bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern correspond to a better body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with overweight and primary hypertension? Data from the EXERDIET-HTA study
Authors: Gorostegi-Anduaga Ilargi , Tous-Espelosin Mikel , Maldonado-Martín Sara
Published: October 2024

Cardiovascular events are positively associated with primary hypertension (HTN), obesity, and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and negatively with healthy dietary patterns, such as Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), Mediterranean diet (MD), and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The aim is to analyze the association between healthy dietary patterns with body composition and CRF. Body composition (bioimpedance) and CRF [peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak)] were assessed in 165 participants with HTN and overweight/obesity. There were (1) a positive association (unadjusted) between fat-free mass (%) with DASH and MD (P = 0.03) and a negative association between fat mass (%) and MD (P = 0.03); (2) positive associations (adjusted) between V̇O2peak (l·min−1) with DASH (P = 0.007), HDI (P = 0.017), and MD (P = 0.010) and V̇O2peak (ml·kg−1·min−1) with DASH (P = 0.005); (3) a negative relationship (unadjusted and adjusted) between energy intake and DASH (P = 0.004). In conclusion, these findings highlight the cardiovascular health protection provided by healthy dietary patterns associated with healthier CRF and body composition in people with a profile of HTN and overweight.
Impact of bariatric surgery on infertility in obese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Makhsosi Behnam R. , Ghobadi Pourya , Otaghi Masoumeh , Tardeh Zeinab
Published: October 2024

Background:

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, with several consequences, including reduced fertility in both men and women. One of the ways to reduce weight is bariatric surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bariatric surgery on weight loss and subsequent improvement of fertility in obese infertile women.

Methods:

Several databases were searched using MESH terms to investigate the studies that evaluated the fertility rates after bariatric surgery in infertile obese women. Related data were obtained and analyzed using Stata software with a P-value ≤0.05, which was considered as significant.

Results:

Of the 283 articles related to the purpose of this study, 9 articles, including 231 obese infertile women, were included in the study. BMI before surgery was 42.2 [95% CI= 39.2–45.2] and BMI after surgery was 31.9 (95% CI= 28.9–34.8), which shows the significance of weight loss after bariatric surgery. Conception rate after bariatric surgery weight loss was increased and was 67% (95% CI= 47–87%, P-value <0.05).

Conclusions:

Bariatric surgery had a significant effect on the reduction of BMI and subsequent significant improvement of fertility in obese infertile women.
Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma in the absence of tuberous sclerosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Regmi Prakash , Karki Susmin , Thapa Bikas , Shrestha Dipendra K , Sedain Gopal
Published: October 2024

Introduction and Importance:

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a benign intraventricular tumor classically arising near the Foramen of Monro. SEGAs almost always present as a component of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by lesions in multiple organs.

Case Presentation:

A 16-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with headache and dizziness. Imaging revealed intraventricular mass within the left lateral ventricle; the post-contrast image showed a contrast-enhanced lesion suggestive of SEGA. Following resection, histopathological analysis identified the lesion as a SEGA. However, on further workup, the patient was found not to meet the clinical criteria of TSC, which exemplifies a rare case of SEGA in the absence of a TSC diagnosis.

Clinical Discussion:

Tuberous sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a neurocutaneous disorder with a classical triad of seizures, mental retardation, and hamartomas in multiple organs and tissues. SEGA without TSC does not have multiorgan problems and hence doesn’t need ancillary testing but despite having a good outlook still needs follow-up for interval growth or recurrence. However, overall prognosis of isolated SEGA is better than SEGA associated with TSC.

Conclusion:

SEGA is commonly found to be associated with TSC. Although it is challenging to diagnose isolated SEGA, hence it is essential for physicians to be aware of the possibility of SEGA in the absence of other characteristics of TSC, which has many implications for a patient’s clinical course. This case report adds to current knowledge regarding isolated SEGA.
Risk factors for bacterial stent colonization in patients with a double J ureteral stent: a prospective study
Authors: Mainali Prakash , Luitel Prajjwol , Paudel Sujan , Thapaliya Ishwor , Sharma Uttam Kumar , Chapagain Suman , Gautam Pratima , Luitel Bhoj Raj , Chalise Pawan Raj
Published: October 2024

Background:

The increasing use of double J ureteral stents (DJS) has increased the risk of early intolerance and long-term complications. Studies have reported stent colonization rates ranging from 19 to 90% with various bacterial profiles in the colonization of stents.

Objectives:

To identify the risk factors associated with bacterial colonization of DJS and report the common micro-organisms isolated and drug susceptibility pattern.

Methods:

This study is a prospective study of patients who underwent DJS. A total of 48 patients from our institution were studied between March 2022 and August 2023. After the removal of DJS with a sterile technique, the tips of both ends (renal end and bladder end) of the stent were cut and processed in the microbiology lab.

Results:

Bacterial colonies were detected in 56.25% (27 out of 48) of the stents. Among the pathogens identified, Enterococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli were the most frequently isolated. The colonization rate increased with the duration of stent placement and albuminuria.

Conclusions:

The study indicated that prolonged indwelling time and albuminuria are a risk factor for bacterial colonization on the stent therefore, it is advisable to use double J ureteral stent only when absolutely necessary and to remove them promptly.
Biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder: a short review
Authors: de Sena Barbosa Mateus Gonçalves , Vilela de Souza Rafaela Luiza , Gonçalves Cherain Luiz Gabriel , Santos Ferreira Luiz Henrique , Santos Affi Peixoto Maria Eduarda , Lemos Passos Monique , Matias Piza Lívia , Almeida Carneiro Rafael , Nunes Rabelo Nicollas , Chaurasia Bipin
Published: October 2024

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social disabilities and stereotyped behaviors. There is a relevant social impact on autistic people’s lives and, therefore, biomarkers have become relevant for understanding neurobiological mechanisms.

Objective:

This study aims to review current knowledge about the role of biomarkers and their main scientific evidence in autism.

Methods:

The authors performed a non-systematic literature review through the PubMed database, using the keywords “biomarkers”, “autism” and “autism spectrum disorder”. The search was restricted to articles written in English, in the last 10 years.

Results:

Analyzing the articles found, it is possible to delimit the biomarkers according to the development of ASD, from the prenatal period with exposure to diseases or association of autism with other genetic diseases, through the immune and nutritional factors exposed during pregnancy, and for end those associated with diagnoses phase in which there is the presence of symptoms in which these markers can be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Although preliminary, biomarkers may hold promise for prenatal and presymptomatic screening. It may also be used as predictors of treatment for autism spectrum disorder.
Lipomatous Neoplasms of Soft Tissue: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Arora Kshitij , Rosenberg Andrew E.
Published: October 2024

This review summarizes the clinicopathologic features of various lipomatous tumors of soft tissue and addresses some recent conceptual issues relating to adipocytic neoplasms, such as atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor and myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, and provides an update on the molecular aspects of these tumors. Recent advances in cytogenetic characterization and classification of lipomatous tumors are reviewed, and the genetic importance of distinct chromosomal aberrations are briefly discussed.
Relaxivity and In Vivo Human Performance of Brand Name Versus Generic Ferumoxytol
Authors: van der Heijden Rianne A. , Tamada Daiki , Mao Lu , Rice James , Reeder Scott B.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Ferumoxytol is a superparamagnetic iron-oxide product that is increasingly used off-label for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). With the recent regulatory approval of generic ferumoxytol, there may be an opportunity to reduce cost, so long as generic ferumoxytol has similar imaging performance to brand name ferumoxytol. This study aims to compare the relaxation-concentration dependence and MRI performance of brand name ferumoxytol with generic ferumoxytol through phantom and in vivo experiments. The secondary purpose was to determine the optimal flip angle and optimal weight-based dosing.

Materials and Methods

Phantom experiments were performed using both brand name (AMAG Pharmaceuticals) and generic (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) ferumoxytol products. Each ferumoxytol product was diluted in saline, and separately in adult bovine whole blood, at 5 iron concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 2.1 mM. Vials were placed in an MR-compatible water bath at 37°C and imaged at both 1.5 T and 3.0 T. Longitudinal and transverse relaxation rate constants (R1, R2, R2*) were measured for each ferumoxytol concentration, and relaxation-concentration curves were estimated. An in vivo dose accumulation study with flip angle optimization was also implemented using a cross-over design, in healthy volunteers. Cumulative doses of 1, 3, 5, and 7 mg/kg diluted ferumoxytol were administered prior to MRA of the chest on a 3.0 T clinical MRI system. For each incremental dose, the flip angle was varied from 40° to 10° in −10° increments over 5 breath-holds followed by a repeated 40° flip angle acquisition. Regions of interest were drawn in the aortic arch, paraspinous muscles, and a noisy area outside of the patient, free from obvious artifact. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated as the quotient of the average signal in the aortic arch and the standard deviation of the noise, corrected for a Rician noise distribution. Contrast-to-noise ratio was calculated as the difference in SNR between the aorta and paraspinous muscles. Absolute SNR and contrast-to-noise ratio values were compared between products for different flip angles and doses.

Results

There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences in relaxation-concentration curves between AMAG and Sandoz products in phantom experiments. Six healthy volunteers (38.8 ± 11.5 years, 3 female, 3 male) were successfully recruited and completed both imaging visits. No clinically relevant differences in image quality were observed between ferumoxytol products. The optimal flip angle range and dose for both products was 20°–30° and 5 mg/kg, respectively.

Conclusions

Brand name and generic ferumoxytol products can be used interchangeably for MRA.
Clinical Characteristics and Multi-Model Imaging Analysis of Moyamoya Disease: An Observational Study
Authors: Ling Hui , Huang Huaping , Fu Bin , Pan Xiaoli , Gao Liansheng , Yan Wei
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Previous studies have lacked a comprehensive analysis of imaging modalities for diagnosing Moyamoya disease (MMD). This study aims to bridge this gap by utilizing multi-modal imaging to provide a more detailed understanding of the clinical and imaging characteristics of MMD.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted on seventy-eight adult MMD patients enrolled from March 2018 to March 2021. The study focused on clinical features, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes, with a particular emphasis on the comparative efficacy of different imaging modalities.

Results:

In this series, clinical manifestations varied depending on the type of MMD, with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) being the most common (69.2%), followed by cerebral infarction (25.6%). Imaging techniques provided critical diagnostic insights: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated superior sensitivity over computed tomography (CT) in detecting hemorrhages, whereas computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) identified intricate vascular lesions, including moyamoya vessels and aneurysms. Notably, cerebral perfusion imaging (CTP) highlighted significant differences in cerebral blood flow and volume between infarction and hemorrhage cases. This comprehensive imaging approach guided varied therapeutic strategies, including bypass surgery in 57 patients and interventional embolization for aneurysms in 14 patients.

Conclusion:

The authors' findings underscore the critical role of early diagnosis using DSA, whereas highlighting CTA and MRA as valuable noninvasive tools for screening and follow-up. The integration of multi-modal imaging provides a detailed vascular assessment crucial for individualized patient management, facilitating timely interventions and significantly improving clinical outcomes.
Application of Mirror Image 3D-Printing Technology Bone Cement in Treatment of Stage IIIb Necrosis of the Lunate Bone
Authors: Wumanerjiang Aikebaier , Julaiti Tayierjiang , Wang Li , Han Yan-Long
Published: October 2024

Background:

At present, conventional operations are weak for pain relief and restoring the carpal joint function in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the lunate bone.

Case Report:

Mirror image 3-dimensional (3D)-printing technology has rarely been reported for the treatment of lunate bone necrosis, The use of mirror 3D-printed lunar bone replacement and bone cement technology in the treatment of stage IIIb lunar bone necrosis has been rarely reported in previous literature. Personalized customized 3D-printed prostheses have become an effective solution for solving many complex cases, and the flexible application of bone cement technology can also achieve satisfactory clinical results. The authors report 3 patients who underwent mirror printing of lunar bone prostheses based on healthy side lunar bone computed tomography data, 3D printing of lunar bone prostheses replacement through small incisions, and intraoperative selection of alternative bone cement technology based on actual conditions

Conclusion:

Mirror image 3D printing relieved the pain and resulted in satisfactory functional recovery for stage IIIb lunate bone necrosis.
Mentum, Mouth Floor, and Tongue Necrosis Following Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Chin Augmentation
Authors: Zheng Yan , Sha Zhenyu , Zhang Bei
Published: October 2024

Hyaluronic acid injection for chin augmentation presents a minimally invasive technique that has garnered increasing popularity. Although the chin region is generally regarded as relatively safe with a lower likelihood of ischemic complications, it is imperative to recognize that severe adverse events can still arise due to variations in vascular or bone structures. This article documents a rare case of necrosis affecting the chin skin, floor of the mouth, and tongue after hyaluronic acid injection for chin augmentation, which was successfully managed with reconstituted hyaluronidase injection.
Comparative Analysis of the Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Versus Open Segment 7 Hepatectomy
Authors: Zeng Haitao , Xiong Xiaoli , Huang Song , Zhang Jia , Liu Hongliang , Huang Yong
Published: October 2024

Background:

Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been widely accepted owing to its advantages as a minimally invasive surgery; however, laparoscopic segment 7 (S7) hepatectomy (LSH) has been rarely reported. We aimed to explore the safety and feasibility of LSH by comparing it with open surgical approaches.

Methods:

Twenty-nine patients who underwent S7 hepatectomy between January 2016 and January 2023 were enrolled in this study. The patients’ characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

No significant differences were observed in the preoperative data. The patients who underwent LSH had significantly shorter hospital stays (P=0.016) but longer operative times (P=0.034) than those who underwent open S7 hepatectomy. No significant differences in blood loss (P=0.614), transfusion (P=0.316), hospital expenses (P=0.391), surgical margin (P=0.442), rate of other complications, postoperative white blood cell count, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were noted between the 2 groups (P>0.05). For hepatocellular carcinoma, the results showed no differences in either disease-free survival (P=0.432) or overall survival (P=0.923) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

LSH is a safe and feasible surgical procedure that is efficient from an oncological point of view. It may be the preferred technique for lesions in the S7 of the liver.
Minimally Invasive Pauli Parastomal Hernia Repair
Authors: Guerra Francesco , Giuliani Giuseppe , Salvischiani Lucia , Genovese Alfredo , Coratti Andrea
Published: October 2024

Background:

Although originally described as an open procedure, the application in the setting of minimally invasive surgery of the Pauli technique for parastomal hernia repair is gaining interest among surgeons owing to encouraging early results. We aimed at combining and analyzing the results of minimally invasive Pauli repair by assessing the available evidence.

Methods:

A literature search in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science was undertaken to include all articles reporting on minimally invasive repair of parastomal hernias using the Pauli technique.

Results:

Data regarding a total of 75 patients across 11 articles published between 2019 and 2023 were included. Patients received surgery either by a laparoscopic (27%) or robotic (73%) approach. A transabdominal route was chosen in 62 patients (83%), while an extraperitoneal technique was employed in the remaining 13 patients. The rate of postoperative morbidity was 34%, with 10% being the incidence of grade >II complications. The reported overall rate of recurrence was 7% at a median follow-up of 1 to 43 months.

Conclusions:

The available evidence derived from a growing number of centers suggests that minimally invasive Pauli repair is a viable option to treat parastomal hernias. Despite robust, high-level data still lacking, preliminary experiences indicate promising results.
Expanding Opportunities for Living Donation: Recommendations From the 2023 Santander Summit to Ensure Donor Protections, Informed Decision Making, and Equitable Access
Authors: Lentine Krista L. , Waterman Amy D. , Cooper Matthew , Nagral Sanjay , Gardiner Dale , Spiro Michael , Rela Mohamed , Danovitch Gabriel , Watson Christopher J. E. , Thomson David , Van Assche Kristof , Torres Martín , Domínguez-Gil Beatriz , Delmonico Francis L. ,   On behalf of the Donation Workgroup Collaborators
Published: October 2024

A strategic vision toward global convergence in transplantation must encourage and remove barriers to living organ donation and transplantation. Here, we discuss deliberations of a working group of the 2023 Santander Summit charged with formulating recommendations for the safe expansion of living donor kidney transplantation and living donor liver transplantation worldwide. Living donor kidney transplantation has grown to be the preferred treatment for advanced kidney failure. Living donor liver transplantation emerged more recently as a strategy to reduce waitlist mortality, with adoption influenced by cultural factors, regional policies, clinical team experience, and the maturity of regional deceased donor transplant systems. Barriers to living donor transplantation span domains of education, infrastructure, risk assessment/risk communication, and financial burden to donors. Paired donor exchange is a growing option for overcoming incompatibilities to transplantation but is variably used across and within countries. Effectively expanding access to living donor transplantation requires multifaceted strategies, including improved education and outreach, and measures to enhance efficiency, transparency, and shared decision making in donor candidate evaluation. Efforts toward global dissemination and vigilant oversight of best practices and international standards for the assessment, informed consent, approval, and monitoring of living donors are needed. Fostering greater participation in paired exchange requires eliminating disincentives and logistical obstacles for transplant programs and patients, and establishing an ethical and legal framework grounded in World Health Organization Guiding Principles. Sharing of best practices from successful countries and programs to jurisdictions with emerging practices is vital to safely expand the practice of living donation worldwide and bring the field together globally.
Promoting Equitable and Affordable Patient Access to Safe and Effective Innovations in Donation and Transplantation of Substances of Human Origin and Derived Therapies
Authors: Cuende Natividad , Tullius Stefan G. , Izeta Ander , Plattner Verena , Börgel, MSc Martin , Ciccocioppo Rachele , Correa-Rocha Rafael , Koh Mickey B. C. , De Angelis Vincenzo , Gondolesi Gabriel E. , ten Ham Renske , Porte Robert J. , Hernández-Maraver Dolores , Hawthorne Wayne J. , Sureda Anna , Orlando Giuseppe , Haraldsson Börje , Ascher Nancy L. , Dominguez-Gil Beatriz , Oniscu Gabriel C.
Published: October 2024

Innovation is a hallmark of organ, tissue, and cell transplantation. The development of new treatments derived from these substances of human origin (SoHO) has rapidly evolved in recent years. Despite the great benefits that these innovative therapies could bring to patients, significant difficulties have arisen in making them equitably and widely accessible. Herein, we identify and address 4 challenges to promote innovation in this field in a collaborative, sustainable, and transparent manner and propose some concrete solutions applicable to SoHO-derived treatments, ranging from cell therapies to solid organ transplantation. Regulators, health policymakers, and government officials are recommended to incorporate specific elements into the regulatory frameworks of their respective jurisdictions, although regulatory convergence and equivalent quality and safety standards applicable to SoHO at a global level would be needed. An innovation-driven regulatory environment, respectful with the human origin and in accordance with the altruistic donation of SoHO, should be encouraged to improve the safety, effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability of SoHO and to promote collaboration between countries and between public and private sectors. This overview is the outcome of a working group focused on “Innovation in the donation and clinical application of SoHO” as part of the international Summit “Towards Global Convergence in Transplantation: Sufficiency, Transparency and Oversight” convened by the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes under the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in November 2023 and cosponsored by the Council of Europe, the World Health Organization, the Transplantation Society, and the European Society for Organ Transplantation.
Transplantation: A Priority in the Healthcare Agenda
Authors: Muller Elmi , Dominguez-Gil Beatriz , Ahn Curie , Berenguer Marina , Cardillo Massimo , Chatzixiros Efstratios , Cortesi Paolo , Herson Marisa , Ilbawi Andre , Jha Vivekanand , Mahillo Beatriz , Manas Derek M. , Nino-Murcia Alejandro , Shaheen Faissal A.M. , Stock Peter , Potena Luciano
Published: October 2024

Background.

In November 2023, in the context of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Organization National de Transplante organized a global summit discussing global action in transplantation for the next decade. This article reports the recommendations supporting the need to prioritize transplantation in healthcare systems.

Methods.

The working group investigated how transplantation addresses noncommunicable disease mortality, particularly related to kidney and liver disease. They also investigated how transplantation can contribute to the achievement of several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 3 (good health and well-being), Goal 8 (sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and employment for all), and Goal 13 (combat climate change and its impact).

Results.

By prioritizing transplantation, the increased availability and accessibility of life-saving organs and tissues to the public will not only lead to saving more lives and improving health outcomes for individual patients but also contribute to the development of a resilient health system in general in that country as a consequence of developing the infrastructure required for transplantation.

Conclusions.

The ethical principles associated with transplantation promote the principles of solidarity in society by fostering the donation process and equity in access to therapy. This article aims to advocate for the widespread availability of solid organ, tissue, and cell transplantation for all patients.
Behavioural responses of common dolphins to naval sonar
Authors: Southall Brandon L. , Durban John W. , Calambokidis John , Casey Caroline , Fahlbusch James A. , Fearnbach Holly , Flynn Kiirsten R. , Fregosi Selene , Friedlaender Ari S. , Leander Samantha G. M. , Visser Fleur
Published: October 2024

Despite strong interest in how noise affects marine mammals, little is known for the most abundant and commonly exposed taxa. Social delphinids occur in groups of hundreds of individuals that travel quickly, change behaviour ephemerally and are not amenable to conventional tagging methods, posing challenges in quantifying noise impacts. We integrated drone-based photogrammetry, strategically placed acoustic recorders and broad-scale visual observations to provide complementary measurements of different aspects of behaviour for short- and long-beaked common dolphins. We measured behavioural responses during controlled exposure experiments (CEEs) of military mid-frequency (3–4 kHz) active sonar (MFAS) using simulated and actual Navy sonar sources. We used latent-state Bayesian models to evaluate response probability and persistence in exposure and post-exposure phases. Changes in subgroup movement and aggregation parameters were commonly detected during different phases of MFAS CEEs but not control CEEs. Responses were more evident in short-beaked common dolphins (
n 
= 14 CEEs), and a direct relationship between response probability and received level was observed. Long-beaked common dolphins (
n
 = 20) showed less consistent responses, although contextual differences may have limited which movement responses could be detected. These are the first experimental behavioural response data for these abundant dolphins to directly inform impact assessments for military sonars.
Artificial intelligence for the identification of taphonomic bio-accumulator agents: an actualistic test of potential faunal accumulation agency applied to Tritons Cave (Lleida, Spain)
Authors: Jiménez-García Blanca , Micó Cristian , Pizarro-Monzo Marcos , Cifuentes-Alcobendas Gabriel , Arilla Maite , Rosell Jordi , Rivals Florent , Blasco Ruth , Baquedano Enrique , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel
Published: October 2024

Studying bone surface modifications (BSMs) in neotaphonomic research is an important aid to reconstruct agency in the archaeological and palaeontological record. The significance of correctly identifying BSMs has led to extensive debates about adequate methodological and interpretive frameworks to identify taphonomic agents and their bone-modifying patterns in dynamic taphonomic processes; especially those involving inter-agency interactions. Recent analytical innovations in the field have given rise to more updated and less biasing methods, including those rooted in multivariate statistics and artificial intelligence algorithms. Among the latter, convolutional neural networks have demonstrated a substantial potential in precision in the identification and characterization of BSMs. In this study, we present a successful application of these methods to reconstructing taphonomic agency in an archaeological context, specifically in Unit 2 of Tritons Cave (Lleida, Spain). Previous interpretations of this palaeontological layer suggested that it was a natural palimpsest created by carnivores, namely leopards. Through the present research, we objectively tested the original felid-accumulation hypothesis associated with the site’s original taphonomic analysis. Our findings provide additional evidence of the primary leopard agency in the formation of the assemblage and underscores the significant potential of transfer learning for identifying taxon-specific carnivore agency.
Torque-driven superhydrophobic cylinders swim in circles
Authors: Crowdy Darren G.
Published: October 2024

A superhydrophobic cylinder is a circular cylinder with a boundary pattern of alternating shear-free menisci and solid portions. This article derives analytical solutions for the torque-driven Stokes flow around a superhydrophobic cylinder that is free to move, or ‘swim’, subject to the constraint that it is free of net force. The mathematical approach is a natural generalization of one used to solve for transverse shear flow over a superhydrophobic surface comprising a periodic array of no-shear slots (Crowdy 2011
Phys. Fluids
23
(doi:
10.1063/1.3605575
)). First, the torque-driven Stokes flow around a superhydrophobic cylinder with two unequal no-shear menisci and two equal solid portions is solved in detail. It is then shown how that analysis generalizes, in a natural way, to a cylinder with

M

no-shear menisci between

M

solid portions with full exposition given of the case of

M
=
3

equal solid portions. A further generalization to flow around a superhydrophobic cylinder with an

N

-fold rotationally symmetric patterning with

M

menisci in each

2
π
/
N

sector is made. Torque-driven superhydrophobic cylinders with a no-shear pattern devoid of any rotational symmetry are shown to swim on circular trajectories with formulas for the radius and cylinder angular velocity on these trajectories derived here as functions of the no-shear pattern geometry. The

M
=
1

case of a ‘Janus’ superhydrophobic cylinder having one meniscus and one solid portion can be solved completely explicitly.
Harmonic chain driven by active Rubin bath: transport properties and steady-state correlations
Authors: Sarkar Ritwick , Santra Ion , Basu Urna
Published: October 2024

Characterizing the properties of an extended system driven by active reservoirs is a question of increasing importance. Here, we address this question in two steps. We start by investigating the dynamics of a probe particle connected to an ‘active Rubin bath’: a linear chain of overdamped run-and-tumble particles. We derive exact analytical expressions for the effective noise and dissipation kernels, acting on the probe and show that the active nature of the bath leads to a modified fluctuation–dissipation relation. In the next step, we study the properties of an activity-driven system, modelled by a chain of harmonic oscillators connected to two such active reservoirs at the two ends. We show that the system reaches a non-equilibrium stationary state (NESS), remarkably different from that generated due to a thermal gradient. We characterize this NESS by computing the kinetic temperature profile, spatial and temporal velocity correlations of the oscillators, and the average energy current flowing through the system. It turns out that the activity drive leads to the emergence of two characteristic length-scales, proportional to the activities of the reservoirs. Strong signatures of activity are also manifest in the anomalous short-time decay of the velocity autocorrelations. Finally, we find that the energy current shows a non-monotonic dependence on the activity drive and reversal in direction, corroborating previous findings.
Evaluation of GeneXpert MTB/Rif Ultra assay performance on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection
Authors: Lo Calvin Ka-Fung , Purych Dale , Sekirov Inna , Khattra Jaswinder , Hird Trevor J. , Masud Shazia
Published: October 2024

We evaluated the Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra assay performance for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) compared to mycobacterial culture or laboratory-developed MTB PCR test (LDT). FFPET samples with histological features suggestive of tuberculosis from 2018 to 2023 were selected. Five hundred microlitres of tissue lysis buffer was added to FFPET scrolls and incubated at 75 °C for 5 min. After adding 50 µl of proteinase K and overnight incubation at 56 °C, sample aliquots were processed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. MTB culture or LDT assay results were used as a reference for sensitivity and specificity calculations. Of 51 eligible FFPET, 32 were positive for MTB either by culture or LDT PCR on FFPET. Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra detected MTB in 23/32 positive specimens [71.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 54.6–84.4%]. Of nine discordant specimens, seven were MTB positive by culture and two were identified by LDT MTB PCR only, as no specimen was submitted for MTB culture. Of 19 negative samples, 100% specificity (95% CI 83.2–100.0%) was attained via Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra. Implementation of Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra on FFPET within clinical laboratories is promising, given its improved turnaround time compared to MTB culture and ability to detect MTB in cases where no tissue is available for culture.
Compatibility and comparative analysis of chronological and biological aging between the legacy 450K and the EPIC v2.0 arrays
Authors: De Pourcq Sven , Kuo Pei-Lun , Moore Ann Zenobia , Bandinelli Stefania , Horvath Steve , Ferrucci Luigi , Santini Valeria
Published: October 2024

Several different epigenetic clocks built from DNA methylation beadchip arrays, including the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K and EPICv1 BeadChips, have been developed and are used to evaluate biological aging. However, there is still limited information on effectively utilizing the novel EPICv2 arrays and addressing biases in epigenetic clock calculations resulting from missing probes initially present on legacy arrays. We address how the absence of probes on the EPICv2 array, originally present on the 450K array, affects many available epigenetic clock estimates. Using data from the InCHIANTI study of aging, our findings show that while clocks like Hannum and GrimAgeV2 exhibit significant over- or underestimation due to missing probes, the correlations between estimates from all 450K probes (unreduced) and those from shared probes between 450K and EPICv2 (reduced) remain strong. In this cohort, we consider AgeAcceleration from traditional epigenetic clocks to be the most reliable approach. Their values do not significantly change upon probe reduction, with unreduced and reduced values being nearly identical and with stable mean differences across chronological age.
Comparing The Impact of Systemic Pituitary Adenylate-Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) on Motion-Induced Nausea And Balance Behaviors In Mice
Authors: Rahman Shafaqat M. , Dweh Abigail , Luebke Anne E.
Published: October 2024

Pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), particularly its dominant isoform PACAP-38, is implicated in migraine and represents a promising therapeutic target. We investigated if intraperitoneally delivered (IP) PACAP-38 impacts motion-induced nausea, postural sway, and imbalance in C57BL/6J wildtype mice using the motion-induced thermoregulation, center of pressure (CoP), rotarod, and balance beam assays. We also assessed systemic Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide’s (CGRP) effects on these behaviors in parallel. Our findings indicate that IP PACAP-38 significantly disrupts motion-induced thermoregulation in mice, with notable blunting of tail vasodilation responses in both sexes. Additionally, PACAP-38 administration increased postural sway in female mice only and caused balance beam imbalances. Contrary to IP CGRP, IP PACAP-38 did not affect rotarod performance when mice were trained on a dowel with 1.5 cm radius. Our findings provide preclinical evidence supporting a potential role of PACAP-38 in vestibular migraine pathophysiology. Future research will explore if PACAP antagonism can protect against PACAP-38s effects on nausea and balance behaviors, relevant to treatment of vestibular migraine (VM), especially for patients unresponsive to triptans or CGRP-targeting therapies.
Nitrogen ionome dynamics on leafy vegetables in tropical climate
Authors: Shenhar Itamar , Harikumar Aravind , Pebes Trujillo Miguel Raul , Zhao Zhitong , Lin Qin , Setyawati Magdiel Inggrid , Tan David , He Jie , Herrmann Ittai , Ng Kee Woei , Gavish Matan , Moshelion Menachem
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen is known to be a critical macro-nutrient influencing plant physiology, growth, and mineral composition. In tropical conditions, which are challenging for leafy vegetable farming, the nitrogen delivery effect is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen application on key physiological traits and the mineral composition of the plants, the plant ionome. Experiments were conducted under tropical conditions greenhouse with varying levels of nitrogen supply to examine the effect on plant transpiration, yield, use efficiency of water and nitrogen, and nutrient uptake dynamics followed by cross-correlation analysis, trying to understand the physiological behavior-uptake dynamics relationships. The results demonstrated that transpiration, yield and WUE theoretic optimum curve, which peaking in nitrogen concentration of 120 mg/L for Chinese spinach and 200 mg/L for Chinese broccoli. Conversely, NUE reduce significantly with increasing nitrogen delivery which reflected on antagonistic increase of excess nitrogen.

In terms of mineral composition, nitrogen application resulted in an increase I nitrogen content in the plant leaf tissue, while concentration of certain macronutrients and micronutrients were affected, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and molybdenum. Part of the minerals exhibited decreasing pattern due to potential competitive uptake mechanism, iron revealed increasing pattern that correlated with nitrogen delivery, and some minerals correlated with the measured physiological parameters. These results underscore the importance of optimizing nitrogen fertilization to balance plant growth, physiological processes, and plant nutrient homeostasis. The study offers valuable insights for sustainable nitrogen management in agricultural systems aimed at maximizing crop yield while maintaining nutritional quality.
Developmental changes in the control of primary motoneuron excitability by the M-current in larval zebrafish
Authors: Gaudreau Stephanie F. , Bui Tuan V.
Published: October 2024

Spinal circuits for locomotion undergo maturation during early development. How intrinsic properties of individual spinal neuron populations change throughout motor maturation is not fully understood. Here we identify for the first time the presence of the persistent outward potassium current known as the M-current in primary motoneurons of larval zebrafish. We show that the M-current controls excitability of primary motoneurons and its role in excitability control changes during development such that the magnitude of the M-current in primary motoneurons transiently increases at 3 days post-fertilization. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which control over excitability of primary motoneurons in larval zebrafish is ensured, underscoring developmental changes in ion current contributions to intrinsic properties. Broadly, these data support the M-current as a conserved means to control motoneuron excitability across vertebrates.
A new synonym forViburnum erosum(Viburnaceae) in East China, based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Zhao Liaocheng , Wang Yitian , Lyu Wenjun , Tang Zijian , Qiu Lihong , Tang Ming
Published: October 2024

The critical observations of living plants in the field, along with the examination of type specimens and protologues, led us to conclude that the key characteristics, including the length of the petiole, stipules and peduncles, as well as the shape of leaves ofViburnum fengyangshanense, all fall within the variation range ofV. erosum. Additionally, molecular analysis of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three plastid DNA markers (rbcL, matKandndhF) indicates thatV. fengyangshanenseandV. erosumare deeply nested within a clade. Therefore, based on morphological and molecular evidence, it is demonstrated thatV. fengyangshanenseshould be regarded as a new synonym ofV. erosum.
Male-specific sNPF peptidergic circuits control energy balance for mating duration through neuron-glia interactions
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Miao Hongyu , Kang Dayeon , Sun Dongyu , Kim Woo Jae
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

This study reveals a sexually dimorphic sNPF-sNPF-R circuit in theDrosophilabrain that regulates energy balance behavior, specifically the shorter-mating-duration (SMD) response to sexual experience. sNPF is predominantly expressed in neurons, while sNPF-R is expressed in both neurons and glial cells, particularly astrocyte-like glia (ALG) in a subset of cells outside the mushroom body (MB) termed "Rishi cells" (RS cells). Sexual experience induces global alterations in calcium signaling and synaptic plasticity within this circuit, with sNPF-R expressing neurons and glia in RS cells playing a critical role in encoding sexual experience-related information into energy balance behavior related to mating duration. Neuronal glucose metabolism, specifically theTret1ltransporter, is essential for maintaining the high calcium levels and proper function of sNPF neurons near RS cells. This novel and intricate neuron-glia sNPF-sNPF-R network acts as critical circuits within theDrosophilabrain for processing interval timing behaviors, highlighting the dynamic interplay between metabolism, neural circuits, and behavior in regulating energy balance.
Quantification of Signal Amplification for Receptors: TheKd/EC50Ratio of Full Agonists as a Gain Parameter
Authors: Buchwald Peter
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Concentration-response relationships connecting the concentration of ligands to the responses they produce are central to pharmacology in general and form the core of quantitative pharmacology. While typically they can be well-described by hyperbolic functions (sigmoid on commonly used semi-log scales) and characterized by half-maximal concentrations values (EC50), their connection to receptor occupancy, characterized in a similar manner by the equilibrium dissociation constantKd, can be complex due to the intermixing of the effects from occupancy-induced activation with those from partial agonism, constitutive activity, and pathway-specific signal amplification. Here, it is proposed that, as long as both occupancy and response follow such typical concentration-dependencies, signal amplification can be quantified using the gain parametergK=κ=Kd/EC50measured for full agonists. This is similar to the gain parameter used in electronics (e.g.,gV=Vout/Vinfor voltage). On customarily used semi-log representations, loggKcorresponds to the horizontal shift between the response and occupancy curves, logKd-logEC50, the presence of which (i.e.,Kd>EC50) is generally considered as evidence for the existence of “receptor reserve” or “spare receptors”. The latter is a misnomer that should be avoided since even if there are excess receptors, there is no special pool of receptors “not required for ordinary use” assparewould imply. For partial agonists, theκ=Kd/EC50shift is smaller than for full agonists as not all occupied receptors are active. ThegKgain parameter (full agonistKd/EC50) correspond to theγgain parameter of the SABRE receptor model; for partial agonists (ε<1), SABRE predicts a corresponding shift ofκ=εγ-ε+1.
Wideband ratiometric measurement of tonic and phasic dopamine release in the striatum
Authors: Gottschalk Amy , Menees Haley , Bogner Celine , Zewde Semele , Jibin Joanna , Gamam Asma , Flink Dylan , Mosissa Meea , Bonneson Faith , Wehelie Hibo , Alonso-Caraballo Yanaira , Hamid Arif A.
Published: October 2024

Reward learning, cognition, and motivation are supported by changes in neurotransmitter levels across multiple timescales. Current measurement technologies for various neuromodulators (such as dopamine and serotonin) do not bridge timescales of fluctuations, limiting the ability to define the behavioral significance, regulation, and relationship between fast (phasic) and slow (tonic) dynamics. To help resolve longstanding debates about the behavioral significance of dopamine across timescales, we developed a novel quantification strategy, augmenting extensively used carbon-fiber Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV). We iteratively engineered the FSCV scan sequence to rapidly modify electrode sensitivity within a sampling window and applied ratiometric analysis for wideband dopamine measurement. This allowed us to selectively eliminate artifacts unrelated to electrochemical detection (i.e., baseline drift), overcoming previous limitations that precluded wideband dopamine detection from milliseconds to hours. We extensively characterize this approachin vitro, validate performancein vivowith simultaneous microdialysis, and deploy this technique to measure wideband dopamine changes across striatal regions under pharmacological, optogenetic, and behavioral manipulations. We demonstrate that our approach can extend to additional analytes, including serotonin and pH, providing a robust platform to assess the contributions of multi-timescale neuromodulator fluctuations to cognition, learning, and motivation.