bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification ofkinesin family member (KIF22)homozygous variants in spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, lepdodactylic type and demonstration of proteoglycan biosynthesis impairment
Authors: Dubail Johanne , Rondeau Sophie , Michot Caroline , Baujat Geneviève , Capri Yline , Thévenon Julien , Charpie Maelle , Pejin Zagorka , Phan Gilles , Huber Céline , Cormier-Daire Valérie
Published: January 2024

Heterozygous variants in KIF22, encoding a kinesin-like protein, are responsible for spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, leptodactilic type (lepto-SEMDJL), characterized by short stature, flat face, generalized joint laxity with multiple dislocations, and progressive scoliosis and limb deformity. By targeted gene sequencing analysis, we identified a homozygous KIF22 variant (NM_007317.3: c.146G>A, p.Arg49Gln) in 3 patients from 3 unrelated families. The clinical features appeared similar to those of patients carrying heterozygous KIF22 variant (c.443C>T or c.446G>A), although the spinal involvement appeared later and was less severe in patients with a recessive variant. Relatives harboring the c.146G>A variant at the heterozygous state were asymptomatic. The homozygous KIF22 variant c.146G>A affected a conserved residue located in the active site and potentially destabilized ATP binding. RT-PCR and western blot analyses demonstrated that both dominant and recessive KIF22 variants do not affect KIF22 mRNA and protein expression in patient fibroblasts compared to controls. As lepto-SEMDJL presents phenotypic overlap with chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations (CMD), related to defective proteoglycan biosynthesis, we analyzed proteoglycan synthesis in patient skin fibroblasts. Compared to controls, DMMB assay showed a significant decrease of total sulfated proteoglycan content in culture medium but not in the cell layer, and immunofluorescence demonstrated a strong reduction of staining for chondroitin sulfates but not for heparan sulfates, similarly in patients with recessive or dominant KIF22 variants. These data identify a new recessive KIF22 pathogenic variant and link for the first time KIF22 pathogenic variants to altered proteoglycan biosynthesis and place the lepto-SEMDJL in the CMD spectrum.
Investigating Respondent Attention to Experimental Text Lengths
Authors: Rettig Tobias , Blom Annelies G
Published: January 2024

Whether respondents pay adequate attention to a questionnaire has long been of concern to survey researchers. In this study, we measure respondents’ attention with an instruction manipulation check. We investigate which respondents read question texts of experimentally varied lengths and which become inattentive in a probability-based online panel of the German population. We find that respondent attention is closely linked to text length. Individual response speed is strongly correlated with respondent attention, but a fixed cutoff time is unsuitable as a standalone attention indicator. Differing levels of attention are also associated with respondents’ age, gender, education, panel experience, and the device used to complete the survey. Removal of inattentive respondents is thus likely to result in a biased remaining sample. Instead, questions should be curtailed to encourage respondents of different backgrounds and abilities to read them attentively and provide optimized answers.
Alienated Heroines in Basil, Lady Audley’s Secret, and East Lynne: A Jaeggian Reading
Authors: Qian Rui
Published: January 2024

While the term ‘alienation’ is frequently mentioned in criticism of sensation fiction, there is a lack of a stringent definition of this term. This article aims to address this gap with a focused examination of the depiction of alienation in three sensation novels, Lady Audley’s Secret (1862) by M. E. Braddon, East Lynne (1861) by Mrs Henry Wood, and Basil (1852) by Wilkie Collins. Borrowing a critical framework from contemporary philosopher Rahel Jaeggi, the article sees alienation as an obstructed relation of ‘appropriation’. According to Jaeggi, to appropriate is, briefly, to take oneself and one’s world at one’s own command. The relation of appropriation bespeaks a more profound relationship between the self and the world than ownership. Previous studies of sensation heroines often associate their alienation with their desires for material property. With Jaeggi’s critical framework, however, this article moves forward by identifying a parallel between the heroines’ troubled desires for material possessions and their problematic relationships in life. Through a Jaeggian lens, all three texts illustrate the heroines’ dispossession of the self and dispossession of property as profoundly, even structurally, linked. A Jaeggian reading of the novels also provides new insights into the genre’s ideological function, particularly in relation to the limited social roles and precarious hold on the material world faced by ambitious Victorian women.
Probing three-dimensional magnetic fields: II – an interpretable Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Hu Yue , Lazarian A , Wu Yan , Fu Chengcheng
Published: January 2024

Observing 3D magnetic fields, including orientation and strength, within the interstellar medium is vital but notoriously difficult. However, recent advances in our understanding of anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence demonstrate that MHD turbulence and 3D magnetic fields leave their imprints on the intensity features of spectroscopic observations. Leveraging these theoretical frameworks, we propose a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model to extract this embedded information, enabling the probe of 3D magnetic fields. This model examines the plane-of-the-sky magnetic field orientation (ϕ), the magnetic field’s inclination angle (γ) relative to the line-of-sight, and the total magnetization level (M$_{\rm A}^{-1}$) of the cloud. We train the model using synthetic emission lines of 13CO (J  = 1–0) and C18O (J  = 1–0), generated from 3D MHD simulations that span conditions from sub-Alfvénic to super-Alfvénic molecular clouds. Our tests confirm that the CNN model effectively reconstructs the 3D magnetic field topology and magnetization. The median uncertainties are under 5° for both ϕ and γ, and less than 0.2 for MA in sub-Alfvénic conditions (MA ≈ 0.5). In super-Alfvénic scenarios (MA ≈ 2.0), they are under 15° for ϕ and γ, and 1.5 for MA. We applied this trained CNN model to the L1478 molecular cloud. Results show a strong agreement between the CNN-predicted magnetic field orientation and that derived from Planck 353 GHz polarization. The CNN approach enabled us to construct the 3D magnetic field map for L1478, revealing a global inclination angle of ≈76° and a global MA of ≈1.07.
Cosmology from cross-correlation of ACT-DR4 CMB lensing and DES-Y3 cosmic shear
Authors: Shaikh S , Harrison I , van Engelen A , Marques G A , Abbott T M C , Aguena M , Alves O , Amon A , An R , Bacon D , Battaglia N , Becker M R , Bernstein G M , Bertin E , Blazek J , Bond J R , Brooks D , Burke D L , Calabrese E , Rosell A Carnero , Carretero J , Cawthon R , Chang C , Chen R , Choi A , Choi S K , da Costa L N , Pereira M E S , Darwish O , Davis T M , Desai S , Devlin M , Diehl H T , Doel P , Doux C , Elvin-Poole J , Farren G S , Ferraro S , Ferrero I , Ferté A , Flaugher B , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gatti M , Giannini G , Giardiello S , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gutierrez G , Hill J C , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , Huffenberger K M , Huterer D , James D J , Jarvis M , Jeffrey N , Jense H T , Knowles K , Kim J , Kramer D , Lahav O , Lee S , Lima M , MacCrann N , Madhavacheril M S , Marshall J L , McCullough J , Mehta Y , Mena-Fernández J , Miquel R , Mohr J J , Moodley K , Myles J , Navarro-Alsina A , Newburgh L , Niemack M D , Omori Y , Pandey S , Partridge B , Pieres A , Malagón A A Plazas , Porredon A , Prat J , Qu F J , Robertson N , Rollins R P , Roodman A , Samuroff S , Sánchez C , Sanchez E , Cid D Sanchez , Secco L F , Sehgal N , Sheldon E , Sherwin B D , Shin T , Sifón C , Smith M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Troxel M A , Tutusaus I , Vargas C , Weaverdyck N , Wiseman P , Yamamoto M , Zuntz J ,   (The ACT and DES Collaborations)
Published: January 2024

Cross-correlation between weak lensing of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and weak lensing of galaxies offers a way to place robust constraints on cosmological and astrophysical parameters with reduced sensitivity to certain systematic effects affecting individual surveys. We measure the angular cross-power spectrum between the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) DR4 CMB lensing and the galaxy weak lensing measured by the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Y3 data. Our baseline analysis uses the CMB convergence map derived from ACT-DR4 and Planck data, where most of the contamination due to the thermal Sunyaev Zel’dovich effect is removed, thus avoiding important systematics in the cross-correlation. In our modelling, we consider the nuisance parameters of the photometric uncertainty, multiplicative shear bias and intrinsic alignment of galaxies. The resulting cross-power spectrum has a signal-to-noise ratio = 7.1 and passes a set of null tests. We use it to infer the amplitude of the fluctuations in the matter distribution (S8 ≡ σ8(Ωm/0.3)0.5 = 0.782 ± 0.059) with informative but well-motivated priors on the nuisance parameters. We also investigate the validity of these priors by significantly relaxing them and checking the consistency of the resulting posteriors, finding them consistent, albeit only with relatively weak constraints. This cross-correlation measurement will improve significantly with the new ACT-DR6 lensing map and form a key component of the joint 6×2pt analysis between DES and ACT.
CDK4/6-Inhibitors Versus Chemotherapy in Advanced HR+/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: Results and Correlative Biomarker Analyses of the KENDO Randomized Phase II Trial
Authors: Schettini Francesco , Palleschi Michela , Mannozzi Francesca , Brasó-Maristany Fara , Cecconetto Lorenzo , Galván Patricia , Mariotti Marita , Ferrari Alessia , Scarpi Emanuela , Miserocchi Anna , Nanni Oriana , Sanfeliu Esther , Prat Aleix , Rocca Andrea , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: January 2024

Background

The optimal treatment approach for hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (HR+/HER2-negative MBC) with aggressive characteristics remains controversial, with lack of randomized trials comparing cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6-inhibitors (CDK4/6i) + endocrine therapy (ET) with chemotherapy + ET.

Materials and methods

We conducted an open-label randomized phase II trial (NCT03227328) to investigate whether chemotherapy + ET is superior to CDK4/6i + ET for HR+/HER2-negative MBC with aggressive features. PAM50 intrinsic subtypes (IS), immunological features, and gene expression were assessed on baseline samples.

Results

Among 49 randomized patients (median follow-up: 35.2 months), median progression-free survival (mPFS) with chemotherapy + ET (11.2 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.7-15.4) was numerically shorter than mPFS (19.9 months, 95% CI: 9.0-30.6) with CDK4/6i + ET (hazard ratio: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.75-2.64). Basal-like tumors under CDK4/6i + ET exhibited worse PFS (mPFS: 11.4 months, 95% CI: 3.00-not reached [NR]) and overall survival (OS; mOS: 18.8 months, 95% CI: 18.8-NR) compared to other subtypes (mPFS: 20.7 months, 95% CI: 9.00-33.4; mOS: NR, 95% CI: 24.4-NR). In the chemotherapy arm, luminal A tumors showed poorer PFS (mPFS: 5.1 months, 95% CI: 2.7-NR) than other IS (mPFS: 13.2 months, 95% CI: 10.6-28.1). Genes/pathways involved in BC cell survival and proliferation were associated with worse outcomes, as opposite to most immune-related genes/signatures, especially in the CDK4/6i arm. CD24 was the only gene significantly associated with worse PFS in both arms. Tertiary lymphoid structures and higher tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes also showed favorable survival trends in the CDK4/6i arm.

Conclusions

The KENDO trial, although closed prematurely, adds further evidence supporting CDK4/6i + ET use in aggressive HR+/HER2-negative MBC instead of chemotherapy. PAM50 IS, genomic, and immunological features are promising biomarkers to personalize therapeutic choices.
Non-formality of Voronov’s Swiss-Cheese operads
Authors: Idrissi Najib , Vieira Renato Vasconcellos
Published: January 2024

The Swiss-Cheese operads, which encode actions of algebras over the little n-cubes operad on algebras over the little $(n-1)$-cubes operad, comes in several variants. We prove that the variant in which open operations must have at least one open input is not formal in characteristic zero. This is slightly stronger than earlier results of Livernet and Willwacher. The obstruction to formality that we find lies in arity $(2, 2^n)$, rather than $(2, 0)$ (Livernet) or $(4, 0)$ (Willwacher).
Keats’s Music of Reciprocity: Friendship, Peterloo, and ‘To Autumn’
Authors: Suzuki Yoshikazu
Published: January 2024

This article explores the implications of the sunset music in the third stanza of ‘To Autumn’ in terms of John Keats’s ethics of friendship and his response to contemporary politics. The letters he wrote in the summer of 1819, when his financial situation was more alarming than ever, show a preoccupation with the exchange of duties as the foundation of friendship. This moral commitment is suggested by the harmony of the animals’ intermingling voices in ‘To Autumn’, which draws on the antiphonal hymnody of Milton’s earth-walking angels in Paradise Lost. On the other hand, as an art form of harmonious mutual obligation, Keats’s polyphonic music echoes broader reformist claims for national unity in the immediate aftermath of the Peterloo massacre, and reflects Keats’s identification of his poetic vocation with the public career of radical leaders such as Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt.
Effects of contextualized emotional conflict control on domain-general conflict control: fMRI evidence of neural network reconfiguration
Authors: Guo Tingting , Wang Xiyuan , Wu Junjie , Schwieter W. John , Liu Huanhuan
Published: January 2024

Domain-general conflict control refers to the cognitive process in which individuals suppress task-irrelevant information and extract task-relevant information. It supports both effective implementation of cognitive conflict control and emotional conflict control. The present study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging and adopted an emotional valence conflict task and the arrow version of the flanker task to induce contextualized emotional conflicts and cognitive conflicts, respectively. The results from the conjunction analysis showed that the multitasking-related activity in the pre-supplementary motor area, bilateral dorsal premotor cortices, the left posterior intraparietal sulcus (IPS), the left anterior IPS and the right inferior occipital gyrus represents common subprocesses for emotional and cognitive conflict control, either in parallel or in close succession. These brain regions were used as nodes in the domain-general conflict control network. The results from the analyses on the brain network connectivity patterns revealed that emotional conflict control reconfigures the domain-general conflict control network in a connective way as evidenced by different communication and stronger connectivity among the domain-general conflict control network. Together, these findings offer the first empirical-based elaboration on the brain network underpinning emotional conflict control and how it reconfigures the domain-general conflict control network in interactive ways.
The early emergence of ombuds systems in Japanese science universities
Authors: Brummer Matthew , Bamkin Sam
Published: January 2024

Ombuds systems in higher education institutes have become increasingly commonplace in North America and Europe, yet there remains a dearth of studies that examine dispute resolution systems in Asia. This article examines the case of Japan, a veritable technology powerhouse that adopted its first organizational ombuds offices in 2019 and 2021 at two leading science universities: Okinawa Institute of Technology and Kyushu Institute of Technology. We assess why these were established, how the change came about, and with what remit the offices are entrusted. We find that policy transfer from abroad occurred in both cases, yet with considerably different degrees of obligation and volitional lesson-drawing, and to considerably different ends. Additionally, policy entrepreneurs played key roles in agenda setting and institutionalization. Nearly all interviewees in this study raised the issue of gender harassment as an enduring challenge for which new conflict resolution mechanisms are needed. The two newly introduced ombuds offices therefore represent one possible model for leveling inequalities in the science landscape.
The spatial mobility network and influencing factors of the higher education population in China
Authors: Shi Wentian , Mu Xueying , Yang Wenlong , Gui Qinchang
Published: January 2024

The scale and frequency of talent mobility in the world have increased sharply, and the competition for talent has intensified in various regions. This paper mainly studies the spatial mobility characteristics and influencing factors of China’s highly educated talents. It found that China’s higher education population mobility network has prominent uneven characteristics, the central and eastern regions of China, especially the eastern coastal regions, are the hotspots of the network. The higher education population flows frequently in large cities and regional central areas. The hierarchical structure follows a “north-south division,” which is dominated by Beijing and Shanghai, respectively. Geographical distance has a specific hindering effect in this context. Furthermore, the similarity of culture, institutions, customs, and dialect facilitates the mobility of the higher education population. Cities with high economic levels, centralized educational resources, sound infrastructure, and aesthetically appealing environments are also likely to attract more talents.
Computational Prediction of Structure, Function, and Interaction of Myzus persicae (Green Peach Aphid) Salivary Effector Proteins
Authors: Waksman Thomas , Astin Edmund , Fisher S. Ronan , Hunter William N. , Bos Jorunn I. B.
Published: January 2024

Similar to plant pathogens, phloem-feeding insects such as aphids deliver effector proteins inside their hosts that act to promote host susceptibility and enable feeding and infestation. Despite exciting progress toward identifying and characterizing effector proteins from these insects, their functions remain largely unknown. The recent groundbreaking development in protein structure prediction algorithms, combined with the availability of proteomics and transcriptomic datasets for agriculturally important pests, provides new opportunities to explore the structural and functional diversity of effector repertoires. In this study, we sought to gain insight into the infection strategy used by the Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) by predicting and analyzing the structures of a set of 71 effector candidate proteins. We used two protein structure prediction methods, AlphaFold and OmegaFold, that produced mutually consistent results. We observed a wide continuous spectrum of structures among the effector candidates, from disordered proteins to globular enzymes. We made use of the structural information and state-of-the-art computational methods to predict M. persicae effector protein properties, including function and interaction with host plant proteins. Overall, our investigation provides novel insights into prediction of structure, function, and interaction of M. persicae effector proteins and will guide the necessary experimental characterization to address new hypotheses.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration, and Associated Factors Among People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Grasch Jennifer L. , de Voest Jessica A. , Saade George R. , Hughes Brenna L. , Reddy Uma M. , Costantine Maged M. , Chien Edward K. , Tita Alan T.N. , Thorp John M. , Metz Torri D. , Wapner Ronald J. , Sabharwal Vishakha , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Swamy Geeta K. , Heyborne Kent D. , Sibai Baha M. , Grobman William A. , El-Sayed Yasser Y. , Casey Brian M. , Parry Samuel ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network*
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize breastfeeding behaviors and identify factors associated with breastfeeding initiation among people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS:

We conducted a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational cohort of pregnant people with singleton gestations and HCV seropositivity. This analysis includes individuals with data on breastfeeding initiation and excludes those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. The primary outcome was self-reported initiation of breastfeeding or provision of expressed breast milk. Secondary outcomes included duration of breastfeeding. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were compared between those who initiated breastfeeding and those who did not to identify associated factors. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

Overall, 579 individuals (75.0% of participants in the parent study) were included. Of those, 362 (62.5%) initiated breastfeeding or provided breast milk to their infants, with a median duration of breastfeeding of 1.4 months (interquartile range 0.5–6.0). People with HCV viremia, defined as a detectable viral load at any point during pregnancy, were less likely to initiate breastfeeding than those who had an undetectable viral load (59.4 vs 71.9%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.61, 95% CI, 0.41–0.92). People with private insurance were more likely to initiate breastfeeding compared with those with public insurance or no insurance (80.0 vs 60.1%; aOR 2.43, 95% CI, 1.31–4.50).

CONCLUSION:

Although HCV seropositivity is not a contraindication to breastfeeding regardless of viral load, rates of breastfeeding initiation were lower among people with HCV viremia than among those with an undetectable viral load.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01959321.
Dabrafenib and trametinib as a promising treatment option for pediatric population with low-grade gliomas that have BRAF V600E mutation; a breakthrough in the field of neuro-oncology
Authors: Mughal Zaib Un Nisa , Fadlalla Ahmad Tagwa K. , Haseeb Abdul , Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Abbas Ahmdon Ola Elhadi , Mahgoub Abdulhadi Mohamed Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Two-thirds of all pediatric malignant central nervous tumors, including high-grade (glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma) and low-grade (ganglioglioma, pilocytic astrocytoma) carcinomas, are gliomas. Low-grade glioma (LGG) exhibits genetic alterations caused by the BRAF kinase mutation, such as replacing glutamic acid (E) in place of valine (V) at the 600 positions, known as the V600E point mutation. Pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGGs) also comprise around one-third of juvenile brain tumors and are the most frequent central nervous system tumors. Patients were randomized 2:1 to dabrafenib plus trametinib (D+T) or carboplatin plus vincristine (C+V). Where possible, complete surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment for progressing or symptomatic PLGG. Radiation therapy has historically been used to treat PLGG in both up-front and salvage scenarios. To delay or avoid the necessity for radiation therapy in young children with advancing or incompletely resected PLGG, chemotherapy was created in 1980. On 16 March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of trametinib (Mekinist, Novartis) with dabrafenib (Tafinlar, Novartis) in pediatric patients suffering from LGG who require systemic therapy and are at least one year old. Nevertheless, early-stage clinical trials have produced encouraging results that may revolutionize the treatment of LGG in the near future.
Castration resistant prostate cancer: recent advances in novel therapeutic treatments
Authors: Fatima Hareer , Rangwala Hussain Sohail , Riaz Faiza , Ali Laiba , Abbas Syed R. , Haque Shajee UL
Published: January 2024

Prostate cancer is a prevalent and deadly malignancy that poses challenges in diagnosis and treatment. It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This abstract provides an overview of current treatments and recent advances in the field of prostate cancer treatment, with a focus on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Current treatments for mCRPC include chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and bone-targeting therapy. Chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel and cabazitaxel are commonly used, but their efficacy is limited. Endocrine therapy, particularly androgen-receptor signaling inhibitors like abiraterone acetate, has shown significant clinical benefits. Bone-targeting therapies such as bisphosphonates and denosumab provide symptomatic relief for bone metastases. Recent advances in novel treatments have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with mCRPC. Trials investigating the PARP inhibitor rucaparib have demonstrated longer progression-free survival, particularly in patients with BRCA mutations. The combination of talazoparib and enzalutamide has also shown improved progression-free survival and delayed the need for chemotherapy. Another promising treatment is darolutamide, which has been shown to reduce the risk of metastasis or death and extend metastasis-free survival. Immunotherapy, particularly sipuleucel-T and PROSTVAC, has shown potential in reducing mortality risk and increasing overall survival (OS) in mCRPC patients. The combination of sipuleucel-T with abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide has been found to be effective and safe. The introduction of lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan, a PSMA-targeted therapy, has shown improved OS in PSMA-positive mCRPC patients. Radium-223, a radioactive drug targeting bone metastasis, has also demonstrated improved OS and delayed skeletal-related events. These recent advances in prostate cancer treatment offer hope for improved outcomes for patients with mCRPC. Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and explore additional treatment options.
Using Integra for Reconstruction of Facial Defects after Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Authors: Bascone Corey M. , Deitermann Annika , Lin Stephanie K. , McGraw J. Reed , Raj Leela K. , Nugent Shannon T. , Wang Leo , Broach Robyn B. , Miller Christopher J. , Kovach Stephen J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

We aimed to identify how Integra bilayer wound matrix has expanded facial reconstruction options after Mohs surgery due to its reliability in both single- and dual-stage reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients undergoing Mohs surgery and alloplastic facial reconstruction with Integra between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Patients who underwent single-stage reconstruction and dual-stage reconstruction with skin graft with at least 90 days of follow-up were included.

Results:

One hundred thirty patients with a median age of 76 years were included. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (39%). One hundred forty-two lesions were treated and reconstructed same-day with Integra. Lesions most commonly involved the nose (34%) and forehead (22%). The mean postoperative defect size was 26.9 cm2. An estimated 45.5% (n = 60) of defect sites underwent single-stage reconstruction with healing by secondary intention, whereas 54.5% (n = 72) underwent dual-stage reconstruction with skin graft. Integra success rate was 90.2%. Average time to re-epithelialization was 32.2 + 7.3 days. Average time to repigmentation was 169.5 + 14.6 days. The complication rate was 12.8% (n = 17), with 12 undergoing debridement, three needing new Integra graft, and seven needing new skin grafts. Average size for successful healing without complication was 26.6 cm2. Nineteen sites (13.2%) underwent aesthetic improvement procedures, with the majority occurring after dual-stage reconstruction (n = 13).

Conclusions:

Integra is a reliable outpatient reconstructive option for facial Mohs defects that can increase the threshold for autologous tissue harvesting and successfully reconstruct large defects of 26.6 cm2 on average with low complication and reoperation rates.
Role and application of CRISPR-Cas9 in the management of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Soni Nilay , Kar Indrani , Narendrasinh Jadav Dhruvkumar , Shah Sanjay Kumar , Konathala Lohini , Mohamed Nadine , Kachhadia Meet Popatbhai , Chaudhary Mitul Hareshkumar , Dave Vyapti A. , Kumar Lakshya , Ahmadi Leeda , Golla Varshitha
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a serious health issue that has a significant social and economic impact worldwide. One of the key aetiological signs of the disease is a gradual reduction in cognitive function and irreversible neuronal death. According to a 2019 global report, more than 5.8 million people in the United States (USA) alone have received an AD diagnosis, with 45% of those people falling into the 75–84 years age range. According to the predictions, there will be 15 million affected people in the USA by 2050 due to the disease’s steadily rising patient population. Cognitive function and memory formation steadily decline as a result of an irreversible neuron loss in AD, a chronic neurodegenerative illness. Amyloid-beta and phosphorylated Tau are produced and accumulate in large amounts, and glial cells are overactive. Additionally, weakened neurotrophin signalling and decreased synapse function are crucial aspects of AD. Memory loss, apathy, depression, and irritability are among the primary symptoms. The aetiology, pathophysiology, and causes of both cognitive decline and synaptic dysfunction are poorly understood despite extensive investigation. CRISPR/Cas9 is a promising gene-editing technique since it can fix certain gene sequences and has a lot of potential for treating AD and other human disorders. Regardless of hereditary considerations, an altered Aβ metabolism is frequently seen in familial and sporadic AD. Therefore, since mutations in the PSEN-1, PSEN-2 and APP genes are a contributing factor to familial AD, CRISPR/Cas9 technology could address excessive Aβ production or mutations in these genes. Overall, the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology outweighs it as currently the greatest gene-editing tool available for researching neurodegenerative diseases like AD.
Ophthalmoplegia Associated With Extramedullary Multiple Myeloma: Case Series From a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Dhanani Ujalashah , Mortensen Peter W. , Raviskanthan Subahari , Lee Andrew G. , Whyte Andrew T. , Gombos Dan S. , Al-Zubidi Nagham
Published: January 2024

Background:

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disorder of plasma cells that results in tumor cells replacing the bone marrow. In extramedullary MM (EMM), however, tumor cells proliferate outside the bone marrow. EMM may produce ophthalmoplegia through direct invasion of the superior orbital fissure, cavernous sinus, and/or sphenoidal sinus. Several mechanisms have been proposed including cranial nerve palsies, direct infiltration of bone, extraocular muscle metastasis, myelomatous meningitis, and parenchymal or paraneoplastic effects.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 7 patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center who suffered from ophthalmoplegia secondary to extramedullary MM between 2019 and 2021. We collected information regarding the symptoms, signs, radiographic and laboratory findings, management, complications, and prognosis of these patients throughout their disease course.

Results:

Skull base MRI revealed 4 patients with ophthalmoplegias secondary to superior orbital fissure invasion, 2 patients with ophthalmoplegias secondary to cavernous sinus invasion, and 1 patient with ophthalmoplegia secondary to sphenoid sinus invasion.

Conclusions:

This is a case series describing 7 patients with ophthalmoplegias secondary to EMM. Our article is unique because of the size of the included cohort, which is large when compared with most English language publications detailing such ophthalmoplegias.
Micromonosporaceae biosynthetic gene cluster diversity highlights the need for broad-spectrum investigations
Authors: Alas Imraan , Braun Doug R. , Ericksen Spencer S. , Salamzade Rauf , Kalan Lindsay , Rajski Scott R. , Bugni Tim S.
Published: January 2024

Investigations of the bacterial family

Micromonosporaceae

have enabled the development of secondary metabolites critical to human health. Historical investigation of bacterial families for natural product discovery has focused on terrestrial strains, where time-consuming isolation processes often lead to the rediscovery of known compounds. To investigate the secondary metabolite potential of marine-derived

Micromonosporaceae

, 38 strains were sequenced, assembled and analysed using antiSMASH and BiG-SLiCE. BiG-SLiCE contains a near-comprehensive dataset of approximately 1.2 million publicly available biosynthetic gene clusters from primarily terrestrial strains. Our marine-derived

Micromonosporaceae

were directly compared to BiG-SLiCE’s preprocessed database using BiG-SLiCE’s query mode; genetic diversity within our strains was uncovered using BiG-SCAPE and metric multidimensional scaling analysis. Our analysis of marine-derived

Micromonosporaceae

emphasizes the clear need for broader genomic investigations of marine strains to fully realize their potential as sources of new natural products.
Implications of an enhanced
B→Kνν¯
branching ratio
Authors: Bause Rigo , Gisbert Hector , Hiller Gudrun
Published: January 2024

Rare decays mediated by b→sνν¯ transitions have been reported by the Belle II experiment. The branching ratio of the decay B+→K+νν¯ is found to be enhanced with respect to the standard model value. If taken at face value, the implications are profound; either lepton flavor universality is violated at the (multi)-TeV-scale, or light new physics is involved. This holds in general if B(B+→K+νν¯) exceeds 1.2×10−5(1.3×10−5) at 1σ (2σ), which tightens with a decreasing upper limit on B(B→K*νν¯), that is in reach of the Belle II experiment. In view of the strong constraints on electron-muon universality violation in |Δb|=|Δs|=1 processes, viable explanations are heavy, (5–10)-TeV tree-level new physics mediators that couple only to tau-flavors, or lepton flavor violating ones. In addition, couplings of similar size to both left- and right-handed quarks are generically required, implying nonminimal beyond the standard model sectors which are carefully balanced against flavor constraints. The decay Bs0→invisibles can shed light on whether new physics is light or heavy. In the former case, branching ratios can be as large as 10−5.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Colloidal diffusiophoresis in crossed electrolyte gradients: Experimental demonstration of an “action-at-a-distance” effect predicted by the Nernst-Planck equations
Authors: Williams Ian , Warren Patrick B. , Sear Richard P. , Keddie Joseph L.
Published: January 2024

In an externally imposed electrolyte (salt) concentration gradient, charged colloids drift at speeds of order one micrometre per second. This phenomenon is known as diffusiophoresis. In systems with multiple salts and “crossed” salt gradients, a nonlocal component of the electric field associated with a circulating (solenoidal) ion current can arise. This is in addition to the conventional local component that depends only on the local salt gradients. Here we report experimental observations verifying the existence of this nonlocal contribution. To our knowledge this is the first observation of nonlocal diffusiophoresis. The current develops quasi-instantaneously on the timescale of salt diffusion. Therefore, in systems with multiple salts and crossed salt gradients, one can expect a nonlocal contribution to diffusiophoresis which is dependent on the geometry of the system as a whole and appears as a kind of instantaneous “action-at-a-distance” effect. The interpretation is aided by a magnetostatic analogy. Our experiments are facilitated by a judicious particle-dependent choice of salt (potassium acetate) for which the two local contributions to diffusiophoresis almost cancel, effectively eliminating conventional diffusiophoresis. This enables us to clearly identify the novel, nonlocal effect and may be useful in other contexts, for example, in sorting particle mixtures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Relaxation time as early warning signal of avalanches in self-organizing systems
Authors: Ma Zhiqin , Zeng Chunhua , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: January 2024

Avalanches are sudden, destructive, and extremely difficult to forecast natural disasters that can result in numerous fatalities and extensive property damage. Given the immense danger posed by avalanches, there is a significant amount of attention paid to accurately predicting these events. We investigate the predictability of large avalanches in a class of self-organizing systems, which change their internal structure or function in response to external circumstances by manipulating or organizing other elements of the same system. Here, we propose a practical relaxation time to replace a traditional recovery time, and importantly, the relaxation time does not require the removal of part of the resources (perturb state variables) in the environment. This work provides examples of the forest fire model and sandpile model as self-organizing systems in which the relaxation time successfully predicts the onset of large avalanches. Furthermore, the relaxation time can show a consistent with the increasing trend in both oscillatory and nonoscillatory bifurcations, suggesting that the relaxation time is more universal than traditional indirect metrics such as the variance and the lag-1 autocorrelation function. We aim to identify early warning signals before the onset of large avalanches and provide scientific evidence and significant information for managers to formulate mitigation countermeasures and strategic decisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Understanding the relationship between normative records of appeals and government hotline order dispatching: a data analysis method
Authors: Zhang Zicheng
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Advanced big data analysis and machine learning methods are concurrently used to unleash the value of the data generated by government hotline and help devise intelligent applications including automated process management, standard construction and more accurate dispatched orders to build high-quality government service platforms as more widely data-driven methods are in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, based on the influence of the record specifications of texts related to work orders generated by the government hotline, machine learning tools are implemented and compared to optimize classify dispatching tasks by performing exploratory studies on the hotline work order text, including linguistics analysis of text feature processing, new word discovery, text clustering and text classification.

Findings

The complexity of the content of the work order is reduced by applying more standardized writing specifications based on combining text grammar numerical features. So, order dispatch success prediction accuracy rate reaches 89.6 per cent after running the LSTM model.

Originality/value

The proposed method can help improve the current dispatching processes run by the government hotline, better guide staff to standardize the writing format of work orders, improve the accuracy of order dispatching and provide innovative support to the current mechanism.
Censorship issues: awareness and preparedness among university librarians
Authors: Latif Muhammad Tariq , Ahmed Shamshad , Ali Sakhawat
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the awareness and preparedness level of the chief librarians (CLs) of the universities of Punjab and the Federal area in Pakistan concerning censorship. The study also aims to identify the preferred sources the respondents use to update their knowledge about censorship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research work is based on the survey method. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the CLs of 105 universities. The collected data was analysed descriptively.

Findings

The major findings of the study are that there is a dire need to improve the awareness level of the university library CLs regarding censorship. It was also found that a majority of the CLs do have not any formal written policy to handle censorship issues. However, religion was the main cause of censorship in a majority of cases. The study also indicated that social media was the most preferred source CLs use to update their knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The current study covers only the CLs of universities of Punjab and the Federal area. Therefore, its findings cannot be generalized to all the library professionals of Pakistan.

Practical implications

The study will help to understand the awareness level of CLs about censorship-related issues and provide an opportunity for university authorities to arrange training programs for the CLs to enhance their capabilities to deal with censorship issues.

Originality/value

The study will provide awareness and preparedness status of CLs regarding censorship issues.
Empowering women agriculture entrepreneurs: banks' role in achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Adefare Tomisin , Adeola Ogechi , Mogaji Emmanuel , Nguyen Nguyen Phong , Mogaji Stephen Alaba
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research aims to explore the role of banks in supporting women agriculture entrepreneurs (WAEs) to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focusses on the experiences of women entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector, recognising their vital role in driving economic growth and achieving the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises the role congruity theory and the feminist agri-food systems model as its theoretical framework. Qualitative data from 35 WAEs and 7 bank managers (BMs) responsible for agricultural financial services and business development are collected and thematically analysed to achieve the research objectives.

Findings

Although BMs claim they offer specialised financial products with dedicated support teams, WAEs express scepticism due to fears of unfavourable deals and excessive requirements. WAEs need more understanding of SDGs but recognise their substantial contributions. BMs acknowledge the need to enhance efforts, improve communication of offers and integrate SDGs across all business operations beyond agriculture and women-centric initiatives.

Practical implications

Banks must prioritise gender sensitivity and inclusivity for WAEs, offering tailored financial products and flexible loan structures. Microfinance and strategic marketing can enhance outreach. WAEs benefit from forming associations, accessing support networks, collaborating with banks, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and agricultural associations for mentoring and networking, and achieving the SDGs and sustainable agriculture.

Originality/value

The study connects WAEs and banks in achieving SDGs.
Constrained cooking energy choices in Tanzania: why urban dwellers cling on dirty even where clean energy alternatives are accessible?
Authors: Alananga Samwel Sanga
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine households’ behavior towards dirty cooking energy utilisation in an environment where relatively higher accessibility to clean energy is noted. Although the low utilisation rate of clean energy can partly be attributed to utility gains anticipated in dirty energy mixes (DEMs) arising out of accessibility constraints, affordances and enablers, it is still unclear on the extend at which each of these contributes towards DEMs manifestation among the seemingly well-to-do households with higher levels of clean energy mixes (CEM) access. This study, therefore, hinges on scrutinising on this lower utilisation patterns despite a seemingly higher accessibility of CEMs, specifically liquified petroleum gases (LPG).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a household’s survey that was carried out in 2018, reaching a sample of 393 households using questionnaires in four wards of the Kigamboni district in Tanzania. Subsequent analyses were descriptive as well as inferential based on binary logistic regression analysis where utilisation of DEMs was predicted for both the high and low social economic status (SES) households by incorporating accessibility constraints, affordances and enablers.

Findings

The results show, first, if one assumes energy stacking is not an issue, as households become more constrained towards CEMs utilisation, they shift towards DEMs suggesting that the overall effect is a substitution, and second, the complementarity effect ultimately outweighs the substitution effect as households do not shift from DEMs to CEMs rather stack multiple energy. DEMs flourish in this case study area because those with high income are among those in the lowest SES, and some of those with the highest SES are from among the lowest income category, and all of them end up with more DEMs because shifting towards CEMs require income to complement SES.

Practical implications

Policy-wise, removing hurdles in accessing CEMs such as LPG subsidy programme, gas stove provision to the poor, and enhanced LPG awareness will most likely benefits only those who do not stack energy in cooking while strategies targeting those at the lowest SES such as higher education attainment, empower women as a family decision maker, encourage co-occupancy to enlarge the household size and contain urban growth within certain perimeter will have a significant impact only if they raise both incomes and SES.

Originality/value

Despite of the dominance of DEMs for cooking such as charcoal and firewood in Tanzania, CEMs such as LPG, have emerged as complements or alternatives in the household energy basket. The utilisation of such CEMs is, however, still very low despite the accessibility, cost, environmental and health advantages they offer. Accessibility is not the only factor fuelling CEMs; a complementarity must exist between SES and income for the positive transition towards CEMs to be realised.