bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A World of Pain
Authors: Steeves H. Peter
Published: November 2024

When we undertake the project of a phenomenology of pain, and even a deconstruction of the experience of pain, we discover that pain is not merely something that is felt by a subject, but rather pain—and chronic pain, especially—causes the subject to live in a new world. This essay is an investigation of that world. Moving from questions of mind/body dualism to whether or not pains are subjective representations of some material-physical state of the body, a philosophical and physiological analysis of pain is undertaken in an attempt to show how a world of pain emerges and then functions once established. Along the way, issues concerning the measurement of pain, the value of pain, the mystery of the phantom limb in pain, the use of placebos to treat pain, and the question of whether or not pain is necessarily a private experience are taken up, ultimately leading to the conclusion that an established world of pain can usher in a collapse of the distinction between subjects and their pain such that chronic pain sufferers might meaningfully be said to become their pain.
Spontaneous Rupture of Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Özer Fatma Zehra , Kara Hasan , Ak Ahmet , Bayır Aysegül
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Splenic artery aneurysms are uncommon and typically asymptomatic. However, they pose a high risk of mortality if they rupture.
Case Report: This case report describes the occurrence of a spontaneous rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm in a 55-year-old man with no known previous diseases, no trauma history, and no risk factors for developing an aneurysm who applied to the emergency department with abdominal pain. The diagnosis was determined with an urgent abdominal computed tomography angiography scan. The patient received urgent surgical intervention consisting of splenectomy and excision of the splenic artery aneurysm.
Conclusion: The rupture of a spontaneous splenic artery aneurysm is a rare and fatal disease that necessitates urgent diagnosis and treatment. Spontaneous splenic artery aneurysm usually develops without any noticeable symptoms and is frequently discovered by chance. In the event of a rupture, it can lead to abrupt abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock and the mortality rate is high. Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and abdominal aortic arteriography are the methods of imaging that are used to diagnose splenic artery aneurysms. The key elements in patient management include prompt resuscitation, diagnostic imaging, surgical consultation, and subsequently performing a laparotomy. In our case, the diagnosis was determined using emergency contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography and was treated with open surgery, specifically splenectomy and excision of the splenic artery aneurysm.
References:
1. Tani R, Hori T, Yamamoto H, Harada H, Yamamoto M, Yamada M, et al. Severely Calcified True Aneurysm: A Thought-Provoking Case of Solitary Origin and Postoperative Management. Am J Case Rep. 2019;20: 620-627.
2. Al-Habbal Y, Christophi C, Muralidharan V. Aneurysms of the splenic artery - a review. Surgeon. 2010;8(4): 223-231.
3. Mandal S, Das PM, Mandal AK. Caroli’s syndrome leading to splenic artery aneurysm: A rare presentation. Int J Surg Pathol, 2009; 17: 78–80.
4. Selim M, Awad Albayomy A, Almuhaish LA, Alraddadi SA, Alharbi WM. Multiple incidental unruptured splenic artery aneurysms following severe trauma. Cureus. (2020) 12: e11136.
5. Abbas MA, Stone WM, Fowl RJ, Gloviczki P, Oldenburg WA, Pairolero PC, et al. Splenic artery aneurysms: two decades experience at Mayo clinic. Ann Vasc Surg 2002;16:442-449.
6. Telfah MM. Splenic artery aneurysm: pre-rupture diagnosis is life saving. BMJ Case Rep. 2014;26:2014:bcr2014205115.
7. Effraemidou E, Souftas V, Kofina K, Karanikas M, Lyratzopoulos N. Spontaneous rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm treated with a spleen-preserving procedure: A case report.J Surg Case Rep.2020;12;2020:rjz412.
8. Selo-Ojeme DO, Welch CC. Review: spontaneous rupture of splenic artery aneurysm in pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2003;109:124–27.
Hastane çalışanlarının yaşam doyumunun psikolojik iyi oluşa etkisinde öz yeterliliğin aracılık rolü
Authors: Gönül Fatih , Yaşar Mehmet Emin
Published: November 2024

Zorlu çalışma koşulları altında güçlü bir kişisel ve zihinsel kapasite gerektiren hastane çalışanlarının yaşam doyumu, psikolojik iyi oluş ve öz yeterlilik düzeyleri, ruh sağlıklarını korumaları açısından önem arz etmektedir. Bu önem doğrultusunda araştırmanın amacı yaşam doyumunun psikolojik iyi oluşa etkisinde öz yeterliliğin aracılık rolünü ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmanın verilerini toplamak için bir anket oluşturulmuş ve bu anket katılımcılara yüz yüze uygulanmıştır. Basit rastgele yöntemi ile araştırmanın örneklemi seçilmiştir. Araştırma örneklemini Güneydoğu bölgesinde bulunan bir ilin devlet hastanesinde çalışan 424 kişi oluşturmaktadır. SPSS programı ile tanımlayıcı istatistikler yapıldıktan sonra LISREL programı aracılığıyla yapısal eşitlik modellemesi istatistiksel yöntemi kullanılarak araştırmanın hipotezleri test edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, yaşam doyumu psikolojik iyi oluş ve öz yeterliliği pozitif olarak etkilemektedir. Benzer şekilde öz yeterlilik psikolojik iyi oluşu pozitif olarak etkilemektedir. Ayrıca yaşam doyumunun psikolojik oluşa etkisinde öz yeterliğin aracılık ettiği belirlenmiştir.
Gr\"{o}bner-Shirshov Bases and Normal Forms for The Infinite Coxeter Groups of Types $\widetilde{B}_{n}$ and $\widetilde{D}_n$
Authors: Ustaoğlu Uğur
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we will investigate the infinite Coxeter groups $\widetilde{B}_n$ and $\widetilde{D}_n$. Their Gr\"{o}bner-Shirshov bases and classifications of normal forms are achieved by leveraging results from the infinite Coxeter groups of types $\widetilde{C}_n$. Additionally, a new algorithm is presented for obtaining normal forms of elements within these groups.
La primera edición española de Horacio, Juan María de Terranova, Salamanca 1560: modelos, aportaciones y repercusión
Authors: Ayuso García Manuel
Published: November 2024

La primera edición española de los Opera omnia de Horacio fue obra de Juan María de Terranova. Este impresor-editor de Salamanca tuvo una red de relaciones con personas del mundo editorial y académico que propiciaron la creación de este trabajo junto con otros clásicos latinos. Para su elaboración tuvo como modelo un grupo de ediciones lionesas. En este trabajo analizo la gestación, modelos, difusión y pervivencia de este impreso apenas conocido, así como sus logros.
Predicting severe COVID-19 using readily available admission indicators: SpO2/FiO2 ratio, comorbidity index, and gender
Authors: Vu Luan D. , Christofferson Rebecca C. , O’Neal Hollis R. , Hamer Diana , Phan Anh T. Q. , Vance Katie M. , Turner E. A. , Kumar Avinash , Yola Ibrahim Musa , Lim Natalie , Ogden Beverly , Cormier Stephania A.
Published: November 2024

The focus of this study was to identify risk factors for severe and critical COVID-19, evaluate local respiratory immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and develop a prognostic tool for COVID-19 severity using accessible early indicators. Using nasopharyngeal swab samples from hospitalized patients with COVID-19 of varying severity during the first wave of the pandemic from March to May 2020 in Louisiana, we evaluated the association between COVID-19 severity and viral load, respiratory immune mediators, and demographic/clinical factors. We found that the SpO2/FiO2 ratio at triage, total comorbidity burden (represented by Charlson Comorbidity Index), and gender were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity. Using these early significant indicators, we developed a prognostic tool for COVID-19 severity that is simple and convenient. Additionally, our study demonstrated that elevated levels of respiratory immune mediators, including IL-10, IL-6, MCP-1, and MCP-3, were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity. We also found that viral load at the time of admission was associated with disease severity. Our findings highlight the feasibility and importance of evaluating the humoral component of local mucosal immune responses and viral load at the infected site using convenient nasopharyngeal swab samples, which could be an effective method to understand the relationship between viral infection and immune responses at the early stages of infection. Our proposed prognostic tool has the potential to be useful for COVID-19 management in clinical settings, as it utilizes accessible and easy-to-collect variables at the time of admission.
How quotation and referential intentions modulate the derogatory force of slur utterances
Authors: Gray David Miguel
Published: November 2024

The need for new insights to understand the effects of quoting slurs in linguistic communication has been evident over the past several years. Slurs seem to be capable of offending even when embedded in quotations or mentioned. This ability of the derogatory force of slurs to project out of embeddings like quotations is an instance of what I will call the ‘projectible force’ of slurs. This force is taken to be a particularly serious problem for content-based semantic theories, which claim that what makes slurring utterances offensive is their derogatory content. The inert content criticism claims that quotations should render the content of a slur inert as quotations draw our attention only to the properties of the word itself. However, quoted or mentioned slurs can still offend, so the truth-conditional account of slurs must be wrong. I take the inert content criticism to be a locus of confusion. This confusion can be eliminated if we (1) disambiguate two notions of offense, (2) replace our naïve understanding of quotation with a more precise theory of quotation, and (3) use the deliverances of such a theory of quotation to help explain the different kinds of offense that can result from different features of slurring utterances. While this is not an attempt to defend the truth-conditional account of slurs, I will deliver something that both truth-conditional and prohibitionist accounts of slurs have failed to deliver: an explanation of how slurs under quotation can cause moral offense.
Advanced machine learning artificial neural network classifier for lithology identification using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Soulaimani Saâd , Soulaimani Ayoub , Abdelrahman Kamal , Miftah Abdelhalim , Fnais Mohammed S. , Mondal Biraj Kanti
Published: November 2024

Identifying lithology is crucial for geological exploration, and the adoption of artificial intelligence is progressively becoming a refined approach to automate this process. A key feature of this strategy is leveraging population search algorithms to fine-tune hyperparameters, thus boosting prediction accuracy. Notably, Bayesian optimization has been applied for the first time to select the most effective learning parameters for artificial neural network classifiers used for lithology identification. This technique utilizes the capability of Bayesian optimization to utilize past classification outcomes to enhance the lithology models performance based on physical parameters calculated from well log data. In a comparison of artificial neural network architectures, the Bayesian-optimized artificial neural network (BOANN) demonstrably achieved the superior classification accuracy in validation and significantly outperformed a non-optimized wide, bilayer, and tri-layer network configurations, indicating that incorporating Bayesian optimization can significantly advance lithofacies recognition, thus offering a more accurate and intelligent solution for identifying lithology.
Mapping the mitochondrial landscape in T2DM: key findings from 2003-2023
Authors: Tan Yi , Liu Mingjun , Zhou Xinfeng , Gao Tianjiao , Fang Jinxu , Wang Sixian , Chen Shaotao
Published: November 2024

Backgound

T2DM, a chronic metabolic disorder, poses a significant threat to global public health. Mitochondria play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. This study intends to investigate the correlation between mitochondria and T2DM over the past two decades (2003-2023) through bibliometric analysis. Its objectives are to pinpoint trends, emphasize research priorities, and establish a foundation for future investigations.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the SCI-E database. All recorded results were downloaded in plain text format for further analysis. The following terms were analyzed using Vosviewer 1.6.18, citespace 6.3r1, bibliometrix in RStudio (v.4.4.1), and Microsoft Excel 2021: country, institution, author, journal, references, and keywords.

Results

From January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2023, a total of 2,732 articles were retrieved. The United States, China, and Italy contributed most of the records. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SYSTEM, INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICAL INSERM, and US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS were the top 3 most productive institutions. rocha milagros, victor victor m had the most publications, followed by roden michael, and petersen kf had the most citations together. DIABETES published the most articles on research on this topic, followed by AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM, DIABETOLOGIA. The key points of this topic are the relationship between mitochondria and T2DM, the skeletal muscle mitochondrial changes observed in T2DM, and the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on T2DM. Over the past five years, particle dynamics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and mechanism research have emerged as significant focal points in this field.

Conclude

This paper successfully identified the key areas and emerging trends in the relationship between mitochondria and T2DM, thereby offering valuable insights for future research.
Spatial differentiation and functional zoning of carbon budget: evidence from Jiangxi Province
Authors: Wenmei Liao , Liwen Jiang , Jiamin Zou , Zhipeng Wang , Hailan Qiu , Shuie Sun
Published: November 2024

Regional carbon budget and compensation are one of the current research hotspots, which is of great practical significance for dealing with climate change and promoting the coordinated development of low carbon. Based on energy consumption and land use data, a carbon budget and carbon compensation measurement model was established to analyze the change characteristics and spatial differentiation of the carbon budget of 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province from 2010 to 2020 and carry out functional zoning, and further calculate the carbon compensation value of each prefecture-level city. The results showed that (1) during the study period, the carbon emissions in Jiangxi Province showed an increasing trend, with an average annual growth rate of 6.00 million tons, showing a spatial distribution pattern of “high in the west and low in the east.” The province was mainly represented by net carbon sources. (2) During the study period, the forest land in Jiangxi Province was the main carbon sink. The carbon sink absorption capacity declined from 60.56 million tons in 2010 to 59.69 million tons in 2020. (3) The regional difference in the economic contribution coefficient of prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province is relatively tiny. The ecological support coefficient has apparent spatial heterogeneity, showing a spatial distribution feature of “high in the south and low in the north.” (4) The 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province could be divided into four regions: the carbon sink functional area, low-carbon optimization area, total carbon control area, and carbon intensity control area. By calculating the carbon compensation value and according to the difference in the carbon compensation value, the 11 prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi province are divided into four high-compensation areas, three low-compensation areas, and four compensated areas. The larger the carbon budget is, the higher the carbon compensation amount; conversely, the smaller the budget, the more carbon compensation amount can be obtained. According to the above conclusions, 11 prefecture-level cities should improve emission reduction mechanisms and strengthen the management of forest land utilization. Meanwhile, Jiangxi Province should formulate differentiated development, and compensation strategies should be developed to promote low-carbon, coordinated, and sustainable development among regions.
Mapping migration habitat for western monarch butterflies reveals need for public-private approach to conservation
Authors: McIntyre Patrick J. , Ceasar Hannah , Young Bruce E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Identifying habitat of migratory species to effectively support conservation and management requires careful consideration of (1) the data used to inform habitat models, (2) the biology of the organism, (3) land tenure, and (4) the needs of the target audience.

Methods

To provide this information for western U.S. monarch butterflies, a population undergoing decline, we modeled habitat during the spring and fall migrations. Our approach controlled for biases in citizen science locality data, the principal source of monarch observation data, and incorporated needs for milkweed host plants in the spring and nectar plants in the fall.

Results and Discussion

The results showed the distribution of habitat for spring and fall migration, where the Coast Range and Central Valley in California and riparian areas throughout the range were particularly important. Just 29% of predicted habitat for spring and fall migrations, combined, overlapped between the two seasons. Although the U.S. federal government manages 53% of the land in the western U.S., government land makes up just 11.7% of the spring migration range and 23.5% of the fall migration range. State and local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) manage an additional 4.2% of the spring and 4.0% of the fall migration habitat. Thus, like eastern monarchs, western monarchs rely heavily on land under private ownership for their migration and to be successful, monarch conservation efforts must embrace a public-private approach. Among federal agencies, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM; 5.9% of spring and 9.7% of fall habitat) and Forest Service (3.3% of spring and 9.2% of fall habitat) manage the greatest shares. Less than half of the government and NGO owned habitat for both migrations is managed for biodiversity conservation rather than multiple uses (spring, 46.0%; fall, 36.5%). We created custom model outputs for the BLM to highlight areas of both regional and local importance for migrating monarchs in each BLM administrative unit, enabling managers across the agency to contribute to recovery. The outcomes provide input at a relevant spatial scale to support actions such as habitat restoration, riparian zone protection, and pesticide use reduction to enhance conditions for migrating monarchs on both government and private lands.
B-cell dynamics underlying poor response upon split-inactivated influenza virus vaccination
Authors: Reis Laise Rodrigues , Silva-Moraes Vanessa , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Ross Ted M.
Published: November 2024

This investigation elucidated the differences in humoral and H1N1 HA-specific memory B-cells response in participants exhibiting distinct immune response patterns prior to and after vaccination with Fluzone, the quadrivalent split-inactivated seasonal influenza virus vaccine. Participants were categorized into persistent non-responders and persistent responders based on their hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) antibody titers to the H1N1 component from each vaccine administered between the 2019-2020 to 2023-2024 seasons. Persistent responders had higher fold change in H1N1 HA-specific CD21 expressing B-cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells. A significant increase in H1N1 HA-specific transitional B-cells in persistent non-responders was observed. The frequency and fold change of H1N1-specific IgM-expressing memory B-cells was higher in persistent non-responders. Dimensionality reduction analysis also demonstrated higher IgM expression for persistent non-responders than persistent responders. Furthermore, persistent non-responders had a significant fold change increase in IgA tissue-like memory, IgG exhausted tissue-like memory, and double negative (DN) activated memory cells. In contrast, persistent responders had increased frequency of IgG-activated memory B-cells, IgG resting B-cells and DN resting B-cells. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between HAI titers and DN memory B-cells and a negative correlation between HAI titers and IgG-expressing memory B-cells in persistent non-responders. Conversely, persistent responders had a positive correlation between HAI titers and IgA resting memory B-cells and a negative correlation between IgG memory B-cells and DN memory B-cells. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the differential immune memory B-cell responses following influenza virus vaccination and paves the way for future research to further unravel the complexities of vaccine-induced memory B-cells and ultimately improve vaccination strategies against influenza virus infection.
The influence of immune checkpoint blockade on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hu Yalei , Wang Yuxin , Min Kaili , Zhou Huisheng , Gao Xiaoning
Published: November 2024

The principle of immune checkpoint blockade therapy is based on the activation of T cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, have demonstrated effectiveness in treating solid tumors by reinvigorating the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. In recent years, ICIs have shown promise in certain patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma and myeloid malignancies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT) currently remains the only curative immunotherapy option for eligible patients with these hematologic malignancies. An increasing number of patients with indications for allo-HCT have received treatment with ICIs either before the procedure or as a therapy for relapse after allo-HCT. Nevertheless, initial reports suggest that patients exposed to immune checkpoint inhibitors either before or after allo-HCT are at an increased risk of developing severe graft-versus-host disease and other immune-related adverse events, likely due to the persistent effects of immune checkpoint blocking. Maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing side effects of the combination of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy and allo-HCT is an active area of research aimed at improving the prognosis of relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies. However, there is still a lack of rational design strategies to optimize the combined use of these two different types of immunotherapies. In this review, we addressed the scientific rationale behind ICIs for treating lymphoma and myeloid malignancies. We also summarized the evidence supporting the use of ICIs as salvage therapy before and after allo-HCT. Additionally, we offered insights into current approaches for preventing and treating graft-versus-host disease and other immune-related adverse events during the procedure.
In-depth analysis of research hotspots and emerging trends in AI for retinal diseases over the past decade
Authors: Guo Mingkai , Gong Di , Yang Weihua
Published: November 2024

Background

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosing retinal diseases represents a significant advancement in ophthalmological research, with the potential to reshape future practices in the field. This study explores the extensive applications and emerging research frontiers of AI in retinal diseases.

Objective

This study aims to uncover the developments and predict future directions of AI research in retinal disease over the past decade.

Methods

This study analyzes AI utilization in retinal disease research through articles, using citation data sourced from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, covering the period from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023. A combination of WOS analyzer, CiteSpace 6.2 R4, and VOSviewer 1.6.19 was used for a bibliometric analysis focusing on citation frequency, collaborations, and keyword trends from an expert perspective.

Results

A total of 2,861 articles across 93 countries or regions were cataloged, with notable growth in article numbers since 2017. China leads with 926 articles, constituting 32% of the total. The United States has the highest h-index at 66, while England has the most significant network centrality at 0.24. Notably, the University of London is the leading institution with 99 articles and shares the highest h-index (25) with University College London. The National University of Singapore stands out for its central role with a score of 0.16. Research primarily spans ophthalmology and computer science, with “network,” “transfer learning,” and “convolutional neural networks” being prominent burst keywords from 2021 to 2023.

Conclusion

China leads globally in article counts, while the United States has a significant research impact. The University of London and University College London have made significant contributions to the literature. Diabetic retinopathy is the retinal disease with the highest volume of research. AI applications have focused on developing algorithms for diagnosing retinal diseases and investigating abnormal physiological features of the eye. Future research should pivot toward more advanced diagnostic systems for ophthalmic diseases.
Laboratory development of an RNA quantitative RT-PCR assay reporting in international units for hepatitis D virus
Authors: Osiowy Carla , Day Jacqueline , Lee Emma R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) is associated with rapid progression to severe liver disease. Co-infection with HDV and hepatitis B virus is likely underdiagnosed due to challenges in diagnostic test availability and standardization. With new HDV antiviral options, HDV RNA quantification is essential for understanding the patient response to treatment. To this end, a quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay utilizing synthetic RNA calibrators and a conversion factor to quantify HDV RNA in WHO international standard units (IU/mL) was developed and validated.

Methods

qRT-PCR primers and probes were selected within the ribozyme region. Thermocycling conditions and reactions were optimized. Synthetic RNA transcripts were prepared as quantification standards and calibrators. Transcript dilutions (log10 8 to log10 1 copies/μL) were calibrated against the WHO standard and a conversion factor calculated to convert copies/μL to IU/mL. Assay validation and evaluation was conducted, including use of specimens from 8 HDV genotypes and comparison to a commercial assay.

Results

The assay lower limit of detection was determined by probit analysis to be 11 IU/mL (8.63–15.78 95% CI). Inter- and intra-assay coefficient of variation analysis showed 96.6% precision and 90.6% accuracy. A conversion factor of 16.5 was used to convert copies/μL to IU/mL. All 8 HDV genotypes were quantified by the assay and commercial assay comparison showed good agreement.

Discussion

The developed assay has clinical utility for the sensitive and specific quantitative monitoring of HDV RNA, appropriate for medium to high throughput laboratories.
Extreme drought shapes the gut microbiota composition and function of common cranes (Grus grus) wintering in Poyang Lake
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Zhang Chao , Cai Hao , Zhu Yunlong , Sun Jiwan , Liu Wen , Wang Zhenyu , Li Yankuo
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Extreme weather events driven by climate change profoundly affect migratory birds by altering their habitats, food sources, and migration routes. While gut microbiota is believed to play a role in helping birds adapt to environmental changes, research on how extreme weather impacts their gut microbiota and how these microbial communities respond to such conditions has been limited.

Methods

16S rRNA gene sequencing was utilized to investigate the gut microbiota of common cranes (Grus grus) wintering at Poyang Lake from 2020 to 2023, with a particular focus on their response to extreme drought conditions on both inter-annual and monthly timescales.

Results

The results revealed that extreme drought conditions substantially impact gut microbiota, with inter-annual water-level fluctuations exerting a more pronounced impact on microbial community structure than that of inter-monthly fluctuations. Notably, a significant decline in bacterial diversity within the gut microbiota of common cranes was observed in the extreme drought year of 2022 compared with other years. Monthly observations indicated a gradual increase in gut microbial diversity, coinciding with relatively minor water-level changes. Key taxa that responded to drought included the Enterobacteriaceae family and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. Additionally, functional genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, the phosphotransferase system, and the two-component systems were significantly enriched during the extreme drought year. These functions may represent adaptive mechanisms by which the gut microbiota of common cranes respond to drought stress.

Discussion

This research provides novel insights into the temporal variability of gut microbiota in wintering waterbirds, underscoring the significant impact of climatic fluctuations on microbial communities. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the ecological and functional responses of gut microbiota to extreme weather events, which is crucial for the conservation and management of migratory bird populations in the face of climate change.
Loss of Cdc42 causes abnormal optic cup morphogenesis and microphthalmia in mouse
Authors: Hofstetter Katrina S. , Haas Paula M. , Kuntz Jonathon P. , Zheng Yi , Fuhrmann Sabine
Published: November 2024

Congenital ocular malformations originate from defective morphogenesis during early eye development and cause 25% of childhood blindness. Formation of the eye is a multi-step, dynamic process; it involves evagination of the optic vesicle, followed by distal and ventral invagination, leading to the formation of a two-layered optic cup with a transient optic fissure. These tissue folding events require extensive changes in cell shape and tissue growth mediated by cytoskeleton mechanics and intercellular adhesion. We hypothesized that the Rho GTPase Cdc42 may be an essential, convergent effector downstream of key regulatory factors required for ocular morphogenesis. CDC42 controls actin remodeling, apicobasal polarity, and junction assembly. Here we identify a novel essential function for Cdc42 during eye morphogenesis in mouse; in Cdc42 mutant eyes expansion of the ventral optic cup is arrested, resulting in microphthalmia and a wide coloboma. Our analyses show that Cdc42 is required for expression of the polarity effector proteins PRKCZ and PARD6, intercellular junction protein tight junction protein 1, β-catenin, actin cytoskeleton F-actin, and contractile protein phospho myosin light chain 2. Expression of RPE fate determinants OTX2 and MITF, and formation of the RPE layer are severely affected in the temporal domain of the proximal optic cup. EdU incorporation is significantly downregulated. In addition, mitotic retinal progenitor cells mislocalize deeper, basal regions, likely contributing to decreased proliferation. We propose that morphogenesis of the ventral optic cup requires Cdc42 function for coordinated optic cup expansion and establishment of subretinal space, tissue tension, and differentiation of the ventral RPE layer.
Evening cortisol levels are prognostic for progression-free survival in a prospective pilot study of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Cash Elizabeth , Beck Isak , Harbison Brooks , Albert Christy , Sephton Sandra E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Cortisol rhythm disruptions predict early mortality in renal, colorectal, lung, and metastatic breast cancer. In head and neck cancer (HNC), various cortisol indices are known to correlate with adverse psychological and biological (e.g., inflammatory) outcomes, but links to mortality have yet to be demonstrated. We hypothesize that the prognostic value of diurnal cortisol aberrations will hold in HNC. Prior work leads us to predict that flattened or elevated diurnal cortisol profiles will be associated with elevations of serum inflammatory and tumor-promoting cytokines in this population, and that these immune markers would themselves predict poor progression-free survival.

Method

We prospectively recruited a pilot sample of HNC patients (N=40) at a multidisciplinary HNC clinic. Most patients presented with late-stage oral/oropharyngeal cancer, were older than 50, male, and subsequently received combined-modality (surgery and/or radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy) treatment with curative intent. Saliva was collected twice daily for six days to assess diurnal slope, mean, waking, and evening cortisol levels. Serum was assayed for an exploratory panel of inflammatory and tumor-promoting cytokines. Two years post study-entry, disease progression and survivorship status were abstracted from medical records. Bivariate correlations, linear regressions, and Cox Proportional Hazards models tested hypotheses.

Results

Elevations of evening cortisol and diurnal mean levels were each associated with shorter progression-free survival (evening: Hazard Ratio [HR]=1.848, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.057-3.230, p=.031; diurnal mean: HR=2.662, 95% CI=1.115-6.355, p=.027). Bivariate correlations revealed that higher levels of the serum inflammatory marker interferon (IFN)-γ were linked with elevated evening (r=.405, p=.014) and mean (r=.459, p=.004) cortisol. Higher expression of IFN-γ also predicted poorer progression-free survival (HR=4.671, 95% CI=1.409-15.484, p=.012).

Discussion

Elevated evening and diurnal mean cortisol were both prognostic; suggesting cortisol secretion is both dysregulated and elevated among patients who subsequently experienced accelerated disease progression. These exploratory data from 40 HNC patients mirror relationships between cortisol and survival identified among patients with numerous other tumor types. This pilot study highlights the need for research on effects of cortisol rhythm disruption among HNC patients. Future research in larger samples should also examine the role of inflammatory and tumor-promoting factors–both systemically and within the tumor microenvironment–as potential mediators of cortisol rhythm disruption.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus placebo plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: perspectives from the United States and China
Authors: Lang Wenwang , Ai Qi , Zhang Wenwen , Jiang Qinling , He Yulong , Ouyang Ming
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The efficacy of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in improving progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in unresectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) has recently been emphasized. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus placebo plus chemotherapy for the United States (US) and Chinese populations.

Methods

Using data from the RATIONALE-305 phase 3 trial, a Markov model was developed to analyze quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), incremental net health benefits (INHBs), and incremental net monetary benefits (INMBs). The health state utilities and direct medical costs were obtained from the relevant literature and local cost databases. The model uncertainty was evaluated using sensitivity analyses.

Findings

In the base-case analysis, the addition of tislelizumab to chemotherapy yielded an ICER of $37,768.48 per QALY in China, slightly below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $38,042.49 per QALY, showing marginal cost-effectiveness with an INHB of 0.05 QALYs and an INMB of $1,852.49. Subgroup analyses revealed ICERs of $23,853.52 for patients with a PD-L1 TAP score ≥ 5% (TAP ≥ 5%). In the US, the ICER was $502,786.22 per QALY in the intent-to-treat (ITT) and $321,395.28 per QALY in the TAP ≥ 5% subgroup, exceeding the US WTP threshold of $150,000.00.

Implications

In China, tislelizumab plus chemotherapy is a cost-effective first-line therapy for unresectable GC/GEJC in both ITT and TAP ≥ 5% subgroups. In the US, tislelizumab plus chemotherapy is not cost-effective.
Fast and precise dose estimation for very high energy electron radiotherapy with graph neural networks
Authors: Arsini Lorenzo , Caccia Barbara , Ciardiello Andrea , De Gregorio Angelica , Franciosini Gaia , Giagu Stefano , Guatelli Susanna , Muscato Annalisa , Nicolanti Francesca , Paino Jason , Schiavi Angelo , Mancini-Terracciano Carlo
Published: November 2024

Introduction

External beam radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most common treatments against cancer, with photon-based RT and particle therapy being commonly employed modalities. Very high energy electrons (VHEE) have emerged as promising candidates for novel treatments, particularly in exploiting the FLASH effect, offering potential advantages over traditional modalities.

Methods

This paper introduces a Deep Learning model based on graph convolutional networks to determine dose distributions of therapeutic VHEE beams in patient tissues. The model emulates Monte Carlo (MC) simulated doses within a cylindrical volume around the beam, enabling high spatial resolution dose calculation along the beamline while managing memory constraints.

Results

Trained on diverse beam orientations and energies, the model exhibits strong generalization to unseen configurations, achieving high accuracy metrics, including a δ-index 3% passing rate of 99.8% and average relative error <1% in integrated dose profiles compared to MC simulations.

Discussion

Notably, the model offers three to six orders of magnitude increased speed over full MC simulations and fast MC codes, generating dose distributions in milliseconds on a single GPU. This speed could enable direct integration into treatment planning optimization algorithms and leverage the model’s differentiability for exact gradient computation.
Variation of leaf shape with tree size: a case study using Camptotheca acuminata Decne
Authors: He Ke , Ratkowsky David A. , Fu Pengjiazi , Yao Weihao , Lian Meng , Chen Long , Shi Peijian
Published: November 2024

The Montgomery equation (ME) assumes that leaf area (A) is proportional to the product of leaf length (L) and width (W). Leaf shape is found to determine the ME’s proportionality coefficient, i.e., the Montgomery parameter (MP). However, prior work seldom reported the influence of tree size (reflected by the diameter at breast height, DBH) on leaf shape and size. In the present study, we sampled 840 leaves from six trees of Camptotheca acuminata, with 140 leaves for each tree. Three leaf-shape indices were measured for each leaf, viz. the width to length ratio (W/L), a leaf roundness index which indicates the extent to which the leaf shape approaches a circular leaf, and the centroid ratio, defined as l/L, where l is the distance from the leaf base to the point on the leaf length axis where the leaf width is a maximum. For each tree, the ME was investigated in two ways, one being that A was assumed to be proportional to the product of L and W, and the second being a power-law equation which assumed an allometric relationship between A and LW, i.e., A∝ (LW)α, where α is a constant to be estimated. The centroid ratio slightly decreased with increasing DBH, indicating that larger trees tend to have more ovate leaves than elliptical leaves. However, DBH did not significantly affect the ratio W/L nor the leaf roundness index. The estimated MP for the pooled data was 0.6466, and it was not statistically affected by DBH. The numerical value of α was found to approximate unity. The percent error between ME and the power-law equation was smaller than 5%, which means that there is no need to use the power-law equation to describe the relationship between A and LW. ME is valid for the calculation of A at the individual tree level and for the pooled data of all trees. The present study indicates that the influence of DBH on MP can be neglected when calculating A, and any easily accessible trees can be selected to examine the A versus LW isometric relationship.
Illusionism, Moore, and Chalmers
Authors: Loginov Evgeny V.
Published: November 2024

In 1939, G. E. Moore presented his famous proof of an external world. In 2018, David Chalmers published his Moorean argument against illusionism. In 2022, Chalmers argued that Moore’s original argument was wrong. In this paper, I will try to defend the original Moore’s argument against Chalmers-style criticism, and show that Chalmers’s Moorean argument against illusionism cannot refute illusionism.
Trends and impacts of SARS-CoV-2 genome sharing: a comparative analysis of China and the global community, 2020–2023
Authors: Feng Yenan , Chen Songqi , Wang Anqi , Zhao Zhongfu , Chen Cao
Published: November 2024

Objective

The global sharing of pathogen genome sequences has been significantly expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to elucidate the global landscape of SARS-CoV-2 genome sharing between 2020 and 2023 with a focus on quantity, timeliness, and quality. Specifically, the characteristics of China are examined.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 genomes along with associated metadata were sourced from GISAID database. The genomes were analyzed to evaluate the quantity, timeliness, and quality across different countries/regions. The metadata characteristics of shared genomes in China in 2023 were examined and compared with the actual demographic data of China in 2023.

Results

From 2020 to 2023, European countries consistently maintained high levels of genomic data sharing in terms of quantity, timeliness, and quality. In 2023, China made remarkable improvements in sequence sharing, ranking among the top 3.89% globally for quantity, 22.78% for timeliness, and 17.78% for quality. The genome sharing in China in 2023 covered all provinces with Shanghai Municipality contributing the most genomes. Human samples accounted for 99.73% of the shared genomes and exhibited three distinct peaks in collection dates. Males constituted 52.06%, while females constituted 47.94%. Notably, there was an increase in individuals aged 65 and above within the GISAID database compared to China’s overall population in 2023.

Conclusion

The global sharing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in 2020–2023 exhibited disparities in terms of quantity, timeliness, and quality. However, China has made significant advancements since 2023 by achieving comprehensive coverage across provinces, timely dissemination of data, and widespread population monitoring. Strengthening data sharing capabilities in countries like China during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will play a crucial role in containing and responding to future pandemics caused by emerging pathogens.
Metabolic signatures of combined exercise and fasting: an expanded perspective on previous telomere length findings
Authors: Almuraikhy Shamma , Naja Khaled , Anwardeen Najeha , Sellami Maha , Al-Amri Hadaia Saleh , Al-Sulaiti Haya , Bashraheel Sara S. , Aden Amina Ali , Elrayess Mohamed A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Aging is a complex process marked by a gradual decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to diseases. Telomere length is frequently regarded as one of the primary biomarkers of aging. Metabolic profiles are key features in longevity and have been associated with both age and age-related diseases. We previously reported an increase in the telomere length in healthy female subjects when Ramadan fasting was combined with physical training. This study aims to characterize the metabolic signature differentiating the combined effects of exercise and fasting from exercise alone and explore the correlations with the previously reported telomere length changes.

Methods

Twenty-nine young, non-obese, and healthy female subjects were previously randomized into two groups: one group followed a 4-week exercise program, while the other group followed the same 4-week exercise program but also fasted during Ramadan. Metabolic profiles were assessed pre- and post-intervention using untargeted metabolomics.

Results and Discussion

Our results showed a significant decrease in many lipid metabolites in the exercise-while-fasting group, particularly ceramides. Our study sheds light on the dynamic changes in lipid metabolism and its potential role in inflammation and age-related diseases, and contributes to the broader understanding of how lifestyle factors can influence cellular aging and metabolic health.
Correlates of Value-orientation among Adolescents: Role of Internet Addiction and Demographic Variables
Authors: Pari Gulnaz , Jami Dr. Humaira
Published: November 2024

The present study was planned to explore the role of the internet in value-orientation among adolescents along the role of different demographic variables that is number of Facebook friends, peer interaction, and religiosity. For the current study, cross-sectional and survey method was used for data collection. Convenience sampling was used for sample selection. Portrait Value Questionnaire and Internet Addiction Scale were used for data collection from the sample of 500 adolescents (302 girls & 198 boys) with age range 16-22 years. Findings showed that those who were addicted to the internet scored higher on hedonism value-orientation as compared to those adolescents who were not addicted to the internet. Moreover, peer interaction also positively correlated with universalism and hedonism value-orientation among adolescents. Further, religiosity negatively correlated with internet addiction and the number of Facebook friends positively related to internet addiction among adolescents. Findings were discussed and implications were suggested.
Personality Traits and Vocational Interests among Physically Handicapped and Normal Individuals
Authors: Wasif Dr. Samia , Ghazal Wajeeha
Published: November 2024

Current study commenced to compare the personality traits and vocational interests of physically handicapped and normal individuals, by using Big Five Inventory and Holland Code Test. Participants comprised of 90 physically handicapped and 100 normal individuals aged from 15-30 years. Physically handicapped were taken from special educational and training centers while normal individuals from different school, colleges and universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Findings revealed significantly low score of Physically Handicapped on Extroversion as compared to normal individuals while physically handicapped scored higher on Neuroticism as compared to normal individuals. Assessment of Vocational Interests signified that physically handicapped scored significantly higher on Realistic, Investigative, Artistic and Conventional interest as compared to normal individuals. Outcomes of this research work are valuable for different professionals, caretakers and institutions (dealing with handicapped) including counselors, psychologists, teachers, vocational training centers, hospitals and organizations that offers jobs for handicapped. Identifying the Personality traits and Vocational Interests is more beneficial for better understanding of handicapped individuals? special needs and facilitating them with better treatment.