bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A linear parameters study of ion cyclotron emission using drift ring beam distribution
Authors: Kong Haozhe , Xie Huasheng , Sun Jizhong
Published: October 2023

Ion Cyclotron Emission (ICE) holds great potential as a diagnostic tool for fast ions in fusion devices. The theory of Magnetoacoustic Cyclotron Instability (MCI), as an emission mechanism for ICE, states that MCI is driven by a velocity distribution of fast ions that approximates to a drift ring beam. In this study, the influence of key parameters (velocity spread of the fast ions, number density ratio, and instability propagation angle) on the linear MCI is systematically investigated using the linear kinetic dispersion relation solver BO (Xie 2019 Comput. Phys. Commun.
244 343). The computational spectra region considered extends up to 40 times the ion cyclotron frequency. By examining the influence of these key parameters on MCI, several novel results have been obtained. In the case of MCI excited by super-Alfvénic fast ions (where the unique perpendicular speed of fast ion is greater than the perpendicular phase velocity of the fast Alfvén waves), the parallel velocity spread significantly affects the bandwidth of harmonics and the continuous spectrum, while the perpendicular velocity spread has a decisive effect on the MCI growth rate. As the velocity spread increases, the linear relationship between the MCI growth rate and the square root of the number density ratio transitions to a linear relationship between the MCI growth rate and the number density ratio. This finding provides a linear perspective explanation for the observed linear relation between fast ion number density and ICE intensity in JET. Furthermore, high harmonics are more sensitive to changes in propagation angle than low harmonics because a decrease in the propagation angle alters the dispersion relation of the fast Alfvén wave. In the case of MCI excited by sub-Alfvénic fast ions (where the unique perpendicular speed of fast ion is less than the perpendicular phase velocity of the fast Alfvén waves), a significant growth rate increase occurs at high harmonics due to the transition of sub-Alfvénic fast ions to super-Alfvénic fast ions. Similarly, for MCI excited by greatly sub-Alfvénic fast ions (where the unique perpendicular speed of fast ion is far less than the perpendicular phase velocity of the fast Alfvén waves), the growth rate at high harmonics also experiences a drastic increase compared to the low harmonic, thereby expanding the parameter range of the velocity spread.
Neglected U(1) phase in the Schrödinger representation of quantum mechanics and particle number conserving formalisms for superconductivity
Authors: Koizumi Hiroyasu
Published: October 2023

Superconductivity is reformulated as a phenomenon in which a stable velocity field is created by a U(1) phase neglected by Dirac in the Schrödinger representation of quantum mechanics. The neglected phase gives rise to a U(1) gauge field expressed as the Berry connection from many-body wave functions. The inclusion of this gauge field transforms the standard particle-number non-conserving formalism of superconductivity to a particle-number conserving one with many results of the former unaltered. In other words, the new formalism indicates that the current standard one is an approximation that effectively takes into account this neglected U(1) gauge field by employing the particle-number non-conserving formalism. Since the standard and new formalisms are physically different, conflicting results are predicted in some cases. We reexamine the Josephson relation and show that a capacitance contribution of the Josephson junction to the U(1) phase is missing in the standard formalism, and inclusion of it indicates that the standard theory actually does not agree with the experiment while the new one does. It is also shown that the dissipative quantum phase transition in Josephson junctions predicted in the standard theory does not exist in the new one in accordance with a recent experiment (Murani et al 2020 Phys. Rev. X 10 021003).
Effect of laser power and heat treatment on microstructures and tensile properties of LPBF fabricated Hastelloy X superalloy
Authors: Bai Jie , Ma Rui , Zhang Yunlong , Cheng Liang , Wang Yajun , Zhou Weitian
Published: October 2023

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technic is suitable for manufacturing metal parts with complex shapes and internal channels. The energy input and post heat treatment have great influence on the formability, microstructure and properties of the metallic materials. In this work, Hastelloy X superalloy is fabricated by LPBF with a variation of laser power, and then post-treated by hot isostatic pressing and solution treatment. Influences of laser power and heat treatment on microstructure features of as-built sample are evaluated. The correlation among laser power, microstructure features and tensile properties of heat-treated samples are revealed. The results reveal that average grain size, aspect ratio, texture intensity increases while the proportion of high-angle grain boundaries decreases with the increase of laser power. Precipitates of Cr-rich carbides along grain boundary are observed after post heat treatment. Post-treatment promotes the twinned recrystallization, grain coarsening and texture degradation. Yield strength increases while tensile strength decreases with the increase in laser power. The higher vertical yield strength of sample with laser power of 320 W could be attributed to its larger aspect ratio and more twin boundaries. 280 W is the preferred laser power to obtain the best overall tensile properties. This study is helpful for the exploration of optimal LPBF process and post heat treatment, by which Ni-based superalloys with a good balance between strength and ductility can be produced.
An analysis of renewable energy consumption in Visegrád countries
Authors: Atikur Rahaman Md , Bin Amin Mohammad , Taru Rupali Dilip , Ahammed Md Rasel , Rabbi Mohammad Fazle
Published: October 2023

The ‘Visegrád Group’ countries are fundamentally distinct from one another. There is less public backing for green initiatives like climate protection and renewable energy in Western Europe. Since the change began, the region has made substantial efficiency gains. Descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to quantify the various energy usage patterns across the V4 countries. Our analysis revealed that in Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, renewable energy development had accelerated by 149%, 116%, and 87% relative changes, respectively. Hungary has stalled or declined. These results suggest that the V4 countries have made considerable progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources. However, further steps are needed to ensure Hungary can make the same progress as its neighbours. According to the findings of our studies and forecasts, substantial levels of consumption of renewable energy will be observed in the following industries in the year 2022: Electricity usage will rise by 29.78% in Hungary and 22.45% in Slovakia; in the heating and cooling sector, it will rise by 24.60% in Czechia and 16.71% in Poland; and in the transportation sector, it will grow by 8.44% in Hungary and 7.71% in Slovakia. To keep up with expected increases in energy consumption, the V4 countries will need to expand the proportion of their economies that use sustainable and alternative resources. Furthermore, we propose six strategies to tackle increased energy demand and major obstacles to transitioning towards renewable energies. This will ensure energy independence and pave the way to carbon neutrality by 2050. While the EU has high targets for renewable energy, the papers show that the V4 nations each have their own set of ambitious goals.
Intrinsic capacity: an under-researched concept in geriatrics
Authors: Hoogendijk Emiel O , Dent Elsa , Koivunen Kaisa
Published: October 2023

In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the concept of intrinsic capacity (IC) as part of a new public health model for healthy ageing. IC refers to the overall combination of an individual’s physical and mental capacities, and is promoted as a new positive approach to the health and wellbeing of older adults. However, there is still insufficient evidence that implementing IC leads to better care for older adults. Moreover, the current operationalisations of IC lead to confusion and redundant research. In this commentary, we discuss whether the concept of IC has added value for geriatrics, and describe the main issues related to its conceptualisation, measurement, and application. We argue that there is a need to clarify and validate the concept of IC, including independent evidence regarding its feasibility and acceptance in clinical practice.
Cognitive Profile in Autism and ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Performance on the WAIS-IV and WISC-V
Authors: Wilson Alexander C
Published: October 2023

Objective

Previous research has suggested that neurodevelopmental conditions may be associated with distinctive cognitive profiles on the Wechsler intelligence tests (of which the most recent editions are the WAIS-IV and WISC-V). However, the extent to which a cognitive profile can be reliably identified for individuals meeting criteria for autism or ADHD remains unclear. The present review investigated this issue.

Method

A search was conducted in PsycInfo, Embase, and Medline in October 2022 for papers reporting the performance of children or adults diagnosed with autism or ADHD on the WAIS-IV or the WISC-V. Test scores were aggregated using meta-analysis.

Results

Scores were analyzed from over 1,800 neurodivergent people reported across 18 data sources. Autistic children and adults performed in the typical range for verbal and nonverbal reasoning, but scored ~1 SD below the mean for processing speed and had slightly reduced scores on working memory. This provides evidence for a “spiky” cognitive profile in autism. Performance of children and adults with ADHD was mostly at age-expected levels, with slightly reduced scores for working memory.

Conclusion

Although the pattern of performance on the Wechsler tests is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to use for diagnostic purposes, autism appears to be associated with a cognitive profile of relative strengths in verbal and nonverbal reasoning and a weakness in processing speed. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears less associated with a particular cognitive profile. Autistic individuals may especially benefit from a cognitive assessment to identify and support with their strengths and difficulties.
Spatom: a graph neural network for structure-based protein–protein interaction site prediction
Authors: Wu Haonan , Han Jiyun , Zhang Shizhuo , Xin Gaojia , Mou Chaozhou , Liu Juntao
Published: October 2023

Accurate identification of protein–protein interaction (PPI) sites remains a computational challenge. We propose Spatom, a novel framework for PPI site prediction. This framework first defines a weighted digraph for a protein structure to precisely characterize the spatial contacts of residues, then performs a weighted digraph convolution to aggregate both spatial local and global information and finally adds an improved graph attention layer to drive the predicted sites to form more continuous region(s). Spatom was tested on a diverse set of challenging protein–protein complexes and demonstrated the best performance among all the compared methods. Furthermore, when tested on multiple popular proteins in a case study, Spatom clearly identifies the interaction interfaces and captures the majority of hotspots. Spatom is expected to contribute to the understanding of protein interactions and drug designs targeting protein binding.
Construction and identification of lncRNA/circRNA-coregulated ceRNA networks in gemcitabine-resistant bladder carcinoma
Authors: Pan Jingjing , Xie Xiaojuan , Sheng Jinxiu , Ju Chenxi , Sun Shuaijie , Cui Fangfang , Zhai Wen , Ming Liang
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To explore the regulatory networks that underlie the development of chemoresistance in bladder cancer.

Methods

We analyzed profiles of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNA (mRNAs) in gemcitabine-resistant/sensitive bladder cancer cells using next-generation sequencing data.

Results

Hundreds of differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs and thousands of circRNAs and mRNAs were identified. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the chromosomal localizations, classification and coexpression of mRNAs, as well as candidates for cis and trans regulation by lncRNAs. Furthermore, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs and circRNAs indicated important functional roles of coregulated RNAs, thus establishing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and protein–protein interactions networks that may underlie chemoresistance in bladder cancer. We demonstrated that lncRNA LINP1 can act as a ceRNA by inhibiting miR-193a-5p to increase TP73 expression; and that lncRNA ESRG and hsa_circ_0075881 can simultaneously bind miR-324-3p to increase ST6GAL1 expression. Modulation of ceRNA network components using ablation and overexpression approaches contributed to gemcitabine resistance in bladder cancer cells.

Conclusions

These results elucidate mechanisms by which lncRNAs and circRNAs coregulate the development of bladder cancer cell resistance to gemcitabine, thus laying the foundation for future research to identify biomarkers and disease targets.
Neural basis of social attention: common and distinct mechanisms for social and nonsocial orienting stimuli
Authors: Narganes-Pineda Cristina , Paz-Alonso Pedro M , Marotta Andrea , Lupiáñez Juan , Chica Ana B
Published: October 2023

Social and nonsocial directional stimuli (such as gaze and arrows, respectively) share their ability to trigger attentional processes, although the issue of whether social stimuli generate other additional (and unique) attentional effects is still under debate. In this study, we used the spatial interference paradigm to explore, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, shared and dissociable brain activations produced by gaze and arrows. Results showed a common set of regions (right parieto-temporo-occipital) similarly involved in conflict resolution for gaze and arrows stimuli, which showed stronger co-activation for incongruent than congruent trials. The frontal eye field showed stronger functional connectivity with occipital regions for congruent as compared with incongruent trials, and this effect was enhanced for gaze as compared with arrow stimuli in the right hemisphere. Moreover, spatial interference produced by incongruent (as compared with congruent) arrows was associated with increased functional coupling between the right frontal eye field and a set of regions in the left hemisphere. This result was not observed for incongruent (as compared with congruent) gaze stimuli. The right frontal eye field also showed greater coupling with left temporo-occipital regions for those conditions in which larger conflict was observed (arrow incongruent vs. gaze incongruent trials, and gaze congruent vs. arrow congruent trials). These findings support the view that social and nonsocial stimuli share some attentional mechanisms, while at the same time highlighting other differential effects.

Highlights Attentional orienting triggered by social (gaze) and nonsocial (arrow) cues is comparable. When social and nonsocial stimuli are used as targets, qualitatively different behavioral effects are observed. This study explores the neural bases of shared and dissociable neural mechanisms for social and nonsocial stimuli. Shared mechanisms were found in the functional coupling between right parieto-temporo-occipital regions. Dissociable mechanisms were found in the functional coupling between right frontal eye field and ipsilateral and contralateral occipito-temporal regions.
IWGDF/IDSA Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes-related Foot Infections (IWGDF/IDSA 2023)
Authors: Senneville Éric , Albalawi Zaina , van Asten Suzanne A , Abbas Zulfiqarali G , Allison Geneve , Aragón-Sánchez Javier , Embil John M , Lavery Lawrence A , Alhasan Majdi , Oz Orhan , Uçkay Ilker , Urbančič-Rovan Vilma , Xu Zhang-Rong , Peters Edgar J G
Published: October 2023

The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence-based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes-related foot diseases since 1999. The present guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis and management of foot infections in persons with diabetes mellitus.

The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used for the development of this guideline. This was structured around identifying clinically relevant questions in the P(A)ICO format, determining patient-important outcomes, systematically reviewing the evidence, assessing the certainty of the evidence, and finally moving from evidence to the recommendation. This guideline was developed for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes-related foot care to inform clinical care around patient-important outcomes. Two systematic reviews from 2019 were updated to inform this guideline, and a total of 149 studies (62 new) meeting inclusion criteria were identified from the updated search and incorporated in this guideline. Updated recommendations are derived from these systematic reviews, and best practice statements made where evidence was not available. Evidence was weighed in light of benefits and harms to arrive at a recommendation. The certainty of the evidence for some recommendations was modified in this update with a more refined application of the GRADE framework centred around patient important outcomes. This is highlighted in the rationale section of this update. A note is also made where the newly identified evidence did not alter the strength or certainty of evidence for previous recommendations.

The recommendations presented here continue to cover various aspects of diagnosing soft tissue and bone infections, including the classification scheme for diagnosing infection and its severity. Guidance on how to collect microbiological samples, and how to process them to identify causative pathogens, is also outlined. Finally, we present the approach to treating foot infections in persons with diabetes, including selecting appropriate empiric and definitive antimicrobial therapy for soft tissue and bone infections; when and how to approach surgical treatment; and which adjunctive treatments may or may not affect the infectious outcomes of diabetes-related foot problems.

We believe that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals provide better care for persons with diabetes and foot infections, prevent the number of foot and limb amputations, and reduce the patient and healthcare burden of diabetes-related foot disease.
What are the Metabolic Rates of Marine Mammals and What Factors Impact this Value: A review
Authors: Noren S R , Rosen David A S
Published: October 2023

Over the past several decades, scientists have constructed bioenergetic models for marine mammals to assess potential population-level consequences following exposure to a disturbance, stressor, or environmental change, such as under the Population Consequences of Disturbance (pCOD) framework. The animal's metabolic rate (rate of energy expenditure) is a cornerstone for these models, yet the cryptic lifestyles of marine mammals, particularly cetaceans, have limited our ability to quantify basal (BMR) and field (FMR) metabolic rates using accepted ‘gold standard’ approaches (indirect calorimeter via oxygen consumption and doubly labeled water, respectively). Thus, alternate methods have been used to quantify marine mammal metabolic rates, such as extrapolating from known allometric relationships (e.g. Kleiber's mouse to elephant curve) and developing predictive relationships between energy expenditure and physiological or behavioral variables. To understand our current knowledge of marine mammal metabolic rates, we conducted a literature review (1900–2023) to quantify the magnitude and variation of metabolic rates across marine mammal groups. A compilation of data from studies using ‘gold standard’ methods revealed that BMR and FMR of different marine mammal species ranges from 0.2 to 3.6 and 1.1 to 6.1 x Kleiber, respectively. Mean BMR and FMR varied across taxa; for both measures odontocete levels were intermediate to higher values for otariids and lower values of phocids. Moreover, multiple intrinsic (e.g. age, sex, reproduction, molt, individual) and extrinsic (e.g. food availability, water temperature, season) factors, as well as individual behaviors (e.g. animal at water’s surface or submerged, activity level, dive effort and at-sea behaviors) impact the magnitude of these rates. This review provides scientists and managers with a range of reliable metabolic rates for several marine mammal groups as well as an understanding of the factors that influence metabolism to improve the discernment for inputs into future bioenergetic models.
Penalized quasi-likelihood estimation and model selection with parameters on the boundary of the parameter space
Authors: Nielsen Heino Bohn , Rahbek Anders
Published: October 2023

We consider here penalized likelihood-based estimation and model selection applied to econometric time series models, which allow for nonnegativity (boundary) constraints on some or all of the parameters. We establish that joint model selection and estimation result in standard asymptotic Gaussian distributed estimators. The results contrast with nonpenalized estimation, which, as is well-known, leads to nonstandard asymptotic distributions that depend on the unknown number of parameters on the boundary of the parameter space. We apply our results to the rich class of autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (ARCH) models for time-varying volatility. For the ARCH models, simulations show that penalized estimation and model selection works surprisingly well, even for models with a large number of parameters. An empirical illustration for stock-market return data shows the ability of penalized estimation to select ARCH models that fit nicely the empirical autocorrelation function, and confirms the stylized fact of long-memory in such financial time series data.
Surface Gluing with Signs and Gradings in Decategorified Heegaard Floer Theory
Authors: Manion Andrew
Published: October 2023

A previous result about the decategorified bordered (sutured) Heegaard Floer invariants of surfaces glued together along intervals, generalizing the decategorified content of Rouquier and the author’s higher-tensor-product-based gluing theorem in cornered Heegaard Floer homology, was proved only over ${\mathbb{F}}_2$ and without gradings. In this paper we add signs and prove a graded version of the interval gluing theorem over ${\mathbb{Z}}$, enabling a more detailed comparison of these aspects of decategorified Heegaard Floer theory with modern work on non-semisimple 3d TQFTs in mathematics and physics.
A Bivalent Human Norovirus Vaccine Induces Homotypic and Heterotypic Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Atmar Robert L , Ettayebi Khalil , Ramani Sasirekha , Neill Frederick H , Lindesmith Lisa , Baric Ralph S , Brinkman Amanda , Braun Ralph , Sherwood James , Estes Mary K
Published: October 2023

A GII.2 outbreak in an efficacy study of a bivalent virus-like particle norovirus vaccine, TAK-214, in healthy US adults provided an opportunity to examine GII.4 homotypic vs GII.2 heterotypic responses to vaccination and infection. Three serologic assays—virus-like particle binding, histoblood group antigen blocking, and neutralizing—were performed for each genotype. Results were highly correlated within a genotype but not between genotypes. Although the vaccine provided protection from GII.2-associated disease, little GII.2-specific neutralization occurred after vaccination. Choice of antibody assay can affect assessments of human norovirus vaccine immunogenicity.
The effect of cluster dynamical state on ram-pressure stripping
Authors: Lourenço Ana C C , Jaffé Y L , Vulcani B , Biviano A , Poggianti B , Moretti A , Kelkar K , Crossett J P , Gitti M , Smith R , Laganá T F , Gullieuszik M , Ignesti A , McGee S , Wolter A , Sonkamble S , Müller A
Published: October 2023

Theoretical and observational studies have suggested that ram-pressure stripping (RPS) by the intracluster medium can be enhanced during cluster interactions, boosting the formation of the ‘jellyfish’ galaxies. In this work, we study the incidence of galaxies undergoing RPS in 52 clusters of different dynamical states. We use optical data from the WINGS/OmegaWINGS surveys and archival X-ray data to characterize the dynamical state of our cluster sample, applying eight different proxies. We then compute the number of RPS candidates relative to the infalling population of blue late-type galaxies within a fixed circular aperture in each cluster. We find no clear correlation between the fractions of RPS candidates and the different cluster dynamical state proxies considered. These fractions also show no apparent correlation with cluster mass. To construct a dynamical state classification closer to a merging ‘sequence’, we perform a visual classification of the dynamical states of the clusters, combining information available in optical, X-ray, and radio wavelengths. We find a mild increase in the RPS fraction in interacting clusters with respect to all other classes (including post-mergers). This mild enhancement could hint at a short-lived enhanced RPS in ongoing cluster mergers. However, our results are not statistically significant due to the low galaxy numbers. We note this is the first homogeneous attempt to quantify the effect of cluster dynamical state on RPS using a large cluster sample, but even larger (especially wider) multiwavelength surveys are needed to confirm the results.
Probing cosmic homogeneity in the Local Universe
Authors: Dias Bruno L , Avila Felipe , Bernui Armando
Published: October 2023

We investigate the transition scale to homogeneity, RH, using as cosmic tracer the spectroscopic sample of blue galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Considering the spatial distribution of the galaxy sample, we compute the two point correlation function ξ(r), the scaled counts in spheres $\mathcal {N}(\lt r)$, and the fractal dimension $\mathcal {D}_2(r)$ to quantify the homogeneity scale in the Local Universe (0.04 < z < 0.20). The sample in analysis is compared with random and mock catalogues with the same geometry, and the same number of synthetic cosmic objects as the data set, to calculate the covariance matrix for the errors determination. The criteria adopted for the transition-to-homogeneity follows the literature, it is attained when $\mathcal {D}_2(r)$ reaches the 1 per cent level of the limit value 3 (i.e. where it reaches 2.97) as the scale increases. We obtain RH = 70.33 ± 10.74 Mpc h−1, at the effective redshift zeff = 0.128, for a sample containing $150\, 302$ SDSS blue galaxies with 0.04 < z < 0.20. Additionally, we perform robustness tests by analysing the homogeneity scale in sub-volumes of the original one, obtaining coherent results; we also check for a possible artefact in our procedure examining a homogeneous synthetic data set as a pseudo-data, verifying that such systematic is absent. Because our analyses concentrate in data at low redshifts, z < 0.20, we find interesting to use cosmography to calculate the radial comoving distances; therefore in this subject our analyses do not use fiducial cosmological model. For completeness, we evaluate the difference of the comoving distances estimation using cosmography and fiducial cosmology.
A new, purely photometric method for determination of resonance locations in spiral galaxies
Authors: Marchuk Alexander A , Mosenkov Aleksandr V , Chugunov Ilia V , Kostiuk Valeria S , Skryabina Maria N , Reshetnikov Vladimir P
Published: October 2023

The knowledge of the positions of the corotation resonance in spiral arms is a key way to estimate their pattern speed, which is a fundamental parameter determining the galaxy dynamics. Various methods for its estimation have been developed, but they all demonstrate certain limitations and a lack of agreement with each other. Here, we present a new method for estimating the corotation radius. This method takes into account the shape of the profile across the arm and its width and, thus, only photometric data is needed. The significance of the method is that it can potentially be used for the farthest galaxies with measurable spiral arms. We apply it to a sample of local galaxies from Savchenko et al.(2020) and compare the obtained corotation radii with those previously measured in the literature by other methods. Our results are in good agreement with the literature. We also apply the new method to distant galaxies from the COSMOS field. For the first time, corotation locations for galaxies with photometric redshifts up to z ∼ 0.9 are measured.
Mental Health across the Early Life Course at the Intersection of Race, Skin Tone, and School Racial Context
Authors: Hargrove Taylor W
Published: October 2023

Prior research documents higher levels of depressive symptoms among Black Americans relative to Whites. Yet, we know less about the role of other dimensions of stratification (e.g., skin tone) in shaping mental health inequality between Black and White adults, and whether mental health trajectories by race and skin tone among Black adults are contingent upon social contexts in childhood and adolescence. To address these gaps, this study asks: (1) to what extent do self-identified race and interviewer-rated skin tone among Black respondents shape inequalities in depressive symptoms between Black and White Americans across ages 12–42? (2) Are trajectories of depressive symptoms by race and skin tone among Black respondents contingent on school racial contexts (e.g., school racial composition)? Using five waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and growth curve models, results suggest trajectories of depressive symptoms across ages 12–42 vary by race, school racial context, and skin tone among Black respondents. Specifically, Black students rated as having very dark, dark, and medium brown skin who attended high proportion Black schools in adolescence experienced lower levels of depressive symptoms than their White and light-skinned Black counterparts, particularly across the teen years and early 20s. Conversely, attending higher proportion White schools led to increases in depressive symptoms across earlier ages for Black students, particularly those who fell within the middle of the skin color continuum. Findings highlight competing advantages and disadvantages of navigating racialized spaces in childhood/adolescence for Black Americans of different skin tones.
Age‐related flexibility of energetic metabolism in the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Menail Hichem A. , Cormier Simon B. , Léger Adèle , Robichaud Samuel , Hebert‐Chatelain Etienne , Lamarre Simon G. , Pichaud Nicolas
Published: October 2023

The mechanisms that underpin aging are still elusive. In this study, we suggest that the ability of mitochondria to oxidize different substrates, which is known as metabolic flexibility, is involved in this process. To verify our hypothesis, we used honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica) at different ages, to assess mitochondrial oxygen consumption and enzymatic activities of key enzymes of the energetic metabolism as well as ATP5A1 content (subunit of ATP synthase) and adenylic energy charge (AEC). We also measured mRNA abundance of genes involved in mitochondrial functions and the antioxidant system. Our results demonstrated that mitochondrial respiration increased with age and favored respiration through complexes I and II of the electron transport system (ETS) while glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P) oxidation was relatively decreased. In addition, glycolytic, tricarboxylic acid cycle and ETS enzymatic activities increased, which was associated with higher ATP5A1 content and AEC. Furthermore, we detected an early decrease in the mRNA abundance of subunits of NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B2 (NDUFB2, complex I), mitochondrial cytochrome b (CYTB, complex III) of the ETS as well as superoxide dismutase 1 and a later decrease for vitellogenin, catalase and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1, complex IV). Thus, our study suggests that the energetic metabolism is optimized with aging in honey bees, mainly through quantitative and qualitative mitochondrial changes, rather than showing signs of senescence. Moreover, aging modulated metabolic flexibility, which might reflect an underpinning mechanism that explains lifespan disparities between the different castes of worker bees.
Trained immunity in diabetes and hyperlipidemia: Emerging opportunities to target cardiovascular complications and design new therapies
Authors: Robinson Katherine A. , Akbar Naveed , Baidžajevas Kajus , Choudhury Robin P.
Published: October 2023

Some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, are associated with a state of inflammation, which adversely affects cardiovascular health. Emerging evidence suggests that long‐term hyperactivation of innate immune cells and their bone marrow progenitors, termed trained immunity, functions to accelerate atherosclerosis and its complications in cardiometabolic diseases. This review will focus on how trained immunity is established, particularly through metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, to cause persistent and deleterious changes in immune cell function, even after the original stimulus has been corrected or removed. Understanding the mechanisms driving maladaptive trained immunity and its fundamental contribution to cardiovascular disease might enable the development of novel disease‐modifying therapeutics for the reduction in cardiovascular risk in diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and related cardiometabolic states.
Inadequate Lymph Node Yield: An Inadequate Indication for Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage II Colon Cancer
Authors: Zambeli-Ljepović Alan , Hoffman Daniel , Barnes Katherine E. , Romero-Hernandez Fernanda , Ashraf Ganjouei Amir , Adam Mohamed A. , Sarin Ankit
Published: October 2023

Background:

Optimal therapy for stage II colon cancer remains unclear, and national guidelines recommend “consideration” of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in the presence of high-risk features, including inadequate lymph node yield (LNY, <12 nodes). This study aims to determine whether the survival benefit of ACT in stage II disease varies based on the adequacy of LNY.

Methods:

We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify adults who underwent resection for a single primary T3 or T4 colon cancer between 2006 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression tested for associations between ACT and prespecified demographic and clinical characteristics, including the adequacy of LNY. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess overall survival and restricted cubic splines to estimate the optimal LNY threshold to dichotomize patients based on overall survival.

Results:

Unadjusted 5- and 10-year survival rates were 84% and 75%, respectively, among patients who received ACT and 70% and 50% among patients who did not (log-rank P < 0.01). Inadequate LNY was independently associated with both receipt of ACT (odds ratios, 1.50; P < 0.01) and decreased overall survival [hazard ratio (HR), 1.56; P < 0.01]. ACT was independently associated with improved survival (HR, 0.67; P < 0.01); this effect size did not change based on the adequacy of LNY (interaction P = 0.41). Results were robust to re-analysis with our cohort-optimized threshold of 18 lymph nodes.

Conclusions:

Consistent with contemporary guidelines, patients with inadequate LNY are more likely to receive ACT. LNY adequacy is an independent prognostic factor but, in isolation, should not dictate whether patients receive ACT.
Pronation Reveals a Heterogeneous Response of Global and Regional Respiratory Mechanics in Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
Authors: Morais Caio C.A. , Alcala Glasiele , De Santis Santiago Roberta R. , Valsecchi Carlo , Diaz Eduardo , Wanderley Hatus , Fakhr Bijan Safaee , Di Fenza Raffaele , Gianni Stefano , Foote Sara , Chang Marvin G. , Bittner Edward A. , Carroll Ryan W. , Costa Eduardo L.V. , Amato Marcelo B.P. , Berra Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Experimental models suggest that prone position and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) homogenize ventral–dorsal ventilation distribution and regional respiratory compliance. However, this response still needs confirmation on humans. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the changes in global and regional respiratory mechanics in supine and prone positions over a range of PEEP levels in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.

DESIGN:

A prospective cohort study.

PATIENTS:

Twenty-two intubated patients with ARDS caused by COVID-19 pneumonia.

INTERVENTIONS:

Electrical impedance tomography and esophageal manometry were applied during PEEP titrations from 20 cm H2O to 6 cm H2O in supine and prone positions.

MEASUREMENTS:

Global respiratory system compliance (Crs), chest wall compliance, regional lung compliance, ventilation distribution in supine and prone positions.

MAIN RESULTS:

Compared with supine position, the maximum level of Crs changed after prone position in 59% of ARDS patients (n = 13), of which the Crs decreased in 32% (n = 7) and increased in 27% (n = 6). To reach maximum Crs after pronation, PEEP was changed in 45% of the patients by at least 4 cm H2O. After pronation, the ventilation and compliance of the dorsal region did not consistently change in the entire sample of patients, increasing specifically in a subgroup of patients who showed a positive change in Crs when transitioning from supine to prone position. These combined changes in ventilation and compliance suggest dorsal recruitment postpronation. In addition, the subgroup with increased Crs postpronation demonstrated the most pronounced difference between dorsal and ventral ventilation distribution from supine to prone position (p = 0.01), indicating heterogeneous ventilation distribution in prone position.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prone position modifies global respiratory compliance in most patients with ARDS. Only a subgroup of patients with a positive change in Crs postpronation presented a consistent improvement in dorsal ventilation and compliance. These data suggest that the response to pronation on global and regional mechanics can vary among ARDS patients, with some patients presenting more dorsal lung recruitment than others.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiac Arrest: Does Age Matter?*
Authors: George Naomi , Stephens Krista , Ball Emily , Crandall Cameron , Ouchi Kei , Unruh Mark , Kamdar Neil , Myaskovsky Larissa
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

The impact of age on hospital survival for patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for cardiac arrest (CA) is unknown. We sought to characterize the association between older age and hospital survival after ECPR, using a large international database.

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry.

PATIENTS:

Patients 18 years old or older who underwent ECPR for CA between December 1, 2016, and October 31, 2020.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The primary outcome was adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of death after ECPR, analyzed by age group (18–49, 50–64, 65–74, and > 75 yr). A total of 5,120 patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 57 years (interquartile range, 46–66 yr). There was a significantly lower aOR of survival for those 65–74 (0.68l 95% CI, 0.57–0.81) or those greater than 75 (0.54; 95% CI, 0.41–0.69), compared with 18–49. Patients 50–64 had a significantly higher aOR of survival compared with those 65–74 and greater than 75; however, there was no difference in survival between the two youngest groups (aOR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.79–1.05). A sensitivity analysis using alternative age categories (18–64, 65–69, 70–74, and ≥ 75) demonstrated decreased odds of survival for age greater than or equal to 65 compared with patients younger than 65 (for age 65–69: odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59–0.86; for age 70–74: OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67–1.04; and for age ≥ 75: OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50–0.81).

CONCLUSIONS:

This investigation represents the largest analysis of the relationship of older age on ECPR outcomes. We found that the odds of hospital survival for patients with CA treated with ECPR diminishes with increasing age, with significantly decreased odds of survival after age 65, despite controlling for illness severity and comorbidities. However, findings from this observational data have significant limitations and further studies are needed to evaluate these findings prospectively.
Diagnosis and Prognosis of Thyroid Cancer by Immune-related Genes
Authors: Li Jinze , Li Zhenjun , Zhao Ping
Published: October 2023

Background:

Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) is the most common malignant endocrine tumor with low mortality and a relatively good prognosis. Immune genes have attracted much attention as molecular markers of THCA prognosis and potential targets of immunotherapy.

Methods:

Our study analyzed the transcriptome and clinical data of immune-related genes (IRGs) of THCA in gene expression omnibus, the cancer genome atlas-THCA, and ImmPort databases. By univariate Cox regression analysis, 15 genes were significantly correlated with the survival of patients with THCA. Five IRGs (NMU, UBE2C, CDKN2A, COL19A1, and GPM6A) were selected by LASSO regression analysis as independent prognostic factors to construct a disease-free survival-related prognostic risk model.

Results:

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there was a significant difference in disease-free survival between high and low-risk groups. The higher the risk score, the worse the survival of patients. Clinical correlation analysis showed that age and Stage stage of patients were correlated with risk score (P < 0.05). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed that there were differences in the expression of 5 IRGs between tumor tissues and normal thyroid tissues. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the relative expression levels of NMU, CDKN2A, UBE2C, COL19A1, and GPM6A were positively correlated with programmed death-ligand 1 and recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin 1.

Conclusion:

Based on the bioinformatics method, we constructed a prognosis evaluation model and risk score system of IRGs in THCA, which provided a reference for predicting the prognosis of patients with THCA.
Loss of KDM6B epigenetically confers resistance to lipotoxicity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease–related HCC
Authors: Hatano Megumi , Akiyama Yoshimitsu , Shimada Shu , Yagi Kohei , Akahoshi Keiichi , Itoh Michiko , Tanabe Minoru , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Tanaka Shinji
Published: October 2023

Background:

NAFLD caused by abnormalities in hepatic lipid metabolism is associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of NAFLD-related HCC are not fully understood. We investigated the molecular mechanism and role of KDM6B downregulation in NAFLD-related HCC after the KDM6B gene was identified using microarray analysis as commonly downregulated in mouse NAFLD-related HCC and human nonhepatitis B and nonhepatitis C viral-HCC.

Methods:

The 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels of KDM6B in HCC cells were determined using glycosylated hydroxymethyl-sensitive PCR. Microarray and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses using KDM6B-knockout (KO) cells were used to identify KDM6B target genes. Lipotoxicity was assessed using a palmitate-treated cell proliferation assay. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate KDM6B expression in human HCC tissues.

Results:

KDM6B expression levels in HCC cells correlated with the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in the KDM6B gene body region. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the lipid metabolism pathway was suppressed in KDM6B-KO cells. KDM6B-KO cells acquired resistance to lipotoxicity (p < 0.01) and downregulated the expression of G0S2, an adipose triglyceride lipase/patatin like phospholipase domain containing 2 (ATGL/PNPLA2) inhibitor, through increased histone H3 lysine-27 trimethylation levels. G0S2 knockdown in KDM6B-expressed HCC cells conferred lipotoxicity resistance, whereas ATGL/PNPLA2 inhibition in the KDM6B-KO cells reduced these effects. Immunohistochemistry revealed that KDM6B expression was decreased in human NAFLD-related HCC tissues (p < 0.001), which was significantly associated with decreased G0S2 expression (p = 0.032).

Conclusions:

KDM6B-disrupted HCC acquires resistance to lipotoxicity via ATGL/PNPLA2 activation caused by epigenetic downregulation of G0S2 expression. Reduced KDM6B and G0S2 expression levels are common in NAFLD-related HCC. Targeting the KDM6B-G0S2-ATGL/PNPLA2 pathway may be a useful therapeutic strategy for NAFLD-related HCC.
A Tutorial for Propensity Score Weighting for Moderation Analysis With Categorical Variables
Authors: Griffin Beth Ann , Schuler Megan S. , Cefalu Matt , Ayer Lynsay , Godley Mark , Greifer Noah , Coffman Donna L. , McCaffrey Daniel F.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To provide step-by-step guidance and STATA and R code for using propensity score (PS) weighting to estimate moderation effects with categorical variables.

Research design:

Tutorial illustrating the key steps for estimating and testing moderation using observational data. Steps include: (1) examining covariate overlap across treatment groups within levels of the moderator; (2) estimating the PS weights; (3) evaluating whether PS weights improved covariate balance; (4) estimating moderated treatment effects; and (5) assessing the sensitivity of findings to unobserved confounding. Our illustrative case study uses data from 41,832 adults from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to examine if gender moderates the association between sexual minority status (eg, lesbian, gay, or bisexual [LGB] identity) and adult smoking prevalence.

Results:

For our case study, there were no noted concerns about covariate overlap, and we were able to successfully estimate the PS weights within each level of the moderator. Moreover, balance criteria indicated that PS weights successfully achieved covariate balance for both moderator groups. PS-weighted results indicated there was significant evidence of moderation for the case study, and sensitivity analyses demonstrated that results were highly robust for one level of the moderator but not the other.

Conclusions:

When conducting moderation analyses, covariate imbalances across levels of the moderator can cause biased estimates. As demonstrated in this tutorial, PS weighting within each level of the moderator can improve the estimated moderation effects by minimizing bias from imbalance within the moderator subgroups.