bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression plasticity followed by genetic change during colonization a high-elevation environment
Authors: She Huishang , Hao Yan , Song Gang , Luo Xu , Lei Fumin , Zhai Weiwei , Qu Yanhua
Published: May 2023

Phenotypic plasticity facilitates organismal invasion of novel environments, and the resultant phenotypic change may later be modified by genetic change, so called “plasticity followed by genetic change”. Herein we quantify gene expression plasticity and regulatory adaptation in a wild bird (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) from its original lowland (ancestral stage), experimentally implemented hypoxia acclimation (plastic stage) and colonized highland (colonized stage). Using a group of co-expressed genes from the cardiac and flight muscle, respectively, we demonstrate that gene expression plasticity to hypoxia tolerance is more often reversed than reinforced at the colonized stage. By correlating gene expression change with muscle phenotypes, we show that colonized tree sparrows reduce gene expression plasticity that largely correlates with decrease hypoxia tolerance. Conversely, gene expression change that is congruent with increase hypoxia tolerance is often reinforced in the colonized tree sparrows. Genes displaying large levels of reinforcement or reversion plasticity (
i
.
e
., 200% of original level) show greater genetic divergence between ancestral and colonized populations. Overall, our work demonstrates that gene expression plasticity at the initial stage of high-elevation colonization can be reversed or reinforced through selection-driven adaptive modification.
Maternal group 2 innate lymphoid cells contribute to fetal growth and protection from endotoxin-induced abortion in mice
Authors: Balmas Elisa , Rana Batika MJ , Hamilton Russell S , Shreeve Norman , Kieckbusch Jens , Aye Irving , Hawkes Delia A , Trotter Sophie , López-Tello Jorge , Yong Hannah EJ , Valenti Salvatore , Sferruzi-Perri Amanda N , Gaccioli Francesca , McKenzie Andrew NJ , Colucci Francesco
Published: May 2023

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) adapt to tissue physiology and contribute to immunity, inflammatory pathology and metabolism. We show that mouse uterine ILC2s have a heightened type-2 gene signature and expand during pregnancy. Indeed, maternal ILC2s promote fetal growth and protect against fetal mortality upon systemic endotoxin challenge. Absence of ILC2s leads to utero-placental abnormalities, including poor vascular remodelling, increased
Il1b
and decreased
Il4, Il5
, and
Il13
gene expression, and reduced alternative activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Placentas exhibit signs of adaptation to stress, including larger maternal blood spaces and increased expression of nutrient transporter genes. Endotoxin induces the expansion of IL-1β-producing uterine DCs and, in response, more uterine ILC2s produce IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. In a protective feedback mechanism, these cytokines suppress IL-1β-producing DCs, in line with a protective role of uILC2s against endotoxin-induced abortion. Uterine ILC2s emerge as pivotal for both normal and complicated pregnancies.
Light-inducible protein degradation in E. coli with the LOVdeg tag
Authors: Tague Nathan , Coriano-Ortiz Cristian , Sheets Michael B , Dunlop Mary J
Published: May 2023

Molecular tools for optogenetic control allow for spatial and temporal regulation of cell behavior. In particular, light-controlled protein degradation is a valuable mechanism of regulation because it can be highly modular, used in tandem with other control mechanisms, and maintain functionality throughout growth phases. Here, we engineered LOVdeg, a tag that can be appended to a protein of interest for inducible degradation in Escherichia coli using blue light. We demonstrate the modularity of LOVdeg by using it to tag a range of proteins, including the LacI repressor, CRISPRa activator, and the AcrB efflux pump. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of pairing the LOVdeg tag with existing optogenetic tools to enhance performance by developing a combined EL222 and LOVdeg system. Finally, we use the LOVdeg tag in a metabolic engineering application to demonstrate post-translational control of metabolism. Together, our results highlight the modularity and functionality of the LOVdeg tag system and introduce a powerful new tool for bacterial optogenetics.
Light inducible protein degradation in E. coli with LOVtag
Authors: Tague Nathan , Coriano-Ortiz Cristian , Sheets Michael B. , Dunlop Mary J.
Published: May 2023

Molecular tools for optogenetic control allow for spatial and temporal regulation of cell behavior. In particular, light controlled protein degradation is a valuable mechanism of regulation because it can be highly modular, used in tandem with other control mechanisms, and maintain functionality throughout growth phases. Here, we engineered LOVtag, a protein tag that can be appended to a protein of interest for inducible degradation in
Escherichia coli
using blue light. We demonstrate the modularity of LOVtag by using it to tag a range of proteins, including the LacI repressor, CRISPRa activator, and the AcrB efflux pump. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of pairing the LOVtag with existing optogenetic tools to enhance performance by developing a combined EL222 and LOVtag system. Finally, we use the LOVtag in a metabolic engineering application to demonstrate post-translational control of metabolism. Together, our results highlight the modularity and functionality of the LOVtag system, and introduce a powerful new tool for bacterial optogenetics.
Type I fiber decrease and ectopic fat accumulation in skeletal muscle from women with PCOS
Authors: Stener-Victorin E , Eriksson G , Shresta M Mohan , Perian C , Jude B , Engman V , Boi R , Nilsson E , Ling C , Nyström J , Asterholm I Wernstedt , Lanner J T , Benrick A
Published: May 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome’s (PCOS) main feature is hyperandrogenism, which is linked to a higher risk of metabolic disorders in women. Gene expression analyses in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle reveal dysregulated metabolic pathways in women with PCOS, but these differences do not necessarily lead to changes in protein levels and biological function. To advance our understanding of the molecular alterations in PCOS, we performed global proteomic and phosphorylation site analysis using tandem mass spectrometry. Adipose tissue and skeletal muscle were collected at baseline from 10 women with and without PCOS, and in women with PCOS after 5 weeks of treatment with electrical stimulation. Perilipin-1, a protein that typically coats the surface of lipid droplets in adipocytes, was increased whereas proteins involved in muscle contraction and type I muscle fiber function were downregulated in PCOS muscle. Proteins in the thick and thin filaments had many altered phosphorylation sites, indicating differences in protein activity and function. The upregulated proteins in muscle post treatment were enriched in pathways involved in extracellular matrix organization and wound healing, which may reflect a protective adaptation to repeated contractions and tissue damage due to needling. A similar, albeit less pronounced, upregulation in extracellular matrix organization pathways was also seen in adipose tissue. Our results suggest that hyperandrogenic women with PCOS have higher levels of extramyocellular lipids, fewer oxidative and insulin-sensitive type I muscle fibers. These could be key factors leading insulin resistance in PCOS muscle while electric stimulation-induced tissue remodeling may be protective.
Relationships between locomotive and non-locomotive MVPA and ‘ikigai’ in older Japanese adults
Authors: Tsujishita Soma , Nagamatsu Masaki , Imai Aiko , Sanada Kiyoshi
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) of moderate to vigorous intensity (MVPA) and ikigai in older Japanese adults. We evaluated the amount of PA using an activity meter equipped with a three-axis accelerometer. The measured activities were classified into locomotive PA and non-locomotive PA to clarify not only the relationship between MVPA and ikigai, but the types of activities that lead to increased ikigai as well.

Methods

Participants were 86 community-dwelling older adult Japanese men and women. Measurement items included basic information (age, sex, BMI, and the number of underlying diseases), PA, Self-completed Occupational Performance Index (SOPI), and ikigai (the K-1 Scale). Confounding factors presumed to be related to ikigai were also elicited from previous studies. Associations of ikigai into three groups (high, middle, and low) with PA were analyzed by group comparisons and multivariate analyses.

Results

The comparison of PA indices among the high, middle, and low ikigai groups revealed that non-locomotive MVPA is significantly associated with ikigai (p < 0.05). In multiple comparisons, the low ikigai group was significantly and negatively affected by non-locomotive MVPA (p < 0.05) compared to the middle and high ikigai groups. Furthermore, in a multivariate analysis with ikigai as the dependent variable and sex, age, locomotive MVPA, and non-locomotive MVPA as independent variables, only non-locomotive MVPA (p < 0.05) was associated.

Discussion

These results suggest that non-locomotive MVPA is effective in enhancing ikigai.
Echocardiographic and Etiopathogenic Features of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Casablanca University Hospital Experience
Authors: Tahir A. Fadoul , Zahidi H. A. , Njie M. , Zahri S. , Haboub M. , Arous S. , Bennouna M. G. , Drighil A. , Azzouzi L. , Habbal R.
Published: May 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with a prevalence of 1:500 in the general population, based on the recognition of the phenotype. HCM is defined by the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness that is not solely explained by abnormal loading conditions and the phenotype also includes disorganized myocyte arrangement, fibrosis, small-vessel disease, and abnormalities of the mitral valve apparatus. In particular to this pathology, we have conducted a one-year prospective study to determine clinical, echocardiographic features and etiopathogenic aspects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Casablanca university hospital. The results concluded that 50% of the causes was due to amyloidosis 35%, sarcomeric HCM and 15% Fabry disease in which 2 cases were related with pregnancy. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardia MRI plays an important role in HCM diagnosis and prognosis.
Solid Waste Management System in Enugu Metropolis, South-Eastern Municipality, Nigeria
Authors: J. Onyishi Chinedu , Elekwachi Wali, , O. Okwakpam Ikechi
Published: May 2023

Waste management and characterization is a fundamental step for effective and sustainable waste management strategies in order to safeguard environmental health. This study investigated the working system of Municipal solid waste management system (MSWMS) in all the zones of Enugu metropolis both by residents and by the municipal authority- Enugu State Waste Management Authority ESWAMA). Enugu metropolis as a geographical entity has been zoned   into: LGAs, zones, wards, layouts among others for a well structured questionnaire administration. Available records in the ESWAMA main office indicates that Enugu metropolis was divided into ten (10) zones based on their SWM coverage schedule. Findings revealed that the elements of MSWMS in the metropolis include: waste collection, transfer, separation, recycling, and disposal. Furthermore, the study revealed no form of solid waste separation before being dumped for transfer and disposal. The only form of recycling in the study area however is the done by the scavengers and their activities include: separation and selling of valuables recovered from solid waste dumpsites. Conclusively this study reveals  that 30.7% (7.0% daily+23.7% 2-3days) of households are served within (1-3days) collection of SWs from dumpsites in their areas whereas 58.0% (31.3% 4days-1week+26.0% above 1week) said that collection of SWs at dumpster or at approved dumpsites delayed for 4days to over a week. The study recommends building cognizance on the need to sort waste from source before disposal and also inspire embracing of recycle and reuse of wastes to reduce wastes generated.
A Pregnant Patient With Narrow QRS Tachycardia
Authors: Rajendran Kapil , Desabandhu Vinayakumar , Jambhulkar Pranay Ghanshyam
Published: May 2023

This case report describes a primigravid patient in their 20s during the eighth month of gestation who presented with history of regular nonexertional episodic palpitations that lasted for a few minutes and subsided spontaneously over the past several days.
Health Insurer Strategies to Reduce Specialty Drug Spending—Copayment Adjustment and Alternative Funding Programs
Authors: Zuckerman Autumn D. , Schneider Megan P. , Dusetzina Stacie B.
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint describes programs intended to help patients with commercial insurance that, instead, employers, health plans, and other payers use to reduce their spending on specialty drugs.
Mortality Among US Veterans Admitted to Community vs Veterans Health Administration Hospitals for COVID-19
Authors: Ohl Michael E. , Richardson Miell Kelly , Beck Brice F. , Mecham Bradley , Bailey George , Mengeling Michelle , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary
Published: May 2023

Importance

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) enrollees receive care for COVID-19 in both VHA and non-VHA (ie, community) hospitals, but little is known about the frequency or outcomes of care for veterans with COVID-19 in VHA vs community hospitals.

Objective

To compare outcomes among veterans admitted for COVID-19 in VHA vs community hospitals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used VHA and Medicare data from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, on hospitalizations for COVID-19 in 121 VHA and 4369 community hospitals in the US among a national cohort of veterans (aged ≥65 years) enrolled in both the VHA and Medicare with VHA care in the year prior to hospitalization for COVID-19 based on the primary diagnosis code.

Exposure

Admission to VHA vs community hospitals.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance observable patient characteristics (eg, demographic characteristics, comorbidity, mechanical ventilation on admission, area-level social vulnerability, distance to VHA vs community hospitals, and date of admission) between VHA and community hospitals.

Results

The cohort included 64 856 veterans (mean [SD] age, 77.6 [8.0] years; 63 562 men [98.0%]) dually enrolled in the VHA and Medicare who were hospitalized for COVID-19. Most (47 821 [73.7%]) were admitted to community hospitals (36 362 [56.1%] admitted to community hospitals via Medicare, 11 459 [17.7%] admitted to community hospitals reimbursed via VHA’s Care in the Community program, and 17 035 [26.3%] admitted to VHA hospitals). Admission to community hospitals was associated with higher unadjusted and risk-adjusted 30-day mortality compared with admission to VHA hospitals (crude mortality, 12 951 of 47 821 [27.1%] vs 3021 of 17 035 [17.7%]; P < .001; risk-adjusted odds ratio, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.21-1.55]; P < .001). Readmission within 30 days was less common after admission to community compared with VHA hospitals (4898 of 38 576 [12.7%] vs 2006 of 14 357 [14.0%]; risk-adjusted hazard ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.86-0.92]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that most hospitalizations for COVID-19 among VHA enrollees aged 65 years or older were in community hospitals and that veterans experienced higher mortality in community hospitals than in VHA hospitals. The VHA must understand the sources of the mortality difference to plan care for VHA enrollees during future COVID-19 surges and the next pandemic.
Factors Associated With Cognitive Improvement After Bariatric Surgery Among Patients With Severe Obesity in the Netherlands
Authors: Vreeken Debby , Seidel Florine , Custers Emma M. , Olsthoorn Lisette , Cools Sophie , Aarts Edo O. , Kleemann Robert , Kessels Roy P. C. , Wiesmann Maximilian , Hazebroek Eric J. , Kiliaan Amanda J.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Bariatric surgery–induced weight loss is often associated with improved cognitive function. However, improvement in cognitive function is not always exhibited by all patients, and the mechanisms behind cognitive improvement remain unknown.

Objective

To investigate the association of changes in adipokines, inflammatory factors, mood, and physical activity with alterations in cognitive function after bariatric surgery among patients with severe obesity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 156 patients with severe obesity (body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], >35) eligible for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, aged between 35 and 55 years, who were enrolled in the BARICO (Bariatric Surgery Rijnstate and Radboudumc Neuroimaging and Cognition in Obesity) study between September 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Follow-up was completed July 31, 2021; 146 participants completed the 6-month follow-up and were included in the analysis.

Intervention

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall cognitive performance (based on a 20% change index of the compound z score), inflammatory factors (eg, C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 levels), adipokines (eg, leptin and adiponectin levels), mood (assessed via the Beck Depression Inventory), and physical activity (assessed with the Baecke questionnaire).

Results

A total of 146 patients (mean [SD] age, 46.1 [5.7] years; 124 women [84.9%]) completed the 6-month follow-up and were included. After bariatric surgery, all plasma levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (median change, −0.32 mg/dL [IQR, –0.57 to –0.16 mg/dL]; P < .001) and leptin (median change, −51.5 pg/mL [IQR, –68.0 to –38.4 pg/mL]; P < .001), were lower, whereas adiponectin levels were higher (median change, 0.15 μg/mL [IQR, –0.20 to 0.62 µg/mL]; P < .001), depressive symptoms were (partly) resolved (median change in Beck Depression Inventory score, −3 [IQR, –6 to 0]; P < .001), and physical activity level was higher (mean [SD] change in Baecke score, 0.7 [1.1]; P < .001). Cognitive improvement was observed in 43.8% (57 of 130) of the participants overall. This group had lower C-reactive protein (0.11 vs 0.24 mg/dL; P = .04) and leptin levels (11.8 vs 14.5 pg/mL; P = .04) and fewer depressive symptoms at 6 months (4 vs 5; P = .045) compared with the group of participants who did not show cognitive improvement.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that lower C-reactive protein and leptin levels, as well as fewer depressive symptoms, might partly explain the mechanisms behind cognitive improvement after bariatric surgery.
Safety and Efficacy Associated With a Family-Centered Procedural Sedation Protocol for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder or Developmental Delay
Authors: Sahyoun Cyril , Krauss Baruch , Bevacqua Martina , Antonsen Artiom , Jardinier Laurent , Barbi Egidio
Published: May 2023

This case series describes a family-centered procedural sedation protocol including home desensitization to intranasal drug delivery, environmental modification, and intranasal dexmedetomidine combined with nitrous oxide for children with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay.
Between “Nonsurvivable” and “Brain Death”
Authors: Salwi Sanjana
Published: May 2023

This essay describes the author’s experience with a pediatric patient with devastating head trauma.
Plan quality and treatment efficiency assurance of two VMAT optimization for cervical cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Huang Sijuan , Mai Xiuying , Liu Hongdong , Sun Wenzhao , Zhu Jinhan , Du Jinlong , Lin Xi , Du Yujie , Zhang Kang , Yang Xin , Huang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2023

To investigate the difference of the fluence map optimization (FMO) and Stochastic platform optimization (SPO) algorithm in a newly‐introduced treatment planning system (TPS). Methods: 34 cervical cancer patients with definitive radiation were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient has four plans: FMO with fixed jaw plans (FMO‐FJ) and no fixed jaw plans (FMO‐NFJ); SPO with fixed jaw plans (SPO‐FJ) and no fixed jaw plans (SPO‐NFJ). Dosimetric parameters, Modulation Complexity Score (MCS), Gamma Pass Rate (GPR) and delivery time were analyzed among the four plans. Results: For target coverage, SPO‐FJ plans are the best ones (P ≤ 0.00). FMO plans are better than SPO‐NFJ plans (P ≤ 0.00). For OARs sparing, SPO‐FJ plans are better than FMO plans for mostly OARs (P ≤ 0.04). Additionally, SPO‐FJ plans are better than SPO‐NFJ plans (P ≤ 0.02), except for rectum V45Gy. Compared to SPO‐NFJ plans, the FMO plans delivered less dose to bladder, rectum, colon V40Gy and pelvic bone V40Gy (P ≤ 0.04). Meanwhile, the SPO‐NFJ plans showed superiority in MU, delivery time, MCS and GPR in all plans. In terms of delivery time and MCS, the SPO‐FJ plans are better than FMO plans. FMO‐FJ plans are better than FMO‐NFJ plans in delivery efficiency. MCSs are strongly correlated with PCTV length, which are negatively with PCTV length (P ≤ 0.03). The delivery time and MUs of the four plans are strongly correlated (P ≤ 0.02). Comparing plans with fixed or no fixed jaw in two algorithms, no difference was found in FMO plans in target coverage and minor difference in Kidney_L Dmean, Mu and delivery time between PCTV width≤15.5 cm group and >15.5 cm group. For SPO plans, SPO‐FJ plans showed more superiority in target coverage and OARs sparing than the SPO‐NFJ plans in the two groups. Conclusions: SPO‐FJ plans showed superiority in target coverage and OARs sparing, as well as higher delivery efficiency in the four plans.
Serum Urate Monitoring Among Older Adults With Gout: Initiating Urate‐Lowering Therapy in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kwok Timothy S. H. , Kuriya Bindee , Hawker Gillian , Li Ping , Choy Gregory , Widdifield Jessica
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess the proportion of, and factors associated with, older adults with gout receiving a serum urate (SUA) test after starting urate‐lowering therapy (ULT).

Methods

We performed a population‐based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada in patients ages ≥66 years with gout, newly dispensed ULT between 2010 and 2019. We characterized patients with SUA testing within 6 and 12 months after ULT dispensation. Multilevel logistic regression clustered by ULT prescriber evaluated the factors associated with SUA monitoring within 6 months.

Results

We included 44,438 patients with a mean ± SD age of 76.0 ± 7.3 years and 64.4% male. Family physicians prescribed 79.1% of all ULTs. SUA testing was lowest in 2010 (56.4% at 6 months) and rose over time to 71.3% in 2019 (P < 0.0001). Compared with rheumatologists, family physicians (odds ratio [OR] 0.26 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.23–0.29]), internists (OR 0.34 [95% CI 0.29–0.39]), nephrologists (OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.30–0.45]), and other specialties (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.21–0.29]) were less likely to test SUA, as were male physicians (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.83–0.91]). Patient factors associated with lower odds of SUA monitoring included rural residence (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.77–0.86]), lower socioeconomic status (OR 0.91 [95% CI 0.85–0.97]), and patient comorbidities. Chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coprescription of colchicine/oral corticosteroids (OR 1.31 [95% CI 1.23–1.40]) were correlated with increased SUA testing.

Conclusion

SUA testing is suboptimal among older adults with gout initiating ULT but is improving over time. ULT prescriber, patient, and prescription characteristics were correlated with SUA testing.
A Multimodal Protein Representation Framework for Quantifying Transferability Across Biochemical Downstream Tasks
Authors: Hu Fan , Hu Yishen , Zhang Weihong , Huang Huazhen , Pan Yi , Yin Peng
Published: May 2023

Proteins are the building blocks of life, carrying out fundamental functions in biology. In computational biology, an effective protein representation facilitates many important biological quantifications. Most existing protein representation methods are derived from self‐supervised language models designed for text analysis. Proteins, however, are more than linear sequences of amino acids. Here, a multimodal deep learning framework for incorporating ≈1 million protein sequence, structure, and functional annotation (MASSA) is proposed. A multitask learning process with five specific pretraining objectives is presented to extract a fine‐grained protein‐domain feature. Through pretraining, multimodal protein representation achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance in specific downstream tasks such as protein properties (stability and fluorescence), protein‒protein interactions (shs27k/shs148k/string/skempi), and protein‒ligand interactions (kinase, DUD‐E), while achieving competitive results in secondary structure and remote homology tasks. Moreover, a novel optimal‐transport‐based metric with rich geometry awareness is introduced to quantify the dynamic transferability from the pretrained representation to the related downstream tasks, which provides a panoramic view of the step‐by‐step learning process. The pairwise distances between these downstream tasks are also calculated, and a strong correlation between the inter‐task feature space distributions and adaptability is observed.
Optimizing organic no‐till planted soybean with cover crop selection and termination timing
Authors: Liebert Jeffrey , Mirsky Steven B. , Pelzer Christopher J. , Ryan Matthew R.
Published: May 2023

Research is needed to develop and optimize agroecological practices that can replace unsustainable managementand increase agricultural diversification. Field experiments were conducted in Maryland and New York to assess the effect of cover crop cultivar selection and cover crop termination soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting (roll‐plant) date on cover crop growth stage, biomass, and reseeding; weed biomass; and soybean density and yield in organically managed no‐till planted soybean production. Twelve winter cereal cultivars—four each for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.)—were seeded at equivalent densities and terminated at four roll‐plant dates. Although many cover crop cultivars had not yet reached the recommended growth stage for adequate termination (anthesis) at the earlier roll‐plant dates, greater soybean yields and similar cover crop reseeding, compared with later dates, were observed. Weed biomass was low across treatments despite cover crop biomass production below the recommended threshold of 8 Mg ha−1. When pooled over cultivars, triticale performed as well as cereal rye in terms of biomass production, weed suppression, and soybean yield. Within each species, differences in weed biomass and soybean yield were observed among cultivars, but inconsistent across site‐years. Results from this research also show that planting soybean before cover crop anthesis can help maximize yield. Farmers can improve management in cover crop‐based no‐till planted soybean by selecting regionally adapted winter cereal species and cultivars that perform well across a range of outcomes, rather than focusing exclusively on biomass production.
Impact of a new liver immune status index among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after initial hepatectomy
Authors: Imaoka Yuki , Ohira Masahiro , Chogahara Ichiya , Bekki Tomoaki , Imaoka Kouki , Sato Koki , Doskali Marlen , Nakano Ryosuke , Yano Takuya , Hirata Fumihiro , Kuroda Shintaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ide Kentaro , Ishiyama Kohei , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Yuka , Ohdan Hideki
Published: May 2023

Aim

The anti‐tumor effects of natural killer (NK) cells vary among individuals. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) expressed on liver NK cells is a marker of anti‐tumor cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in immune cell therapy. This study aimed to develop a liver immune status index (LISI) that predicts low TRAIL expression and validates its ability to predict recurrence after initial hepatectomy for primary HCC.

Methods

A functional analysis of liver NK cells co‐cultured with interleukin‐2 for 3 days was performed of 40 liver transplant donors. The LISI, which predicted low TRAIL expression (25% quartile: <33%) in liver NK cells, was calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Next, 586 initial hepatectomy cases were analyzed based on the LISI.

Results

Our model was based on the Fibrosis‐4 index+0.1 (odds ratio [OR], 1.33), body mass index (OR, 0.61), and albumin levels+0.1 (OR, 0.54). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the LISI for low TRAIL expression was 0.89. Stratification of the recurrence rates (RR) revealed that LISI was an independent predictive factor of RR (moderate risk: hazard ratio, 1.44; high risk: hazard ratio, 3.02). The AUC was similar for the LISI, albumin–indocyanine green evaluation grade, albumin–bilirubin score, and geriatric nutritional risk index for predicting RR. Among the vascular invasion cases, the LISI was more useful than the other indexes.

Conclusion

Our model facilitates the prediction of RR in high‐risk patients by providing LISI to predict the anti‐tumor effects of NK cells.
A multicenter prospective observational study of lymph node metastasis patterns and short‐term outcomes of extended lymphadenectomy in right‐sided colon cancer
Authors: Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Ouchi Akira , Komori Koji , Shiozawa Manabu , Yasui Masayoshi , Ohue Masayuki , Nogami Hitoshi , Takii Yasumasa , Moritani Konosuke , Kanemitsu Yukihide
Published: May 2023

Background

The lymph node metastasis rate in right‐sided colon cancer is unknown, and the optimal central vascular ligation level remains controversial. We aimed to determine the lymph node metastasis rate and short‐term results of radical surgery with extended lymph node dissection in right‐sided colon cancer.

Methods

This prospective multicenter observational study included patients with stage II/III right‐sided colon cancer from five cancer hospitals. The metastasis rate of each node station was analyzed according to tumor location and main feeding artery.

Results

Between April 2018 and August 2021, 208 patients underwent dissection around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV). In transverse colon cancer, 7.5% and 2.5% of metastases occurred around the SMV and SMA at the root of the middle colic artery (MCA), respectively; 6.7% and 6.7% at the root of the right colic artery. In caecal cancer, 1.9% of metastases occurred around the SMV and 1.9% around the SMA. In ascending colon cancer, the rate was 1.1% around the SMV. Of the tumors, 17% fed mainly by the ileocolic artery had node metastases along the middle or right colic artery, as did 66.7% fed mainly by the right colic artery and 41.2% fed by the MCA (p = 0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in 42 patients (20.2%).

Conclusion

Routine prophylactic extended lymphadenectomy around the SMA might not be necessary in caecum and ascending colon cancer. Dissection around the SMA may be necessary in cases of transverse colon cancer or when the feeding artery is the MCA.
Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension due to a novel homozygous GDF2 missense variant affecting BMP9 processing and activity
Authors: Chomette L. , Hupkens E. , Romitti M. , Dewachter L. , Vachiéry J. L. , Bailly S. , Costagliola S. , Smits G. , Tillet E. , Bondue Antoine
Published: May 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and severe disorder characterized by progressive pulmonary vasculopathy. Growth differentiation factor (GDF)2 encodes the pro‐protein bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9, activated after cleavage by endoproteases into an active mature form. BMP9, together with BMP10, are high‐affinity ligands of activin receptor‐like kinase 1 (ALK1) and BMP receptor type II (BMPR2). GDF2 mutations have been reported in idiopathic PAH with most patients being heterozygous carriers although rare homozygous cases have been described. The link between PAH occurrence and BMP9 or 10 expression level is still unclear. In this study, we describe a pediatric case of PAH also presenting with telangiectasias and epistaxis. The patient carries the novel homozygous GDF2 c.946A > G mutation, replacing the first arginine of BMP9's cleavage site (R316) by a glycine. We show that this mutation leads to an absence of circulating mature BMP9 and mature BMP9‐10 heterodimers in the patient's plasma although pro‐BMP9 is still detected at a similar level as controls. In vitro functional studies further demonstrated that the mutation R316G hampers the correct processing of BMP9, leading to the secretion of inactive pro‐BMP9. The heterozygous carriers of the variant were asymptomatic, similarly to previous reports, reinforcing the hypothesis of modifiers preventing/driving PAH development in heterozygous carriers.
An in‐frame deletion affecting the critical acid loop of PPP2R5D is associated with a neonatal lethal form of PPP2R5D‐related neurodevelopmental disorder
Authors: Alhajaj Ghadd , Lacroix Caroline , Trakadis Yannis , Garfinkle Jarred , Srour Myriam
Published: May 2023

Heterozygous pathogenic variants in PPP2R5D gene are associated with PPP2R5D‐related neurodevelopmental disorder, a rare autosomal dominant condition, characterized by neurodevelopmental impairment in childhood, macrocephaly/megalencephaly, hypotonia, epilepsy, and dysmorphic features. Up‐to‐date, only approximately 100 cases have been published in the literature and the full phenotypic and genotypic spectrum have not yet been fully described. PPP2R5D gene encodes the B56δ subunit of the PP2A enzyme complex. We describe a neonatal form of PPP2R5D‐related disorder with early infantile death, caused by a novel in‐frame deletion causing loss of 8 amino acids and insertion of serine at position 201 (p.Phe194_Pro201delinsSer) of the B56δ subunit. This deletion is predicted to disrupt a critical acidic loop of amino acids important for binding other subunits of the PP2A enzyme complex, and harbors many of the residues previously reported to cause a mild–moderate form of this condition. This report describes a neonatal lethal presentation of the PPP2R5D‐related neurodevelopmental disorder and provides additional evidence that disruption of the acidic loop is an important pathomechanism underlying PPP2R5D‐related disorder.
Association of ischemic heart disease with long‐term risk of cognitive decline and dementia: A cohort study
Authors: Imahori Yume , Vetrano Davide L. , Ljungman Petter , Laukka Erika J. , Wu Jing , Grande Giulia , Rizzuto Debora , Fratiglioni Laura , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

The independent and joint effect of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and coexisting atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) on dementia risk is largely unknown.

METHODS

This population‐based cohort study included 2568 dementia‐free participants (age ≥60 years) in SNAC‐K, who were regularly examined from 2001–2004 through 2013–2016. Dementia was diagnosed following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV) criteria. Global cognitive function was assessed using a global cognitive composite z‐score derived from five cognitive domains. Data were analyzed using Cox, Fine‐Gray, and linear mixed‐effects models.

RESULTS

Overall, IHD at baseline was associated with multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.39 (95% confidence interval = 1.06−1.82) for dementia and multivariable‐adjusted β‐coefficient of −0.02 (−0.03 to −0.01) for annual changes in global cognitive z‐score, independent of AF, HF, and cerebrovascular disease. Coexisting AF or HF did not add further risk to dementia and cognitive decline.

DISCUSSION

IHD is independently associated with dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, whereas coexisting AF/HF is not associated with an increased risk.

Highlights

Is a history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) associated with a risk for dementia?

How do coexisting heart diseases affect this association?

IHD was an independent risk factor for dementia in older adults.

This association was independent of coexisting heart and cerebrovascular diseases.

The coexistence of heart diseases did not confer additional risk for dementia.
The predictive value of modified soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) with National Early Warning Score (NEWS) for mortality in emergency elderly patients in Japan: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Mitsunaga Toshiya , Ohtaki Yuhei , Seki Yutaka , Mashiko Kunihiro , Uzura Masahiko , Okuno Kenji , Takeda Satoshi
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and modified suPAR with National Early Warning Score (NEWS) for detecting mortality in elderly emergency patients who are older than 70 years.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of our previous study, which was a single‐center prospective pilot study, carried out for 21 months in the emergency department of a secondary emergency institution in Japan. This study was carried out between September 16, 2020, and June 21, 2022. The study included all patients without trauma aged 70 years or older who presented to the emergency department. Discrimination was assessed by plotting the receiver‐operating characteristic curve and calculating the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

During the study period, 47 eligible older patients were included, among which 8 (17.0%) patients died. The median suPAR was significantly lower in the survivor's group than in the nonsurvivor's group (P < 0.01). For suPAR, the AUC for the prediction of mortality was 0.805 (95% confidence interval 0.633–0.949, P < 0.001). The AUC of modified suPAR with NEWS for mortality was higher than that of suPAR [0.865 (95% confidence interval 0.747–0.958, P < 0.001)].

Conclusion

Our single‐center study has demonstrated the high utility of modified suPAR with NEWS as a predictive tool of mortality in elderly emergency patients. Evidence from multicenter studies is needed for introducing modified suPAR with NEWS in the emergency department setting.
Fatal case of Capnocytophaga sepsis from a dog bite in a patient with splenic hypoplasia
Authors: Kondo Natsuki , Matsumura Yosuke , Sugiyama Takuya , Miyahara Masaya , Imamura Ai , Kasahara Yuki , Nagashima Hideaki , Hanaoka Noriyuki , Fujiyoshi Naohiko , Inaba Shin
Published: May 2023

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is an oral commensal bacteria in dogs and may cause severe infection following a dog bite. This is a case of fatal C. canimorsus sepsis with acute infectious purpura fulminans (AIPF) in a healthy patient with splenic hypoplasia.

Case Presentation

A healthy 49‐year‐old man was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for septic shock and AIPF 4 days after a dog bite to his mouth. Computed tomography revealed a small spleen measuring 53 cm3 but no other source of infection. Despite intensive care, the patient died of multiple organ failure and progressive shock on the fifth ICU day. Polymerase chain reaction of blood samples identified the C. canimorsus gene on a later day.

Conclusion

Capnocytophaga canimorsus from dog bites may cause fatal AIPF. Splenic hypoplasia and bite wounds in well‐perfused areas such as the oral cavity are possible risk factors for sepsis. All dog bites should warrant medical attention.
Dark sides of artificial intelligence: The dangers of automated decision‐making in search engine advertising
Authors: Schultz Carsten D. , Koch Christian , Olbrich Rainer
Published: May 2023

With the growing use of artificial intelligence, search engine providers are increasingly pushing advertisers to use automated bidding strategies based on machine learning. Such automated decision‐making systems leave advertisers in the dark about the data being used and how they can influence the outcome of the decision‐making process. Previous literature on artificial intelligence lacks an understanding of the dangers related to artificially intelligent systems and their lack of transparency. In response, our paper addresses the inherent risks of the automated optimization of advertisers' bidding strategies in search engine advertising. The selected empirical case of a service company therefore demonstrates how data availability can trigger a long‐term decline in advertising performance and how search engine advertising performance metrics develop before and after an event of data scarcity. Based on data collected for 525 days, difference‐in‐differences analysis shows that the algorithmic approach has a considerable and lasting negative impact on advertising performance. Furthermore, the empirical case indicates that self‐regulated learning can initialize a downward spiral that gradually impairs advertising performance. Thus, the aim of this study is to increase awareness regarding automated decision‐making dangers in search engine advertising and help advertisers take preventive measures to reduce the risks of algorithm missteps.
Sunlight Powered Continuous Flow Reverse Water Gas Shift Process Using a Plasmonic Au/TiO2 Nanocatalyst
Authors: Martínez Molina Pau , Bossers Koen W. , Wienk Jelle D. , Rohlfs Jelle , Meulendijks Nicole , Verheijen Marcel A. , Buskens Pascal , Sastre Francesc
Published: May 2023

The continuous flow reverse water gas shift (rWGS) process was efficiently catalyzed by a plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanocatalyst using sunlight as sole and sustainable energy source. The influence of the catalyst bed thickness on the CO production rate was studied, and three different catalytic regimes were identified as direct plasmon catalysis (DPC), shielded plasmon catalysis (SPC) and unused plasmon catalysis (UPC). The CO2 : H2 ratio was optimized to 4 : 1 and a maximum CO production rate of 7420 mmol ⋅ m−2 ⋅ h−1 was achieved under mild reaction conditions (p=3.5 bar, no external heating, Ee=14.0 kW ⋅ m−2), corresponding to an aparent quantum efficiency of 4.15%. The stability of the Au/TiO2 catalyst was studied for 110 h continuous operation, maintaining more than 82% of the initial CO production rate. On/off experiments mimicking discontinuous sunlight powered processing furthermore showed that the Au/TiO2 catalyst was stable for 8 consecutive runs.
Event‐triggered adaptive control based on integral sliding mode surface for a class of linear systems with matched disturbance
Authors: Sun Jie , Chen Yanan , Zhao Zhanshan , Guo Guangxin
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we propose an event‐triggered adaptive integral sliding mode control scheme for a class of linear systems with external disturbance. In this method, the controller is designed using a triggered‐state‐dependent integral sliding mode, which can ensure the robustness and avoid the shortcomings of traditional sliding mode arrival stage. The triggering mechanism utilizes a time‐varying trigger threshold instead of a traditional fixed threshold, which not only realizes the dynamic update of the control law, reduces the overhead of network communication but also ensures that the system trajectory enters the bounded area. The lower bound of inter event time guarantees the avoidance of the Zeno phenomenon. Next, in order to reduce the impact of high‐frequency chattering of the control signal effectively and allow the gain of the discontinuous control term to be adjusted automatically according to the rate of change of the disturbance, a dual‐layer nested adaptive gain scheme based on equivalent control is considered. This scheme does not require a priori boundedness of the disturbance and its rate of change. Through Lyapunov stability analysis, the event‐triggered adaptive sliding mode controller can make the system trajectory converge in finite time and ensure the robustness of the control. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness and simplicity of this method.
How Sensitive Is Household Affordability to Changes in Water Bills?
Authors: Patterson Lauren , Doyle Martin
Published: May 2023

Key Takeaways

The prevalence of low incomes in the United States is the primary driver for unaffordable water services.

Minor rate increases or higher volumes of water usage can have a substantial impact on the pervasiveness of unaffordability.

With the cost of water likely to continue increasing, utilities can play a role in protecting customers at all income levels through their rate structures.

Affordability elasticity—the relationship of water bills to income distribution—is an important factor to consider in rate design.
How Water Safety Plans Complement Sanitary Surveys
Authors: Burlingame Gary A. , Bartrand Tim
Published: May 2023

Key Takeaways

In the United States, US Environmental Protection Agency sanitary surveys provide valuable interaction between primacy agencies and public water system operators and managers.

Water safety plans (WSPs), often used worldwide, can be an additional tool for sanitary surveys to integrate multiple barriers of public water systems and focus on prioritized hazards and conditions.

WSPs are reasonable for implementation because they use existing regulatory compliance means as well as operational standards of practice.
Gestational age‐related changes in relaxation times of neonatal brain by quantitative synthetic magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Dong Yan , Deng Xianyu , Xie Meizhen , Yu Lan , Qian Long , Chen Ge , Zhang Yali , Tang Yanyun , Zhou Zhipeng , Long Liling
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the correlation between T1 and T2 relaxation times of synthetic MRI (SyMRI) and gestational age (GA) in each hemisphere of preterm and term newborns at the initial 28 days of birth.

Methods

Seventy preterm and full‐term infants were prospectively included in this study. All subjects completed 3.0 T routine MRI and SyMRI (MAGiC) one‐stop scanning within 28 days of birth (aged 34–42 W at examination). The SyMRI postprocessing software (v8.0.4) was used to measure the T1 and T2 relaxation values of each brain region. The linear regression equations of quantitative relaxation values with GA were established to compare the variation speed in each brain region.

Results

A significant linear and negative correlation was found between relaxation times and GA in the neonate cerebral cortex and subcortical gray and white matter regions (All p<.05). The relaxation time of the left centrum semiovale decreased with maximum variance with increasing GA among all white matter regions (T1: b = –51.45, β = –0.65, p < .0001; T2: b = –8.77, β = –0.71, p < .0001), whereas the right posterior limb of internal capsule showed minimal variance (T1: b = –27.94, β = –0.60, p < .0001; T2: b = –3.25, β = –0.68, p < .0001). Among all gray matter regions, the right globus pallidus and thalamus indicated the most significant decreasing degree of T1 and T2 relaxation values with GA (right globus pallidus T1: b = –33.14, β = –0.64, p < .0001; right thalamus T2: b = –3.94, β = –0.81, p < .0001), and the right and left occipital lobes indicated the least significant decreasing degree of T1 and T2 relaxation values with GA, respectively (right occipital lobes T1: b = –11.18, β = –0.26, p = .028; left occipital lobes T2: b = –1.22, β = –0.27, p = .024).

Conclusions

SyMRI could quantitatively evaluate the linear changes of T1 and T2 relaxation values with GA in brain gray and white matter of preterm and term neonates.