bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive neural responses in the semantic comprehension of sound symbolic words and pseudowords
Authors: Sasaki Kaori , Kadowaki Seiichi , Iwasaki Junya , Pijanowska Marta , Okamoto Hidehiko
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Sound symbolism is the phenomenon of sounds having non-arbitrary meaning, and it has been demonstrated that pseudowords with sound symbolic elements have similar meaning to lexical words. It is unclear how the impression given by the sound symbolic elements is semantically processed, in contrast to lexical words with definite meanings. In event-related potential (ERP) studies, phonological mapping negativity (PMN) and N400 are often used as measures of phonological and semantic processing, respectively. Therefore, in this study, we analyze PMN and N400 to clarify the differences between existing sound symbolic words (onomatopoeia or ideophones) and pseudowords in terms of semantic and phonological processing.

Methods

An existing sound symbolic word and pseudowords were presented as an auditory stimulus in combination with a picture of an event, and PMN and N400 were measured while the subjects determined whether the sound stimuli and pictures match or mismatch.

Results

In both the existing word and pseudoword tasks, the amplitude of PMN and N400 increased when the picture of an event and the speech sound did not match. Additionally, compared to the existing words, the pseudowords elicited a greater amplitude for PMN and N400. In addition, PMN latency was delayed in the mismatch condition relative to the match condition for both existing sound symbolic words and pseudowords.

Discussion

We concluded that established sound symbolic words and sound symbolic pseudowords undergo similar semantic processing. This finding suggests that sound symbolism pseudowords are not judged on a simple impression level (e.g., spiky/round) or activated by other words with similar spellings (phonological structures) in the lexicon, but are judged on a similar contextual basis as actual words.
2-Year survival benefit from immunotherapy for squamous cell cancer with cancer of unknown primary in mediastinum: a case report
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhao Nan , Zhang Manze , Li Zhihua , Wang Ning , Shen Wennan , Dong Yuemei , Nie Yanli , Li Zhaoxia
Published: October 2023

Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) account for 2%–5% of all diagnosed cancers and are always characterized with fast-paced aggression, early metastasis, and unpredictable spread patterns Mediastinum metastasis with unknown primary origin is extremely rare and with a poor prognosis and short survival. There is no literature to refer to for its treatment. Here, we reported a case of squamous cell CUP in the mediastinum. A 50-year-old male patient was admitted after multi-line treatment of low differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in the mediastinum diagnosed 8 months before. In August 2019, the patient went to a local hospital for cough and dyspnea for 2 weeks. Then, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin with multiple lymph nodes metastasis. The patient was featured with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression strongly positive in 90% of tumor cells and the combined positive score of 90 and a tumor mutation burden of 1.79 MUts/Mb and microsatellite stable phenotype. The patient was treated with anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibodies in combination with chemotherapy and responded to the treatment. The patient showed stable disease to multi-line immunotherapy for more than 7 months and finally got a clinical benefit of 2-year survival benefit. In conclusion, immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in combination with chemotherapy may play a crucial role in the later-line treatment and palliative care of CUP.
Case Report: A management strategy and clinical analysis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the colon
Authors: Wu Xiang , Su Shenyong , Wei Yaning , Hong Dan , Wang Zhiyu
Published: October 2023

Primary colorectal squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a rare pathological subtype. Currently, clinical data with regards to its prognosis and treatment is limited, and there is no optimal treatment method. The case presented involves a proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) and microsatellite-stable (MSS) Colorectal cancer (CRC) patient with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) located transversely in the colon. Based on the imaging assessment, the tumor infiltration depth is classified as T4. After receiving 4 cycles of neoadjuvant treatment with oxaliplatin and capecitabine (XELOX), the patients were evaluated for partial response (PR) in 2 cycles and stable disease (SD) in 4 cycles. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy and received postoperative paclitaxel/cisplatin (TC) adjuvant chemotherapy. After 23 months, a systemic examination revealed abdominal metastasis. A needle biopsy was conducted on the detected abdominal metastases, with the resulting pathology indicating the presence of metastatic SCC. The individual exhibited expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and a mutation in the TP53 gene. Considering the patient’s disease recurrence based on medical history, a treatment plan was formulated. This involved Sintilimab plus Cetuximab and the combination of leucovorin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) regimen. The patient received four cycles of treatment with an efficacy evaluation of SD- and seven cycles of treatment with an efficacy evaluation of SD+, which resulted in a progression-free survival (PFS) duration of 7 months. This case study presents the conventional XELOX chemotherapy protocol, which has shown limited effectiveness, and highlights the favorable results achieved by implementing the TC adjuvant chemotherapy regimen in individuals diagnosed with primary colonic SCC. Furthermore, combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with other therapies for patients with advanced disease is anticipated to provide an extended duration of survival.
Forecasting real-world complex networks’ robustness to node attack using network structure indexes
Authors: Bellingeri Michele , Turchetto Massimiliano , Scotognella Francesco , Alfieri Roberto , Nguyen Ngoc-Kim-Khanh , Nguyen Quang , Cassi Davide
Published: October 2023

In this study, we simulate the degree and betweenness node attack over a large set of 200 real-world networks from different areas of science. We perform an initial node attack approach, where the node centrality rank is computed at the beginning of the simulation, and it is not updated along the node removal process. We quantify the network damage by tracing the largest connected component (LCC) and evaluate the network robustness with the “percolation threshold qc,” i.e., the fraction of nodes removed, for which the size of the LCC is quasi-zero. We correlate qc with 20 network structural indicators (NSIs) from the literature using single linear regression (SLR), multiple linear regression (MLR) models, and the Pearson correlation coefficient test. The NSIs cover most of the essential structural features proposed in network science to describe real-world networks. We find that the Estrada heterogeneity (EH) index, evaluating the degree difference of connected nodes, best predicts qc. The EH index measures the network node degree heterogeneity based on the difference of functions of node degrees for all pairs of linked nodes. We find that the qc value decreases as a function of the EH index, unveiling that heterogeneous real-world networks with a higher variance in the degree of connected nodes are more vulnerable to node attacks.
Study on the metabolic process of phthalic acid driven proliferation of Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Ju Jidong , Zhou Bingqian , Yang Guohong , Fu Xinyu , Wang Xiao , Guo Lanping , Liu Wei
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Continuous cropping obstacle seriously affects the quality and yield of Salvia miltiorrhiza, and the synergistic effect of root exudates and rhizosphere pathogenic microorganisms may be an important cause of continuous cropping obstacle. This study aimed to explore the effects of representative organic acids on the growth and metabolism of specific microorganisms in the S. miltiorrhiza rhizosphere soil under continuous cropping, and clarify its mechanism.

Methods

The effect of phthalic acid (PA) on the growth and metabolism of Rhizoctonia solani was evaluated by mycelial growth inhibition method. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify the differential metabolites of R. solani induced by exogenous PA.

Results

PA exerted a concentration-dependent effect on mycelial growth, biomass, intracellular polysaccharides con-tent, and total protein content in R. solani. A total of 1773 metabolites and 1040 differential metabolites were identified in the blank medium (CK), Fungi (CK + fungi), and PA-Fungi (CK + fungi + acid) groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the differential metabolites were mainly involved in the sugar, lipid, and protein metabolic pathways related to stable membrane structure and cell growth.

Discussion

The proliferation and metabolism network of R. solani induced by PA was proposed, and the enhancement of sugar, lipid, and amino acid metabolism was presumed to be related to the active resistance of cells to organic acid stress. These results offer new in-sights into the effects of PA metabolism on promoting R. solani proliferation, and provide theoretical support for further optimizing the rhizosphere microecological environment of Salvia miltiorrhiza continuous cropping soil and reducing continuous cropping obstacle.
Phytohormone biosynthesis and transcriptional analyses provide insight into the main growth stage of male and female cones Pinus koraiensis
Authors: Li Yan , Zhao Minghui , Cai Kewei , Liu Lin , Han Rui , Pei Xiaona , Zhang Lina , Zhao Xiyang
Published: October 2023

The cone is a crucial component of the whole life cycle of gymnosperm and an organ for sexual reproduction of gymnosperms. In Pinus koraiensis, the quantity and development process of male and female cones directly influence seed production, which in turn influences the tree’s economic value. There are, however, due to the lack of genetic information and genomic data, the morphological development and molecular mechanism of female and male cones of P. koraiensis have not been analyzed. Long-term phenological observations were used in this study to document the main process of the growth of both male and female cones. Transcriptome sequencing and endogenous hormone levels at three critical developmental stages were then analyzed to identify the regulatory networks that control these stages of cones development. The most significant plant hormones influencing male and female cones growth were discovered to be gibberellin and brassinosteroids, according to measurements of endogenous hormone content. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing allowed the identification of 71,097 and 31,195 DEGs in male and female cones. The synthesis and control of plant hormones during cones growth were discovered via enrichment analysis of key enrichment pathways. FT and other flowering-related genes were discovered in the coexpression network of flower growth development, which contributed to the growth development of male and female cones of P. koraiensis. The findings of this work offer a cutting-edge foundation for understanding reproductive biology and the molecular mechanisms that control the growth development of male and female cones in P. koraiensis.
Using the Perseverance MEDA-RDS to identify and track dust devils and dust-lifting gust fronts
Authors: Toledo D. , Apéstigue V. , Martinez-Oter J. , Franchi F. , Serrano F. , Yela M. , de la Torre Juarez M. , Rodriguez-Manfredi J. A. , Arruego I.
Published: October 2023

In the framework of the Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure Transnational Access programme, a terrestrial field campaign was conducted from 29 September to 6 October 2021 in Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Botswana). The main goal of the campaign was to study in situ the impact of the dust devils (DDs) on the observations made by the radiometer Radiation and Dust Sensor (RDS), which is part of the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer instrument, on board NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. Several DDs and dust lifting events caused by non-vortex wind gusts were detected using the RDS, and the different impacts of these events were analyzed in the observations. DD diameter, advection velocity, and trajectory were derived from the RDS observations, and then, panoramic videos of such events were used to validate these results. The instrument signal variations produced by dust lifting (by vortices or wind gusts) in Makgadikgadi Pans are similar to those observed on Mars with the RDS, showing the potential of this location as a Martian DD analog.
Case report: Abomasal ulcer secondary to congenital pyloric and duodenal stenosis in a 3-day-old heifer
Authors: Laabouri Fatima Zahra , Folmar Chelsea , Reyes Vicente Avila , Beasley Erin , Ryan Clare , Brown Corrie
Published: October 2023

Abomasal ulcers, an economic concern for all calf-raising farms, are usually silent until perforation occurs, at which time management is complicated and often unrewarding. This case study describes perforating ulcer in a 3-day-old Brahman heifer, occurring secondary to a congenital narrowing of the pylorus and proximal duodenum and leading to marked abomasal distention, leakage, and eventual peritonitis and sepsis.
Case report: Spontaneous mandibular body regeneration following unilateral subtotal mandibulectomy in a 3-month-old French bulldog
Authors: Wright Alexandra L. , Peralta Santiago , Fiani Nadine
Published: October 2023

Objective

To document a case of spontaneous regeneration of the mandibular body following subtotal mandibulectomy in a juvenile dog.

Case summary

A 3-month-old male intact French bulldog was presented with papillary oral squamous cell carcinoma located at the dorsal aspect of the molar region of the left mandible. Initial biopsy of the mass was performed by the primary care veterinarian. Complete clinical staging revealed no signs of metastasis. Computed tomographic images of the head showed minimal contrast enhancement of the mass with no signs of periosteal or bone involvement. Subtotal mandibulectomy was performed. Histopathology indicated complete excision of the tumor. The patient returned 8-weeks later for follow up and cleft palate surgical repair, at which time bone was noted in the mandibulectomy area on palpation. Repeat computed tomography of the head revealed complete regeneration of the left mandibular body from the level of the ramus to the mandibular symphysis. No treatment for malocclusion was necessary due to the reformation of a functional mandible.

Clinical relevance

The present case demonstrates that spontaneous regeneration of the mandibular body is possible following subtotal mandibulectomy in immature dogs. Subtotal mandibulectomy is a radical procedure that can lead to long term complications including mandibular drift, malocclusion, and oral pain. This case report provides evidence that these sequelae may be mitigated or eliminated in young patients undergoing this procedure.
Algorithms for All: Can AI in the Mortgage Market Expand Access to Homeownership?
Authors: Perry Vanessa G. , Martin Kirsten , Schnare Ann
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the mortgage market at every stage of the value chain. In this paper, we examine the potential for the mortgage industry to leverage AI to overcome the historical and systemic barriers to homeownership for members of Black, Brown, and lower-income communities. We begin by proposing societal, ethical, legal, and practical criteria that should be considered in the development and implementation of AI models. Based on this framework, we discuss the applications of AI that are transforming the mortgage market, including digital marketing, the inclusion of non-traditional “big data” in credit scoring algorithms, AI property valuation, and loan underwriting models. We conclude that although the current AI models may reflect the same biases that have existed historically in the mortgage market, opportunities exist for proactive, responsible AI model development designed to remove the systemic barriers to mortgage credit access.
Learning at Your Fingertips: An Innovative IoT-Based AI-Powered Braille Learning System
Authors: Latif Ghazanfar , Brahim Ghassen Ben , Abdelhamid Sherif E. , Alghazo Runna , Alhabib Ghadah , Alnujaidi Khalid
Published: October 2023

Visual impairment should not hinder an individual from achieving their aspirations, nor should it be a hindrance to their contributions to society. The age in which persons with disabilities were treated unfairly is long gone, and individuals with disabilities are productive members of society nowadays, especially when they receive the right education and are given the right tools to succeed. Thus, it is imperative to integrate the latest technologies into devices and software that could assist persons with disabilities. The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and Deep Learning (ML)/deep learning (DL) are technologies that have gained momentum over the past decade and could be integrated to assist persons with disabilities—visually impaired individuals. In this paper, we propose an IoT-based system that can fit on the ring finger and can simulate the real-life experience of a visually impaired person. The system can learn and translate Arabic and English braille into audio using deep learning techniques enhanced with transfer learning. The system is developed to assist both visually impaired individuals and their family members in learning braille through the use of the ring-based device, which captures a braille image using an embedded camera, recognizes it, and translates it into audio. The recognition of the captured braille image is achieved through a transfer learning-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN).
Fiber-Bragg-Grating-Based Sensor System to Measure Battery State of Charge Based on a Machine Learning Model
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sankhyabrata , Fabian Matthias , Li Kang , Sun Tong , Grattan Kenneth T. V.
Published: October 2023

Real-time monitoring of the state of charge (SOC) of the batteries used in a wide variety of applications is becoming increasingly important, especially given the impetus by the current targets towards “net-zero”. In this research, an advanced approach was used involving fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensors that were developed and implemented for the measurement of the key parameters required to ensure optimum battery performance. In this work, one of the biggest challenges to assess (and then map) the data from the sensor system developed is tackled in order to better understand the key parameters of the battery in an efficient and improved way. It is well known that the relationship between the changes in the resonance wavelength of the FBGs used in the sensor system, arising due to change in the electrical parameters of the battery, is complex and dependent on several different factors. In this work, this effect was evaluated by coupling the sensor data to a data-driven regression model approach that was developed for the measurement of the SOC of the batteries used, and this was obtained directly and conveniently from the FBG data. In this comprehensive study, FBG-based sensors were fabricated and then installed onto the battery, which then was subjected to a range of charging–discharging cycles, following which the electrical parameters of the battery were estimated from recorded data using a black-box machine learning (ML) model. Data-driven regression algorithms were employed for the training of the black-box model. The efficiency of the estimation of the SOC of the battery from the FBG-based sensor data was found to be high, at 99.62% (R2 values of Estimated SOC and True SOC line), creating a very satisfactory result for this key measurement. Thus, the work shows the robustness of the FBG-based sensor system combined with the neural network algorithm as an effective way to evaluate the electrical parameters of the battery, which is particularly important, as no physical/electrochemical/electrical model of the system is thus required.
Impact of Previous Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Use on Noninvasive Ventilation Adherence and Quality in Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: A Pragmatic Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study in Martinique
Authors: Agossou Moustapha , Awanou Bérénice , Inamo Jocelyn , Rejaudry-Lacavalerie Mickael , Arnal Jean-Michel , Dramé Moustapha
Published: October 2023

There is a strong relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). When OHS is combined with severe OSA, treatment consists of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), followed by noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the case of CPAP failure. Currently, the impact of a previous use of CPAP on the quality of NIV is unknown. We conducted a cross-sectional study with OHS patients, to assess the quality of NIV according to previous CPAP use. We included 75 patients with OHS on NIV (65 women, 87%). Among these, 40 patients (53.3%) who had had prior CPAP (CPAP+ group) were compared to the remaining 35 patients (46.7%) (CPAP− group). Key characteristics were comparable between the CPAP+ and the CPAP− groups: age at diagnosis of OHS was 67 ± 3 vs. 66 ± 4 years (p = 0.8), age at inclusion was 73 ± 15 vs. 69 ± 15 years (p = 0.29), number of comorbidities was 3.7 ± 1.2 vs. 3.3 ± 1.5, the Charlson index was 5.1 ± 2 vs. 4.6 ± 1.8, and BMI was 41.6 ± 7.6 kg/m2 vs. 41.2 ± 8.2, respectively, all p > 0.05. Follow-up length was greater in CPAP+ vs. CPAP− patients (5.6 ± 4.2 vs. 2.9 ± 2.9 years, p = 0.001). The quality of NIV based on daily adherence, pressure support, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and leaks was similar in both groups. Reduced adherence (less than 4 h daily) was found in 10 CPAP+ patients (25%) versus 7 CPAP− patients (20%), p = 0.80. NIV efficacy was also similar. This study found no difference in the quality of NIV or in adherence between patients who had had prior CPAP and those who had not. Previous CPAP does not appear to improve the quality of NIV.
Recyclable Adsorbents for Potash Brine Desalination Based on Silicate Powder: Application, Regeneration and Utilization
Authors: Rakhym Akmaral B. , Baranchiyeva Zarina Ye. , Kenessova Aruzhan K. , Zhaksybai Bagashar B. , Dauzhanova Diana N. , Mastai Yitzhak , Seilkhanova Gulziya A.
Published: October 2023

Silicate mineral powders (SMP) from weathered granite soil from Kazakhstan are proposed for the desalination of potash brines containing sodium, potassium and chloride ions. Batch adsorption experiments using acid-treated silicate (AS) achieved a Na+/K+/Cl− recovery of ~13/28/6 mg/g. An isothermal study best fitted the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models for Na+ and K+/Cl−. The kinetic data were best modeled by pseudo-second-order kinetics for Na+/K+ and pseudo-first-order for Cl−. Thermodynamic calculations showed spontaneity under natural conditions. For Na+/K+, physisorption is accompanied by ion exchange. To study the possibility of sorbent reuse, several cycles of K+/Na+ adsorption–desorption were carried out under optimal conditions. AS selectively adsorbed potassium ions, maintaining a high effectiveness during five cycles providing K-form silicate fertilizers. Leachates of spent AS contain high concentrations of K/Na/Ca/Mg and other microelements essential for plants. Thus, SMP resolve two issues: the desalination of brine and the provision of fertilizer.
A Wigner Quasiprobability Distribution of Work
Authors: Cerisola Federico , Mayo Franco , Roncaglia Augusto J.
Published: October 2023

In this article, we introduce a quasiprobability distribution of work that is based on the Wigner function. This proposal rests on the idea that the work conducted on an isolated system can be coherently measured by coupling the system to a quantum measurement apparatus. In this way, a quasiprobability distribution of work can be defined in terms of the Wigner function of the apparatus. This quasidistribution contains the information of the work statistics and also holds a clear operational definition that can be directly measured in a real experiment. Moreover, it is shown that the presence of quantum coherence in the energy eigenbasis is related with the appearance of features related to non-classicality in the Wigner function such as negativity and interference fringes. On the other hand, from this quasiprobability distribution, it is straightforward to obtain the standard two-point measurement probability distribution of work and also the difference in average energy for initial states with coherences.
Phenethylamine Is a Potential Density Stress Pheromone in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
Authors: Li Jiyuan , Wang Yanfeng , Guo Teng , Xu Shihong , Gao Guang , Liu Feng , Guo Xiaoyang , Wu Yanduo , Zhao Haixia , Li Jun
Published: October 2023

Pheromones play a vital role in regulating fish behavior, including reproduction, aggregation, hazard recognition and food location. To gain a better understanding of chemical communication in fish produced by density changes, this study analyzed the metabolites released by turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) under different stocking densities. The experiment was conducted at low (LD: 3.01 kg/m2), medium (MD: 6.62 kg/m2) and high (HD: 10.84 kg/m2) densities for 15 days. High-throughput non-targeted metabolomics (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify variations in metabolites released into the aquatic environment by turbot at different densities. Results showed that 29 and 47 metabolites were significantly upregulated in the MD and HD groups, respectively, compared with the LD group. Among them, hexadecanedioic acid, xanthine, phenethylamine, proline and styrene were significantly upregulated in the MD vs. LD, HD vs. MD and HD vs. LD. The VIP diagram of OPLS-DA alignment showed that phenethylamine was the most important metabolite shared by MD vs. LD, HD vs. MD and HD vs. LD. Key gene changes in the GH/IGF-1 signaling pathway, HPI axis of turbot were studied using qRT-PCR for density treatment. The results demonstrated that the expression of GH, GHR and IGF-1 was significantly lower, while the expression of CRH and ACTH was higher in the HD group. Additionally, plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, triglycerides and T3 were also highest in the HD group compared with the LD and MD groups. Phenylethylamine concentration was positively correlated with the HPI axis and negatively correlated with the GH/IGF-1 signaling pathway. To investigate the impact of phenethylamine accumulation on turbot, an acute treatment experiment with phenethylamine was set up. Its concentration in the aquatic environment was set at 0 (CON), 10−7 (LP) and 10−5 (HP) mol/L via exogenous addition, and turbot were exposed to these environments for 2 days. There was a high degree of concordance between the GH/IGF-1 signaling pathway (GH, GHR, IGF-1), HPI axis (CRH, ACTH) and plasma physiological changes (cortisol, glucose, triglycerides, T3) in the phenethylamine-treated group and the density-treated group. Therefore, accumulation of phenethylamine with increasing stocking density may be a potential cause of density stress. Phenylethylamine has a dose-dependent and trace effect as a pheromone.
Rockfish Species Trends in Puget Sound, Washington, USA, 2009–2023
Authors: Shelledy Katharine N. , Olsen Amy Y. , Tanz Alexander , Williams Megan H. , Christiansen Jeff , Wilken Heidi , Van Damme Chris , Larson Shawn
Published: October 2023

Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) are a long-lived, understudied, multi-species fish assemblage in inland Washington (USA) waters. Driven by large-scale fishery removals in the 1970s, their numbers declined and have yet to recover, perhaps due to slow maturation and rare recruitment success. Since then, rockfish fishing restrictions have increased within Puget Sound, culminating in a 2010 total ban. Here, we analyze rockfish community trends (abundance and Shannon Diversity) within Puget Sound from 2009 to 2023. Our dataset includes 157 recorded dive transects from nine rocky or artificial reef habitats at depths 5–24 m throughout four Puget Sound basins: Admiralty Inlet (2 sites), Central Puget Sound (4 sites), Hood Canal (2 sites), and South Puget Sound (1 site). Significant differences in community species composition between basins were observed; we noted more Black (S. melanops), Yellowtail (S. flavidus), and Puget Sound (S. emphaeus) rockfish and fewer Brown rockfish (S. auriculatus) at sites in Admiralty Inlet vs. Central Puget Sound. Adult rockfish counts and Shannon Diversity varied seasonally, with higher rockfish counts and diversity indices in summer/autumn vs. winter/spring. Notably, we observed that total adult rockfish count per survey tended downward over time, driven partly by significant downward trends in Hood Canal Copper rockfish (S. caurinus) counts. We recommend continued monitoring and additional investigation into what factors besides fishing may be driving the trends reported here.
A Joint Multifractal Approach to Solar Wind Turbulence
Authors: Consolini Giuseppe , De Michelis Paola
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have shown that solar wind, a plasma medium with turbulent dynamics, exhibits anomalous scaling features, i.e., intermittency, in the inertial domain. This intermittent nature has primarily been investigated through the study of the scaling features of the structure functions of single quantities. We use a novel approach based on joint multifractal analysis in this study to simultaneously investigate the scaling characteristics of both the magnetic field and the plasma velocity in solar wind turbulence. Specifically, we focus on the joint multifractal behavior of magnetic and velocity field fluctuations in both fast and slow solar wind streams observed by the ESA-Ulysses satellite, with the goal of identifying any differences in their joint multifractal characteristics.
Scientific and Public Interest in Bariatric Surgery for Obesity: The Italian Scenario
Authors: Mazzone Chiara , Pezzino Salvatore , Sofia Maria , Litrico Giorgia , Sarvà Iacopo , Agosta Marcello , La Greca Gaetano , Latteri Saverio
Published: October 2023

Background: Obesity is an escalating concern in our society. Bariatric surgery appears to be the only feasible alternative for severe obesity. This study aims to conduct an integrative analysis of the Italian context concerning bariatric surgery, with a specific focus on the surgical procedures of sleeve gastrectomy, mini-gastric bypass, and gastric bypass. Methods: The analysis is based on bibliometric data extracted from the Scopus database to find Italian publications in this field from 2012 to 2022. Along with scientific interest, it is essential to assess the level of public interest in these topics. Google Trends is the most extensively utilized free tool for the analysis of online behavior. Using Google Trends data, we analyzed the amount of internet volume searches (Relative Search Volume = RSV) for the Italian terms “sleeve gastrectomy”, “mini-gastric bypass” and “gastric bypass”, both temporally (from 2012 to 2022 years) and geographically. Furthermore, to illustrate the Italian landscape, we compared Google Trends data with data from the Italian registry “Società Italiana di Chirurgia dell’Obesità e delle malattie metaboliche” (SICOB), which includes information about bariatric surgery procedures performed in the country. Results: Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the scientific literature on sleeve gastrectomy, mini-gastric bypass, and gastric bypass surgeries in Italy. Google Trends data has shown an increase in online public interest in these surgical procedures, from 2012 to 2022. The examination of the Google Trends information combined with the SICOB data demonstrated a remarkable association between the two data sets. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery has increased quickly in Italy in terms of scientific research and surgical interventions. The analysis of Google Trends data in conjunction with data from SICOB has revealed an interesting correlation between the two datasets therefore, Google Trends can be useful for estimating the demand for bariatric surgical procedures.
Role of Open AI (Artificial Intelligence)–Innovations in Health Behavior Change Interventions
Authors: Kanekar Amar
Published: October 2023

The call for articles for the special section entitled ‘Innovations in Health Behavior Change’ is currently open and is gaining interest from editors and authors worldwide [...]
Preliminary Evidence of the Differential Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Kawasaki Disease and SARS-CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Balestrieri Emanuela , Corinaldesi Elena , Fabi Marianna , Cipriani Chiara , Giudice Martina , Conti Allegra , Minutolo Antonella , Petrone Vita , Fanelli Marialaura , Miele Martino Tony , Andreozzi Laura , Guida Fiorentina , Filice Emanuele , Meli Matteo , Grelli Sandro , Rasi Guido , Toschi Nicola , Torcetta Francesco , Matteucci Claudia , Lanari Marcello , Sinibaldi-Vallebona Paola
Published: October 2023

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a postinfectious sequela of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with some clinical features overlapping with Kawasaki disease (KD). Our research group and others have highlighted that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can trigger the activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which in turn induces inflammatory and immune reactions, suggesting HERVs as contributing factors in COVID-19 immunopathology. With the aim to identify new factors involved in the processes underlying KD and MIS-C, we analysed the transcriptional levels of HERVs, HERV-related genes, and immune mediators in children during the acute and subacute phases compared with COVID-19 paediatric patients and healthy controls. The results showed higher levels of HERV-W, HERV-K, Syn-1, and ASCT-1/2 in KD, MIS-C, and COV patients, while higher levels of Syn-2 and MFSD2A were found only in MIS-C patients. Moreover, KD and MIS-C shared the dysregulation of several inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. Interestingly, in MIS-C patients, negative correlations have been found between HERV-W and IL-10 and between Syn-2 and IL-10, while positive correlations have been found between HERV-K and IL-10. In addition, HERV-W expression positively correlated with the C-reactive protein. This pilot study supports the role of HERVs in inflammatory diseases, suggesting their interplay with the immune system in this setting. The elevated expression of Syn-2 and MFSD2A seems to be a distinctive trait of MIS-C patients, allowing to distinguish them from KD ones. The understanding of pathological mechanisms can lead to the best available treatment for these two diseases, limiting complications and serious outcomes.
The Functional Characteristics and Soluble Expression of Saffron CsCCD2
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Siqi , Zhou Ze , Sun Lifen , Sun Jing , Shen Chuanpu , Gao Ranran , Song Jingyuan , Pu Xiangdong
Published: October 2023

Crocins are important natural products predominantly obtained from the stigma of saffron, and that can be utilized as a medicinal compound, spice, and colorant with significant promise in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2 (CsCCD2) is a crucial limiting enzyme that has been reported to be responsible for the cleavage of zeaxanthin in the crocin biosynthetic pathway. However, the catalytic activity of CsCCD2 on β-carotene/lycopene remains elusive, and the soluble expression of CsCCD2 remains a big challenge. In this study, we reported the functional characteristics of CsCCD2, that can catalyze not only zeaxanthin cleavage but also β-carotene and lycopene cleavage. The molecular basis of the divergent functionality of CsCCD2 was elucidated using bioinformatic analysis and truncation studies. The protein expression optimization results demonstrated that the use of a maltose-binding protein (MBP) tag and the optimization of the induction conditions resulted in the production of more soluble protein. Correspondingly, the catalytic efficiency of soluble CsCCD2 was higher than that of the insoluble one, and the results further validated its functional verification. This study not only broadened the substrate profile of CsCCD2, but also achieved the soluble expression of CsCCD2. It provides a firm platform for CsCCD2 crystal structure resolution and facilitates the synthesis of crocetin and crocins.
Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Performance in Successive Time-to-Exhaustion Cycling Tests: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Lanferdini Fábio Juner , Baroni Bruno Manfredini , Lazzari Caetano Decian , Sakugawa Raphael Luiz , Dellagrana Rodolfo André , Diefenthaeler Fernando , Caputo Fabrizio , Vaz Marco Aurélio
Published: October 2023

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on performance, oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics, and lower limb muscle oxygenation during three successive time-to-exhaustions (TTEs) in cyclists. This was a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial study. Sixteen cyclists (~23 years) with a cycling training volume of ~460 km/week volunteered for this study. In the first session, cyclists performed a maximal incremental test to determine maximal oxygen uptake and maximal power output (POMAX). In the following sessions, cyclists performed three consecutive TTEs at POMAX. Before each test, PBMT (135 J/thigh) or a placebo (PLA) was applied to both thighs. VO2 amplitude, O2 deficit, time delay, oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), and total hemoglobin (tHb) were measured during tests on the right vastus lateralis. The PBMT applied before three successive TTE increased performance of the first and second TTE (~10–12%) tests, speed of VO2 and HHb kinetics during the first test, and increased peripheral muscle oxygenation (increase in HHb and tHb) in the first and second exhaustion tests. However, the PBMT effects were attenuated in the third TTE, as performance and all the other outcomes were similar to the ones from the PLA intervention. In summary, PBMT application increased the first and second successive TTEs, speed of VO2, and muscle oxygenation.
Effects of Habitat Fragmentation of a Mediterranean Marine Reef on the Associated Fish Community: Insights from Biological Traits Analysis
Authors: Marrone Alessio , Mangano Maria Cristina , Deidun Alan , Berlino Manuel , Sarà Gianluca
Published: October 2023

Habitat fragmentation (HF) is an ecological process, which is potentially also one of the main causes of diversity loss. Many studies have debated the best tools to adopt for assessing the effects of HF. The traditional application of biodiversity metrics might not fully describe the biotic community associated to a particular habitat or the ongoing ecological processes. The community-weighted mean (CWM) seems to be a valid investigation index, since biological traits (BTs) of the associated community are selected by local environmental factors. Furthermore, by combining species with common BTs into Functional Groups (FGs), it is possible to account for ecological functions that are supported by the inclusion of the response of key species within the same context. In our case study, we investigated the possible effect of HF of different Sicilian vermetid reefs on the associated infralittoral fish community based on the (i) vermetid fragmentation level, (ii) nature of the infralittoral substratum and (iii) conservational level of protection. We expected HF to be the main factor in shaping the local fish community; however, the nature of the infralittoral substratum proved to be the principal driver of the ichthyofaunal community. By analysing separately the two infralittoral substrata considered in the study, we observed how HF might affect the associated fish community differently. A pristine vermetid reef seems to sustain a higher number of FGs when established on a rocky substratum. On the other hand, in the presence of a sandy substratum, a fragmented vermetid reef seems to attract a more functionally rich fish community than those accounted for a pristine status. Our results provide some evidence in support of the need to include a broad spectrum of community function descriptors for a more comprehensive characterisation of a habitat and for the assessment of the functioning of its ecosystem.
Transcriptional Profiling of Homologous Recombination Pathway Genes in Mycobacterium bovis BCG Moreau
Authors: Schwarz Marcos Gustavo Araujo , Corrêa Paloma Rezende , Mendonça-Lima Leila
Published: October 2023

Mycobacterium bovis BCG Moreau is the main Brazilian strain for vaccination against tuberculosis. It is considered an early strain, more like the original BCG, whereas BCG Pasteur, largely used as a reference, belongs to the late strain clade. BCG Moreau, contrary to Pasteur, is naturally deficient in homologous recombination (HR). In this work, using a UV exposure test, we aimed to detect differences in the survival of various BCG strains after DNA damage. Transcription of core and regulatory HR genes was further analyzed using RT-qPCR, aiming to identify the molecular agent responsible for this phenotype. We show that early strains share the Moreau low survival rate after UV exposure, whereas late strains mimic the Pasteur phenotype, indicating that this increase in HR efficiency is linked to the evolutionary clade history. Additionally, RT-qPCR shows that BCG Moreau has an overall lower level of these transcripts than Pasteur, indicating a correlation between this gene expression profile and HR efficiency. Further assays should be performed to fully identify the molecular mechanism that may explain this differential phenotype between early and late BCG strains.
Leucobacter manosquensis sp. nov.—A Novel Bacterial Species Isolated from Healthy Human Skin
Authors: Boxberger Manon , Magnien Sibylle , Antezack Angeline , Rolland Clara , Makoa Meng Marine , Lo Cheikh Ibrahima , La Scola Bernard , Cassir Nadim
Published: October 2023

Extending our knowledge on human skin microbiota is a challenge to better decipher its role in health and disease. Using the culturomics method, we isolated strain Marseille-Q4368 from the healthy forehead of a 59-year-old woman. We describe here the main characteristics of this bacterium using a taxonogenomic approach. This new bacterial species is Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming. Its 16S rRNA sequence exhibited a similarity of 99.59% with Leucobacter chromiiresistens, the most closely related species in terms of nomenclature. However, a digital DNA–DNA hybridization analysis between these two species revealed a maximum identity similarity of only 27.5%. We found phenotypical and genomic differences between strain Marseille-Q4368 and its closely related species. These findings underscore the classification of this bacterium as a distinct species. Hence, we propose the name Leucobacter manosquensis sp. nov. strain Marseille-Q4368 (=CSUR Q4368 = DSM 112403) for this newly identified bacterial species.
Serial Fecal Microbiota Infusions via Colonoscopy for Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Feasibility, Safety, and Translational Monocentric Italian Study
Authors: Lopetuso Loris Riccardo , Laterza Lucrezia , Petito Valentina , Pecere Silvia , Quaranta Gianluca , Del Chierico Federica , Puca Pierluigi , Schiavoni Elisa , Napolitano Daniele , Poscia Andrea , Ianiro Gianluca , Pugliese Daniela , Putignani Lorenza , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Armuzzi Alessandro , Masucci Luca , Gasbarrini Antonio , Cammarota Giovanni , Scaldaferri Franco
Published: October 2023

The effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of serial fecal infusions via colonoscopy in patients with active UC. Subjects with mild-to-moderate UC received three consecutive fecal infusions via colonoscopy. A control population with the same baseline features receiving Infliximab treatment was enrolled. Adverse events and clinical, endoscopic, and microbial outcomes were investigated. Nineteen patients with mildly-to-moderately active UC were enrolled. Clinical response was obtained in six patients at week 2, in eight at week 6, and in nine at week 12. Clinical response was maintained in eight patients at week 24. Endoscopic remission at week 12 was reached in six patients. In the control population, 13/19 patients achieved clinical response at week 6, and 10/19 patients maintained clinical response after 6 months. Microbiota richness was higher in responders compared with the non-responders. Peptostreptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Veillonella were higher in non-responders, while Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Akkermansia were higher in responders at all timepoints. Serial FMT infusions appear to be feasible, safe, and effective in UC patients, with a potential role in inducing and maintaining clinical response. Specific bacteria predict the response to FMT.
Clinical Whole-Genome Sequencing Assay for Rapid Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex First-Line Drug Susceptibility Testing and Phylogenetic Relatedness Analysis
Authors: Shaw Bennett , von Bredow Benjamin , Tsan Allison , Garner Omai , Yang Shangxin
Published: October 2023

The global rise of drug resistant tuberculosis has highlighted the need for improved diagnostic technologies that provide rapid and reliable drug resistance results. Here, we develop and validate a whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based test for identification of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) drug resistance to rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Through comparative analysis of drug resistance results from WGS-based testing and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) of 38 clinical MTB isolates from patients receiving care in Los Angeles, CA, we found an overall concordance between methods of 97.4% with equivalent performance across culture media. Critically, prospective analysis of 11 isolates showed that WGS-based testing provides results an average of 36 days faster than phenotypic culture-based methods. We showcase the additional benefits of WGS data by investigating a suspected laboratory contamination event and using phylogenetic analysis to search for cryptic local transmission, finding no evidence of community spread amongst our patient population in the past six years. WGS-based testing for MTB drug resistance has the potential to greatly improve diagnosis of drug resistant MTB by accelerating turnaround time while maintaining accuracy and providing additional benefits for infection control, lab safety, and public health applications.
Pharyngocutaneous Fistula after Laryngectomy: An Umbrella Systematic Review to Uncover Lacunae in Meta-Analyses
Authors: Rao Karthik Nagaraja , Arora Ripudaman , Singh Ambesh , Dange Prajwal , Nagarkar Nitin M.
Published: October 2023

Objective—The objective of this study was to systematically assess meta-analyses to determine the lacunae in the literature for PCF following laryngectomy. Methods—Bibliometric analysis were carried out on meta-analyses on PCF after total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in the PubMed database. Results—Twenty-four meta-analyses were considered eligible and chosen for analysis. Six meta-analyses (25%) focused on the risk factors for PCF in TL. Four meta-analyses (16.6%) focused on the role of the onlay flap. Four meta-analyses (16.6%) focused on the timing of feed initiation. Three meta-analyses (12.5%) focused on using a stapler for pharyngeal closure. Two meta-analyses focused on types of pharyngeal reconstruction. Other meta-analyses analyzed the use of salivary bypass tubes, the method of pharyngeal closure, organ preservation protocols on PCF, primary and secondary TEP, and the effect of non-surgical treatment on PCF. Conclusion—Despite plenty of published meta-analyses, there is a lack of scrutiny on certain critical aspects of PCF.