bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital light processing three-dimensional printing with acrylic–titanium composite powders for multiscale porous scaffolds
Authors: Zhao Guangbin , Wu Yanlong , Li Bochen , Tian Hang , Li Bo , Li Xiao , Chen Xu , Zhou Tao , Wang Yaning , Gong Yichao , Hou Dingchang , Liu Yaxiong , Zong Xuewen , Lu Bingheng
Published: February 2025

Porous metals fabricated via three-dimensional (3D) printing have attracted extensive attention in many fields owing to their open pores and customization potential. However, dense internal structures produced by the powder bed fusion technique fails to meet the feature of porous materials in scenarios that demand large specific surface areas. Herein, we propose a strategy for 3D printing of titanium scaffolds featuring multiscale porous internal structures via powder modification and digital light processing (DLP). After modification, the titanium powders were composited with acrylic resin and maintained spherical shapes. Compared with the raw powder slurries, the modified powder slurries exhibited higher stability and preferable curing characteristics, and the depth sensitivity of the modified powder slurries with 45 vol% solid loading increased by approximately 72%. Green scaffolds were subsequently printed from the slurries with a solid loading reaching 45 vol% via DLP 3D printing. The scaffolds had macropores (pore diameters of approximately 1 mm) and internal open micropores (pore diameters of approximately 5.7–13.0 μm) after sintering. Additionally, these small-featured (approximately 320 μm) scaffolds retained sufficient compressive strength ((70.01 ± 3.53) MPa) even with high porosity (approximately 73.95%). This work can facilitate the fabrication of multiscale porous metal scaffolds with high solid loading slurries, offering potential for applications requiring high specific surface area ratios.
The expansion set construction of classifying spaces for generalized Thompson groups
Authors: Farley Daniel
Published: February 2025

We summarize the theory of expansion sets, which offer a convenient setting for establishing finiteness properties of generalized Thompson groups.
Hyperbolic groups and local connectivity
Authors: Hruska G. , Ruane Kim
Published: February 2025

The goal of this paper is to give an exposition of some results of Bestvina–Mess on local connectivity of the boundary of a one-ended word hyperbolic group. We also give elementary proofs that all hyperbolic groups are semistable at infinity and their boundaries are linearly connected in the one-ended case. Geoghegan first observed that semistability at infinity is a consequence of local connectivity using ideas from shape theory, and Bonk–Kleiner proved linear connectivity using analytical methods. The methods in this paper are closely based on the original ideas of Bestvina–Mess.
Failure of quasi-isometric rigidity for infinite-ended groups
Authors: Lazarovich Nir , Stark Emily
Published: February 2025

We prove that an infinite-ended group whose one-ended factors have finite-index subgroups and are in a family of groups with a nonzero multiplicative invariant is not quasi-isometrically rigid. Combining this result with work of the first author proves that a residually-finite multi-ended hyperbolic group is quasi-isometrically rigid if and only if it is virtually free. The proof adapts an argument of Whyte for commensurability of free products of closed hyperbolic surface groups.
A brief survey of 𝒵-boundaries
Authors: Moran Molly
Published: February 2025

M. Bestvina defined a

Z

\mathcal {Z}

-boundary on a group

G
G

to generalize the theory of boundaries of CAT(0) and hyperbolic groups. This article provides a brief introduction to the theory of

Z

\mathcal {Z}

-boundaries and

E
Z

\mathcal {EZ}

-boundaries, strategies employed to prove a group admits a

(
E
)
Z

\mathcal {(E)Z}

-boundary, and applications of these group boundaries.
Regulation of p65 nuclear localization and chromatin states by compressive force
Authors: Gupta Rajshikhar , Schärer Paulina , Liao Yawen , Roy Bibhas , Benoit Roger M. , Shivashankar GV
Published: February 2025

The tumor microenvironment is a dynamic ecosystem, that evolves with the developing tumor to support its growth and metastasis. A key aspect of TME evolution is the recruitment of stromal fibroblasts, carried out via the release of various tumor signals including tumor necrosis factor (TNF α). These tumor signals in turn alter the mechanical properties of the TME as the tumor grows. Because of the important role of stromal cells in supporting tumor progression, new therapies aim to target stromal fibroblasts. However, these therapies have been unsuccessful in part due to the limited understanding of crosstalk between chemical and altered mechanical signaling within stromal fibroblasts. To investigate this, we designed a coculture assay with YFP-TNFα releasing spheroids embedded within collagen gels alongside fibroblasts to mimic the stromal response within the TME. This resulted in the p65 nuclear translocation of stromal fibroblasts which was further intensified by the addition of compressive stress. The combination of mechanical and chemical signals led to cytoskeletal disruption and induced a distinct chromatin state in the stromal fibroblasts. These results highlight the important crosstalk between cytokine signaling and mechanical forces on stromal cells within the TME and facilitate the development of a better spheroid model for therapeutic interventions.
Crystal structure of L-2-keto-3-deoxyrhamnonate 4-dehydrogenase involved in the non-phosphorylating pathway of L-rhamnose metabolism by bacteria
Authors: Akagashi Miyu , Watanabe Seiya
Published: February 2025

In the non-phosphorylative L-rhamnose and L-fucose pathways in bacteria, the C4-OH groups of the L-2-keto-3-deoxyrhamnonate (L-KDR) and L-2-keto-3-deoxyfuconate (L-KDF) intermediates are oxidized by different NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases, which belong to the same superfamily; L-KDRDH and L-KDFDH, respectively. To further elucidate their opposite stereospecificities, we herein investigated the crystal structures of L-KDRDH (from Herbaspirillum huttiense) in ligand-free and NAD+-bound forms. The interactions between the side chains of Asp39 and Gln18, and the 2’- and/or 3’-hydroxyl group(s) of NAD+ were consistent with strict specificity for NAD+. In a binding model for the substrate, Asn151 and Arg247 interacted with the C1 carboxyl and/or C5 hydroxyl group(s) of L-KDR with the acrylic α-keto form, which differed from L-KDFDH that recognizes L-KDF with the cyclic hemiketal. A comparison of gene clusters on the bacterial genome and biochemical characterization suggested that L-KDRDH functions as a novel 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoate dehydrogenase in the degradation of aromatic compounds.
Post-transcriptional regulation supports the homeostatic expression of mature RNA
Authors: Su Zheng , Fang Mingyan , Smolnikov Andrei , Vafaee Fatemeh , Dinger Marcel E , Oates Emily C
Published: February 2025

Gene expression regulation is a sophisticated, multi-stage process, and its robustness is critical to normal cell function and the survival of an organism. Previous studies indicate that differential gene expression at the RNA level is typically attenuated at the protein level through translational regulation. However, how post-transcriptional regulation (PTR) influences expression change during the RNA maturation process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated this by quantifying the magnitude of expression change in precursor RNA and mature RNA across a vast range of different biological conditions. We analyzed bulk tissue RNA sequencing data from 4689 samples, including healthy and diseased tissues from human, chimpanzee, rhesus macaque, and murine sources. We demonstrated that PTR tends to support homeostatic expression of mature RNA by amplifying normal tissue-specific expression of precursor RNA, while reducing expression change of precursor RNA in disease contexts. Our study provides insight into the general influence of PTR on gene expression homeostasis. Our analysis also suggests that intronic reads in RNA-seq studies may contain under-utilized information about disease associations. Additionally, our findings may assist in identifying new disease biomarkers and more effective ways of altering gene expression as a therapeutic strategy.
Developmental proteome dynamics in granulosa and thecal layers from growing follicles to pre-ovulatory duck follicles
Authors: Xia Weiguang , Jin Chenglong , Wang Shuang , Zhang Yanan , Li Kaichao , Huang Xuebing , Zheng Chuntian , Chen Wei
Published: February 2025

Granulosa and thecal layer cells play important roles in the post-hatching follicular growth in laying birds. To examine the biochemical processes of granulosa and thecal layers associated with follicular growth, the technique of data independent acquisition was used in this study to explore protein profiling in granulosa and thecal layers from growing follicles in laying ducks. We identified and quantitatively analyzed 8032 proteins in granulosa cells and 9552 proteins in thecal layer cells. Hierarchical clustering of the resulting profiles revealed differential changes of expression of proteins linked to cell metabolism, signaling, cell junction, especially in steroid synthesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, and gap junction signaling pathway at different stages of follicles. The highest expression of proteins related to gap junction and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway occurred in granulosa cells of 3–6 mm or 6–8 mm follicles. In granulosa cells, decreases in the enzymes that catalyze the transformation of estrone into estradiol and proteins related to calcium transport and apoptosis occurred during follicular growth. As follicles grew, proteins related to androgens biosynthesis and involved in gap junction and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway decreased in the thecal layer cells. Three main group functional clusters extracted from the protein–protein interaction network, were mainly responsible for apoptosis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway. These proteomic data provide a holistic framework for understanding how diverse biochemical processes in granulosa cells and thecal layer cells are coordinated at the cellular level during follicular growth in laying birds.
Clinical and Research Applications of FAPI Tracers: A Review
Authors: Desaulniers Mélanie , Rousseau Étienne , Pabst Kim M
Published: February 2025

In the last decade, fibroblast activation protein-α inhibitors (FAPIs), which target the cancer-associated fibroblasts of the tumour microenvironment, have become a topic of great interest. In oncology, FAPI PET/CT imaging has repeatedly demonstrated a higher lesion detection rate than other conventional imaging modalities such as CT or 18F-FDG PET/CT for several tumours. In some cases, the initial staging and therapeutic management may even change. Some FAPI radioligands may also be labelled with therapeutic radionuclides for theranostic applications. It is thus possible to treat certain metastatic cancers with FAPI radioligand therapy (FAPI-RLT), which is generally well tolerated with little toxicity. Recently, new FAPIs have been developed with the particularity of having a higher binding affinity the target, which further improves the lesion detection rate on PET/CT and clinical outcomes following FAPI-RLT. This review provides recent updates in the clinical use of FAPI PET/CT and FAPI-RLT, and discusses potential emergent applications, including in inflammation imaging.
Cost-effectiveness of trans-abdominal ultrasound for gallbladder cancer surveillance in patients with gallbladder polyps less than 10 mm in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lowin Julia , Sewell Bernadette , Prettyjohns Matthew , Farr Angela , Foley Kieran G
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Gallbladder polyps (GBPs) are commonly detected with trans-abdominal ultrasound (TAUS). Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is associated with GBPs but the risk of malignancy is low. International guidelines recommend ultrasound surveillance (USS) in selected cases of GBPs <10 mm, with cholecystectomy advised if the polyp size increases. USS (including potential cholecystectomies) is resource intense. We evaluated the costs and potential cost-effectiveness of USS in a theoretical UK patient cohort with GBPs.

Methods

A health economic model mapped expected management pathways over 2 years for 1000 GBP patients with and without USS, stratified by the initial size of GBP (<6 mm and 6–9 mm). We estimated USS resource and costs under alternate referral thresholds for cholecystectomy. Clinical data were extracted from a large-scale cohort study. TAUS and cholecystectomy costs were based on NHS tariffs. GBC costs were estimated from the literature. Outcomes included USS costs, expected numbers of GBC, and incremental cost for each case of GBC avoided.

Results

The 2-year additional cohort costs of USS (n = number of cholecystectomies) were estimated between £213 441 (n = 50) and £750 045 (n = 253) in GBPs <6 mm and between £420 275 (n = 165) and £531 297 (n = 207) in GBPs 6–9 mm, balanced against avoidance of 1.3 (<6 mm) and 8.7 (6–9 mm) cases of GBC. Model findings were robust to plausible changes in inputs.

Conclusions

Using published data, we demonstrated that, in patients with GBPs <10 mm, the costs of USS to avoid GBC outweigh potential GBC cost offsets and would result in high rates of cholecystectomy. Additional evidence is needed to establish the formal cost-effectiveness of GBP USS in the UK.

Advances in knowledge

• We developed a health economic model, based on published data, to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of guideline-recommended ultrasound surveillance (USS) in patients with gallbladder polyps measuring less than 10 mm in the UK.

• The analysis provides a transparent platform to explore potential numbers of trans-abdominal ultrasound studies and cholecystectomies that might be expected if USS protocols are adhered to and discovers important gaps in current evidence that could be filled by additional targeted research.
Integrating genome-wide association studies and transcriptomics prioritizes drug targets for meningioma
Authors: Liao Wan-Zhe , Wang Jia-He , Zhong Hua-Jie , Wen Shen-Yu , Chen Yang , Chen Jia-Qi , Zhang Xue-Kun , Wu Xin-Yi , Tan Jia-Nuo , Li Kun-Yi , Mo Shao-Cong , Wang Li-Jun
Published: February 2025

Meningioma, a prevalent central nervous system tumor, presents a significant challenge in neuro-oncology. This study harnesses genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomic analysis to illuminate the pathological underpinnings of meningioma and spearhead the discovery of novel drug targets. By employing Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR), colocalization analyses, and Mendelian randomization, we pinpointed four genes as pivotal therapeutic targets. The integration of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the upregulated expression of three of the genes (XBP1, TTC28, and TRPC6) in meningioma tissues, unraveling their cellular distribution and hinting at the tumor's intrinsic heterogeneity. Molecular docking further identified dexamethasone and levonorgestrel as potential modulators of these targets, paving the way for personalized meningioma treatment strategies. This research advances our understanding of meningioma's molecular landscape and illustrates the power of genomic and transcriptomic integration in the realm of precision oncology.
A novel technique for non- invasive diagnosis of different skin conditions herpes virus-related
Authors: Verzì Anna Elisa , Lacarrubba Francesco , Dimarco Stefano , Micali Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Background

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a new noninvasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution skin imaging close to histopathology.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of LC-OCT in the diagnosis of herpes virus skin infections.

Methods

Patients with a clinical or anamnestic suspicion of herpes virus infection underwent LC-OCT evaluation followed by Tzanck test. The examinations were performed in a blinded manner by different dermatologists.

Results

A total of 72 patients (M: 38; F: 34; age range: 13-84) were evaluated. In 57 cases, LC-OCT allowed the recognition of the typical herpetic intraepidermal vesicles containing giant, ballooning/multinucleated cells, as confirmed by Tzanck test. The final diagnosis was herpes simplex in 16 cases, herpes zoster in 31 cases, chickenpox in 8 cases, and Kaposi varicelliform eruption in 2 cases. In the remaining 15 cases, both LC-OCT and Tzanck test excluded the diagnosis of herpetic infections.

Conclusions

Although the diagnosis of herpes virus skin infections is generally clinical, in minimal and/or atypical cases, LC-OCT could be a rapid and valid alternative to semi-invasive/invasive and time-consuming procedures, such as Tzanck test, viral cultures, PCR, or histopathology.
Gender differences of the brain structures in young high-altitude Tibetans
Authors: Zhang Xinjuan , Fan Cunxiu , Liu Yanqiu , Zhao Cunhua , Zhao Yuhua , Yin Wu , Lin Jianzhong , Zhang Jiaxing
Published: February 2025

Gender differences in adaptation to high-altitude environments are evident, but the specific patterns in Tibetan brains remain unclear. We analyzed T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans and neuropsychological test results from 61 male and 68 female Tibetans, with lowland Han participants as controls. Tibetan females had poorer performance than males in digit serial accumulation and forward digit span. Both Tibetan and Han males had significantly larger global gray matter volume and white matter volume than females, only Tibetan female brains contained a larger proportion of gray matter than male brains. Tibetan females (vs. males) had smaller regional gray matter volume in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus and pars opercularis and right caudal middle frontal gyrus, and gray matter volume in the left pars opercularis in all Tibetans had a significant positive correlation with forward digit span. Conversely, Tibetan females had greater cortical thickness in these regions, which negatively correlated with altitude. Han populations exhibited different gender-based patterns in gray matter volume and cortical thickness compared to Tibetans. These findings suggest that Tibetan female brains are more susceptible to high-altitude, and the observed gender differences in brain volume may relate to distinct neuropsychological performances.
Incomplete Kawasaki Disease Complicated by Coronary Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Coelho Mariana Caetano , Ferreira Fernando , Castelo Alexandra , Reis João , Ferreira Rui Cruz
Published: February 2025

Background

Kawasaki disease is a vasculitis affecting medium-sized vessels, particularly coronary arteries, and is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. It is diagnosed clinically based on prolonged fever and specific symptoms. We present a case of incomplete Kawasaki disease, highlighting how it can result in delayed diagnosis and elevate the risk of coronary artery aneurysms.

Case summary

A 31-year-old patient with an unrecognized history of Kawasaki disease presented to the emergency department with symptoms of angina. Imaging revealed significant coronary artery aneurysms, and he successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting.

Discussion

Early recognition and treatment of Kawasaki disease are crucial to prevent serious complications like coronary artery aneurysms.
Sex-specific associations between total cholesterol and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the presence and extent of coronary artery calcifications
Authors: Leth Kasper Westphal , Dalgård Christine , Gerke Oke , Lindholt Jes S , Lambrechtsen Jess , Frost Lars , Karon Marek , Egstrup Kenneth , Busk Martin , Diederichsen Axel C P
Published: February 2025

Aims

Investigate sex-specific associations between total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and the burden of atherosclerosis assessed by coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.

Methods and results

A total of 10 049 participants (women: 958, men: 9091) aged 49–75 years, without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) or current use of lipid-lowering medication, were included from the Danish Risk Score study and the Danish Cardiovascular Screening Trial cohorts. Logistic regression models and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate odds ratio (OR), the incidence rate ratio (IRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and CAC presence (CAC > 0) and extent. All analyses were adjusted for age, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and family history of CVD. The OR for presence of CAC and total cholesterol was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.94–1.27) in women and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.19–1.33) in men. The OR for presence of CAC and non-HDL-C was 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96–1.29) in women and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.18–1.33) in men. No significant association between increased total cholesterol and extent of CAC was found, regardless of sex (women: IRR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.83–1.19; men: IRR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.997–1.07). Non-HDL-C was significantly associated with extent of CAC in men (IRR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.001–1.08) but not in women (IRR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.78–1.12).

Conclusion

Total cholesterol was associated with presence of CAC, and non-HDL-Cs were associated with presence and extent of the CAC score in men. No association by total cholesterol or non-HDL-C was found among women.
Limited similarity in microbial composition among coral reef fishes from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Costa Vincenzo A , Bellwood David R , Mifsud Jonathon C O , Geoghegan Jemma L , Harvey Erin , Holmes Edward C
Published: February 2025

Reef fishes exhibit enormous biodiversity within a highly interactive ecosystem. Relatively little is known about the diversity and evolution of microbial species associated with reef fish, even though this may provide valuable insights into the factors that shape microbial communities. Through metatranscriptomic sequencing we characterised the viruses, bacteria, and single-celled eukaryotes from 126 reef fish species inhabiting Lizard Island and Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We assessed whether microbial communities differed between islands that are separated by 450 kilometres, and to what extent fish viruses emerge in new hosts. Despite strong ecological interactions within the species-rich reef environment, and the presence of the same families of viruses on both islands, there was minimal evidence for the presence of individual viruses shared among fish species, reflecting low levels of cross-species transmission. Among bacteria, we identified the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Photobacterium damselae in apparently healthy cardinalfish species from both islands, indicating that these fish species are natural reservoirs. These data suggest that reef fishes have microbial-host associations that arose prior to the formation of the Great Barrier Reef, likely leading to strong host barriers to cross-species transmission and hence infectious disease emergence.
How Does Age Matter? Investigating Financial Strain, Health, and Well-Being among Adults Who Need Long-Term Services and Supports
Authors: Chen Lei , Kietzman Kathryn
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Being or becoming disabled over the life course can have profound effects on one’s financial well-being and health-related quality of life. Adults of different ages and abilities who need long-term services and supports (LTSS) may perceive and experience financial strain and its impact on their health and well-being differently. Yet research on LTSS has typically studied defined age groups separately. This study explores how age may differentiate the associations between disability status, financial strain, and the subjective health and well-being of adults with LTSS needs in California.

Research Design and Methods

Using representative population-level data from the 2019-2020 California Long-Term Services and Supports survey, merged with data from the California Health Interview Survey (N = 2,030), descriptive and conditional process analyses were applied to answer the primary research questions.

Results

Findings indicate that young and middle-aged adults with LTSS needs struggled more than older adults to make financial ends meet. Middle-aged and older adults reported worse self-rated health, while younger adults were more likely to experience serious psychological distress. The indirect effects of difficulty in performing instrumental activities of daily living and the experience of serious psychological distress through financial strain were significant for young and middle-aged adults but not significant for older adults.

Discussion and Implications

These findings suggest the need to calibrate services to be more responsive to diverse experiences of disability, and to reset aging and disability silos to create coordinated LTSS networks for people with disabilities of all ages.
Interlaboratory testing of thermal properties at ambient pressure on reference samples and core samples from the COSC-1 scientific drill hole, central Sweden
Authors: Löwe R , Renner J , Pascal C , Adl-Zarrabi B , Balling N , Bording T S , Long M , Schwarz G , Sundberg J
Published: February 2025

We conducted comparative measurements of thermal properties of samples from nine cores of the ICDP COSC-1 borehole and four widely used rock references, using a steady-state and a transient divided-bar device, a transient plane source device, a modified Ångström device, as well as two optical thermal conductivity scanners. In addition, a caloric method provided benchmark values for specific heat capacity. A complementary thin-section analysis of the COSC-1 samples allowed us to calculate specific heat capacity according to Kopp’s law and thermal conductivity according to commonly used mixing models. Our results demonstrate agreement between the various test methods within $\pm 10$ per cent for about one half of the investigated samples. Furthermore, almost all results for specific heat capacity agree with the predictions of Kopp’s law, though the significance of this correspondence is limited owing to large uncertainties in the experimental and theoretical values. The results for thermal conductivity fall within the most extreme theoretical bounds that account for anisotropy but for an amphibolite. Thermal anisotropy seems to contribute significantly to the deviations between results of the different transient methods that, however, cannot be reconciled by the available theoretical relations for apparent thermal conductivity of transversely isotropic materials. The combination of characteristic investigation volume of the individual methods and sample heterogeneity has to be considered responsible for variability of results, too, an issue whose clarification is calling for dedicated numerical modelling in the future, with the prospect to characterize thermal heterogeneity from observed differences.
Wo interacts with SlTCP25 to regulate type I trichome branching in tomato
Authors: Wang Junqiang , Yuan Shoujuan , Zhao Yihao , Shu Xin , Liu Zhiling , Wang Taotao , Ye Zhibiao , Yang Changxian
Published: February 2025

Plant trichomes serve as a protective barrier against various stresses. Although the molecular mechanisms governing the initiation of trichomes have been extensively studied, the regulatory pathways underlying the trichome branching in tomato remain elusive. Here, we found that Woolly (Wo) mutant and its overexpression transgenic plants displayed branched type I trichomes. The expression level of SlTCP25, a transcription factor of type TB1 of the TCP subfamily, was obviously decreased in Wo mutant and Wo overexpressing lines. Knockout of SlTCP25 resulted in the formation of type I trichome branches on the hypocotyls. Genetic evidence showed that SlTCP25 is epistatic to Wo in the branched trichome formation. Biochemical data further indicated that Wo can directly bind to the L1-box cis-element in the SlTCP25 promoter and repress its transcription. We further determined that SlTCP25 interacts with Wo to weaken Wo-regulated the expression of SlCycB2, a trichome branching inhibitor. In addition, the number of trichome branches was significantly increased in Sltcp25Slcycb2 double mutant, suggesting that SlTCP25 and SlCycB2 coordinately repress trichome branching in wild type. In conclusion, we elucidate a molecular network governing the morphogenesis of multicellular trichomes in tomato.
Contemporary outcomes of open thoraco-abdominal aortic repair: a single-centre experience
Authors: Hasami N A , Smulders M , Verkroost M W A , Li W W L , Saouti N , Nauta F J H , Geuzebroek G S C , Heijmen R H
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVES

Untreated cases of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms pose significant challenges, often leading to severe morbidity and high mortality. While promising, endovascular treatment is not suitable in all cases, particularly younger patients and those with collagen disorders. This study reports on the contemporary outcomes of open thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at our academic medical centre from 2015 to 2023.

METHODS

All patients with thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (Crawford-Safi Types I–V), including elective and non-elective cases, who underwent open surgical repair between January 2015 and December 2023 were included. Patient characteristics, intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were prospectively recorded and analysed retrospectively. The primary end point was operative mortality; secondary end points included rates for spinal cord injury, stroke, tracheostomy, need for dialysis and a comparison of outcomes between elective and non-elective cases.

RESULTS

190 patients (146 elective/44 non-elective) were included, with a mean age of 63.8 years (standard deviation 11.5), and 58% were male. Operative mortality was 7.9%, with 7.5% in elective cases and 9.1% in non-elective cases. Stroke with persisting symptoms at discharge occurred in 5.8% of patients, and tracheostomy was required in 3.7%. Spinal cord injury symptoms were observed in 7.4%, with persistent paraparesis in 2.1% and paraplegia in 1.6% at discharge. Acute kidney injury occurred in 38.4% of patients, with 6.9% requiring dialysis and 3.7% continuing dialysis at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Open thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, supported by a multidisciplinary team approach and strict perioperative protocols, remains effective in managing this complex patient population, demonstrating low rates of mortality and severe complications.
Degrees-of-freedom penalized piecewise regression
Authors: Volz Stefan , Storath Martin , Weinmann Andreas
Published: February 2025

Many popular piecewise regression models rely on minimizing a cost function on the model fit with a linear penalty on the number of segments. However, this penalty does not take into account varying complexities of the model functions on the segments potentially leading to overfitting when models with varying complexities, such as polynomials of different degrees, are used. In this work, we enhance on this approach by instead using a penalty on the sum of the degrees of freedom over all segments, called degrees-of-freedom penalized piecewise regression. We show that the solutions of the resulting minimization problem are unique for almost all input data in a least squares setting. We develop a fast algorithm that does not only compute a minimizer but also determines an optimal hyperparameter—in the sense of rolling cross validation with the one standard error rule—exactly. This eliminates manual hyperparameter selection. Our method supports optional user parameters for incorporating domain knowledge. We provide an open-source Python/Rust code for the piecewise polynomial least squares case which can be extended to further models. We demonstrate the practical utility through a simulation study and by applications to real data. A constrained variant of the proposed method gives state-of-the-art results in the Turing benchmark for unsupervised changepoint detection.
Castelnuovo–Mumford Regularity of Unprojections and the Eisenbud–Goto Regularity Conjecture
Authors: Choe Junho
Published: February 2025

McCullough and Peeva found sequences of counterexamples to the Eisenbud–Goto conjecture on the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity by using Rees-like algebras, where entries of each sequence have increasing dimensions and codimensions. In this paper we suggest another method to construct counterexamples to the conjecture with any fixed dimension $n\geq 3$ and any fixed codimension $e\geq 2$. Our strategy is an unprojection process and utilizes the possible complexity of homogeneous ideals with three generators. Furthermore, our counterexamples exhibit how singularities affect the Castelnuovo–Mumford regularity.
Stocking density in intensive housing and the implications for beef cattle behaviour, stress physiology and liveweight
Authors: Mayes Bonnie T , Dundon Sharon G , Cowley Frances C , Norman Lee-Emma K , Morton John M , Tait L Amy
Published: February 2025

Stocking density can potentially impact cattle welfare during livestock export voyages. The aim of this study was to assess selected measures that reflect the welfare of cattle housed at three allometric stocking densities (k = 0.027, 0.030, 0.047). Bos indicus cross Bos taurus steers were housed in 12 pens, each with 5 steers, for 10 days. Scan sampling of standing and lying behaviours were conducted on d 2, 5, 7 and 9, at hourly intervals. Continuous observations were conducted on the same days between 1030 and 1130 h, to count aggressive interactions. Liveweights were recorded at the start of the study, and on d 6 and d 10. For a subset of focal steers (3 per pen), white blood cell counts, and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM) concentrations were assessed on days 0, 6 and 10. More pen space led to a small increase in the number of steers lying, as well as a small increase in lying synchronicity. Results also indicated that the number of cattle lying in isolation from conspecifics is higher when more space is available. More pen space also resulted in more steers lying with outstretched legs on days 2 and 5, but there was no evidence of this after day 5. Stocking density had no important effect on day 6 or 10 liveweights or FGCM concentrations. Only small decreases in total white blood cell and lymphocyte counts between days 6 and 10 were observed, as well as small increases in neutrophil counts and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, but all mean counts still fell within reference intervals for healthy cattle. The lack of important effects on stress physiology and liveweight suggests that the cost of attempting to adapt to pen space restriction was relatively low, leading to behavioural responses only. Results for lying behaviours also suggest that additional pen space may facilitate adaptation upon introduction to a new housing environment and is beneficial in facilitating the expression of some lying behaviours. While designed to emulate stocking densities applicable to Australian cattle export voyages, other environmental factors that may induce stress during these voyages were not present, and so the conclusions must be interpreted in the context of the controlled experimental conditions.
Adaptive structure seeking dialogues
Authors: Fontaine Matthieu
Published: February 2025

In dialogical logic, the proof process is conceived in terms of argumentative games in which a proponent of a thesis and an opponent interact. Different levels of rules allow to define different logical contexts of argumentation. This provides to dialogical logic a genuine pluralistic dimension. In this paper, we introduce the rules of a new modal dialogical approach referred to as “Adaptive Structure Seeking Dialogues” (A-SSD). A-SSD have their roots in Structure Seeking Dialogues (SSD), on the one hand, and in adaptive logics, on the other hand. SSD are dialogues in which assumptions concerning the underlying modal frame can be introduced during the argumentative game. These are structural assumptions. A-SSD are based on a distinction of dialogical moves, between unconditional moves and conditional moves. Unconditional moves are performed without structural assumptions, whereas conditional moves are subject to the defence of further conditions imposed by these structural assumptions. These assumptions will be expressed in a hybrid modal language. This distinction yields the dialogical understanding of the adaptive logic inspired notions of lower limit dialogical logic and upper limit dialogical logic. Conditional moves always suppose a jump to a more permissive upper limit dialogical logic. It is interesting to note that we can think of A-SSD as some kind of diagrammatic-based reasoning, in relation to lattices representing the map of the different modal logics.
Burn injury–induced G-CSF secretion reduces spic+ erythroblastic island macrophages in the bone marrow and impairs medullary erythropoiesis
Authors: Noel John G , Goetzman Holly , Sengupta Satarupa , Medvedovic Mario , Seu Katie G , Gardner Jason C
Published: February 2025

The erythroblastic island (EBI) functions as a niche in which erythroblastic island macrophages (EBIMφs) are positioned within rings of erythroblasts, providing support and signals that orchestrate efficient erythropoiesis. We postulated burn injury impacts the EBI niche, given the nearly universal presence of anemia and inflammation in burn patients, and a divergent myeloid transcriptional signature that we observed in murine bone marrow following burn injury, in which granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion broadly attenuated the expression of EBIMφ marker genes. Notably, we identified the heme-induced transcription factor Spi-C as a robust marker of EBIMφs in Spicigfp/igfp mice. Two bone marrow cell populations, macrophages and Gr1-low monocytes, possessed cell-intrinsic Spic-GFP. Spic+ macrophages were distinguished by higher levels of green fluorescent protein, autofluorescence, F4/80, and CD163 while CD115 staining was negligible compared with Gr1-low monocytes. Application of Spicigfp/igfp mice in studies revealed a G-CSF–dependent reduction of Spic+ macrophages in postburn marrow, which coincided with a loss of erythroid cells and that G-CSF administration was sufficient to reduce Spic+ macrophages in the marrow. These results provide the first evidence that burn injuries impact the EBI niche through G-CSF–dependent reduction of Spic+ EBIMφs and support the use of Spicigfp/igfp mice in investigation of EBIMφs.
Role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in radiological ground-glass opacity of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Otabe Masaya , Mimae Takahiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Tsubokawa Norifumi , Kudo Yujin , Nagashima Takuya , Ito Hiroyuki , Ikeda Norihiko , Okada Morihito
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to elucidate the significance of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) by radiological ground glass opacity (GGO) tumors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in tumors assumed to be pathologically non-invasive.

Methods

Overall, 709 consecutive patients with GGO-dominant NSCLC who underwent complete resections at three institutions between 2017 and 2022 were included. GGO-dominant tumors and pure GGO tumors were evaluated based on the SUVmax. The adenocarcinoma subtypes were categorized into low, medium, and high grade. The correlation between the SUVmax, pathological malignant grade, and pathological invasive diameter was examined.

Results

In GGO-dominant lung adenocarcinoma, the SUVmax correlated positively with the pathological malignant grade and the pathological invasive diameters (respectively, (P = .0001), (P < .0001)). Similarly, in pure GGO lung adenocarcinoma, the SUVmax correlated positively with the pathological malignant grade. The median pathological invasive diameter was higher in patients with SUVmax ≥ 1.0 compared to those with SUVmax < 1.0 [10 mm vs 0 mm, respectively, (P = .017)].

Conclusions

A higher accumulation of FDG than in the background lung reflects invasive components even in pure GGO areas where only non-invasive components are expected. An FDG-PET/CT can complement the qualitative diagnosis in predicting invasive components with limitations in high-resolution computed tomography alone.
Validation of objective performance metrics via an intelligent medical network in gynecological oncology robotic surgery
Authors: Yanazume Shintaro , Kobayashi Yusuke , Furuzono Nozomi , Fukuda Mika , Togami Shinichi , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: February 2025

Background

Automated performance metrics (APMs) are potentially useful to accurately assess and improve surgeon skills and patient outcomes, while their clinical use is currently limited. We report on the use of the Medicaroid Intelligent Network System (MINS™), a network support system platform used together with the “hinotori” surgical robot system (hinotori™) for the collection of data logs from surgeries, and discuss its potential to improve surgical outcomes.

Methods

This study prospectively evaluated the efficacy of MINS™ for collecting data logs in gynecologic oncologic robotic surgery between December 2022 and February 2024 in nine patients. MINS™ regularly communicated with the hinotori™ via a secure network to collect and send system logs to a cloud server, quantifying various performance data for the evaluation of surgical outcomes.

Results

Clinical data on hinotori™ movement were successfully extracted. The number of operation arm (OA) changes was significantly higher in Patient No. 7, who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection. OA3 monopolar was used more frequently than OA1 bipolar for coagulation (mean: 6.7% vs 2.5%, P ˂0.001). The error count and percentage of inactive time associated with OA collisions decreased dramatically after Patient No. 6, following the version upgrade in July 2024.

Conclusion

MINS™ utilizes technology to connect the hinotori™ to various systems via the Internet, allowing objective evaluations of surgical procedures from data logs. MINS™ is a clinically applicable APM system that objectively analyzes a surgeon's individuality and has the potential to improve surgical techniques and promote standardization.
ENO1–BACE2-mediated LDLR cleavage promotes liver cancer progression by remodelling cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Li Zhikun , Fan Kaixiang , Suo Caixia , Gu Xuemei , Zhu Chuxu , Wei Haoran , Chen Liang , Gao Ping , Sun Linchong
Published: February 2025

Enolase 1 (ENO1) is a glycolytic enzyme involved in tumour progression that performs a variety of classical and nonclassical functions. However, the mechanism by which it promotes tumour progression is still not fully understood. Here, we found that ENO1 can bind to β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2 (BACE2), a codependent gene of ENO1, in liver cancer cells. By suppressing lysosomal-dependent degradation, ENO1 stabilises BACE2 protein level without affecting its mRNA level. Further analysis revealed that ENO1 and BACE2 promote low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) cleavage, leading to decreased absorption of exogenous cholesterol. To maintain intracellular cholesterol levels, ENO1 and BACE2 upregulate the expression of genes involved in de novo cholesterol synthesis through a negative feedback mechanism. Both in vitro and in vivo, BACE2 mediates the tumour-promoting effect of ENO1 in liver cancer. Finally, high expression levels of ENO1 and BACE2 and low expression levels of LDLR were detected in clinical HCC samples, and abnormal expression of the ENO1–BACE2–LDLR axis was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with liver cancer. These data collectively demonstrated that ENO1 functions in protein cleavage by binding to BACE2 and promotes liver cancer progression by reprogramming cholesterol metabolism.
Health effects of indium compounds in animal experiments
Authors: Tanaka Akiyo
Published: February 2025

Before 2000, very little attention had been paid to the health effects of indium, a rare metal, because there was very little information in the literature on its toxicity. A fatal case of indium-tin oxide (ITO) inhalation occurred in 2001, followed by concerns regarding occupational exposure to indium compounds and their health effects. Epidemiological studies and case reports have established a causal relationship between the inhalation of insoluble indium compounds, mainly ITO and the development of lung damage. This review has focused on the results of animal studies of ITO and other insoluble indium compounds. Available data indicate that insoluble indium compounds such as ITO, indium arsenide (InAs), indium phosphide (InP), copper indium gallium, and diselenium (CIGS) solar cell materials are toxic to the lungs of animals. In addition to lung damage, ITO nanoparticles have been found to cause kidney damage, while InAs, InP, and ITO cause testicular damage. Furthermore, InP has demonstrated compelling evidence of its carcinogenic potential in long-term inhalation studies using rats and mice, which was evident in rats exposed to ITO. Based on the results of these animal experiments, the International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluated InP as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) and ITO as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2 B). Hence, occupational exposure of humans to insoluble indium compounds not only causes lung damage, but also lung carcinogenesis and kidney or testicular damage. Greater attention should be directed towards human occupational exposure to insoluble indium compounds.
Interosseous impasse: a unique case of bullet lodgement between the radius and ulna
Authors: Omari Rand Y , Mohammedali Shiyas , Quazi Sohail J , El-Debs Mohammed , Al-Omari Ahmad Y , Mohammed Mazin , Muneer Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Gunshot injuries to the upper limb are complex, particularly when a projectile lodges between the radius and ulna. These cases demand a detailed approach due to the complicated anatomy and potential for severe functional impairment. A 42-year-old female presented with severe right upper limb pain and motor impairment following a gunshot injury. The bullet entered through the posterior shoulder, shattered the mid-humerus and proximal radius, and lodged between the distal radius and ulna. Multidisciplinary surgical intervention included external fixator application and removal, open reduction, and internal fixation of the humerus, complete nerve decompression, and vascular repair using an interposition reversed saphenous vein graft. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up showed sensory improvement and some motor recovery. This case highlights the complexity of managing gunshot injuries with bullets lodged between the radius and ulna. Multidisciplinary care is essential for addressing the varied challenges posed by such injuries. Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes in similar cases.
Spontaneous brachiocephalic artery dissection: a case report
Authors: Murray Lewis William
Published: February 2025

Spontaneous dissection of the brachiocephalic artery is incredibly rare event with only six reported cases in the medical literature. These dissections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Given the rarity, there is currently no clear consensus on the management and this present a significant challenge to clinicians. This case reports the successful management of a spontaneous brachiocephalic dissection in a 63-year-old male with pre-existing coronary disease.