bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the difference between local acceleration and local gravity: Applications of the equivalence principle to relativistic trajectories
Authors: Balbus Steven A.
Published: May 2024

We show by direct calculation that the common equivalence principle explanation for why gravity must deflect light is quantitatively incorrect by a factor of three in Schwarzschild geometry. It is, therefore, possible, at least as a matter of principle, to tell the difference between local acceleration and a true gravitational field by measuring the local deflection of light. We calculate as well the deflection of test particles of arbitrary energy and construct a leading-order coordinate transformation from Schwarzschild to local inertial coordinates, which shows explicitly how the effects of spatial curvature manifest locally for relativistic trajectories of both finite and vanishing rest mass particles.
Linewidth measurement of external cavity lasers
Authors: Kuusela Tom A.
Published: May 2024

Narrowband laser sources are used in applications that require high-precision or stable optical frequency. Such applications include high-resolution spectroscopy, long-distance measurement, and coherent optical communication. The linewidth of a laser is a direct measure of the laser's stability; therefore, characterization of laser linewidth is essential. In practice, however, determining a laser's linewidth is not a trivial task and typically requires expensive equipment or a complex experimental arrangement. This paper presents a straightforward, low-cost method based on unbalanced interferometry, which allows us to determine the visibility of fringe patterns as a function of the optical path difference and, consequently, the linewidth of the laser. As a test laser, we use a tunable external cavity laser source at around 780 nm, where an interference filter is employed for wavelength selection. Data obtained by applying the interferometric technique to this laser and the analysis of these data, along with the resulting linewidth value, are presented. Given that the described measurement setup is inexpensive, straightforward, and pedagogically accessible, it is well-suited for an instructional physics laboratory experiment and will also be of interest to laboratory researchers.
A synthetic lethal dependency on casein kinase 2 in response to replication-perturbing therapeutics in RB1-deficient cancer cells
Authors: Bulanova Daria , Akimov Yevhen , Senkowski Wojciech , Oikkonen Jaana , Gall-Mas Laura , Timonen Sanna , Elmadani Manar , Hynninen Johanna , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Aittokallio Tero , Wennerberg Krister
Published: May 2024

Resistance to therapy commonly develops in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), urging the search for improved therapeutic combinations and their predictive biomarkers. Starting from a CRISPR knockout screen, we identified that loss of RB1 in TNBC or HGSC cells generates a synthetic lethal dependency on casein kinase 2 (CK2) for surviving the treatment with replication-perturbing therapeutics such as carboplatin, gemcitabine, or PARP inhibitors. CK2 inhibition in RB1-deficient cells resulted in the degradation of another RB family cell cycle regulator, p130, which led to S phase accumulation, micronuclei formation, and accelerated PARP inhibition–induced aneuploidy and mitotic cell death. CK2 inhibition was also effective in primary patient-derived cells. It selectively prevented the regrowth of RB1-deficient patient HGSC organoids after treatment with carboplatin or niraparib. As about 25% of HGSCs and 40% of TNBCs have lost RB1 expression, CK2 inhibition is a promising approach to overcome resistance to standard therapeutics in large strata of patients.
A global gene regulatory program and its region-specific regulator partition neurons into commissural and ipsilateral projection types
Authors: Masuda Aki , Nishida Kazuhiko , Ajima Rieko , Saga Yumiko , Bakhtan Marah , Klar Avihu , Hirata Tatsumi , Zhu Yan
Published: May 2024

Understanding the genetic programs that drive neuronal diversification into classes and subclasses is key to understand nervous system development. All neurons can be classified into two types: commissural and ipsilateral, based on whether their axons cross the midline or not. However, the gene regulatory program underlying this binary division is poorly understood. We identified a pair of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, Nhlh1 and Nhlh2, as a global transcriptional mechanism that controls the laterality of all floor plate–crossing commissural axons in mice. Mechanistically, Nhlh1/2 play an essential role in the expression of Robo3, the key guidance molecule for commissural axon projections. This genetic program appears to be evolutionarily conserved in chick. We further discovered that Isl1, primarily expressed in ipsilateral neurons within neural tubes, negatively regulates the Robo3 induction by Nhlh1/2. Our findings elucidate a gene regulatory strategy where a conserved global mechanism intersects with neuron class–specific regulators to control the partitioning of neurons based on axon laterality.
Strong damped Lyman-α absorption in young star-forming galaxies at redshifts 9 to 11
Authors: Heintz Kasper E. , Watson Darach , Brammer Gabriel , Vejlgaard Simone , Hutter Anne , Strait Victoria B. , Matthee Jorryt , Oesch Pascal A. , Jakobsson Páll , Tanvir Nial R. , Laursen Peter , Naidu Rohan P. , Mason Charlotte A. , Killi Meghana , Jung Intae , Hsiao Tiger Yu-Yang , Abdurro’uf  , Coe Dan , Haro Pablo Arrabal , Finkelstein Steven L. , Toft Sune
Published: May 2024

Primordial neutral atomic gas, mostly composed of hydrogen, is the raw material for star formation in galaxies. However, there are few direct constraints on the amount of neutral atomic hydrogen (H i) in galaxies at early cosmic times. We analyzed James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) near-infrared spectroscopy of distant galaxies, at redshifts ≳8. From a sample of 12 galaxies, we identified three that show strong damped Lyman-α absorption due to H iin their local surroundings. The galaxies are located at spectroscopic redshifts of 8.8, 10.2, and 11.4, corresponding to 400 to 600 million years after the Big Bang. They have H icolumn densities ≳1022cm−2, which is an order of magnitude higher than expected for a fully neutral intergalactic medium, and constitute a gas-rich population of young star-forming galaxies.
Fathers and their children
Father Time: A Natural History of Men and Babies
Sarah Blaffer Hrdy
Princeton University Press, 2024. 432 pp.
Authors: Nye Robert A.
Published: May 2024

An anthropologist uncovers the rich history of paternal care
Diana H. Wall (1943–2024)
Authors: Lubchenco Jane , Galvin Kathleen A.
Published: May 2024

Pioneering Antarctic ecologist and ambassador for soil health
In Other Journals
Authors: Wible Brad , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Kelly Priscilla N. , Stern Peter , Vignieri Sacha , Osborne Ian S. , Grocholski Brent
Published: May 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
A bird flu vaccine for cows? It’s complicated
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: May 2024

Market uncertainties, safety rules, and export worries stand in way of H5N1 shots for cattle
Influence of PepF peptidase and sporulation on microcin J25 production in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zhang Guangwen , Feng Saixiang , Qin Miaomiao , Sun Juan , Liu Yutong , Luo Changqi , Lin Min , Xu Siqi , Liao Ming , Fan Huiying , Liang Zhaoping
Published: May 2024

The lasso peptide microcin J25 (MccJ25) possesses strong antibacterial properties and is considered a potential effective component of bacterial disease treatment drugs and safe food preservatives. Although MccJ25 can be heterologously expressed in
Bacillus subtilis
as we have previously reported, its regulation and accumulation are yet to be understood. Here, we investigated the expression level and stability of MccJ25 in
B. subtilis
strains with disruption in peptidase genes
pepA
,
pepF,
and
pepT
. Oligoendopeptidase F (PepF) was found to be involved in reduction of the production of MccJ25 by degradation of its precursor peptide. In the
pepF
mutant, the MccJ25 reached a concentration of 1.68 µM after a cultivation time exceeding 60 hours, while the wild-type strain exhibited a concentration of only 0.14 µM. Moreover, the production of MccJ25 in
B. subtilis
downregulated the genes associated with sporulation, and this may contribute to its accumulation. Finally, this study provides a strategy to improve the stability and production of MccJ25 in
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE

MccJ25 displays significant antibacterial activity, a well-defined mode of action, exceptional safety, and remarkable stability. Hence, it presents itself as a compelling candidate for an optimal antibacterial or anti-endotoxin medication. The successful establishment of exogenous production of MccJ25 in
Bacillus subtilis
provides a strategy for reducing its production cost and diversifying its utilization. In this study, we have provided evidence indicating that both peptidase PepF and sporulation are significant factors that limit the expression of MccJ25 in B. subtilis. The Δ
pepF
and Δ
sigF
mutants of
B. subtilis
express MccJ25 with higher production yield and enhanced stability. To sum up, this study developed several better engineered strains of
B. subtilis
, which greatly reduced the consumption of MccJ25 during the nutrient depletion stage of the host strain, improved its production, and elucidated factors that may be involved in reducing MccJ25 accumulation in
B. subtilis
.
Ultraselective angioembolisation of splenic artery for atraumatic spleen rupture in a patient of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bohra Arwa , Shashidhara Nitish Mundodi , Rahman Nadeemur , Ingle Vaibhav
Published: May 2024

A systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient in her mid-30s presented with spontaneous splenic haematoma and rupture. She rapidly deteriorated despite packed red cells and fresh frozen plasma transfusions. She underwent emergent ultraselective angioembolisation of the splenic artery and got stabilised. Spontaneous or atraumatic splenic rupture is rare in SLE and splenic artery embolisation may be life-saving.
Adult Tessier cleft 30: technical case report and review of literature
Authors: Chandrasekar Shruthi , Tanwar Nandini Singh , Saha Shivangi
Published: May 2024

Atypical facial clefts are rare anomalies that occur due to the failure of embryonic fusion of the branchial arches. The midline mandibular cleft or Tessier 30 cleft is one such rare anomaly. Such anomalies are diagnosed at birth and treated within a few months of age by establishing soft tissue and bony continuity, followed by orthognathic treatment in adulthood. It is very rare for such clefts to go untreated until adulthood. We present one such case report and our technique of management in a patient who presented to us at 25 years of age with a lower lip and mandible cleft with ankyloglossia, which was managed with a single-staged reconstruction.
Thrombotic microangiopathy following a white-lipped pit viper envenomation
Authors: Shankar Takshak , Arora Poonam , Jose Jewel Rani , Kaushik Aseem
Published: May 2024

Certain snake envenomation patients with consumptive coagulopathy, termed venom-induced consumption coagulopathy, develop thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Due to predominant renal involvement, TMA is said to resemble haemolytic uraemic syndrome and is treated with haemodialysis. We present a case of a young male who presented to the emergency department after being bitten by a white-lipped pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris). He developed heart failure in addition to acute kidney injury secondary to TMA. He was treated with 30 vials of anti-snake venom according to national guidelines and underwent haemodialysis. Despite haemodialysis, the patient’s ventilatory parameters continued to worsen, necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation. Thus, he was initiated on plasma exchange therapy, to which the patient responded well. TMA has not been reported in Trimeresurus envenomations yet, to the best of our knowledge. Additionally, plasma exchange therapy can be considered an adjunctive therapy for snakebite patients who develop TMA.
Hemichorea-hemiballismus due to diabetic striatopathy a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes
Authors: Middleton Brian , Albany Zhanna , Kamer Aaron , Kara Areeba
Published: May 2024

We report the case of a man in his mid-80s with diabetes mellitus who presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of right-sided choreiform movements and falls. Laboratory tests revealed blood glucose of 597 mg/dL. Non-contrast CT imaging of his head demonstrated a faint hyperdensity involving the left lentiform nucleus and brain MRI showed a hyperintensity in the left basal ganglia on T1-weighted images. These lesions are typical of diabetic striatopathy. Symptoms of hemichorea/hemiballismus did not resolve with glycaemic control and several pharmacological agents were tried with eventual improvement with risperidone. He was discharged to a rehabilitation facility and had mild persistent arm chorea at 6-month follow-up.
Diaphyseal giant cell tumour of mid-shaft tibia
Authors: Kantiwal Prabodh , Suhail Amir , Rao Meenakshi , Gahlot Nitesh
Published: May 2024

Giant cell tumours of bone are benign and locally aggressive tumours that usually occur in young adults and at the epiphysial locations after physeal closure. Occurrence outside of epiphysial locations and appearance in geriatric patients is rare. We report a case of a woman in her late 60s with a giant cell tumour of the mid-shaft of the right tibia. Extended curettage and biological reconstruction were performed with autologous double-barrel fibular struts and tri-cortical iliac crest bone grafting. At the 28-month follow-up examination, we noted full bony union at both ends with successful consolidation of the fibular struts, and importantly, no evidence of recurrence or other complications was observed.
Anesthesia modality in endovascular treatment for distal medium vessel occlusion stroke: intention-to-treat propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Doheim Mohamed F , Abdelhamid Hend , Matsoukas Stavros , Schuldt Braxton Riley , Fifi Johanna T , Kuybu Okkes , Gross Bradley A , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Dolia Jaydevsinh , Grossberg Jonathan A , Olive-Gadea Marta , Rodrigo-Gisbert Marc , Requena Manuel , Monteiro Andre , Yu Siyuan , Siegler James E , Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Cortez Gustavo M , Hanel Ricardo A , Aghaebrahim Amin , Hassan Ameer E , Nguyen Thanh N , Abdalkader Mohamad , Klein Piers , Salem Mohamed M , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Jankowitz Brian T , Colasurdo Marco , Kan Peter , Hafeez Muhammad , Tanweer Omar , Peng Sophia , Alaraj Ali , Siddiqui Adnan H , Nogueira Raul G , Haussen Diogo C
Published: May 2024

Background

The optimal anesthesia modality during endovascular treatment (EVT) for distal medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) stroke is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association of the anesthesia modality with procedural and clinical outcomes following EVT for DMVO stroke.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Patients were included if they had DMVO involving the middle cerebral artery-M3/4, anterior cerebral artery-A2/3, or posterior cerebral artery-P1/P2-3, and underwent EVT. The cohort was divided into two groups, general anesthesia (GA) and non-general anesthesia (non-GA), and compared based on the intention-to-treat principle as primary analysis. We used propensity scores to balance the two groups. The primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability as measured by the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Secondary outcomes included successful reperfusion, as well as excellent (mRS 0–1) and good (mRS 0–2) clinical outcomes at 90 days. Safety measures included procedural complications, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and 90-day mortality.

Results

Among 366 DMVO thrombectomies, 61 matched pairs were eligible for analysis. Median age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score as well as other baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were balanced between both groups. The GA group had no difference in the overall degree of disability (common OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.86, P=0.67) compared with the non-GA arm. Likewise, the GA group had comparable rates of successful reperfusion (OR 2.38, 95% CI 0.80 to 7.07, P=0.12), good/excellent clinical outcomes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.96, P=0.79/(OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.81, P=0.41), procedural complications (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.19 to 5.16, P>0.99), sICH (OR 3.24, 95% CI 0.83 to 12.68, P=0.09), and 90-day mortality (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.48 to 4.27, P=0.52) compared with the non-GA group.

Conclusions

In patients with DMVO, our study showed that GA and non-GA groups had similar procedural and clinical outcomes, as well as safety measures. Further larger controlled studies are warranted.
Heliocaminiform structures: plant organs that function as microgreenhouses
Authors: Kevan Peter G. , Coates Charlotte
Published: May 2024

Plant structures that enclose trapped air are morphologically and taxonomically diverse. They range from pubescence (trichomes) on various parts of plants to flowers, inflorescences, stems, culms (above-ground jointed stems of grasses), petioles, peduncles, scapes, fruits, bracts, leaves, galls, algal pneumatocysts, moss sporophytes, lichen podetia, and fungal fruiting bodies. Despite being familiar, such structures have not been studied systematically until recently when their complex thermodynamic functionality as microgreenhouses has been recognized. We propose the term “heliocaminiform” (Greco-Latin origin for “sun-room”) provides an umbrella term that describes form and function. Almost all the hollow structures we have examined have elevated internal temperatures of several degrees C above the surrounding air in sunshine, but those are abolished under cloud or at night. The potential importance for the additional heat is presumed to be in growth, maturation, reproduction, sexual function, and overall fitness of the plants. There seem to be no experimental studies on those effects even though they may help explain aspects of plants’ responses to climate change and to phenological mismatches with symbionts (mutualists and herbivores) as ecologically co-dependent partners. Our review and observations opens a remarkably new and hitherto surprisingly neglected avenue in botany which we hope others will explore.
Design of Fast Mining Algorithm for Educational Sport Course Data Based on Cluster Analysis
Authors: Lin Jing , Li Dan
Published: May 2024

In this age of big data, education researchers are reconceptualizing and re-evaluating the value of education data. Therefore, we need to use educational data mining methods for data analysis to better guide teaching. The informatization level of colleges and universities is improving year by year, and the entire training data of students from enrollment to graduation is stored. These datasets are collected, stored, and kept by different departments, contain a large amount of regular and relevant information, and truly record the growth footprint of students. Traditional educational decision-making has not yet fully explored and used the valuable information hidden in data resources. Although some scholars have carried out research related to campus data mining at this stage, there are still many problems that have not yet been solved in the application of decision-making in colleges and universities. This paper is based on the idea of data-driven decision-making, combined with the data characteristics of campus big data, and establishes a model solution for student behavior analysis and behavior prediction by applying multiple machine learning algorithms. On the basis of the analysis of students’ academic behavior performance in the context of multi-category educational data, we proposed a cluster analysis framework for processing multi-type campus big data, and described the group characteristics of the clustering results. By introducing the K-prototype algorithm, we effectively solved the multi-category problem where traditional clustering algorithms (such as K-Means, etc.) cannot adapt to the attributes of educational data. The research results show that innovative educational decision-making models and methods are based on the idea of “data-prediction-decision”, which promotes the application research of big data science in the area of education.
Track and Field Teaching Based on Computer Network Resources
Authors: Ma Fuxing
Published: May 2024

Track and field teaching has always been an important part in school physical education (PE). With the deepening of curriculum reform and the continuous growth of IT, universities have gradually broken the old instructional mode, and have set up online teaching platforms and developed new instructional modes. How to integrate modern teaching and learning theory into the new teaching technology platform is the requirement of the times and the inevitable theme of the current PE reform. In this article, the track and field instructional resources under the platform of instructional resources management are studied, and the classification mining algorithm is used to mine and analyze the students’ interest data, so as to find out the rules and patterns of users’ access to instructional resources, thus further optimizing the allocation of users’ access to instructional resources, improving the efficiency of users’ access to instructional resources and the utilization rate of instructional resources. Experiments show that the improved collaborative filtering (CF) algorithm based on deep learning is superior to the other two algorithms in recommendation error, and the error is reduced by 10.69% compared with the traditional CF algorithm.
Optimizing the thermoelectric properties of flexible Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thin films via modulating magnetron sputtering power
Authors: Zhang Rensheng , Hu Ding , Tian Xujiang , Liang Shaojun , Zhu Hanming , Yue Song
Published: May 2024

High-performance flexible Bi2Te3-based thin films carry significant promise for future portable and wearable thermoelectric devices. In this study, a series of Bi[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]Te3 thin films were deposited on polyimide substrates under different RF magnetron sputtering powers from 60 W to 140 W. The crystallinity, (00[Formula: see text]) preferential orientation and atomic composition can be effectively modulated by varying the sputtering power. Benefiting from the synchronous enhancements of the electrical conductivity (mostly due to the enhanced carrier mobility) and Seebeck coefficient, the film deposited under the sputtering power 100 W presents the best PF of 12.86 [Formula: see text]W cm[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text] at 360 K and the highest average PF of 11.25 [Formula: see text]W cm[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text] in the temperature range of 300–560 K, which are much better than those of the films deposited under other sputtering powers.
Fabrication and improved photocatalytic performance of 2D/0D structured g-C3N4/WO3 composite materials
Authors: Jia Xuerui , Wei Wei , Shao Xinxin , Li Kangpeng , Lu Huidan , Liu Yongping
Published: May 2024

In this work, [Formula: see text] quantum dots grow in situ on the synthesized ultra-thin [Formula: see text] nanosheets, ultimately forming a type of tightly bound 2D/0D Z-type heterojunctions. It was found that [Formula: see text] quantum dots were closely combined with [Formula: see text] nanosheets through SEM and TEM measurements. XRD, IR, and XPS characterization proved a [Formula: see text] heterojunction material was formed. The construction of [Formula: see text] heterojunctions enhanced visible light absorption, improved carrier separation efficiency, and reduced charge transfer resistance. Photocatalytic hydrogen production tests showed that the hydrogen production rate of 20% [Formula: see text] composite materials was 2.8 times that of the original [Formula: see text], and the hydrogen production amount within 3h was 3.7 times that of the original [Formula: see text]. Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B and 4-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation showed that compared with [Formula: see text], the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 20% [Formula: see text] composite materials was enhanced. The results reveal that the special structured [Formula: see text] composite materials have excellent photocatalytic activity, which can not only efficiently produce hydrogen but also efficiently degrade organic pollutants, providing an important reference for solving energy crises and environmental problems.
The Human-or-Machine Issue: Turing-Inspired Reflections on an Everyday Matter
Authors: Harel David , Marron Assaf
Published: May 2024

How will knowing, or not knowing, whether an agent is a human or a machine influence our interactions?
Influencing Factors of Financing Constraints of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in China: A Risk Information Conveyance Perspective
Authors: Jin Yuhuan , Zhang Sheng , Yu Ruoxi , Huang Tao
Published: May 2024

Given the phenomenon of “financing is difficult and expensive” for MSEs, this paper empirically investigated the influencing mechanism of the credit demand side characteristics on the financing constraints of MSEs based on the information conveyance perspective. The conclusions show that MSEs in China are severely suffering from financing constraints and 57.17% and 50.00% of MSEs with credit demand have not applied for loans from formal and informal financing channels, respectively. In terms of enterprise characteristics, MSEs have low asset size, short establishment history, weak profitability, and lack of tools such as fixed assets, complete financial management system, professional technicians, and private brands to convey risk information to financing institutions, which are key factors resulting in their financing constraints. In terms of owner characteristics, young owners lack financing experience and convey higher risk information to financing institutions; therefore, owners’ age negatively influences the financing constraints of MSEs. These findings suggest that banks can use big data credit technology as a tool to obtain risk information about MSEs, and the government should implement diversified interventions to improve the information environment in financial markets. These findings provide empirical evidence for banks and governments to address the financing constraints of MSEs.
Potential Metabolic Pathways Involved in Osteoporosis and Evaluation of Fracture Risk in Individuals with Diabetes
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Yanjun , Qian Bing , Li Pan
Published: May 2024

Diabetes has a significant global prevalence. Chronic hyperglycemia affects multiple organs and tissues, including bones. A large number of diabetic patients develop osteoporosis; however, the precise relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis remains incompletely elucidated. The activation of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway hinders the differentiation of osteoblasts and weakens the process of bone formation due to the presence of advanced glycation end products. High glucose environment can induce ferroptosis of osteoblasts and then develop osteoporosis. Hyperglycemia also suppresses the secretion of sex hormones, and the reduction of testosterone is difficult to effectively maintain bone mineral density. As diabetes therapy, thiazolidinediones control blood glucose by activating PPAR-γ. Activated PPAR-γ can promote osteoclast differentiation and regulate osteoblast function, triggering osteoporosis. The effects of metformin and insulin on bone are currently controversial. Currently, there are no appropriate tools available for assessing the risk of fractures in diabetic patients, despite the fact that the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures is considerably greater in diabetic individuals compared to those without diabetes. Further improving the inclusion criteria of FRAX risk factors and clarifying the early occurrence of osteoporosis sites unique to diabetic patients may be an effective way to diagnose and treat diabetic osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fracture occurrence.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis Impairment in the Testis of db/db Mice
Authors: Hu Yun , Cai Ting-Ting , Yan Reng-Na , Liu Bing-Li , Ding Bo , Ma Jian-Hua
Published: May 2024

Objective. The mechanism of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis impairment in men with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. We aimed to explore the local changes of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis of db/db mice. Research Design and Methods. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis in the testis of db/db and C57BL/6J mice. The differentially expressed genes were then confirmed by real-time PCR. The histopathological characteristics of testis in db/db mice and C57BL/6J control were also performed. Results. The 20-week-old db/db mice had significantly higher blood glucose and body weight (both p<0.001). The serum testosterone levels (4.4 ± 0.8 vs. 9.8 ± 0.7 ng/ml, p=0.001) and weight of the testis (0.16 ± 0.01 vs. 0.24 ± 0.01 g, p<0.001) were significantly lower in db/db mice than that in C57BL/6J controls. db/db mice had a lower cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules and thickness of the cell layer (both p<0.05). The numbers of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells decreased in db/db mice (both p<0.01). Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that compared with the control group, the percentage of spermatogonia was significantly higher in the db/db mouse (p<0.001), while the proportions of spermatocytes, round and elongating spermatids, and sperms were all lower in the db/db mouse (p all<0.001). The most differentially expressed genes were found in round spermatids (n = 86), which were not found in spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and sperm. Igfbp5 was the most significantly decreased gene in Leydig cells of the db/db mouse, while the expression of Cd74, H2-Aa, and H2-Eb1 was elevated. Ccl7 and Ptgds were the most significantly increased and decreased genes in Sertoli cells of the db/db mouse. Conclusions. The present study indicates spermiogenesis and steroidogenesis defects in db/db mice. The mechanism of steroidogenesis impairment in the testis of db/db mice deserves further investigation.
FIGURE 2 from Use of Deep Learning to Evaluate Tumor Microenvironmental Features for Prediction of Colon Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Sinicrope Frank A. , Nelson Garth D. , Saberzadeh-Ardestani Bahar , Segovia Diana I. , Graham Rondell P. , Wu Christina , Hagen Catherine E. , Shivji Sameer , Savage Paul , Buchanan Dan D. , Jenkins Mark A. , Phipps Amanda I. , Swallow Carol , LeMarchand Loic , Gallinger Steven , Grant Robert C. , Pai Reetesh K. , Sinicrope Stephen N. , Yan Dongyao , Shanmugam Kandavel , Conner James , Cyr David P. , Kirsch Richard , Banerjee Imon , Alberts Steve R. , Shi Qian , Pai Rish K.
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence–derived morphologic features in stage III colon cancers (NCCTG N0147 trial) that were found to be most strongly associated with patient TTR. Data are shown in Kaplan–Meier plots for TSR among p-MMR tumors in initial cohort (A), validation cohort (B), and % inflammatory stroma among d-MMR tumors in initial cohort (C) and validation cohort (D). TSR is shown by level (level 1 < 0.65; level 2 ≥ 0.65). Inflammatory stroma level includes level 1 (<7.38), level 2 (≥7.38 and <15.22), level 3 (≥15.22 and <36.75), level 4 (≥36.75).
FIGURE 1 from Use of Deep Learning to Evaluate Tumor Microenvironmental Features for Prediction of Colon Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Sinicrope Frank A. , Nelson Garth D. , Saberzadeh-Ardestani Bahar , Segovia Diana I. , Graham Rondell P. , Wu Christina , Hagen Catherine E. , Shivji Sameer , Savage Paul , Buchanan Dan D. , Jenkins Mark A. , Phipps Amanda I. , Swallow Carol , LeMarchand Loic , Gallinger Steven , Grant Robert C. , Pai Reetesh K. , Sinicrope Stephen N. , Yan Dongyao , Shanmugam Kandavel , Conner James , Cyr David P. , Kirsch Richard , Banerjee Imon , Alberts Steve R. , Shi Qian , Pai Rish K.
Published: May 2024

QuantCRC detects tumor morphologic features in four layers. TB/PDC, tumor budding/poorly differentiated cluster; TIL, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. https://cloud.aiforia.com/Public/MayoUpmcAiforia_Pai/0z9TK9WQComQSW5MOEo_1KieA8U9KX9oCFbc2SQ-ioM0. To see the QuantCRC analysis click on the image, then click on “analyze,” and then click on the thumbnail of the image.
An Evidence-Based Discussion of Fetal Pain and Stress
Authors: Mohamed Samirah H.M. , Reissland Nadja , Anand Kanwaljeet J.S.
Published: May 2024

Background: The concept of fetal pain results from procedures conducted without anesthesia in preterm newborns and fetuses, which indicate that it is possible to examine fetal pain based on stress hormone, metabolic, and behavioral changes. Anatomical and physiological data suggest that fetuses become capable of processing nociceptive stimuli around midgestation, although the associated changes in fetal brain development remain unclear. What constitutes fetal pain remains controversial in the light of the definition of pain adopted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), which posits pain as an “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience.” Summary: Here, we examine the notion that human fetuses cannot “experience” pain and potential implications of this claim. We highlight the key scientific evidence related to fetal pain, including clinical studies on pain in fetuses and preterm newborns. We argue that consistent patterns of stress hormones, metabolic changes, body movements, hemodynamic changes, and pain-related facial expressions in fetuses exposed to invasive procedures overcome the need for subjective proof of pain as articulated in the IASP definition. No study to date has conclusively proven the absence of fetal pain beyond the age of viability. Key Messages: Based on the current evidence, we propose that all fetuses receive anesthesia regardless of the invasive procedures being performed to guarantee the least possible pain and physiological, behavioral, or hormonal responses without exposing the mother or her baby to unnecessary complications.
The potential impact of dietary choices on melanoma risk: an anti-inflammatory diet
Authors: Fortes Cristina , Mastroeni Simona , Levati Lauretta , Alotto Massimo , Ricci Francesco , D’Atri Stefania
Published: May 2024

The role of inflammation in the aetiology of cancer is recognized. However, no study yet examined the association between an anti-inflammatory diet and cutaneous melanoma and explored whether it could be modified by genetic variations in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme in inflammation. A case-control study was conducted in the IDI-IRCCS hospital in Rome, Italy with 273 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma and 269 controls frequency matched to cases. Information on socio-demographic and pigmentary characteristics, medical history, sun exposure and dietary habits were collected for all subjects. The − 765G > C polymorphism was identified in DNA extracted from blood samples. An anti-inflammatory diet score was created. Logistic regression models were fitted to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A high anti-inflammatory diet score (≥ 8 anti-inflammatory dietary items) was associated with a decreased risk of cutaneous melanoma (OR: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.17–0.49, Ptrend < 0.0001) after adjusting for sex, age, education, number of common nevi, skin photo-type, solar lentigines and sunburns in childhood. COX-2 -765 G > C polymorphism was not an independent risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. Although interaction between − 765G > C genotypes and anti-inflammatory diet score was not statistically significant (p = 0.25), when stratified by -765 G > C genotypes the effect of the anti-inflammatory diet was slightly more pronounced for participants carrying – 765GG (OR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.06–0.47, Ptrend < 0.001). Our study findings suggest that adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with a decreased risk of developing cutaneous melanoma. These results suggest the potential impact of dietary choices on melanoma risk.
Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with self-(in)compatibility in goji berries (Lycium barbarum)
Authors: Wang Cuiping , Qin Ken , Shang Xiaohui , Gao Yan , Wu Jiali , Ma Haijun , Wei Zhaojun , Dai Guoli
Published: May 2024

Background

Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is a perennial deciduous shrub widely distributed in arid and semiarid regions of Northwest China. It is highly valued for its medicinal and functional properties. Most goji varieties are naturally self-incompatible, posing challenges in breeding and cultivation. Self-incompatibility is a complex genetic trait, with ongoing debates regarding the number of self-incompatible loci. To date, no genetic mappings has been conducted for S loci or other loci related to self-incompatibility in goji.

Results

We used genome resequencing to create a high-resolution map for detecting de novo single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in goji. We focused on 229 F1 individuals from self-compatible ‘13–19’ and self-incompatible ‘new 9’ varieties. Subsequently, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis on traits associated with self-compatibility in goji berries. The genetic map consisted of 249,327 SNPs distributed across 12 linkage groups (LGs), spanning a total distance of 1243.74 cM, with an average interval of 0.002 cM. Phenotypic data related to self-incompatibility, such as average fruit weight, fruit rate, compatibility index, and comparable compatibility index after self-pollination and geitonogamy, were collected for the years 2021–2022, as well as for an extra year representing the mean data from 2021 to 2022 (2021/22). A total of 43 significant QTL, corresponding to multiple traits were identified, accounting for more than 11% of the observed phenotypic variation. Notably, a specific QTL on chromosome 2 consistently appeared across different years, irrespective of the relationship between self-pollination and geitonogamy. Within the localization interval, 1180 genes were annotated, including Lba02g01102 (annotated as an S-RNase gene), which showed pistil-specific expression. Cloning of S-RNase genes revealed that the parents had two different S-RNase alleles, namely S1S11 and S2S8. S-genotype identification of the F1 population indicated segregation of the four S-alleles from the parents in the offspring, with the type of S-RNase gene significantly associated with self-compatibility.

Conclusions

In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the genetic mechanism underlying self-compatibility in goji berries. This highlights the importance of further positional cloning investigations and emphasizes the importance of integration of marker-assisted selection in goji breeding programs.
Preoperative investigation practices for elective surgical patients: clinical audit
Authors: Firde Meseret , Yetneberk Tikuneh
Published: May 2024

Background

The findings of pre-operative investigations help to identify risk factors that may affect the course of surgery or post-operative recovery by contributing to informed consent conversations between the surgical team and the patient, as well as guiding surgical and anesthetic planning. Certainly, preoperative tests are valuable when they offer additional information beyond what can be gathered from a patient’s history and physical examination alone. Preoperative testing practices differ significantly among hospitals, and even within the same hospital, clinicians may have varying approaches to requesting tests. This study aimed to investigate preoperative testing practices and compare them with the latest guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Methods

This three-month institutionally based study was carried out at the Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1 to July 30, 2023, including individuals aged 16 years and older who were not pregnant and had undergone elective surgery in the gynecological, orthopedic, and general units. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics, the existence of comorbidities, the invasiveness of surgery, and the tests taken into consideration by the guideline were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. After rigorously analyzing and revising the results of preoperative investigation approaches, we compared them to the standard of recommendations. Moreover, the data was analyzed and graphically presented using Microsoft Excel 2013.

Results

During the data collection period, 247 elective patients underwent general, orthopedic, and gynecological operations. The majority of patients, 107 (43.32%), were between the ages of 16 and 40 and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class one (92.71%). 350 investigations were requested in total. Of these, 71 (20.28%) tests were ordered without a justified reason or in contravention of NICE recommendations.

Conclusions

In our hospital’s surgical clinical practice, unnecessary preoperative testing is still common, especially when it comes to organ function tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and complete blood counts (FBCs). When deciding whether preoperative studies are required, it is critical to consider aspects including a complete patient history, a physical examination, and the invasiveness of the surgery.
Chronic cough diagnosis, treatment, and referral practices among family physicians in the United States: a survey study
Authors: Shields Joel B. , Callen Elisabeth , Loskutova Natalia Y. , Schelfhout Jonathan , Hester Christina M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Cough is one of the most common presenting problems for patients in primary care and is largely managed in primary care clinical settings. Family physicians’ familiarity with chronic cough guidelines and the extent to which these guidelines translate into everyday practice have not been well described. The objective of this study was to characterize current diagnosis, treatment, and referral practices among family physicians and to identify potentially impactful strategies to optimize chronic cough management in primary care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 5,000 family physicians to explore diagnosis, treatment, and referral practices related to chronic cough management in adults in primary care. Respondents completed the survey via paper or online. The outcome measures were self-reported numeric ratings and responses related to the survey elements.

Results

588 surveys were completed (11.8% response rate). About half (49.6%) of respondents defined chronic cough in a manner consistent with the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) chronic cough guidelines, with the rest differing in opinion primarily regarding duration of symptom presentation. Respondents reported trying to rule out most common causes of chronic cough themselves before referring (mean 3.41 on a 4-point scale where 4 is “describes me completely”) and indicated a desire for more resources to help them manage and treat chronic cough. Years in practice and rural/urban setting influenced diagnosis and referral practices.

Conclusions

Family physicians see chronic cough as a complicated condition that can be and is often diagnosed and treated entirely in a primary care setting. They also value the ability to refer in complex cases. Our results support that family physicians provide evidence-based management of chronic cough.
Outcome of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and previous biliary instrumentation: an observational study
Authors: Brown Karen T. , Chou Joanne F. , Suchy Hannah B. , Getrajdman George I. , Gonen Mithat , Covey Anne M. , Brody Lynn A. , Schattner Mark A. , D’Angelica Michael I. , Kingham T. Peter , Erinjeri Joseph P. , Jarnagin William R.
Published: May 2024

Background

To assess the outcome of previously untreated patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who present to a cancer referral center with or without pre-existing trans-papillary biliary drainage.

Methods

Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma presenting between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, were identified from a prospective surgical database and by a query of the institutional database. Of 237 patients identified, 106 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Clinical information was obtained from the Electronic Medical Record and imaging studies were reviewed in the Picture Archiving and Communication System.

Results

73 of 106 patients (69%) presenting with a new diagnosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent trans-papillary biliary drainage (65 endoscopic and 8 percutaneous) prior to presentation at our institution. 8 of the 73 patients with trans-papillary biliary drainage (11%) presented with and 5 developed cholangitis; all 13 (18%) required subsequent intervention; none of the patients without trans-papillary biliary drainage presented with or required drainage for cholangitis (p = 0.008). Requiring drainage for cholangitis was more likely to delay treatment (p = 0.012) and portended a poorer median overall survival (13.6 months, 95%CI [4.08, not reached)] vs. 20.6 months, 95%CI [18.34, 37.51] p = 0.043).

Conclusion

Trans-papillary biliary drainage for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma carries a risk of cholangitis and should be avoided when possible. Clinical and imaging findings of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma should prompt evaluation at a cancer referral center before any intervention. This would mitigate development of cholangitis necessitating additional drainage procedures, delaying treatment and potentially compromising survival.
Translation, validity and reliability of the persian version of the rapid assessment of physical activity questionnaire
Authors: Barati Majid , Hansson Eva Ekvall , Taheri-Kharameh Zahra , Topolski Tari D
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to produce a valid and reliable Persian version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire, which previously has been shown to be valid and reliable for assessing physical activity among older adults.

Methods

Permission was obtained from the scale developer, who provided a copy of the the Linguistic Validation of the RAPA Qestionnaire, which utilizes a forward-backward translation methodology. Content validity, face validity, and construct validity of the questionnaire were then determined. Comparison of known groups (older adults with more or less than 50% balance confidence) was used to assess construct validity and the Leiden-Padua (LEIPAD) quality of life questionnaire were used to assess convergent validity. Three hundred older adults, who were members of the Qom retirement centers, participated in the study. Thirty participants completed the RAPA twice with a one-week interval to determine test–retest reliability.

Results

Results of comparisons of known groups showed that the mean RAPA score of the older people with greater balance confidence was significantly higher. Significant correlations between most of the scores obtained from both RAPA and the LEIPAD questionnaires confirmed the convergent validity of the questionnaire. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was as high as 0.94 showing that the test–retest reliability was good.

Conclusion

This study showed the Persian RAPA is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring physical activity among older individuals in both research and clinical contexts.