleparallel extension of the general theory of relativity. This approach goes beyond the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (TEGR) by broadening the analogy with the electrodynamics of media. In particular, the main purpose of this paper is to investigate in detail a local constitutive extension of TEGR that is the local limit of non-local gravity. Within this framework, we study the modified Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker cosmological models. Of these, the most cogent turns out to be the modified Cartesian flat model which is shown to be inconsistent with the existence of a positive cosmological constant. Moreover, dynamic dark energy and other components of the modified Cartesian flat model evolve differently with the expansion of the universe as compared to the standard flat cosmological model. The observational consequences of the modified Cartesian flat model are briefly explored and it is shown that the model is capable of resolving the H0 tension.
Quantifying the bulk density of southern delta aquariid meteoroids: insights from the Canadian automated meteor observatory
Authors: Pinhas Arazi , Krzeminski Zbyszek , Vida Denis , Brown Peter
Published: March 2024

Physical properties of ten millimetre-sized meteoroids from the Southern Delta Aquariids (SDA) shower are derived using optical observations from the Canadian Automated Meteor Observatory between 2020 and 2023. The meteors are found to ablate in two distinct erosion stages, the second stage showing a single, bright leading fragment. Our modelling interprets these observations as evidence for equal masses of compact grains embedded in a porous, low density matrix. The average bulk density of SDA meteors is found to be 1420 ± 100  $\rm {kg \ m^{-3}}$, with the compact component having a density of 2310 ± 160 $\rm {kg \ m^{-3}}$ and the porous component a density of 700 ± 110  $\rm {kg \ m^{-3}}$. The high bulk density of SDA meteors is comparable to densities found for the Quadrantid and Geminid showers, both of which also have low perihelion distances. This suggests that thermal desorption may play a significant role in the processing of meteoroids.
Terahertz flexible multiplexing chip enabled by synthetic topological phase transitions
Authors: Ren Hang , Xu Su , Lyu Zhidong , Li Yuanzhen , Yang Zuomin , Xu Quan , Yu Yong-Sen , Li Yanfeng , Gao Fei , Yu Xianbin , Han Jiaguang , Chen Qi-Dai , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: March 2024

Flexible multiplexing chips that permit reconfigurable multidimensional channel utilization are indispensable for revolutionary 6G terahertz communications, but the insufficient manipulation capability of terahertz waves prevents their practical implementation. Herein, we propose the first experimental demonstration of a flexible multiplexing chip for terahertz communication by revealing the unique mechanism of topological phase (TP) transition and perseveration in a heterogeneously coupled bilayer valley Hall topological photonic system. The synthetic and individual TPs operated in the coupled and decoupled states enable controllable on-chip modular TP transitions and subchannel switching. Two time-frequency interleaved subchannels support 10- and 12-Gbit/s QAM-16 high-speed data streams along corresponding paths over carriers of 120 and 130 GHz with 2.5- and 3-GHz bandwidths, respectively. This work unlocks interlayer heterogeneous TPs for inspiring ingenious on-chip terahertz-wave regulation, allowing functionality-reconfigurable, compactly integrated and CMOS-compatible chips.
Arginine methylation of SM-LIKE PROTEIN 4 antagonistically affects alternative splicing during Arabidopsis stress responses
Authors: Agrofoglio Yamila Carla , Iglesias María José , Perez-Santángelo Soledad , de Leone María José , Koester Tino , Catalá Rafael , Salinas Julio , Yanovsky Marcelo J , Staiger Dorothee , Mateos Julieta L
Published: March 2024

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PROTEIN ARGININE METHYLTRANSFERASE5 (PRMT5) post-translationally modifies RNA-binding proteins by arginine (R) methylation. However, the impact of this modification on the regulation of RNA processing is largely unknown. We used the spliceosome component, SM-LIKE PROTEIN 4 (LSM4), as a paradigm to study the role of R-methylation in RNA processing. We found that LSM4 regulates alternative splicing (AS) of a suite of its in vivo targets identified here. The lsm4 and prmt5 mutants show a considerable overlap of genes with altered AS raising the possibility that splicing of those genes could be regulated by PRMT5-dependent LSM4 methylation. Indeed, LSM4 methylation impacts AS, particularly of genes linked with stress response. Wild-type LSM4 and an unmethylable version complement the lsm4-1 mutant, suggesting that methylation is not critical for growth in normal environments. However, LSM4 methylation increases with abscisic acid and is necessary for plants to grow under abiotic stress. Conversely, bacterial infection reduces LSM4 methylation, and plants that express unmethylable-LSM4 are more resistant to Pseudomonas than those expressing wild-type LSM4. This tolerance correlates with decreased intron retention of immune-response genes upon infection. Taken together, this provides direct evidence that R-methylation adjusts LSM4 function on pre-mRNA splicing in an antagonistic manner in response to biotic and abiotic stress.
Comparative-effectiveness study evaluating outcomes for transforaminal epidural steroid injections performed with 3% hypertonic saline or normal saline in lumbosacral radicular pain
Authors: Munjupong Sithapan , Malaithong Wanwipha , Chantrapannik Ekasak , Ratchano Poomin , Tontisirin Nuj , Cohen Steven P
Published: March 2024

Background

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) are commonly employed to treat lumbosacral radiculopathy. Despite anti-inflammatory properties, the addition of 3% hypertonic saline has not been studied.

Objective

Compare the effectiveness of adding 0.9% NaCl (N-group) vs. 3% NaCl (H-group) in TFESI performed for lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Methods

This retrospective study compared TFESI performed with lidocaine, triamcinolone and 0.9% NaCl vs. lidocaine, triamcinolone and 3% NaCl. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who experienced a ≥ 30% reduction in pain on a verbal rating scale (VRS; 0–100) at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients who improved by at least 30% for pain at 1 and 6 months, and who experienced ≥15% from baseline on the Oswestry disability index (ODI) at follow-up.

Results

The H-group experienced more successful pain outcomes than the N-group at 3 months (59.09% vs. 41.51%; P = .002) but not at 1 month (67.53% vs. 64.78%; P = .61) or 6 months (27.13% vs 21.55%: P = .31). For functional outcome, there was a higher proportion of responders in the H-group than the N-group at 3 months (70.31% vs. 53.46%; P = .002). Female, age ≤ 60 years, and duration of pain ≤ 6 months were associated with superior outcomes at the 3-month endpoint. Although those with a herniated disc experienced better outcomes in general with TFESI, the only difference favoring the H-group was for spondylolisthesis patients.

Conclusions

3% hypertonic saline is a viable alternative to normal saline as an adjunct for TFESI, with randomized studies needed to compare its effectiveness to steroids as a possible alternative.

Registration

Thai Clinical Trials Registry ID TCTR 20231110006
Custom-designed, mass silk production in genetically engineered silkworms
Authors: Yu Ye , Chen Kai , Wang Jingxia , Zhang Zhongjie , Hu Bo , Liu Xiaojing , Lin Zhi , Tan Anjiang
Published: March 2024

Genetically engineered silkworms have been widely used to obtain silk with modified characteristics especially by introducing spider silk genes. However, these attempts are still challenging due to limitations in transformation strategies and difficulties in integration of the large DNA fragments. Here, we describe three different transformation strategies in genetically engineered silkworms, including transcription-activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-mediated fibroin light chain (FibL) fusion (BmFibL-F), TALEN-mediated FibH replacement (BmFibH-R), and transposon-mediated genetic transformation with the silk gland-specific fibroin heavy chain (FibH) promoter (BmFibH-T). As the result, the yields of exogenous silk proteins, a 160 kDa major ampullate spidroin 2 (MaSp2) from the orb-weaving spider Nephila clavipes and a 226 kDa fibroin heavy chain protein (EvFibH) from the bagworm Eumeta variegate, reach 51.02 and 64.13% in BmFibH-R transformed cocoon shells, respectively. Moreover, the presence of MaSp2 or EvFibH significantly enhances the toughness of genetically engineered silk fibers by ∼86% in BmFibH-T and ∼80% in BmFibH-R silkworms, respectively. Structural analysis reveals a substantial ∼40% increase in fiber crystallinity, primarily attributed to the presence of unique polyalanines in the repetitive sequences of MaSp2 or EvFibH. In addition, RNA-seq analysis reveals that BmFibH-R system only causes minor impact on the expression of endogenous genes. Our study thus provides insights into developing custom-designed silk production using the genetically engineered silkworm as the bioreactor.
Self-restraint behavior and partisanship during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from a list experiment in Japan
Authors: Hata Masaki
Published: March 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns were considered a critical measure to control the spread of the virus. While Europe and the United States implemented strict lockdowns that restricted movement, Japan adopted a soft lockdown approach which relied on voluntary compliance without any legal enforcement. As a result, some citizens (especially young people) did not comply with the government’s request for voluntary restraint, and were frequently criticized in the media. To address the question of who did not comply with the government’s soft lockdown and why, this study analyzes a list experiment which measured participation in non-essential activities during Japan’s third COVID-19 wave, when economic stimulus policies and COVID-19 suppression measures were simultaneously implemented. The results showed that in particular young citizens who strongly disliked the ruling party did not comply with the government’s requests to stay at home. It is suggested that during a national crisis, the success of policies based on voluntary cooperation depends on citizens’ pre-crisis levels of trust in the government and the ruling parties.
Parity affects mammary development in late-pregnant swine
Authors: Farmer Chantal , Johannsen Jakob C , Gillies Caroline , Huber Lee-Anne , Hovey Russell C
Published: March 2024

The goal of this project was to determine whether various measures of mammary development differed between gilts and multiparous sows at the end of gestation. During gestation, Yorkshire × Landrace gilts (n = 19) and sows (second and third gestations, n = 17) were fed one daily meal of a conventional corn-based diet, where the amount fed was based on body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) at mating. On day 110 ± 1 of gestation, a jugular blood sample was obtained from all gilts and sows to measure insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose, free fatty acids, and urea. On that same day, BW and BF were measured and animals were euthanized. Mammary glands from one side of the udder were dissected for compositional analyses. The fifth gland of the contralateral row of mammary glands was sampled for histology and immunohistochemical localization of Ki67. There was less total parenchyma (1,437.4 vs. 2,004.7 ± 127.1 g; P < 0.001) and total extraparenchymal tissue (1,691.0 vs. 2,407.0 ± 125.3 g; P < 0.001) in mammary glands of gilts compared to those from sows. When these values were expressed per kg BW (226.0 and 284.0 ± 2.7 kg for gilts and sows, respectively), parenchymal mass did not differ (P > 0.10), while extraparenchymal tissue weight tended to be less in gilts than sows (P = 0.07). All components within the parenchyma differed by parity (P < 0.001). Specifically, parenchymal tissue from gilts contained a greater proportion of fat and dry matter (DM), a lower proportion of protein, and lower concentrations of DNA (6.59 vs. 9.35 ± 0.53 mg/g DM) and RNA (7.76 vs. 12.33 ± 0.70 mg/g DM) than that from sows. On the other hand, the circumference of alveolar lumens was greater in gilts than sows (P < 0.001), while the percentage of epithelial cells that were positive for Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation, was greater in sows than gilts (P < 0.05). Circulating concentrations of IGF-1 were greater in gilts than in multiparous sows (45.0 vs. 27.3 ± 2.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001). None of the other blood variables were changed by parity. Results show a marked effect of parity on mammary gland development in swine. At the end of gestation, the mammary glands of gilts had less parenchyma with lower epithelial proliferation than glands from multiparous sows. These differences could alter the response of mammary tissue to various nutritional or endocrine signals. This information is crucial for the development of management strategies designed to maximize sow milk yield.
Development of a Greenhouse Assay to Screen Soybean Varieties for Resistance to Aerial Blight Caused by Rhizoctonia solani Anastomosis Group 1-IA
Authors: Rodriguez-Herrera Kensy D. , Vargas Alejandra , Amie Jonathan , Price Paul P. , Salgado Leonardo D. , Doyle Vinson P. , Richards Jonathan K. , Moseley David , Rojas Alejandro , Thomas-Sharma Sara
Published: March 2024

Aerial blight, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group (AG) 1-IA, is an economically important soybean disease in the mid-Southern United States. Management has relied on fungicide applications during the season, but there is an increasing prevalence of resistance to commonly used strobilurin fungicides and an urgent need to identify soybean varieties resistant to aerial blight. Because the patchy distribution of the pathogen complicates field variety screening, the present study aimed to develop a greenhouse screening protocol to identify soybean varieties resistant to aerial blight. For this, 88 pathogen isolates were collected from commercial fields and research farms across five Louisiana parishes, and 77% were confirmed to be R. solani AG1-IA. Three polymorphic codominant microsatellite markers were used to explore the genetic diversity of 43 R. solani AG1-IA isolates, which showed high genetic diversity, with 35 haplotypes in total and only two haplotypes common to two other locations. Six genetically diverse isolates were chosen and characterized for their virulence and fungicide sensitivity. The isolate AC2 was identified as the most virulent and was resistant to both active ingredients, azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin, tested. The six isolates were used in greenhouse variety screening trials using a millet inoculation protocol. Of the 31 varieties screened, only Armor 48-D25 was classified as moderately resistant, and plant height to the first node influenced final disease severity. The study provides short-term solutions for growers to choose less susceptible varieties for planting and lays the foundation to characterize host resistance against this important soybean pathogen.
A Multiplex RT-PCR for the Detection of Three Viruses and One Viroid Infecting Hemp
Authors: Grunwald Derrick J. , MacWilliams Jacob , Hackenberg Laine , Stroschein Sydney , Rioux Renee , Nachappa Punya , Ellison Shelby
Published: March 2024

Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) is an emerging industrial crop in the United States. In recent surveys of hemp growers, disease identification and management were determined to be significant priority areas for future research. From previous studies on disease identification in Western U.S. hemp production systems, hop latent viroid (HLVd), beet curly top virus (BCTV), Cannabis sativa mitovirus 1 (CasaMV1), and citrus yellow vein associated virus (CYVaV) were detected at high incidences. In the present study, a multiplex reverse transcription PCR protocol was developed to detect this viroid and viruses from hemp leaf samples simultaneously. Using the developed protocol, the multiplex reverse transcription PCR could detect each virus and viroid specifically in 10−1-diluted cDNA. The protocol was validated on 6 hemp metavirome leaf samples from field-grown hemp grown in 2019 and 23 uncharacterized leaf samples in 2021 from Colorado. Of the samples tested, 95% tested positive for CasaMV1 in 2021. This was greater than infections of BCTV (4%), HLVd (0%), and CYVaV (0%). Coinfections accounted for 4% of samples in 2021. This method offers sensitive, specific, and fast simultaneous detection of three viruses and one viroid from hemp, contributing to large-scale pathogen-free hemp certification schemes.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Flexor Pollicis Longus Reconstruction After Rupture Following Distal Radius Fixation With Volar Locking Plate: A Technique Guide
Authors: Welbeck Arakua , Goldfarb Charles A. , Calfee Ryan P. , Dy Christopher J.
Published: March 2024

Flexor pollicis longus rupture is an uncommon but potentially debilitating complication after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures, occurring secondary to tendon attrition against the implant. This nature of tendon injury typically precludes primary repair. This paper will illustrate 2 reconstruction techniques, an interpositional tendon graft and a tendon transfer, that have been utilized successfully by the authors.
A comprehensive clinical evaluation of HER2-TKIs in patients with previously treated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Ji Wen-Jun , Lu Xuan , Wang Yu-Gang , Chen Lin-Wei
Published: March 2024

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (HER2-TKIs) have been extensively utilized for treating HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), with numerous clinical trial reports available. We aim to systematically perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation on HER2-TKIs, provide a reference for the clinical rational use of drugs, and serve for the decision-making of the national drug policy. We performed comprehensive clinical evaluation in six dimensions including safety, effectiveness, economy, suitability, accessibility, and innovation through meta-analysis, literature review, drug administration websites, and other relevant medication data to analyze HER2-TKIs in treating HER2-positive MBC. For safety, the risk of ≥ grade 3 adverse events among pyrotinib, lapatinib, and neratinib is not significantly different. Furthermore, pyrotinib and neratinib were found to be higher in the risk of ≥ grade 3 diarrhea than lapatinib, however the risk could be reversed and prevented with loperamide. Regarding effectiveness and economy, pyrotinib was confirmed to have the best efficacy and cost-utility value, neratinib the second, and lapatinib the third. As regards innovation and suitability, pyrotinib showed better than other HER2-TKIs. In addition, pyrotinib received a higher recommendation than other HER2-TKIs in patients with HER2-positive MBC. The accessibility of pyrotinib was found to be the best with better urban, rural, and national affordability and lower annual treatment costs. Pyrotinib is more valuable in clinics with better safety, effectiveness, economy, suitability, accessibility, and innovation in HER2-positive MBC. This study could provide references for the clinical application of HER2-TKIs in treating HER2-positive MBC.
First Phase Development of a Patient-reported Outcome Measure for Midface Oncology
Authors: Yung Amanda E. , Luong Jason , Crouch Gareth , Hong Angela M. , Ananda Arjuna , Taylor Simon , Kotronakis Ilias , Low Tsu-Hui (Hubert) , Elliott Michael S. , McBride Kate , Rutherford Claudia , Clark Jonathan R. , Ch’ng Sydney
Published: March 2024

Background:

Facial cancer surgery involving the midface (comprising the lower eyelids, nose, cheeks, and upper lip) can have debilitating life-changing functional, social, and psychological impacts on the patient. Midface symptoms are inadequately captured by existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs are increasingly used for individual patient care, quality improvement, and standardized reporting of treatment outcomes. This study aimed to present our findings from the first phase of the development of a midface, specifically periocular and nasal, PROM.

Methods:

After international guidance for PROM development, the first phase comprised identification of salient issues and item generation. Fifteen patients who had midface surgery and 10 clinicians from various specialties with more than 5 years’ experience treating these patients were recruited. Semi-structured interviews explored aesthetic, functional, social, and psychological outcomes, with specific attention to deficiencies in current PROMs. Thematic analysis was used to develop an item pool, and group interviews with clinicians were carried out to create and refine PROM scales.

Results:

Qualitative data from patient interviews were grouped into aesthetic, functional, and psychosocial domains for the eyelids and nose. Ninety-nine draft items were generated across these domains. Following focus group discussions, the final version of the midface-specific PROM contained 31 items (13 eye-specific, 10-nose-specific, eight general midface items).

Conclusions:

This midface-specific PROM is valuable in assessing and comparing patient-reported outcomes in those who have undergone complex resection and reconstruction of the midface. This PROM is currently undergoing field testing.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Firefighters
Authors: Kue Jennifer , Piñeiro Bárbara , Gutierrez Ana , Essa Miranda , Szalacha Laura , Moffatt Steven M. , Muegge Carolyn M. , Candito Dianna , Ashraf Noman , Menon Usha
Published: March 2024

Objective

Firefighters are at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet rates of CRC screening are low among this occupational group. This study examines perceived risks, barriers, and facilitators to CRC screening.

Methods

Three semistructured focus group discussions were conducted by investigators in Tucson, AZ. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in the data.

Results

Three groups of firefighters (8 male (57%); 6 female (43%) mean age 50.4 (SD = 12.2) years) voluntarily participated in the CRC discussions. Four major themes were examined: (1) perceptions of risk for CRC, (2) barriers to cancer screening, (3) facilitators to getting cancer screening, and (4) misinformation about CRC and screening.

Conclusions

Findings indicate unique perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs among firefighters. Results from this study will inform the adaptation of a tailored CRC screening intervention for firefighters.
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy based on PD-1/L1 inhibitors for gastrointestinal tumors: a review of the rationale and clinical advances
Authors: Wang Dong-Xu , Liu Hui , Tian Jin-Cheng , Zhang Dao-Lin , Yan Lun-Jie , Ding Zi-Niu , Li Han , Yan Yu-Chuan , Dong Zhao-Ru , Li Tao
Published: March 2024

The landscape of current tumor treatment has been revolutionized by the advent of immunotherapy based on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Leveraging its capacity to mobilize systemic antitumor immunity, which is primarily mediated by T cells, there is growing exploration and expansion of its potential value in various stages of clinical tumor treatment. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy induces a robust immune response against tumors prior to surgery, effectively facilitating tumor volume reduction, early eradication or suppression of tumor cell activity, and control of potential metastatic spread, to improve curative surgical resection rates, and prevent tumor recurrence. This review delineates the theoretical basis of neoadjuvant immunotherapy from preclinical research evidence, discusses specific challenges in clinical application, and provides a comprehensive overview of clinical research progress in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors. These findings suggest that neoadjuvant immunotherapy has the potential to ameliorate immunosuppressive states and enhance cytotoxic T cell function while preserving lymphatic drainage in the preoperative period. However, further investigations are needed on specific treatment regimens, suitable patient populations, and measurable endpoints. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the promising efficacy and manageable adverse events of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors, the availability of high-quality randomized controlled trials is limited, which highlights the necessity for further research.
Intentional wedge resection versus segmentectomy for ≤2 cm ground-glass-opacity-dominant non-small cell lung cancer: a real-world study using inverse probability of treatment weighting
Authors: Liu Chengwu , Yang Zhenyu , Li Yiming , Guo Chenglin , Xia Liang , Zhang Weiheng , Xiao Congjia , Mei Jiandong , Liao Hu , Zhu Yunke , Lin Feng , Ma Lin , Pu Qiang , Liu Lunxu
Published: March 2024

Background:

Whether wedge resection is oncological suitable for ground glass opacity (GGO)-dominant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ≤2 cm is still debatable. The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term and long-term outcomes of intentional wedge resection and segmentectomy for those patients.

Materials and Methods:

This was a real-world study from one of the largest thoracic surgery centers in West China. Patients who underwent intentional wedge resection or segmentectomy for ≤2 cm CTR (consolidation-to-tumor) ≤0.5 NSCLC were consecutively included between December 2009 and December 2018. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Long-term outcomes, including overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS), were analyzed using Cox proportional model.

Results:

A total of 1209 patients were included (497 in the wedge resection group, 712 in the segmentectomy group). Compared to segmentectomy, wedge resection had a significantly lower rate of complications (3.8 vs. 7.7%, P=0.008), a shorter operating time (65 min vs. 114 min, P<0.001), and a shorter postoperative stay (3 days vs. 4 days, P<0.001). The median follow-up was 70.1 months. The multivariate Cox model indicated that wedge resection had survival outcomes that were similar to segmentectomy in terms of 5-year OS (98.8 vs. 99.6%, HR=1.98, 95% CI: 0.59–6.68, P=0.270), 5-year RFS (98.8 vs. 99.5%, HR=1.88, 95% CI: 0.56–6.31, P=0.307) and 5-year LCSS (99.9 vs. 99.6%, HR=1.76, 95% CI: 0.24–13.15, P=0.581).

Conclusion:

Intentional wedge resection is an appropriate choice for ≤2 cm GGO-dominant NSCLC.