bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-coding regulatory sRNAs from bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex
Authors: Matos Gonçalo R. , Feliciano Joana R. , Leitão Jorge H.
Published: April 2024

Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression in bacteria. Hundreds of sRNAs have been found using in silico genome analysis and experimentally based approaches in bacteria of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). However, and despite the hundreds of sRNAs identified so far, the number of functionally characterized sRNAs from these bacteria remains very limited. In this mini-review, we describe the general characteristics of sRNAs and the main mechanisms involved in their action as regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression, as well as the work done so far in the identification and characterization of sRNAs from Bcc. The number of functionally characterized sRNAs from Bcc is expected to increase and to add new knowledge on the biology of these bacteria, leading to novel therapeutic approaches to tackle the infections caused by these opportunistic pathogens, particularly severe among cystic fibrosis patients.

Key points

•Hundreds of sRNAs have been identified in Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria (Bcc).

•A few sRNAs have been functionally characterized in Bcc.

•Functionally characterized Bcc sRNAs play major roles in metabolism, biofilm formation, and virulence.
The effect of prednisolone and a short-term prednisolone discontinuation for the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT in polymyalgia rheumatica—a prospective study of 101 patients
Authors: Nielsen Andreas Wiggers , Hansen Ib Tønder , Nielsen Berit Dalsgaard , Kjær Søren Geill , Blegvad-Nissen Jesper , Rewers Kate , Sørensen Christian Møller , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe , Gormsen Lars Christian , Keller Kresten Krarup
Published: April 2024

Purpose

2-[18F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has been suggested as an imaging modality to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). However, the applicability of FDG-PET/CT remains unclear, especially following glucocorticoid administration. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT before and during prednisolone treatment, as well as following short-term prednisolone discontinuation.

Methods

Treatment naïve suspected PMR patients were clinically diagnosed at baseline and subsequently had an FDG-PET/CT performed. Patients diagnosed with PMR were administered prednisolone following the first FDG-PET/CT and had a second FDG-PET/CT performed after 8 weeks of treatment. Subsequently, prednisolone was tapered with short-term discontinuation at week 9 followed by a third FDG-PET/CT at week 10. An FDG-PET/CT classification of PMR/non-PMR was applied, utilizing both the validated Leuven score and a dichotomous PMR score. The final diagnosis was based on clinical follow-up after 1 year.

Results

A total of 68 and 27 patients received a final clinical diagnosis of PMR or non-PMR. A baseline FDG-PET/CT classified the patients as having PMR with a sensitivity/specificity of 86%/63% (Leuven score) and 82%/70% (dichotomous score). Comparing the subgroup of non-PMR with inflammatory diseases to the PMR group demonstrated a specificity of 39%/54% (Leuven/dichotomous score). After 8 weeks of prednisolone treatment, the sensitivity of FDG-PET/CT decreased to 36%/41% (Leuven/dichotomous score), while a short-term prednisolone discontinuation increased the sensitivity to 66%/60%.

Conclusion

FDG-PET/CT has limited diagnostic accuracy for differentiating PMR from other inflammatory diseases. If FDG-PET/CT is intended for diagnostic purposes, prednisolone should be discontinued to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04519580). Registered 17th of August 2020.
The prognostic and potentially immunomodulatory role of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in patients with gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Papadakos Konstantinos S. , Gorji-Bahri Gilar , Gialeli Chrysostomi , Hedner Charlotta , Hagerling Catharina , Svensson Maria C. , Jeremiasen Martin , Borg David , Fristedt Richard , Jirström Karin , Blom Anna M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a novel regulator of the tumor microenvironment. Studies in colon cancer and pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma have revealed COMP expression to be associated with decreased infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, the expression of COMP was investigated in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma with particular reference to its the relationship with the immune microenvironment.

Methods

COMP expression was evaluated in tissue microarrays representing primary tumors from 159 patients with chemo- and radiotherapy naïve esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma and 67 matched samples of lymph node metastases using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, collagen fibers were stained with Sirius Red and evaluated with the FIJI macro TWOMBLI algorithm.

Results

The expression of COMP in cancer cells in the entire cohort was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.013) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.029), while COMP expression in the stroma was correlated with shorter RFS (p = 0.042). Similar correlations were found for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, whereas COMP expression was not prognostic in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Further, in the entire cohort, the expression of COMP in the stroma was correlated with exclusion of different populations of immune cells (CD8+, CD3+, FoxP3+, CD20+) from the tumor microenvironment. Finally, higher density and alignment of collagen fibers were correlated with the expression of COMP in the stroma.

Conclusions

Expression of COMP in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma was correlated with shorter OS and RFS. A reduced number of immune cells infiltrated the tumor microenvironment when COMP expression was detected. This phenomenon could be attributed to the denser collagen deposits, a hallmark of tumor fibrosis observed in COMP-expressing tumors.
Rethinking the sub-Antarctic terrestrial N-cycle: evidence for organic N acquisition by Marion Island grasses
Authors: Pallett Nita C. M. , Ripley Brad S. , Greve Michelle , Cramer Michael D.
Published: April 2024

Organic N (oN, e.g., amino acids) is an important N-resource for plants in soils replete with oN but not inorganic N (iN; i.e., NH4+ and NO3−), such as cold ecosystems with temperature-limited soil decomposition rates. However, sub-Antarctic literature assumes that plants only acquire iN, potentially underestimating plant-available N. We hypothesised that Marion Island (− 46.90°, 37.75°) grasses (Polypogon magellanicus, Poa cookii, Agrostis stolonifera and Poa annua) acquire oN and that oN relative to iN provision affects plant growth. We investigated oN and iN uptake and growth responses in two hydroponics experiments. In situ N (15N-glycine, 15NO3− and 15NH4+) acquisition was investigated at three field sites with decreasing faunal influence, thus iN input and microbial activity. When plants grown in mire water were supplied with 15N-glycine or 15NO3−, root δ15N enrichment was highest for glycine-supplied plants. In the second hydroponics experiment, plant N-uptake rates (nmol g biomass−1 s−1) were significantly higher for glycine than NO3−, but relative growth rates (g g−1 d−1) lower on glycine. There were species-specific biomass allocation responses to N concentration (4 mM and 0.4 mM) and N-form (glycine and NO3−). Glycine-supplied grasses at the low iN concentration field sites had significantly higher δ15N enrichment relative to those at sites with high iN, suggesting higher oN uptake when iN is limiting. We demonstrate the importance of accounting for oN acquisition in the sub-Antarctic. As a system with high soil oN relative to iN, plants may predominantly meet N-demands through oN rather than iN acquisition.
Occipital nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with refractory occipital neuralgia
Authors: Mossner James , Saleh Nour B. , Shahin Maryam N. , Rosenow Joshua M. , Raskin Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a disabling problem within the pediatric population. Many of these patients fail medical therapies and continue to suffer without further surgical management. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is used to treat ON in the adult population leading to a 72–89% reduction in pain; however, there are limited studies regarding its use in the pediatric population. In this study, we examined the outcomes of ONS in pediatric patients with medically refractory ON.

Methods

We performed a chart review of pediatric patients at our institution who have undergone ONS for the same indications.

Results

We identified 3 patients at our institution who underwent ONS trial and/or permanent implantation for ON. One patient had complete pain relief after the trial and declined permanent implantation. The other patient had fewer attacks compared to his pre-trial baseline and controlled them by adjusting his permanent implant stimulation settings. The last patient had near complete relief of her symptoms and no longer required any pain medication.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the paucity of studies evaluating the utility of ONS in the pediatric ON population. Limited data from both the literature and our institution’s experience reveal that pediatric patients may benefit from trial and/or permanent implantation of ONS for medically refractory ON pain.
Impact of pulmonary hypertension on outcomes after TEER in patients suffering from mitral regurgitation
Authors: Jaeger Philippa , Toskas Ioannis , Henes Jessica-Kristin , Shcherbyna Serhii , Schwarz Frederic , Euper Miriam , Seizer Peter , Langer Harald , May Andreas E. , Geisler Tobias , Gawaz Meinrad , Schreieck Jürgen , Rath Dominik
Published: April 2024

Aim

Data on associations of invasively determined hemodynamic parameters with procedural success and outcomes in patients suffering from mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve (M-TEER) is limited.

Methods and results

We enrolled 239 patients with symptomatic MR of grade 2 + , who received M-TEER. All patients underwent extensive pre-interventional invasive hemodynamic measurements via right heart catheterization (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), systolic- (PAPsys) and diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPdia), pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP), a-wave, v-wave, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI)). mPAP and PAWP at baseline were neither associated with procedural success, immediate reduction of MR, nor residual MR after 6 months of follow-up. The composite outcome (All-cause mortality (ACM) and/or heart failure induced rehospitalization (HFH)) and HFH differed significantly after M-TEER when stratified according to mPAP, PAWP, PAPdia, a-wave and v-wave. ACM was not associated with the afore mentioned parameters. Neither PVR, TPG, CI nor SVI were associated with the composite outcome and HFH, respectively. In multivariable analyses, PAWP was independently associated with the composite outcome and HFH. PVR and SVI were not associated with outcomes.

Conclusion

PAWP at baseline was significantly and independently associated with HFH and might serve as a valuable parameter for identifying patients at high risk for HFH after M-TEER. ACM and procedural success were not affected by pulmonary arterial pressure before M-TEER. We suggest that the post-capillary component of PH serves as the driving force behind the risk of HFH.
Fibrous dysplasia of the head and neck in Southern Finland: a retrospective study on clinical characteristics, diagnostics, and treatment
Authors: Vilos Isabella , Nieminen Mikko T. , Mäkitie Riikka E.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare genetic disease with benign bone tumors. FD can affect one (monostotic FD) or multiple bones (polyostotic FD), with craniofacial lesions being common. Because of its rarity, there are only few clinical reports on FD in the head and neck region and its clinical characteristics remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to determine patient demographics, symptoms, diagnostics, and given treatment in patients with FD of the head and neck in a Finnish population.

Methods

A retrospective review on all patients diagnosed with or treated for FD of the head and neck at the Helsinki University Hospital during 2005–2020.

Results

In total 74 patients were identified; 54% were male and the mean age 45 years. Overall 95% had monostotic FD. Mandibula and maxilla were the most common anatomic sites. Majority of patients had symptoms, most commonly pain and lesion growth, and 49% had extra-skeletal symptoms. For all, diagnosis was primarily based on imaging findings, biopsies were obtained from 41%. Altogether 54 patients (73%) were managed by observation only, 20 patients (27%) received treatment; ten bisphosphonates, six surgery and four both.

Conclusion

Although highly variable in its clinical manifestations, head and neck FD lesions are often symptomatic and impose risk for extra-skeletal complications. Treatment is often conservative but should be individually tailored. Future studies are encouraged to better define the disease characteristics and hopefully offer new treatment possibilities.
Cancer survivorship in urban people living with cancer following primary treatment: A secondary analysis of qualitative interview data
Authors: Mahmood Saood , Graham Florence , Cooke Samuel , Kane Ros , Nelson David
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Urban cancer survivors have been shown to have better opportunities for recovery of health and wellbeing than their rural counterparts. Whilst there is a considerable body of evidence that explores urban people with cancers’ experiences and outcomes, there is a dearth of research that explicitly explores ‘urban cancer survivorship’ in its own right. This study aimed to explore cancer survivorship in urban people living with cancer who have completed primary treatment.

Methods

Secondary analysis of in-depth interview data (n = 18) with adults living with cancer who resided in urban parts of the UK. Data were drawn from a broader study on self-management of people living with cancer. An adapted version of Foster and Fenlon’s recovery of health and wellbeing in cancer survivorship framework was used to inform the analysis of the data.

Results

Recovery of health and wellbeing was impacted by a variety of contributory factors, which had a largely positive impact. Access to amenities, social support, travel, and healthcare factors were opportunities for urban cancer survivors, whilst pollution, traffic and a lack of green spaces acted as challenges for health management.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated how urban residency acted as both a barrier and a facilitator to recovery of health and wellbeing in urban cancer survivors following the completion of primary treatment. Area of residence should be taken into account by health providers and policymakers supporting cancer survivorship and the views of those with lived experiences should be included in informing future practice.
Evaluation of the association between excessive screen use, sleep patterns and behavioral and cognitive aspects in preschool population. A systematic review
Authors: Merín Llanos , Toledano-González Abel , Fernández-Aguilar Luz , Nieto Marta , del Olmo Nuria , Latorre José M.
Published: April 2024

In this review, we analyzed the possible relationship between the excessive use of screens and sleep patterns, and how this may affect certain behavioral and cognitive factors in preschool children. The selection, extraction and synthesis of the data were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO (American Psychological Association), Scopus and Web of Science (WOS). Of the 597 articles initially identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias of the articles selected was evaluated using a specific scale created for this purpose. The results found indicate that excessive use of screens is associated with a negative impact on the duration and quality of sleep-in preschoolers, and this worsening of sleep in infancy is related with a greater probability of the appearance of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems and certain cognitive problems. The results also suggest that sleep could play a mediating or moderating role as a bioregulatory system that attenuates or increases the onset of behavioral and cognitive difficulties in those children most exposed to digital devices.
Analytical and experimental studies on toppling behavior of blocks misaligned with the slope face
Authors: Gui Jing-Yun , Alejano Leandro R. , Cano Miguel , Arzúa Javier , Pérez-Rey Ignacio
Published: April 2024

The stability of potentially toppling rock blocks has been typically addressed for the case of regular block geometries showing symmetry planes and resting on surfaces aligned with the slope face, i.e., the strike of the slope is parallel to the block sides and their basal planes. However, these simple geometries with ideally oriented blocks are not often found in nature. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap through analytical and experimental approaches, in the form of laboratory physical models, to study toppling cases for non-conventional scenarios. An engineering geology review was first conducted, identifying potential non-standard cases in nature. Then, the current analytical solutions for both the factor of safety and critical toppling angle were modified for these misaligned cases, focusing on single block and standard block toppling, and considering the effect of block-edge rounding. Physical models support the analytical approach. It is concluded that toppling stability is slightly improved when the orientation of the basal plane of the blocks differs with the strike of the slope. In this way, for single blocks, the critical toppling angle increases a few tenths of a degree when the difference between strikes is 10°, about 1° with strike differences about 20° and 2 to 3° for misalignments about 30°. Similar increases are observed for block toppling cases. Accordingly, small differences in strike of basal planes and the slope contribute to slightly increasing the factor of safety of slopes prone to block toppling. This approach improves practical engineering toppling stability analyses.
Effects of plant leaf traits, abundance and phylogeny on differentiation of herbivorous insect assemblages in Mediterranean mixed forest
Authors: Bastida Jesús Mª , Garrido José L. , Cano-Sáez Domingo , Perea Antonio J. , Pomarede Lise C. , Alcántara Julio M.
Published: April 2024

Herbivorous insect assemblages are functionally diverse, with each species exploiting plant tissues in different ways. Availability and palatability of plant tissues influence the diversity and composition of herbivorous insect assemblages. However, few studies have compared herbivorous insect assemblages and their ecological correlates across multiple plant species within the same plant community. Here, we sampled insect assemblages from the canopies of 1060 plants belonging to 36 woody species in two mixed Mediterranean forest stands. 401 insect species were classified as herbivores and grouped into sucker or chewer guilds. We explored differences in the diversity and composition of each insect guild across plant species, and tested their relationships with plant leaf traits, abundance or phylogeny, and explored whether the structures of plant-herbivorous insect networks depended on any of the studied plant traits. Plant identity accounted for the highest proportion of variation in the composition of each insect guild. Plant species abundance showed a positive effect on both insect guilds’ diversity. Suckers’ diversity was higher in plant species with deciduous leaves and low SLA, while the composition was more similar between phylogenetically closer plant species. Chewers diversity increased with the leaf area, while plants with similar LA, leaf nitrogen, SLA and distinct leaf habit showed more similar assemblages. Similarly, closely related angiosperms showed similar chewer assemblages. Plant–insect interaction networks present a modular structure, in which plants belonging to the same module tend to be related and share more sucker species. We add to the evidence supporting the role of plant species features as filters for structuring their associated herbivore insect assemblages.
Effect of prolonged photoperiod on growth, gonadal development, sex ratio, and skin coloration of red tilapia (O. mossambicus × O. urolepis hornorum)
Authors: Sharaf Hossam E. R. , Assem Samira S. , Ismail Rania F. , Zeitoun Ashraf A. M. , Srour Tarek M. A.
Published: April 2024

Farming of red tilapia is one promising direction in aquaculture. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of long-day photoperiod on the growth performance, reproductive parameters, maturity, sex ratio, β-carotene content, and skin coloration of red tilapia. Early life larvae were allocated into three treatment groups in triplicates: T1 = control group (12L:12D), T2 = long-day group (18L:6D), and T3 = continuous illumination group (24L:0D) for 90 days. By the end of the experiment, gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative fecundity, steroid hormones, maturity stages, sex ratio, and ovarian and testicular histology were examined; also, growth performance, survival rate, skin color, and total β-carotene content were measured. The results indicated that GSI% and serum testosterone (T) in T3 group significantly increased with greater amount of spermatozoa of male fish. Also, growth parameters and HSI% in female fish displayed significantly increased for T3 group. Females in group T2 showed significant elevation in GSI%, relative fecundity, and estradiol (E2) with higher number of mature stage. Continuous light group (T3) showed shifted male sex ratio, while female percentage was higher in T2 group. The total β-carotene content of T3 group showed significant elevation with less number of black spots. This study demonstrated that continuous light manipulation during red tilapia early life could stimulate the growth and enhance coloration by reducing black spots that significantly affects economic profitability. Long-day application was effective in female reproductive performance and maturity. This study also served as an important reference for red tilapia aquaculture.
Antibacterial Komagataeibacter hansenii nanocellulose membranes with avocado seed bioactive compounds
Authors: Kupnik Kaja , Primožič Mateja , Kokol Vanja , Knez Željko , Leitgeb Maja
Published: April 2024

Biocompatible, mechanically stable, highly hydrophilic/swellable and safe antibacterial biomaterials are crucial for wound dressing and other applications in the health sector. Therefore, this study was conducted for the development of bacterial nanocellulose membranes, which were, for the first time, enriched with bacteriostatic and bactericidal effective avocado seed extracts prepared by different extraction techniques (ultrasonic, Soxhlet, high pressure with supercritical carbon dioxide). First, the production process of bacterial nanocellulose membranes from Komagataeibacter hansenii bacteria was optimized related to the fermentation media composition and culture conditions, resulting in bacterial nanocellulose membranes with up to 83% crystallinity and 54.5 g/L yield. The morphological structure of the membranes was varied further by using air- and freeze-drying processes. The Soxhlet and high pressure with supercritical carbon dioxide avocado seed extracts with the most charge negative surface (-33 mV) and smallest hydrodynamic size (0.1 µm) thus resulted in 100% reduction of both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus with up to log reduction of 2.56 and up to 100% bactericidal efficacy after 24 h of exposure, and at 14 mg/g of avocado seed extracts integrated in the bacterial nanocellulose membranes homogeneously. The high swelling (up to 600%) and water retention ability of avocado seed extracts enriched bacterial nanocellulose membranes, with a biocidal release up to 2.71 mg/mL, shows potential for antibacterial applications in the biomedicine, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Trade secret laws and initial public offering underpricing
Authors: Chang Chu-hsuan , Liang Woan-lih , Wang Yanzhi
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the impact of trade secret laws on the underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) in the United States, where we focus on the Uniform Trade Secret Act and/or the inevitable disclosure doctrine. Given that trade secret laws help firms protect their know-how in the form of trade secrets, we propose that trade secrets protected by these laws may result in increased corporate opacity, leading to greater IPO underpricing. Empirically, the average first-day returns of IPOs in states with trade secret laws are 12.7% higher than those in states without such laws. Using the information disclosed in the 10-K report on whether the firm owns trade secrets, we suggest that the existence of trade secret laws enhances the protection effect of firm maintenance of trade secrets, which leads to greater IPO underpricing. Further analyses show that the effect of trade secret laws is reinforced for IPO firms operating in complex industries, IPO firms with R&D investments, and large IPO firms, suggesting that trade secret laws increase the difficulties investors face in assessing the intrinsic value of such firms.
External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Port-Site Infiltration for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Doymus Omer , Ahiskalioglu Ali , Kaciroglu Ahmet , Bedir Zehra , Tayar Serkan , Yeni Mustafa , Karadeniz Erdem
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a minimally invasive surgery, postoperative pain is common. A novel block, the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block, can be used as part of multimodal analgesia for upper abdominal surgeries. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of EOI block in patients undergoing LSG.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients were assigned into two groups either EOI or port-site infiltration (PSI). The EOI group received ultrasound-guided 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, while the PSI group received 5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at each port sites by the surgeon. Data on clinical and demographic were collected and analyzed.

Results

There were no statistical differences in terms of demographic details (p > 0.05). VAS scores were statistically lower during resting at PACU, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05), The VAS scores were also lower during active movement at PACU, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05). Twenty-four-hour fentanyl consumption was lower in the EOI than in the PSI group (505.83 ± 178.56 vs. 880.83 ± 256.78 μg, respectively, p < 0.001). Rescue analgesia was higher in PSI group than EOI group (26/30 vs. 14/30, respectively, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

EOI block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia due to its simplicity and effective postoperative analgesia in LSG.

Graphical Abstract
Efficacy of computer-assisted robotic based clinical training program for spinal oncology education on pedicle screw placement
Authors: Wang Pengru , Xin Yingye , Zhou Shangbin , Duan Shujie , Bai Danyang , Li Bo , Xu Wei
Published: April 2024

Pedicle screw placement (PSP) is the fundamental surgical technique that requires high accuracy for novice orthopedists studying spinal oncology education. Therefore, we set forth to establish a computer-assisted robotic navigation training program for novice spinal oncology education. Novice orthopedists were involved in this study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the computer-assisted robotic navigation (CARN) training program. In this research, trainees were randomly taught by the CARN training program and the traditional training program. We prospectively collected the clinical data of patients with spinal tumors from 1st May 2021 to 1st March 2022. The ability of PSP was evaluated by cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, learning curve, and accuracy of pedicle screws. The patients included in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. In the CUSUM analysis of the learning curve for accurate PSP, the turning point in the CARN group was lower than that in the traditional group (70th vs. 92nd pedicle screw). The LC-CUSUM test indicated competency for PSP at the 121st pedicle screw in the CARN group and the 138th pedicle screw in the traditional group. The accuracy of PSP was also significantly higher in the CARN group than in the traditional group (88.17% and 79.55%, P = 0.03 < 0.05). Furthermore, no major complications occurred in either group. We first described CARN in spinal oncology education and indicated the CARN training program as a novel, efficient and safe training program for surgeons.
Das ESCRT-III-Homolog VIPP1 vermittelt Thylakoid-Biogenese und -Erhaltung
Authors: Zeilfelder Saskia , Schroda Michael
Published: April 2024

At thylakoid membranes the light reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis take place, which are the source of virtually all life on earth. The VIPP1 protein is essential for the biogenesis and maintenance of thylakoid membranes. Recently, the cryo-EM structure of cyanobacterial VIPP1 has been solved and revealed that VIPP1 is a member of the ancient ESCRT-III family of membrane remodeling proteins. Here we discuss how VIPP1 structures relate to its multiple functions.
Medical Nutrition Education for Health, Not Harm: BMI, Weight Stigma, Eating Disorders, and Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Gunsalus Kearney T. W. , Mixon Jordan K. , House Ellen M.
Published: April 2024

Effective nutrition training is fundamental to medical education. Current training is inadequate and can cause harm to students and patients alike; it leaves physicians unprepared to counsel on nutrition, places undue focus on weight and body mass index (BMI), can exacerbate anti-obesity bias, and increase risk for development of eating disorders, while neglecting social determinants of health and communication skills. Physicians and educators hold positions of influence in society; what we say and how we say it matters. We propose actionable approaches to improve nutrition education to minimize harm and pursue evidence-based, effective, and equitable healthcare.
Electromechanical Vibration Response of Pre-stressed Bi-layered Piezoelectric Plate Under a Harmonic Mechanical Force
Authors: Daşdemir Ahmet
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study presents the outcomes of a finite element analysis (FEA) of forced vibrations by a time-harmonic loading of a bi-layered piezoelectric plate with two-axially pre-stressed layers.

Methods

The investigation is conducted based on the following assumptions: (i) the resultant system is resting on a rigid foundation, (ii) each layer is poled along the direction perpendicular to the free surface, (iii) a complete contact state exists at the interface of the plane in the plate, and (iv) the initial stress state at the layers is modeled based on the three-dimensional linearized theory of elasticity for solids under initial stress (TLTESIS). First, we describe nonlinear governing equations of motion and boundary-contact conditions for the dynamical model of the current system and then apply a linearization and non-dimensionalization procedure to the problem under consideration. In terms of Hamilton principle, a finite element model (FEM) is developed based on the weak form.

Results and Conclusions

The proposed and validated FEM approach can help to address several issues in the piezoelectric structure of finite lengths, either pre-stressed or not. In particular, we present an investigation of the effects of changing problem factors on the dynamic behavior as well as the frequency response of the composite plate. The numerical results demonstrate that the stress transition across the interface of the layers plays a key role in the resonance mode of the system, in both a quantitative sense and a qualitative sense.
Contributions of the Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) to emergency response in the International Space and Major Disasters Charter
Authors: Boscolo Helena K. , Körting Thales S. , Namikawa Laercio M. , Homem de Mello Alexandre J.
Published: April 2024

Brazil participates, through the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), in the International Charter Space and Major Disasters—Disasters Charter, an international cooperation effort to provide satellite images of major disasters around the world. The Disasters Charter is a joint and voluntary cooperative effort of 17 members. The characteristics of how the Charter works and the support of the satellites CBERS-4, CBERS-4A and AMAZONIA-1, including its cameras, are presented. There were 213 Charter Activations during the studied period (from mid-2018 until the end of 2022) with as many as 368 satellite images being provided (43% from the WFI camera-presented in all three satellites). Floods were the most frequent type of disaster and with the highest number of images provided. Of all the Activations during this period, INPE provided as much as 70% of all the Charter requested remote sensing data. Our internal operational scheme is revealed and the limitations of the satellite imaging are discussed to foster Brazil’s capacity in satellite imaging.
SHM Implementation on a RPV Airplane Model Based on Machine Learning for Impact Detection
Authors: Dipietrangelo Flavio , Nicassio Francesco , Scarselli Gennaro
Published: April 2024

In this study, an on-working structural health monitoring system for impact detection on remote piloted vehicle (RPV) airplane is proposed. The approach is based on the propagation of Lamb waves in metallic structures on which Pb[ZrxTi1−x]O3 (PZT) sensors are bonded for receiving vibrational signals due to impact events. The proposed method can be used to detect impacts in aerospace structures, i.e. skin fuselage and/or wing panels. After the detection, machine learning (ML) algorithms (polynomial regression and neural networks) are applied for processing the acquired ultrasounds waves in order to characterise the impacts, in terms of time of flight (ToF) and relative location. Several test cases are studied: the ML models are tested both without external noise (in laboratory) and introducing external RC engine vibration (on-working conditions). Furthermore, this work presents the implementation of a mini-equipment for acquisition and data processing based on Raspberry Pi. A good agreement between laboratory and in-flight results is achieved, in terms of distance between the actual and calculated impact location.
Stakeholder engagement in advancing sustainable ecotourism: an exploratory case study of Chilika Wetland
Authors: Samal Rajashree , Dash Madhusmita
Published: April 2024

Ecotourism, over time, has emerged as a preferred strategy for resource utilization within protected areas of developing nations, as it effectively bridges the gap between ecological conservation imperatives and the imperative for local economic development. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted impacts of ecotourism on local communities, with due consideration given to its environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Furthermore, the research endeavors to evaluate the degree of stakeholder engagement in fostering sustainable tourism practices within ecotourism initiatives. Thematic content analysis has been used and the data for the analysis has been sourced through field observations, key informant discussions and different secondary sources. This research examines the dynamic interaction between local communities and ecotourism aspects in the Chilika Wetland in India, using the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework. It promotes a comprehensive decision-making method that considers the Triple Bottom Line and Community-oriented Collaborative approach. Findings underscore the potential for Chilika’s ecosystem restoration and mitigating adverse tourist impacts with effective ecotourism governance. The need for collaboration among stakeholders becomes crucial for the effective administration of ecotourism, as shown by the instance of Mangalajodi, which exemplifies the successful outcome of community-led ecotourism. Nevertheless, certain prerequisites, such as knowledge dissemination, training, financial support, cultural promotion, eco-friendly infrastructure, and a commitment to conservation, have been recognized as necessary for ensuring long-term community involvement in ecotourism initiatives.
Disavowing Authority in the Shakespeare Classroom
Authors: Griffiths Huw
Published: April 2024

Based on real experiences of teaching Shakespeare in diverse classrooms and outreach programmes, this Element questions the role of authority in Shakespeare teaching. It connects an understanding of how Shakespearean texts function with critical thinking about teaching, especially derived from the work of Jaques Rancière. Certain elements of the Shakespearean text - notably how it was intended to teach its first readers, the actors, and its uses of dramatic irony - are revealed as already containing possibilities for more decentred forms of knowledge production.
Starch Granule Yields from Open-Air Metates Unaffected by Environmental Contamination
Authors: Wilks Stefania L. , Paredes Samantha A. , Louderback Lisbeth A.
Published: April 2024

The morphological characteristics of starch granules preserved on ancient ground stone tools can reveal which plant species were processed and consumed and even infer tool function. Bedrock metates are commonly associated with the processing of localized seasonal resources, providing potential evidence for past human lifeways, including foods collected and processed, social gatherings, settlement patterns, land investment, and territorial behavior. In contrast to ground stone artifacts preserved in a buried context that have been studied extensively, limited starch research has been conducted on the potential for environmental contamination of open-air bedrock mortars and metates exposed to natural erosional elements. This project examines the residue samples of bedrock metates from three archaeological sites in southern Oregon in the United States to compare the starch yields of extraneous material cleaned from the grinding surface to those extracted from interstitial matrices deeper within the bedrock. Significantly greater number of starch granules were recovered from deep within the cracks and crevices than from the surface. Our study suggests that environmental contamination can be managed if separate surface and control samples are collected and analyzed in conjunction with the interstitial samples. Examining the potential for environmental contamination on exposed grinding surfaces is crucial for confidence in starch granule results and improving our understanding of human dietary behavior.
Lower Bounds for the Canonical Height of a Unicritical Polynomial and Capacity
Authors: Habegger P. , Schmidt H.
Published: April 2024

In a recent breakthrough, Dimitrov [Dim] solved the Schinzel–Zassenhaus conjecture. We follow his approach and adapt it to certain dynamical systems arising from polynomials of the form

$T^p+c$

, where p is a prime number and where the orbit of

$0$

is finite. For example, if

$p=2$

and

$0$

is periodic under

$T^2+c$

with

$c\in \mathbb {R}$

, we prove a lower bound for the local canonical height of a wandering algebraic integer that is inversely proportional to the field degree. From this, we are able to deduce a lower bound for the canonical height of a wandering point that decays like the inverse square of the field degree. For these f, our method has application to the irreducibility of polynomials. Indeed, say y is preperiodic under f but not periodic. Then any iteration of f minus y is irreducible in

$\mathbb {Q}(y)[T]$

.
Cohomological Descent for Faltings Ringed Topos
Authors: He Tongmu
Published: April 2024

Faltings ringed topos, the keystone of Faltings’ approach to p-adic Hodge theory for a smooth variety over a local field, relies on the choice of an integral model, and its good properties depend on the (logarithmic) smoothness of this model. Inspired by Deligne’s approach to classical Hodge theory for singular varieties, we establish a cohomological descent result for the structural sheaf of Faltings topos, which makes it possible to extend Faltings’ approach to any integral model, that is, without any smoothness assumption. An essential ingredient of our proof is a variation of Bhatt–Scholze’s arc-descent of perfectoid rings.
Stability of isometric immersions of hypersurfaces
Authors: Alpern Itai , Kupferman Raz , Maor Cy
Published: April 2024

We prove a stability result of isometric immersions of hypersurfaces in Riemannian manifolds, with respect to

$L^p$

-perturbations of their fundamental forms: For a manifold

${\mathcal M}^d$

endowed with a reference metric and a reference shape operator, we show that a sequence of immersions

$f_n:{\mathcal M}^d\to {\mathcal N}^{d+1}$

, whose pullback metrics and shape operators are arbitrary close in

$L^p$

to the reference ones, converge to an isometric immersion having the reference shape operator. This result is motivated by elasticity theory and generalizes a previous result [AKM22] to a general target manifold

${\mathcal N}$

, removing a constant curvature assumption. The method of proof differs from that in [AKM22]: it extends a Young measure approach that was used in codimension-0 stability results, together with an appropriate relaxation of the energy and a regularity result for immersions satisfying given fundamental forms. In addition, we prove a related quantitative (rather than asymptotic) stability result in the case of Euclidean target, similar to [CMM19] but with no a priori assumed bounds.
Economic Considerations and Public Support for Environment Policy in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Shin Mi Jeong , Chen Jia
Published: April 2024

The “environment–economy trade-off” is a key question in research on public opinion on environmental policies. While evidence from Western economies suggests that individuals are more supportive of environmental initiatives when the macroeconomic situation is favorable, little is known about how environmental policy preferences are shaped by economic factors in East and Southeast Asian countries. Using a survey dataset consisting of 12 countries based on the fourth wave of the Asian Barometer Survey (ABS), we investigate how environmental policy preferences are associated with multiple aspects of economic consideration. In a pooled multilevel analysis, we find that personal economic conditions and perceptions are more consistently associated with greater support for environmental initiatives than objective and subjective national economic conditions. However, an analysis of the heterogeneous effect shows that the effect of individual economic situations is only partially identifiable among lower-middle or upper-income countries in our sample, signaling the complexity of qualifying the relationship between economic considerations and environmental attitudes in a cross-country context.
Thailand's Movement Party: The Evolution of the Move Forward Party
Authors: Laohabut Thareerat , McCargo Duncan
Published: April 2024

The existing literature on the relationship between political parties and social movements draws mainly from European cases, and has rarely captured the kinds of relationships that may exist in other parts of the world. This article addresses the gap by shedding light on the dynamics of party–movement relationships in Thailand. We examine the connections between two Thai political parties and a variety of protest movements. Our analysis demonstrates that Thailand's Move Forward Party and its predecessor the Future Forward Party can be classified as movement parties, but that they operated differently. While Future Forward was a clandestine movement party, concealing its origins in grassroots activism, Move Forward later revealed its activist roots and underwent a transformation from a clandestine to a fully fledged movement party. This change was triggered by two emerging conditions: the rise of student-led mass movements and collective demands for radical change that had been ignored by other political parties.
Elimination of lock-in phenomenon in vortex-induced vibration by passive modal control
Authors: Luo Fuqing , Gao Chuanqiang , Lyu Zhen , Zhang Weiwei
Published: April 2024

Theoretical analysis and numerical results have shown that frequency lock-in in vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is caused by the instability of the structural mode rather than a resonant response to external excitations. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting relevant theoretical research findings. This study investigates VIV suppression with a passive modal controller (PMC) for a circular cylinder at Reynolds numbers

$Re = 60$

and

$Re = 40$

, using experiments to distinguish the effects of stable and unstable wake modes. Comparative analysis before and after the implementation of the PMC reveals significant reduction in the vibration amplitude and the disappearance of the lock-in phenomenon at

$Re = 60$

. The vibration frequency closely follows the vortex shedding frequency after control, while dynamic mode decomposition of the flow field indicates that the wake mode is dominant. For

$Re = 40$

, the vibration is eliminated and the flow becomes steady. Additionally, the root loci of the coupled system are investigated before and after the PMC implementation via linear stability analysis. The results indicate that the PMC can alter the dynamic characteristics of the original system, causing the structural mode and PMC mode to couple when approaching the PMC frequency. Then, the interaction typically improves the stability of the structural mode. Finally, a parametric study is conducted in the experiment, as well as a linear stability analysis. The study provides experimental evidence that stability control of the structural mode is the key to suppressing VIV and eliminating the lock-in phenomenon.
Reynolds number effects in separating and reattaching flows with passive scalar transport
Authors: Cimarelli A. , Corsini R. , Stalio E.
Published: April 2024

A study of the physics of separating and reattaching flows around bodies with sharp edges is reported. Data from direct numerical simulations of the flow around a rectangular cylinder with aspect ratio 5 at different Reynolds numbers are used. The flow is decomposed into multiple interacting flow phenomena such as the laminar boundary layer in the front face, the separated shear layer, the flow impingement at reattachment, the reverse boundary layer within the recirculating bubble and the near- and far-wake flow. A detailed analysis of the physics of these phenomena is provided, including the slow modulation induced by large-scale instabilities related with vortex shedding. The entrainment phenomena acting along the separated shear layer and their unbalance between its inner and outer sides are recognised as fundamental mechanisms determining the tendency of the flow to reattach and the overall fluxes of momentum and heat. The behaviour of entrainment is found to be strictly related with the shear-layer velocity difference that in turn is determined by the behaviour of the reverse boundary layer and by its strength in counteract adverse pressure gradients. The physical understanding of the compound role played by these and all the other mechanisms composing the flow, poses the basis for the formulation of theoretical frameworks able to unify all these interacting phenomena. Finally, the present work provides access to high-fidelity flow statistics of relevance for benchmark activities on bluff bodies with sharp edges.