bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Seismic Poisson Impedance Data with Real-Time Geomechanics and Real-Time 3D Ultradeep Resistivity Inversion Enabled New Opportunities in Developed Field: Case Study from Kuwait
Authors: Abdulkarim Anar , Kharitonov Alexander , El Gezeeri Taher M. , Al Haddad Mohammed , Halawah Yousif Ahmad , Sabea Salem Al
Published: September 2023

The Wara sandstone reservoir in the Minagish field of Kuwait Oil Company is a complex deposition of a typical pro-deltaic environment consisting of shaly-silty sandstone sequences, referenced as W7–W1. Three of these sequences (W6, W5, and W3) were expected in the case study well. The objective was to set a 9⅝-in. casing at the top of W6 and then drill through the Wara sequences to connect all of them and land and drill the lateral section within W3.

The W6 sequence is typically the primary target in the Wara formation, being thick and consistent throughout the field. The next logical step in developing the Wara reservoir was to study and investigate the minor W5 and W3 members. Due to poor correlation of W5 and W3 channels in offset wells, the geological target was selected based on seismic Poisson impedance (PI). Historically, targeting the Wara formation occasionally resulted in multiple sidetracks due to drilling challenges. A real-time geomechanics service was used to overcome drilling challenges, and real-time 3D ultradeep resistivity inversion was implemented to optimize the well placement.

An extensive predrilling study for geomechanical and ultradeep resistivity inversion modeling helped to develop a road map for an optimal and safe well-construction process. The study showed that use of real-time 3D ultradeep azimuthal resistivity (UDAR) inversion would help to optimize the well placement and maximize the sweet-zone exposure. The original well design, mud properties, and drilling parameters were modified based on the geomechanical study. Additionally, real-time geomechanics services were used to monitor and control the drilling process to follow the road map, which helped to avoid drilling issues, geostop at the W6 channel, and finally to run the casing smoothly. Real-time 3D ultradeep resistivity mapping in the lateral section helped the operator to drill through W6 and W5, land precisely, and drill the lateral in the W3 channel, which was well developed, as expected from seismic PI analysis. Formation evaluation of the lateral section showed an average porosity of 24 p.u., water saturation of 11%, and up to 3 darcies/cp mobility.

The application of real-time 3D ultradeep resistivity inversion helped to triple the planned formation exposure and discover a geometric extension of the above deposited channels (W6 and W5), which will help for future field development. The flow test showed the highest production rates from W3 in the field. The integrated approach described above was recommended to be utilized for all future Wara wells.
Gene-disease association: pathogenic potential/pathogenic feature assessment
Authors: Bian Wen-Jun , Wang Jie , Li Bin , Gao Liang-Di , Zhang Wen-Jun , Liang Xiao-Yu , Liu Liu , Fan Cui-Xia , Yan Li-Min , Liu Li-Hong , Jiang Mi , Liang De-Hai , Wang Juan , Ye Zi-Long , Tang Xue-Qing , Li Huan , Luo Sheng , Shen Nan-Xiang , Su Tao , Liu Xiao-Rong , He Na , Shi Yi-Wu , Yi Yonghong , Liao WeiPing
Published: September 2023

Determining gene-disease associationsis an essential task but a major challenge of genetic studies. It is also the precondition for evaluating the pathogenicity of variants. Considering what determines the gene-disease association and which clinical-genetic features reflect the gene-disease association, we proposed a pathogenic potential and pathogenic feature assessment (PPA) system to evaluate the gene-disease association. In addition to case/variant number, PPA evaluates the clinical-genetics evidence from phenotypic specificity, inheritance pattern, genotype-phenotype correlation, and submolecular implication of variants, which represent the pathogenic feature of the gene. PPA refers to experimental evidence directly related to gene-disease associations, including gene expression and knockout, and the functional consequencesof variants. We collected data on all potentially functioning genes (19,711) and assessed those with available clinical data, and 3,623 genes were evaluated as “pathogenic”/“possibly pathogenic”. The pathogenic features of genes were summarized, providing critical information for evaluating the pathogenicity of variants. PPA considers the genetic dependent feature that differs in each gene and determines the pathogenicity of genes and evaluates whether (pathogenic potential) and how (pathogenic feature) a gene is associated with a disease and avoidsbias associated with special genotype or inheritance, potentially being a framework in future studies in defining the gene-disease association.
Combinatorial Analysis of the Exponential Map for Time-Evolution Operator
Authors: CEYLAN Ali Mert , AYTAÇ Vecdi
Published: September 2023

In this study, we present a novel formalization for exponential approx-imation. This formalization is for discrete analysis of continuous time-dependent perturbation operator of quantum mechanics, com-pared to multiplying exponentials. This leads us to Galton arrays for better representation and algebraic operations over exponential mul-tiplications. Rotations on Galton arrays allow us to perform various algebraic operations and intuitively explain commutative and non-commutative operators equality in exponential approximations. Pro-posed algebraic operations over Galton arrays will provide an easier understanding and a novel way to formalize and visualize multi-plying exponentials. But most importantly, it focused on the time-evolution operator to be written in the proposed formalization of time-ordered multiplication of exponentials with noncommuting operators.
In-depth proteome analysis of brain tissue from Ewsr1 knockout mouse by multiplexed isobaric tandem mass tag labeling
Authors: Han Dohyun , Ryu Hoon , Jung Jin Woo , Kim Hyeyoon , Park Joonho , Woo Jongmin , Jeon Eunji , Lee Geeeun , Park Minseo , Kim Sarang , Seo Ho Seok , Cheon Seongmin , Dan Kisoon , Lee Junghee
Published: September 2023

EWS RNA binding protein 1 (EWSR1) is a multifunctional protein whose epigenetic signatures contribute to the pathogenesis of various human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, skin development, and tumorigenic processes. However, the specific cellular functions and physiological characteristics of EWSR1 remain unclear. In this study, we used quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics with tandem mass tag labeling to investigate the global proteome changes in brain tissue in Ewsr1 knockout and wild-type mice. From 9115 identified proteins, we selected 118 differentially expressed proteins, which is common to three quantitative data processing strategies including only protein level normalizations and spectrum-protein level normalization. Bioinformatics analysis of these common differentially expressed proteins revealed that proteins up-regulated in Ewsr1 knockout mouse are mostly related to the positive regulation of bone remodeling and inflammatory response. The down-regulated proteins were associated with the regulation of neurotransmitter levels or amino acid metabolic processes. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the physiological function and pathogenesis of EWSR1 on protein level. Better understanding of EWSR1 and its protein interactions will advance the field of clinical research into neuronal disorders. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD026994.
Efficient Continuous kNN Join over Dynamic High-dimensional Data
Authors: Ukey Nimish , Zhang Guangjian , Yang Zhengyi , Li Binghao , Li Wei , Zhang Wenjie
Published: September 2023

Given a user dataset U and an object dataset I, a kNN join query in high-dimensional space returns the k nearest neighbors of each object in dataset U from the object dataset I. The kNN join is a basic and necessary operation in many applications, such as databases, data mining, computer vision, multi-media, machine learning, recommenda-tion systems, and many more. In the real world, datasets frequently update dynamically as objects are added or removed. In this paper, we propose novel methods of continuous kNN join over dynamic high-dimensional data. We firstly propose the HDR+ Tree, which supports more efficient insertion, deletion, and batch update. Further observed that the existing methods rely on globally correlated datasets for effec-tive dimensionality reduction, we then propose the HDR Forest. It clusters the dataset and constructs multiple HDR Trees to capture local correlations among the data. As a result, our HDR Forest is able to process non-globally correlated datasets efficiently. Two novel optimisations are applied to the proposed HDR Forest, including the precomputation of the PCA states of data items and pruning-based kNN recomputation during item deletion. For the completeness of the work, we also present the proof of computing distances in reduced dimensions of PCA in HDR Tree. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets show that the proposed methods and optimisations outperform the baseline algorithms of naive RkNN join and HDR Tree.
How an Inferior Competitor Can Be a Successful Invader
Authors: Tesfay Yohannes B. , Blaschke Annika , Kreyling Juergen
Published: September 2023

The invasion of ecosystems by non-native species is recognized as one of the most significant global challenges, particularly in semiarid regions where native biodiversity is already under stress from drought and land degradation. The implicit assumption is that invaders are strong competitors, but a greenhouse pairwise experiment conducted to examine intraspecific and interspecific competition effects of Opuntia ficus-indica, a widespread invader in semiarid ecosystems, with two species native to the highlands of Eritrea, Ricinus communis and Solanum marginatum, revealed that O. ficus-indica is a weak competitor. The unique ability of O. ficus-indica's fallen cladodes to undergo vegetative growth becomes a fundamental trait contributing to its spread. This growth strategy allows O. ficus-indica to outgrow native species and establish a significant presence. In direct interaction, the competition in aboveground productivity measured by the logarithmic response ratio for O. ficus-indica was 3.4-fold and 5.9-fold higher than for R. communisand S. marginatum, respectively. Belowground, the native R. communis was facilitated (-1.00±0.69) by O. ficus-indica which itself suffered from high competition. This pattern became even more evident under water shortage, where aboveground competition for S. marginatum decreased 5.7-fold, and for O. ficus-indica, it increased 1.4-fold. Despite being a poor competitor, O. ficus-indica outperformed R. communis and S. marginatum in both aboveground (4.3 and 3.8 times more) and belowground (27 and 2.8 times more) biomass production, respectively. The findings of this study challenge the common interpretation that invasive species are strong competitors and highlight the importance of considering other factors, such as productivity and tolerance limits when assessing the potential impacts of invasive species on semiarid ecosystems.
The effects of Kinesio taping on pain intensity and soft tissue mechanical properties in non-specific low back pain.
Authors: Berger-Pasternak Bernadetta , Sipko Tomasz
Published: September 2023

Objective:To assess the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT), with or without tension, and post-isometric muscle relaxation (PIR) on pain intensity and the mechanical properties of myofascial tissues in chronic low back pain (LBP) patients.
Material and methods: Study participants (n = 64), aged 20 to 60, were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups. The numerical rating scale (NRS) assessed pain intensity at rest, and the MyotonPRO© measured tension, stiffness, and relaxation in the erector spinae on both sides of the lumbar spine. The examinations were undertaken before the intervention, post-interventions, and at a seven-day follow-up.
Results: Pain level was reduced for all groups (F (4, 116) = 39.2010, p < 0.01). In addition, post hoc analysis of the KT group showed significant increases in the tension and stiffness of the erector spinae and significantly decreased relaxation between the pre-intervention and follow-up measurements, but only on the non-dominant side (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: KT with or without tape tension and PIR had similar effects in decreasing the level of resting pain, though there were no intergroup differences in the numerical pain scale or selected mechanical properties. Asymmetries in myofascial tissue between sides of the spine have occurred, it can be concluded that the interventions were insufficient to restore normal function in soft tissue.
Absorption changes in Photosystem II in the Soret band region upon the formation of the chlorophyll cation radical (PD1PD2)+
Authors: Boussac Alain , Sugiura Miwa , Nakamura Makoto , Nagao Ryo , Noguchi Takumi , Viola Stefania , Rutherford A. William , Sellés Julien
Published: September 2023

Flash-induced absorption changes in the Soret region arising from the (PD1PD2)+ state, the chlorophyll cation radical formed upon light excitation of Photosystem II (PSII), were measured in Mn-depleted PSII cores at pH 8.6. Under these conditions, TyrD is i) reduced before the first flash, and ii) oxidized before subsequent flashes. In wild-type PSII, when TyrDox is present, an additional signal in the (PD1PD2)+-minus-(PD1PD2) difference spectrum was observed when compared to the first flash when TyrD is not oxidized. The additional feature was “W-shaped” with troughs at 434 nm and 446 nm. This feature was absent when TyrD was reduced, but was present i) when TyrD was physically absent (and replaced by phenylalanine) or ii) when its H-bonding histidine (D2-His189) was physically absent (replaced by a Leucine). Thus, the simple difference spectrum without the double trough feature at 434 nm and 446 nm, seemed to require the native structural environment around the reduced TyrD and its H bonding partners to be present. We found no evidence of involvement of PD1, ChlD1, PheD1, PheD2, TyrZ, and the Cytb559 heme in the W-shaped difference spectrum. However, the use of a mutant of the PD2 axial His ligand, the D2-His197Ala, shows that the PD2 environment seems involved in the formation of “W-shaped” signal.
TFPI from Erythroblasts Drives Heme Production in Central Macrophages Promoting Erythropoiesis in Polycythemia
Authors: Lu Xin-Jiang , Ma Jun-Kai , Su Lida , Feng Lin-Lin , Pan Li , Danzeng Qupei , Li Yanwei , Shang Tongyao , Zhan Xiao-Lin , Chen Si-Ying , Ying Shi-Bo , Hu Jian-Rao , Chen Xue Qun , Zhang Qi , Liang Tingbo
Published: September 2023

Bleeding and thrombosis are known as common complications of polycythemia for a long time. However, the role of coagulation system in erythropoiesis is unclear. Here, we discover that an anticoagulant protein tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) plays an essential role in erythropoiesis via the control of heme biosynthesis in central macrophages. TFPI levels are elevated in erythroblasts of human erythroblastic islands with JAK2V617F mutation and hypoxia condition. Erythroid lineage-specific knockout TFPI results in impaired erythropoiesis through decreasing ferrochelatase expression and heme biosynthesis in central macrophages. Mechanistically, the TFPI interacts with thrombomodulin to promote the downstream ERK1/2-GATA1 signaling pathway to induce heme biosynthesis in central macrophages. Furthermore, TFPI blockade impairs human erythropoiesis in vitro, and normalizes the erythroid compartment in mice with polycythemia. These results show that erythroblast-derived TFPI plays an important role in the regulation of erythropoiesis and reveal an interplay between erythroblasts and central macrophages.
Is there a Role for Adjunct Ankle Arthroscopy Following Repair of Isolated Syndesmotic Injuries? - A Database Analysis
Authors: Atzmon Ran , Trivedi Nikunj N. , Pierre Kinsley J , Calcei J. Blake , Sochaki Kyle R. , Sherman Seth L. , Voos James E. , Calcei Jacob G.
Published: September 2023

Background: Surgical intervention is recommended for unstable syndesmotic injuries, and adjunct arthroscopy offers diagnostic confirmation, anatomical reduction, and treating concomitant injuries. However, arthroscopy carries risks and added costs, requiring careful consideration by surgeons.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (1) compare the 30-day complication profile, (2) revision rate, and (3) five-year cost of treating isolated unstable syndesmotic injuries with surgical fixation versus surgical fixation plus arthroscopy.
Methods: A retrospective review of a large commercial claims database was performed to identify patients who underwent primary ankle syndesmosis stabilizations with and without ankle arthroscopy between the years 2007 – 2016.
Results: A total of 8,223 patients were included. The overall 30-day complication rate was 3.0%. The most common complication was anemia (0.7%) in our isolated open surgery group and infection (1.1%) in our adjunct arthroscopy group. The rate of revision surgery was similar between both groups at 30-days and 2 years. Of the 1,021 patients that underwent syndesmotic fixation with adjunct arthroscopy, 741 (72.6%) underwent extensive articular debridement, 158 (15.5%) underwent partial synovectomy, 145 (14.2%) underwent excision of osteochondral defect, and 58 (5.7%) had an intra-articular loose body that was removed. The average day of surgery payments was higher in the arthroscopy group ($12,901 versus $7,224). The average 5-year total procedure payment was also higher in the arthroscopy group ($26,171 versus $18,144).
Conclusion: Adding arthroscopy as an adjunct to operative treatment of unstable syndesmotic injuries is associated with higher costs. There does not seem to be a difference in complication profile or long-term revision rate. In addition to the need for intra-articular debridement, arthroscopy identified additional intra-articular pathology necessitating intervention in 19.9% of patients. Long-term follow-up studies are necessary to determine whether these additional procedures lead to improved long-term functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Level of Evidence: Level III Retrospective Cohort
The PALB2 DNA-binding domain is an intrinsically disordered recombinase
Authors: Korolev Sergey , Kyriukha Yevhenii , Redington Jennifer , Watkins Maxwell , Hopkins Jesse , Dastvan Reza , Pozzi Nicola , Uversky Vladimir
Published: September 2023

The Partner and Localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) tumor suppressor is a scaffold protein that links BRCA1 with BRCA2 to initiate homologous recombination (HR). PALB2 interaction with DNA strongly enhances HR efficiency. The PALB2 DNA-binding domain (PALB2-DBD) supports DNA strand exchange, a complex multistep reaction supported by only a few protein families such as RecA-like recombinases or Rad52. The mechanisms of PALB2 DNA binding and strand exchange are unknown. We performed circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses and determined that PALB2-DBD is intrinsically disordered, even when bound to DNA. The intrinsically disordered nature of this domain was further supported by bioinformatics analysis. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are prevalent in the human proteome and have many important biological functions. The complexity of the strand exchange reaction significantly expands the functional repertoire of IDPs. The results of confocal single-molecule FRET indicated that PALB2-DBD binding leads to oligomerization-dependent DNA compaction. We hypothesize that PALB2-DBD uses a chaperone-like mechanism to aid formation and resolution of complex DNA and RNA multichain intermediates during DNA replication and repair. Since PALB2-DBD alone or within the full-length PALB2 is predicted to have strong liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) potential, protein-nucleic acids condensates are likely to play a role in complex functionality of PALB2-DBD. Similar DNA-binding intrinsically disordered regions may represent a novel class of functional domains that evolved to function in eukaryotic nucleic acid metabolism complexes.
CONfirm: A Spectacular Galactic Scale MHD Powered Wind in ESO~320-G030
Authors: Gorski Mark , Aalto Susanne , König Sabine , Wethers Clare , Yang Chentao , Onishi Kyoko , Falstad Niklas , Barcos-Muñoz Loreto , Combes Francoise , Dìaz-Santos Tanio , Evans Aaron , Gallagher Jay , Garcia-Burillo Santiago , González-Alfonso Eduardo , Harada Nanase , Henkel Christian , Imanishi Masatoshi , Linden Sean , Muller Sebastien , Sato Mamiko , Mangum Jeff , Martin Sergio , Stanley Flora , Werf Paul van der , Viti Serena , Wada Keiichi
Published: September 2023

One of the most fundamental questions in galaxy evolution is how galaxies regulate nuclear growth and accretion onto supermassive black holes.
One potential way to do this is through a galactic wind which removes gas from the nucleus.
It is unclear whether galactic winds are powered by jets, mechanical winds, radiation, or via magnetohydrodynamic processes.
Compact obscured nuclei (CONs) represent a significant phase of galactic nuclear growth.
These galaxies hide growing supermassive black holes or unusual starbursts in their very opaque, extremely compact (r < 100 pc) centres.
They are found in approximately 30% of the luminous and ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG and ULIRG) population.
Here, we present high resolution ALMA observations (~30mas, ~5pc) of ground-state and vibrationally excited HCN towards ESO 320-G030 (IRAS 11506−3851).
ESO 320-G030 is an isolated luminous infrared galaxy known to host a compact obscured nucleus and a kiloparsec-scale molecular wind.
Our analysis of these high-resolution observations excludes the possibility of a starburst driven wind, a mechanically or energy driven AGN wind, and exposes a molecular magnetohydrodynamic wind.
If magnetohydrodynamic winds are intrinsic to CONs, these results imply that nuclear evolution of galaxies and growth of SMBHs is similar to the growth of hot cores or protostars, and that star formation or active galactic nuclei feedback may not be necessary to drive galactic winds.
Anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Barros Luisa Leite , Leite Gabriela , Morales Walter , Barlow Gillian M. , de Azevedo Matheus Freitas Cardoso , Carlos Alexandre de Sousa , Damião Adérson Omar Mourão Cintra , Pimentel Mark , Farias Alberto Queiroz
Published: September 2023

Background Despite adequate treatment, a subgroup of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms that are not always related to mucosal damage. Recently, two autoantibodies, anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin, were validated as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) markers, however there is limited evidence of its diagnostic role in IBD population.Methods Patients with more than 3 bowel movements/day and indication of colonoscopy were enrolled. Samples were collected at the time of colonoscopy for assessment of serum levels of anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies.Results A total of 160 subjects were included in 4 groups: active IBD (n = 44); quiescent IBD and chronic diarrhea IBD-IBS (n = 25); predominant-diarrhea IBS (n = 45) and controls (n = 46). The mean value of the optical density for anti-CdtB was 1.2 ± 0.65 in group 1, 1.27 ± 0.64 in group 2, 1.49 ± 0.47 in the group 3 and 1.6 ± 0.68 in group 4, p = 0.012. For anti-vinculin, optical densities were: 1.34 ± 0.78 in group 1, 1.46 ± 0.92 in group 2, 1.31 ± 0.79 in group 3 and 1.41 ± 0.86 for controls (p = 0.875). Using a cut-off of 1.56 for anti-CdtB, the positivity between groups was n = 10 (22.7%) in group 1, n = 9 (34.6%) in group 2, 19 (43.2%) in group 3, 21 (45.7%) in group 4 (p = 0.106). The positivity of anti-vinculin using a cut-off of 1.6 was n = 18 (40.9%) in group 1, n = 11 (42.3%), n = 15 (34.1%), n = 22 (47.8%) (p = 0.622).Conclusions Our findings show that anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin could not identify IBD-IBS patients or discriminate IBS-D from healthy controls.
Multi-omics analysis in primary T cells elucidates mechanisms behind disease associated genetic loci
Authors: Orozco Gisela , Shi Chenfu , Zhao Danyun , Rossi Stefano , Frantzeskos Antonios , Ding James , Ferrazzano Carlo , Wynn Charlotte , Hum Ryan , Richards Ellie , Gupta Muskan , Patel Khadijah , Yap Chuan Fu , Plant Darren , Grencis Richard , Martin Paul , Adamson Antony , Eyre Stephen , Bowes John , Barton Anne , Ho Pauline , Rattray Magnus
Published: September 2023

In this study, we present the most extensive dataset of chromatin conformation with matching gene expression and chromatin accessibility from primary T cells to date. We use this data to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which GWAS variants impact gene regulation, revealing how genetic variation alters chromatin accessibility and structure in primary cells at an unprecedented scale. We refine the mapping of GWAS loci to implicated regulatory elements, such as CTCF binding sites and other enhancer elements, aiding gene assignment. Importantly, we uncover BCL2L11 as the probable causal gene within the RA locus rs13396472, despite the GWAS variants’ intronic positioning relative to ACOXL, and we identify mechanisms involving SESN3 dysregulation in the RA locus rs4409785. Given these genes’ significant role in T cell development and maturation, our work deepens our comprehension of autoimmune disease pathogenesis and suggesting potential treatment targets.
Periacetabular Osteotomy: An Analysis of Social Media to Determine the Most Common Questions Asked by the Periacetabular Osteotomy Population
Authors: Gaddis John , Laboret Bretton , Bialaszewski Ryan , Bergman Elizabeth , Kurz Jenny , Mulligan Edward , Wells Joel E.
Published: September 2023

Background
The Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) has become a popular surgery for fixing development dysplasia of the hip, yet the most common concerns of the PAO population remains ambiguous. To investigate Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to further understand what the most common preoperative and postoperative questions patients undergoing PAO are asking. We hypothesized most questions would be asked by patients in the preoperative timeframe with regards to education surrounding PAO surgery.
Methods
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were queried consecutively from February 1, 2023 to November 23, 2011. Facebook was searched for the two most populated interest groups; “Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO)” and “Periacetabular Osteotomy Australia”. Instagram and Twitter were queried for the most popular hashtags: “#PAOwarrior”, “#PAOsurgery”, “#periacetabularosteotomy”, “#periacetabularosteotomyrecovery”, and “#paorecovery”. Patient questions were categorized according to preoperative and postoperative questions. Questions were further placed into specific themes in their respective preoperative or postoperative question types.
Results
Two thousand five hundred and fifty-nine posts were collected, with 849 (33%) posts containing 966 questions. Of the 966 questions, 443 (45.9%) and 523 (54.1%) were preoperative and postoperative questions, respectively. The majority of questions were postoperative complication related (23%) and symptom management (21%). Other postoperative questions included recovery/rehabilitation (21%), and general postoperative questions (18%). The most common preoperative questions were related to PAO education (23%). Rehabilitation (19%), hip dysplasia education (17%), and surgeon selection (12%) were other preoperative questions topics included. Most questions came from Facebook posts. Of 1,054 Facebook posts, 76% were either preoperative or postoperative questions and from the perspective of the patient (87%).
Conclusion
The majority of patients in the PAO population sought advice on postoperative complications and symptom management. Some patients asked about education surrounding PAO surgery. Understanding the most common concerns and questions patients have can help providers educate patients and focus on more patient-relevant perioperative conversations.
Latinas in Medicine: Evaluating and Understanding Their Experience of Latinas in Medical Education: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Geiger Gabriella , Kiel Lauren , Horiguchi Miki , Martinez-Aceves Celia , Meza Kelly , Christophers Briana , Orellana Priscilla , Pinzon Maria Mora , Lubner Sam J. , Florez Narjust
Published: September 2023

Background: The percentage of physicians identifying as Latina has not improved despite improvements in recruitment of Latina medical students, suggesting barriers to retention and career advancement. Discriminatory experiences and mental health inflictions throughout training may contribute to difficulties in recruitment, retainment, and advancement of Hispanic/Latinx trainees, a notably understudied population.
Methods: An anonymous, online survey was distributed to Latinas in the continental U.S. between June 22 to August 12, 2022. Eligibility criteria included: self-identifying as Hispanic/Latina, female/woman, and completing or have completed medical school, residency, or fellowship in the continental U.S. in the past 10 years. Recruitment was done via the Twitter account @LatinasInMed and outreach to Latino Medical Student Association chapters. Descriptive statistics summarized the self-reported experiences.
Results: The survey included 230 Hispanic/Latinx women, mostly medical students (46.9%). A majority (54.5%) reported negative ethnicity-based interactions from patients and/or patients’ families; 71.8%, from others in the medical field. High rates of depression (76.2%) and anxiety (92.6%) during training were reported by Latinas, especially medical students. Feelings of imposter syndrome and burnout were high at 90.7% and 87.4%, respectively.
Conclusions: This is the first study evaluating the unique experiences of Latinas in medicine, who reported discrimination and mental health struggles, specifically during medical school, at alarmingly high rates. Our findings could aid in creating the needed interventions to support Latinas in medical training to reduce the existing exodus of Latinas from medicine.
Pediatric cartilaginous lateral femoral condyle Hoffa fracture: A case report and review of the literature.
Authors: DeBeer Anna , Brown Matthew
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Hoffa fractures are challenging coronally-oriented articular injuries of the femoral condyle. These fractures are rare in adults and extremely rare in the skeletally immature, with few cases reported in literature. To prevent mal- or non-union, Hoffa fractures require prompt surgical stabilisation with anatomic reduction and internal fixation.
Case Report:
We discuss the case of a lateral distal femoral condyle cartilaginous Hoffa fracture in a ten-year-old male patient. The patient presented after a football non-contact “twist and pop” injury with radiographic imaging described as an osteochondritis dissecans lesion. An MRI was obtained which demonstrated a lateral distal femoral condyle cartilaginous fracture. An operative plan was formulated to perform arthroscopic reduction and bio-compression screw fixation to minimize damage to the physis and surrounding tissues. Hyperflexion of the knee allowed for anatomic fracture reduction with the placement of 2 bio-compression screws serving as maintenance of fixation. The patient did well postoperatively and returned to full activity after 6 months.
Conclusion
Hoffa fractures in the pediatric population are rare and can occur not only through bone but also through the thick chondral layer in younger patients. These are extremely difficult to diagnose through X-Ray alone. The prompt use of MRI imaging allows for operative fixation in a timely fashion, while an arthroscopic-only approach allows for minimal tissue damage. With an appropriate fracture type, hyper-flexion reduces and stabilizes the fracture, permitting the placement of minimally invasive bio-compression fixation.
Setting the optimal threshold of NT-proBNP/BNP for the diagnosis of heart failure in patients over 75 years
Authors: Berthelot Emmanuelle , Bailly Minh Tam , Lehova Xenia Cerchez , Rahmani Manel El Blidi , Bounab Rahil , Mewton Nathan , Dobbs John , Mas Remy , Frank Marie , Paclot Marion , Jourdain Patrick
Published: September 2023

Background
The diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) continues to be a challenge in older patients. Natriuretic peptides are recommended in the diagnosis of AHF.
Aims
To determine the diagnostic threshold of BNP and NT-proBNP as a diagnostic tool for acute heart failure (AHF) in patients over 75 years old with and without comorbidities.
Methods and Results
In this retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study, we collected data from 12,974 patients aged 75 years or older who were hospitalized for acute dyspnea with BNP or NT-proBNP measurement in the 48 hours after admission in 10 Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris between 2011 and 2021 in geriatrics, cardiology, and pulmonology departments. The final diagnosis was classified with ICD 10 as either “AHF” or other acute respiratory failure, represented by COPD exacerbation and pneumonia. The Mean (SD) age of our population was 84.4 (6.1) years old, and 52.7% of patients were women. 8,385 (64.6%) patients had an AHF diagnosis at discharge. For BNP and NT-proBNP, we found threshold with good sensitivity and specificity, for the age-dependent cutoffs of 85 yo, in older patients with atrial fibrillation, in older patients with CrCl < 40 ml/min, and in older patient with obesity.
Conclusion
In older patients, we found significant effects of comorbidities on natriuretic peptides results, particularly in patients over 85 year old, older patients with abnormal renal function, obesity and atrial fibrillation. Despite the consideration of those comorbid conditions, NT-proBNP and BNP level continue to demonstrate utility in the diagnosis of AHF in older patients.
Associations of dietary niacin, vitamin B6, and folate intakes with risk of rheumatoid arthritis: An Analysis Using NHANES Data from 2003-2018
Authors: Fang Jianguo , Du Xiaming , Wang Duojun , Liu Cai , Zhang Hui , Lin Zaijun
Published: September 2023

Background: The relationship between dietary niacin, vitamin B6, and folate intakes and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate the associations between these nutrients and RA risk using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from participants in NHANES 2003-2018. Dietary niacin, vitamin B6, and folate intakes were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall interviews. The presence of RA was determined based on self-reported physician diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RA risk according to the intake of niacin, vitamin B6, and folate, adjusting for potential confounders.
Results: A total of 24,151 participants reported having RA. After adjusting for potential confounders, an inverse association was observed between dietary niacin intake and RA risk (OR for the highest versus lowest quartile: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54-0.84; Ptrend <0.001). Similarly, an inverse association were detected between vitamin B6 (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.54-0.80; Ptrend <0.001) or folate (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64-0.95; P trend <0.001) intake and RA risk.
Conclusions: In this large, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, dietary intake of niacin, vitamin B6, and folate was negatively associated with the risk of RA. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms.
Clinical concordance evaluation of the causality of sequence variants
Authors: Zhou Peng , He Na , Lin Zhi-Jian , Yan Li-Min , Luo Sheng , Li Bin , Wang Jie , Bian Wen-Jun , Meng Heng , Shi Yi-Wu , Su Tao , Liu Xiao-Rong , Yi Yong-Hong , Liao Wei-Ping
Published: September 2023

Interpreting sequence variants is a scientific challenge as well as a realistic task in clinical practice. The pathogenicity of a variant depends on not only its damage but also the genetic dependent quantity (GDQ, quantitative genetic function required for normal life) that differs in each gene but was not considered in previous protocols. We developed a clinical concordance evaluation (CCE) framework to evaluate the pathogenicity/causality of variants by comparing the clinical and genetic features of a patient with the pathogenic features of candidate genes, including phenotype specificity, pathogenic genotype, genotype-phenotype (severity) correlation, and inheritance, which are associated with GDQ. In 337 patients with epilepsy on genetic testing, 70 variants were evaluated as pathogenic/likely pathogenic by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines (ACMG). The CCE identified all these pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants but excluded the pathogenicity of one variant. The CCE identified an additional 13 possibly-causative, one likely-causative, and two causative variants, including a causative homozygous variant of MFSD8 associated with ceroid lipofuscinosis, which was evaluated as “uncertain significance” by ACMG. CCE is a framework with individualized criteria for the clinical/genetic abnormalities of patients and the pathogenic features of individual genes, potentially a practical protocol for individualized medicine.
Firstborns Versus Later-borns: Same Resources, Different Outcomes. An Extension of Resources Dilution Theory
Authors: Lwiza Samwel Saimon , Jaah Mkupete , Sharma Vipin
Published: September 2023

Resources Dilution theory predicts a trade-off between the quantity and quality of children in the household. According to the theory, eldest kids would achieve higher educational outcomes than later-born siblings because of more resources allocated to them. This paper attempted to examine whether the theory holds even when household resources are equally distributed to both siblings. By using the dataset of the Young Lives School Survey in Ethiopia conducted respectively in 2012/13 and 2016/17, we found that, while firstborns were shown to be 3% more efficient, second and third-borns were significantly 1% more efficient than later-born siblings. We suggest that even if household resources are evenly distributed, elder kids would attain higher educational outcomes than later-born children. This study underlines the importance of birth order on opportunities and inequalities among siblings, which may guide policymakers on designing appropriate maternity leave, school funding, and human capital improvement policies that would support later-borns.
Novel protein domain-specific primers strategy for qPCR/ endpoint PCR to identify resistance gene analogous
Authors: Jagadeesan Kuppuraj , Sirari Asmita , Sharma Mamta , Dhkal Manmohan , Mohindru Bharathi , Sandhu Jagdeep Singh
Published: September 2023

Background: In the quest to identify new resistance genes analogous to those found in other plant species, a novel primer designing strategy is introduced for the first time. Unlike traditional methods that rely on prior information about degeneracy positions, this new approach involves designing primers based on specific domain positions within the candidate resistance gene and eliminates the need for prior knowledge of degeneracy. By using this new approach, it becomes possible to uncover resistance genes and understand their functional interactions with pathogens. Additionally, this approach sheds light on the redundancy and diversity of resistance genes. Notably, this primer designing strategy exhibits remarkable sensitivity, allowing the detection of elusive low-abundance target sequences that were previously challenging to identify using degeneracy-based designs.
Results: The qPCR primers, designed using the novel approach of protein domain-specific regions, underwent standardization and validation in endpoint PCR. Subsequent melt curve analysis in qPCR revealed that out of the ten primers tested, six NB-ARC family protein domain-specific qPCR primers (NB-ARC_2, NB-ARC_3, NB-ARC_4, NB-ARC_8, NB-ARC_12, and NB-ARC_17) exhibited a single peak melt curve, indicating precise amplification of the conserved NB-ARC domain of the R-protein. This confirms their specificity and reliability for target detection, enabling the identification of new resistance gene analogues.
Conclusion: Our innovative protein domain-specific qPCR primer design approach allows for precise and accurate PCR amplification, overcoming the limitations of traditional degenerate primers. It enables targeted amplification of specific domain regions within resistance proteins, uncovering both conserved domains and novel resistance genes or gene analogs. The use of these primers also captures the redundancy of resistance genes, offering improved accuracy and reliability in target gene identification. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in molecular biology research and opens new possibilities for identifying resistance gene analogs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of identifying resistance gene analogs using “protein domain-specific” region based qPCR primer design approach.
Transgenic expression of cif genes from Wolbachia strain wAlbB recapitulates cytoplasmic incompatibility in Aedes aegypti.
Authors: Sinkins Steven , McNamara Cameron , Ant T. H. , Samuel Timothy Harvey , White-Cooper Helen , Martinez Julien , Alphey Luke
Published: September 2023

The endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia can invade insect populations by modifying host reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), an effect that results in embryonic lethality when Wolbachia-carrying males mate with Wolbachia-free females. Here we describe a transgenic system for recreating CI in the major arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti using CI factor (cif) genes from wAlbB, a Wolbachia strain currently being deployed to reduce dengue transmission. CI-like sterility was induced when cifA and cifB were co-expressed in testes; this sterility could be rescued by maternal cifA expression, thereby reproducing the pattern of Wolbachia-induced CI. Expression of cifB alone was associated with extensive DNA damage and disrupted spermatogenesis. The strength of rescue by maternal cifA expression was dependent on the comparative levels of cifA/cifB expression in males. These findings are consistent with CifB acting as a toxin and CifA as an antitoxin, with CifA attenuating CifB toxicity in both the male germline and in developing embryos.
Feasible deployment trajectories of carbon capture and storage compared to the requirements of climate targets
Authors: Kazlou Tsimafei , Cherp Aleh , Jewell Jessica
Published: September 2023

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) including its negative emission applications play a key role in climate change mitigation. Recent industry plans indicate an eight-fold increase in capacity by 2030, yet the feasibility of rapidly upscaling CCS is debated due to past failures and long-term storage constraints. Here we re-focus this debate on the feasibility of CCS growth in the near-term by constructing plausible ranges of its deployment based on empirical evidence from CCS and other policy-driven technologies. We show that under the most optimistic assumptions of near-term industry plans and their failure rates, CCS can reach 0.37 Gt/year by 2030. While this growth would fall short of three-quarters of 1.5°C scenarios, it would keep CCS on-track for over half of 2°C scenarios. Beyond 2030, staying on-track for 2°C requires that CCS accelerates as fast as wind power did historically and expands despite the shrinking carbon market in a climate-constrained world.
Self-supervised learning of accelerometer data provides new insights for sleep and its association with mortality
Authors: Doherty Aiden , Yuan Hang , Plekhanova Tatiana , Walmsley Rosemary , Reynolds Amy , Maddison Kathleen , Bucan Maja , Gehrman Philip , Rowlands Alex , Ray David , Bennett Derrick , McVeigh Joanne , Straker Leon , Eastwood Peter , Kyle Simon
Published: September 2023

Sleep is essential to life. Accurate measurement and classification of sleep/wake and sleep stages is important in clinical studies for sleep disorder diagnoses and in the interpretation of data from consumer devices for monitoring physical and mental well-being. Existing non-polysomnography sleep classification techniques mainly rely on heuristic methods developed in relatively small cohorts. Thus, we aimed to establish the accuracy of wrist-worn accelerometers for sleep stage classification and subsequently describe the association between sleep duration and efficiency (proportion of total time asleep when in bed) with mortality outcomes. We developed a self-supervised deep neural network for sleep stage classification using concurrent laboratory-based polysomnography and accelerometry. After exclusion, 1,448 participant nights of data were used for training. The difference between polysomnography and the model classifications on the external validation was 34.7 minutes (95% limits of agreement (LoA): -37.8 to 107.2 minutes) for total sleep duration, 2.6 minutes for REM duration (95% LoA: -68.4 to 73.4 minutes) and 32.1 minutes (95% LoA: -54.4 to 118.5 minutes) for NREM duration. The sleep classifier was deployed in the UK Biobank with ~100,000 participants to study the association of sleep duration and sleep efficiency with all-cause mortality. Among 66,214 UK Biobank participants, 1,642 mortality events were observed. Short sleepers (<6 hours) had a higher risk of mortality compared to participants with normal sleep duration (6 to 7.9 hours), regardless of whether they had low sleep efficiency (Hazard ratios (HRs): 1.69; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.28 to 2.24 ) or high sleep efficiency (HRs: 1.42; 95% CIs: 1.14 to 1.77). Deep-learning-based sleep classification using accelerometers has a fair to moderate agreement with polysomnography. Our findings suggest that having short overnight sleep confers mortality risk irrespective of sleep continuity.
Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease: A Case Report Emphasizing the Role of Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Testing
Authors: Alizadeh Yasaman , Saidi Hossein , Saeedi Vahid , Kamalzadeh Leila
Published: September 2023

Background: Pompe disease, classified as glycogen storage disease type II, arises from a deficiency in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme, leading to glycogen accumulation in multiple tissues. The unique correlation between genotype and enzyme activity is a key feature. This case highlights an infantile-onset form, emphasizing genetic counseling and prenatal testing importance
Case Presentation: An 18-week-old infant with respiratory distress, cyanosis, and fever was admitted. Born healthy, her sibling died from Pompe disease. She presented with cardiomegaly, hypotonia, and absent reflexes. Diagnosis was confirmed by significantly reduced GAA activity. Despite treatment initiation, the patient succumbed to cardiac arrest.
Conclusions: The case underscores genetic counseling's role, offering insights into prenatal testing advancements, antenatal diagnosis through echocardiography, and the significance of early intervention, particularly in infantile-onset Pompe disease.