bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuevos imaginarios, nuevas representaciones : cartografía de narrativas latinoamericanas japonistas contemporáneas
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Letras, Ramos Romero Berenice
Published: September 2023

La investigación que se presenta a continuación determina las relaciones ideológicas, culturales y la introducción de elementos propios de la cultura japonesa, así como de la apropiación del imaginario nipón en la narrativa latinoamericana contemporánea. Este estudio doctoral denominado Nuevos imaginarios, nuevas representaciones: cartografía de narrativas latinoamericanas japonistas contemporáneas se conforma por el análisis de veintidós narraciones de autoras y autores que escriben historias vinculadas a Japón. Se trata de autoras y autores que participan de modo constante, a través de sus narrativas, en el diálogo social de sus propios países, pero a su vez encaran un diálogo cultural a nivel global. Cabe señalar, que lo que interesa de los textos que se analizan es la inclusión/apropiación del «al modo nipón», no se juzga su calidad, ni su veracidad con relación a la cultura japonesa. Los textos en los cuales se centra esta cartografía de narrativas latinoamericanas japonistas son El jardín de la señora Murakami de Mario Bellatin, Un samurái ve el amanecer en Acapulco de Álvaro Enrigue, «Bonsái» y «El matrimonio de los peces rojos» de Guadalupe Nettel, Cuaderno de Tokio de Horacio Castellanos, El libro de los bolsillos de Gonzalo Maier, «Extranjero» y «Polvo enamorado» de Augusto Higa Oshiro, Kimokawaii de Enrique Planas, «Isaac» de Sergio Galarza, «La epidemia de Traiguén» e «Imposible salir de la tierra» de Alejandra Costamagna, Nunca acaricies a un perro en llamas de Alberto Gallo, «Chicos que vuelven» de Mariana Enriquez, Bonsái de Alejandro Zambra, Umami de Laia Jufresa, «El jardín japonés» de Antonio Ortuño, «La gran ola de Kanagawa» de Sergio Cevedo, El libro de la desobediencia de Rafael Courtoisie, Que venga la gorda muerte de Álvaro Robledo, María Domecq y Yo recordaré por ustedes de Juan Forn. En estos textos se vislumbra un Japón cercano –incluso interiorizado–, no como un espacio exterior ideal sino como un ámbito integrado a las propias realidades y lecturas de lo que autoras y autores asimilan del país nipón. Por lo tanto, se presencia no un Japón mimético, ni un Japón verdadero en las obras estudiadas sino el territorio imaginado por las autoras y los autores y así se presenta de qué sirve Japón a estas obras, cuál es la necesidad de inscribir motivos japoneses en sus textos y qué vislumbran con estos.
Metáforas ambientales del Antropoceno : ficciones literarias del Cono Sur
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Letras, Rosa Rivero Sofía
Published: September 2023

A diferencia de otros términos empleados con anterioridad para designar el impacto destructivo de las actividades humanas sobre el planeta, el término Antropoceno desbordó rápidamente las discusiones geológicas y estratigráficas extendiéndose por diversos ámbitos de la producción artística y cultural de los últimos tiempos. Exposiciones, cortometrajes, ficciones literarias, documentales, instalaciones, entre otras expresiones culturales, buscan ampliar, traducir o contestar el abrumador catálogo de evidencias que conforman la “gran narrativa oficial del Antropoceno” (Lewis y Maslin), dándole densidad histórica y complejidad metafórica a la nueva época geológica. Si el Antropoceno tematiza y vuelve literal la metáfora del umbral de época (Blumenberg), entonces resulta necesaria una hermenéutica que no solo reconozca el estatuto reflexivo de las artes, también que guíe hacia horizontes comunes los sentidos que emergen al imaginar, pensar y sentir la crisis ecológica, social y política del Antropoceno. Un corpus de ficciones literarias recientes del Cono Sur busca dar cuenta de la especificidad local de la crisis ecológica global diagnosticada por el Antropoceno. Géneros con una fuerte tradición popular y denunciativa en la región como la novela negra y la ficción especulativa se actualizan ante los desafíos de representar la emergencia ambiental provocada por el cambio climático, la contaminación y el ecocidio. En el marco de la conversación ampliada de las humanidades ambientales respecto de las prácticas estéticas que crean nuevos horizontes éticos y políticos de convivencia presente y de coexistencia futura (Ballestero, Morton, Stengers) resulta pertinente el estudio de los dispositivos genéricos de la ficción que permiten, a un tiempo, ejercitar una crítica cultural del Antropoceno y hacer sensibles las relaciones ambientales en crisis. Hoy existe un amplio consenso en afirmar que la discusión del Antropoceno reavivó la colaboración entre arte y ciencia abriendo nuevos espacios de reflexión y acción ambiental. Sin embargo, aún falta trabajar en la proposición de conceptualizaciones que puedan dar cuenta de esas prácticas interdisciplinarias, e informar de sus alcances, emergencias y limitaciones. Con el fin de contribuir a esta reflexión, oriento el análisis ecocrítico de los textos literarios y científicos hacia la identificación de las metáforas que funcionan como transporte de la reflexión ambiental y como sustrato donde cultivar una comprensión (bio)diversa de las relaciones ambientales. De este modo, presento un primer acercamiento a la metafórica ambiental del Antropoceno en tanto campo de adherencia semántica (Fernández Mallo) donde se disputan, tematizan y resemantizan las metáforas y conceptos que buscan cifrar la experiencia de la crisis y su correlato en las inscripciones de la tierra.
Dança, Conhecimento e Empoderamento
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo de Maio
Published: September 2023

O conhecimento que emana da dança é hibrido de considerações, capaz de transformar aquele que coreografa, ensina, assiste, estuda, critica e dança. O presente texto tem por fim refletir sobre a tríade dança, conhecimento e empoderamento, destacando seus benefícios para o indivíduo e sociedade. A trajetória reflexiva teceu considerações sobre os termos epistemologia, experiência, corpo, cinestesia, motricidade, força, poder e conhecimento. Conclui-se que a dança além de ser arte e forma de expressão humana é uma ação que une o corpo a mente, formando saberes corporificados com potencial para formar e informar, portanto, empoderar seus atores.
Mulheres encenadoras em rede: articulações para práticas artísticas feministas
Authors: Castro de Souza Raquel
Published: September 2023

Este relato apresenta a experiência do agrupamento Mulheres Encenadoras - rede de pesquisa, criação e compartilhamento de trabalhos de mulheres artistas da área da encenação teatral criado em Belo Horizonte/MG – na realização do encontro "Mulheres Encenadoras em Rede", entre os meses de agosto e setembro de 2021. O evento contou com uma palestra performativa, cinco mesas temáticas, uma residência artística e quatro oficinas, além da produção de sete episódios de podcasts com a participação de diretoras brasileiras e estrangeiras. Tais ações tiveram como objetivo fomentar o desenvolvimento e o fortalecimento de uma rede de artistas e pesquisadoras mulheres (cis e trans, negras, lésbicas, mães, periféricas) que são muitas vezes invisibilizadas nos processos de legitimação no campo da pesquisa e produção artística. Pretende-se, com este relato, contribuir com as reflexões sobre práticas que se aliam aos feminismos, na medida em que buscam construir, difundir e visibilizar obras, poéticas, experiências, teorias e outros aparatos sobre e na linguagem cênica, a partir do ponto de vista de diferentes mulheres e em busca de uma desierarquização de gênero dentro de um sistema ainda pautado pela lógica androcêntrica e patriarcal.
The intracellular helical bundle of human glucose transporter GLUT4 is important for complex formation with ASPL
Authors: Huang Peng , Åbacka Hannah , Varela Daniel , Venskutonytė Raminta , Happonen Lotta , Bogan Jonathan S. , Gourdon Pontus , Amiry‐Moghaddam Mahmood R. , André Ingmar , Lindkvist‐Petersson Karin
Published: September 2023

Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are responsible for transporting hexose molecules across cellular membranes. In adipocytes, insulin stimulates glucose uptake by redistributing GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. In unstimulated adipose‐like mouse cell lines, GLUT4 is known to be retained intracellularly by binding to TUG protein, while upon insulin stimulation, GLUT4 dissociates from TUG. Here, we report that the TUG homolog in human, ASPL, exerts similar properties, i.e., forms a complex with GLUT4. We describe the structural details of complex formation by combining biochemical assays with cross‐linking mass spectrometry and computational modeling. Combined, the data suggest that the intracellular domain of GLUT4 binds to the helical lariat of ASPL and contributes to the regulation of GLUT4 trafficking by cooperative binding.
Early detection and environmental drivers of sewage fungus outbreaks in rivers
Authors: Albini Dania , Lester Lauren , Sanders Philip , Hughes Jocelyne M. R. , Jackson Michelle C.
Published: September 2023

Sewage effluent is a major ongoing threat to water quality and biodiversity in freshwater environments. It can cause outbreaks of sewage fungus (fungus‐like bacteria which form macroscopic masses) but, until now, these were only qualitatively recorded from visual inspection, ignoring microscopic forms.

Here, we used an innovative method that combines machine learning, microscopy and flow cytometry, to rapidly and efficiently quantify the presence and abundance of sewage fungus in rivers. Our study involved 11 rivers with (n = 6) and without (n = 5) sewage input in England over four sampling occasions.

We were able to detect and enumerate the filaments before masses became visible to the naked eye and, as expected, we found a higher number of filaments downstream of sites where treated sewage was offloaded into the river. Therefore, our detection method could be used as a ‘canary in the coal mine’ for future outbreaks allowing early intervention.

Combining our quantitative data on filaments with data on the physical and chemical parameters of the rivers, we found that high conductivity, sulphate, nitrates and TDS were associated with the presence and proliferation of sewage fungus. This information can be extremely useful for regulatory bodies and water companies to develop mitigating strategies and action to prevent future outbreaks.
Environmental influences on common waterhemp germination and tolerance to salinity and herbicides
Authors: Galvan Kelsey , Waselkov Katherine , Shrestha Anil
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the potential of common waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] invading the semiarid, salinity‐prone areas of the Central Valley (CV) of California, and its response to commonly used herbicides. Despite its status as one of the worst weeds in the US agriculture, common waterhemp is not very prevalent in California. Limited information exists on its germination ecology and potential to invade the CV, or its response to herbicides. Seeds were collected from a local common waterhemp population, and germination was tested under a range of water potential (0 to −4.17 MPa), salinity (0–25 dS m−1), and pH (5–9) levels. Plant tolerance to salinity at different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (0–20 EC) and mortality under applications of label rates of postemergence herbicides (glyphosate, glufosinate, rimsulfuron, or caprylic + capric acid) at the 4‐ to 6‐leaf or 8‐ to 10‐leaf stage were evaluated. Results showed that the seeds were moderately tolerant to drought and salinity as 50% and 55% of them germinated at −0.5 MPa and 10 EC, respectively. Germination was greater in neutral to alkaline than in acidic conditions. Plants were not very tolerant to salinity as 96% of them died at 10 EC. Most of the plants were controlled by herbicide applications at the 4‐ to 6‐leaf stage, but escapes occurred at the later stage. Therefore, the local population has the potential to germinate and establish in the CV but can be controlled by tested herbicides when applied at early stages.
Building Block‐Inspired Hybrid Perovskite Derivatives for Ferroelectric Channel Layers with Gate‐Tunable Memory Behavior
Authors: Xu Haojie , Sun Fapeng , Guo Wuqian , Han Shiguo , Liu Yi , Fan Qingshun , Tang Liwei , Liu Wei , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: September 2023

Ferroelectric photovoltaics driven by spontaneous polarization (Ps) holds a promise for creating the next‐generation optoelectronics, spintronics and non‐volatile memories. However, photoactive ferroelectrics are quite scarce in single homogeneous phase, owing to the severe Ps fatigue caused by leakage current of photoexcited carriers. Here, through combining inorganic and organic components as building blocks, we constructed a series of ferroelectric semiconductors of 2D hybrid perovskites, (HA)2(MA)n‐1PbnBr3n+1 (n=1–5; HA=hexylamine and MA=methylamine). It is intriguing that their Curie temperatures are greatly enhanced by reducing the thickness of inorganic frameworks from MAPbBr3 (n=∞, Tc=239 K) to n=2 (Tc=310 K, ΔT=71 K). Especially, on account of the coupling of room‐temperature ferroelectricity (Ps≈1.5 μC/cm2) and photoconductivity, n=3 crystal wafer was integrated as channel field effect transistor that shows excellent a large short‐circuit photocurrent ≈19.74 μA/cm2. Such giant photocurrents can be modulated through manipulating gate voltage in a wide range (±60 V), exhibiting gate‐tunable memory behaviors of three current states (“‐1/0/1” states). We believe that this work sheds light on further exploration of ferroelectric materials toward new non‐volatile memory devices.
Rational Design of Tunable Near‐Infrared Oxazine Probe with Large Stokes Shift for Leucine Aminopeptidase Detection and Imaging
Authors: Li Haiyan , Shen Yang , Dong Zhengkun , Li Wei , Yuan Lin
Published: September 2023

Near‐Infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with the advantages of deep tissue penetration and minimum background, has been widely employed and developed in the study of biological applications. However, small Stokes shifts, difficulty in optical tuning, and pH sensitivity are still the major limitations faced by current NIR dyes. To solve these problems, we rationally designed a pH insensitive amino‐tunable NIR oxazine fluorophore DQF‐NH2, which exhibited large Stokes shift (125 nm) accompanied with NIR excitation/emission due to the introduction an asymmetrical alternating vibronic feature. By benefiting from the excellent photophysical properties of DQF‐NH2, we have successfully constructed the probe DQF‐NH2‐LAP with the ability to detect endogenous LAP. Bioimaging assays demonstrated that DQF‐NH2‐LAP can not only effectively detect LAP in living cells, but also was successfully applied to image tumor tissue in vivo. We anticipate that the functionalizable dye DQF‐NH2 may be a potential new NIR dye platform with an optically tunable group for the development of future desirable probes for bioimaging.
CEO poverty experience and corporate environmental violations
Authors: Du Lei , Ren Shenggang
Published: September 2023

This study explores the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) early‐life poverty experiences on firms' environmental violations. By integrating upper echelon theory and imprinting theory, we argue that CEOs' poverty imprints cause them to re‐evaluate their life priorities and channel managerial attention to their firms' economic goal domains, thereby encouraging CEOs to pursue firm economic performance rather than environmental responsibility. Consequently, they manifest a tendency to engage in environmental violations. An analysis of a large sample of publicly listed Chinese firms during the period 2008–2020 provides strong support for the positive effect of CEO poverty experience on corporate environmental violations. This poverty imprint effect is weaker for CEOs with higher education backgrounds but stronger for firms with greater horizontal performance gaps. Our results survived an endogeneity check and various robustness tests.
Size‐based analysis of virus removal filter fouling using fractionated protein aggregates
Authors: Tsukamoto Keisuke , Hamamoto Ryo , Oguri Ryota , Miura Aki , Iwasaki Takuma , Sukegawa Takeshi
Published: September 2023

Fouling by protein aggregates reduces virus removal filter performance. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different‐sized protein aggregates on fouling and aggregate retention in order to better understand the fouling mechanisms. Human immunoglobulin G was denatured by heating to produce aggregates of various sizes and then fractionated by size exclusion chromatography into different‐sized aggregates with a narrow size distribution. The fractionated aggregates were filtered on Planova 20N, a virus removal filter known for its stable filtration capability. Analysis of flux behavior demonstrated different flux decrease patterns for different‐sized aggregates. Observation of aggregate retention by staining revealed that larger aggregates were captured closer to the inner surface of the membrane while smaller aggregates penetrated farther into the membrane. These findings demonstrate that Planova 20N has a gradient structure with decreasing pore size from the inner to the outer surface of the membrane. This structure minimizes fouling and enables stable filtration by protecting the smaller pores located closer to the outer surface from clogging by large aggregates. Applying the predominant clogging models to the present filtrations revealed that clogging behavior transitioned from complete blocking to cake filtration as filtration progressed. In this combination model, after a certain number of pores are blocked by complete blocking, newly arrived aggregates begin to accumulate on previously captured aggregates, generating cake between capture layers within the membrane. Application of the approaches described here will facilitate elucidation of membrane fouling and virus removal mechanisms.
One‐step production of fully biotinylated and glycosylated human Fc gamma receptors
Authors: Kang Minhyo , Wang Zening , Ge Xin
Published: September 2023

Initiating and regulating humoral immunity, Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) have been identified both as therapeutics and as drug targets, and thus production of biologically active FcγRs is highly demanded for biopharmaceutical development. Focusing on low‐affinity FcγRs IIA (131H/R allotypes), IIB, and IIIA (176F/V), this study used human 293‐F cells to achieve correct post‐translational modifications (PTMs) including biotinylation, N‐glycosylation, and disulfides. Approaches involving co‐expression of FcγR‐AviTag and Escherichia coli biotin ligase BirA, endoplasmic reticulum retention, stable and transient transfections, and optimization of transgene ratio were investigated. Protein electrophoresis under reducing and non‐reducing conditions, enzymatic deglycosylation, streptavidin pull‐down assays, and binding kinetic analysis collectively indicated that the produced FcγR ectodomains were fully biotinylated, N‐glycosylated, had formed disulfide bond, and exhibited expected binding affinities toward IgG1 trastuzumab and its Fc mutants. A clear trade‐off between production yield and PTM quality was also observed. Achieving multiple types of PTMs completely by one‐step cell culture should have applications for the production of a variety of complex proteins of biomedical importance.
Activation of PI3K/Akt pathway by G protein‐coupled receptor 37 promotes resistance to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Han , Zhu Yingjie , Niu Huikun , Jie Jing , Hua Shucheng , Bai Xiaoxue , Wang Shuai , Song Lei
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Lung cancer is a major public health concern and represents the most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Among eukaryotes, the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) family stands as the largest group of membrane proteins. Alterations in GPCR gene expression and dysregulation of signal transduction have been recognized as the markers of malignancy. As a member of the GPCR family, G protein‐coupled receptor 37 (GPR37) exhibits unknown functions in tumors, particularly in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Methods

We explored the expression and prognosis of GPR37 in NSCLC through TCGA, GTEx, GEO, and GEPIA2. We detected the expression of GPR37 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The study explored the influence of GPR37 on tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, we examined the effects of GPR37 on tumor cell apoptosis and invasion. Most importantly, we investigated whether GPR37 affects cisplatin‐induced drug resistance in NSCLC. Furthermore, by conducting animal experiments, we assessed the impact of GPR37 on NSCLC and delved into underlying mechanisms.

Results

(1) In NSCLC, the expression of GPR37 is markedly higher than that in corresponding normal tissues. We found that elevated GPR37 expression predicts an unfavorable prognosis. (2) It was demonstrated that GPR37 positively regulates NSCLC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation, suppresses cell apoptosis, heightens resistance to cisplatin, and promotes tumor formation and growth. Conversely, we observed that GPR37 knockdown suppresses NSCLC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation, promotes cell apoptosis, increases sensitivity to cisplatin, and affects tumor formation and growth. (3) GPR37 activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal transduction pathways to mediate epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby promoting the progression of NSCLC.

Conclusions

It was suggested that GPR37 acts a crucial role in promoting the occurrence and development of NSCLC. Knockdown of GPR37 significantly inhibits the occurrence and development of NSCLC. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that GPR37 may represent a viable therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Life‐threatening pontine hemorrhage secondary to HELLP syndrome
Authors: Ali Sajjad , Fazal Sara Anjum , Monawwer Syed Abdullah , Anan Mahfuza
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

HELLP syndrome is a severe form of pre‐eclampsia that typically develops prior to delivery but can sometimes happen postpartum. The classic triad of HELLP syndrome comprises of hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet counts. This condition is known to have a higher incidence of fatal neurological complications, such as pontine hemorrhage, when compared to a typical pre‐eclampsia.
An autopsy case of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow from esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Meguro Shiori , Furusawa Shin , Hashimoto Nanako , Kawasaki Hideya , Kosugi Isao , Enomoto Yasunori , Fujihiro Mayu , Tsukui Hiroe , Iwashita Toshihide
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow is rare. We present such a case, which is useful for raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of carcinomas complicated by disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow.

This is the first autopsy report of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Advanced poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell carcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus caused disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with extensive bone marrow metastasis, resulting in death from cerebral hemorrhage. Although DCBM due to malignancy is rare with poor prognosis, it should be considered in malignancies associated with DIC, and prompt initiation of chemotherapy is the only way to improve the patient's prognosis.
Enhanced Catalytic Selectivity in Hydrogenation of Substituted Nitroarenes through Hydrogen Spillover over Sodalite Zeolite Encapsulated Platinum Clusters
Authors: Yang Ganjun , He Yanan , Zhang Chengxi , Sun Zongyu , Han Mengxi , Peng Pai , Yue Yaning , Liu Hongxia , Liu Lei , Chen Junwen , Bai Licheng , Chen Qiang
Published: September 2023

Herein, we reported that the platinum (Pt) clusters encapsulated into sodalite (SOD) zeolite as catalyst exhibited 100 % selectivity at 100 % conversion in the selective hydrogenation of p‐chloronitrobenzene to p‐chloroaniline via hydrogen spillover. The direct interaction between p‐chloronitrobenzene and encapsulated Pt was prevented by the shape selectivity of SOD zeolite, reactants were thereby adsorbed onto zeolite outer surface to facilitate the hydrogenation proceeding by hydrogen spillover process. The further kinetic study and DFT calculation showed the excellent catalytic selectivity was ascribed to the much faster rate of hydrogenation of adsorbed nitro group than that of adsorbed C−Cl group.
Principal balances of compositional data for regression and classification using partial least squares
Authors: Nesrstová V. , Wilms I. , Palarea‐Albaladejo J. , Filzmoser P. , Martín‐Fernández J. A. , Friedecký D. , Hron K.
Published: September 2023

High‐dimensional compositional data are commonplace in the modern omics sciences, among others. Analysis of compositional data requires the proper choice of a log‐ratio coordinate representation, since their relative nature is not compatible with the direct use of standard statistical methods. Principal balances, a particular class of orthonormal log‐ratio coordinates, are well suited to this context as they are constructed so that the first few coordinates capture most of the compositional variability of data set. Focusing on regression and classification problems in high dimensions, we propose a novel partial least squares (PLS) procedure to construct principal balances that maximize the explained variability of the response variable and notably ease interpretability when compared to the ordinary PLS formulation. The proposed PLS principal balance approach can be understood as a generalized version of common log‐contrast models since, instead of just one, multiple orthonormal log‐contrasts are estimated simultaneously. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed method using both simulated and empirical data sets.
Ausreifen einer Risikotechnologie
Authors: Böck Barbara
Published: September 2023

No abstract.
Development of the vertebra and fin skeleton in the lamprey and its implications for the homology of vertebrate vertebrae
Authors: Kariyayama Hirofumi , Gogoleva Natalia , Harada Keishi , Yokoyama Hiromasa , Ono Hiroki , Suzuki Daichi G. , Yamazaki Yuji , Wada Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Background

Although vertebrae are the defining character of vertebrates, they are found only in rudimentary form in extant agnathans. In addition, the vertebrae of agnathans possess several unique features, such as elastin‐like molecules as the main matrix component and late (post‐metamorphosis) differentiation of lamprey vertebrae. In this study, by tracing the developmental process of vertebrae in lamprey, we examined the homology of vertebrae between lampreys and gnathostomes.

Results

We found that the lamprey somite is first subdivided mediolaterally, with myotome cells differentiating medially and non‐myotome cells emerging laterally. Subsequently, collagen‐positive non‐myotome cells surround the myotome. This pattern of somitogenesis is rather similar to that in amphioxi and sheds doubt on the presence of a sclerotome, in terms of mesenchyme cells induced by a signal from the notochord, in lamprey. Further tracing of non‐myotome cell development revealed that fin cartilage develops in ammocoete larvae approximately 35 mm in body length. The development of the fin cartilage occurs much earlier than that of the vertebra whose development proceeds during metamorphosis.

Conclusion

We propose that the homology of vertebrae between agnathans and gnathostomes should be discussed carefully, because the developmental process of the lamprey vertebra is different from that of gnathostomes.
Comparative outcomes between transvaginal endoscopic hysterectomy and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in patients with benign uterine disease: A single‐center, retrospective, cohort, interrupted time‐series study
Authors: Jiamset Ingporn , Uttraporn Pawara , Suphasynth Yuthasak
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To compare the surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and transvaginal endoscopic hysterectomy (TVEH) for benign uterine diseases.

Methods

This retrospective, cohort, interrupted time‐series study included patients who underwent TLH between January 2013 and September 2016 and TVEH between October 2016 and June 2020. Median difference regression was used to compare the hospital length of stay (LOS) and operative time between the groups. Risk difference regression was used to analyze the proportion of patients who developed postoperative fever or vaginal stump infection.

Results

Of the total 171 patients enrolled, 101 and 70 underwent TVEH and TLH, respectively. The mean ages of patients in the TVEH and TLH groups were 46.49 and 46.17 years, respectively. No conversion was observed. Ureteric injury occurred in one patient in the TVEH group, whereas there was no organ injury in any of the patients in the TLH group. Compared with those in the TLH group, patients in the TVEH group had a significantly shorter median operative time, shorter hospital LOS, lower morphine use, and lower postoperative febrile morbidity rates. However, no significant difference was observed in the rate of vaginal stump infection between the groups.

Conclusion

Given the shorter operative time, shorter hospital LOS, less febrile morbidity, and lower morphine use in patients with TVEH than in those with TLH, TVEH should be considered as an alternative hysterectomy procedure for benign uterine diseases.
Durable response to pembrolizumab in microsatellite instability‐high advanced adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Senda Masaya , Hashimoto Kohei , Shindo Tetsuya , Kobayashi Ko , Tanaka Toshiaki , Masumori Naoya
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Advanced adrenocortical carcinoma has a poor prognosis and is treated with chemotherapy that includes mitotane with etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin as first‐line therapy. However, second‐line therapy has not been determined yet. Pembrolizumab has been approved for high microsatellite instability for which standard treatments have failed.

Case presentation

Here, we present a patient with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma treated with complete surgical resection. 21 months later, he had local and metastatic recurrences. After four cycles of first‐line therapy, we switched to pembrolizumab because microsatellite instability‐high was detected in his tumor. He has received mitotane and pembrolizumab for 15 months, and this has exerted a radiographical response without severe adverse events.

Conclusion

We presented a patient with microsatellite instability‐high advanced adrenocortical carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab and mitotane.
Water requirements of banana and papaya under different water table depths and soil types in the Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan
Authors: Gul Nazar , Salam Hafiz Abdul , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: September 2023

The water requirements of banana and papaya, the two most important fruit crops of Pakistan, are not known because farmers continue to apply water even if the crop does not need it. In this study, the evapotranspiration (ET), groundwater contribution (GW) and crop coefficient (Kc) values of banana (1995–1999) and papaya (2013–2016) were determined under different water table depths (WTDs) and soil types using drainage‐type lysimeters. The WTDs were maintained at 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 m from the ground surface by means of Mariotte bottles. The banana ET during the first year was between 1653 and 1992 mm with a GW contribution of 11–20%, whereas during the second to fifth years, it was between 2430 and 3023 mm with a GW contribution of 10–16%. The banana yield was in the range of 58,638–79,780 kg ha−1, and the water use efficiency (WUE) was between 2.65 and 3.31 kg m−3. The papaya ET was between 1478 and 1766 mm with a GW contribution of 7–18% at 1.50–2.50 m WTDs. The papaya yield was in the range of 61,184–83,004 kg ha−1 with a WUE of 4.13–4.70 kg m−3. Therefore, GW contribution is an important component of the water balance under shallow water table conditions and should be considered when devising irrigation scheduling for banana and papaya crops.
CBX8 promotes lung adenocarcinoma growth and metastasis through transcriptional repression of CDKN2C and SCEL
Authors: Chen Hao , Su Yijie , Yang Lihong , Xi Lishan , Li Xuanyuan , Lan Bei , Liu Min , Xuan Chenghao
Published: September 2023

Dysregulation of polycomb group (PcG) proteins that mediate epigenetic gene silencing contributes to tumorigenesis. As core components of the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), chromobox (CBX) proteins recognize H3K27me3 to recruit PRC1 to maintain a repressive transcriptional state. However, the individual biological functions of these CBX proteins in tumorigenesis warrant in‐depth investigation. In this study, we analyzed the mRNA expression of CBX family genes across multiple cancers using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and found different expression patterns of the five CBX genes in different types of cancer. This analyses together with the result of immunohistochemistry indicated that CBX8 expression was significantly higher in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues compared to adjacent nontumor tissues. Overexpression approaches demonstrated that CBX8 facilitated LUAD cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Consistently, CBX8 knockdown reduced LUAD cell proliferation and migration in both cell culture and mouse models. RNA sequencing combined with real‐time RT‐PCR assays revealed CDKN2C and SCEL as target genes of CBX8. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that CBX8 directly bound to the promoters of CDKN2C and SCEL to establish H2AK119ub. CBX8 depletion reduced the enrichment of H2AK119ub on CDKN2C and SCEL promoters. Moreover, depletion of CDKN2C and SCEL restored the repressed growth and invasion ability of LUAD cells caused by CBX8 knockdown. These findings demonstrate that CBX8 promotes LUAD growth and metastasis through the transcriptional repression of CDKN2C and SCEL. Our study uncovers the oncogenic role of CBX8 in LUAD progression and provides a new target for the diagnosis and therapy of LUAD.
Validity of computed tomography defined body composition as a prognostic factor for functional outcome after kidney transplantation
Authors: Swaab Tim D. A. , Quint Evelien E. , Westenberg Lisa B. , Zorgdrager Marcel , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Viddeleer Alain R. , Pol Robert A.
Published: September 2023

Background

The prevalence of sarcopenia is markedly higher in kidney transplant candidates than in the general population. It is a syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which increases the risk of adverse postoperative outcomes.

Methods

We studied the impact of computed tomography defined preoperative sarcopenia, defined as a skeletal muscle index below age and gender specific cut‐off values, on postoperative physical functional outcomes (grip strength, 4‐m walking test, timed up and go, and sit to stand) at 6 months follow up.

Results

A total of 107 patients transplanted between 2015 and 2019 were included in this single‐centre study. Mean age was 60.3 (±13.1), and 68.2% of patients were male. Ten patients (9.4%) were identified as sarcopenic. Sarcopenic patients were younger (55.6 (±15.1) vs. 60.8 (±12.9) years), more likely to be female (60.0% vs. 28.9%), and had an increased dialysis vintage (19 [2.5–32.8] vs. 9 [0.0–21.0] months) in comparison with their non‐sarcopenic counterparts. In univariate analysis, they had a significantly lower body mass index and skeletal muscle area (P ≤ 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, skeletal muscle index was significantly associated with grip strength (β = 0.690, R2 = 0.232) and timed up and go performance (β = −0.070, R2 = 0.154).

Conclusions

We identified a significant association between sarcopenia existing pre‐transplantation and poorer 6 months post‐transplantation physical functioning with respect to hand grip strength and timed up and go tests in kidney transplant recipients. These results could be used to preoperatively identify patients with an increased risk of poor postoperative physical functional outcome, allowing for preoperative interventions to mitigate these risks.
Integrative analysis of an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related signature in multiple myeloma
Authors: Wu Chengyu , Liu Mei , Liu Jia , Jia Mingyuan , Zeng Xinyi , Fu Ze , Geng Yanlai , He Ziqi , Zhang Xian , Yan Hua
Published: September 2023

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy in which plasma cells proliferate abnormally, and it remains incurable. The cells are characterized by high levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and depend on the ERS response for survival. Thus, we aim to find an ERS‐related signature of MM and assess its diagnostic value.

Methods

We downloaded three datasets of MM from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. After identifying ERS‐related differentially expressed genes (ERDEGs), we analyzed them using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. A protein–protein interaction network, a transcription factor–mRNA network, a miRNA–mRNA network and a drug–mRNA network were constructed to explore the ERDEGs. The clinical application of these genes was identified by calculating the infiltration of immune cells and using receiver operating characteistic analyses. Finally, qPCR was performed to further confirm the roles of ERDEGs.

Results

We obtained nine ERDEGs of MM. Gene Ontology enrichment indicated that the ERDEGs played a role in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Additionally, the protein–protein interaction network showed interaction among the ERDEGs, and there were 20 proteins, 107 transcription factors, 42 drugs or molecular compounds and 51 miRNAs which were likely to interact with the nine genes. In addition, immune cell infiltration analyses showed that there was a strong correlation between the nine genes and immune cells, and these potential biomarkers exhibited good diagnostic values. Finally, the expression of ERDEGs in MM cells was different from that in healthy donor samples.

Conclusion

The nine ERS‐related genes, CR2, DHCR7, DNAJC3, KDELR2, LPL, OSBPL3, PINK1, VCAM1 and XBP1 are potential biomarkers of MM, and this supports further clinical development of the diagnosis and treatment of MM.
Ontogenetic skull variation in a shovel‐headed amphisbaenian species
Authors: Hohl Leandro dos S. L. , Azorit Concepción , Vassallo Aldo I. , Casinos Adrià , Machado Alessandra S. , Lopes Ricardo T. , Rocha‐Barbosa Oscar
Published: September 2023

Leposternon microcephalum is a species belonging to the Amphisbaenia, a group of burrowing reptiles. Amphisbaenia present various morphological and physiological adaptations that allow them to penetrate the ground and live underground, through a system of galleries and permanent chambers that they build themselves. Among the morphological adaptations in this group, those of the skull stand out as it serves as the main excavation tool. Four basic skull shapes are recognized: rounded, keeled, shovel‐shaped, and spade‐shaped. The skull of L. microcephalum belongs to this last type, which is considered the most specialized. The species inhabits soils that are highly compacted and difficult to penetrate. Among the species of Leposternon present in South America, L. microcephalum has the widest distribution, being found in all Brazilian biomes and neighboring countries such as Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The analysis of the skull of this species was carried out using three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics (3D‐GMM), a technique that allows comparative analysis, through robust statistical methods, of shape and its variations, using Cartesian coordinate data from a configuration of homologous landmarks. The technique allows the size and shape components of a structure to be analyzed separately. From an ontogenetic point of view, this methodology had also been used to investigate variations in Cynisca leucura, a member of the Amphisbaenidae with a rounded head. Our hypothesis is that the patterns of morphological differentiation in the skull, mainly in the intermediate and occipital regions, are similar in different Amphisbaenia species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze cranial morphological variations in an ontogenetic series of L. microcephalum using 3D‐GMM. Computed Tomographic scans of 13 specimens were analyzed: juveniles (N = 8) and adults (N = 5), based on 20 landmarks that characterize the skull. Principal components and regression analyses between shape (dependent variable) and size (independent variable) showed a clear difference between the cranial morphological pattern of juvenile individuals and that of adults. For instance, young specimens tend to have a dorsoventrally tall neurocranium, with the tip of the snout more anteriorly oriented and its dorsal border subtly curved. Dorsally, the parietal region is thicker and smoothly dome‐shaped in juveniles. As in C. leucura, the variation was strongly correlated with the size change from juvenile to adult, indicating a dominant role for ontogenetic allometry in determining skull shape.
Clinical Evaluation of Cystic Renal Masses With Bosniak Classification by Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and Contrast‐Enhanced Computer Tomography
Authors: Lan Li , Yang Yu , Xu Zi‐qiang , Jin Xuan‐chen , Huang Ka‐te , Chen Yu‐xuan , Yang Chen‐xing , Zhou Man
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The study aims to compare retrospectively three clinically applied methods for the diagnostic performance of cystic renal masses (CRMs) by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast‐enhanced computer tomography (CECT) with Bosniak classification system.

Methods

A total of 52 cases of Bosniak II–IV CRMs in 49 consecutive patients were diagnosed from January 2013 to July 2022 and their data were analyzed. All patients had been subjected to CEUS and CECT simultaneously. Pathological diagnoses and masses stability were used as standard references to determine whether lesions were malignant or benign. Then 49 CRMs only with pathologic results were classified into group 1 and 2.

Results

A total of 52 CRMs in 49 enrolled patients were classified into 8 category II, 16 category IIF, 15 category III, and 13 category IV by CEUS (EFSUMB 2020), 10 category II, 13 category IIF, 16 category III, and 13 category IV by CEUS (V2019), while 15 category II, 9 category IIF, 13 category III, and 15 category IV by CECT (V2019). Pathological results and masses stability longer than 5 years follow‐up performed substantially for CEUS (EFSUMB 2020), CEUS (V2019), and CECT (V2019) (kappa values were 0.696, 0.735, and 0.696, respectively). Among 49 pathologic approving CRMs, wall/septation thickness ≥4 mm, wall/septation thickness, presence of enhancing nodule and the diameter were found to be statistically significant for malignancy. Twenty‐two malignant masses were correctly diagnosed by CEUS (V2019), while 21 malignant masses were both correctly diagnosed by CEUS (EFSUMB 2020) and CECT (V2019), and 1 mass was misdiagnosed.

Conclusions

Bosniak classification of EFSUMB 2020 version might be as accurate as version 2019 CEUS and version 2019 CECT in diagnosing CRMs, and CEUS is found to have an excellent safety profile in dealing with clinical works.
Clinical significance of abdominal computed tomography and colonoscopy in the evaluation of phlebosclerotic colitis
Authors: Wang Pin‐Yi , Weng Kung‐Hsun , Liou Jyun‐Yan , Kuo Hsing‐Tao , Ho Chung‐Han , Sheu Ming‐Jen
Published: September 2023

Clinical manifestations of phlebosclerotic colitis (PC) exhibit significant variability, necessitating diverse treatment strategies depending on disease severity. However, there is limited research exploring the relationship between imaging findings and disease severity. Hence, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the correlation between computed tomography (CT) findings, colonoscopic features, and disease severity. This study compared the abdominal CT characteristics, colonoscopy findings, and treatment modalities of 45 PC patients. CT images were assessed for the severity of mesenteric venous calcification, maximum colonic wall thickness, number of involved colonic segments, and presence of pericolic inflammation. Colonoscopic images were assessed for dark purple discoloration mucosa, erosive and ulcerative lesions, mucosal edema, luminal narrowing, and the number of involved colonic segments. In addition, patients were categorized into three groups: the observation (n = 15), medical treatment (n = 19), and operation (n = 11) groups. In CT images, a significant difference in pericolic inflammation (p = 0.039) was observed among groups. Further, significant differences in dark purple discoloration mucosa (p = 0.033), erosive or ulcerative lesions (p < 0.001), mucosal edema (p < 0.001), luminal narrowing (p = 0.012), and the number of involved colonic segments (p = 0.001) were observed in colonoscopy. Moreover, we found positive correlations between CT and colonoscopy features. In conclusion, CT manifestations and colonoscopy findings exhibited correlation with disease severity in PC. When limited to one diagnostic tool, observations from that tool can infer potential manifestations of the alternative tool.
Understanding drivers of the spatial variability of soil organic carbon in China's terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Li Ya‐Ting , Yang Ren‐Min , Zhang Xin , Xu Lu , Zhu Chang‐Ming
Published: September 2023

The carbon balance of the global ecosystems is significantly influenced by the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool in China's terrestrial ecosystems. Nevertheless, the current understanding of the main controlling factors of SOC in different ecosystems and their discrepancies is limited. The goal of this research was to better understand the human and environmental variables affecting SOC in China's terrestrial ecosystems. We designed a conceptual framework using 2674 samples collected from four ecosystems (grasslands, shrublands, wetlands, and croplands) in China during the 2000–2014 period, combining geodetector and multiple regression (MR) approaches to investigate the effects of environmental conditions, human activity, and their interplay on surface SOC (0–20 cm). Results showed that there were large discrepancies in the strength of influencing factors among different ecosystems. Total nitrogen (TN), mean annual temperature (MAT), and bulk density (BD) were the major factors influencing SOC in grasslands. BD, TN, and pH dominated in shrublands. For wetlands, SOC stocks were primarily attributed to maximum temperature (TMMX), MAT, and potential evapotranspiration (PET). Croplands are predominantly controlled by minimum temperature (TMMN), MAT, and TN. These results highlight that natural factors, particularly climatic and soil characteristics, were the dominant factors controlling SOC stocks in China's terrestrial ecosystems. This work also highlights that the interaction of two influencing factors, especially, pairs of soil characteristics factors, pairs of climate and soil characteristics factors, can well explain the drivers of SOC on the surface soil in China. Our study emphasizes the spatial heterogeneity of the factors that influence SOC in terrestrial ecosystems, enhancing knowledge of SOC at the national level, and providing the guideline for devising better policy to improve C sequestration and mitigate climate changes.