bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel fully automated method for measuring ASPECTS to improve stroke diagnosis: Comparison to traditional ASPECTS
Authors: Gohla Georg , Schwarz Ricarda , Bier Georg , Estler Arne , Bongers Malte N. , Ditt Hendrik , Fritz Jan , Kemmling André , Ernemann Ulrike , Horger Marius
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

To compare the accuracy of subjective Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (sASPECTS) evaluation and that of an automated prototype software (aASPECTS) on nonenhanced CT (NECT) in patients with early anterior territory stroke and controls using side‐to‐side quantification of hypoattenuated brain areas.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the NECT scans of 42 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke before reperfusion and 42 controls using first sASPECTS and subsequently aASPECTS. We assessed the differences in Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and calculated the sensitivity and specificity of NECT with CT perfusion, whereas cerebral blood volume (CBV) served as the reference standard for brain infarction.

Results

The clot was located in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 47.6% of cases and the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 28.6% of cases. Ten cases presented combined ICA and MCA occlusions. The stroke was right sided in 52.4% of cases and left sided in 47.6%. Reader‐based NECT analysis yielded a median sASPECTS of 10. The median CBV‐based ASPECTS was 7. Compared to the area of decreased CBV, sASPECTS yielded a sensitivity of 12.5% and specificity of 86.8%. The software prototype (aASPECTS) yielded an overall sensitivity of 65.5% and a specificity of 92.2%. The interreader agreement for ASPECTS evaluation of admission NECT and follow‐up CT was almost perfect (κ = .93). The interreader agreement of the CBV color map evaluation was substantial (κ = .77).

Conclusions

aASPECTS of NECT can outperform sASPECTS for stroke detection.
Progress in melanoma treatment: Patient's perspectives
Authors: Alicea Gretchen M. , Villanueva Jessie , Webster Marie R. , Rebecca Vito W.
Published: October 2023

Upon the 20th Anniversary of the Society for Melanoma Research, we highlight the perspectives of patients aiming to help improve future experiences, outcomes, and their quality of life over the next 20 years. Five melanoma patients generously shared their inspiring and enlightening stories of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Many patients had excellent medical teams that synergistically worked together to provide an accurate diagnosis, effective treatment options, and supportive care. However, it is clear that health inequities persist in communities where people of color are predominant, affecting early detection, patient experience, and outcomes. These stories shed light on the unique challenges faced by patients and how the lack of melanoma awareness and adequate resources, especially in communities of color or low socioeconomic status, can contribute to disparate outcomes in melanoma care. We expect that these stories will raise awareness about the progress in melanoma treatment but also the existent disparities in melanoma diagnosis and treatment and the importance of early detection and prevention.
Neurobiological correlation between phosphorylated tau and mood symptoms in memory clinic patients
Authors: Ozaki Takashi , Hashimoto Naoki , Udo Niki , Narita Hisashi , Nakagawa Shin , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: October 2023

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia and mild cognitive impairment are characterised by impaired cognition accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) relating to mood, including depression, anxiety, and apathy. However, the utility of AD biomarkers for predicting mood symptoms of NPS remains controversial. Herein, we analyzed the relationship between phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) and depression, anxiety, and apathy of NPS. We also examined the influence of genetic factors such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 on these relationships.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey in older patients (n = 122) with normal cognition (n = 12), mild cognitive impairment (n = 46), and AD (n = 64) strictly diagnosed by the board of psychiatrists and neurologists of Hokkaido University. NPS of the patients were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI). All patients also received a lumbar puncture to obtain cerebral spinal fluid for assessment of p‐tau. The inverse probability weighting method was used to adjust for demographic differences between the p‐tau present group and the p‐tau absent group.

Results

There was an association between p‐tau accumulation and decreased incidence of depression and apathy. APOE ε4 non‐carriers also showed a trend toward a negative association between p‐tau and depression, which was not evident in APOE ε4 carriers.

Conclusions

We provide new evidence for a negative correlation between p‐tau and depression and apathy of NPS, which may be influenced by APOE ε4. Future longitudinal studies are required to confirm the utility of p‐tau for predicting the course of mood symptoms in patients with cognitive decline.
Reading for musical knowledge in early sixteenth‐century Italy: Introduction
Authors: Shephard Tim , Ștefănescu Laura , Doyle Oliver , O'Flaherty Ciara
Published: October 2023

The essays included here present case studies prepared within the project ‘Sounding the Bookshelf 1501: Music in a Year of Italian Printed Books’, funded by the Leverhulme Trust and hosted at the University of Sheffield. The project asks a simple question: standing in a Venetian bookshop towards the end of the year 1501, what information about music might you encounter as you browse the new printed titles available for purchase? Very few of the books printed in Italy in 1501 were ‘about’ music, but almost all of them mention music in passing, and sometimes at length, whilst discussing something else. These kinds of casual, fragmentary comments on music were surely read by many more people than specialist music theory, the audience for which was probably quite small. To recover these comments, and characterise the contradictory and incoherent field of everyday musical knowledge they comprise, we are reading every book printed in Italy in 1501 cover‐to‐cover, excerpting every passage mentioning music, sound or hearing. The final product of our project—a co‐authored book, yet to be written—will present our findings in synoptic fashion. The essays presented here take a different approach, offering detailed case‐studies on particular books within our 1501 corpus.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐A*11:452N allele by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Gao Su‐Qing , Xu Yun‐Ping , Li Da‐Cheng , Zhang Hao , Peng Long
Published: October 2023

HLA‐A*11:452N differs from A*11:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide exchange in exon 1.
Detection of the novel HLA‐DQB1*06:474 allele in a Russian individual
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Leksina Yana , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: October 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 152 of HLA‐DQB1*06:03:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:474.
Lower platelet count and metastatic tumor are associated with increased risk of spontaneous bleeding in critically ill patients with cancer: An observational study
Authors: Kayano Sandra Satoe , Santana Pauliane Vieira , Colella Rafael , Colella Marina Pereira , Caruso Pedro
Published: October 2023

Background

Thrombocytopenia is common in critically ill patients with cancer. However, the association of platelet count with spontaneous bleeding is controversial in critically ill patients and the association with cancer‐related characteristics is unknown.

Methods

This observational study includes patients with active cancer and severe thrombocytopenia. A logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to evaluate the association of daily platelet count and cancer‐related characteristics (type of cancer and presence of metastasis) with spontaneous bleeding. Confounders were identified using directed acyclic graphs.

Results

We screened 5822 patients, 255 (4.4%) met eligibility criteria resulting in 1401 daily observations. Fifty‐three patients (20.8%) had spontaneous bleeding during the intensive care unit stay, 64% presenting minor, and 36% major bleeding. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for spontaneous bleeding with platelet count between 49 and 20 × 109/L was 4.6 (1.1–19.6), with platelet count between 19 and 10 × 109/L was 14.2 (3.1–66.2), and with platelet count below 10 × 109/L was 39.6 (6.9–228.5). The adjusted OR for spontaneous bleeding in patients with hematologic malignancies was 0.6 (0.4–1.2), and 4.3 (2.0–9.0) for patients with metastatic tumor.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients with active cancer and severe thrombocytopenia, lower counts of platelets and presence of metastasis are associated with increased risk of spontaneous bleeding, while hematologic malignancy is not associated with increased risk of spontaneous bleeding.
Understanding Thermal Unsteadiness in Engine Representative Flows and Improved Methodologies for Derived Heat Transfer Calculations Using Thin-Film Gauges
Authors: Singh Deepanshu , Beard Paul F. , Cardwell David , Chana Kam S.
Published: October 2023

The Oxford Turbine Research Facility (OTRF) is a high-speed rotating transient test facility, which allows unsteady aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements at engine representative conditions. In addition, a variety of inlet temperature profiles can be simulated in the rig including radial distortion, circumferential distortion, and swirl. However, the engine representative flows cause complications in the processing of heat transfer data. The unsteadiness in temperature data was found to significantly rise as temperature distortions were introduced in the nozzle guide vane (NGV) inlet profile, to model a lean-burn combustor exit. Using the NGV inlet temperature profile survey data, the thermal unsteadiness has been quantified and compared with a uniform inlet. The experiments with a radially varying NGV inlet temperature profile showed up to nine times higher thermal unsteadiness, compared to the uniform inlet. The second part of the paper is a continuation of the work presented in a previous paper by Singh et al. and describes improved methodologies for derived heat transfer calculations using thin-film gauges. In addition, the uncertainty associated with the derived heat transfer parameters, such as the heat transfer coefficient and adiabatic wall temperature has been quantified. The refined processing techniques have been demonstrated on casing heat transfer measurements, acquired in the OTRF with two inlet temperature profiles.
Assessment of Osteogenic Exercise Efficacy via Bone Turnover Markers in Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sanchez-Trigo Horacio , Kemmler Wolfgang , Duque Gustavo , Sañudo Borja
Published: October 2023

Assessing bone’s response to physical activity interventions is challenging. This randomized controlled trial investigates if changes in bone turnover markers can offer an early evaluation of a physical activity intervention’s effectiveness in improving bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal women. Participants in the intervention group (n = 27, with 24 completing the trial) were instructed to walk at least 10,000 steps every day on a brisk walk and to execute 60 jumps daily, each surpassing 4g of acceleration, using an accelerometer-based wearable device. Meanwhile, the control group (n = 26, with 18 completing the trial) continued with their usual lifestyle. Bone turnover markers, comprising of C-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen, procollagen Type 1 N-terminal propeptide, and total osteocalcin (carboxylated and undercarboxylated) were measured at baseline and midway through the intervention (3 months). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the hip and lumbar spine were conducted at baseline and the end of the intervention (6 months) to estimate BMD. Analysis of covariance exhibited significant differences between groups in procollagen Type 1 N-terminal propeptide (−6.74 μg/L, p = .023) and C-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen (−83 ng/L, p = .043) after 3 months, and in femoral neck BMD (+0.024 g/cm2, p = .016), total hip BMD (+0.036 g/cm2, p = .004), and lumbar spine BMD (+0.026 g/cm2, p = .020) after 6 months. A significant correlation (r = −.73; p < .001) was detected between reductions in C-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen and increases in femoral neck BMD. In conclusion, this intervention improved BMD in premenopausal women, with bone turnover markers potentially useful for early intervention assessment, though further research is needed.
The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Carbohydrate Sparing Postexercise: Implications for Postexercise Hypoglycemia
Authors: Davey Raymond J. , Jaafar Mohamad H. , Ferreira Luis D. , Fournier Paul A.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise intensity on the proportion and rate of carbohydrate oxidation and glucoregulatory hormone responses during recovery from exercise. Six physically active participants completed 1 hr of low-intensity (LI; 50% lactate threshold) or moderate-intensity (MI; 100% lactate threshold) exercise on separate days following a randomized counterbalanced design. During exercise and for 6 hr of recovery, samples of expired air were collected to determine oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation rates. Blood samples were also collected to measure glucoregulatory hormones (catecholamines, GH) and metabolites (glucose, free fatty acids, lactate, pH, and bicarbonate). During exercise, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, and the proportion and rate of carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation were higher during MI compared with LI. However, during recovery from MI, respiratory exchange ratio and the proportion and rate of CHO oxidation were lower than preexercise levels and corresponding LI. During exercise and early recovery, catecholamines and growth hormone were higher in MI than LI, and there was a trend for higher levels of free fatty acids in the early recovery from MI compared with LI. In summary, CHO oxidation during exercise increases with exercise intensity but there is a preference for CHO sparing (and fat oxidation) during recovery from MI exercise compared with LI exercise. This exercise intensity-dependent shift in substrate oxidation during recovery is explained, in part, by the pattern of change of key glucoregulatory hormones including catecholamines and growth hormone and plasma fatty acid concentrations.
Our oceans, ourselves
The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works
Helen Czerski
Norton, 2023. 464 pp.
Authors: Capson Todd L.
Published: October 2023

An oceanographer’s expansive portrait of the marine world captures its vitality and complexity
Rebalance attention from global target setting toward national climate politics and policy
Authors: Dubash Navroz K.
Published: October 2023

Is the process of ramping up greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets as part of an “ambition cycle” working to address the global climate crisis? The first Global Stocktake (GST) of progress recently submitted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) confirms that progress in reducing emissions is well behind what is required by science to limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. What is to be done? Part of the answer may lie in rebalancing attention away from generating global pressure for ambitious target setting and toward the detailed work of shifting politics and building policies at the national level.
Phylogenetic characteristics and recombination analysis of echovirus 5 associated with severe acute respiratory infection in China
Authors: Li Wenxia , Song Jinhua , Xu Jin , Wang Huiling , Duan Hongjian , Zhang Yong , Xu Wenbo , Fan Hua , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2023

Echovirus 5 (E5) belongs to the enterovirus B (EV-B) species, which is one of the pathogens causing respiratory diseases. Only two whole genome sequences (WGSs) of E5 are available in GenBank, and few studies on E5 have been reported worldwide. In this study, human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells were used to isolate E5 from respiratory samples associated with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). The nucleotide sequence of the VP1 region and the WGSs of two E5 strains were sequenced using Sanger sequencing and high-throughput sequencing technology, respectively. Together with 31 E5 VP1 sequences and 2 WGSs downloaded from GenBank, a total of 33 complete VP1 sequences and 4 WGSs were used for genetic characterization and evolutionary analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed five genotypes (A–E) based on complete VP1 sequences. Evolutionary analysis showed that the time to the most recent common ancestor of E5 was approximately 1952 (95% highest posterior density [HPD] range, 1948–1953]), with a mean substitution rate of 7.74 × 10
−3
subs/site/year (95% HPD range, 6.44–9.11 × 10
−3
). In addition, the WGS analyses showed that the nucleotide and amino acid similarities of the coding regions of the two strains obtained in this study with the prototype of the E5 strain Noyce were 80.2% and 97.2%, respectively. Recombination analysis showed that the two E5 strains may have intraspecific recombination with E6, EV-B85, and CVA9 serotypes in the nonstructural region. This study reports the isolation of E5 from SARI cases for the first time, and genetic characterization and evolutionary analysis provide valuable information on global E5 molecular epidemiology.

IMPORTANCE

This study is the first report of echovirus 5 (E5) associated with severe acute respiratory infection and obtained the first E5 whole-genome sequence in China. Combined with the sequences available in the GenBank database, the first genotyping, phylogenetic characteristics, recombination, and genetic evolutionary analysis of E5 was performed in this study. Our findings providing valuable information on global E5 molecular epidemiology.
Molecular diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: a French study comparing a reference PCR method targeting kinetoplast DNA and a commercial kit targeting ribosomal DNA
Authors: Pasquier Grégoire , Andreotti Quentin , Ravel Christophe , Sterkers Yvon
Published: October 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis is a life-threatening disease caused by the
Leishmania donovani
species complex. For direct diagnosis, molecular diagnosis on blood and bone marrow is an increasingly used technique. For
Leishmania
, most PCR assays are laboratory-developed, but marketed PCR assays are now available and should be evaluated independently of manufacturers. The “quanty Leishmaniae, Clonit” kit was compared to a laboratory-developed method widely used in France and considered here as a reference method. Performances were evaluated on serial dilution assays, on 5 external quality controls and on 35 clinical samples. The reference method performed better than the Clonit kit with higher “performance scores”: 20 of 28 (71%) and 4 of 12 (33%) vs 17 of 28 (61%) and 1 of 12 (8%) for the reference method and the Clonit kit, respectively. On clinical samples, six false negative results out of 27 positive samples (22%) were observed with the quanty Leishmaniae, Clonit method. These results are most likely due to the difference in the number of repeats of the PCR targets. The quanty Leishmaniae, Clonit, like most of marketed methods, targets the ribosomal DNA that has a lower number of copies than the kinetoplast DNA targeted by the reference PCR. This study confirms that the choice of target is crucial and should be taken into account in the development of new highly sensitive PCR methods.

IMPORTANCE

PCR revolutionized the direct diagnosis of infectious diseases, especially protozooses, where the infectious load is usually low. Commercial PCR methods are available and offer many advantages, including convenience and batch tracking as part of a quality system. For most parameters, the performance of commercial methods is at least as good as that of finely optimized methods developed in expert laboratories. This comparison work has not been done for the molecular diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.
Leishmania
sp. has a unique organelle, the kinetoplast, which corresponds to the mitochondrial DNA. It is organized into a large number of minicircles, which has made it a target for the development of diagnostic PCR. The quanty Leishmaniae, Clonit kit targeting ribosomal DNA was compared to a widely used laboratory-developed method based on kinetoplast DNA. This reference method gave significantly better results, probably due to the difference in the number of repeats of the PCR targets.
A novel double-ribonuclease toxin-antitoxin system linked to the stress response and survival of
Acidovorax citrulli
Authors: Wang Xudong , Kan Yumin , Bai Kaihong , Xu Xiaoli , Chen Xing , Yu Chengxuan , Shi Jia , Jiang Na , Li Jianqiang , Luo Laixin
Published: October 2023

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread among prokaryotes and can play an important role in the maintenance of genetic elements and pathogen virulence. Their roles in bacterial stress response and antimicrobial persistence currently remain highly controversial. The current study investigated a novel TA system (Aave_1720-Aave_1719) from the phytopathogenic bacterium
Acidovorax citrulli
, which had characteristics of both type II and type V TA systems. Heterologous expression in
Escherichia coli
confirmed that
Aave_1720
functions as a toxin gene, while
Aave_1719
acts as antitoxin gene. The Aave_1720 toxin functions as a ribonuclease, and antitoxin Aave_1719 binds directly to Aave_1720 to inhibit its ribonuclease activity, which is typical of type II TA systems. Interestingly, Aave_1719 itself was found to exhibit ribonuclease activity with a preference for targeting
Aave_1720
mRNA, which indicates that it can also neutralize the Aave_1720 toxin in a manner characteristic of type V TA systems. Expression analysis revealed that the
Aave_1719
gene is upregulated in response to sodium hypochlorite stress and that deletion of the
Aave_1720
gene individually or in combination with
Aave_1719
affected biofilm formation, as well as the survival of
A. citrulli
in response to sodium hypochlorite stress. Taken together, these findings expand our understanding of TA systems revealing a novel mechanism of toxin neutralization that combines aspects of both type II and type V TA systems.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), which is caused by the seed-borne bacterium
Acidovorax citrulli
, is a devastating disease affecting cucurbit crops throughout the world. Although seed fermentation and treatment with disinfectants can provide effective management of BFB, they cannot completely guarantee pathogen-free seedstock, which suggests that
A. citrulli
is a highly stress-resistant pathogen. Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are common among a diverse range of bacteria and have been reported to play a role in bacterial stress response. However, there is currently much debate about the relationship between TA systems and stress response in bacteria. The current study characterized a novel TA system (Aave_1720-Aave_1719) from
A. citrulli
that affects both biofilm formation and survival in response to sodium hypochlorite stress. The mechanism of neutralization differed from typical TA systems as two separate mechanisms were associated with the antitoxin, which exhibited characteristics of both type II and type V TA systems. The Aave_1720-Aave_1719 system described here also constitutes the first known report of a double-ribonuclease TA system in bacteria, which expands our understanding of the range of regulatory mechanisms utilized by bacterial TA systems, providing new insight into the survival of
A. citrulli
in response to stress.
Supplemental Material: Reconciling complex stratigraphic frameworks reveals temporally and geographically variable depositional patterns of the Campanian Ignimbrite
Authors: Gallo Rose I. , et al.
Published: October 2023

File S1 includes an elaboration of our methods, a figure portraying our geochemical data in greater detail, and a figure showing some trends in quantitative shard shape parameters. File S2 is a catalog of all the samples used in our study with an image of the exposure. File S3 is a series of Excel documents containing all data sets. 
Tracking progress towards equitable maternal and child health in Yunnan: a systematic assessment for the Health Programme for Poverty Alleviation in China during 2015–2020
Authors: Huang Yuan , Xiao Xia , Wan Ying , Ye Qingyun , Yang Zhongting , Xu Lingling , Chen Shuqi , Li Huifang , Wang Fangfang , Chen Yurong , Zhao Dandan , Zhang Qian , Zheng Jiarui , Guo Guangping , Li Yan
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To inform the impacts of health programmes which aimed at preventing women and children from being trapped in or returning to poverty because of illness in Yunnan, the main battlefield against poverty in China.

Design

The longitudinal comparative evaluation design.

Data collection and analysis

National and Yunnan policy documents related to maternal and child health programmes for poverty alleviation during 2015–2020 were analysed. The changes in disparities in maternal and child health system inputs, service coverage, and health outcomes between poor and non-poor areas, as well as out-of-pocket payments between poor and non-poor populations were assessed before and after 2017.

Results

In total 12 policies and 15 programmes related to poverty alleviation for poor women and children in Yunnan were summarised. As a result of health system strengthening in Yunnan, the densities of licensed doctors, nurses, obstetricians, midwives, township health workers and female village doctors had been increased substantially in poor areas, with the annual rates of 14.3%, 22.5%, 21.8%, 23.9%, 14.1% and 7.1% separately. Although disparities existed in some of service coverage between poor and non-poor areas, the health programmes had narrowed the gaps in utilisation of facility birth, caesarean section, prenatal screening and newborn screening across Yunnan (p<0.01). The out-of-pocket payments for inpatient care for serious illnesses among women and children with poverty registration had been considerably decreased to 10.0%. Paralleling the universal coverage, maternal deaths per 100 000 livebirths and child deaths per 1000 livebirths had further declined in both poor and non-poor areas, and the impacts of health programmes on closing the gaps in child survivals across Yunnan were significant (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Remarkable progress in equitable maternal and child survival has been achieved in Yunnan. The practices in Yunnan have shown the Chinese model in ending poverty by strengthening health system and implementing universal coverage with firm commitment, determined leadership, detailed blueprint and social participation.
Effect of physical exercise on the functional capacity of patients with liver cirrhosis: systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Corrêa Fabiana C.C.R. , Corrêa Gabriela C.C.R. , Silva Elirez B.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we verify the effect of physical exercise on the functional capacity of people diagnosed with liver cirrhosis (LC). Inclusion criteria were people with LC, at any stage of the disease, over 18 years of age, of either sex, who performed any type of physical exercise in comparison with any other intervention or no intervention, obtaining functional capacity as the outcome, of the controlled and randomized experimental studies. The search for articles was carried out in 11 databases. The descriptors considered for the search were physical exercise, functional capacity, LC, and their synonyms. Methodological quality and study bias were assessed using the Jadad scale and the risk of bias 2 scale, respectively. Review Manager 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis of the data. Functional capacity was considered a continuous variable. The difference in standardized means was considered as the effect measure. The random effect analysis model was used. The confidence level adopted was 0.05. The level of evidence of the meta-analysis result was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. The 113 participants with LC, who belonged to the physical exercise group, had a standardized mean difference in functional capacity of 0.57 (0.01–1.13); p = 0.05, more than the 107 participants who were in the control situation. The level of evidence from the meta-analysis assessed through the GRADE was considered moderate. Physical exercise caused a significant increase of moderate clinical relevance in the functional capacity of patients diagnosed with LC.
Carbon sequestration and storage implications of three forest management regimes in the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest: A review of the evidence
Authors: Cox Emma , Beckley Thomas M. , de Graaf Megan
Published: October 2023

Forests contain substantial carbon stores, including above and below ground, living and non-living biomass. Different management regimes produce different outcomes related to stored and sequestered carbon in forests. The geographic focus of this paper is the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest of the Maritime Provinces of Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island). This manuscript reviews literature to evaluate the carbon impacts of (1) intensive forest management for fiber products, (2) unharvested (or conservation) forest, and (3) climate-focused, ecological forestry. Each of these forest management strategies and concomitant silviculture regimes sequester and store carbon at varying rates and across different carbon pools in the forest. The literature suggests that unharvested (conservation) forests store and sequester the most carbon, and traditional, intensive fiber management stores and sequesters the least. Ecological forestry may provide the best balance between carbon sequestration and storage and climate adaptability, while also allowing for the provision of some timber/fibre products. This paper also discusses the co-benefits offered by forests under each of the three management regimes. New research, in general and in the region, needs to examine further below-ground carbon dynamics in soil as most efforts to document carbon focuses on above ground carbon pools.
Zeolites identification for wastewater radionuclides removal in the decommissioning of a former Italian nuclear power plant
Authors: Ambrosino Fabrizio , Esposito Alfonso Maria , Mancini Francesco , La Verde Giuseppe , Sabbarese Carlo , Caputo Domenico , Pugliese Mariagabriella
Published: October 2023

Radionuclides are widely known to produce serious problem when released and dispersed in the environment because they can contaminate humans through food chains, affecting metabolic process and causing health diseases to the population. A large amount of radionuclides is produced as waste during the process of nuclear facility operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. Wastewater contains many radioactivemetal ions. During the last three decades, after Chernobyl accident and then that of Fukushima, several techniques have been developed for the removal of radionuclides from the environment and from wastewater aiming of inertization. One of the most recent techniques, and in continuous progress, is the radionuclides removal by adsorption using natural and/or synthesized materials having high retention capacity and being resistant to radiation. The most used type of material, cheap and easy-to-find, is zeolite due to its high ion exchange capacity, adsorption efficiency and abundance. This work concerns a preliminary study on zeolites identification for the removal of radionuclides in wastewater samples from the fuel storage of the former nuclear power plant of Latina, Italy. The activity concentration of the radionuclides in the samples was investigated by γ- and α-spectrometry. The wastewater samples contain the radionuclides 137Cs, 60Co and 241Am, and the best solution for their removal was discovered to be the zeolite A. The obtained results can be enlarged to all former Italian nuclear facilities.
Photothermal effect on the photoconduction properties of one-dimensional carbyne nanostructures
Authors: He Yan , Luo Silin , Xu Huakai
Published: October 2023

A theoretical analysis on the influence of photothermal effects on the photoconduction of one-dimensional (1D) carbyne nanostructures has been explored in this paper. It is found that the size dependence of photoconduction is a great benefit from the change of band structure and optical absorption, while the influence of photothermal effect on the photoconduction is mainly induced by the grain boundary scattering and transport properties. Moreover, the photoconduction increases as the incident power enhances with a [Formula: see text] dependence and [Formula: see text] is not only related to the illumination intensity but also modulated by the dimensions. Our predictions are consistent with the available evidence, which indicates that our model is crucial for the understanding of the physical mechanism on the photothermal effect of 1D carbyne nanostructures and for their potential applications in nanotechnologies.
INVERTEBRATES AND CATTLE POPULATION DYNAMICS IN A GRASSLAND ENVIRONMENT: A NONLINEAR INTER-SPECIFIC COMPETITION MODEL
Authors: TANDON ABHINAV , DUTTA VAISHNUDEBI
Published: October 2023

In the proposed study, a nonlinear model is developed to explore the interactive dynamics between cattle and invertebrates when they coexist in a grassland system and compete with one another for the same resource — the grass biomass. The constructed model is theoretically investigated using the qualitative theory of differential equations to show the system’s rich dynamical properties, which are crucial for maintaining the ecosystem’s balance in grasslands. The qualitative findings show that, depending on the parameter combinations, the system not only displays stability of many equilibrium states but also experiences transcritical and Hopf bifurcations. The model results support the idea that inter-specific competition between cattle and invertebrates does not always produce regular dynamic patterns but may also produce periodic and destabilizing patterns. The model’s outputs may assist in striking a balance between pasture and natural grass biomass in grassland with the invertebrates.
FILIPPOV TYPE PREY–PREDATOR SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVE HARVESTING OF PREY
Authors: YADAV UGANTA , NAYAK A. K. , GAKKHAR SUNITA
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the dynamics of a Filippov system with logistically growing prey and Holling Type II predation is explored. The selective nonlinear harvesting of prey is carried out when the ratio of prey to predator is above a specified threshold value. In order to prevent the extinction of both the species and sustainable economic gains, no harvesting is allowed when the ratio is below a threshold value. The equilibrium states and their stability for the individual smooth are analyzed. Filippov convex method is applied to determine the dynamics on the boundary. The sliding mode dynamics is scrutinized, and it is observed that there is no escaping region. The existence of boundary points, tangent points and pseudo-equilibrium points are established. The conditions are obtained for the visibility of the tangent points. The complex behavior within the sliding region is studied by experimenting with different initial conditions. The increase in harvesting effort may lead to extinction of both the species through the sliding region of the boundary. The change in the stability behavior of both the interior equilibrium states is investigated with respect to model parameters. Border cross bifurcates with threshold value as the bifurcation parameter is shown for both the interior equilibrium states.
Alzheimer’s Type Neuropathological Changes in a Patient with Depression and Anxiety: A Case Report and Literature Review of Neuropathological Correlates of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Das Sumit
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is classified as a tauopathy and is the most common neuropathological correlate of dementia/cognitive impairment. AD is neuropathologically characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid immunoreactive senile plaques and tau positive neurofibrillary tangles. Neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD however continue to be underscored, and therefore, neuropathological correlates of these neuropsychiatric symptoms are not readily studied. Presented here is a case of 60-year-old female who initially presented with anxiety and depression, and continued to be the predominant symptoms although mild cognitive impairment was noted as per the available clinical notes. Postmortem examination of the brain revealed severe Alzheimer’s type neuropathological changes, which included significant tau and beta-amyloid pathology in limbic regions, which were thought to represent correlates of the patient’s depression and anxiety. This case report illustrates the possible neuropathological correlates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with AD. The author hopes that such a case will promote more in-depth studies into the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric manifestations in AD.
Triple Vessel Coronary Artery Disease Needs a Consistent Definition for Management Guidelines
Authors: Gupta Aashray K. , Paterson Hugh S. , He Cheng , Vallely Michael P. , Bennetts Jayme S.
Published: October 2023

For over forty years, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been recommended to patients with triple vessel disease (TVD) with the aim of providing a survival benefit compared to medical therapy. Generally, the survival benefit of CABG is determined by (a) the volume of myocardium at risk of infarction according to the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), (b) the impairment of coronary flow reserve according to severity of coronary stenoses, severity of symptoms, or objective evidence of regional ischemia, and (c) the impairment of myocardial reserve according to left ventricular function and viability. The most frequently used index of survival benefit is the extent of CAD as described by the terms of the left main coronary stenosis and TVD. However, TVD has been inconsistently defined in randomised controlled trials. Furthermore, international guidelines do not provide a specific definition of TVD. This impacts a substantially sized and high-risk population. Here, we argue that the definition of TVD should include diseases in the major artery in each of the three coronary territories in order to estimate the survival benefit provided by CABG.
Sustainable Aquafeed Formulations Containing Insect Larval Meal and Grape Marc for the New Zealand Farmed Abalone
Authors: Bullon Natalia , Alfaro Andrea C. , Manivannan Moganakumaar , Dezfooli Seyedehsara Masoomi , Seyfoddin Ali
Published: October 2023

The aquaculture industry has been criticised for the excessive use of fish meal (FM) in feeds due to the utilisation of wild fish in the formulation and the exacerbation of overfishing marine resources. Land-based abalone aquaculture mainly uses commercial feeds (CFs) to promote faster growth, which include FM as a primary protein component. Alternative ingredients, such as insect meal (IM) and grape marc (GM) are potential candidates for FM replacement due to their suitable nutritional profile and sustainable production. This paper reports on a novel nutritional approach for the New Zealand farmed abalone, which replaces FM with IM by 10% and includes a waste by-product (GM) by 30% as a potential prebiotic source. The study was performed in two stages: (a) physico-chemical determination of diets delivered in an alginate matrix (experimental diets) and their stability in seawater compared to CF and (b) evaluation of growth and feed intake for the New Zealand black-foot abalone. There were significant differences between experimental diets and CF in terms of sinking rate, particle weight, and microscopic observations. Water stability of the experimental diets was increased by 50% in 24 and 48 hr compared to CF, producing less solid waste, and potentially reducing cleaning efforts in the farm. The inclusion of IM and GM did not compromise overall animal growth or their feed conversion ratio, however, further evaluation need to be explored in the future research. The findings revealed that the developed encapsulated feeds are a more stable food delivery method for Haliotis iris compared to the CF. Furthermore, both IM and GM can be included in feed formulations as a more sustainable strategy without compromising weight and shell gains in the abalone farming.
Exclusive and Solitary Facial Porokeratosis: Pathogenesis and Literature Reappraisal of a Rare Entity
Authors: Paolino Giovanni , Di Nicola Matteo Riccardo , Yarygina Marina , Mattozzi Carlo , Quaranta Eduardo , Bianchi Vittoria Giulia , Donati Michele , Mercuri Santo Raffaele
Published: October 2023

Porokeratosis is a group of well-known clinically distinct entities, characterised by different clinical aspects, but sharing a single common histological aspect, namely the cornoid lamella. Usually, porokeratosis occurs in the limbs and trunk, while it rarely involves the face, especially as an exclusive, single, and solitary lesion. We report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian woman, with an 11-month history of a 2-cm slowly growing solitary, keratotic lesion on her left cheekbone. The patient did not present other cutaneous lesions on the face, as well as in other body sites. A cutaneous biopsy showed epidermal hyperplasia with multiple, sharply defined cornoid lamella, associated with an underlying attenuation of the granular layer and scattered dyskeratotic cells in the spinous layer. The superficial dermis underneath showed a mild lymphocytic infiltrate and fibrosis with remodelled collagen bundles. A final diagnosis of solitary facial porokeratosis was made.
Systemic AA Amyloidosis Secondary to Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Hemodialysis Patient with Intractable Diarrhea
Authors: Endo Hiroyuki , Obara Noriyuki , Mizuno Shinichi , Nakamura Yasuhiro
Published: October 2023

We describe an autopsied case of systemic AA amyloidosis secondary to metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting intractable diarrhea. Severe diarrhea was the major symptom for the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis. No renal symptoms which are common in AA amyloidosis secondary to renal cell carcinoma were shown because hemodialysis following bilateral nephrectomy had already been started 9 years before. Treatment against metastatic tumors as a solution of AA amyloidosis could not be performed because of bad performance status and the patient died 5 months after the diagnosis. Autopsy findings revealed that AA amyloid deposition was seen in multi-organs including the intestine. The metastatic tumors were histologically compatible as metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. There was no other cause of chronic inflammation such as inflammatory arthritis. We concluded that chronic inflammation provoked by the metastatic tumors of renal cell carcinoma was a major cause of systemic AA amyloidosis. Intestinal AA amyloidosis with malabsorption was the cause of death. Clinicians should keep it in mind that solid organ malignancy can be a cause of AA amyloidosis and renal cell carcinoma is the most common carcinomatous cause. This case is particularly instructive in that progression of amyloidosis may be missed in hemodialysis patients with anuria and that gastrointestinal symptoms can be the primary indicators of systemic amyloidosis. Endoscopic examination including biopsy is important for the diagnosis and early treatment of amyloidosis.
Relationship between Uveitis and the Differential Reactivity of Retinal Microglia
Authors: Gao Wenna , Jin Xuemin , Zhou Pengyi , Zhu Haiyan , Xie Kunpeng , Jin Bo , Du Liping
Published: October 2023

Uveitis, a complicated group of ocular inflammatory diseases, can be affected by massive pathogenic contributors such as infection, autoimmunity, and genetics. Although it is well known that many pathological changes, including disorders of the immune system and disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, count much in the onset and progression of uveitis, there is a paucity of safe and effective treatments, which has exceedingly hindered the appropriate treatment of uveitis. As innate immune cells in the retina, microglia occupy a salient position in retinal homeostasis. Many studies have reported the activation of microglia in uveitis and the mitigation of uveitis by interfering with microglial reactivity, which strongly implicates microglia as a therapeutic target. However, it has been increasingly recognized that microglia are a nonhomogeneous population under different physiological and pathological conditions, which makes it essential to thoroughly have knowledge of their specific characteristics. The paper outlines the various properties of activated microglia in uveitis, summarizes the connections between their polarization patterns and the manifestations of uveitis, and ultimately is intended to enhance the understanding of microglial versatility and expedite the exploration of promising strategies for visual protection.
Thyroid Ultrasound Screening in Childhood Cancer Survivors following Radiotherapy
Authors: Baran Julia A. , Halada Stephen , Bauer Andrew J. , Li Yimei , Isaza Amber , Patel Tasleema , Sisko Lindsay , Ginsberg Jill P. , Kazahaya Ken , Adzick N. Scott , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for radiotherapy (RT) late effects, including second malignancies. Optimal screening for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in CCS post-RT remains controversial. We assessed the outcome of thyroid ultrasound (US) surveillance in CCS exposed to RT. Methods: 306 CCS were surveilled with thyroid US between 2002–2021. Surveillance was dependent on age at the time of primary diagnosis, interval from receipt of RT, and individual provider. Thyroid US, clinicopathologic features, and outcomes were described. Cutpoints of CCS RT age associated with varying risk of nodule presentation were explored. The selected cutpoints were used to define age categories, which were then used to compare thyroid nodule-related outcomes. Risk factors for thyroid nodule(s) were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval]). Results: The most common CCS diagnoses were leukemia (32%), CNS tumor (26%), and neuroblastoma (18%). Patients received TBI (45%) and/or RT to craniospinal (44%), chest (11%), and neck regions (6%). About 49% (n = 150) of patients had thyroid nodule(s). Forty-four patients underwent surgery, and 28 had DTC: 19 with American Thyroid Association (ATA) low-risk classification, 2 with ATA intermediate-risk, and 7 with ATA high-risk disease. Age cutpoint analyses identified cutpoints 3 and 10; hence, ≤3, >3 to ≤10, and >10 years were used. Of the 9 patients with intermediate- or high-risk disease, 8 were ≤10 years and 1 was >10 years at the time of RT. Female sex (OR = 1.62 [1.13–2.12] p = 0.054) and greater interval between RT and first US (OR = 1.10 [1.04–1.16] p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for nodule presentation. Conclusions: Thyroid US surveillance may be beneficial for CCS exposed to RT at younger ages (≤10 years) for earlier detection of DTC, prior to developing advanced metastatic disease.