bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aurora kinase A promotes trained immunity via regulation of endogenous S-adenosylmethionine metabolism
Authors: Li Mengyun , Jin Huan , Liu Yongxiang , Wang Zining , Li Lin , Wang Tiantian , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhang Hongxia , Huo Bitao , Yu Tiantian , Wang Shoujie , Zhao Wei , Liu Jinyun , Huang Peng , Cui Jun , Xia Xiaojun
Published: November 2024

Innate immune cells can acquire a memory phenotype, termed trained immunity, but the mechanism underlying the regulation of trained immunity remains largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of Aurora kinase A (AurA) dampens trained immunity induced by β-glucan. ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analysis reveals that AurA inhibition restricts chromatin accessibility of genes associated with inflammatory pathways such as JAK-STAT, TNF and NF-κB pathways. Specifically, AurA inhibition promotes nuclear localization of FOXO3 and the expression of glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), a key enzyme responsible for adenosylmethionine (SAM) consumption. Metabolomic analysis confirms a reduction in SAM level upon AurA inhibition. As a result of SAM deficiency, trained mouse macrophages exhibit decreased H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 enrichment on gene regions ofIl6 and Tnfα. Additionally, the tumor inhibition effect of β-glucan is notably abolished by AurA inhibition. Together, our findings identify an essential role of AurA in regulating trained immunity via a methylation-dependent manner by maintaining endogenous SAM level through mTOR-FOXO3-GNMT axis.
Hunger modulates exploration through suppression of dopamine signaling in the tail of striatum
Authors: Kamath Tarun , Lodder Bart , Bilsel Eliana , Green Isobel , Dalangin Rochelin , Capelli Paolo , Raghubardayal Michelle , Legister Jessie , Hulshof Lauren , Wallace Janet Berrios , Tian Lin , Uchida Naoshige , Watabe-Uchida Mitsuko , Sabatini Bernardo L.
Published: November 2024

Caloric depletion leads to behavioral changes that help an animal find food and restore its homeostatic balance. Hunger increases exploration and risk-taking behavior, allowing an animal to forage for food despite risks; however, the neural circuitry underlying this change is unknown. Here, we characterize how hunger restructures an animal’s spontaneous behavior as well as its directed exploration of a novel object. We show that hunger-induced changes in exploration are accompanied by and result from modulation of dopamine signaling in the tail of the striatum (TOS). Dopamine signaling in the TOS is modulated by internal hunger state through the activity of agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, putative “hunger neurons” in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. These AgRP neurons are poly-synaptically connected to TOS-projecting dopaminergic neurons through the lateral hypothalamus, the central amygdala, and the periaqueductal grey. We thus delineate a hypothalamic-midbrain circuit that coordinates changes in exploration behavior in the hungry state.
Microtubule association induces a Mg-free apo-like ADP pre-release conformation in kinesin-1 that is unaffected by its autoinhibitory tail
Authors: Atherton J , Chegkazi MS , Peirano E , Pozzer LS , Foran T , Steiner RA
Published: November 2024

Kinesin-1 is a processive dimeric ATP-driven motor that transports vital intracellular cargos along microtubules (MTs). If not engaged in active transport, kinesin-1 limits futile ATP hydrolysis by adopting a compact autoinhibited conformation that involves an interaction between its C-terminal tail and the N-terminal motors domains. Here, using a chimeric kinesin-1 that fuses the N-terminal motor region to the tail and a tail variant unable to interact with the motors, we employed high-resolution cryo-EM in the presence of MTs to investigate elements of the mechanochemical cycle. We describe a missing structure for the proposed two-step allosteric mechanism of ADP release, the ATPase rate limiting step. It shows that MT association induces remodeling of the hydrogen bond network at the nucleotide binding site triggering removal of the Mg2+ion from the Mg2+-ADP complex resulting in a strong MT-binding apo-like state before ADP dissociation. We further demonstrate that tail association does not directly affect this mechanism, nor the adoption of the ATP hydrolysis-competent conformation, nor neck linker docking/undocking, even when zippering the two motor domains. Based on this structural evidence, we propose a revised mechanism for tail-dependent kinesin-1 autoinhibition and suggest a possible explanation for its characteristic pausing behavior on MTs.
“Generation of morphologically distinct astrocyte subtypes from human iPSCs reveals a link between glial shape, function and reactivity”
Authors: O’Toole Kelly , Guetta Ludovica , Urbanaviciute Paulina , Suklai Pacharaporn , Wright Chandler , Fisher Theodore , Liddelow Shane , Luisier Raphaelle , Marzi Sarah J , Serio Andrea
Published: November 2024

Astrocyte morphologyin vivois heterogeneous across different subtypes and dynamically changes in response to various stimuli. However, several questions on the mechanistic links between shape and function remain unanswered. Here, we developed an efficient protocol to generate pure populations of morphologically distinct human astrocytesin vitro, which we used for a systematic analysis of shape-function relationships. We performed a structural, molecular, and functional characterization of these populations and highlighted how their distinct morphologies mirror distinct functional and transcriptional patterns at the population level. We were also able to both correlate gene expression profiles of these morphologically distinct astrocyte subtypes within vivoastrocytes in the human brain, and to validate our findings with primary isolated murine astrocytes in vitro. Moreover, we show that the observed morphological differences are correlated with changes in key cytoskeletal proteins, which offers a potential link to the observed functional differences. Finally, we demonstrated that different morphological subtypes of astrocytes have distinct reactivity responses to a common stimulus. This study offers a glimpse into the shape-function dynamics of human astrocytes, highlighting potential mechanistic links between cytoskeletal usage and astrocyte function, while also providing tools and datasets that will be useful for further studies into human glial biology in health and disease.
Ethanolamine-induced assembly of microcompartments is required forFusobacterium nucleatumvirulence
Authors: Franklin Dana S. , Chen Yi-Wei , Chen Yimin , Wittchen Manuel , Agnew Angela , Luu Alexis , Whitelegge Julian P , Zhou Z Hong , Tauch Andreas , Das Asis , Ton-That Hung
Published: November 2024

Many bacteria metabolize ethanolamine as a nutrient source through cytoplasmic organelles named bacterial microcompartments (BMCs). Here we investigated the molecular assembly, regulation, and function of BMCs inFusobacterium nucleatum– a Gram-negative oral pathobiont that is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. TheF. nucleatumgenome harbors a conserved ethanolamine utilization (eut) locus with 21 genes that encode several putative BMC shell proteins and a two-component signal transduction system (TCS), in addition to the enzymes for ethanolamine transport and catabolism. We show that the expression of most of these genes as well as BMC formation is highly increased in wild type fusobacteria when cultured in the presence of ethanolamine as a nutrient source. Deletion of the response regulator EutV eliminated this induction ofeutmRNAs and BMCs, thus demonstrating that BMC formation is transcriptionally regulated by the TCS EutV-EutW in response to ethanolamine. Mass spectrometry of isolated BMCs unveiled the identity of the constituent proteins EutL, EutM1, EutM2, and EutN. Consistent with the role of these proteins in BMC assembly and metabolism, deletion ofeutN,eutL/eutM1/eutM2, oreutL/eutM1/eutM2/eutNnot only affected BMC formation, but also ethanolamine utilization, causing cell growth defects with ethanolamine as nutrient. BMCs also assembled in fusobacteria cultured with placental cells or the culture media, a process that is dependent on the BMC shell proteins. Significantly, we show that theeutNmutant is defective in inducing preterm birth in a mouse model. Together, these results establish that BMC-mediated metabolism of ethanolamine is critical for fusobacterial virulence.

IMPORTANCE

The oral anaerobeFusobacterium nucleatumcan spread to distal internal organs, such as the colon and placenta, and thereby promote the development of colorectal cancer and induce preterm birth, respectively. Yet, how this opportunistic pathogen adapts to the various metabolically distinct host cellular niches remains poorly understood. We demonstrated here that this microbe assembles specialized metabolic organelles, termed bacterial microcompartments (BMCs), to utilize environmental ethanolamine (EA) as a key environmental nutrient source. The formation ofF. nucleatumBMCs, containing BMC shell proteins EutLM1M2N, is controlled by a two-component system, EutV-EutW, responsive to EA. Significantly, this ability ofF. nucleatumto form BMCs in response to EA is crucial for its pathogenicity evidenced by the fact that the genetic disruption of BMC formation reduces fusobacterial virulence in a mouse model of preterm birth.
The Transcriptional Gradient in Negative-Strand RNA Viruses Suggests a Common RNA Transcription Mechanism
Authors: King Connor R. , Berezin Casey-Tyler , Munsky Brian , Peccoud Jean
Published: November 2024

We introduce a novel model of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus (NNSV) transcription. Previous models have relied on polymerase behavioral differences in the highly conserved intergenic sequences. Our model hypothesizes the transcriptional gradient in NNSVs is explained through a simple model with two parameters associated with the viral polymerase. Most differences in expression can be attributed to the processivity of the polymerase while additional attenuation occurs in the presence of overlapping genes. This model reveals a correlation between polymerase processivity and genome length, which is consistent with the universal entry of polymerases through the 3’ end of the genome. Using this model, it is now possible to predict the transcriptional behavior of NNSVs from genotype alone, revolutionizing the design of novel NNSV variants for biomedical applications.
Somatic gonad morphogenesis inC. elegansrequires the heterochronic pathway acting through HBL-1
Authors: Minutillo Madeleine , Kemper Kevin , Ivanova Maria , Pianin Erika , Moss Eric G.
Published: November 2024

Characteristically, the heterochronic genes control the stage-specific timing of developmental events throughout the developingCaenorhaditis eleganslarva while gonad development occurs mostly normally. In a few cases, some timing regulators lead to detectable variations in gonad development with little to no effect on fertility. We found that a double mutant of alin-28null allele andhbl-1hypomorphic allele results in a catastrophic failure of gonad morphogenesis resulting in sterility. This defect includes a high-penetrance disruption of normal gonad arm migration as well as frequent absence of one or both spermathecae. We demonstrate that the abnormal gonad morphology and novel sterility phenotype is ultimately due to loss ofhbl-1activity in larval development. The mechanism of howlin-28positively influenceshbl-1activity is unresolved. We demonstrate a direct interaction between the RNA-binding protein LIN- 28 and the 5’UTR oflin-46, and in turn, a direct interaction between LIN-46 and two zinc fingers of HBL-1. Nevertheless, our genetic analysis indicates thatlin-46accounts for only part oflin-28’s regulation ofhbl-1and that some portion oflin-28’s effect is independent oflin-46.
The organization of high-level visual cortex is aligned with visual rather than abstract linguistic information
Authors: Shoham Adva , Broday-Dvir Rotem , Malach Rafael , Yovel Galit
Published: November 2024

Recent studies show that linguistic representations predict the response of high-level visual cortex to images, suggesting an alignment between visual and linguistic information. Here, using iEEG, we tested the hypothesis that such alignment is limited to textual descriptions of the visual content of the image and would not appear for their abstract textual descriptions. We generated two types of textual descriptions for images of famous people and places:visual-text, describing the visual content of the image, andabstract-text, based on their Wikipedia definitions, and extracted their relational-structure representations from a large language model. We used these linguistic representations, along with visual representation of the images based on deep neural network, to predict the iEEG responses to images. Neural relational-structures in high-level visual cortex were similarly predicted by visual-images and visual-text, but not abstract-text representations. These results demonstrate that visual-language alignment in high-level visual cortex is limited to visually grounded language.
Evaluating and improving the predictive accuracy of mixing enthalpies and volumes in disordered alloys from universal pretrained machine learning potentials
Authors: Casillas-Trujillo Luis , Parackal Abhijith S. , Armiento Rickard , Alling Björn
Published: November 2024

The advent of machine learning in materials science opens the way for exciting and ambitious simulations of large systems and long time scales with the accuracy of calculations. Recently, several pretrained universal machine learned interatomic potentials (UPMLIPs) have been published, i.e., potentials distributed with a single set of weights trained to target systems across a very wide range of chemistries and atomic arrangements. These potentials raise the hope of reducing the computational cost and methodological complexity of performing simulations compared to models that require for-purpose training. However, the application of these models needs critical evaluation to assess their usability across material types and properties. In this work, we investigate the application of the following UPMLIPs: MACE, CHGNET, and M3GNET to the context of alloy theory. We calculate the mixing enthalpies and volumes of 21 binary alloy systems and compare the results with DFT calculations to assess the performance of these potentials over different properties and types of materials. We find that the small relative energies necessary to correctly predict mixing energies are generally not reproduced by these methods with sufficient accuracy to describe correct mixing behaviors. However, the performance can be significantly improved by supplementing the training data with relevant training data. The potentials can also be used to partially accelerate these calculations by replacing the structural relaxation step.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Low-overhead quantum computing with the color code
Authors: Thomsen Felix , Kesselring Markus S. , Bartlett Stephen D. , Brown Benjamin J.
Published: November 2024

Fault-tolerant quantum computation demands significant resources: large numbers of physical qubits must be checked for errors repeatedly to protect quantum data as logic gates are implemented in the presence of noise. We demonstrate that an approach based on the color code can lead to considerable reductions in the resource overheads compared with conventional methods, while remaining compatible with a two-dimensional layout. We propose a lattice surgery scheme that exploits the rich structure of the color-code phase to perform arbitrary pairs of commuting logical Pauli measurements in parallel while keeping the space cost low. Compared to lattice surgery schemes based on the surface code with the same code distance, and assuming the same amount of time is needed to complete a round of syndrome measurements, our approach yields about a 3× improvement in the space-time overhead, obtained from a combination of a 1.5× improvement in spatial overhead together with a 2× speedup due to the parallelization of commuting logical measurements. Even when taking into account the color code's lower error threshold using current decoders, the overhead is reduced by 10% at a physical error rate of 10−3 and by 50% at 10−4.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Corporate governance and SME performance: Is technological capability a missing link?
Authors: Muhammad Hussain , Migliori Stefania , Consorti Augusta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of technological capability in the relationship between corporate governance and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data comprising 1,357 European SMEs from 2014 to 2020, this paper examines how technological capability acts as a mediator and moderator within the governance-performance nexus.

Findings

The results show a positive and significant link between corporate governance mechanisms and SME performance, as well as between technological capability and SME performance. In addition, this paper show that technological capability plays a crucial role in moderating and mediating the governance-performance relationship. Specifically, technological capability accentuates the positive effects of board size, the presence of outside directors and concentrated ownership on SME performance. Conversely, it attenuates the positive impacts of CEO duality and board gender diversity on SME performance. These results highlight corporate governance mechanisms and technological capability’s crucial role in significantly influencing SME performance.

Practical implications

The results suggest that SMEs should prioritize not only the implementation of effective corporate governance mechanisms but also the strategic utilization of technological innovations to boost performance. European policymakers are encouraged to enact supportive policies on technological innovation to strengthen the governance-performance dynamic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the governance-performance literature by offering new insights into the critical role of technological capability, which has been previously explored in partial and fragmented ways.
A straightforward method for estimating evolutionary power spectral density of non-stationary typhoon wind speed
Authors: Ma Xingliang , Liu Zhen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

A precise estimation of the evolutionary power spectral density (EPSD) of typhoon wind speed is a difficult and significant undertaking in the analysis of turbulence effects on large-expansive structures. A majority of the prevailing EPSD estimation techniques rely on complex signal processing methodologies, such as wavelet decomposition, Hilbert–Huang transformation and time-varying autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. However, these approaches often pose challenges in terms of comprehensibility and practical implementation for engineers. In light of this issue, the present study introduces a straightforward and effective EPSD estimation method tailored specifically for typhoon wind speed, aiming to facilitate its understanding and application in engineering contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the mathematical model of a uniformly modulated non-stationary process is employed to represent the typhoon wind speed. Secondly, the reverse arrangement test serves as an auxiliary tool in conjunction with wavelet transform or empirical mode decomposition, aiding in the determination of the optimal slowly varying mean wind speed. Thirdly, Kernel regression technique is utilized to discern the time-dependent standard deviation of wind speed fluctuations. Finally, the power spectral density (PSD) of wind speed residuals is computed to facilitate the estimation of the EPSD.

Findings

Firstly, the reverse arrangement test-assisted approach enables the determination of an optimal time-dependent mean from the candidate results obtained through discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Secondly, the application of the Kernel regression technique facilitates accurate identification of the time-dependent variance from the fluctuating wind speed data. Thirdly, due to the influence of the extreme weather, the Gaussianity of the reduced turbulent fluctuations in typhoon wind is easily disturbed, resulting in the obvious non-Gaussian features.

Originality/value

This paper employs the mathematical model of uniformly modulated non-stationary process to characterize typhoon wind speeds and then proposes a straightforward and efficient method for estimating the EPSD of typhoon wind. The accuracy and efficacy of the presented estimation method are verified using the field-measured wind speed data from Typhoon Rammasun. The proposed EPSD estimation method for typhoon wind exhibits suitability for engineering applications owing to its simplicity and computational efficiency.
Uncertainty analysis of MHD oscillatory flow of ternary nanofluids through a diverging channel: a comparative study of nanofluid composites
Authors: Jaismitha B. , Sasikumar J.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the heat and mass transfer characteristics of a temperature-sensitive ternary nanofluid in a porous medium with magnetic field and the Soret–Dufour effect through a tapered asymmetric channel. The ternary nanofluid consists of Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles, with a focus on understanding the thermal behaviour and performance across mono, hybrid and tri-hybrid nanofluids. This paper also examines the thermal behaviour of MHD oscillatory nanofluid flow and carries out an uncertainty analysis of the model using the Taguchi method.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations for this system are transformed into coupled linear partial differential equations using non-similarity transformations and solved numerically with the Crank–Nicolson scheme. The impact of temperature sensitivity at three distinct temperatures (5°C, 20°C and 60°C) is incorporated to analyse variations in viscosity and Prandtl number. The study also examines the combined effects of Soret–Dufour numbers and thermal radiation on heat and mass transfer within the nanofluid.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the inclusion of BNNT, Ag and Cu nanoparticles significantly enhances heat and mass transfer rate, with copper nanoparticles showing superior performance in terms of skin friction and heat transfer rates. The Soret and Dufour effects play critical roles in modulating heat and mass diffusion within tri-hybrid nanofluids. The study reveals that temperature sensitivity alters heat and mass transfer characteristics depending on the temperature range, with pronounced variations at elevated temperatures. The influence of thermal radiation and the Peclet number is found to significantly impact temperature distribution and overall heat transfer performance within the asymmetric channel.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyse the heat and mass diffusion in a ternary nanofluid composed of BNNT, Ag and Cu nanoparticles, considering porous media, oscillatory flow and thermal radiation within a tapered asymmetric channel. The research extends to a novel examination of temperature sensitivity in mono, hybrid and tri-hybrid nanofluids at varying temperature gradients. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of skin friction and heat transfer rates between copper, alumina and ferro composites is presented for optimising the nanofluid performance.
The desire path: unleashing expectations, discussing apprehensions, and proposing a way forward for GAI use in higher education
Authors: Koroleva Diana , Jogezai Nazir
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the desire path of using GAI in higher education, including expectations, apprehensions, and the way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study employs thematic analysis, scrutinizing 11 interviews with innovative higher education faculty. The methodology section details the utilization of GAI (Chat GPT) for conducting thematic analysis on interviews, showcasing academics' practical application of this technology for research purposes.

Findings

Stakeholders expect continuous improvement in technology, overdependence, advocate for gradual adjustment, and emphasize context-dependent technology utilization. Concerns encompass issues such as data reliability, ethical considerations, risks of undermining fundamental aspects, limitations in fully replacing human involvement, and worries about personal responsibility.

Practical implications

Recommendations include flexible regulations, data-driven decision-making, professional development, diverse stakeholder engagement, and promoting distributed responsibility.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights into the use of GAI in higher education, formulating policies that encourage innovation without hampering effectiveness.
Are companies better off with AI? The effect of AI service failure events on firm value
Authors: Song Dan , Deng Zhaohua , Wang Bin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

As more firms adopted AI-related services in recent years, AI service failures have increased. However, the potential costs of AI implementation are not well understood, especially the effect of AI service failure events. This study examines the influences of AI service failure events, including their industry, size, timing, and type, on firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

This study will conduct an event study of 120 AI service failure events in listed companies to evaluate the costs of such events.

Findings

First, AI service failure events have a negative impact on the firm value. Second, small firms experience more share price declines due to AI service failure events than large firms. Third, AI service failure events in more recent years have a more intensively negative impact than those in more distant years. Finally, we identify different types of AI service failure and find that there are order effects on firm value across the service failure event types: accuracy > safety > privacy > fairness.

Originality/value

First, this study is the initial effort to empirically examine market reactions to AI service failure events using the event study method. Second, this study comprehensively considers the effect of contextual influencing factors, including industry type, firm size and event year. Third, this study improves the understanding of AI service failure by proposing a novel classification and disclosing the detailed impacts of different event types, which provides valuable guidance for managers and developers.
Corporate risk-taking, financial constraints and cash holdings: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Hamshary Fatima Saleh Abd Almajeed , Mohamad Ariff Akmalia , Kamarudin Khairul Anuar , Abd Majid Norakma
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between corporate risk-taking and cash holdings, and whether financial constraints moderate this association.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analyses were applied to 606 firm-year observations from Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2020.

Findings

Firms with higher risk-taking exhibit higher cash holdings, whereas financially constrained firms have lower cash holdings. The positive association between corporate risk-taking and cash holdings is weaker for financially constrained firms than for nonconstrained firms.

Practical implications

For investors, investment decisions that include the cash holding assessment would also consider the firm-level uncertainty surrounding the firms.

Originality/value

This study explores the joint effect of corporate risk-taking and financial constraints on cash holding, and hence considers the strategic adaptations to navigate uncertainty in strategies related to cash holdings in Saudi Arabia.
Police specialism in England and Wales: an exploratory review
Authors: Barbin Arianna , Manning Mark , Davies Kari , Horvath Miranda A.H.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

There is a surprising lack of underpinning evidence relating to how police specialism is defined, conceived and operationalised nationally. This study aims to shed light on the development of specialism, adding insights towards academic and police knowledge on the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research was conducted to draw evidence on police specialism in England and Wales according to publications in the literature and insights from high-ranking police officers. A total of 57 documents and 10 officers’ accounts were thematically analysed. Five main themes have been identified, relating to the development, impact and barriers of specialist units, knowledge and training.

Findings

Socio-cultural, policy-based and historical information that contributed to the development of specialism in its contemporary form were discussed. The conceptual triggers for the institution of most specialist units were disasters and a need for modernisation. In both cases, police forces were faced with the inability to keep up with emerging threats and new criminal techniques. Some exceptions apply, with specialisms of sex offences still being underdeveloped and underfunded compared to other crimes. Overall, although specialism has the potential to positively impact police efficacy, the specialist knowledge of officers working within specialist units is frequently inferred – rather than measured.

Practical implications

Organisational support and the quality of training impact specialism effectiveness. The substantial lack of resources allocated to specialism means that training for some crime types is either unavailable or difficult to complete. Police officers fear that specialism might lead to elitism and corrupt police practices. There is no evidence, however, that elitist beliefs are the direct result of specialism or rather additional co-occurring organisational, cultural and force-specific or role-dependant factors. Police officers’ wellbeing and specialist capacity take a significant toll.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first modern study of its kind that investigated how police specialism is conceived, instituted and prioritised in England and Wales.
Evolution of Episiotomy Incidence and Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury Over 10 Years: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Cormier Julie , Mirouse Lola , Barbot Janine , Goffinet François , Le Ray Camille
Published: November 2024

Objective

To assess the association between the decrease in the use of episiotomy and the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) over a 10‐year period and understand their reasons by interviewing obstetricians and midwives.

Design

Mixed‐methods study.

Setting

A tertiary university public maternity hospital, Paris, France.

Population

All patients who delivered vaginally between January 2012 and December 2021 in the maternity hospital and 20 interviews with obstetrician‐gynaecologists and midwives.

Methods

Quantitative data analysis using a multivariate logistic regression model, stratifying on the mode of delivery. Semi‐structured interview with 20 obstetricians and midwives, with an interview guide.

Main Outcome Measures

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Results

The quantitative study of 37 942 women (16.1% of whom had an episiotomy and 1.4% OASIS) shows that, the incidence of episiotomy decreased from 25% to 7.6% over this 10‐year period. Allow on the known risk factors for OASIS, we demonstrate that its incidence rose (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.67) for the years in which the episiotomy incidence fell below 10% for the overall population. The interviews showed professionals' apparent awareness that the decreased incidence in episiotomy (achieved by changes in departmental policy, redefining its benefit/risk balance and acquiring new skills to manage the expulsion phase) could lead to an increased incidence of OASIS.

Conclusions

Decreasing the episiotomy incidence appears to be associated with a rising incidence of OASIS. The optimal incidence of episiotomy remains controversial in the literature and among professionals.
Comprehensive evaluation of water quality grades based on improved CRITIC and multidimensional connection cloud combination
Authors: Zhou Wen , Xu Xinyu
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a comprehensive water quality assessment method for nine major plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, based on an improved CRITIC method combined with a multidimensional connectivity cloud model. Key water quality monitoring indicators (NH3‐N, COD, TP, TN, permanganate index, DO, pH) were selected, and the weights were determined using the improved CRITIC method, highlighting the impact of NH3‐N, COD, and TP. These weights were then integrated with a multidimensional connectivity cloud model to classify lake water quality levels. The results indicated the following water quality grades for the lakes: Dianchi (III), Fuxian Lake (I), Erhai (II), Xingyun Lake (I), Qilu Lake (II), Yilong Lake (II), Lugu Lake (I), Yangzonghai (II), and Chenghai (II). Compared to five conventional methods, the proposed approach better addresses the issues of fuzziness, randomness, and discreteness in water quality indicators, avoiding the boundary selection problems inherent in traditional methods. By combining the improved CRITIC method with a multidimensional connectivity cloud model, the study achieves more precise and reliable evaluations through objective weighting and comprehensive consideration of multiple indicators. This method offers a more accurate reflection of lake water quality conditions and provides a scientific basis for water quality management and decision‐making, demonstrating significant potential for application in the field of environmental science.
A population‐based study using nomograms to predict overall and cancer‐specific survival in HPV‐associated CSCC
Authors: Zheng Suzheng , He Yong , Chen Yanan , Chen Ming , Xian Hua , Ming Wai‐kit , Jiang Yuzhen , Shan Wong Hoi , Hang Tie , Tan Xiaoqi , Lyu Jun , Deng Liehua
Published: November 2024

Constructing and validating two nomograms to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) correlated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was the main goal of this study. We constructed predictive models for OS and CSS incidence in HPV infection‐associated CSCC using information from 2238 patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and screened the variables by LASSO regression, Cox univariate regression, and Cox multifactorial regression models, which were calibrated and validated by internal and external cohorts. Finally, all patients were categorized into intermediate‐risk, low‐risk, and high‐risk groups based on the optimal threshold calculated from the total score. Multivariate analysis showed that HPV infection status, marital status, tumor metastatic stage, surgical status, radiotherapy status, lymph node biopsy, local lymph node dissection, primary tumor status, and bone metastasis were risk factors for OS and CSS. The C index, the time‐dependent area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve, and the column–line diagrams of the calibration plot were among the excellent‐performance metrics that were effectively displayed. Moreover, the decision curve analysis of the two nomograms consistently revealed their favorable net benefits spanning 1, 2, and 3 years. In addition, the survival curves indicate that each of the two risk classification systems clearly differentiates high, medium, and low risk groups. These meticulously crafted nomograms stand poised to serve as indispensable instruments in clinical practice, empowering clinicians to adeptly communicate with patients regarding their prognostic outlook over the forthcoming 1, 2, and 3 years.
Time in tight range: A key metric for optimal glucose control in the era of advanced diabetes technologies and therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Wang Yaxin , Lu Jingyi , Zhou Jian
Published: November 2024

Compared to glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), the rapidly developing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology provides more detailed information about glycemic control. Amongst the new glucose metrics derived from CGM, time in target range of 3.9–10.0 mmol/L (time in range, TIR) has been widely used for the assessment of glucose control. In recent years, the rise of new technologies and therapies including advanced hybrid closed‐loop automated insulin delivery systems and new hypoglycemic drugs has made it possible to achieve better glycemic control. In this context, the concept of time in tight range (TITR), defined as the percentage of time spent in target glucose range of 3.9–7.8 mmol/L, has gained increasing attention. Whilst TITR is highly correlated with TIR, there are still differences between the two metrics. These differences make TITR a more appropriate indicator in certain situations, such as when glucose levels are close to normal or when tighter glycemic control is required. This review summarizes recent studies related to TITR.
The cumulative impact of type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea on cardiovascular, liver, diabetes‐related and cancer outcomes
Authors: Riley David R. , Henney Alex , Anson Matthew , Hernadez Gema , Zhao Sizheng S. , Alam Uazman , Wilding John P. H. , Craig Sonya , Cuthbertson Daniel J.
Published: November 2024

Aim

A bidirectional relationship exists between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to examine the cumulative impact of having both OSA and T2D on patient outcomes, relative to having either condition alone.

Materials and methods

Using TriNetX, a global federated research network (n = 128 million), we undertook two retrospective cohort studies, using time‐to‐event analysis. Analysis 1 compared OSA with T2D versus OSA alone; analysis 2 compared T2D with OSA versus T2D alone. Propensity score matching using greedy nearest neighbour (calliper 0.1) balanced the cohorts (1:1) for significant covariates. Primary outcomes were cardiovascular, liver, diabetes‐related (microvascular) and cancer events over 1–5 years.

Results

Analysis 1 (n = 179 688): A codiagnosis of T2D/OSA significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.52; confidence interval [CI]: 1.48, 1.57), dementia (HR 1.19; CI: 1.12, 1.26), liver (HR 2.20; CI: 1.77, 2.73), pancreatic (HR 1.62; CI: 1.35, 1.93), colon, renal and endometrial cancers; all cardiovascular, microvascular and liver related outcomes versus OSA alone over 1–5 5 years following OSA diagnosis. Analysis 2 (n = 240 094): A codiagnosis of OSA/T2D significantly increased the risk of peripheral (HR 1.39; CI: 1.36, 1.43) and autonomic (HR 1.63; CI: 1.51, 1.75) neuropathy; retinopathy (HR 1.13; CI: 1.09, 1.18), CKD (HR 1.21; CI: 1.18, 1.23); all cardiovascular and liver outcomes; all‐cause mortality and several obesity related cancers versus T2D alone.

Conclusions

T2D significantly potentiates risk of cardiovascular, malignancy and liver‐related outcomes in individuals with OSA. OSA, in individuals with T2D, significantly potentiates risk of cardiovascular disease, malignancy, death and several microvascular complications (retinopathy, CKD, peripheral/autonomic neuropathy).
Long‐term all‐cause mortality of metabolic‐dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease based on body weight phenotypes following acute myocardial infarction: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Koh Jaycie , Mohamed Ayman , Kong Gwyneth , Wong Esther , Chen Yiming , Anand Vickram Vijay , Chong Bryan , Chin Yip Han , Wang Jiong‐Wei , Khoo Chin Meng , Chan Siew Pang , Muthiah Mark , Dimitriadis Georgios K. , Chan Mark Yan‐Yee , Loh Poay‐Huan , Chew Nicholas W. S.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and obesity increases risk of cardiovascular disease. This cohort study examines the prognostic value of MASLD, across body weight categories, in a secondary preventative acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cohort.

Methods

Patients with AMI were stratified into four phenotypes—obesity MASLD, non‐obesity MASLD, obesity non‐MASLD, non‐obesity non‐MASLD. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate determinants of long‐term all‐cause mortality.

Results

Of 5702 patients, majority were in the non‐obesity non‐MASLD group (66.7%), followed by obesity MASLD (16.1%), non‐obesity MASLD (11.2%) and non‐obesity MASLD (6.0%). Across the four phenotypes, obesity MASLD had the highest cardiometabolic burden, followed by non‐obesity MASLD. Non‐obesity MASLD had the highest risk of heart failure (p = 0.034), cardiogenic shock (p < 0.001), and all‐cause long‐term mortality (p = 0.019). The non‐obesity MASLD (HR 1.400, 95%CI 1.077–1.820, p = 0.012) and obesity MASLD phenotypes (HR 1.222, 95%CI 1.005–1.485, p = 0.044) were independently associated with long‐term all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Obesity and non‐obesity MASLD phenotypes were predictors of all‐cause mortality following AMI, with an even larger magnitude of mortality risk in the non‐obesity MASLD group. The recognition of MASLD and its body weight phenotypes will be beneficial in the prognostication following AMI.
Paramagnetic rim lesions are associated with inner retinal layer thinning and progression independent of relapse activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Krajnc Nik , Hofer Leo , Föttinger Fabian , Dal‐Bianco Assunta , Leutmezer Fritz , Kornek Barbara , Rommer Paulus , Kasprian Gregor , Berger Thomas , Pemp Berthold , Haider Lukas , Bsteh Gabriel
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are chronic active lesions associated with a severe disease course in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study was undertaken to investigate an association between retinal layer thinning (annualized loss of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer [aLpRNFL] and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer [aLGCIPL]) and PRLs in patients with MS (pwMS).

Methods

In this study, pwMS with brain magnetic resonance imaging and ≥2 optical coherence tomography scans were included. Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed using progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) as the dependent variable, and aLpRNFL, aLGCIPL, or the number of PRLs as independent variables, adjusted for covariates.

Results

We analyzed data from 97 pwMS (mean age = 35.2 years [SD = 9.9], 71.1% female, median disease duration = 2.3 years [interquartile range = 0.9–9.0]). The number of PRLs was associated with aLpRNFL and aLGCIPL. PIRA was observed in 18 (18.6%) pwMS, with aLpRNFL (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.44 per %/year), aLGCIPL (HR = 1.61 per %/year), and the number of PRLs (HR = 1.24 per PRL) being associated with increased risk of PIRA.

Conclusions

The number of PRLs is associated with inner retinal layer thinning and increased risk of PIRA. A combination of PRLs and retinal layer thinning could serve as a surrogate for pwMS at highest risk of disability progression.
Brain neurovascular coupling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Correlations with disease progression and cognitive impairment
Authors: Trojsi Francesca , Canna Antonietta , Sharbafshaaer Minoo , di Nardo Federica , Canale Fabrizio , Passaniti Carla , Pirozzi Maria Agnese , Silvestro Marcello , Orologio Ilaria , Russo Antonio , Cirillo Mario , Tessitore Alessandro , Siciliano Mattia , Esposito Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

‘Neurovascular coupling’ (NVC) alterations, assessing the interplay between local cerebral perfusion and neural activity within a given brain region or network, may reflect neurovascular unit impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim was to explore NVC as a correlation between the functional connectivity and cerebral blood flow within the large‐scale resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging brain networks in a sample of ALS patients compared to healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Forty‐eight ALS patients (30 males; mean age 60.64 ± 9.62 years) and 32 HC subjects (14 males; mean age 55.06 ± 16 years) were enrolled and underwent 3 T magnetic resonance imaging. ALS patients were screened by clinical and neuropsychological scales and were retrospectively classified as very fast progressors (VFPs), fast progressors and slow progressors (SPs).

Results

Neurovascular coupling reduction within the default mode network (DMN) (p = 0.005) was revealed in ALS patients compared to HCs, observing, for this network, significant NVC differences between VFP and SP groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that impaired NVC in the DMN at baseline best discriminated VFPs and SPs (area under the curve 75%). Significant correlations were found between NVC and the executive (r = 0.40, p = 0.01), memory (r = 0.32, p = 0.04), visuospatial ability (r = 0.40, p = 0.01) and non‐ALS‐specific (r = 0.40, p = 0.01) subscores of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen.

Conclusions

The reduction of brain NVC in the DMN may reflect largely distributed abnormalities of the neurovascular unit. NVC alterations in the DMN could play a role in anticipating a faster clinical progression in ALS patients, aiding patient selection and monitoring during clinical trials.
Study on Creep Behaviors of GH3230 Superalloy With Side Notches or a Center Inclined Hole at 900°C and 1000°C
Authors: Xu Qipeng , Hou Cheng , Ren Xiaodong , Yang Jingjing , Jin Xiaochao , Yang Qing , Fan Xueling
Published: November 2024

GH3230 superalloy is one of the most promising materials for aviation engine hot components, characterized by lots of holes and prone to creep failure. To study the effect of the side notches or center inclined hole on creep behaviors of GH3230 superalloy, a series of creep experiments and numerical simulations based on Sinh creep‐damage constitutive model were conducted at 900°C and 1000°C. The influence mechanism of notch strengthening on creep life was analyzed under different notch sizes. The results show that the opposite combination of stress triaxiality and multiaxial stress caused by notches determines the creep damage and life. With the increase of the stress concentration factor, the notch strengthening factor demonstrates a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, whereas the increase in net stress is accompanied by the augmentation of notch strengthening factor under the same stress concentration factor.
A Review on Fatigue Characteristics of Nickel‐Aluminum Bronze (NAB): Conventionally Fabricated and Additively Manufactured
Authors: Roshan Mojtaba , Mahtabi MohammadBagher , Eslamloo Sara Ranjbar , Behvar Alireza , Haghshenas Meysam
Published: November 2024

Nickel‐aluminum bronze (NAB) is extensively utilized across various industries, particularly marine applications due to its exceptional corrosion resistance. The mechanical properties of NAB are highly dynamic, and influenced by factors such as manufacturing processes, operating environments, and microstructure. This variability introduces complexities and challenges in addressing fatigue, the most common failure mode in metals. This review offers a thorough examination of the fatigue properties of NAB in both their conventionally fabricated and additively manufactured (AM) forms. This review explains the mechanisms that modulate fatigue in NAB by analyzing the existing literature and identifying critical factors such as microstructure, defects, and processing parameters. The goal is to improve the comprehension and dependability of NAB by contrasting the fatigue resistance of cast and AM NAB. The ultimate objective of this comprehensive examination is to predict and reduce component failures, thereby extending the service life and performance of NAB components in demanding environments.