bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient second-order cell-centered Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin method for two-dimensional elastic-plastic flows
Authors: Niu Panyu , Qing Fang , Wang Cheng , Jia Zupeng , Wang Wanli
Published: March 2024

An efficient second-order cell-centered Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for solving two-dimensional (2D) elastic-plastic flows with the hypo-elastic constitutive model and von Mises yield condition is presented. First, starting from the governing equations of conserved quantities in the Euler framework, the integral weak formulation of them in the Lagrangian framework is derived. Next, the DG method is used for spatial discretization of both the weak formulation of conserved quantities and the evolution equation of deviatoric stress tensor. The Taylor basis functions defined in the reference coordinates provide the piecewise polynomial expansion of the variables, including the conserved quantities and the deviatoric stress tensor. The vertex velocities and Cauchy stress tensor on the edges are computed using a nodal solver equipped with a variant of Li's new Harten-Lax-van Leer-contact approximate Riemann solver [Li et al., “An HLLC-type approximate Riemann solver for two-dimensional elastic-perfectly plastic model,” J. Comput. Phys. 448, 110675 (2022)], in which the longitudinal wave velocity in the plastic state is modified. Then the vertex velocities and Cauchy stress tensor on the edges are used to compute numerical fluxes. A second-order total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta scheme is used for time discretization of both the governing equations of conserved quantities and the evolution equation of deviatoric stress tensor. After solving the evolution equation of deviatoric stress tensor, a radial return algorithm is performed at the Gauss points of each element according to the von Mises yield condition. And then the coefficients of the DG expansion for the deviatoric stress tensor on each element are modified by a least squares procedure using the deviatoric stress tensors at these Gauss points. To achieve second-order accuracy, the least squares procedure is used for piecewise linear reconstruction of conserved quantities and the deviatoric stress tensor, and the Barth–Jespersen limiter is used to suppress the nonphysical numerical oscillation near the discontinuities. After that, the coefficients of the DG expansion are modified through L2 projection using the reconstructed polynomials. Finally, a second-order cell-centered Lagrangian DG scheme is established. Several tests demonstrate that the new scheme achieves second-order accuracy with good robustness, and that the DG method of updating the deviatoric stress tensor has comparable accuracy and much higher efficiency with mesh refinement compared with previous works.
Role of heterogenous microstructure and deformation behavior in achieving superior strength-ductility synergy in zinc fabricated via laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Dong Zhi , Han Changjun , Zhao Yanzhe , Huang Jinmiao , Ling Chenrong , Hu Gaoling , Wang Yunhui , Wang Di , Song Changhui , Yang Yongqiang
Published: March 2024

Zinc (Zn) is considered a promising biodegradable metal for implant applications due to its appropriate degradability and favorable osteogenesis properties. In this work, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing was employed to fabricate pure Zn with a heterogeneous microstructure and exceptional strength-ductility synergy. An optimized processing window of LPBF was established for printing Zn samples with relative densities greater than 99% using a laser power range of 80 ∼ 90 W and a scanning speed of 900 mm s−1. The Zn sample printed with a power of 80 W at a speed of 900 mm s−1 exhibited a hierarchical heterogeneous microstructure consisting of millimeter-scale molten pool boundaries, micrometer-scale bimodal grains, and nanometer-scale pre-existing dislocations, due to rapid cooling rates and significant thermal gradients formed in the molten pools. The printed sample exhibited the highest ductility of ∼12.1% among all reported LPBF-printed pure Zn to date with appreciable ultimate tensile strength (∼128.7 MPa). Such superior strength-ductility synergy can be attributed to the presence of multiple deformation mechanisms that are primarily governed by heterogeneous deformation-induced hardening resulting from the alternative arrangement of bimodal Zn grains with pre-existing dislocations. Additionally, continuous strain hardening was facilitated through the interactions between deformation twins, grains and dislocations as strain accumulated, further contributing to the superior strength-ductility synergy. These findings provide valuable insights into the deformation behavior and mechanisms underlying exceptional mechanical properties of LPBF-printed Zn and its alloys for implant applications.
Szegő recurrence for multiple orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle
Authors: Kozhan Rostyslav , Vaktnäs Marcus
Published: March 2024

We investigate polynomials that satisfy simultaneous orthogonality conditions with respect to several measures on the unit circle. We generalize the direct and inverse Szegő recurrence relations, identify the analogues of the Verblunsky coefficients, and prove the Christoffel–Darboux formula. These results should be viewed as the direct analogue of the nearest neighbour recurrence relations from the theory of multiple orthogonal polynomials on the real line.
Roots of unity and higher ramification in iterated extensions
Authors: Hamblen Spencer , Jones Rafe
Published: March 2024

Given a field

K
K

, a rational function

ϕ
∈
K
(
x
)

\phi \in K(x)

, and a point

b
∈

P

1

(
K
)

b \in \mathbb {P}^1(K)

, we study the extension

K
(

ϕ

−
∞

(
b
)
)

K(\phi ^{-\infty }(b))

generated by the union over

n
n

of all solutions to

ϕ
n

(
x
)
=
b

\phi ^n(x) = b

, where

ϕ
n

\phi ^n

is the

n
n

th iterate of

ϕ
\phi

. We ask when a finite extension of

K
(

ϕ

−
∞

(
b
)
)

K(\phi ^{-\infty }(b))

can contain all

m
m

-power roots of unity for some

m
≥
2

m \geq 2

, and prove that this occurs for several families of rational functions. A motivating application is to understand the higher ramification filtration when

K
K

is a finite extension of

Q

p

\mathbb {Q}_p

and

p
p

divides the degree of

ϕ
\phi

, especially when

ϕ
\phi

is post-critically finite (PCF). We show that all higher ramification groups are infinite for new families of iterated extensions, for example those given by bicritical rational functions with periodic critical points. We also give new examples of iterated extensions with subextensions satisfying an even stronger ramification-theoretic condition called arithmetic profiniteness. We conjecture that every iterated extension arising from a PCF map should have a subextension with this stronger property, which would give a dynamical analogue of Sen’s theorem for PCF maps.
On the 𝑝-rank of curves
Authors: Terzİ Sadik
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we are concerned with the computations of the

p
p

-rank of curves in two different setups. We first work with complete intersection varieties in

P

n

 for 
n
≥
2

\mathbf {P}^n \text { for } n\ge 2

and compute explicitly the action of Frobenius on the top cohomology group. In case of curves and surfaces, this information suffices to determine if the variety is ordinary. Next, we consider curves on more general surfaces with

p
g

(
S
)
=
0
=
q
(
S
)

p_g(S) = 0 = q(S)

such as Hirzebruch surfaces and determine

p
p

-rank of curves on Hirzebruch surfaces.
Non-realizability of some big mapping class groups
Authors: Chen Lei , He Yan Mary
Published: March 2024

In this note, we prove that the compactly supported mapping class group of a surface containing a genus

3
3

subsurface has no realization as a subgroup of the homeomorphism group. We also prove that for certain surfaces with order

6
6

symmetries, their mapping class groups have no realization as a subgroup of the homeomorphism group. Examples of such surfaces include the plane minus a Cantor set and the sphere minus a Cantor set.
Lie groups with all left-invariant semi-Riemannian metrics complete
Authors: Elshafei Ahmed , Ferreira Ana Cristina , Sánchez Miguel , Zeghib Abdelghani
Published: March 2024

For each left-invariant semi-Riemannian metric

g
g

on a Lie group

G
G

, we introduce the class of bi-Lipschitz Riemannian Clairaut metrics, whose completeness implies the completeness of

g
g

. When the adjoint representation of

G
G

satisfies an at most linear growth bound, then all the Clairaut metrics are complete for any

g
g

. We prove that this bound is satisfied by compact and 2-step nilpotent groups, as well as by semidirect products

K

⋉
ρ

R

n

K \ltimes _\rho \mathbb {R}^n

, where

K
K

is the direct product of a compact and an abelian Lie group and

ρ
(
K
)

\rho (K)

is pre-compact; they include all the known examples of Lie groups with all left-invariant metrics complete. The affine group of the real line is considered to illustrate how our techniques work even in the absence of linear growth and suggest new questions.
Corrigendum to “Bismut Ricci flat generalized metrics on compact homogeneous spaces”
Authors: Lauret Jorge , Will Cynthia
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this note is to report and fix an incorrect formula in the authors’s paper Bismut Ricci flat generalized metrics on compact homogeneous spaces [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 376 (2023), 7495-7519]. This allows us to obtain a stronger version of the main result Theorem 5.1, which now has a simplified statement. Other remarks and new examples are added.
Cul-4 inhibition rescues spastin levels and reduces defects in hereditary spastic paraplegia models
Authors: Sardina Francesca , Carsetti Claudia , Giorgini Ludovica , Fattorini Gaia , Cestra Gianluca , Rinaldo Cinzia
Published: March 2024

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are degenerative motor neuron diseases characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness in the lower limbs. The most common form of HSP is due to SPG4 gene haploinsufficiency. SPG4 encodes the microtubule severing enzyme spastin. Although, there is no cure for SPG4-HSP, strategies to induce a spastin recovery are emerging as promising therapeutic approaches. Spastin protein levels are regulated by poly-ubiquitination and proteasomal-mediated degradation, in a neddylation-dependent manner. However, the molecular players involved in this regulation are unknown.

Here, we show that the Cullin-4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL4) regulates spastin stability. Inhibition of CRL4 increases spastin levels by preventing its poly-ubiquitination and subsequent degradation in spastin-proficient and in patient derived SPG4 haploinsufficient cells. To evaluate the role of CRL4 complex in spastin regulation in vivo, we developed a Drosophila melanogaster model of SPG4 haploinsufficiency which show alterations of synapse morphology and locomotor activity, recapitulating phenotypical defects observed in patients. Downregulation of the CRL4 complex, highly conserved in Drosophila, rescues spastin levels and the phenotypical defects observed in flies. As a proof of concept of possible pharmacological treatments, we demonstrate a recovery of spastin levels and amelioration of the SPG4-HSP-associated defects both in the fly model and in patient-derived cells by chemical inactivation of the CRL4 complex with NSC1892.

Taken together, these findings show that CRL4 contributes to spastin stability regulation and that it is possible to induce spastin recovery and rescue of SPG4-HSP defects by blocking the CRL4-mediated spastin degradation.
Skin cancer referrals by nonmedical practitioners: a prospective observational study
Authors: Anderson Alexander D G , Carswell Sarah , Heath Harry , Koutsis James , Guitera Pascale
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of suspected skin cancer referrals made by nonmedical practitioners (NMPs) and compare this with referrals made by local general practitioners (GPs). Data were collected prospectively from patients referred from primary care to a UK hospital dermatology department. The profession of the referrer was ascertained from review of referral letters and direct questioning. Patient records and subsequent histology reports were reviewed to determine the ultimate diagnoses. Eighty-nine per cent of patients (n = 668/753) were referred by GPs vs. 11.3% (n = 85/753) by NMPs. Fifty-one per cent of patients (n = 340/668) in the GP group and 55% (n = 47/85) in the NMP group were discharged without intervention (P = 0.45). An ultimate diagnosis of skin malignancy was made in 196 of 668 (29.3%) patients in the GP and 25 of 85 (29%) patients in the NMP group (P = 0.99). These early data suggest significant potential for NMPs to become more involved in skin lesion assessment.
Integration of a polygenic score into guideline-recommended prediction of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Li Ling , Pang Shichao , Starnecker Fabian , Mueller-Myhsok Bertram , Schunkert Heribert
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

It is not clear how a polygenic risk score (PRS) can be best combined with guideline-recommended tools for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction, e.g. SCORE2.

Methods

A PRS for coronary artery disease (CAD) was calculated in participants of UK Biobank (n = 432 981). Within each tenth of the PRS distribution, the odds ratios (ORs)—referred to as PRS-factor—for CVD (i.e. CAD or stroke) were compared between the entire population and subgroups representing the spectrum of clinical risk. Replication was performed in the combined Framingham/Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) populations (n = 10 757). The clinical suitability of a multiplicative model ‘SCORE2 × PRS-factor’ was tested by risk reclassification.

Results

In subgroups with highly different clinical risks, CVD ORs were stable within each PRS tenth. SCORE2 and PRS showed no significant interactive effects on CVD risk, which qualified them as multiplicative factors: SCORE2 × PRS-factor = total risk. In UK Biobank, the multiplicative model moved 9.55% of the intermediate (n = 145 337) to high-risk group increasing the individuals in this category by 56.6%. Incident CVD occurred in 8.08% of individuals reclassified by the PRS-factor from intermediate to high risk, which was about two-fold of those remained at intermediate risk (4.08%). Likewise, the PRS-factor shifted 8.29% of individuals from moderate to high risk in Framingham/ARIC.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that absolute CVD risk, determined by a clinical risk score, and relative genetic risk, determined by a PRS, provide independent information. The two components may form a simple multiplicative model improving precision of guideline-recommended tools in predicting incident CVD.
Systems Approaches to Cell Culture-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Acute Kidney Injury Therapy: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Lundy David J , Szomolay Barbara , Liao Chia-Te
Published: March 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a heterogeneous syndrome, comprising diverse etiologies of kidney insults that result in high mortality and morbidity if not well managed. Although great efforts have been made to investigate underlying pathogenic mechanisms of AKI, there are limited therapeutic strategies available. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane-bound vesicles secreted by various cell types, which can serve as cell-free therapy through transfer of bioactive molecules. In this review, we first overview the AKI syndrome and EV biology, with a particular focus on the technical aspects and therapeutic application of cell culture-derived EVs. Second, we illustrate how multi-omic approaches to EV miRNA, protein, and genomic cargo analysis can yield new insights into their mechanisms of action and address unresolved questions in the field. We then summarize major experimental evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of EVs in AKI, which we subdivide into stem cell and non-stem cell-derived EVs. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities related to the clinical translation of animal studies into human patients.
Warm season ambient ozone and children’s health in the USA
Authors: Stowell Jennifer D , Sun Yuantong , Gause Emma L , Spangler Keith R , Schwartz Joel , Bernstein Aaron , Wellenius Gregory A , Nori-Sarma Amruta
Published: March 2024

Background

Over 120 million people in the USA live in areas with unsafe ozone (O3) levels. Studies among adults have linked exposure to worse lung function and higher risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies have examined the effects of O3 in children, and existing studies are limited in terms of their geographic scope or outcomes considered.

Methods

We leveraged a dataset of encounters at 42 US children’s hospitals from 2004–2015. We used a one-stage case-crossover design to quantify the association between daily maximum 8-hour O3 in the county in which the hospital is located and risk of emergency department (ED) visits for any cause and for respiratory disorders, asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and ear disorders.

Results

Approximately 28 million visits were available during this period. Per 10 ppb increase, warm-season (May through September) O3 levels over the past three days were associated with higher risk of ED visits for all causes (risk ratio [RR]: 0.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2%, 0.4%]), allergies (4.1% [2.5%, 5.7%]), ear disorders (0.8% [0.3%, 1.3%]) and asthma (1.3% [0.8%, 1.9%]). When restricting to levels below the current regulatory standard (70 ppb), O3 was still associated with risk of ED visits for all-cause, allergies, ear disorders and asthma. Stratified analyses suggest that the risk of O3-related all-cause ED visits may be higher in older children.

Conclusions

Results from this national study extend prior research on the impacts of daily O3 on children’s health and reinforce the presence of important adverse health impacts even at levels below the current regulatory standard in the USA.
A Philologist’s Perspective on Artificial Intelligence – a Case Study into English Dialect Dictionary Online 4.0
Authors: Markus Manfred , Kirner-Ludwig Monika
Published: March 2024

Our paper seeks to bridge the gap between a linguistic and a technological description of Artificial Intelligence, as we see chatbots and other representations pushing to the forefront of academic ways of working. We set out to venture a philologist’s perspective on AI, critically reflecting upon the extent and nature of a lexicographical software’s ‘intelligence.’ We shall discuss and demonstrate AI’s potentials and limitations by adhering to the specific case of the recently released English Dialect Dictionary Online 4.0 (Markus and team 2023). While we propose that EDD Online is ‘intelligent’ in the sense that its retrieval software will anticipate and be capable of answering many of the questions that dialectologists would raise, we claim that the reason for such ‘intelligence’ is inherently rooted within the competence of humans in terms of predicting such questions and of eliciting the answers by means of complex query rules. We shall in fact argue that – as opposed to retrieval software types like the hotly debated ChatGPT chatbot, which are merely black box phenomena – EDD Online 4.0’s user interface represents a rare feature of AI: transparency and proactive user-friendliness. (185 words)
Uptake and challenges with daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men and transgender women, suburban Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Tun Ni Ni , Smithuis Frank , Tun Nyan Lynn , Hteik Myo Min Min , Ko Myat Ko , Lynen Lutgarde , Decroo Tom , Florence Eric , Gils Tinne
Published: March 2024

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention in risk groups. We assessed PrEP uptake and 12-month retention among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Myanmar during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and a political crisis.

Methods

Using prospectively collected data, we assessed the proportion of persons eligible, initiated and retained 12 months on PrEP. We calculated HIV and syphilis incidence among those initiated on PrEP. Predictors of compliance to scheduled visits were assessed with fractional logistic regression.

Results

Among 652 persons screened between July and December 2020, 85.3% were eligible and 38.8% initiated PrEP. The daily pill burden was the main reason (86.5%) for refusing PrEP. A history of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and having an HIV-positive partner not on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) was associated with PrEP uptake (p<0.05). The 12-month retention among those initiating PrEP was 43.0%. Age ≥25 y, a history of PEP and having an HIV-positive partner not on ART predicted better compliance with scheduled visits (p<0.05). HIV incidence among PrEP initiators was 3.1 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3 to 7.4) and syphilis incidence was 17.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI 12.3 to 25.1).

Conclusions

A PrEP program for MSM and TGW in Myanmar was implemented successfully under difficult circumstances. Alternative strategies are needed addressing PrEP uptake and retention.
Potential contributions of keystone species to intestinal ecosystem in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Peng Yuzhu , Zhao Qi , Chen Shuijiao , Li Zhenyu , An Di , Zhang Xian
Published: March 2024

Aims

Ravelling the central but poorly understood issue that potential contributions of keystone species to intestinal ecosystem functioning of patients with certain life-altering diseases including Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods and results

In this study, a combination of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and amplicon-oriented metagenomic profiling was applied to gain insights into the shifts in bacterial community composition at different stages of CD course, and explore the functional roles of identified keystone species in intestinal microecosystem. Our results showed significant alterations in structure and composition of gut microbiota between CD patients and healthy control (HC) (P < 0.05), but was no difference at active and remission stages. Whole-community-based comprehensive analyses were employed to identify the differential species such as Escherichia coli, Anaerostipes hadrus, and Eubacterium hallii in CD patients, with healthy populations as the control. Metagenome-wide functional analyses further revealed that the relative abundance of specialized metabolism-related genes such as cynS, frdB, serA, and gltB from these bacterial species in CD group was significantly different (P < 0.05) from that in HC, and highlighted the potential roles of the keystone species in regulating the accumulation of important metabolites such as succinate, formate, ammonia, L-glutamate, and L-serine, which might have an effect on homeostasis of intestinal ecosystem.

Conclusions

The findings identify several potential keystone species that may influence the intestinal microecosystem functioning of CD patients and provide some reference for future CD treatment.
Consuming Regardless of Preference: Consumers Overestimate the Impact of Liking on Consumption
Authors: Yoon Heeyoung , Meyvis Tom
Published: March 2024

Given that the central objective of consumption in many contexts is to derive enjoyment or utility, it is reasonable to assume that how much people consume a product will primarily be driven by how much they like it. Yet, the current research finds that, although consumers indeed predict that they will consume a greater amount of options they like more, their actual consumption can be surprisingly insensitive to their preferences. Across six experiments, we find that consumers systematically overestimate the extent to which their consumption amount is determined by their preferences. We propose that how much people actually consume is determined by a variety of factors, including transient motivational states (e.g., hunger or boredom), consumption opportunities, and habits. Compared to these factors, however, people’s liking of a product tends to be more salient, better known, and perceived as a more normatively appropriate driver of consumption—leading consumers to focus overly on their preferences when predicting their consumption. We further propose that this prediction error has important implications for consumer welfare, as it can lead to suboptimal inventory decisions (e.g., over-purchasing of favorite products) as well as ineffective self-control strategies (e.g., restricting oneself to mediocre options in order to reduce consumption).
Genome-wide association studies and transcriptomics reveal mechanisms explaining the diversity of wheat root responses to nutrient availability
Authors: Ahmad Suhaib , Khan Hafiza Madeeha , Nawaz Amjad , Samad Muhammad Abdul , Cho Huikyong , Sarfraz Hira , Aziz Yasir , Rouached Hatem , Shahzad Zaigham
Published: March 2024

Nutrient availability profoundly influences plant root system architecture, which critically determines crop productivity. While Arabidopsis has provided important insights into the genetic responses to nutrient deficiency, translating this knowledge to crops, particularly wheat, remains a subject of inquiry. Here, examining a diverse wheat population under varying nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) levels, we uncover a spectrum of root responses, spanning from growth inhibition to stimulation, highlighting genotype-specific strategies. Furthermore, we reveal a nuanced interplay between macronutrient deficiency (N, P, and K) and Fe availability, emphasizing the central role of Fe in modulating root architecture. Through genome-wide association mapping, we identify 11 quantitative trait loci underlying root traits under varying nutrient availabilities, including homologous genes previously validated in Arabidopsis, supporting our findings. In addition, utilizing transcriptomics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging, and antioxidant treatment, we uncover that wheat root growth inhibition by nutrient deficiency is attributed to ROS accumulation, akin to the role of ROS in governing Arabidopsis root responses to nutrient deficiency. Therefore, our study reveals the conservation of molecular and physiological mechanisms between Arabidopsis and wheat to adjust root growth to nutrient availability, paving the way for targeted crop improvement strategies aimed at increasing nutrient use efficiency.
Growth model change in emerging economies: sectorial loci of growth and politics
Authors: Kalanta Marius
Published: March 2024

The article contributes to an ongoing debate in comparative political economy on the integration of the demand and supply sides in growth model (GM) analysis. In particular, the article focuses on the characteristics of export-led GMs in emerging economies and addresses questions of GM change. The article makes two contributions. First, for capturing differences between countries that adopt export-led growth, the article introduces the concept of a sectoral locus of growth. Second, the article links GM change to the interaction of politics and sectoral transformations that a country accumulated during the preceding GM. The article presents empirical support for its arguments from the cases of Estonia and Lithuania, which both recovered from the Global Financial Crisis by shifting from debt-led to export-led growth based, however, on different sectoral loci of growth: exports of low-quality manufacturing and services in Lithuania and exports of dynamic services in Estonia.
Response of the Symbiotic Microbial Community of Dioscorea opposita Cultivar Tiegun to Root-Knot Nematode Infection
Authors: Gao Jin , Chen Liting , Wang Jingjing , Zhao Weichao , Zhang Jiangli , Qin Zhao , Wang Mingzhu , Chen Xia , Li Mingjun , Yang Qingxiang
Published: March 2024

Yam is an important medicinal and edible dual-purpose plant with high economic value. However, nematode damage severely affects its yield and quality. One of the major effects of nematode infestations is the secondary infection of pathogenic bacteria or fungi through entry wounds made by the nematodes. Understanding the response of the symbiotic microbial community of yam plants to nematodes is crucial for controlling such a disease. In this study, we investigated the rhizosphere and how endophytic microbiomes shift after nematode infection during the tuber expansion stage in the Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cultivar Tiegun. Our results revealed that soil depth affected the abundance of nematodes, and the relative number of Meloidogyne incognita was higher in the diseased soil at a depth of 16 to 40 cm than those at a depth of 0 to 15 and 41 to 70 cm. The abundance of and interactions among soil microbiota members were significantly correlated with root-knot nematode (RKN) parasitism at various soil depths. However, the comparison of the microbial α-diversity and composition between healthy and diseased rhizosphere soil showed no difference. Compared with healthy soils, the co-occurrence networks of M. incognita-infested soils included a higher ratio of positive correlations linked to plant health. In addition, we detected a higher abundance of certain taxonomic groups belonging to Chitinophagaceae and Xanthobacteraceae in the rhizosphere of RKN-infested plants. The nematodes, besides causing direct damage to plants, also possess the ability to act synergistically with other pathogens, especially Ramicandelaber and Fusarium, leading to the development of disease complexes. In contrast to soil samples, RKN parasitism specifically had a significant effect on the composition and assembly of the root endophytic microbiota. The RKN colonization impacted a wide variety of endophytic microbiomes, including Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Rhizobium, Neocosmospora, and Fusarium. This study revealed the relationship between RKN disease and changes in the rhizosphere and endophytic microbial community, which may provide novel insights that help improve biological management of yam RKNs.
Traditional Chinese exercises on depression: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Yang , Liu Jin , Liu Peng , Teng Jing
Published: March 2024

Background:

Exercise is an important factor for the treatment and rehabilitation of depression. Traditional Chinese exercise is considered as an effective treatment for depression. In recent years, many studies have shown that Chinese exercise therapy may be safe in the treatment of depression. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese exercise on depression using network meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP shop Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, and Wan Fang Data Knowledge Service Platform were included in randomized controlled studies on traditional Chinese exercises for the treatment of depression from the establishment of the library to July 2023. The literature was extracted and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment and statistically analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14.2.

Results:

A total of 25 studies involving 3 exercises with a total of 1605 cases were included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that each exercise significantly reduced the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Self-rating Depression Scale scores. However, conventional treatments have the advantage of improving the sleep quality of patients with depression.

Conclusions:

The 3 exercises included in this study were effective for depression. Baduanjin and Tai Chi were better at improving the outcomes related to depression and anxiety. The effect of sleep quality intervention was slightly worse. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to compare interventions across exercises in a more granular manner.
The impact of early gastroscopy examination on cardiovascular event-related indices in elderly patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Deng Runjun , Wu Jun , Xu Kunfeng , Sun Fangli , Chang Fangzhi
Published: March 2024

Background:

To observe the effects of early gastroscopy examination on cardiovascular event-related indicators such as heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) in elderly patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Methods:

Sixty patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding admitted from July 2022 to December 2022 were selected. Patients with relevant contraindications were excluded. All patients underwent early gastroscopy examination. Among them, 30 patients were aged 60 or above (elderly group) and 30 patients were aged below 60 (non-elderly group). Dynamic blood pressure and ECG recordings were obtained before, during, and after gastroscopy examination to assess changes in HR, blood pressure, and ECG.

Results:

The HR and blood pressure levels of the elderly group were significantly lower than those of the non-elderly group before, during, and after gastroscopy examination (P < .05). In the elderly group, blood pressure and HR were higher during gastroscopy examination compared to before, but lower than during the examination afterward, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). The diastolic blood pressure was lower after the examination compared to before, with statistical significance, while the systolic blood pressure was lower, and the HR was higher after the examination, but without statistical significance (P > .05). In the non-elderly group, systolic blood pressure and HR were higher during gastroscopy examination compared to before, with statistically significant differences (P < .05), while diastolic blood pressure was higher but without statistical significance (P > .05). Blood pressure and HR were lower after the examination compared to during, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). The occurrence rates of ECG changes were 70% in the elderly group and 30% in the non-elderly group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 5.45,P = .02 < .05).

Conclusion:

Early gastroscopy examination in elderly patients with gastrointestinal bleeding did not result in severe cardiovascular adverse events and was relatively safe. However, special attention should be given to the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias.
Exploring neutrophil functionality in breast cancer progression: A review
Authors: Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Obeagu Getrude Uzoma
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer remains a pressing global health concern, with a myriad of intricate factors contributing to its development, progression, and heterogeneity. Among these multifaceted elements, the role of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment is gaining increasing attention. In this context, neutrophils, traditionally regarded as the first responders to infections, are emerging as noteworthy participants in the complex landscape of breast cancer. This paper seeks to unravel the intricate and multifaceted role of neutrophils in breast cancer. Neutrophils, classically known for their phagocytic and pro-inflammatory functions, are now recognized for their involvement in promoting or restraining tumor growth. While their presence within the tumor microenvironment may exert antitumor effects through immune surveillance and cytotoxic activities, these innate immune cells can also facilitate tumor progression by fostering an immunosuppressive milieu, promoting angiogenesis, and aiding metastatic dissemination. The intricacies of neutrophil-tumor cell interactions, signaling pathways, and mechanisms governing their recruitment to the tumor site are explored in detail. Challenges and gaps in current knowledge are acknowledged, and future directions for research are outlined. This review underscores the dynamic and context-dependent role of neutrophils in breast cancer and emphasizes the significance of unraveling their multifaceted contributions. As we delve into the complexities of the immune landscape in breast cancer, a deeper understanding of the warriors within, the neutrophils, presents exciting prospects for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and a more comprehensive approach to breast cancer management.
Using machine learning to predict outcomes of patients with blunt traumatic aortic injuries
Authors: Lu Eileen , Dubose Joseph , Venkatesan Mythreye , Wang Zhiping Paul , Starnes Benjamin W. , Saqib Naveed U. , Miller Charles C. , Azizzadeh Ali , Chou Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) remains controversial, with experienced centers offering therapy ranging from medical management to TEVAR. We investigated the utility of a machine learning (ML) algorithm to develop a prognostic model of risk factors on mortality in patients with BTAI.

METHODS

The Aortic Trauma Foundation registry was utilized to examine demographics, injury characteristics, management and outcomes of patients with BTAI. A STREAMLINE (A Simple, Transparent, End-To-End Automated Machine Learning Pipeline Facilitating Data Analysis and Algorithm Comparison) model as well as logistic regression (LR) analysis with imputation using chained equations was developed and compared.

RESULTS

From a total of 1018 patients in the registry, 702 patients were included in the final analysis. Of the 258 (37%) patients who were medically managed, 44 (17%) died during admission, 14 (5.4%) of which were aortic related deaths. Four hundred forty-four (63%) patients underwent TEVAR and 343 of which underwent TEVAR within 24 hours of admission. Among TEVAR patients, 39 (8.8%) patients died and 7 (1.6%) had aortic related deaths (Table 1). Comparison of the STREAMLINE and LR model showed no significant difference in ROC curves and high AUCs of 0.869 (95% confidence interval, 0.813–0.925) and 0.840 (95% confidence interval, 0.779–0.900) respectively in predicting in-hospital mortality. Unexpectedly, however, the variables prioritized in each model differed between models. The top 3 variables identified from the LR model were similar to that from existing literature. The STREAMLINE model, however, prioritized location of the injury along the lesser curve, age and aortic injury grade.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning provides insight on prioritization of variables not typically identified in standard multivariable logistic regression. Further investigation and validation in other aortic injury cohorts are needed to delineate the utility of ML models.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
A comparison study of 68gallium-prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for locoregional staging of prostate cancer
Authors: Patel Kartik Shashikant , Singh Tarun , Raghuvanshi Kshitij , Sonar Sameer , Chaudhari Rajeev
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men aged 50 years and older and the second cause of cancer death among men. Accurate staging of PCa preoperatively is of high importance for treatment decisions and patient management. Conventional imaging modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography [CT], and magnetic resonance imaging) are inaccurate for the staging of PCa. Newer modality multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scan show promising results for the staging of PCa. Only fewer studies are available for comparison of these modalities with histopathology as reference. The objective of our study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of independent 68gallium PSMA (68Ga-PSMA) PET-CT compared with mpMRI for preoperative staging of PCa, using histopathology as the reference standard.

Materials and methods:

From August 2021 to December 2022, 30 patients of biopsy-proven PCa were prospectively enrolled as per eligibility criteria. Preoperatively, 68Ga-PSMA PET scan and mpMRI were done in all the patients. Extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were investigated separately. Subsequently, the patients underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection.

Results:

mpMRI prostate was more sensitive (66.66%) but less specific than PSMA PET-CT (55.55%) for ECE. mpMRI and PSMA PET-CT both had similar sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (87.5%) for SVI. PSMA PET-CT was more sensitive (85.71%) and specific (95.6%) than mpMRI prostate (62.5% and 91.30%, respectively) for LNM.

Conclusion:

PSMA PET-CT is more specific for the detection of ECE and more sensitive and specific for the detection of LNM than mpMRI, and similar for the detection of SVI. mpMRI provides only local staging, while PSMA PET-CT provides information about local, regional, and distal staging. Overall, PSMA PET-CT is superior to mpMRI for locoregional staging of PCa.
The importance of novel histopathological classification and its association with outcomes of primary aldosteronism: What you need to know from a urologist’s perspective
Authors: Fang Chu-Wen , Tseng Chi-Shin , Peng Kang-Yung , Wu Vin-Cent , Wang Shuo-Meng , Huang Kuo-How , Chueh Jeff Shih-Chieh
Published: March 2024

Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most important cause of secondary endocrine hypertension, is hallmarked by excessive aldosterone secretion. There were 2 subtypes of PA—unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, which are now outdated. Since conventional adrenal pathological reports only examined hematoxylin and eosin staining, the secretory function of the structural adenoma(s) could not be determined. Several enzymes produce aldosterone-related steroids, and 2 isoforms of 11β-hydroxylase, namely CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase), are responsible for producing cortisol and aldosterone, respectively. Since the availability of specifically selective antibodies for targeting CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, the diagnosis/nomenclature of PA-related adrenal pathology has been revolutionized by using immunohistochemistry staining for CYP11B2 to identify the aldosterone production site in the human adrenal cortex. The significance of immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenal tissue sections has become “mandatory” for precisely detecting the lesions responsible for PA. Recently, the histopathology of PA consensus, based on immunochemical findings, was established to define the nomenclature and adrenal histopathological features in unilateral PA. In this study, we further investigate the association between the pathological subtypes and the surgical outcomes of PA as per the criteria of the Primary Aldosteronism Surgery Outcome consensus. Unfortunately, a significant lag is seen in the adaptation of Taiwan’s pathologists to the histopathology of PA consensus. Furthermore, a strong push from all urologists across Taiwan and the governmental health care authorities is required to elevate the care level provided to all patients with PA in Taiwan to exceptional.
Segmental ureterectomy outcome of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in a high endemic area: A Taiwan nationwide collaborative study
Authors: Wang Shih‑Gang , Luo Hao‑Lun , Wang Hung‑Jen , Wu Wen‑Jeng , Li Wei‑Ming , Lin Po‑Hung , Pang See‑Tong , Wang Shian‑Shiang , Li Jian‑Ri , Weng Han‑Yu , Tai Ta‑Yao , Tseng Jen‑Shu , Lin Wun‑Rong , Chen I‑Hsuan Alan , Lin Jen‑Tai , Jiang Yuan‑Hong , Lee Yu‑Khun , Fang Jen Kai , Huang Chao‑Yuan , Tseng Wen‑Hsin , Lin Wei Yu , Wu Chia‑Chang , Wu Shu‑Yu , Cheng Pai‑Yu , Lin Po‑Han , Chen Yung‑Tai
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, segmental ureterectomy (SU) of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a considerable option for selected mid- and distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma (UC). As a UTUC endemic area, Taiwan lacks treatment outcome analysis of SU.

Materials and methods:

This study retrospectively reviewed the treatment outcomes of SU for clinically localized UTUCs. Patients with biopsy or washing cytology-confirmed UTUCs who underwent open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted management with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed for the eligibility of analysis. Cox regression was applied for univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results:

A total of 161 patients who underwent SU were reviewed and analyzed. The median follow-up period was 44.5 (interquartile range, 21.6–84.9) months. After SU, 56/161 (34.8%) patients were free of UTUCs after the follow-up, 25/161 (15.5%) patients had local recurrence, and 35/161 (21.7%) had lymph node or distant metastasis. Surgical margin involvement was a risk factor associated with worse cancer-specific survival. Higher bladder recurrence and local recurrence rates were observed with concurrent bladder UC. Lymphovascular invasion and previous radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UC were related to higher local recurrence rates. Patients with pathological T3/T4 stage and end-stage renal disease tended to have higher metastasis rates. For the management of local recurrence, 19 patients received salvage RNU and 25 patients had adjuvant chemotherapy. However, 26/161 (16.1%) patients died of UTUCs and 2/161 (1.2%) patients died of surgery-related complications.

Conclusion:

SU provides acceptable oncological outcomes if the surgeons select candidates carefully. SU is not recommended if the patient has T3 or higher stage or comorbidity of end-stage renal disease. Concurrent bladder UC is a risk factor for worse bladder recurrence-free survival and local recurrence-free survival. Lymphovascular invasion and previous RNU for UC were related to higher local recurrence rates. After SU, periodic follow-up is mandatory because the local recurrence rate is higher than radical surgery.
Mitochondria-Associated Membranes Are Not Altered In Immune Cells In T2D
Authors: Hart Samantha N , Lenin Raji , Sturgill Jamie , Kern Philip A , Nikolajczyk Barbara S
Published: March 2024

Metabolism research is increasingly recognizing the contributions of organelle crosstalk to metabolic regulation. Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), which are structures connecting the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), are critical in a myriad of cellular functions linked to cellular metabolism. MAMs control calcium signaling, mitochondrial transport, redox balance, protein folding/degradation, and in some studies, metabolic health. The possibility that MAMs drive changes in cellular function in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is controversial. Although disruptions in MAMs that change the distance between the mitochondria and ER, MAM protein composition, or disrupt downstream signaling, can perpetuate inflammation, one key trait of T2D. However, the full scope of this structure's role in immune cell health and thus T2D-associated inflammation remains unknown. We show that human immune cell MAM proteins and their associated functions are not altered by T2D and thus unlikely to contribute to metaflammation.