bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ProtienCNN‐BLSTM: An efficient deep neural network with amino acid embedding‐based model of protein sequence classification and biological analysis
Authors: Lilhore Umesh Kumar , Simaiya Sarita , Dalal Surjeet , Faujdar Neetu , Sharma Yogesh Kumar , Rao K. B. V. Brahma , Maheswara Rao V. V. R. , Tomar Shilpi , Ghith Ehab , Tlija Mehdi
Published: August 2024

Protein sequence classification needs to be performed quickly and accurately to progress bioinformatics advancements and the production of pharmaceutical products. Extensive comparisons between large databases of known proteins and unknown sequences are necessary in traditional protein classification methods, which can be time‐consuming. This labour‐intensive and slow manual matching and classification method depends on functional and biological commonalities. Protein classification is one of the many fields in which deep learning has recently revolutionized. The data on proteins are organized hierarchically and sequentially, and the most advanced algorithms, such as Deep Family‐based Method (DeepFam) and Protein Convolutional Neural Network (ProtCNN), have shown promising results in classifying proteins into relative groups. On the other hand, these methods frequently refuse to acknowledge this fact. We propose a novel hybrid model called ProteinCNN‐BLSTM to overcome these particular challenges. To produce more accurate protein sequence classification, it combines the techniques of amino acid embedding with bidirectional long short‐term memory (BLSTM) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The CNN component is the most effective at capturing local features, while the BLSTM component is the most capable of modeling long‐term dependencies across protein sequences. Through the process of amino acid embedding, sequences of proteins are transformed into numeric vectors, which significantly improves the precision of prediction and the representation of features. Using the standard protein samples PDB‐14189 and PDB‐2272, we analyzed the proposed ProteinCNN‐BLSTM model and the existing deep‐learning models. Compared to the existing models, such as CNN, LSTM, GCNs, CNN‐LSTM, RNNs, GCN‐RNN, DeepFam, and ProtCNN, the proposed model performed more accurately and better than the existing models.
Independent and joint relationships of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index with liver fat content
Authors: Jia Yu , Zhou Yiheng , Lei Yi , Zeng Rui , Wan Zhi , Li Dongze , Zhao Qian , Liao Xiaoyang
Published: August 2024

Aims

To investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and liver fat content (LFC) in community‐based participants and highlight their relationship in people with different body mass indices (BMIs).

Materials and Methods

Using UK Biobank data, CRF was estimated with bicycle ergometer fitness testing and was evaluated based on physical work capacity at 75% maximum heart rate (PWC75%). LFC was quantified through liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) on magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the associations of CRF and BMI with absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF (%).

Results

In total, 5765 participants with a mean age of 55.57 years and a median (range) follow‐up of 10.7 (4.0–17.7) years were included. Compared with the lowest PWC75% tertile, the absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF in the highest PWC75% tertile were −0.450 (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.699 to −0.192) and −4.152 (95% CI −6.044 to −2.104), respectively. These associations were independent of BMI, and individuals with obesity and normal weight had the largest absolute reduction and percentage change in LFC, respectively (p for interaction <0.001). Joint analysis showed that PWC75% and BMI had a negative dose–response relationship with PDFF. These associations were consistent in different sex and age subgroups (p for interaction >0.05).

Conclusions

There was a significant negative association between CRF and LFC, and this association was independent of BMI. The results of this study strongly recommend improving CRF to mitigate LFC.
A cohort analysis of familial partial lipodystrophy from two Mediterranean countries
Authors: Fernández‐Pombo Antía , Yildirim Simsir Ilgin , Sánchez‐Iglesias Sofía , Ozen Samim , Castro Ana I. , Atik Tahir , Loidi Lourdes , Onay Huseyin , Prado‐Moraña Teresa , Adiyaman Cem , Díaz‐López Everardo Josué , Altay Canan , Ginzo‐Villamayor Maria José , Akinci Baris , Araújo‐Vilar David
Published: August 2024

Aim

To assess the disease burden of familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) caused by LMNA (FPLD2) and PPARG (FPLD3) variants to augment the knowledge of these rare disorders characterized by selective fat loss and metabolic complications.

Materials and Methods

An observational longitudinal study, including 157 patients (FPLD2: 139 patients, mean age 46 ± 17 years, 70% women; FPLD3: 18 patients, mean age: 44 ± 17 years, 78% women) from 66 independent families in two countries (83 from Turkey and 74 from Spain), was conducted.

Results

Patients were diagnosed at a mean age of 39 ± 19 years, 20 ± 16 years after the first clinical signs appeared. Men reported symptoms later than women. Symptom onset was earlier in FPLD2. Fat loss was less prominent in FPLD3. In total, 92 subjects (59%) had diabetes (age at diagnosis: 34 ± 1 years). Retinopathy was more commonly detected in FPLD3 (P < .05). Severe hypertriglyceridaemia was more frequent among patients with FPLD3 (44% vs. 17%, P = .01). Hepatic steatosis was detected in 100 subjects (66%) (age at diagnosis: 36 ± 2 years). Coronary artery disease developed in 26 patients (17%) and 17 (11%) suffered from a myocardial infarction. Turkish patients had a lower body mass index, a higher prevalence of hepatic steatosis, greater triglyceride levels and a tendency towards a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. A total of 17 patients died, with a mean time to death of 75 ± 3 years, which was shorter in the Turkish cohort (68 ± 2 vs. 83 ± 4 years, P = .01). Cardiovascular events were a major cause of death.

Conclusions

Our analysis highlights severe organ complications in patients with FPLD, showing differences between genotypes and Mediterranean countries. FPLD3 presents a milder phenotype than FPLD2, but with comparable or even greater severity of metabolic disturbances.
A polyptych in the margins: accounting notes from early tenth‐century Laon
Authors: Garipzanov Ildar
Published: August 2024

This paper provides the first edition and thorough examination of marginal notes added to a ninth‐century Carolingian manuscript (Laon, Bibliothèque municipale, MS 424). A detailed paleographic, codicological, linguistic, and historical analysis of these additions allows us not only to trace their provenance to the early tenth‐century see of Laon but also to show that their anonymous author was a high‐status cleric on the episcopal staff. The range of his practical marginalia – which included polyptych notes, lists of payments, and a list of names – points at various accounting practices he was involved in and indicates that he played an important role in facilitating the social power of ecclesiastical lordship over its localities.
Steamed hay and alfalfa pellets for the management of severe equine asthma
Authors: Symoens Antoine , Westerfeld Roxane , Vives Berta Mozo , André Valentine , Moulon Laurine , Collomb Marine , Richard Hélène , Juette Tristan , Bédard Christian , Leclère Mathilde
Published: August 2024

Background

Steaming hay significantly reduces respirable particles and provides a palatable alternative to dry hay for horses with asthma, but there are few prospective studies demonstrating the clinical efficacy of steamed hay.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of alfalfa pellets and steamed hay in improving lung function and inflammation of horses with severe asthma (SEA).

Study Design

Controlled crossover study.

Methods

Ten horses with SEA were enrolled and nine completed the study. Horses were housed indoors and fed hay. Once in exacerbation, they were fed pellets and steamed hay for 4 weeks, in a crossover design. Weighted clinical scores and lung function were recorded weekly. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and mucus scores were recorded before and after each diet.

Results

Based on linear mixed model (LMM) analysis, weighted clinical scores significantly improved over time (p < 0.001, no diet effect or time‐diet interactions). With pellets, weighted clinical scores decreased from (median (interquartile range)) 13 (5.5) to 2 (1.5), while with steamed hay, they decreased from 10 (9.5) to 6 (8.5). With pellets, lung resistance decreased significantly from a baseline of (mean (SD)) 2.62 (0.77) cmH2O/L/s to 1.17 (0.66), 0.79 (0.54), 0.70 (0.20), 0.62 (0.18) on Weeks 1–4, respectively (LMM with post hoc tests, p < 0.001). With steamed hay, the resistance decreased significantly from a baseline of 2.34 (0.93) cmH2O/L/s to 1.38 (0.49) and 1.51 (0.66) on Weeks 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.03). Neutrophils BALF decreased significantly with both diets (pellets: 40.2 (24.4) to 20.1 (11.0) %; steamed hay 30.9 (20.2) to 25.7 (17.6) %; LMM, p = 0.006).

Main Limitations

A small number of horses in a research setting. Dust was not measured in the stalls.

Conclusions

Clinical scores, lung function and BALF inflammation of horses with SEA improved with steamed hay and pellets, but the effect on lung function was more pronounced with pellets.
Comprehensive laboratory assessment of lonoctocog alfa versus octocog alfa in severe haemophilia A
Authors: Müller Jens , Albert Thilo , Klein Claudia , Horneff Silvia , Rühl Heiko , Pötzsch Bernd , Goldmann Georg , Marquardt Natascha , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Lonoctocog alfa is a single‐chain factor VIII (FVIII) molecule with high binding affinity to von‐Willebrand‐factor. While it is well known that its plasma activity is underestimated by one‐stage clotting assays (OSCA), there is a lack of knowledge on the post‐infusion performance of lonoctocog alfa in global coagulation assays or its potential impact on the haemostatic balance in vivo.

Aim

To characterize lonoctocog alfa versus octocog alfa in pre‐ and post‐infusion samples obtained from patients undergoing repeated investigation of incremental recovery (IR).

Methods

Eighteen patients with severe haemophilia A (lonoctocog alfa: 10, octocog alfa: 8) were included. A panel of factor‐specific and global coagulation assays was applied, comprising a FVIII OSCA, two FVIII chromogenic substrate assays (CSA), rotational thrombelastography and thrombin generation (TG). Potential activation of coagulation was assessed by measuring plasma thrombin markers and levels of activated protein C.

Results

Comparable IRs were found for lonoctocog alfa and octocog alfa (2.36 [IU/dL]/[IU/kg] vs. 2.55 [IU/dL]/[IU/kg], respectively). Lonoctocog alfa activities were found to be underestimated by the FVIII OSCA while also the two FVIII CSAs showed statistically significant assay discrepancies on lonoctocog alfa. Effects of both FVIII products on rotational thrombelastography were less distinct than those on TG parameters. No elevated pre‐ or significantly shifting post‐infusion plasma levels of coagulation biomarkers were detected.

Conclusion

Lonoctocog alfa and octocog alfa showed comparable recovery and safety in vivo as well as similar impacts on TG in vitro. Observed assay discrepancies on lonoctocog alfa demonstrated variability of results also between different FVIII CSAs.
STK11 (LKB1) immunohistochemistry is a sensitive and specific marker for STK11 adnexal tumours
Authors: Dehghani Amir , Sharma Aarti E , Siegmund Stephanie E , Carreon Chrystalle K , Stewart Colin J R , Medeiros Fabiola , Mirkovic Jelena , Nucci Marisa R , Crum Christopher P , Hornick Jason L , Howitt Brooke E , McCluggage W Glenn , Kolin David L
Published: August 2024

Aims

STK11 adnexal tumour is a rare, recently described malignant neoplasm that is associated with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. [Correction added on 3 October 2024, after first online publication: ‘ST11’ in preceding sentence has been corrected to ‘STK11’ in this version.] It predominantly originates from the para‐adnexal soft tissues and often shows secondary involvement of the fallopian tube and ovary. STK11 adnexal tumours have a broad differential diagnosis due to their variable morphology and non‐specific immunoprofile, and diagnostic confirmation currently requires sequencing to identify an STK11 mutation. We investigate the diagnostic utility of STK11 (LKB1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a cohort of STK11 adnexal tumours and morphological mimics.

Methods and results

IHC for STK11 was performed on 122 tumours, including 17 STK11 adnexal tumours and 105 morphological mimics (10 female adnexal tumours of Wolffian origin, 22 adult granulosa cell tumours, 10 juvenile granulosa cell tumours, four Sertoli–Leydig cell tumours, two Leydig cell tumours, one Sertoli cell tumour, one steroid cell tumour, four extra‐ovarian sex cord‐stromal tumours, 16 ovarian endometrioid carcinomas, eight tubo‐ovarian high‐grade serous carcinomas, five ovarian mesonephric‐like adenocarcinomas, 14 ovarian carcinosarcomas, five peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas, two pelvic plexiform leiomyomata and one ovarian solid pseudopapillary tumour). All STK11 adnexal tumours showed complete loss of cytoplasmic staining for STK11. All other tumour types showed retained cytoplasmic staining, except for one endometrioid carcinoma with mucinous differentiation which showed complete loss of STK11 expression and a high‐grade serous carcinoma with subclonal loss.

Conclusions

STK11 is a highly sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for distinguishing STK11 adnexal tumour from its histological mimics, and can obviate the need for confirmatory molecular studies in the appropriate morphological context.
The impact of public spending on water, sanitation and hygiene adoption: Governance thresholds for complementary policies
Authors: Achuo Elvis D. , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: August 2024

Despite the global resolve to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation, several people across the world still have very limited or no access to basic drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. Therefore, this study primarily examined the effect of public spending on WASH adoption. The moderating role of governance quality in the nexus among public spending and WASH adoption was equally assessed. The underlying relationships for a global panel of 45 countries over the 2000–2022 period are unravelled with the help of the system Generalised Method of Moments, Driscoll–Kraay robust standard errors and the generalised least squares estimation techniques. Results from various approaches show that public spending has a statistically significant negative effect on WASH adoption. Moreover, the interactive regressions show that public spending negatively interacts with governance to produce a negative net effect of −0.319. The underlying negative effects are apparent when some governance thresholds are exceeded. These thresholds are critical points that when reached, complementary policies are needed in order to maintain the unconditional positive effect of public spending on WASH adoption. It follows that the complementarity between public spending and governance is a sufficient and necessary condition for the promotion of WASH adoption exclusively below certain governance thresholds. Contingent on the empirical results, policymakers are advised to tailor public spending to more conveniently target local‐based WASH initiatives in order to limit bureaucracy and broad‐based policies. Besides, the local population should be endowed with the ability to sanction elected officials when WASH measures are not effectively implemented. Beyond the economic and political governance consideration related to WASH, institutional governance should also be improved at the local level, to the extent that ensuring the respect of interactions between the citizens and the State in the promotion of WASH is also enforced at the local level.
Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Determine Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Winter Wheat Under Dryland Conditions
Authors: Ma Lijuan , Ali Muhammad Fraz , Ye Yulan , Huang Xiaohu , Peng Zili , Naseer Muhammad Asad , Wang Rui , Wang Dong
Published: August 2024

The increase in crop yield can be primarily attributed to the combined effect of genetic advancements, as well as increased contributions from nitrogen (N) and water. The accumulation of dry matter plays a crucial role in determining grain yield in winter wheat. The current study aimed to better understand the source‐sink dynamics, analyse the dry matter transport (DMT) before and after anthesis and calculate its ratio to grain yield. In this experiment, eight main cultivars of winter wheat that have been widely cultivated in Shaanxi Province since the 1940s were selected as planting material. Field examinations were conducted using three levels of both irrigation and N. The yield‐related parameters, dry matter accumulation, dry matter distribution, DMT and DMT efficiency were measured. The results showed that irrigation prolonged the time of dry matter accumulation, and the application of N fertiliser increased the rate of dry matter accumulation. The analysis of the dynamic characteristic parameters of dry matter in winter wheat showed that irrigation and N had a significant impact on rate of dry matter accumulation. The proportion of stems, leaves and spikes of new varieties increased significantly (p < 0.05), which increased by 56.67%–69.7%, 13.26%–18.07% and 15.78%–28.26%, respectively, with the varietal improvement. The DMT efficiency increased with varietal improvement and also with increased irrigation and N application. The response of irrigation treatment to DMT and dry matter was more significant. In addition, the irrigation treatment had a higher effect on the DMT efficiency of vegetative organs after anthesis. The logistic equation analysis revealed that water stress accelerated the fulfilment of maximum daily temperature (Tmax), while both the maximum growth rate (Gmax) and dry matter weight (Wmax) decreased as water stress increased. There was a positive linear relationship between dry matter accumulation after anthesis and grain yield. The structural equation model showed that varieties, N application and irrigation had significant positive effects on DMT, post‐anthesis dry matter and grain yield, while irrigation had significant negative effects on DMT efficiency. The accumulation of dry matter in winter wheat after anthesis showed a significant increase with the succession of varieties. The combination of moderate deficit irrigation and fertilisation improved transportation and dry matter accumulation after anthesis in winter wheat, thereby enhancing its production capacity.
Nitrogen Supply Mitigates Heat Stress on Photosynthesis of Maize (Zea mays L.) During Early Grain Filling by Improving Nitrogen Assimilation
Authors: Guo Dong , Wang Rui , Chen Chuanyong , Yin Baozhong , Ding Zaisong , Wang Xinbing , Zhao Ming , Zhou Baoyuan
Published: August 2024

High temperature during early grain‐filling stage is one of the serious abiotic stresses limiting maize yield in the North China Plain. Nitrogen (N) fertiliser has an important role in promoting crop growth, especially under abiotic stresses. However, its contribution to alleviating heat stress (HS) inhibition on maize photosynthesis during early grain‐filling stage is still unclear. Experiments with three N rates (LN, low nitrogen; MN, medium nitrogen; HN, high nitrogen) and two temperature (HS, heat stress; CK, ambient temperature as control) regimes were conducted to examine the effects of increasing N supply on photosynthesis, N assimilation, antioxidant system, and hormones homeostasis of maize during early grain‐filling stage using two maize hybrids Xianyu335 (XY335, heat‐sensitive) and Zhengdan (ZD958, heat‐tolerant). HS negatively affected photosynthesis of both two hybrids, exhibited lower net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content and activities of Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) compared with CK, and then decreased dry matter accumulation of maize, with a lesser extent for ZD958 than XY335. However, increasing N supply alleviated the adverse effects of HS on maize photosynthesis due to improved N assimilation capacity. Under HS condition, greater N content and higher activities of glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase in maize ear leaf were found in treatment of HN compared with LN and MN. HN with higher N assimilation capacity directly increased the net photosynthetic rate due to improved chlorophyll content, activities of Rubisco and PEPC and antioxidant capacity. HS‐induced abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation was also repressed by HN, and then enhanced the stomatal conductance and transpiration rate to maintain higher photosynthetic capacity compared with LN and MN. Moreover, the positive effects of increasing N supply on maize photosynthesis under HS condition exhibited a larger extent for XY335 than ZD958. As a result of improved photosynthesis and N assimilation capacity by adequate N supply, maize accumulated more biomass under HS, especially for heat‐sensitive hybrid.
Workplace loneliness: Relationships with abstract entities as substitutes for peer relationships
Authors: LaBella Madison , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: August 2024

Workplace loneliness is an epidemic in the United States and a serious problem in organizations. The solution may seem obvious: create high‐quality interpersonal relationships. Employees, however, are not guaranteed to establish such relationships for a multitude of reasons. This raises the question: are there influences that would buffer against loneliness even in the absence of high‐quality interpersonal relationships? Addressing this issue, we propose that understanding loneliness in the workplace requires looking beyond one's relationships with people to consider other key elements of work life, such as an employee's relationship with their work and the organization. We hypothesize that work centrality and organizational identification substitute for high‐quality relationships with peers (conceptualized as team–member exchange, TMX). In a survey separating predictor variables and loneliness in time, we find that TMX is negatively associated with workplace loneliness and that work centrality acts as a substitute for TMX. Organizational identification does not substitute for TMX, and this finding is discussed. This paper contributes to the nascent body of work on workplace loneliness by investigating what factors contribute to workplace loneliness and whether relationships with abstract entities can provide a bond sufficient to substitute for interpersonal relationships.
Motivated perception of leaders when perceived political party continuity is low: The mediating role of self‐uncertainty
Authors: Le An , Hohman Zachary
Published: August 2024

Group members often view their leaders as agents of continuity because leadership can help maintain group history and core values despite inevitable changes. Previous research suggests a connection between group continuity (i.e., a sense of connection between a group's past, present, and future) and a preference for autocratic leadership. However, whether group members' perception of the current state of group continuity influences the way they perceive leaders whom they have already supported has not been investigated. In the current study, we hypothesized that self‐uncertainty mediates the effect of perceived continuity on perceptions of leaders. Specifically, lowered perception of group continuity triggers self‐uncertainty, which motivates people to perceive the leaders they support to be more autocratic because these leaders often provide effective means to reduce feelings of self‐uncertainty. Additionally, as people might differ in their long‐term desire for group continuity, we hypothesized that the desire for group continuity moderates the path from perceived group continuity and self‐uncertainty. To test the hypothesized moderated mediation model, we collected data from Democrats and Republicans in the United States (N = 515) after the 2022 midterm elections. Analyses showed a significant moderated mediation effect, index = −0.02, 95% CI [−0.04, −0.002]. Specifically, perception of continuity within one's political party positively correlated with self‐uncertainty, and this correlation was stronger among those who displayed greater levels of desire for group continuity. Increased self‐uncertainty, in turn, positively correlated with the perception that the gubernatorial leader that one voted for during the midterm elections was autocratic.
Fast certificate issuance in a Moodle‐based MOOC platform: A large‐scale study
Authors: Perry Gabriela Trindade , Santos Marlise Bock
Published: August 2024

Background

Gestures are an integral component in human‐to‐human communication when the speaker is visually present to the listener. In the past several years, research has examined how computer‐generated pedagogical agents can be designed to perform the four main gesture types and what this means for agent persona and learning outcomes. The research into agent gesturing has only explored gestures without other presentation strategies such as visual aids or verbal redundancy to properly explore the impact of gestures, and to avoid overly “rich” displays of information.

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore the use of static images and varying frequencies of gestures to assess whether two visual inputs increases the risk of the split‐attention effect, and to investigate the potential for visual redundancy when two visual inputs coincide with narration. Data on cognitive load, agent persona, and learning outcomes (recall and transfer) will be collected to measure participants' learning experience while acquiring procedural knowledge, specifically regarding the principles of lightning, in comparison to previous research.

Method

A mixed methods approach consisted of three gesture frequency conditions (enhanced, average, no) with 118 participants. Quantitative data were analysed using a random‐effect linear regression model; whereas qualitative data was collected through individual interviews that lasted 15–20 min.

Results and Conclusions

The use of enhanced gesture frequency and images may significantly increase intrinsic cognitive load, but gestures and images do not cause extraneous cognitive load. The enhanced gesture condition significantly outperformed the no‐gesture condition. Interviews indicated that depending upon the gesture condition, students selectively attended to information that they perceived as offering them the greatest learning opportunity. Using two visual inputs does not cause split‐attention, nor does it provide evidence of a visual redundancy effect.
The Portfolio‐Driven Disposition Effect
Authors: AN LI , ENGELBERG JOSEPH , HENRIKSSON MATTHEW , WANG BAOLIAN , WILLIAMS JARED
Published: August 2024

The disposition effect for a stock significantly weakens if the portfolio is at a gain, but is large when it is at a loss. We find this portfolio‐driven disposition effect (PDDE) in four independent settings: U.S. and Chinese archival data, as well as U.S. and Chinese experiments. The PDDE is robust to a variety of controls in regression specifications and is not explained by extreme returns, portfolio rebalancing, tax considerations, or investor heterogeneity. Our evidence suggests that investors form mental frames at both the stock and the portfolio levels and that these frames combine to generate the PDDE.
Differences in perinatal complications and serum hormone levels due to uterine endometrial preparation methods in frozen–thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Yoshihara Tatsuya , Okuda Yasuhiko , Ogi Maki , Miyashita Dai , Yoshino Osamu
Published: August 2024

Aim

In frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET), differences in endometrial preparation methods affect the incidence of perinatal complications. However, the underlying causes are unclear. We aimed to investigate whether serum E2, P4 levels are associated with perinatal complications.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study, involving 306 successful FET pregnancies from 2017 to 2022. Participants were divided into Natural Cycle (NC) and Hormone Replacement Cycle (HRC) group. We compared serum hormone levels, maternal backgrounds, and perinatal outcomes and complications. Furthermore, within the HRC group, serum hormone levels were compared for perinatal complications previously reported to show differences in incidence rates depending on the method of endometrial preparation.

Results

HRC exhibited significantly higher serum E2 levels during the implantation period, but lower P4 levels during ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy test period compared with NC. HRC also had significantly higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). There was no association found between perinatal complications more likely to occur in HRC and serum E2, P4 levels.

Conclusions

In HRC, there were more occurrences of PPH and PAS. Although serum E2, P4 levels during FET did not correlate with perinatal complications.
Metformin enhances the survival ability of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovary syndrome by promoting LINC00548 to suppress androgen receptor/klotho pathway
Authors: Pan Guangxin , Li Sha , Xiong Guoping , Zhang Pei , Zhang Li , Yao Yanru , Lei Gang
Published: August 2024

Background

Metformin (Met) has been reported to play the key role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the precise mechanisms underlying the actions of Met in PCOS remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to confirm the mechanism of Met interacting with a long non‐coding RNA LINC00548 in PCOS.

Methods

Ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) were incubated 500 nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to construct PCOS in vitro model and then were treated 20 μM Met. A series of cell experiments including Cell Counting Kit‐8, Terminal uridine nucleotide end labeling, and flow cytometry were performed to confirm the changes of OGC survival ability. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to determine the levels of LINC00548, whereas Western blotting was applied to determine the levels of androgen receptor (AR) and klotho.

Results

Met improved the cell viability and suppressed cell apoptosis in DHT‐treated OGCs. LINC00548 downregulated in DHT‐treated OGCs was upregulated by Met, and its overexpression further enhanced the positive effects of Met on the survival ability of DHT‐treated OGCs. In addition, Met could induce the upregulation of LINC00548 to suppress the activation of AR/klotho pathway in DHT‐treated OGCs.

Conclusion

Overall, this study discovers that Met enhances the survival ability of OGCs in PCOS by elevating LINC00548 expression to suppress AR/klotho pathway.
Improvement of Endosperm Hydration Counter the Negative Relationship Between Dormancy and Malt Quality in Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Jensen Joseph , Uhlmann Hannah , Lachowiec Jennifer , Lutgen Greg , Cook Jason P. , Yin Xiang S. , Kephart Ken , Sherman Jamie
Published: August 2024

Dormancy in barley has been thoroughly studied and shown to negatively impact malt quality, resulting in selection against dormancy. However, reduced dormancy coincides with increased preharvest sprout (PHS) risk, thus sparking a new interest in integrating dormancy back into American barley lines if the negative effects of dormancy on malt quality can be overcome. We evaluated the dormancy and hydration index (HYI) in a biparental mapping population to determine the genotypes that would protect against PHS but have good malt quality. We found 4 HYI QTLs and 4 dormancy QTLs, one of which was near the well‐described SD2 QTL. The HYI QTLs were pleiotropically related to seed size (1H), dormancy (5H) and malt quality (2H). Lines with dormancy (5H) and increased HYI (2H and 3H) had malt quality similar to nondormant lines while maintaining PHS resistance, suggesting improvements in HYI could be the key to overcoming the negative effects of dormancy in malting.
Caught between two states: The compromise in acclimation of photosynthesis, transpiration and mesophyll conductance to different amplitudes of fluctuating irradiance
Authors: Durand Maxime , Zhuang Xin , Salmon Yann , Robson T. Matthew
Published: August 2024

While dynamic regulation of photosynthesis in fluctuating light is increasingly recognized as an important driver of carbon uptake, acclimation to realistic irradiance fluctuations is still largely unexplored. We subjected Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) wild‐type and jac1 mutants to irradiance fluctuations with distinct amplitudes and average irradiance. We examined how irradiance fluctuations affected leaf structure, pigments and physiology. A wider amplitude of fluctuations produced a stronger acclimation response. Large reductions of leaf mass per area under fluctuating irradiance framed our interpretation of changes in photosynthetic capacity and mesophyll conductance as measured by three separate methods, in that photosynthetic investment increased markedly on a mass basis, but only a little on an area basis. Moreover, thermal imagery showed that leaf transpiration was four times higher under fluctuating irradiance. Leaves growing under fluctuating irradiance, although thinner, maintained their photosynthetic capacity, as measured through light‐ and CO2‐response curves; suggesting their photosynthesis may be more cost‐efficient than those under steady light, but overall may incur increased maintenance costs. This is especially relevant for plant performance globally because naturally fluctuating irradiance creates conflicting acclimation cues for photosynthesis and transpiration that may hinder progress towards ensuring food security under climate‐related extremes of water stress.
Reviewing the benefits and clinical outcomes of oral fibroblasts over mesenchymal stem cells for repairing periodontal defects during or after orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Parisi Ludovica , Mavrogonatou Eleni , Sculean Anton , Kletsas Dimitris , Degen Martin
Published: August 2024

Orthodontic therapy applies forces to teeth, causing an inflammatory reaction in the periodontal ligament. This is repaired by remodeling of the periodontium, allowing tooth displacement. Although orthodontic therapy is mostly initiated during childhood and adolescence, the number of adults seeking this treatment is increasing as our society's esthetic awareness rises. However, adults may already have periodontal tissue abnormalities, rendering orthodontic treatment inefficient because a healthy periodontium is essential for success. Numerous risk factors have been linked to periodontal lesions, with orthodontic tooth movement possibly playing a minimal influence. Although such tissue damages are mostly of esthetic rather than functional concern for patients, restoration frequently requires invasive procedures. Autologous cells for the treatment of periodontal complications have grown in popularity as a less intrusive alternative. The present review analyzed the literature on the use of mesenchymal stem cells and oral tissue‐derived fibroblasts for the healing of periodontal defects that may be related to orthodontic tooth movement. Furthermore, the advantages and challenges of the two cell types have been examined. Although the number of clinical studies is currently limited, our study demonstrates that oral fibroblasts have the potential to be the next emergent frontrunners for tissue engineering in the periodontium.
Brain signatures of catastrophic events: Emotion, salience, and cognitive control
Authors: Mas‐Cuesta Laura , Baltruschat Sabina , Cándido Antonio , Catena Andrés
Published: August 2024

Anticipatory brain activity makes it possible to predict the occurrence of expected situations. However, events such as traffic accidents are statistically unpredictable and can generate catastrophic consequences. This study investigates the brain activity and effective connectivity associated with anticipating and processing such unexpected, unavoidable accidents. We asked 161 participants to ride a motorcycle simulator while recording their electroencephalographic activity. Of these, 90 participants experienced at least one accident while driving. We conducted both within‐subjects and between‐subjects comparisons. During the pre‐accident period, the right inferior parietal lobe (IPL), left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and right insula showed higher activity in the accident condition. In the post‐accident period, the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex, right IPL, bilateral ACC, and middle and superior frontal gyrus also showed increased activity in the accident condition. We observed greater effective connectivity within the nodes of the limbic network (LN) and between the nodes of the attentional networks in the pre‐accident period. In the post‐accident period, we also observed greater effective connectivity between networks, from the ventral attention network (VAN) to the somatomotor network and from nodes in the visual network, VAN, and default mode network to nodes in the frontoparietal network, LN, and attentional networks. This suggests that activating salience‐related processes and emotional processing allows the anticipation of accidents. Once an accident has occurred, integration and valuation of the new information takes place, and control processes are initiated to adapt behavior to the new demands of the environment.
Alveolar bone loss is a significant contributor to tooth loss in dentate HIV+ patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Tebcherany Houda , Rogers Tom , Khocht Ahmed
Published: August 2024

Background

The study objectives were to determine tooth loss prevalence and to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and potential risk factors among adult dentate HIV+ patients on newer antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.

Methods

Health records of 450 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals were surveyed. Eighty‐eight records of dentate HIV+ individuals with full‐mouth periodontal charting and intra‐oral periapical radiographs were identified. We collected data on demographics, systemic risk factors, oral health, and HIV disease measures. Caries exposure and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were radiographically assessed.

Results

Eighty‐eight percent of patients showed tooth loss. Patients with ABL ≥15% had a higher number of missing teeth (p < .01). Stepwise regression analyses indicated that tooth loss was positively associated with age (β = 0.45, p < .01) and ABL (β = 0.39, p < .01). By contrast number of years on ART was negatively associated with tooth loss (β = −0.28, p < .05).

Conclusions

Tooth loss remains prevalent among HIV+ patients, and periodontal disease is a significant contributor. The number of years on ART seem to improve oral health behavior and reduce tooth loss.
Conditional quasi‐likelihood inference for mean residual life regression with clustered failure time data
Authors: Huang Rui , Sun Liuquan , Xiang Liming
Published: August 2024

In the analysis of clustered failure time data, Cox frailty models have been extensively studied by incorporating frailty with a prespecified distribution to address potential correlation of data within clusters. In this paper, we propose a frailty proportional mean residual life regression model to analyze such data. A novel conditional quasi‐likelihood inference procedure is developed, utilizing a stochastic process and the inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) to form estimating equations for regression parameters. Our proposal employs conditional inference based on a penalized quasi‐likelihood to address within‐cluster correlation without need to specify the frailty distribution, bringing the method closer to what suffices for real‐world applications. By adopting the Buckley–James estimator in the IPCW, the method further allows for dependent censoring. We establish asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator and evaluate its finite sample performance via simulation studies. An application to the data from a multi‐institutional breast cancer study is presented for illustration.
No welfare without workfare? Revisiting varieties of minimum income schemes in Europe (2008–2022)
Authors: Soler‐Buades Llorenç
Published: August 2024

The social policy literature indicates a notable shift towards activation in minimum income schemes (MIS) since the 1990s, which has led to the emergence of new policy varieties. However, previous research has failed to reveal institutional changes over time and across/within varieties. This article measures and interprets varieties of minimum income across six welfare states from 2008 to 2022. It examines the evolution of varieties of MIS over time, and the extent to which changes have been driven by path dependence dynamics or by convergence towards a workfare model. Theoretically, the article builds on the regulation approach in political economy. Methodologically, it applies a Principal Component Analysis to a new dataset that consists of three OECD‐standard indicators alongside two novel indicators formulated for this study. The findings illustrate that varieties of MIS have undergone both quantitative and qualitative changes, moving within and between typologies. These changes are attributed to a lack of investment in income protection, limited enabling opportunities, and the introduction of specific, incremental workfare reforms.
Pleomorphic sarcoma secondary to proximal femoral epiphysiolysis with bone infarction over 4 years after cementless total hip replacement in a dog
Authors: Barnhart Matthew D. , Pool Roy , Liska William D.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To report a capital physeal fracture as the result of a bone infarction with subsequent neoplastic transformation 4 years following total hip replacement.

Study design

Case report.

Animals

Five‐year‐old female spayed golden retriever.

Methods

The dog was initially presented for evaluation of a 2 week history of spontaneous right hind‐limb lameness. Pelvic radiographs demonstrated a displaced capital epiphysis and proximal femur changes consistent with a bone infarction. A cementless total hip replacement was performed, and limb function returned to normal until 51 months after surgery. A radiolucency adjacent to the femoral stem at the greater trochanter, partial calcar resorption, and stable implants were present on pelvic radiographs acquired 52 months after surgery. Surgical exploration of the surgical site for tissue collection for histopathology and bacteria culture was performed 58 months following surgery. No bacterial growth occurred and histologic findings were nonspecific. A right hind‐limb amputation was performed 61 months after total hip replacement due to the dog's progression to a non‐weight‐bearing lameness, Additional tissue samples were taken from the femur for histopathologic examination.

Results

Histopathologic examination was consistent with a pleomorphic sarcoma. No metallic or polyethylene particulate debris was present. Nine months after surgery there was evidence of regional and distant spread of the neoplasia.

Conclusion

In similar cases, submitting the femoral head for histopathologic examination should be considered at the time of the hip replacement surgery. If bone infarction is diagnosed as a causative agent, given the possibility of malignant transformation, long‐term serial radiographic monitoring should be given serious consideration.
Evaluation of Data-Driven Classifiers for an Ignition Forecast of Large Gas Turbines
Authors: Lang Florian , Savtschenko Maximilian , Yadav Vikas , Ghani Abdulla
Published: August 2024

Prediction of successful ignition is a challenging task that requires knowledge of the local thermochemical state in highly turbulent flow conditions. For typical industrial gas turbine (GTs) conditions operated on active service, these pieces of information are not directly available despite the high impact of ignition on technological and economic performance. The success of ignition mainly depends on the experiences made with the specific GT during long-term operation. Hence, there is a need for reliable prediction models for successful ignition that take the current conditions of the engine into account. We demonstrate the performance of supervised machine learning (ML) models to predict both successful and failed ignitions of GTs based on “real world” fleet data from the SGTx-8000H frame. This study compares the classification ability of seven widely used algorithms, for which we initially select 22 engineering-relevant parameters based on sensor data. We employ correlation and elimination techniques to reduce the parameter space drastically so that with only two input parameters we achieve a high (87%) prediction accuracy. Finally, we highlight the generalizability of the best performing ML model by application to unseen data of a different GT and report, for another case, on a recommissioned GT that is assisted by the ML model and consistently ignites the engine over an extended period of time.
A linear-algebraic derivation of the Lorentz transformation
Authors: Schwartau Phil
Published: August 2024

In order to explain the Lorentz transformation, it is advantageous to use its eigencoordinates rather than Cartesian coordinates. In this manner, the matrix can be diagonalized. Moreover, the diagonal entries have a direct physical meaning—permitting their determination without the need of algebraic equations. This yields a proof that is easier to remember and reproduce.
Changing Horses in Midstream: Modern Pentathlon After the 2024 Olympic Games
Authors: Rappelt Ludwig , Donath Lars
Published: August 2024

The decision of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne to replace horse riding with Obstacle after the 2024 Olympic Games challenges training, testing, and recovery management in Modern Pentathlon. This commentary discusses physiological, technical, and tactical effects of rule changes in the 5 disciplines with a specific focus on the new discipline Obstacle. Modern Pentathlon requires athletes to develop specific endurance capacities relying on both the aerobic and anaerobic systems while simultaneously increasing lower- and upper-body strength capabilities. In addition, movements must be repeatedly executed in an explosive and precise manner. Running and swimming must be fast but economical. Swapping from horse riding to Obstacle will prioritize the explosive strength of the upper extremities and core while keeping high levels of endurance and precision in swimming, fencing, and shooting. Moreover, condensing the Modern Pentathlon competition to a 90-minute television-friendly format enables more competitions in the future. Athletes and coaches will thus also need to develop and maintain effective individual peri-exercise routines (before, during, and after the competition) to successfully meet the resulting tactical and physical challenges of the new format. This commentary aims to stimulate the discussion on the effect of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne’s decisions to replace riding with the new Obstacle discipline and implement a more television-friendly format with a focus on physiological, technical, and tactical aspects.