bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classifying modified gravity and dark energy theories with Bayesian neural networks: massive neutrinos, baryonic feedback, and the theoretical error
Authors: Thummel Linus , Bose Benjamin , Pourtsidou Alkistis , Lombriser Lucas
Published: November 2024

We study the capacity of Bayesian neural networks (BNNs) to detect new physics in the dark matter power spectrum. As in previous studies, the Bayesian Cosmological Network (bacon) classifies spectra into one of five classes: $\Lambda$CDM, $f(R)$, $w$CDM, Dvali–Gabadaze–Porrati (DGP) gravity, and a ‘random’ class, with this work extending it to include the effects of massive neutrinos and baryonic feedback. We further develop the treatment of theoretical errors in bacon-ii, investigating several approaches and identifying the one that best allows the trained network to generalize to other power spectrum modelling prescriptions. In particular, we compare power spectra data produced by euclidemulator2, hmcode, and halofit, all supplemented with the halo model reaction to model beyond-$\Lambda$CDM physics. We investigate BNN classifiers trained on these sets of spectra, adding in Stage-IV survey noise and various theoretical error models. Using our optimal theoretical error model, our fiducial classifier achieves a total classification accuracy of $\sim$95 per cent when it is trained on euclidemulator2-based spectra with modification parameters drawn from a Gaussian distribution centred around $\Lambda$CDM ($f(R)$: $\sigma _{fR0} = 10^{-5.5}$, DGP: $\sigma _{r\mathrm{c}} = 0.173$, $w$CDM: $\sigma _{w0} = 0.097$, $\sigma _{wa}=0.32$). This strengthens the promise of this method to glean the maximal amount of unbiased gravitational and cosmological information from forthcoming Stage-IV galaxy surveys.
Confirming the evolution of the dust mass function in galaxies over the past 5 billion years
Authors: Beeston R A , Gomez H L , Dunne L , Maddox S , Eales S A , Smith M W L
Published: November 2024

The amount of evolution in the dust content of galaxies over the past 5 billion years of cosmic history is contested in the literature. Here, we present a far-infrared (FIR) census of dust based on a sample of 29 241 galaxies with redshifts ranging from $0 \lt z \lt 0.5$ using data from the Herschel Astrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey ($H$-ATLAS). We use the spectral energy distribution fitting tool magphys and a stacking analysis to investigate the evolution of dust mass and temperature of FIR-selected galaxies as a function of both luminosity and redshift. At low redshifts, we find that the mass-weighted and luminosity-weighted dust temperatures from the stacking analysis both exhibit a trend for brighter galaxies to have warmer dust. In higher redshift bins, we see some evolution in both mass-weighted and luminosity-weighted dust temperatures with redshift, but the effect is strongest for luminosity-weighted temperature. The measure of dust content in galaxies at $z\lt 0.1$ (the dust mass function) has a different shape to that derived using optically selected galaxies from the same region of sky. We revise the local dust mass density ($z\lt 0.1$) to $\rho _{\rm d} =(1.37\pm 0.08)\times 10^5 {\rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }\, Mpc^{-3}}\, h_{70}^{-1}$; corresponding to an overall fraction of baryons (by mass) stored in dust of $f_{\rm mb} {(\rm dust)} = (2.22\pm 0.13) \times 10^{-5}$. We confirm evolution in both the luminosity density and dust mass density over the past few billion years ($\rho _{\rm d} \propto (1+z)^{2.6 \pm 0.6}$), with a flatter evolution than observed in previous FIR-selected studies. We attribute the evolution in $\rho _{\rm L}$ and $\rho _{\rm m}$ to an evolution in the dust mass.
Hidden cooling flows in elliptical galaxies
Authors: Ivey L R , Fabian A C , Sanders J S , Pinto C , Ferland G J , Walker S , Jiang J
Published: November 2024

The radiative cooling time of hot gas in the cool cores of many galaxy clusters and massive elliptical galaxies drops in the centre to below $10^8$ yr. The mass cooling rates inferred from simple modelling of X-ray observations of these objects are very low, indicating that either active galactic nuclei feedback is tightly balanced or that soft X-rays from cooling gas are somehow hidden from view. An intrinsic absorption model developed for application to galaxy clusters is used here to search for hidden cooling flows (HCFs) in seven nearby elliptical galaxies. Mass cooling rates of $\sim$0.5–8 $\text{M}_{\odot }$ yr-1 are found in each galaxy. The absorbed cooling flow luminosity is in agreement with the observed far infrared (FIR) luminosity in each case, indicating absorbed emission is energetically capable of emerging in the FIR band. An observed lack of agreement between HCF rates and normal star formation rates suggests the cooled material must have an alternative fate, with low-mass star formation considered as the primary outcome.
ARGONAUTE4 and the DNA demethylase REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1C mediate dehydroascorbate-induced intergenerational nematode resistance in rice
Authors: Chavan Satish Namdeo , Degroote Eva , De Kock Karen , Demeestere Kristof , Kyndt Tina
Published: November 2024

Plants can transmit information to the next generation and modulate the phenotype of their offspring through epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate the activation of “intergenerational acquired resistance” (IAR) in the progeny of rice (Oryza sativa) plants exogenously treated with dehydroascorbate (DHA). The offspring of lifelong DHA-treated plants (DHA-IAR) were significantly less susceptible to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola and partially inherited the DHA-induced transcriptional response found in the parental plants. Phytohormone analyses on the DHA-IAR plants unveiled higher basal abscisic acid levels and a primed induction of the jasmonic acid pathway. RNA-seq analysis on the embryonic tissues of immature seeds of DHA-treated plants revealed major shifts in the expression of genes associated with epigenetic pathways. We confirmed that DHA treatment leads to a significant but transient pattern of global DNA hypomethylation in the parental plants 12 to 24 h after treatment. The induction of resistance in the parental plants requires the DNA demethylase REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1C (ROS1c) and ARGONAUTE 4, suggesting a role for DNA demethylation and subsequent remethylation in establishment of this phenotype. Confirming the transience of global hypomethylation upon DHA treatment, no significant change in global DNA methylation levels was observed in DHA-IAR versus naïve plants. Finally, DHA could not induce IAR in the ros1c mutant line and the ARGONAUTE 4 (ago4ab)-RNAi line. These data indicate that a controlled collaboration between transient DNA demethylation and remethylation underlies the induced resistance and IAR phenotypes upon DHA treatment.
Energy response of CaSO4:Dy thermoluminescence detector to medical linear accelerator photon beams
Authors: Herwiningsih Sri , Izzati Lia Wilda , Bunawas Bunawas
Published: November 2024

The study aims to evaluate the energy response of the thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) CaSO4:Dy from high energy photon beams produced from medical linear accelerator. The test was performed on the polymethyl methacrylate phantom surface and at the depth of dose maximum with a source-to-surface distance of 100 cm and the radiation field size of 12 × 12 cm. The results were compared with the TLD response exposed to 60Co standard source. The results show that the TLD response to the linac’s photon differs >30% compared to the TLD response to 60Co exposure when measured at the phantom surface, while at the depth of maximum dose the response is similar (< ±10%), indicating that the TLD response is no longer dependent on the energy. This implies that the current dose reading evaluation based on 60Co calibration curve should be corrected to obtain more accurate dose report of the radiation workers.
Modelling of constant and realistic chronic intake scenarios and their implications
Authors: Halder Sushanta , Nadar Minal Yesuraja , Mishra Lokpati , Akar Deepak Kumar , Yadav Jogendra , Singh Indrasen , Sawant Pramilla , Chaudhury Probal
Published: November 2024

Chronic inhalation intake of radionuclides is possible for radiation workers in the nuclear industry. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provides organ retention fractions as well as daily urinary and fecal excretion for chronic intake of various radionuclides. In this study, organ retention fractions and daily urinary excretion for chronic intake were estimated for constant chronic intake (CCI) and realistic chronic intake (RCI) scenarios. CCI is a daily intake of 1 Bq, and RCI is an intake of 1.4 Bq for five working days followed by two days gap. Radiologically important radionuclides such as 239Pu, 60Co, 137Cs, 131I, and 3H having long, moderate, and short effective half-lives in the deposited organ or whole body were considered. The retention fractions and daily urinary excretion of all the radionuclides studied for RCI were found to converge with those for the CCI scenario at ~40 to 200 days except for daily urinary excretion of 131I.
Empathy enhances decoding accuracy of human neurophysiological responses to emotional facial expressions of humans and dogs
Authors: Kujala Miiamaaria V , Parkkonen Lauri , Kujala Jan
Published: November 2024

Despite the growing interest in the nonhuman animal emotionality, we currently know little about the human brain processing of nonconspecific emotional expressions. Here, we characterized the millisecond-scale temporal dynamics of human brain responses to conspecific human and nonconspecific canine emotional facial expressions. Our results revealed generally similar cortical responses to human and dog facial expressions in the occipital cortex during the first 500 ms, temporal cortex at 100–500 ms and parietal cortex at 150–350 ms from the stimulus onset. Responses to dog faces were pronounced at the latencies in temporal cortices corresponding to the time windows of early posterior negativity and late posterior positivity, suggesting attentional engagement to emotionally salient stimuli. We also utilized support vector machine-based classifiers to discriminate between the brain responses to different images. The subject trait-level empathy correlated with the accuracy of classifying the brain responses of aggressive from happy dog faces and happy from neutral human faces. This result likely reflects the attentional enhancement provoked by the subjective ecological salience of the stimuli.
Mandibular, hyoid, and hypobranchial musculature in skates (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea: Rajiformes): revised terminology and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Soares Karla D A
Published: November 2024

About 300 valid species are classified within the order Rajiformes, the largest group of chondrichthyans. The monophyly of this order is highly supported by morphological and molecular inferences, but little is known about the mandibular, hyoid, and hypobranchial muscles of its members. This study aims to describe and illustrate the morphological variation in mandibular, hyoid, and hypobranchial muscles among rajiforms, review their terminology and discuss the phylogenetic and functional implications of conditions observed. Twenty-two ethanol-preserved specimens belonging to 19 of the 36 skate genera currently considered valid were manually dissected. Nine new characters are proposed and tested cladistically. The main differences observed are the relative width of muscle units of the levator palatoquadrati, insertion point and extension of the intermanibularis posterior, relative position of the facialis nerve and the levator hyomandibularis muscle, origin and insertion of the coracomandibularis, extension of the coracohyomandibularis, and occurrence of the preorbitalis medialis and intermandibularis anterior. When analysed together with other morphological features, muscle characters have shown to play a key role in the understanding of interrelationships among skates. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to improve our knowledge of rajiform systematics and the functionality of mandibular, hyoid, and hypobranchial muscles.
Systematic Review of Obstetric and Child Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to Inhalants in the Context of a Use Disorder
Authors: Kounlavong Emily Southida , Schauberger Charles W. , Conklin Jamie L. , Jones Hendree E.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Inhalants are often used for their psychoactive effects, producing feelings of euphoria. Inhalant and solvent use is a serious public health concern, yet little is known about their effects on perinatal, fetal, and child outcomes. The aim of our review is to evaluate the impact of inhalant use by pregnant people on maternal, fetal, neonatal, and early childhood outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted on March 1, 2023, in 6 databases using relevant keywords. Bias assessment was performed using JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Studies were included if they described a prenatal exposure to an inhalant; focused on maternal, fetal, neonatal, or early childhood outcomes; and were published as peer-reviewed reports in English.

Results

The search yielded 1101 unique references with 22 studies meeting eligibility criteria and representing 205 pregnancies and 171 infants.

The most common symptom of inhalant use reported in pregnant people was altered mentation, followed by renal tubular acidosis (RTA) reported with toluene use. Most common fetal outcomes included fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery (<37 weeks), while neonatal outcomes were withdrawal symptoms, such as jitteriness, trouble feeding, and dystonia. Child outcomes included developmental delays, including cognitive and speech impairments, and postnatal growth restriction, including microcephaly.

Conclusion

Perinatal, fetal, and child outcomes associated with inhalant use among pregnant individuals are largely based on case reports and series. Prospective studies are needed to better characterize these outcomes, reduce stigma, increase equitable access to treatment, and identify potential interventions to reduce use and potential harm.
Leveraging Implementation Factors and Policy to Improve the Effectiveness of Naloxone
Authors: Jordan Ashly E. , Brewster Mary , Mund Pamela , Hennessy Grace , Cunningham Chinazo O.
Published: November 2024

More than 50 years of high-quality data demonstrate that naloxone is an efficacious and cost-effective overdose reversal agent. Intranasal naloxone is now available in the United States as an over-the-counter and generic medication for the first time since the start of the overdose crisis more than 20 years ago. As the overdose crisis continues to contribute to substantial loss of life, there is an historic opportunity for jurisdictions to expand equitable and sustained access to intranasal naloxone. Further, through simultaneously enacting and expanding effective Naloxone Access and Good Samaritan laws, and equitably implementing these laws, there is the potential to maximize the population-level effectiveness of naloxone to sustainably reduce overdose mortality.
Sounds of Nature and Hearing Loss: A Call to Action
Authors: Lelic Dina , Picou Erin , Shafiro Valeriy , Lorenzi Christian
Published: November 2024

The ability to monitor surrounding natural sounds and scenes is important for performing many activities in daily life and for overall well-being. Yet, unlike speech, perception of natural sounds and scenes is relatively understudied in relation to hearing loss, despite the documented restorative health effects. We present data from first-time hearing aid users describing “rediscovered” natural sounds they could now perceive with clarity. These data suggest that hearing loss not only diminishes recognition of natural sounds, but also limits people’s awareness of the richness of their environment, thus limiting their connection to it. Little is presently known about the extent hearing aids can restore the perception of abundance, clarity, or intensity of natural sounds. Our call to action outlines specific steps to improve the experience of natural sounds and scenes for people with hearing loss—an overlooked aspect of their quality of life.
Omics studies in Behçet's disease
Authors: Ozguler Yesim , Nowatzky Johannes
Published: November 2024

Purpose of review

In this review, we aimed to highlight recent findings from “-omics” studies in Behçet's disease.

Recent findings

Recent genomic studies in Behçet's disease identified possible risk loci associated with Behçet's disease related uveitis, neurologic involvement and gastrointestinal involvement. Additionally, sex-specific genetic effects were determined in Behçet's disease. Transcriptomic analyses of immune cells in Behçet's disease revealed that key inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK have roles in Behçet's disease pathogenesis. Proteomic studies have highlighted the role of immune cell derived extracellular vesicles and identified potential biomarkers for vascular involvement and examined HLA I-bound immunopeptidomes. Metabolomics studies are still limited, but recent research has pointed to alterations in fatty acid metabolism and lipid profiles in Behçet's disease patient.

Omics studies have gained importance in the field of Behçet's disease through the generation of large data sets and efforts to extend their application are intensifying. These studies can provide opportunities for understanding Behçet's disease pathogenesis when they lead to testable hypotheses. Current challenges include the choice of appropriately homogeneous patient and control groups, effective data management and sharing, high cost and a rapidly increasing gap between the wealth of observational data generated and the relative paucity of controlled experimental efforts that could lead to mechanistic understanding.
Rigid intramedullary nailing of lower limb segments in children and adolescents with metabolic bone disease
Authors: Chin See Charlene K. , Al-Naser Saeed , Nicolaou Nicolas , Giles Stephen N. , Fernandes James A.
Published: November 2024

Children and adolescents with metabolic bone disease present to the orthopedic surgeon with pain, fractures (which may be impending), and deformity. Different modalities of orthopedic management are available. Scant literature exists on the use of rigid intramedullary nailing in this population. This study sought to evaluate the utilization of this treatment modality in the pediatric cohort, focusing on indications, techniques, and outcomes of the procedures. A retrospective review was performed over an 11-year period at a single tertiary pediatric institution in the UK. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Preoperative surgical and medical management, time to bony union, and complications were specifically ascertained. Twenty-seven patients (63 lower limb segments) had rigid intramedullary nailing over the specified period. The majority of patients had an underlying diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta or fibrous dysplasia (including McCune Albright Syndrome). Surgical indications included acute fractures, prophylactic stabilization, previous nonunion and malunions, deformity correction, and limb lengthening. All fractures healed and deformity correction was successful. In one patient, delayed union occurred after deformity correction and was successfully treated with dynamization. Fractures healed faster than corrective osteotomies. Complications included implant prominence, cortical penetrance, and screw loosening. Nonunion occurred with limb lengthening in one patient. Rigid intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective method of treatment for lower limb fractures and deformities in children and adolescents. This technique is, therefore, recommended for patients with metabolic bone disease. However, care must be taken in preoperative surgical planning and a multidisciplinary approach should be utilized.
Analysis of Serial Foot Radiographs to Determine Foot Height Multipliers
Authors: Nedder Victoria J. , Shah Ansh P. , Chen Kallie J. , Herzenberg John E. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: November 2024

Background:

The multiplier method is an arithmetic calculation that estimates the amount of growth remaining until skeletal maturity. When predicting lower limb length discrepancy, differences in foot height are added to femur and tibia discrepancies. Foot height multipliers have not been calculated using radiographic measurements, so it is unclear whether foot height develops at the same pace as the femur and tibia. This study used serial images to calculate foot height multipliers and compared them to published lower limb and foot length multipliers.

Methods:

The Bolton Brush radiograph collection was used to measure foot height on the lateral foot view. Multipliers were calculated for ages with at least 10 serial study visits. 212 patients (2195 radiographs) were included in the study (102 female, 110 male patients). Foot height multipliers were calculated for ages 0 to 17 years (females) and 0 to 18 years (males).

Results:

Multipliers decreased with age, but qualitatively plateau at age 13 (females) and age 15 (males). Lower extremity multipliers have a more dramatic growth curve, indicating comparatively greater lower extremity growth after birth. However, when comparing the limb length discrepancy calculation using the lower extremity multiplier versus the foot height multiplier for the foot portion, the difference was negligible.

Conclusions:

This paper provides a database of foot height multipliers. Foot height seems to grow on a different trajectory than other lower limb components, confirming that one should consider separate multiplier values. The difference created by the foot height multiplier versus the lower extremity multiplier appears to be modest. Separate use of the foot height multiplier may only be necessary for young children with large foot height discrepancies, but further study to confirm the lack of impact of the foot height multiplier on limb length discrepancy calculations is needed. Our data were derived from normal children, so it is unknown if the presence of a talo-calcaneal coalition would affect foot height on the involved side.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study.
An Alternative Approach for Evaluating Induced and Contact Currents for Compliance with Their Exposure Limits (100 kHz to 110 MHz) in IEEE Std C95.1-2019
Authors: Tell Richard A. , Kavet Robert
Published: November 2024

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers establishes exposure reference levels (ERLs) for electric fields (E-fields) (0–300 GHz) and both induced (IIND
) and contact currents (ISC
) (<110 MHz) in its standard, IEEE Std C95.1™-2019 (IEEE C95.1). The “classical” scenarios addressed in IEEE C95.1 include a free-standing, grounded “reference” person (IIND
) or an ungrounded reference person in manual contact with an adjacent grounded conductor (ISC
), each exposed to a vertically oriented E-field driving the currents. The ERLs for current from 100 kHz to 110 MHz were established to limit heating in the finger (from touch), ankle (IIND
), and wrist (ISC
from grasp contact), specifying the 6-min average specific absorption rate (SAR, W kg−1) as the dosimetric reference limit (DRL); whole-body E-field ERLs are 30-min averages. The DRLs were established assuming a default “effective” local cross-section (9.5 cm2) and consistent with a composite tissue conductivity of ~0.5 S m−1. A previous publication described the misalignment of the ERLs for E-fields with the ERLs for IIND
(which extends to ISC
) and also proposed a ramped E-field ERL from 100 kHz to 30 MHz. For the frequency range 100 kHz to 110 MHz, this paper proposes temperature increase (ΔT) in ankle and wrist as the preferred effect metric associated with IIND
and ISC
; applying the E-field ERLs as surrogates for limits to these currents; and adopting the proposed ramp. The analysis of ΔT is based on the tissue mix in realistic anatomic depictions of ankle and wrist cross-sections; relevant tissue properties posted online; published tissue perfusion data; and anthropometric data on a large sample of male and female adults in the US military, allowing an estimate of effects over a range of body size. To evaluate ΔT versus frequency and time, the Penne bioheat equation was adapted with convective cooling from arterial blood as the lone cooling mechanism. The analysis revealed that IIND
s and ISC
s induced by ERL-level E-fields produce SARs in excess of the local DRLs (in some cases far exceed). Calculations of time to ΔT of 5 °C, reflective of a potentially adverse (painful) response, resulted in worst-case times for effects in the ankle on the order of minutes but on the order of 10s of s in wrist. Thus, compliance with the E-field ERL, as assessed as a 30-min whole-body average is incompatible with the time course of potentially adverse effects in ankle and wrist from IIND
and ISC
, respectively. Further analysis of the relevant exposure/dose scenarios and consensus of stakeholders with a multi-disciplinary perspective will enable the development of a revised standard, practical from a compliance perspective and protective of all persons.
Cataract surgery combined with glaucoma surgery
Authors: Torbey Julien , Mansouri Kaweh
Published: November 2024

Purpose of review

This review evaluates the surgical management of glaucoma in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Combining both procedures present challenges in balancing intraocular pressure (IOP) control, minimizing postoperative complications, and achieving optimal refractive outcomes.

Recent findings

Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of combined glaucoma and cataract surgeries, with traditional filtering surgeries and MIGS showing significant IOP reduction. The abundance of long-term studies shows that MIGS can offer an effective and safer alternative when carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Combining glaucoma and cataract surgery is a promising approach for patients with coexisting conditions. While traditional surgeries offer robust IOP reduction, MIGS procedures offer better safety profiles with fewer complications and more predictable refractive results. Surgeons must carefully consider the timing and choice of procedures, with further research required to develop standardized treatment algorithms.
Expanding Naloxone Coprescribing at a Regional VA Medical Center
Authors: Zhang Jeremy , Zhang Kathie , Phillips Joseph , Sauer Michael C. , Van Dorin Sarah , Watson Patrick , Zabel Lauren , Peters Emily , De Sloover Koch Yvonne , Kuperman Ethan F. , Soltys Matthew D.
Published: November 2024

Veterans are disproportionately affected by chronic pain and are more likely to be prescribed opioids. As a means of risk mitigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Defense recommend naloxone for patients on opioids with risk factors, including use of ≥50 morphine milligram equivalents daily, concurrent benzodiazepine/sedative use, and pulmonary or liver disease. An interprofessional quality improvement team consisting of 6 residents, a pharmacist, a nurse educator, and a faculty mentor was formed to increase naloxone coprescriptions at a regional VA medical center Continuity of Care Clinic. Primary intervention identified eligible patients via the VA Primary Care Almanac’s Opioid Therapy Risk Report and alerted providers by email and secure messaging. Naloxone coprescription rates increased from 42% initially in June 2022 to 82% by June 2023 (29/69 to 41/50 patients, P < 0.0001). This project demonstrates that notifying providers of high-risk patients can significantly increase naloxone coprescriptions.
Interpersonal Relationship and Suicide Attempt
Authors: Zhou Qin , Li Ning , Li Chang An , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the role of family and social relationships in cases of attempted suicide in China. Studies, mostly analyzing data from developed countries, have indicated that interpersonal relationships are important predictors of suicidal behaviors. This study's data were derived from a case-control study in China. Family relationships included relationships with spouses, parents, and parents-in-law. Poor family and social relationships were significantly associated with increased risk of attempted suicide in women and men. Depression and social support significantly mediated the association between interpersonal relationship and attempted suicide. Poor relationship with spouse was significantly associated with an elevated risk of attempted suicide. Relationship with parents-in-law was also significantly associated with attempted suicide in women, whereas family relationships played a more important role than social relationships in suicidal behaviors, especially in men. The findings imply that suicide prevention in China could be conducted from the perspective of improving family relationships, especially husband/wife and parents/daughters-in-law relationships.
Reappraisal of Oncocytic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Vial Lucas , Descotes Françoise , Lopez Jonathan , Alsugair Ziyad , Céruse Philippe , Philouze Pierre , Fieux Maxime , Wassef Michel , Baglin Anne-Catherine , Onea Mihaela , Castain Claire , Delvenne Philippe , Fromont-Hankard Gaelle , Gilles Hugot , Monnien Franck , Mauvais Olivier , Lépine Charles , Le Gall Francois , Rousselet Marie-Christine , Sudaka Anne , Uro-Coste Emmanuelle , Casiraghi Odile , Costes-Martineau Valérie , Benzerdjeb Nazim ,   on behalf of the REFCOR Network
Published: November 2024

Oncocytic adenocarcinoma (OC) of the salivary glands is a rare and controversial entity. It was recently reclassified as “salivary carcinoma NOS and emerging entities” in the 2022 WHO classification of head and neck tumors. The lack of specific molecular alterations and its potential affiliation with other salivary gland carcinomas, such as the oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinomas (OMEC) or the oncocytic subtype of salivary duct carcinomas (OSDC) justified this reclassification. It is becoming essential to clarify the complex spectrum of potential diagnoses surrounding oncocytic tumors. The objective of this study was to explore the histologic features, as well as the immunohistochemical and molecular profiles, of cases previously diagnosed as OC or OMEC of the salivary glands. This study involved 28 cases of carcinomas with a predominantly oncocytic component. The sex distribution was equal. The median age was 59 years (range 10 to 89). Most of these cases originated from the parotid gland (25/28). The mean tumor size was 2.4 cm (range 0.5 to 6.5). Primary immuno-morphological and mutation/gene fusion profiles reclassified mainly (64.3%, 18/28). Most of them were reclassified in descending order as OSDC (8/18), OMEC (5/18), and OC (2/18). But 3 cases remained unclassified (3/18). The transcriptomic analysis found a proximity of their transcriptomic profile with the OMEC group and a distance from the OSDCs. These findings imply that OC is not distinct but represents oncocytic variants of other salivary carcinomas. It underscores the importance of thorough morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular examinations to accurately diagnose carcinomas with predominant oncocytic components in the salivary glands.
Caregiver Accompaniment in Pediatric Critical Care Transport
Authors: Yeung Matthew , Spence Tanya , Nikitovic Dejana , Gilad Eli
Published: November 2024

Context

Family-centered care is a critical component of critical care interfacility and medical retrieval transport (MRT) services. These services provide a critical bridge for a physiologically and psychologically unique population often best served in specialized, tertiary centers. Caregivers often wish to accompany patients during MRT. However, there is currently little research on the impact of caregiver accompaniment on MRT.

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine: 1) What are caregiver attitudes to accompanied and unaccompanied MRT? 2) What are healthcare provider attitudes to caregiver presence? 3) What are patient attitudes to caregiver presence? and 4) Are there differences in patient outcome depending on caregiver presence?

Data Sources

Data sources are MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL.

Study Selection

Studies with a focus on patient, caregiver, or family-oriented care practices in MRT. Reviewed articles were not restricted unless they discussed neonatal transport, palliative transport, were non-English, or were conference proceedings.

Data extraction

We screened 1373 articles, with 45 full-text articles reviewed. After removal of duplicates and abstract-only results, 25 articles remained. Three additional articles were found in references of reviewed articles.

Results

Articles generally supported caregiver presence on MRT, with caregivers and providers in agreement. However, for many services, space was a limiting factor controlling when caregivers could travel.

Limitations

There is a paucity of literature on this topic, and studies were entirely from English-speaking countries.

Conclusions

Caregivers and healthcare providers largely prefer caregiver accompaniment on MRT services. There is little data on patient perspectives and transport-related adverse events affecting patient outcomes.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Deep Learning Reconstruction in Reducing Radiation Dose for Computer-Aided Volumetry for Liver Tumor: A Phantom Study
Authors: Nomura Masahiko , Ohno Yoshiharu , Ito Yuya , Kimata Hirona , Fujii Kenji , Akino Naruomi , Nagata Hiroyuki , Ueda Takahiro , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Takenaka Daisuke , Ozawa Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare radiation dose reduction capability for accurate liver tumor measurements of a computer-aided volumetry (CADv) software for filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid-type iterative reconstruction (IR), mode-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), and deep learning reconstruction (DLR) at a phantom study.

Methods

A commercially available anthropomorphic abdominal phantom was scanned five times with a 320-detector row CT at 600 mA, 400 mA, 200 mA, and 100 mA and reconstructed by four methods. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of all lesions within the arterial and portal-venous phase inserts were calculated, and SNR of the lesion phantom was compared with that of all reconstruction methods by means of Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test. Then, tumor volume (V) of each nodule was automatically measured using commercially available CADv software. To compare dose reduction capability for each reconstruction method at both phases, mean differences between measured V and standard references were compared by Tukey's honestly significant difference test among the four different reconstruction methods on CT obtained at each of the four tube currents.

Results

With each of the tube currents, SNRs for MBIR and DLR were significantly higher than those for FBP and hybrid-type IR (p < 0.05). At the arterial phase, the mean difference in V for the CT protocol obtained at 600 or 100 mA and reconstructed with DLR was significantly smaller than that for others (p < 0.05). At the portal-venous phase, the mean differences in V for the CT protocol obtained at 100 mA and reconstructed with hybrid-type IR, MBIR, and DLR were significantly smaller than that for FBP (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Findings of our phantom study show that reconstruction method had influence on CADv merits for abdominal CT with not only standard but also reduced dose examinations and that DLR can potentially yield better image quality and CADv measurements than FBP, hybrid-type IR, or MBIR in this setting.
Delayed Onset Perinasal Mucocele Cyst in a Patient With Remote History of Orofacial Cleft Repair
Authors: McClain Megan W. , Miller Marah , Varman Rahul
Published: November 2024

Nasoalveolar cysts are rare, nonodontogenic cysts with a subtle course that can lead to nasal deformity and, uncommonly, nasal airway obstruction. Herein the authors present the case of a 28-year-old male who presented with a recurrent left-sided nasoalveolar cyst. Upon presentation, this cyst had formed a significant alar defect and was obstructing the left nasal airway. Although nasoalveolar cysts have been well-described in literature, the patient represents an atypical case in that nasoalveolar cysts most commonly occur in females and in patients aged 40 to 60 years old. The patient’s history of extensive facial reconstruction for cleft palate and lip is also anomalous and suggests an inclusion cyst rather than a cyst of typical epithelial origin. The complex course of this cyst and the history of this patient, which led to treatment with a subdermal dissection, septoplasty and turbinate reduction, and alar defect correction make this case of particular note.
Gravity’s eastern voyage: the introduction, transmission, and impact of Newtonian mechanics in late imperial China (1727–1912)
Authors: Wan Zhaoyuan
Published: November 2024

This study traces the intricate journey of Newtonian mechanics in Qing China from 1727 to 1912, elucidating the complex interplay of science, religion and politics in cross-cultural knowledge exchange. Initially introduced by Jesuit missionaries through lunar theory in calendrical reform, followed by cometary and heliocentric concepts, the dissemination of Newtonian mechanics gained momentum after the Opium Wars (1839–1842). Subsequently, Protestant missionaries and Chinese scholars collaborated to translate and propagate Newton’s laws of gravitation and motion, often contextualized within natural theology, through Western texts, popular science literature, and periodicals. This process culminated in the integration of Newtonian principles into national educational curricula in the early twentieth century. Significantly, Newtonian mechanics transcended its scientific realm, infiltrating political discourse as reformist thinkers leveraged mechanical terminology to advocate for sociopolitical change. This historical episode illustrates how the assimilation of Newtonian mechanics was influenced by missionary approaches, indigenous intellectual traditions, pragmatic national interests, and the tumultuous political landscape of Late Qing. By challenging Eurocentric narratives and highlighting Chinese agency in adapting Western knowledge, this study contributes to a more inclusive history of Newtonian science, offering a nuanced perspective on global scientific circulation.
Potential of facial biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and Obstructive sleep apnea in Down syndrome and general population
Authors: Echeverry-Quiceno L.M , Llambrich S. , Heredia-Lidón Á. , Giménez S. , Rozalem-Aranha M. , Inampudi P. , Heuzé Y. , Sevillano X. , Fortea J. , Martínez-Abadías N. ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy 21, leading to increased risks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Traditional diagnostic methods for AD and OSA, like cerebrospinal fluid analysis and polysomnography, are invasive and challenging for people with DS. Facial morphology has emerged as a non-invasive biomarker for these conditions. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive 3D analysis of facial shape variation in DS and euploid control (EU) populations, assessing the effect of critical factors such as age, sex, and facial size, to investigate its association with AD and OSA.

Methods

Facial shape differences among groups were analyzed from the coordinates of 21 landmarks automatically registered on 3D facial models generated from head magnetic resonance images in a cross-sectional sample of 131 individuals with DS and 216 EU controls from 18 to 90 years old, including subjects diagnosed with AD and OSA. We used Procrustes ANOVA and MANOVA tests to quantify the amount of facial shape variation attributable to sex, age, and facial size, and quantified facial shape differences among diagnostic groups using geometric morphometrics.

Results

Besides facial shape differences between DS and EU individuals, our results detected significant interactions between diagnosis and sex, and between diagnosis and age, indicating sex-dependent differences and an altered pattern of facial shape change over adulthood in DS, with females presenting more severe alterations. Multivariate regression analyses showed that facial shape significantly correlated with the concentration ratio between amyloid beta peptide 1- 42 and amyloid beta peptide 1-40 (Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40) in cerebrospinal fluid, a common biomarker for AD diagnosis. In the DS population, facial shape differences between individuals with and without AD diagnosis did not achieve statistical significance after adjusting for age and facial size, but significant shape differences were detected in the EU population. Regarding OSA, facial shape significantly correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index, and individuals with DS and severe OSA presented a significantly different facial morphology in comparison to individuals with DS and no signs of OSA, suggesting that facial morphology could be associated with sleep respiratory disturbances.

Conclusions

Overall, our study underscores the potential of facial morphology as a diagnostic biomarker for the early detection and clinical management of AD and OSA.
Alpha Cell Theory: Modeling Self-Assembly and Dynamic Processes in Living Systems
Authors: Gruhlke Martin C.H.
Published: November 2024

Understanding and describing the dynamic processes within living systems is a complex and fundamental challenge. This article presents a novel mathematical model that explores the self-assembly and dynamic behaviors observed in living systems. The model integrates complex chemical reactions, self-organization, and energy transfer processes. Key features of the model include the interaction of various molecular species (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K) and the self-assembly of G-structures within a dynamic environment. Furthermore, the model introduces the concept of Alpha Cell decay when a certain threshold is reached, enhancing the dynamic nature of the system. This research provides insights into the potential underlying mechanisms of life processes and their mathematical representations. It opens the door to a deeper understanding of complex, dynamic, and self-organizing systems in the context of living organisms. The model presented here serves as a valuable tool for further exploration of emergent behaviors and complex dynamics in living systems.
EEMtoolbox: A user-friendly R package for flexible ensemble ecosystem modeling
Authors: Pascal Luz Valerie , Vollert Sarah A. , Bimler Malyon D. , Baker Christopher M. , Vernet Maude , Canessa Stefano , Drovandi Christopher , Adams Matthew P.
Published: November 2024

Forecasting ecosystem changes due to disturbances or conservation interventions is essential to improve ecosystem management and anticipate unintended consequences of conservation decisions. Mathematical models allow practitioners to understand the potential effects and unintended consequences via simulation. However, calibrating these models is often challenging due to a paucity of appropriate ecological data.

Ensemble ecosystem modelling (EEM) is a quantitative method used to parameterize models from theoretical ecosystem features rather than data. Two approaches have been considered to find parameter values satisfying those features: a standard accept-reject algorithm, appropriate for small ecosystem networks; and a sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) algorithm, that is more computationally efficient for larger networks. In practice, using SMC for EEM generation requires advanced statistical and mathematical knowledge, as well as strong programming skills, which might limit its uptake. In addition, current EEM approaches have been developed for only one model structure (generalized Lotka-Volterra).

To facilitate the usage of EEM methods we introduce EEMtoolbox, an R package for calibrating quantitative ecosystem models. Our package allows the generation of parameter sets satisfying ecosystem features, by using either the standard accept-reject algorithm or the novel SMC procedure. Our package extends the existing EEM methodology, originally developed for the generalized Lotka-Volterra model, to two additional model structures (the multi-species Gompertz, and the Bimler-Baker model), and additionally allows users to define their own model structures.

We demonstrate the usage of EEMtoolbox by modelling the introduction of sihek (extinct-in-the-wild) on Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. With its simple interface, our package facilitates straightforward generation of EEM parameter sets, thus unlocks advanced statistical methods supporting conservation decisions using ecosystem network models.
AistSeq: An In-House Tn5-Based Plasmid Sequencing Platform Using A Compact Benchtop Sequencer
Authors: Suzuki Hayato , Romsuk Jutapat , Nakamura Akiyoshi , Moriwaki Kosuke , Sugano Shigeo S.
Published: November 2024

Sequence verification of plasmids is a fundamental process in synthetic biology. For plasmid sequence verification using next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, Tn5 transposase is widely used. Streamlined sequencing workflow for laboratory-scale applications is important; however, recombinant Tn5 productionin-housecan be laborious. In this study, we demonstrated that the addition of a large soluble tag was not essential for purification and that the fusion of a His10 tag and protein A was sufficient to purify sufficient amounts of active Tn5 transposase. In addition, we evaluated exonuclease-based genomic DNA digestion for plasmid sequencing from anE. colilysate and the data analysis pipeline of sequences derived from the Illumina iSeq100 platform forde novoassembly, reference mapping, and annotation. This study proposes a simple workflow ofan in-houseTn5-based plasmidSequencing platform using a compact benchtop sequencer (AistSeq).

Graphical abstract
Effect of heme oxygenase-1 on the expression of interferon-stimulated genes
Authors: Chudy Patryk , Bednarczyk Katarzyna , Chatian Eryk , Krzeptowski Wojciech , Szade Agata , Szade Krzysztof , Żukowska Monika , Wolnik Jan , Sokołowski Grzegorz , Józkowicz Alicja , Nowak Witold N.
Published: November 2024

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO1,Hmox1) degrades excess heme and is considered an anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory enzyme. Our previous studies inHmox1knockout mice revealed induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in all cell types analyzed, despite unchanged interferon production. Here, we sought to identify the pathway underlying HO1-dependent ISG regulation and determine how ISG expression changes in cultured cells in response to stressors typical ofHmox1-deficient mice.

Using murine wild-type andHmox1-deficient (KO-Hmox1) fibroblasts, we showed that in cells cultured under control conditions, the expression of most of the tested ISGs was independent of cellular HO1 status. We then analyzed the effect of extrinsic stressors: hemolytic, oxidative, genotoxic, and replication stress, proinflammatory TNFα, and endogenous heme overload. TNFα (upregulated inHmox1knockout mice) was the sole and universal ISG inducer in both wild-type and KO-Hmox1 fibroblasts. Unexpectedly, the response of KO-Hmox1 cells to exogenous TNFα was weakened, probably due to impaired NF-κB activity and reduced p65 nuclear retention. A similar decrease we observed for STAT1. Additionally, the presence of TREX1 exonuclease in the nucleus indicated impaired nuclear envelope integrity. Noteworthy, HO1 colocalizes with PARP1, a protein regulating cytoplasmic-nuclear transport. Olaparib-mediated PARP1 inhibition abolished TNAα-induced nuclear accumulation of p65 and STAT1 in wild-type cells, but not in KO-Hmox1 counterparts.

In summary, the inflammation typical ofHmox1-deficient mice appears to be a major inducer of ISGsin vivo. Despite this, the inflammatory response to exogenous TNFα is attenuated in KO-Hmox1 cells, likely due to decreased nuclear retention of NF-κB and STAT1.