bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of gas pressure and gas type on pseudospark electron beam
Authors: Shang Tianyi , Ding Weidong
Published: September 2023

Pseudospark discharge is a discharge that occurs in the left
band of the Paschen curve. According to previous studies, an
electron beam will be generated in the initial stage of pseudospark
discharge. This electron beam has the advantages of high energy,
high current and self-confinement. It has a promising application in
high-power microwave sources, surface treatment of metal materials,
etc. To investigate the characteristics of this electron beam, a
pseudospark discharge experimental platform is established in this
paper. A pseudospark chamber is designed for pseudospark
discharge. To trigger the discharge, a high voltage pulse trigger
signal is generated by an avalanche transistor Marx circuit and a
trigger unit is designed to generate trigger electrons. Faraday Cup
is utilized to collect the electron beam and measure the electron
waveform. In order to quantitatively characterize the electron beam,
we define six electron beam characteristics, including trigger
delay, peak current, electron beam charge, electron beam width,
electron beam loop current ratio and electron beam loop charge
ratio. To investigate the influence of gas pressure and gas type on
electron beam characteristics, we experimentally obtained results of
electron beam characteristics for different gas pressures and gas
type. We mainly investigated the change rule of the electron beam
characteristics when the gas pressure changes between 6 Pa and 20 Pa
and the similarities and differences of the electron beams under the
two gas environments, argon and nitrogen. We find that gas pressure
can be used for the modulation of electron beam time delay. The
width of the electron beam in the case of nitrogen has a very stable
relationship with the gas pressure. Gas pressure and gas type are
two important means of controlling the characteristics of
pseudospark electron beams.
Projection spaces and twisted Lie algebras
Authors: Knudsen Ben
Published: September 2023

A projection space is a collection of spaces interrelated by the combinatorics of projection onto tensor factors in a symmetric monoidal background category. Examples include classical configuration spaces, orbit configuration spaces, the graphical configuration spaces of Eastwood–Huggett, the simplicial configuration spaces of Cooper–de Silva–Sazdanovic, the generalized configuration spaces of Petersen, and Stiefel manifolds. We show that, under natural assumptions on the background category, the homology of a projection space is calculated by the Chevalley–Eilenberg complex of a certain generalized Lie algebra. We identify conditions on this Lie algebra implying representation stability in the classical setting of finite sets and injections.
Cohomology, Bocksteins, and resonance varieties in characteristic 2
Authors: Suciu Alexandru
Published: September 2023

We use the action of the Bockstein homomorphism on the cohomology ring

H^{{\kern -0.25pt\raise 1.2pt\hbox to 0.5em{\tiny {∙

}}\hspace {-0.5pt}}}(X,\mathbb {Z}_2) of a finite-type CW-complex

X
X

in order to define the resonance varieties of

X
X

in characteristic

2
2

. Much of the theory is done in the more general framework of the Maurer–Cartan sets and the resonance varieties attached to a finite-type commutative differential graded algebra. We illustrate these concepts with examples mainly drawn from closed manifolds, where Poincaré duality over

Z

2

\mathbb {Z}_2

has strong implications on the nature of the resonance varieties.
Intraprocedural Cortisol Measurement Increases Adrenal Vein Cannulation Success Rate in Primary Aldosteronism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yaqiong , Zhang Huamin , Luo Jie , Hou Jixin , Xue Qiang , Wang Xiaohan , Guo Hui , Wang Xinquan , Wang Peijian
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of intraprocedural cortisol measurement (IPCM) for the technical success rates of bilateral adrenal vein, right adrenal vein (RAV), and left adrenal vein (LAV) cannulation during adrenal vein sampling (AVS).

METHODS

Systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were performed from database inception to May 10, 2023, without any restrictions. We estimated the overall effect estimates of outcomes using the Mantel–Haenszel random-effects model. We conducted subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis to explore the possible sources of between-study heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In total, 3,485 patients from 11 studies (three prospective and eight retrospective) were enrolled. Bilateral selectivity in patients who underwent IPCM during AVS was significantly higher than that in patients who underwent a routine AVS procedure (84% vs. 64%, RR 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–1.59, P < 0.01), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 68%). A 42% relative risk reduction in the failure rate of bilateral adrenal vein cannulation was found in the IPCM group. Moreover, pooled analysis showed a significant increase in the success rates of RAV cannulation (84% vs. 72%, RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12–1.31, P < 0.01, I2 = 33%) and LAV cannulation (89% vs. 84%, RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08, P < 0.01, I2 = 4%) when IPCM was implemented during the AVS procedure compared to the routine AVS procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

An IPCM-based strategy during AVS appears to have a significant beneficial effect on improving the success rate of bilateral cannulation, RAV cannulation and LAV cannulation.
Microbiome Metabolome Integration Platform (MMIP): a web-based platform for microbiome and metabolome data integration and feature identification
Authors: Gautam Anupam , Bhowmik Debaleena , Basu Sayantani , Zeng Wenhuan , Lahiri Abhishake , Huson Daniel H , Paul Sandip
Published: September 2023

A microbial community maintains its ecological dynamics via metabolite crosstalk. Hence, knowledge of the metabolome, alongside its populace, would help us understand the functionality of a community and also predict how it will change in atypical conditions. Methods that employ low-cost metagenomic sequencing data can predict the metabolic potential of a community, that is, its ability to produce or utilize specific metabolites. These, in turn, can potentially serve as markers of biochemical pathways that are associated with different communities. We developed MMIP (Microbiome Metabolome Integration Platform), a web-based analytical and predictive tool that can be used to compare the taxonomic content, diversity variation and the metabolic potential between two sets of microbial communities from targeted amplicon sequencing data. MMIP is capable of highlighting statistically significant taxonomic, enzymatic and metabolic attributes as well as learning-based features associated with one group in comparison with another. Furthermore, MMIP can predict linkages among species or groups of microbes in the community, specific enzyme profiles, compounds or metabolites associated with such a group of organisms. With MMIP, we aim to provide a user-friendly, online web server for performing key microbiome-associated analyses of targeted amplicon sequencing data, predicting metabolite signature, and using learning-based linkage analysis, without the need for initial metabolomic analysis, and thereby helping in hypothesis generation.
Horticulture could facilitate invasive plant range infilling and range expansion with climate change
Authors: Beaury Evelyn M , Allen Jenica M , Evans Annette E , Fertakos Matthew E , Pfadenhauer William G , Bradley Bethany A
Published: September 2023

Invasive plants are often sold as ornamental garden plants, but how often are species sold in the same locations as where they are invasive? To answer this question, we assessed the geography of ornamental plant sales in the United States in relation to existing invasions and potential invasion risk with climate change. Using a data set of 672 nurseries selling 89 invasive plants, we estimated the distance between nursery sales and invasive species’ observed distributions. We also used species range maps to identify nursery sales within current potential invaded ranges, as well as within species’ future potential ranges given climate change. Half of the species were sold by a nursery within 21 kilometers of an observed record of invasion. Under the current climate, horticulture could be seeding invasions for 73 of the 89 species studied, and horticulture could facilitate climate-driven range expansion of 25 of 89 species. Our results illustrate risks associated with horticultural introductions of invasive species, providing guidance for regulatory and educational interventions that reduce the spread of ongoing and future invasions.
Constraint breeds creativity: A brainstorming method to jumpstart out-of-the-box thinking for sustainability science
Authors: Gould Rachelle K , Saito Tomomi , Allen Karen E , Bonn Aletta , Chapman Mollie , Droz Laÿna , Herrmann Thora M , Himes Austin , Ishihara Hiroe , Coelho-Junior Marcondes G , Katsue Fukamachi , Kenter Jasper O , Muraca Barbara , Ortiz-Przychodzka Stefan , Pearson Jasmine , Tadaki Marc , Rono Betty J , Tamura Norie
Published: September 2023

Conservation science often addresses highly complex issues; creative approaches can help develop new ways of doing so. We describe constraint-based brainstorming, a 10-minute creativity-inducing exercise inspired by design thinking. Although we applied the method with the goal of developing creative environmental valuation methods, it is applicable to almost any complex, interdisciplinary environmental research problem. We tried the approach at two academic workshops, in Japan and in Germany. We generated, in each short activity, scores of unique ideas for the target question. We present this engaging activity as a way to simultaneously achieve multiple outcomes that can support innovative conservation science: quickly generate many seeds of ideas to address a challenge or goal, offer insight into nuances of and shared convictions related to the topic at hand, set a tone of creativity and breaking outside of established thought structures, and build community around a willingness to take risks and freely share ideas.
Quantifying the temporal stability of international fertilizer trade networks
Authors: Li Mu-Yao , Wang Li , Xie Wen-Jie , Zhou Wei-Xing
Published: September 2023

The importance of fertilizers to agricultural production is undeniable, and most economies rely on international trade for fertilizer use. The stability of fertilizer trade networks is fundamental to food security. However, quantifying the temporal stability of a fast-growing system, such as the international fertilizer trade, requires a multi-dimensional perception. Therefore, we propose a new method, namely the structural inheritance index, to distinguish the stability of the existing structure from the influence of the growing process. The well-known mutual information and Jaccard index are calculated for comparison. We use the three methods to measure the temporal stability of the overall network and different functional sub-networks of the three fertilizer nutrients N, P and K from 1990 to 2018. The international N, P and K trade systems all have a trend of increasing stability with the process of globalization. The existing structure in the fertilizer trading system has shown high stability since 1990, implying that the instability calculated by the Jaccard index in the early stage comes from the emergence of new trade. The stability of the K trade network is concentrated in large sub-networks, meaning that it is vulnerable to extreme events. The stable medium sub-network helps the N trade become the most stable nutrient trade. The P trade is clearly in the role of a catch-up player. Based on the analysis of the comparisons of three indicators, we concluded that all three nutrient trade networks enter a steady state.
Experiences of Extensive User Involvement through Vision Seminars in a Large IT Project
Authors: Cajander Åsa , Larusdottir Marta , Lind Thomas , Stadin Magdalena
Published: September 2023

As the complexity of IT systems increases, the demand for methods taking the whole work situation into account grows. The Vision Seminar (VS) process addresses the future usage of technologies in complex digital work environments. This paper describes the experiences of conducting the VS process in the context of a large IT project to improve study-administrative work. The participants and stakeholders' experiences of participating in VS workshops were studied as the effect the participants and stakeholders believed the vision might have. Data were gathered through interviews and a survey. The participants were confident that the time spent on workshops was worthwhile and that achieving the future described in the resulting vision was feasible. The stakeholders perceived the VS process as rigorous. They were happily surprised by the positive spirit and engagement displayed by the participants. The utility of the resulting vision not being obvious was the most notable weakness mentioned.
Supplemental feedings affect diet seasonality and niche width in urban Eurasian red squirrels
Authors: Takahata Yu , Uchida Kenta , Shimamoto Tatsuki , Kutsukake Nobuyuki , Shirai Kotaro , Tanaka Kentaro , Ito Motohiro
Published: September 2023

Urban environments are novel alternative habitats for wildlife. Anthropogenic food resources such as supplemental feeding (SF) are usually abundant, stable across seasons, and sometimes rich in calories. Although anthropogenic food resources could modify the seasonality and composition of the diets of urban animals, previous studies have been limited to qualitative assessments based on stomach content and food remains. Our study compared diet seasonality and niche width between rural and urban populations of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Hokkaido, Japan, using direct observation and stable isotope analysis. We found that dietary seasonality was lower in urban populations than in rural populations. The frequency of seed use was higher throughout the year in urban populations than in rural populations, possibly because of excessive seeds by SF in urban squirrels. Additionally, female body weights of the urban population were higher than those of the rural population. However, this was not true for males. Because high body weight can increase reproductive success in females, it is feasible that diet modification could contribute to population growth in urban squirrels. However, no differences in male body weight were observed, possibly due to energy loss caused by intense male–male competition at feeding sites. Our study highlights the importance of studying the multidimensional effects of anthropogenic foods on wildlife.
Redeeming education after progress: composing variations as a way out of innovation tyrannies
Authors: Thoilliez Bianca
Published: September 2023

At a time of pedagogical exhaustion, this article wants to imagine ways to redeem education, to spare education from its unaccomplished promises, reinvent and renew its vows, and make it somehow work towards possible futures. But how can this be done when there is no longer the old inherited faith in a direction of history with an end, no ‘telos’ nor faith that educational institutions will inevitably move societies forwards? Is there any ‘after’ if the arrow of history points in no direction? What can we collectively expect from education if we have no assurance that schooling can lead to anything better than what we are now, or that caring for truth will make people freer? In place of the modernist idea of progress, the alternative narrative that is being offered to school systems and teachers is what I will describe as the ‘innovation paradigm’. Within this framework what we are, what we have, and what is in place are presented as declining, inadequate, and unsatisfactory. This narrative has become so powerful that from a ‘pedagogical popular culture’ perspective it has turned into the mainstream way of thinking about our educational institutions, practices, and hopes. Would it not, however, be more pedagogically productive to speak of ‘variation’ instead of ‘innovation’? Might this be the potential path for redeeming education after progress? [Editorial note: this paper forms part of the suite of papers entitled ‘Education After Progress’.]
The plant siRNA landscape
Authors: Vaucheret Hervé , Voinnet Olivier
Published: September 2023

Whereas micro (mi)RNAs are considered the clean, noble side of the small RNA world, small interfering (si)RNAs are often seen as a noisy set of molecules whose barbarian acronyms reflect a large diversity of often elusive origins and functions. Twenty-five years after their discovery in plants, however, new classes of siRNAs are still being identified, sometimes in discrete tissues or at particular developmental stages, making the plant siRNA world substantially more complex and subtle than originally anticipated. Focusing primarily on the model Arabidopsis, we review here the plant siRNA landscape, including transposable elements (TE)-derived siRNAs, a vast array of non–TE-derived endogenous siRNAs, as well as exogenous siRNAs produced in response to invading nucleic acids such as viruses or transgenes. We primarily emphasize the extraordinary sophistication and diversity of their biogenesis and, secondarily, the variety of their known or presumed functions, including via non-cell autonomous activities, in the sporophyte, gametophyte, and shortly after fertilization.
Effect of a religious coping intervention of rational emotive behavior therapy on mental health of adult learners with type II diabetes
Authors: Okeke Nkechi Mercy , Onah Beatrice N. , Ekwealor Nwakaego Ebele , Ekwueme Stella Chinweudo , Ezugwu Joy Onyinyechukwu , Edeh Esther Nwarube , Okeke Polycarp M.D. , Ndille Roland , Onwuadi Charles C. , Amedu Amos N. , Nwaogaidu John Chidubem , Nnamani Rebecca Ginikanwa , Okolie Charles Nkem , Okoro Kingsley , Solomon Kingsley Christopher , Owonibi Ola Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Background:

Some previous studies have highlighted the high rate of mental health problems associated with type II diabetes (T2DM). The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a religious coping intervention of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on the mental health of adult learners with T2DM.

Methods:

This study utilized a randomized controlled trial to select 146 adult learners with T2DM and mental health-related problems. The treatment group was made up of 73 adult learners, while the control group was also made up of 73 adult learners. The experimental group received 8 sessions of a religious coping intervention of REBT, while the control group received usual care. Data were collected using the patient health questionnaire, Warwick–Edinburgh mental well-being scale, and Kessler psychological distress scale. Repeated ANOVA and univariate analysis of covariance were used for data analyses.

Results:

The religious coping intervention of REBT substantially enhanced the mental health of adult learners with T2DM as measured by Warwick–Edinburgh mental well-being scale (P < .000) and patient health questionnaire (P < .000). The religious coping intervention of REBT significantly alleviated the psychological distress of adult learners with T2DM as measured by Kessler psychological distress scale (P < .000).

Conclusion:

In this study, it has been demonstrated that a religious coping intervention of REBT effectively improves the mental health of adult learners with T2DM. The study concludes that the religious coping intervention of REBT is a practical alternative medicine approach to enhancing the mental health of adult learners with T2DM.
Case report: Successful pregnancy complicated with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in a lady who suffered from postpartum hemorrhage previously
Authors: Niu Xiaoxi , Gong Yanmin , Luo Xia
Published: September 2023

Rationale:

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is characterized by the absence of cirrhotic modification of the liver and the patency of the portal and hepatic veins. When compared to the general population, NCPH is associated with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. NCPH was present in the majority (74.1%) of pregnant women with portal hypertension. One (25%) out of every 4 pregnancies was complicated by variceal hemorrhage while pregnant. So far, there is still no consensus in the world about the treatment of this rare condition.

Patient concerns:

We have specifically illustrated a rare instance where the patient was diagnosed with NCPH and hypersplenism at the age of 8 and experienced a 3 L massive hemorrhage during labor induction as a result of her first pregnancy loss due to hypertension.

Diagnoses and Interventions:

The diagnosis of threatened preterm labor with cervical dilatation, gestational diabetes mellitus, massive splenomegaly with hypersplenism, portal vein hypertension, and parenchymal damage of kidney with impaired renal function led to the cesarean delivery of the second pregnancy at 29+3 weeks gestation without splenectomy after been evaluated by multispecialty team.

Outcomes:

She and her child were both in generally good condition 3 months after the operation.

Lessons:

Preconception counseling, ongoing follow-up, and monitoring are crucial in pregnant women with NCPH. A multidisciplinary team approach, with timely intervention and intensive monitoring, can help achieve optimal maternal–perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension. Our case provided a successful treatment, but more guidelines for the management of NCPH are needed.
Changes in HER2 status and survival outcomes in patients with non-pathological complete response after neoadjuvant targeted treatment
Authors: Ren Xiaofei , Zhang Xiangmei , Ma Xiangmin , Yang Chao , Li Jingping , Liu Beichen , Shi Chao , Liu Yunjiang
Published: September 2023

To study the changes in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant treatment. The clinicopathologic data of 499 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who completed neoadjuvant treatment and surgery at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the new adjuvant regimen, 298 patients were divided into the trastuzumab + pertuzumab combined chemotherapy group (dual target group), and 201 patients were divided into the trastuzumab combined chemotherapy group (single target group).The effect of different neoadjuvant regimens on HER2 status was analyzed by comparing HER2 expression before and after treatment. A total of 255 of 499 neoadjuvant patients with HER2-positive breast cancer achieved a pathological complete response (pCR). pCR was achieved in 60.07% (179/298) of the dual target group and 37.81% (76/201) of the single target group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ² = 23.795, P < .001). Among 244 cases of HER2-positive breast cancer that did not reach pCR (non-pCR), there was a certain negative conversion rate of HER2 expression after neoadjuvant treatment, and the overall negative conversion rate was 13.11% (32/244). The negative conversion rates of the dual target group was 17.65% (21/119) and single target group was 8.80% (11/125), (χ² = 4.188, P = .041). The DFS of 499 patients in the pCR group was 98.43% (251/255), which was significantly higher than that in the non-pCR group 92.21% (225/244), (χ² = 8.536, P = .003). Only 2 (0.20%) of 32 patients with negative HER2 had recurrence and metastasis. Neoadjuvant treatment had an effect on the expression status of HER2, especially in the dual target group. For patients with negative HER2, the optimal treatment strategy remains to be explored, but continued anti-HER2 treatment is still recommended.
Chinese mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy for upper urinary calculi under local infiltration anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Lin , Li Fang-Zhi , Xie Tian-Peng , Liu Fo-Lin , Jiang Bo , Yuan Yuan-Hu , Xiao Ri-Hai , Wang Xiao-Ning
Published: September 2023

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is generally performed under general or regional anesthesia; however, it is rarely performed under local infiltration anesthesia (LIA). This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Chinese mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) for upper urinary calculi under LIA. A retrospective analysis of 52 patients with upper urinary stones who underwent MPCNL under LIA from April 2019 to May 2022 was performed. Pethidine and Phenergan were intramuscularly injected 30 minutes preoperatively. Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel was applied to the urethra for lubricating and mucosal anesthesia. Ropivacaine hydrochloride and lidocaine were injected into the whole percutaneous channel for local anesthesia. An 8/9.8F ureteroscope and an 18F vacuum-assisted access sheath were applied in MPCNL. All 52 patients tolerated procedures and underwent operations successfully; none of them converted the anesthesia method or required additional analgesia. The mean visual analogue scale scores intraoperatively and at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery were 3.25 ± 0.52, 3.13 ± 0.69, 2.25 ± 0.56, and 1.58 ± 0.50, respectively. The stone free rate was 84.6%. Complications were seen in 6 (11.5%) patients, including fever in 2 patients (Clavien I), renal colic in 1 patient (Clavien I), clinically insignificant bleeding in 2 patients (Clavien I), and urinary tract infection in 1 patient (Clavien II). No severe complications were observed in any patients. Chinese MPCNL under LIA was a feasible option and achieved good outcomes in appropriately selected patients, and it may become the routine procedure for general patients.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of nonpharmaceutical TCM therapies for rheumatoid arthritis over the last 20 years using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software
Authors: Sun Xiaojun , Yin Hongqin , Zhu Yanhui , Li Ling , Shen Jun , Hu Kongfa
Published: September 2023

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that poses a significant threat to a patient’s quality of life. Commonly used drugs include glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biological agents; however, there are associated side effects. Complementary and alternative medicines can play positive roles. Bibliometric analysis of herbal medicines for RA has been conducted, but current research trends in nonpharmaceutical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies for the treatment of RA have not been studied. Here, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the application of nonpharmaceutical TCM therapies for RA over the last 20 years.

Methods:

We retrieved relevant literature from the Web of Science Core Collection database and used VOSviewer and CiteSpace software for analysis. Visualized maps were then generated to display the relationships between the author, country, institution, and keywords.

Results:

A total of 567 articles were included in the final analysis. The number of annual publications on nonpharmaceutical TCM interventions for RA increased over the study period. The journal with the highest number of publications on this topic was Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; however, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews had the most citations. Collaborations were observed among worldwide institutions, with the People’s Republic of China playing a dominant role in the research on treatment of RA using nonpharmaceutical TCM therapies. Ernst E was the most productive author, with 11 articles, whereas Green S had the highest number of citations (287) at the time of retrieval. Specific improvements in the efficacy and selection of nonpharmaceutical therapies were the main research hotspots based on citation burst analysis.

Conclusion:

This study characterizes the trends in the literature for nonpharmaceutical TCM therapy for RA over the past 20 years; showcasing the current research status for relevant researchers and their teams and providing a reference for future research directions.
Pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson disease revealed by bioinformatic analysis of necroptosis and immune cell infiltration
Authors: Lin Zilong , Zhang Jiana , Wu Runa , Chen Guanmei , Peng Jieying , Li Renai , Chen Shengqiang
Published: September 2023

Parkinson disease (PD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disease with very high prevalence by age 80 years. Necroptosis is a newly identified form of programmed cell death implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, but has not yet been conclusively associated with PD. This study examined the contributions of necroptosis to PD using bioinformatics analysis. Datasets GSE26927, GSE49036, and GSE54536 from the gene expression omnibus database were analyzed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were then subjected to gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to identify associated functions and signaling mechanisms. Necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (NRDEGs) were then identified by the overlap of DEGs and the necroptosis gene set hsa04217. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were then used to build and visualize a protein–protein interaction network and identify hubs and key functional modules among NRDEGs. In addition, immune cell type abundance was analyzed based on DEGs using ImmuCellAI. The identified DEGs, KEGG pathway enrichment terms, and protein–protein interaction network structures of NRDEGs were validated using an independent dataset (GSE54536). The necroptosis pathway was significantly enriched and activated in PD samples. Thirteen NRDEGs were identified in the GSE26927 and GSE49036 datasets, including receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1, CASP8 and FADD like apoptosis regulator, TNFRSF1A associated via death domain, and interleukin 1 beta, of which 6 were validated in the GSE54536 dataset. According to gene ontology and KEGG analyses, these NRDEGs are involved in necroptosis-related processes, apoptosis, B cell receptor signaling pathways, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. Analysis of DEGs also revealed significant increases in CD8 + T cell and Tex cell infiltration and significant decreases in B cell and T gamma delta cell infiltration within the PD brain. Necroptosis pathways are active in PD and associated with immune cell infiltration. The factors controlling necroptotic signaling and immune infiltration identified in this study may be valuable diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for PD.
An integrated mRNA–lncRNA signature for overall survival prediction in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Derong , Wei Lili , Zeng Liping , Mukiibi Robert , Xin Hongbo , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2023

The combination of mRNA and lncRNA profiles for establishing an integrated mRNA–lncRNA prognostic signature has remained unexplored in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients. We utilized a training dataset of 36 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and a validation cohort (GSE107943) of 30 samples from Gene Expression Omnibus. Two mRNAs (CFHR3 and PIWIL4) and 2 lncRNAs (AC007285.1 and AC134682.1) were identified to construct the integrated signature through a univariate Cox regression (P-value = 1.35E−02) and a multivariable Cox analysis (P-value = 3.07E−02). Kaplan–Meier curve showed that patients with low risk scores had notably prolonged overall survival than those with high risk scores (P-value = 4.61E−03). Subsequently, the signature was validated in GSE107943 cohort with an area under the curve of 0.750 at 1-year and 0.729 at 3-year. The signature was not only independent from diverse clinical features (P-value = 3.07E−02), but also surpassed other clinical characteristics as prognostic biomarkers with area under the curve of 0.781 at 3-year. Moreover, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis and gene enrichment analyses found that the integrated signature were associated with metabolic-related biological process and lipid metabolism pathway, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of CCA. Taken together, we developed an integrated mRNA–lncRNA signature that had an independent prognostic value in the risk stratification of patients with CCA.
Efficacy of atorvastatin administration after surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Xu Wuhuan , Tang Xielin , Liu Shenghua , Li Qianke , Yang Feilong
Published: September 2023

To explore the clinical efficacy of atorvastatin administration after surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematoma. We conducted a retrospective study to analyze the clinical data of patients with chronic subdural hematoma. Patients receiving atorvastatin treatment after surgery were divided into the study group while others were divided into the control group. As the primary outcome, we compared the hematoma recurrence rate. The secondary outcomes were the remaining volume of hematoma and the activities of daily living (Barthel index) score at 3 months after discharge. A total of 53 patients were included in the study: 30 patients in the study group (n = 30) and 23 patients in the control group (n = 23). The baseline clinical data were similar in the 2 groups (P > .05). Four patients had recurrence of hematoma in the study group, while 5 patients had recurrence of hematoma in the control group [4/30 (13.3%) versus 5/23 (21.7%), P = .661] at 3 months after discharge. The mean remaining volume of hematoma was 12.10 ± 8.80 mL in the study group and 17.30 ± 9.50 mL in the control group at 3 months after discharge, respectively. The remaining volume of hematoma in the study group was less than that in the control group (P = .045).The activities of daily living score in the study group were higher than those in the control group (97.83 ± 4.48 vs 94.78 ± 5.73, P = .034) at 3 months after discharge. Atorvastatin administration after surgery barely reduce the recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma, however, reduced the remaining volume of hematoma and improved neurological function.
Reduced volume and altered composition of paraspinal muscles in Marfan syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoshida Yuichi , Doi Toru , Oka Hiroyuki , Kato So , Ohtomo Nozomu , Nakamoto Hideki , Takeda Norifumi , Inuzuka Ryo , Yagi Hiroki , Oshima Yasushi , Tanaka Sakae , Fukatsu Kazuhiko , Taniguchi Yuki
Published: September 2023

Retrospective cohort study. Spinal deformities in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) are distinct from those in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). It is more prone to progression and more likely to present with sagittal malalignment than IS. However, the etiology of this characteristic spinal deformity in MFS remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the spinal musculature characteristics in patients with MFS on the hypothesis that the paraspinal muscles of patients with MFS would be qualitatively or quantitatively different from those of patients with IS. Seventeen consecutive patients with MFS aged 25 years or younger undergoing surgery for scoliosis in our hospital were compared with age- and sex-matched patients with IS undergoing surgery for scoliosis. The body size-adjusted relative cross-sectional area (rCSA), fatty infiltration ratio (FI%), and relative functional cross-sectional area (rFCSA) of the psoas muscles (PM) and paravertebral muscles (PVM) at L3/4 and L4/5 were measured using preoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Functional CSA was defined as total CSA minus the fatty infiltration area of each muscle and rFCSA was calculated as the body size-adjusted functional CSA. The rCSA of the PM at L3/4 and L4/5 was significantly smaller in the MFS group than in the IS group (L3/4, P = .021; L4/5, P = .002). The FI% of the PM at L4/5 was significantly higher in the MFS group (P = .044). Consequently, the rFCSA of the PM at L3/4 and L4/5 and the rFCSA of the PVM at L3/4 in the MFS group were significantly smaller than those in the IS group (PM at L3/4, P = .021; PM at L4/5, P = .001; PVM at L3/4, P = .025). Compared with patients with IS, patients with MFS exhibited significantly decreased body-size-adjusted CSA of the PM and reduced body-size-adjusted functional CSA of the PVM and PM. These findings may partially explain the characteristics of distinctive spinal deformities in patients with MFS.
Study of monomelic amyotrophy of the lower limbs in the territory of the Western Balkans: Case series
Authors: Djordjevic Gordana , Milosevic Vuk , Stojanov Aleksandar
Published: September 2023

Rationale:

Monomelic amyotrophy is a rare form of motor neuron disease in which the neurogenic atrophy is restricted to 1 limb, mostly the distal part of the arm. The disease most often occurs in Asia, especially in Japan and India, while in European countries, this disease is rarely recognized. Registration and publication of new cases of this disease aims to increase the awareness of clinicians about the existence of this disease in European countries, and with the aim of easier recognition and faster diagnosis of this essentially benign disorder.

Patient concerns:

Five patients with signs of atrophy of the muscles of 1 leg were examined at our Institution.

Diagnoses:

The criteria for selecting patients were as follows: clinical evidence of wasting and weakness confined to the 1 lower limb; progressive course, or initial progression followed by stationary course; absence of any definite sensory loss or central nervous system involved; no evidence of compression lesion of the spinal cord.

Interventions:

The clinical characteristics of our patients were similar to those previously described in the literature. The characteristic clinical features were sporadic occurrence, predominance in males with an initially progressive course for 2 to 5 years followed by a stationary state. There was no family history of neuromuscular disease.

Outcomes:

The electromyographic finding was consistent with a chronic neuropathic disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine excluded intraspinal pathologies and root compression in all cases.

Lessons subsection:

Monomelic amyotrophy of the lower limb is a rare disease that should be considered in cases of slow progressive unilateral amyotrophy of a single leg, especially in younger and middle-aged men, not only in Asia but also in the Western Balkans and Europe.
Skin-To-Skin Contact During Cesarean Birth in the United States over the Last Decade
Authors: Junk-Wilson Jessica S. , King Elizabeth K. , Murphy Lindsey M. , Raza Hassan
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To assess skin-to-skin contact during cesarean birth, including incidence and maternal characteristics.

Study Design and Methods:

A cross-sectional, retrospective study using survey methods was conducted. Women who had a cesarean birth within the last 10 years prior to January 2022 were recruited via social media. Descriptive statistics, chi square, and binary logistic regression analyses were calculated.

Results:

There were 2,327 participants, of which 29.7% experienced skin-to-skin contact during their cesarean birth. This was reported to be less often than desired. Significant associations were found among skin-to-skin contact during cesarean birth and planned cesarean birth, previous cesarean birth, maternal age, level of education, and birth region. Previous vaginal birth and race were not significantly associated with skin-to-skin contact during cesarean birth. Most (93.65%) respondents identified as White. Barriers to skin-to-skin contact during cesarean birth may be birth region, unplanned or emergency cesarean births, younger age, lacking a college degree, and lack of previous cesarean births.

Clinical Implications:

There are differences in incidence and access to skin-to-skin contact during cesarean birth. Our findings emphasize the continued need to address disparities in care, increase maternal health care equity, and make skin-to-skin contact during cesarean birth available for all women who desire it.
Unit costs of needle and syringe program provision: a global systematic review and cost extrapolation
Authors: Killion Jordan A. , Magana Christopher , Cepeda Javier A. , Vo Anh , Hernandez Maricris , Cyr Cassandra L. , Heskett Karen M. , Wilson David P. , Graff Zivin Joshua , Zúñiga María L. , Pines Heather A. , Garfein Richard S. , Vickerman Peter , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Wynn Adriane , Martin Natasha K.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) are effective at preventing HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID), yet global coverage is low, partly because governments lack data on the cost and cost-effectiveness of NSP in their countries to plan and fund their responses. We conducted a global systematic review of unit costs of NSP provision to inform estimation of cost drivers and extrapolated costs to other countries.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review to extract data on the cost per syringe distributed and its cost drivers. We estimated the impact of country-level and program-level variables on the cost per syringe distributed using linear mixed-effects models. These models were used to predict unit costs of NSP provision, with the best performing model used to extrapolate the cost per syringe distributed for 137 countries. The total cost for a comprehensive NSP (200 syringes per PWID/year) was also estimated for 68 countries with PWID population size estimates.

Results:

We identified 55 estimates of the unit cost per syringe distributed from 14 countries. Unit costs were extrapolated for 137 countries, ranging from $0.08 to $20.77 (2020 USD) per syringe distributed. The total estimated spend for a high-coverage, comprehensive NSP across 68 countries with PWID size estimates is $5 035 902 000 for 10 887 500 PWID, 2.1-times higher than current spend.

Conclusion:

Our review identified cost estimates from high-income, upper-middle-income, and lower-middle-income countries. Regression models may be useful for estimating NSP costs in countries without data to inform HIV/HCV prevention programming and policy.
Magnitude of HBV and HIV Among Women at Comprehensive Abortion Care Units and Their Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Health Institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Bogale Thomas , Diriba Regasa
Published: September 2023

Introduction Human immune-deficiency virus and hepatitis B virus are highly prevalent in developing countries like Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Women living in this area are more vulnerable to these viruses due to lack of awareness, sexual abuse and frequent unsafe abortion. This study was aimed to determine the magnitude of HBV and HIV among women at the comprehensive abortion care units and their knowledge, attitude, and practice in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of HBV and HIV among woman get service at comprehensive abortion care units and their knowledge, attitude and practice at selected health care center in Addis Ababa Method Across a sectional study was conducted among women at comprehensive abortion and care unit, at selected public health institutions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practices via face-to-face interviews. The presence of antibodies to HIV was tested based on the national testing algorithm. Hepatitis B surface antigen was analyzed using the rapid test and positive results were confirmed ELISA kits. Results In this study, the prevalence of HBV and HIV among the study participants was 7.6% and 4.7%, respectively. From the total participants, 78.6% did not know how the disease is transmitted and believed that HBV can be transmitted through contaminated water. Conclusion Women who attend comprehensive abortion have less information and poor practice to keep themselves from these viral infections.
Self-sustained rhythmic behavior ofSynechocystisPCC 6803 under continuous light conditions in the absence of light-dark entrainment
Authors: Berwanger Lutz C. , Thumm Nikolaus , Gholamipoor Rahil , Wiegard Anika , Schlebusch Jeannine , Kollmann Markus , Axmann Ilka M.
Published: September 2023

Circadian clocks regulate biological activities, providing organisms a fitness advantage under diurnal changing conditions by allowing them to anticipate and adapt to recurring external changes. In recent years attention was drawn to the entrainment by intracellular cycles. Photosynthetic Cyanobacteria coordinate their gene expression, metabolism, and other activities in a circadian fashion. Solely, three proteins, KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC, constitute the well-studied circadian clock of the cyanobacterial model,Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942. It remained inconclusive for a long time whetherSynechocystissp. PCC 6803, an important organism for biotechnological applications, can also maintain circadian rhythms under continuous illumination. Using an approach, which does not require genetic modification, we investigated the growth behavior ofSynechocystisvia non-invasive online backscattering measurement and verified all three criteria for true circadian oscillators: temperature compensation, entrainment by external stimuli, and a self-sustained freerunning period of about 24 hours. Since manipulation of the circadian clock (SynechocystisΔkaiA1B1C1) led to a significant reduction in glycogen content, disruption of glycogen synthesis (SynechocystisΔglgC) entirely inhibited glycogen formation and both mutants lost oscillations, we hypothesize that the oscillations reflect glycogen metabolism.

Significance Statement

Monitoring circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria usually requires genetically modified reporter strains or intensive sampling for downstream analysis. Even for the main cyanobacterial modelSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 it was debated for years to which extent undamped circadian oscillations are really present until a suitable reporter strain was developed. We applied online backscatter measurements as an alternative readout to monitor circadian oscillations in cyanobacteria. InSynechocystisthe temperature-compensatedkaiA1B1C1-driven 24 h metabolic oscillations did not require light-dark entrainment, highlighting the relevance of the clock for the carbon metabolism even under continuous light, an aspect which should be considered for industrial set-ups. Our method opens the possibility to extend circadian analysis to non-GMO and monitor metabolic rhythmicity during high-density cultivation.
Human enteric glia diversity in health and disease: new avenues for the treatment of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Windster J.D. , Kuil L.E. , Kakiailatu N.J.M. , Antanaviciute A. , Sacchetti A. , MacKenzie K. C. , Peulen-Zink J. , Kan Tsung Wai , Bindels E. , de Pater E. , Doukas M. , Yousefi S. , Barakat T.S. , Meeussen C. , Sloots C.E.J. , Wijnen R.M.H. , Parikh K. , Boesmans W. , Melotte V. , Hofstra R.M.W. , Simmons A. , Alves M.M.
Published: September 2023

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is caused by an absence of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is crucial for intestinal function. The ENS is composed of enteric neurons and glia, and is mostly derived from migrating vagal neural crest cells. Trunk-derived Schwann cells also play a significant role in postnatal maintenance of the ENS. However, the diversity of the ENS in health and disease remains largely unknown. Here, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on pediatric controls and HSCR individuals, and identified two major classes of enteric glia, being canonical and Schwann-like enteric glia. We show that the latter are the main contributors of enteric glia heterogeneity after birth and importantly, that they are preserved in aganglionic segments of HSCR individuals. In a zebrafish model of HSCR, which also shows preservation of Schwann-like enteric glia, enteric neurogenesis could be stimulated, demonstrating a potential novel therapy for HSCR.