bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the U.S. metropolitan house price dynamics
Authors: Plakandaras Vasilios , Pragidis Ioannis , Karypidis Paris
Published: July 2023

In this article, we propose a novel estimator that builds on recent advances in heterogenous estimators to introduce the concepts of cross‐sectional heterogeneity and cross‐sectional dependency in the machine learning (ML) literature. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated in forecasting house prices at the county level for the 56 most populated Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the U.S., identifying bubbles in local house markets as they form and measuring the returns on a trading strategy based on model's forecasts. In doing so, we find that the proposed method achieves an out‐of‐sample error of 0.252 in house prices forecasting, while the most accurate econometric estimator has a forecasting error of 0.678 and the most accurate ML 0.763. In terms of bubble identification, the proposed model achieves a 0.470 recall against 0.390 and 0.380 of the most accurate econometric and ML, respectively. Finally, in terms of economic significance, a diversified portfolio of Real Estate Investment Trust stocks achieves an averaged return of 13.1%, which is twice as large as the second most profitable trading strategy. Our work has direct policy implications to market participants and monetary policy authorities as it shapes a new local approach to monitoring the real estate market.
Interactions between mitochondrial dysfunction and other hallmarks of aging: Paving a path toward interventions that promote healthy old age
Authors: Li Yuan , Berliocchi Laura , Li Zhiquan , Rasmussen Lene Juel
Published: July 2023

Current research on human aging has largely been guided by the milestone paper “hallmarks of aging,” which were first proposed in the seminal 2013 paper by Lopez‐Otin et al. Most studies have focused on one aging hallmark at a time, asking whether the underlying molecular perturbations are sufficient to drive the aging process and its associated phenotypes. More recently, researchers have begun to investigate whether aging phenotypes are driven by concurrent perturbations in molecular pathways linked to not one but to multiple hallmarks of aging and whether they present different patterns in organs and systems over time. Indeed, preliminary results suggest that more complex interactions between aging hallmarks must be considered and addressed, if we are to develop interventions that successfully promote healthy aging and/or delay aging‐associated dysfunction and diseases. Here, we summarize some of the latest work and views on the interplay between hallmarks of aging, with a specific focus on mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, this represents a significant example of the complex crosstalk between hallmarks of aging and of the effects that an intervention targeted to a specific hallmark may have on the others. A better knowledge of these interconnections, of their cause‐effect relationships, of their spatial and temporal sequence, will be very beneficial for the whole aging research field and for the identification of effective interventions in promoting healthy old age.
Supply chain concentration and cost of capital
Authors: Upson James E. , Wei Chao
Published: July 2023

This study examines the impact of supply chain concentration on a firm's financing costs. We show purchasing firms with multiple supplier relationships are subject to higher information asymmetry and cost of equity. This effect is more pronounced when the supplier's financial performance deteriorates. We also find that lower supply chain concentration increases a firm's cost of debt. We believe that the purchaser's supply chain represents a source of material private information and that investors require a higher rate of return as compensation for increased information asymmetry. Our results are robust to combining the suppliers producing similar output and endogeneity issues.
Common genetic and environmental risk for personality disorders and psychotic‐like experiences in young adult twins
Authors: Tesli Martin , Nesvåg Ragnar , Haukvik Unn K. , Gustavson Kristin , Tesli Natalia , Friestad Christine , Skardhamar Torbjørn , Næss Øyvind , Czajkowski Nikolai , Kendler Kenneth S. , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Ystrom Eivind
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) have been associated with the subsequent emergence of psychotic disorders as well as several other domains of psychopathology. In this twin study, we estimated the genetic and environmental correlations between PLE and 10 personality disorders (PD).

Methods

Diagnoses of 10 PDs according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV) and PLE from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) were retrieved for 2793 young adult twins from the Norwegian Twin Registry. Risk for having a PD and PLEs was modeled using item response theory. Biometric twin models were fitted to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations between PDs and PLEs. Co‐twin control analysis was performed to estimate additional within‐family risk for PLEs when having a PD.

Results

Phenotypic overlap between PDs and PLEs ranged from 14% to 44% in males and from 11% to 39% in females, with the highest overlap for borderline PD in both sexes. In general, we found higher genetic correlations (r = 0.14–0.72) than environmental correlations (r = 0.06–0.28) between PDs and PLEs. The highest genetic correlations between PLE and PDs were found for borderline (r = 0.72), paranoid (r = 0.56), schizotypal (r = 0.56) and antisocial PD (r = 0.49).

Conclusion

We found that the co‐occurrence between PDs and PLE is the best explained by shared genetic determinants, with minor contributions from environmental factors. Interestingly, borderline PD was highly genetically correlated with PLE, warranting molecular genetic studies of this association.
Obesity and recurrent miscarriage: The interconnections between adipose tissue and the immune system
Authors: Gonçalves Cristiano César Rodrigues Augusto , Feitosa Beatriz Memória , Cavalcante Beatriz Vieira , Lima André Lucas Grangeiro de Sá Barreto , de Souza Caroline Martins , Joventino Larissa Brandão , Cavalcante Marcelo Borges
Published: July 2023

Currently, obesity is considered a global public health problem. It is the main risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and reproductive complications, such as recurrent miscarriage (RM). RM affects approximately 1% of couples of reproductive age, and recent studies suggest that its prevalence is increasing. Immunological abnormalities may be responsible for a significant number of cases of unexplained RM. Obesity is recognized as a chronic low‐grade inflammatory condition. The accumulation of fat in obese adipose tissue promotes changes in the local and systemic immune response. Adipokines, exosomes, micro‐RNAs, lipids, and other factors released or secreted by adipose tissue are responsible for the interconnection between obesity and the immune system. Obesity‐induced dysregulation of the innate and acquired immune response is also involved in the immunopathology of pregnancy loss in patients with unexplained RM. Therefore, understanding the communication pathways between maternal adipose tissue and the immune response in women living with obesity and RM is an important objective. Thus, diagnostic tools and new immunomodulatory therapies may be proposed for the management of patients with concurrent obesity and RM.
Effect of antioxidants on semen parameters in men with oligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Barbonetti Arcangelo , Tienforti Daniele , Castellini Chiara , Giulio Francesca Di , Muselli Mario , Pizzocaro Alessandro , Vena Walter , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Pivonello Rosario , Isidori Andrea M. , Maggi Mario , Corona Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Background

Although antioxidants are largely used in subfertile men with oligo‐astheno‐teratozoospermia (OAT), the choice among different molecules is challenged by the lack of comparative head‐to‐head studies. The network meta‐analysis (NMA) can overcome limitations of pairwise meta‐analyses, since it incorporates direct and indirect evidence into a single model generating an effectiveness hierarchy.

Objective

To assess with a NMA the effects of antioxidants in improving seminal parameters in idiopathic OAT.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any antioxidant treatment to each other or placebo in men with at least one idiopathic seminal abnormality. Data were included in a random‐effects NMA, where efficacy of treatments was ranked by surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

Results

29 RCTs provided information on 2045 men (mean age: 33.5 years) with idiopathic OAT and 19 antioxidant preparations. Compared to placebo, l‐carnitine, especially in combination with l‐acetyl‐carnitine (LAC), had the highest SUCRA for sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. Folate was the only other compound effective on sperm concentration. Vitamin E+selenium or zinc had the highest SUCRA for total motility. A contribution on progressive motility was revealed for pentoxifylline and vitamin E+CoQ10.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the systemic right ventricle in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: A case report
Authors: García‐Cruz Edgar , Manzur‐Sandoval Daniel , Toledo‐Alemán Enma Leticia , Angulo‐Cruzado Stephanie Teresa , Sánchez‐López Sheila Vania , Benita‐Bordes Antonio , Calderón‐Colmenero Juan , Díaz‐Gallardo Linda Guieniza , Aranda‐Fraustro Alberto , Mata‐Salgado Gabriela Denisse , Baranda‐Tovar Francisco Martín
Published: July 2023

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare clinical entity, which usually presents during adulthood with associated defects; atrioventricular block, heart failure, systemic valve failure, and arrhythmias usually complicate the clinical course. Even rarer is associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which complicates the disease course and clinical decision‐making. Herein, we present a patient with this condition who underwent heart transplantation, with adequate clinical resolution.
Insights into the mechanisms of neuron generation and specification in the zebrafish ventral spinal cord
Authors: Cucun Gokhan , Köhler Melina , Pfitsch Sabrina , Rastegar Sepand
Published: July 2023

The vertebrate nervous system is composed of a wide range of neurons and complex synaptic connections, raising the intriguing question of how neuronal diversity is generated. The spinal cord provides an excellent model for exploring the mechanisms governing neuronal diversity due to its simple neural network and the conserved molecular processes involved in neuron formation and specification during evolution. This review specifically examines two distinct progenitor domains present in the zebrafish ventral spinal cord: the lateral floor plate (LFP) and the p2 progenitor domain. The LFP is responsible for the production of GABAergic Kolmer–Agduhr neurons (KA″), glutamatergic V3 neurons, and intraspinal serotonergic neurons, while the p2 domain generates V2 precursors that subsequently differentiate into three unique subpopulations of V2 neurons, namely glutamatergic V2a, GABAergic V2b, and glycinergic V2s. Based on recent findings, we will examine the fundamental signaling pathways and transcription factors that play a key role in the specification of these diverse neurons and neuronal subtypes derived from the LFP and p2 progenitor domains.
FOUR STYLIZED FACTS ABOUT COVID‐19
Authors: Atkeson Andrew G. , Kopecky Karen A. , Zha Tao
Published: July 2023

We develop a Bayesian method for estimating the dynamics of COVID‐19 deaths and discover four key findings that expose the limitations of current structural epidemiological models . (i) Death growth rates declined rapidly from high levels during the initial 30 days of the epidemic worldwide. (ii) After this initial period, these rates fluctuated substantially around 0%. (iii) The cross‐location standard deviation of death growth rates decreased rapidly in the first 10 days but remained high afterward. (iv) These insights apply to both effective reproduction numbers and their cross‐location variability through epidemiological models. Our method is applicable to studying other epidemics.
Retrospective evaluation of the improvement in the urinary status‐related quality of life after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kohada Yuki , Hieda Keisuke , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Tasaka Ryo , Asami Akihiro , Akiyama Kosuke , Sakamoto Yuki , Kirishima Fumiaki , Saito Kohei , Fukushima Takafumi , Takemoto Kenshiro , Babasaki Takashi , Kobatake Kohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Goto Keisuke , Ikeda Kenichiro , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Hinata Nobuyuki
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients who report improvement in quality of life (QOL) related to urinary status after undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for localized prostate cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the patients who underwent RARP between May 2010 and May 2021 at our institution and were preoperatively unsatisfied with their urinary status. Patients were grouped as Group 1 (improved patients: “satisfied” with urinary status based on international prostate symptom score QOL [IPSS‐QOL] = 0–2 at 12 months after RARP) and Group 2 (unimproved group: “unsatisfied”–IPSS‐QOL 3–6). Additionally, the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) urinary subdomains (urinary function, urinary bother [UB], urinary incontinence, and urinary irritation/obstruction [UIR]) and IPSS were evaluated preoperatively and till 12 months after RARP.

Results

Of the 237 patients, 72 (30.4%) were Group 1, and 165 (69.6%) were Group 2. Only UB and UIR improved at 12 months after RARP in Group 1, while other EPIC urinary subdomains remained unimproved at 12 months in both groups. On the other hand, IPSS improved at 12 months in both groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that the nerve‐sparing, preoperative low IPSS (<11 vs. ≥11), and low IPSS‐QOL (3 vs. 4–6) were associated with improvement in urinary status‐related QOL (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Improvement in UB and UIR are important factors to ascertain improvement in urinary status‐related QOL after RARP. Nerve‐sparing and preoperative IPSS/IPSS‐QOL values are useful predictors of this improvement.
Fostering informal learning strategies in the workplace: A training study
Authors: Kittel Anne Frieda Doris , Seufert Tina
Published: July 2023

Background

Most workplace learning is informal. However, some employees struggle to execute informal learning strategies effectively because they lack the necessary knowledge or skills or use their knowledge and skills ineffectively or not at all.

Objectives

We examined the effects of computer‐based micro‐learning interventions that provide strategy knowledge, prompts, or both, on strategy knowledge, strategy use, and goal achievement—to compensate for these deficits.

Methods

A total of 122 employees were randomized into four interventions groups, that is, knowledge, prompts, both, and waiting control group, for a longitudinal micro‐learning training experiment. The participants received 10 micro‐learning nuggets over a month.

Results and Conclusion

Compared with the control group, results of the interventions suggested that providing knowledge led to more declarative knowledge. Surprisingly, prompts resulted in more declarative knowledge. Combined interventions led to greater declarative knowledge, but no further synergetic effects could be observed. Over the training course, results showed positive, cubic effects on strategy use and for individual goal achievement for the prompts and combined intervention group. Qualitative data suggest a self‐assessment adjustment of strategy use. In future studies, interventions could be custom‐designed to compensate for the different deficits.
Reduced 2,4‐dienoyl‐CoA reductase 1 is served as an unfavorable biomarker and is related to immune infiltration in cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Suiqun , Jiang Huiping , Deng Yuanrun , Dong Yanqi , Yin Aiqi , Wang Qinghai , Lan Qiudai , Zhang Yilin , Xu Caiqiu
Published: July 2023

Background

Worldwide, cervical cancer (CC) remains the most prevalent malignancy of the female reproductive system, posing a threat to women's life and health, and increasing the medical and economic burden on society. Therefore, the search for tumor biomarkers for CC remains an important research direction. Immunotherapy has significantly improved patient outcomes, and genes related to tumor immune infiltration have been clinically relevant and highly reproducible biomarkers that affect the prognosis and response to treatment of CC. 2,4‐dienoyl‐CoA reductase 1 (DECR1) was considered to be an oncogene in a previous study, but relationship between DECR1 and immune infiltration was not mentioned. Our study aimed to reveal the clinical value of DECR1 in CC and to investigate its relationship with immune infiltration.

Methods

Human Protein Atlas was used to identify the localization of DECR1. The Ualcan database, TCGA, and IHC were used to assess the prognostic value of DECR1. GSEA was used to assess the possible signaling pathways of DECR1 in CC. The TIMER database was applied to reveal the relevance between DECR1 and immune infiltration. GEPIA was conducted to detect the co‐relationship among DECR1, immune markers, and typical molecules of apoptosis.

Results

DECR1 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and overlapped with the endoplasmic reticulum. DECR1 was downregulated in CC compared to adjacent tissue. Survival analysis showed that patients with lower expression of DECR1 have a worse prognosis in CC. GSEA suggested that DECR1 was closely related to apoptosis signaling. TIMER showed that DECR1 was positively correlated with CD8+ T cell and CD4+ T cell but not with B cell in CC.

Conclusion

DECR1 may be a potential cancer suppressor in CC and may be involved in apoptotic pathways and associated with immune infiltration.
Powdery mildew of chayote (Sechium edule) caused by Podosphaera xanthii race 2 in Brazil
Authors: Borges Rafaela Cristina Ferreira , Fonseca Maria Esther de Noronha , Boiteux Leonardo Silva , Santos Maria do Desterro Mendes , Veloso Josiene Silva , Aguiar Frederick Mendes , Reis Ailton
Published: July 2023

The causal agent of chayote (Sechium edule) powdery mildew (PM) was identified in Brazil. Microscopic examinations revealed hyaline and ovoid conidia, borne in chains and displaying distinctive extra‐vacuolar fibrosin bodies. Morphology agreed to the standard description of the anamorph of Podosphaera xanthii. To confirm this identification, genomic DNA was extracted from field isolates and used in PCR assays with ITS primers. Amplicons were Sanger‐sequenced and the nucleotide alignments of all isolates displayed identity levels above 97% with P. xanthii isolates in GenBank database. Phylogenetic analyses indicated only P. xanthii isolates as the PM‐inducing pathogens in chayote. Inoculation assays were performed using chayote, zucchini and a set of muskmelon differential cultigens for determination of the physiological races of P. xanthii. All chayote isolates were pathogenic to chayote and zucchini seedlings. Five isolates were also pathogenic to the muskmelon cultigens ‘Hale's Best Jumbo’, ‘Védrantais’, ‘PMR‐45’ and ‘Edisto 47’, whereas ‘PMR‐5’ was asymptomatic during the experimental period. The virulence profile of chayote‐infecting isolates allowed their classification as P. xanthii race 2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first worldwide report of P. xanthii race 2 in chayote. This report has relevant epidemiological and disease management implications, allowing more sustainable chayote cultivation under tropical and subtropical conditions.
The effect of lumbosacral transitional vertebra on lumbar spine degeneration and spondylolisthesis among patients with low back pain
Authors: Coskun Benlidayi Ilke , Tirasci Emre
Published: July 2023

Aim

To examine the impact of lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) on lumbar spine degeneration, disc protrusion, and spondylolisthesis among patients with low back pain.

Methods

The records of the patients who had undergone anterioposterior lumbar radiographs and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for low back pain between November 2014 and September 2021 were extracted retrospectively and assessed for eligibility. Of the remaining patients, those with LSTV were assigned as “case group.” Age‐ and sex‐matched patients without LSTV were assigned as “control group.” On digitalized lumbar MRIs, Modic degeneration (type I–III) and Pfirrman's disc degeneration (grade I–V) immediately cephalad to the transitional level were evaluated; intervertebral disc height (mm), disc protrusion (mm), and percentage of vertebral slippage (%) were measured.

Results

Of the 501 patients with low back pain, 128 ineligible patients were excluded; 113 patients with LSTV and 117 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included in the study. LSTV group revealed decreased intervertebral disc height, increased vertebral endplate degeneration, and slippage, as well as increased disc degeneration and protrusion when compared with controls (p < 0.001). Patients with type III LSTV had greater disc protrusion and higher percentage of slippage compared to those with type I LSTV (p = 0.008 and p = 0.009, respectively). Vertebral endplate degeneration, disc height, and disc degeneration did not differ across categories of LSTV type.

Conclusion

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra malformation is related to decreased intervertebral disc height, increased disc degeneration, vertebral endplate degeneration, disc protrusion, and slippage above the level of transition. Patients with type III LSTV revealed the highest percentage of slippage and disc protrusion.
Use of tofacitinib in baricitinib‐refractory atopic dermatitis: An example of JAK inhibitor switching
Authors: Dhir Bhawuk , Meena Sumitra Kumari , Sardana Kabir , Sharath Savitha
Published: July 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is predominantly mediated by a T‐helper 2 immune system response. While JAK inhibitors have gained treatment approval for AD, data regarding interclass efficacy and therapeutic rationale is lacking. We report a patient with recalcitrant AD who failed baricitinib but demonstrated an excellent response to the pan‐JAK inhibitor tofacitinib.
Morphea as an isotopic response to pigmented purpuric dermatosis and lichen striatus
Authors: McClure Erin , Valaas Laura , Brandling‐Bennett Heather
Published: July 2023

Morphea is an uncommon inflammatory and fibrosing disorder that has a polymorphous clinical presentation. We report two cases of morphea developing as an isotopic response after a preceding benign skin disease, accompanied by a review of the literature. This case series highlights the importance of return to care recommendations for benign skin conditions such lichen striatus and pigmented purpuric dermatoses due to the rare possibility of subsequent morphea development.
Patient‐reported outcomes for bone regenerative procedures
Authors: Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: July 2023

Evidence‐based dentistry used for decision‐making and assessment of treatment includes three components: evidence from the literature, clinical expertise, and patient expectations. Patient satisfaction embraces affability, availability, and ability and can be examined using questionnaires or structured questions to the patient to evaluate patient perception of the treatment. The questions can be quantified using dichotomous, point, or visual analog scales. This would be a straightforward patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM). Validated and specific oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaires such as the oral health impact profile (OHIP), oral impact on daily performance (OIDP), or the dental impact on daily living (DIDL) can be used as PROMs, and these measures are appropriate for population studies, where you can measure changes over time and differences between treatment groups. PROMs have shown to enhance patient engagement when integrated into clinical care. PROMs for bone regenerative procedures are mainly used as secondary outcome and are concentrating on the prosthetic outcome more than the pain, discomfort, anxiety, and cost of the surgical procedures. Surprisingly, most patients are satisfied and willing to have the procedures performed again. Whether this is recall bias or not and how the information’s from the dentist and the team influence the patients answers to PROMs questionnaires are discussed. The importance of patient perspectives in bone regeneration procedures is obvious and combined with clinical outcome measures, it increases our ability to provide better care. Studies using PROMs as a primary outcome variable are required.
The lesser of two evils: Assessing the public acceptance of AI thermal facial recognition during the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Shi Jia , Hu Xiangnan , Guo Xuesong
Published: July 2023

AI thermal facial recognition (AITFR) has been rapidly applied globally in the fight against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, AITFR has also been accompanied by a controversy regarding whether the public accepts it. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the acceptance of AITFR during the COVID‐19 crisis. Drawing upon the theory of acceptable risk and Siegrist's causal model of public acceptance (PA), we built a combined psychological model that included the perceived severity of COVID‐19 (PSC) to describe the influencing factors and pathways of AITFR acceptance. This model was verified through a survey conducted in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, which collected 754 valid questionnaires. The results show that (1) COVID‐19 provides various application scenarios for AI‐related technologies. However, the respondents’ trust in AITFR was found to be very low. Additionally, the public appeared concerned about the privacy disclosure issue and the accuracy of the AITFR algorithm. (2) The PSC, social trust (ST), and perceived benefit (PB) were found to directly affect AITFR acceptance. (3) The PSC was found to have a significant positive effect on perceived risk (PR). PR was found to have no significant effect on PA, which is inconsistent with the findings of previous studies. (4) The PB were found to be a stronger mediator of the indirect effect of the PSC on ST induced by AITFR acceptance.
Seasonal assessment of risks to canoeists’ health in a Taiwanese recreational river
Authors: Liu Chu‐Chih , Jang Cheng‐Shin
Published: July 2023

Canoeing is the most favorite recreational activity in several Taiwanese rivers. However, river water frequently contains elevated levels of pathogenic Escherichia coli, which has adverse effects on human health. This study adopted a quantitative microbial risk assessment to analyze seasonal risks to canoeists’ health in the Dongshan River, Taiwan. First, river E. coli concentrations were statistically analyzed to determine the seasonal distributions. The exposure duration (ED) was determined by field observations. To propagate the parametric uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulation was employed to model the probability distributions of seasonal pathogenic E. coli levels, ingestion rates, and ED for athletes. Finally, the beta‐Poisson dose–response model was implemented to determine seasonal health risks for canoeists. The study results indicated that the health risks in infection probability ranged from 0.5 × 10−3 to 8.8 × 10−3 illnesses/person/day for tourists and 1.2 × 10−3 to 7.7 × 10−3 illnesses/person/day for athletes. The health risks in the Lizejian Bridge area for tourists exceeded an acceptable level suggested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 8 × 10−3 illnesses/person/day, in spring for an ED of 2 h/day, and the health risks for tourists and athletes approached this level in spring and winter for an ED exceeding or equaling 1.5 h/day. According to sensitivity analysis, the geometric standard deviation of river E. coli levels was the most sensitive parameter affecting seasonal risks to canoeists’ health. To protect canoeists’ health, effluent sewer systems, best management practices, and total maximum daily loads should be promptly implemented in this watershed.
Immune activation during Pseudomonas infection causes local cell wall remodeling and alters AGP accumulation
Authors: Kim Sang‐Jin , Bhandari Deepak D. , Sokoloski Rylee , Brandizzi Federica
Published: July 2023

The plant cell boundary generally comprises constituents of the primary and secondary cell wall (CW) that are deposited sequentially during development. Although it is known that the CW acts as a barrier against phytopathogens and undergoes modifications to limit their invasion, the extent, sequence, and requirements of the pathogen‐induced modifications of the CW components are still largely unknown, especially at the level of the polysaccharide fraction. To address this significant knowledge gap, we adopted the compatible Pseudomonas syringae–Arabidopsis thaliana system. We found that, despite systemic signaling actuation, Pseudomonas infection leads only to local CW modifications. Furthermore, by utilizing a combination of CW and immune signaling‐deficient mutants infected with virulent or non‐virulent bacteria, we demonstrated that the pathogen‐induced changes in CW polysaccharides depend on the combination of pathogen virulence and the host's ability to mount an immune response. This results in a pathogen‐driven accumulation of CW hexoses, such as galactose, and an immune signaling‐dependent increase in CW pentoses, mainly arabinose, and xylose. Our analyses of CW changes during disease progression also revealed a distinct spatiotemporal pattern of arabinogalactan protein (AGP) deposition and significant modifications of rhamnogalacturonan sidechains. Furthermore, genetic analyses demonstrated a critical role of AGPs, specifically of the Arabinoxylan Pectin Arabinogalactan Protein1, in limiting pathogen growth. Collectively, our results provide evidence for the actuation of significant remodeling of CW polysaccharides in a compatible host‐pathogen interaction, and, by identifying AGPs as critical elements of the CW in plant defense, they pinpoint opportunities to improve plants against diverse pathogens.
Performance of a manually operated salad spinner centrifuge for serum separation in the healthy domestic horse (Equus caballus) and southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Authors: Cassady Katherine R. , Minter Larry J. , Gruber Erika J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Field veterinarians and researchers studying wild species, such as the southern white rhinoceros, often work in remote areas with limited access to standard laboratory equipment, hindering the ability to measure serum analytes.

Objectives

The first objective was to produce an inexpensive, manually operated centrifuge that could accept standard laboratory tubes by modifying a consumer‐grade salad spinner with low‐cost materials. The second objective was to compare biochemistry analysis results obtained from equine and southern white rhinoceros serum separated by traditional laboratory and manual salad spinner centrifugation.

Methods

We optimized the design and serum separation protocol using non‐anticoagulated equine blood. Equine and rhinoceros serum samples were separated by manual salad spinner or traditional laboratory centrifugation. Measured analytes included sodium, potassium, chloride, urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorous, total calcium, magnesium, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, bicarbonate, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and triglycerides. Results obtained from serum separated by each centrifugation technique were compared by Deming regression and Bland–Altman analyses.

Results

A tube adaptor insert modeled after a swing angle rotor and a two‐step salad spinner centrifugation yielded serum comparable to traditional laboratory centrifugation. For the majority of analytes, no proportional or constant biases were detected between centrifugation methods. A positive proportional bias in the measurement of ALP in serum separated by manual centrifugation was detected in both equine and rhinoceros samples.

Conclusions

Manual centrifugation with a modified salad spinner yields diagnostic quality serum suitable for the measurement of most standard biochemistry analytes.
Computed tomography of suppurative and neoplastic diseases involving the canine omenta and omental bursa
Authors: Percival Aaron , Lopez Daniel J. , Miller Allison , Scrivani Peter V.
Published: July 2023

The greater and lesser omenta are fused peritoneal folds that largely delimit the omental bursa (lesser peritoneal cavity). The omental bursa is a potential space within the abdominal cavity that communicates with the greater peritoneal cavity via the omental (epiploic) foramen: it is subdivided into the omental vestibule, caudal omental recess, and splenic recess. Aims of this retrospective case series study were to describe the frequencies of CT findings of dogs with confirmed inflammatory or neoplastic disease of the omenta, omental bursa, or both. The sample included seven adult, medium‐to‐large breed dogs. All had fluid in the greater peritoneal cavity and 5/7 (71%) dogs also had fluid in the omental bursa. Primary suppurative inflammatory disease was present in three dogs, each dog had a large abscess with central gas in either the omental vestibule (two dogs) or caudal omental recess (one dog). Both abscesses in the omental vestibule arose from the papillary process of the caudate liver lobe and were surgically removed without complication. Neoplasia was present in four dogs and either arose from omentum (hemangiosarcoma, carcinoma) or infiltrated the omentum from an adjacent organ (splenic leiomyosarcoma, gastric adenocarcinoma). Neoplasms created mass‐like tumors, infiltrative tumors, or both and had variable distribution (focal, multifocal, or locally extensive). All dogs with neoplasia were euthanized. CT signs of inflammatory and neoplastic disease overlapped, but the presence of gas might prioritize abscessation. CT signs helped decide feasibility of surgery based on extent of local invasion, especially involvement of structures passing through the porta hepatis.
Projective normality and basepoint‐freeness thresholds of general polarized abelian varieties
Authors: Ito Atsushi
Published: July 2023

For a polarized abelian variety , Z. Jiang and G. Pareschi introduce an invariant , called the basepoint‐freeness threshold. Using this invariant, we show that a general polarized abelian variety of dimension is projectively normal if and the type of is not . This bound is sharp since it is known that any polarized abelian variety of type is not projectively normal. We also give an application of to the infinitesimal Torelli theorem for .
Development of a Multilayer Iliac Crest Numerical Model for Simulating Honeybee Stinger-Inspired Hollow Needle Insertion
Authors: Nadda Rahul , Repaka Ramjee , Sahani Ashish Kumar
Published: July 2023

Minimally invasive biopsy needles are frequently inserted into the desired body regions while performing the bone marrow biopsy (BMB) procedure. The key problem with needle insertion in tissues is that the insertion force damages the tissue and deviates the needle path, leading the needle to miss the desired target and reducing biopsy sample integrity. To address these shortcomings, the present work developed a unique bio-inspired barbed biopsy needle design that reduces insertion/extraction forces and needle deflection. This study established several design parameters, including barb geometry and shape (viz., the height of barb, barbed front angle, barbed back angle, and length of portion containing barbs), and examined the impact of these factors on insertion/extraction force and deflection. A Lagrangian surface-based nonlinear finite element (FE) approach has been used to numerically simulate the BMB procedure on a three-dimensional (3D) multilayered heterogeneous model of the human iliac crest. The proposed honeybee stinger-inspired needle design has been found to reduce both insertion and extraction forces because of the decreased frictional surface of the biopsy needle.
Validation of a Human Upper Airway Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for Turbulent Mixing
Authors: Kacinski Robert , Strasser Wayne , Leonard Scott , Prichard Reid , Truxel Ben
Published: July 2023

Validation of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model used to simulate turbulent exchange in an anatomically detailed human upper airway with realistic breathing states is provided. Proper model validation is vital in confirming that temporal mixing and species distribution are accurate, therefore making the model useful in generalized turbulent mixing studies of the upper airway. Numerous levels of refinement were tested for time-step and mesh independence. Higher and lower rigor groups of modeling methodologies involved spatial discretization schemes, gradient reconstruction methods, transient formulations, and turbulence frameworks. A dual mesh independence study revealed that the rate of approach to mesh independence is a function of computational rigor and that multiple mesh independence studies should be carried out in parallel. The final validated model consisted of the finest mesh used in this study (8 × 106 cells), a time-step equating to 4000 timesteps per breath cycle, and higher rigor modeling methodologies. While its results were within the acceptable deviation from the experimental data, it was not as close as the model that utilized the coarsest mesh (∼2 × 106 cells), the fewest timesteps per breath cycle (128 timesteps per breath cycle), and lower rigor methodologies. Though the latter model was closer to the experimental data, it was proven to not be numerically independent, highlighting the importance of utilizing a myriad of metrics to prove numerical independence. Restricting independence studies to only using metrics from experimental comparisons is insufficient for proper validation.
Cutting Fluid Mist Formation in Machining via Atomization Mechanisms
Authors: Yue Yan , Sutherland John W. , Olson Walter W.
Published: July 2023

Fundamental mechanisms of cutting fluid mist formation via atomization are investigated. As the cutting fluid impacts a stationary flat workpiece surface, a liquid film develops over the surface and disintegrates into droplets. Past research has shown the Sauter mean diameter of the droplets to be proportional to the film thickness. For a cutting fluid jet impinging on a rotating workpiece, three different disintegration modes (drop mode, ligament formation mode and film formation mode) are considered. The critical flow rates for the transition and diameters of drops are evaluated respectively.
Effect of Talc on the Cell-Population Density of Extruded Polypropylene Foams
Authors: Cheung Lewis K. , Park Chul B.
Published: July 2023

The effect of talc on the cell morphology of polypropylene (PP) foams has been investigated. A branched high-melt-strength PP was used in this study to reduce the bubble coalescence phenomenon during the foam processing in extrusion with isopentane or CO2 as a blowing agent. When isopentane was processed with PP, the bubble nucleation in the extruded foams was dominated by the talc concentration, and the isopentane content did not strongly affect the cell-population density. However, when CO2 was used as the blowing agent, both the talc concentration and the CO2 concentrations played an important role in determining the cell-population density. Although previous studies on the foam processing with CO2 alone indicated that the cell-population density was a strong function of the processing pressure and the pressure-drop rate, neither of these processing parameters significantly influenced the cell morphology of the extruded PP foams when talc was employed as a nucleating agent.
Electrochemical bulk and film-type oxygen sensors: Strategies for detecting extremely low concentration in hydrogen environments
Authors: Jung Soon-Won , Chang Min Hyuk , Jo Kyeong-Joon , Jung Mi-Hee , Lee Seung-Yun
Published: July 2023

Potentiometric oxygen sensors with excellent sensitivity in a low oxygen concentration range are designed based on intrinsic logarithmic response characteristics, and an asymmetric electrode structure, differentiated from conventional oxygen sensors with reference oxygen gases or parts exposed to air, is implemented. Electrolytes and electrode materials that formulate oxygen sensor devices are evaluated by comprehensively considering their reactivity to trace oxygen, oxygen ion formation, and ease of movement. The sensor using an yttria-stabilized zirconia bulk ceramic electrolyte measures the oxygen concentration in an oxygen-hydrogen mixture down to 0.5%, with a response time of 7.8 s. The sensor with a Nafion proton conductor film and a polyimide gas separation membrane allows room-temperature sensing and measures the oxygen concentration to a minimum of 2%.
Language trees with sampled ancestors support a hybrid model for the origin of Indo-European languages
Authors: Heggarty Paul , Anderson Cormac , Scarborough Matthew , King Benedict , Bouckaert Remco , Jocz Lechosław , Kümmel Martin Joachim , Jügel Thomas , Irslinger Britta , Pooth Roland , Liljegren Henrik , Strand Richard F. , Haig Geoffrey , Macák Martin , Kim Ronald I. , Anonby Erik , Pronk Tijmen , Belyaev Oleg , Dewey-Findell Tonya Kim , Boutilier Matthew , Freiberg Cassandra , Tegethoff Robert , Serangeli Matilde , Liosis Nikos , Stroński Krzysztof , Schulte Kim , Gupta Ganesh Kumar , Haak Wolfgang , Krause Johannes , Atkinson Quentin D. , Greenhill Simon J. , Kühnert Denise , Gray Russell D.
Published: July 2023

The origins of the Indo-European language family are hotly disputed. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of core vocabulary have produced conflicting results, with some supporting a farming expansion out of Anatolia ~9000 years before present (yr B.P.), while others support a spread with horse-based pastoralism out of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe ~6000 yr B.P. Here we present an extensive database of Indo-European core vocabulary that eliminates past inconsistencies in cognate coding. Ancestry-enabled phylogenetic analysis of this dataset indicates that few ancient languages are direct ancestors of modern clades and produces a root age of ~8120 yr B.P. for the family. Although this date is not consistent with the Steppe hypothesis, it does not rule out an initial homeland south of the Caucasus, with a subsequent branch northward onto the steppe and then across Europe. We reconcile this hybrid hypothesis with recently published ancient DNA evidence from the steppe and the northern Fertile Crescent.
Deploying synthetic coevolution and machine learning to engineer protein-protein interactions
Authors: Yang Aerin , Jude Kevin M. , Lai Ben , Minot Mason , Kocyla Anna M. , Glassman Caleb R. , Nishimiya Daisuke , Kim Yoon Seok , Reddy Sai T. , Khan Aly A. , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: July 2023

Fine-tuning of protein-protein interactions occurs naturally through coevolution, but this process is difficult to recapitulate in the laboratory. We describe a platform for synthetic protein-protein coevolution that can isolate matched pairs of interacting muteins from complex libraries. This large dataset of coevolved complexes drove a systems-level analysis of molecular recognition between Z domain–affibody pairs spanning a wide range of structures, affinities, cross-reactivities, and orthogonalities, and captured a broad spectrum of coevolutionary networks. Furthermore, we harnessed pretrained protein language models to expand, in silico, the amino acid diversity of our coevolution screen, predicting remodeled interfaces beyond the reach of the experimental library. The integration of these approaches provides a means of simulating protein coevolution and generating protein complexes with diverse molecular recognition properties for biotechnology and synthetic biology.
Cracks break the sound barrier
Authors: Marder Michael
Published: July 2023

Experiments show that tensile cracks can travel above the speed of sound
From feasibility study to randomised control trial: the evolution of a novel neuraxial procedure device
Authors: Gaston Ian N , Samworth Alexander , McCrory Emery , Bavaro Joseph , Vaidyanathan Mahesh
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Neuraxial procedures are performed by many specialties among a wide variety of patients. Palpation is the standard practice to locate a target insertion site. Procedural difficulty may prompt the use of alternative modalities. In a 2020 feasibility study, a neuraxial imaging device called VerTouch was shown to be reliable and easy to learn. In this study, we compared VerTouch to palpation and ultrasound (US).

Methods

An investigator-initiated prospective, randomised study was conducted on a labour and delivery ward at a large tertiary care hospital. Participants were randomised to either palpation, US or the VerTouch device. The primary endpoint was the total number of redirections. Secondary endpoints included the number of reinsertions and the total procedure time.

Results

95 patients were enrolled and 81 completed the study. The VerTouch group required fewer redirections (0.72 vs 2.35 and 2.81, p=0.041) and reinsertions (0.11 vs 0.50 and 0.96, p=0.017) without prolonging the overall procedure time (8.66 mins vs 7.88 and 9.81, p=0.121) when compared to palpation and US, respectively.

Conclusion

This study supports the potential for VerTouch to improve procedural success for patients who might otherwise require radiology referral and for providers who may lack the resources or training to accommodate US guidance. The results also demonstrate the potential value in clinician involvement in the development of technology from the point of inception through implementation into clinical practice.
Prescription amphetamines in people with opioid use disorder and co-occurring psychostimulant use disorder initiating buprenorphine: an analysis of treatment retention and overdose risk
Authors: Tardelli Vitor , Xu Kevin Y , Bisaga Adam , Levin Frances R , Fidalgo Thiago M , Grucza Richard A
Published: July 2023

Background

Attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently diagnosed in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioids. There remains concern about the safety and efficacy of prescription amphetamines (PAs) and their impact on effectiveness of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment with buprenorphine.

Objectives

To assess the effect of PAs on OUD buprenorphine treatment retention and/or SUD-related emergency admission or drug-related poisonings.

Methods

We used a retrospective cohort design with a secondary analysis of data from Merative MarketScan Commercial and Multi-State Medicaid Databases from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2016. Individuals included were aged 12–64 years, had an OUD diagnosis and were prescribed buprenorphine. Our analysis used multivariable Cox regression to evaluate the relationship between PA receipt and time to buprenorphine discontinuation. The second part focused on subsamples of buprenorphine initiators who had either (1) any SUD-related emergency admissions or (2) drug-related poisoning. These outcomes were modelled as a function of PA exposure using conditional logistic regression models as part of a within-person, case-crossover design.

Findings

Our sample had 90 269 patients with OUD (mean age 34.2 years (SD=11.3)) who initiated buprenorphine. Being prescribed a PA was associated with improved buprenorphine retention among individuals both with (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.91 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.97)) and without a concurrent psychostimulant use disorder (PSUD) (aHR 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.93)).

Conclusions

PA use was associated with improved buprenorphine retention in people with OUD with and without co-occurring PSUD. The risks of acute SUD-related events and drug-related poisonings associated with PA use did not differ when comparing PA-using days with days without PA use.

Clinical implications

Patients with OUD on buprenorphine should receive treatment with a PA when indicated.