bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recycling waste macadamia nut shells as a low hydrothermally engineered activated carbon for the efficient removal of a RIT navy blue textile dye from aqueous solutions
Authors: Halim A F M Fahad , Poinern Gérrard Eddy Jai , Fawcett Derek , Chapman Peter , Feng Yuanyuan , Anguelov Nikolay
Published: October 2024

Significant concentrations of toxic dyes present in textile manufacturing effluents are discharged into natural water bodies (lake and rivers) every day and results in the pollution of aquatic ecosystems. New and cost-effective sustainable water treatment strategies are urgently needed to tackle this global issue. The present study investigates the feasibility of using activated carbon produced from macadamia nutshells, a major agricultural waste product, to remove a commercially available textile RIT navy blue dye from aqueous solutions. This activated carbon was synthesized using a low-temperature hydrothermal (LTH) method that used H2SO4 as the activating agent. The textural and chemical properties of the engineered activated carbon were investigated by nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, XRD, SEM, TGA, Raman, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The activated carbon (MAC) had a micro-porous structure with a BET surface area of 478 m2 g−1 for the MAC 10 sample. The linear pseudo-first order model described the kinetics of the adsorption process. The Langmuir model was found to be the most proper model for describing the adsorption isotherm data and revealed the activated carbon absorbent had a theoretical adsorption capacity of 57.8 mg g−1. The study found the activated carbon has the potential to remove toxic dyes from wastewater, reduce agricultural waste, and this addresses the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
MCI Net: Mamba- Convolutional lightweight self-attention medical image segmentation network
Authors: Zhang Yelin , Wang Guanglei , Ma Pengchong , Li Yan
Published: October 2024

With the development of deep learning in the field of medical image segmentation, various network segmentation models have been developed. Currently, the most common network models in medical image segmentation can be roughly categorized into pure convolutional networks, Transformer-based networks, and networks combining convolution and Transformer architectures. However, when dealing with complex variations and irregular shapes in medical images, existing networks face issues such as incomplete information extraction, large model parameter sizes, high computational complexity, and long processing times. In contrast, models with lower parameter counts and complexity can efficiently, quickly, and accurately identify lesion areas, significantly reducing diagnosis time and providing valuable time for subsequent treatments. Therefore, this paper proposes a lightweight network named MCI-Net, with only 5.48 M parameters, a computational complexity of 4.41, and a time complexity of just 0.263. By performing linear modeling on sequences, MCI-Net permanently marks effective features and filters out irrelevant information. It efficiently captures local-global information with a small number of channels, reduces the number of parameters, and utilizes attention calculations with exchange value mapping. This achieves model lightweighting and enables thorough interaction of local-global information within the computation, establishing an overall semantic relationship of local-global information. To verify the effectiveness of the MCI-Net network, we conducted comparative experiments with other advanced representative networks on five public datasets: X-ray, Lung, ISIC-2016, ISIC-2018, and capsule endoscopy and gastrointestinal segmentation. We also performed ablation experiments on the first four datasets. The experimental results outperformed the other compared networks, confirming the effectiveness of MCI-Net. This research provides a valuable reference for achieving lightweight, accurate, and high-performance medical image segmentation network models.
Angular Bloch oscillations and their applications
Authors: Konrad Bernd , Efremov Maxim
Published: October 2024

To advance inertial navigation, we present the scheme for a compact quantum sensor which is based on the quantum phenomenon of the angular Bloch oscillations and measuring exclusively the angular acceleration of slow external rotation. We study the dynamics of ultra-cold atoms confined in a toroidal trap with a ring-lattice along the azimuth angle, realized with the superposition of two copropagating Laguerre–Gaussian beams. In the presence of external rotation with a small angular acceleration, or a prescribed linear chirp between the two beams, the measured angular momentum of the trapped atoms exhibits a specific periodic behaviour in time, which we call as the angular Bloch oscillations. This quantum phenomenon is shown to be a key element of fruitful applications for (i) an efficient transfer of quantized angular momentum from the light to the atoms by controlling the chirp, and (ii) the direct determination of the angular acceleration of external rotation by measuring the Bloch period.
Talbot laser for Airy pulse generation
Authors: Cuenca M , Maestre H , Fernández-Pousa C R
Published: October 2024

We report a C-band fiber Talbot laser—an injection-seeded frequency-shifting active ring cavity operated above threshold—emitting trains of far-field Airy pulses characterized by a dominant cubic spectral phase. Pulses are created by the coherent addition of the recirculating seed wavelength under a large roundtrip first-order dispersion. Single-sided Airy pulse trains with sub-ns pulse widths, 80 MHz repetition rate, and bandwidth exceeding 10 GHz are generated at both integer and fractional Talbot conditions. At detuned Talbot conditions pulses are shown to be tailorable by recirculation-induced first-order dispersion. The far-field character of the resulting waveforms is demonstrated, and the performance in terms of amplitude noise and timing jitter, in this last case after the introduction of active loop stabilization, is evaluated.
In a Nutshell, or transforming childness through music across media: Maurice Sendak’s Nutshell Library and all the Really Rosies
Authors: Papazian Gretchen
Published: October 2024

Situated in several historical and scholarly contexts—Roland Barthes’s discussions of image/music/text, Michel Chion’s and Claudia Gorbman’s scholarship on film music, Linda Hutcheon’s (and others’) urgings to extend adaptation scholarship beyond book and film, and Kamilla Elliott’s call to disrupt the binaries of word/image literature/film—this article’s main intent is to look at the role music plays in adaptation. To do so, it focuses on Maurice Sendak’s 1962 Nutshell Library and the four concept books it contains (One was Johnny, Alligators All Around, Pierre, and Chicken Soup with Rice), these stories’ translation to television in 1975, and their subsequent transformation into a Broadway musical in 1980. The article argues for the value of looking to texts for children in relation to adaptation studies and especially with regard to music’s effects as a part of the adaptation process and product. As it does, it claims that, through music’s specific abilities to intensify emotion, position emphasis, and establish sequence, it transforms the literacy lessons of Sendak’s Nutshell Library, the ideologies of child agency put forward by that text, and the place of the real child in and in relation to media. In this, it highlights music’s capacity to disrupt and alter the word–image relationship across books, films, and embodied performance.
Reimagining and rebranding advance care planning
Authors: Malhotra Chetna
Published: October 2024

Advance care planning (ACP) has traditionally aimed at ensuring that patients’ end-of-life (EOL) wishes are understood and respected. However, recent literature raises concerns about its effectiveness, with many trials indicating that ACP does not significantly improve goal-concordant care, enhance quality of life or reduce healthcare costs. This is because patients’ future decisions are influenced by their transient preferences due to projection bias. To remain relevant, ACP requires a radical shift in perspective, implementation and branding. First, ACP’s mission must be redefined with a focus on: Educate, Share and Prepare. This perspective emphasises ongoing conversations about patient health and illness, sharing of patients’ current values and goals of care and preparation for the future, rather than making definitive future decisions. Second, ACP should be integrated into routine care, normalising these discussions. Simplifying ACP processes and shifting incentives to support shared responsibility among stakeholders can enhance integration. Last, rebranding ACP as ‘Advance Care Preparation’ can clarify its purpose, distinguishing it from EOL planning and increasing its uptake. This rebranding ensures that ACP meets the evolving needs of patients and their families, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and patient satisfaction. These changes in perspective, implementation and branding can transform ACP into a valuable tool for delivering compassionate, patient-centred healthcare, making it relevant to all individuals.
“Research happens a lot in other settings—so why not here?” A qualitative interview study of stakeholders’ views about advance planning for care home residents’ research participation
Authors: Nocivelli Brittany , Wood Fiona , Hood Kerenza , Wallace Carolyn , Shepherd Victoria
Published: October 2024

Background

Underrepresentation of care home residents in research has resulted in a poorer evidence base for health care in care homes. Fewer opportunities to take part in research, as well as assumptions made by others about their interest or wishes, creates challenges for residents’ inclusion in research. Early discussions about research preferences and wishes may be beneficial. This qualitative study aimed to explore stakeholders’ views about how care home residents can be supported to communicate their wishes about research participation.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 stakeholders: care home residents (n = 5), relatives (n = 5), care home staff (n = 5), other health and social care professionals who work with care homes (n = 6), and care home researchers (n = 4). Interviews were conducted virtually or face-to-face and data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Views about resident research participation, the barriers and facilitators to their inclusion, and the role of advance research planning were iteratively organized into three themes: (i) We’re of no value to research; (ii) Research is difficult; and (iii) Advance research planning: good in theory, challenging in practice. Subthemes were also identified, and findings were discussed with a Patient and Public Involvement group for additional reflections.

Conclusions

Stakeholders identified a number of barriers to including care home residents in research, including knowing their preferences about research. The development of interventions to facilitate communication that can be adapted to individuals’ requirements are needed to support discussions and decision-making with care home residents about wishes and preferences for future research participation.
Expanding the triangle of U: comparative analysis of the Hirschfeldia incana genome provides insights into chromosomal evolution, phylogenomics and high photosynthesis-related traits
Authors: Hoang Nam V , Walden Nora , Caracciolo Ludovico , Luoni Sofia Bengoa , Retta Moges , Li Run , Wolters Felicia C , Woldu Tina , Becker Frank F M , Verbaarschot Patrick , Harbinson Jeremy , Driever Steven M , Struik Paul C , van Amerongen Herbert , de Ridder Dick , Aarts Mark G M , Schranz M Eric
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

The Brassiceae tribe encompasses many economically important crops and exhibits high intra- and interspecific phenotypic variation. After a shared whole-genome triplication (WGT) event (Br-α, ~15.9 Mya), differential lineage diversification and genomic changes contributed to an array of divergence in morphology, biochemistry and physiology underlying photosynthesis-related traits. Here, the C3 species Hirschfeldia incana is studied because it displays high photosynthetic rates in high-light conditions. Our aim was to elucidate the evolution that gave rise to the genome of H. incana and its high-photosynthesis traits.

Methods

We reconstructed a chromosome-level genome assembly for H. incana (Nijmegen, v.2.0) using nanopore and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies, with 409 Mb in size and an N50 of 52 Mb (a 10× improvement over the previously published scaffold-level v.1.0 assembly). The updated assembly and annotation were subsequently used to investigate the WGT history of H. incana in a comparative phylogenomic framework from the Brassiceae ancestral genomic blocks and related diploidized crops.

Key Results

Hirschfeldia incana (x = 7) shares extensive genome collinearity with Raphanus sativus (x = 9). These two species share some commonalities with Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea (A genome, x = 10 and C genome, x = 9, respectively) and other similarities with Brassica nigra (B genome, x = 8). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H. incana and R. sativus form a monophyletic clade in between the Brassica A/C and B genomes. We postulate that H. incana and R. sativus genomes are results of hybridization or introgression of the Brassica A/C and B genome types. Our results might explain the discrepancy observed in published studies regarding phylogenetic placement of H. incana and R. sativus in relationship to the ‘triangle of U’ species. Expression analysis of WGT retained gene copies revealed sub-genome expression divergence, probably attributable to neo- or sub-functionalization. Finally, we highlight genes associated with physio-biochemical–anatomical adaptive changes observed in H. incana, which are likely to facilitate its high-photosynthesis traits under high light.

Conclusions

The improved H. incana genome assembly, annotation and results presented in this work will be a valuable resource for future research to unravel the genetic basis of its ability to maintain a high photosynthetic efficiency in high-light conditions and thereby improve photosynthesis for enhanced agricultural production.
Manipulation of the Nasal Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System to Enhance Midvault and Supratip Contouring
Authors: Glener Adam D , Bailey Virginia E , Sheen Derek , Cochran Spencer
Published: October 2024

Background

Management of dorsal dead space and the aesthetics of a supratip break are paramount to achieving reproducible and reliable results in rhinoplasty.

Objectives

The authors present a modified technique of redraping the nasal soft tissue envelope in structural rhinoplasty by utilizing the nasal superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to help obliterate dorsal dead space and restore normal anatomy, thereby enhancing midvault and supratip contouring.

Methods

A standard open rhinoplasty approach is utilized. A planar transition from supraperichondrial to subperichondrial/subperiosteal is completed during the dorsal dissection. The open structural rhinoplasty then proceeds as previously published by the senior author. After any desired tip work is completed, the cephalically based SMAS layer is reconstituted with suture fixation laterally along the caudal border of the upper lateral cartilages. A more robust technical discussion is borne out in the manuscript.

Results

At submission, the senior author has performed >100 rhinoplasties employing this technique over roughly 1 year. Subjectively, patients have had better immediate supratip contour with less residual dorsal soft tissue edema. A case example with photographs is included at a 1 year postoperative time point.

Conclusions

Using this described technique, surgeons can employ an open, structural, approach to rhinoplasty while using restoration of natural anatomy to achieve a refined postoperative result, accentuating supratip break while minimizing dorsal soft tissue dead space.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)
The Social Area of the Breast: An Evolution Through Cultures and Centuries
Authors: Bagdia Amitkumar M , Rocco Nicola , Catanuto Giuseppe , Calenda Fabrizia , Buccheri Ernesto , Villanucci Amedeo , Bagdia Madhusudan S , Koppiker Chaitanyanand , Nava Maurizio Bruno
Published: October 2024

Breasts have evolved as a functional and aesthetic unit. The perception of society toward social exposure of the breast has been extremely diverse, not only temporally through the same civilization but also among contemporary parallel societies in geographically diverse areas. This article explores the spatial and temporal evolution of the outlook toward social exposure of breast over the past 3000 years among different societies, countries, and religions. The level of “acceptance” or “tolerance” toward visibility of breast in social situations was historically guided by social conditioning. Recently, the personal attitudes and preferences of the women themselves have become more deterministic of the clothing choices. Consequently, the conventional oncoplastic notion of a “no-scar zone” being the upper-inner quadrant of the breast must also be redefined to match the dynamic personal preferences of the patient. It is important to know what the patient thinks is the “most social” area of the breast for her, and then to avoid scars in those areas if possible. The article discusses the quest to minimize scars and the importance of shared decision making.
Forecasting dominance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages by anomaly detection using deep AutoEncoders
Authors: Rancati Simone , Nicora Giovanna , Prosperi Mattia , Bellazzi Riccardo , Salemi Marco , Marini Simone
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic is marked by the successive emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, lineages, and sublineages that outcompete earlier strains, largely due to factors like increased transmissibility and immune escape. We propose DeepAutoCoV, an unsupervised deep learning anomaly detection system, to predict future dominant lineages (FDLs). We define FDLs as viral (sub)lineages that will constitute >10% of all the viral sequences added to the GISAID, a public database supporting viral genetic sequence sharing, in a given week. DeepAutoCoV is trained and validated by assembling global and country-specific data sets from over 16 million Spike protein sequences sampled over a period of ~4 years. DeepAutoCoV successfully flags FDLs at very low frequencies (0.01%–3%), with median lead times of 4–17 weeks, and predicts FDLs between ~5 and ~25 times better than a baseline approach. For example, the B.1.617.2 vaccine reference strain was flagged as FDL when its frequency was only 0.01%, more than a year before it was considered for an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, DeepAutoCoV outputs interpretable results by pinpointing specific mutations potentially linked to increased fitness and may provide significant insights for the optimization of public health ‘pre-emptive’ intervention strategies.
Cell cycle expression heterogeneity predicts degree of differentiation
Authors: Noller Kathleen , Cahan Patrick
Published: October 2024

Methods that predict fate potential or degree of differentiation from transcriptomic data have identified rare progenitor populations and uncovered developmental regulatory mechanisms. However, some state-of-the-art methods are too computationally burdensome for emerging large-scale data and all methods make inaccurate predictions in certain biological systems. We developed a method in R (stemFinder) that predicts single cell differentiation time based on heterogeneity in cell cycle gene expression. Our method is computationally tractable and is as good as or superior to competitors. As part of our benchmarking, we implemented four different performance metrics to assist potential users in selecting the tool that is most apt for their application. Finally, we explore the relationship between differentiation time and cell fate potential by analyzing a lineage tracing dataset with clonally labelled hematopoietic cells, revealing that metrics of differentiation time are correlated with the number of downstream lineages.
Measuring and Explaining Situational Fear of Crime: An Experimental Study Into the Effects of Disorder, Using Virtual Reality and Multimodal Measurement
Authors: Brands Jelle , Jansen Jochem Milan , van Doorn Janne , Spithoven Remco
Published: October 2024

The current study combines an experimental research design, Virtual Reality (VR) and multimodal (survey and physiological) measurements to measure and explain situational fear of crime. 159 participants completed our VR experiment in which we focused on the role of physical and social disorder in engendering situational fear of crime. Drawing on our survey measures, we find significant effects of disorder on a variety of outcome variables: situationally experienced safety, fear of theft, fear of verbal aggression, fear and physical aggression and fear of sexually transgressive behaviour. Most of our physiological measures rendered null findings. Hence, we also conclude that the results from our two data sources (survey measures vs. physiological measures) diverge in important ways.
Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS)/perioperative quality initiative (POQI) consensus statement on prehabilitation in oesophagogastric surgery
Authors: Walker Robert C , Barman Sowrav , Pucher Philip H , Singh Pritam , Whyte Greg , Moore John , Huddy Fiona , Evans Orla , Tham Gemma , Noor Z Zainab , Hussey Juliette , West Malcolm A , Jack Sandy , Levett Denny , Underwood Timothy J , Gossage James A , Sultan Javed , Maynard Nicholas , Miller Timothy E , Grocott Michael P W , Davies Andrew R ,   AUGIS/POQI Prehabilitation Consensus Group, Davies Andrew , Walker Rob , Barman Sowrav , Pucher Philip , Singh Pritam , Miller Timothy E , Grocott Michael P W , Brown Rachel , Browning Mike , Butler Katrina , Evans Orla , Gossage James , Guinan Emer , Huddy Fiona , Hussey Juliette , Jack Sandy , Noor Zainab , Levett Denny , Markar Sheraz , Maynard Nick , Moore John , Moorthy Krishna , Pate Jim , Peters Christopher , Phillips Alexander , Preston Shaun , Skipworth Richard , Sultan Javed , West Malcolm , Whyte Greg , Wijnhoven Bas
Published: October 2024

Background

Prehabilitation is safe, feasible and may improve a range of outcomes in patients with oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC). Recent studies have suggested the potential of prehabilitation to improve body composition, sarcopenia and physical fitness, reduce surgical complications and improve quality of life. Despite this, prehabilitation services are not offered throughout all OGC centres in the UK. Where prehabilitation is offered, delivery and definitions vary significantly, as do funding sources and access.

Methods

A professional association endorsed series of consensus meetings were conducted using a modified Delphi process developed by the Peri-Operative Quality Initiative (POQI) to identify and refine consensus statements relating to the development and delivery of prehabilitation services for OGC patients. Participants from a variety of disciplines were identified based on a track record of published studies in the field of prehabilitation and/or practice experience encompassing prehabilitation of OGC patients. Approval from the POQI board was obtained and independent supervision provided by POQI.

Results

A total of 20 statements were developed and agreed by 26 participants over a preliminary meeting and 2 semi-structured formal POQI meetings. Ten research themes were identified. In the case of one statement, consensus was not reached and the statement was recorded and developed into a research theme. A strong recommendation was made for the majority of the consensus statements (17 of 20).

Discussion

Consensus statements encompassing the interventions and outcomes of prehabilitation services in oesophago-gastric cancer surgery have been developed to inform the implementation of programmes.
Radiosurgery versus observation for brainstem cavernous malformations: a 5-year multicentre cohort study
Authors: Li Da , Weng Jian-Cong , Sun Shi-Bin , Zhang Gui-Jun , Yao Bo-Han , Wang Guo-Kai , Chen Jing , Feng Shou-Xin , Liu Hai-Tao , Zhou Fu-Gui , Liu Pan-Pan , Kong Lu , Zhou Hui , Zhang Hao-Yu , Zeng Xiao-Jun , Wu Ze-Yu , Lin Jiu-Luan , Ren Cong , Wang Wei , Zhang Hong-Jun , Xu Xiao-Ying , Song Lai-Rong , Du Xin , Wang Liang
Published: October 2024

The role of radiosurgery in preventing haemorrhage in brainstem cavernous malformations remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to evaluate whether radiosurgery provides a protective benefit against haemorrhage in these patients. This multicentre, prospective observational study was conducted in 17 centres and enrolled eligible patients with brainstem cavernous malformations consecutively. Data collected included clinical baseline information, radiosurgery planning details, periodic follow-up evaluations and any adverse radiation effects. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of first prospective haemorrhage, and the secondary outcome was the development of new or worsening neurological dysfunctions. The impact of radiosurgery was assessed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. From March 2016 to August 2018, the study enrolled 377 patients: 280 in the observation group receiving standard care alone and 97 in the radiosurgery group receiving both radiosurgery and standard care. The overall cohort consisted of 173 females (45.9%) with a mean age of 40.5 years (range, 18–68 years), and there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. After a median follow-up period of 70 months, haemorrhage occurred in 25.0% (n = 70) of patients in the observation group and 10.3% (n = 10) of patients in the radiosurgery group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified radiosurgery as an independent protective factor against haemorrhage (hazard ratio 0.379, 95% confidence interval 0.195–0.738, P = 0.004). Following 1:2 propensity score matching, the incidence of prospective haemorrhage was 24.9% (45/181) in the observation group compared with 10.3% (10/97) in the radiosurgery group (hazard ratio 0.379, 95% confidence interval 0.190–0.755, P = 0.006). Adverse radiation effects were observed in 12 patients (12.4%), with none being permanent. Additionally, new or worsening neurological dysfunctions were significantly more common in the observation group (28.9%) compared with the radiosurgery group (16.5%) (P = 0.016). These results suggest that radiosurgery is associated with a low rate of haemorrhage in patients with brainstem cavernous malformations and could provide a benefit in selected patients. However, further research is required to confirm these findings.
White matter protection with insulin-like growth factor-1 after hypoxia-ischaemia in preterm foetal sheep
Authors: Wassink Guido , Cho Kenta H T , Mathai Sam , Lear Christopher A , Dean Justin M , Gunn Alistair J , Bennet Laura
Published: October 2024

Perinatal hypoxia-ischaemia in extremely preterm infants is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, for which there is no specific treatment. Insulin-like growth factor-1 can reduce acute brain injury, but its effects on chronic white matter injury after hypoxia-ischaemia are unclear. Preterm-equivalent foetal sheep (0.6 gestation) received either sham-asphyxia or asphyxia induced by umbilical cord occlusion for 30 min, and recovered for either 3 or 35 days after asphyxia. The 35 day recovery groups received either an intracerebroventricular infusion of insulin-like growth factor-1 (1 µg/24 h) or vehicle, from 3 to 14 days after asphyxia. Asphyxia was associated with ventricular enlargement, and loss of frontal and parietal white matter area (P < 0.05 versus sham-asphyxia). This was associated with reduced area fraction of myelin basic protein and numbers of oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 and mature, anti-adenomatous polyposis coli-positive oligodendrocytes in periventricular white matter (P < 0.05), with persistent inflammation and caspase-3 activation (P < 0.05). Four of eight foetuses developed cystic lesions in temporal white matter. Prolonged infusion with insulin-like growth factor-1 restored frontal white matter area, improved numbers of oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2-positive and mature, anti-adenomatous polyposis coli-positive oligodendrocytes, with reduced astrogliosis and microgliosis after 35 days recovery (P < 0.05 versus asphyxia). One of four foetuses developed temporal cystic lesions. Functionally, insulin-like growth factor-1-treated foetuses had faster recovery of EEG power, but not spectral edge. Encouragingly, these findings show that delayed, prolonged, insulin-like growth factor-1 treatment can improve functional maturation of periventricular white matter after severe asphyxia in the very immature brain, at least in part by suppressing chronic neural inflammation.
Umpolung of 4,4-disubstituted 2-hydroxycyclohexa-2,5-dienones for the regiodivergent synthesis of disubstituted catechols
Authors: Akazawa Ryunosuke , Mohamed Ahmed A B , Yahata Kenzo , Miyagaki Kohei , Togami Masaki , Sawama Yoshinari , Kanomata Kyohei , Akai Shuji
Published: October 2024

The umpolung of 4,4-disubstituted 2-hydroxycyclohexa-2,5-dienones 1 with PhI(OCOCF3)2 achieved the migration into the more electron-rich C3 position, providing exclusively 3,4-disubstituted catechols 3. Acid-induced rearrangement of 1 produced 4,5-disubstituted catechols 2. These two reactions enabled the highly selective production of two regioisomers of disubstituted catechols, especially biaryls containing catechol moieties, from the common intermediates 1.
Lobular panniculitis of the lower legs in a patient with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease: a case report of scurvy
Authors: Sia Twan , Matmatte Amina Sara , Fu Jerry , Hari Narayanan Dharaneswari , Shami Saad , Khuda Raisa , Leung John
Published: October 2024

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is a chronic condition that is commonly treated with restrictive food elimination diets and may be complicated by food aversion. Here, we present a patient with recalcitrant EGID with lobular panniculitis of the lower legs secondary to scurvy. Cutaneous eruptions are the first manifestations of scurvy, and thus a high suspicion for panniculitis in the context of food restriction is critical to prevent further complications and mortality.
Remdesivir for Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: Evidence of Effectiveness From Cohort Studies in the Omicron Era
Authors: Kuritzkes Daniel R
Published: October 2024

Remdesivir is the only antiviral approved for treatment of persons hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This supplement presents new information from real-world cohort studies that report reduced mortality in at-risk populations and reduction in readmission for COVID-19 in the Omicron era.
Assessing native parasitoids of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the Southeastern USA
Authors: Neupane Subin B , Schmidt Jason M , Snyder William E , Hudson William G , Wang Xingeng , Buffington Matthew , Daane Kent M , Sial Ashfaq A
Published: October 2024

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), commonly known as spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD), is an invasive insect pest threatening the economy of many small fruit farms in the Americas and Europe. Biological control using parasitoids is a promising strategy for improving the sustainable management of SWD. To use the parasitoids as biocontrol agents, recognizing and understanding the presence and preference of North American native parasitoids and their local adaptation is necessary. We conducted 2 season-long field explorations of North American native parasitoids of SWD during 2021 and 2022 at major blueberry-producing locations in southeast GA, USA. A total of 371 parasitoids of Drosophila were collected using fruit-baited sentinel traps and classified into 3 families: Figitidae, Pteromalidae, and Diapriidae. Leptopilina boulardi (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) were the most abundant species. The abundance of parasitoids was higher during the peak blueberry ripening period through the end of the harvest season compared to all other phenological stages. Out of the North American native parasitoids of SWD that we collected, Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae successfully parasitized SWD in its natural habitat, and L. boulardi only parasitized SWD larvae at a low rate of 7% in the laboratory, but it failed to emerge from all the parasitized SWD. Ultimately, we found that the existing North American native parasitoids were inadequate to suppress the SWD in these locations. Planned intervention with the classical release of Asian native specialist parasitoids in addition to the existing SWD management approaches was deemed necessary in these areas.
Spontaneous thrombosis of an unroofed coronary sinus: case report
Authors: Gupta Krishna , Kasargod Prabhakar Chethan Ram , Kueh Shaw Hua
Published: October 2024

Background

Unroofed coronary sinus (UCS) is a rare congenital anomaly and is usually found incidentally. While coronary sinus thrombosis (CST) can occur following instrumentation of the coronary sinus, spontaneous CST is a rare occurrence and only a few cases have been reported to date. The presence of both rare entities concurrently has not been reported previously.

Case summary

A 57-year-old man presented with rectal bleeding and was in hypovolaemic shock. On computed tomography (CT), he was found to have ischaemic colitis as well as an incidental finding of a Type IV UCS with CST. He was initially managed with intravenous heparin infusion but developed life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring endoscopic clipping of a gastric ulcer. The patient was recommenced on intravenous heparin and later transitioned to oral anticoagulant without further events.

Discussion

In UCS, the coronary sinus communicates with the left atrium. The majority of patients are asymptomatic, and the anomaly usually goes undetected. In this patient, UCS was found incidentally with concurrent spontaneous CST. The ischaemic colitis was likely due to cardioembolism from the CST. In the absence of evidence-based practice, we described our cautious approach to anticoagulation in this critically unwell patient. Furthermore, advances in cardiac intervention have seen an increasing need to instrument the coronary sinus and an increased awareness of coronary sinus anomalies is important. Cardiac CT provides an excellent imaging tool for assessing the coronary sinus anatomy (as demonstrated in this case) and can be helpful in pre-procedural planning.
The impact of large aneurysm diameter on the outcomes of thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair by fenestrated and branched endografts
Authors: Gallitto Enrico , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Spath Paolo , Faggioli Gianluca , Stana Jan , Logiacco Antonino , Fernandez-Prendes Carlota , Pini Rodolfo , Rantner Barbara , Mascoli Chiara , Cappiello Antonio , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the study was to analyse the impact of preoperative thoracoabdominal aneurysm diameter on the outcomes of fenestrated/branched endografting.

METHODS

Patients who underwent endovascular thoracoabdominal repair at 2 European centres (2011–2021) were analysed. Median diameter was calculated; the third quartile was considered a cut-off. Outcomes were compared in 2 groups based on the diameter value. Primary endpoints were technical success, spinal cord ischaemia and 30-day/in-hospital mortality. Survival, freedom from reintervention and target visceral vessels instability were follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of 247 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, the median diameter was 65 mm, first quartile was 57 mm; third quartile was 80 mm, set as cut-off value. Fifty-nine (24%) patients had diameter ≥80 mm. Custom-made and off-the-shelf branched endograft were used in 160 (65%) and 87 (35%), respectively. Technical success was 93% (<80 mm: 91% vs ≥80 mm: 94%; P = 0.47). Twenty-three (9%) patients had spinal injury (<80 mm: 7% vs ≥80mm: 17%; P = 0.03). Twenty-two (9%) patients died within 30-day/in-hospital (<80 mm: 7% vs ≥80 mm: 15%; P = 0.06). Multivariate analysis did not report preoperative diameter ≥80 mm as significant risk factor for primary endpoints. The median follow-up was 13 (interquartile range: 2–37) months and at 3-year survival and freedom from reintervention rates were 65% and 62%, respectively. After univariate and multivariate analyses, preoperative diameter ≥80 mm was considered an independent risk factor for reinterventions [hazard ratio (HR): 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.6; P = 0.04], and for target visceral vessels instability (HR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.3–5.1; P = 0.04), occurred in 45 (18%) cases. However, after competing risk methods, preoperative diameter did not show significance for follow-up results.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm diameter >80 mm has not had a direct impact on early technical and clinical outcomes. A diameter≥80 mm is considered risk factor for reinterventions and target vessels instability is considered separately during follow-up.
European multicentre study evaluating the prognosis of peripheral early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients operated on by segmentectomy or lobectomy
Authors: Lula Lukadi Joseph , Costa Rita , Rushwan Amr , Barreda Clara Forcada , Domjan Matic , Marinucci Beatrice Trabalza , Jasovic Crt , Özgür Emrah Gökay , Savu Cornel , Rendina Erino Angelo , Bekiroglu Nural , Fernandes Pedro , Jimenez Marcelo , Stupnik Tomaz , D’Andrilli Antonio , Martinod Emmanuel , Brunelli Alessandro
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To analyse impact of segmentectomy on oncological outcomes of different peripheral early-stage lung adenocarcinoma patterns.

METHODS

Retrospective multicentre study including patients who underwent either lobectomy or segmentectomy in 6 European centres from 2015 to 2021, for ≤2 cm pathological peripheral lung adenocarcinoma. Overall and disease-free survivals were assessed by cox-regression and lung cancer-specific survival by competing regression analyses to adjust for patient- and tumour-related factors both in the entire dataset and the in aggressive adenocarcinoma patterns dataset.

RESULTS

Lobectomy and segmentectomy were performed in 481 (71%) and 193 (29%) patients, respectively. Propensity score matching was performed (n = 191). One hundred and 8 patients had a least an aggressive pattern. Five-year disease-free, overall and lung cancer-specific survivals were similar between patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy in both entire and aggressive pattern datasets. In patients with aggressive pattern, 5-year disease-free (lobectomy 87.3%; segmentectomy 86.6%, P = 0.62), overall (lobectomy 86.4%; segmentectomy 95.6%, P = 0.61) and lung cancer-specific (lobectomy 100%; segmentectomy 95.6%, P = 0.13) survivals did not differ. Segmentectomy was not an independent risk factor for disease-free survival, neither for overall survival nor for lung cancer-specific survival in any of the 2 datasets. In patients with aggressive pattern, loco-regional recurrence (linearized risks: lobectomy 8.21; segmentectomy 11.3) was higher in patients who underwent segmentectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection should not be extended (to lobectomy) on patients who underwent segmentectomy for pathologically proven early-stage adenocarcinoma with aggressive patterns.
Differential responses of woodland caribou to fire and forestry across boreal and montane ecosystems—a literature review
Authors: Stevenson Suzanne , Finnegan Laura , Johnson Chris , McKay Tracy
Published: October 2024

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is a landscape-level management and planning process that is common across North America. A primary tenet of EBM is that the area and intensity of anthropogenic disturbance should mimic the historical natural disturbance of the focal ecosystem. Biodiversity should persist, at least at a coarse scale, where anthropogenic disturbance, such as forest harvesting, matches natural disturbance. However, EBM is failing some species, particularly those that are dependent on old forest. Across many areas of Canada, woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are declining because of the direct and indirect effects of habitat loss and fragmentation. This is even though forest management often follows the principles of EBM. We conducted a qualitative comparison of the responses of woodland caribou to wildfire and forest harvesting, considering a broad range of responses, including habitat selection and distribution, forage, movement patterns, and population dynamics. We found that while wildfire and forest harvesting both influence caribou, the negative effects are generally greater following forest harvesting. For example, wildfire and forest harvesting result in the loss of habitat, but caribou are more likely to shift, abandon or contract their range in response to harvest. The literature also suggested a stronger negative population response of caribou to forest harvest when compared to wildfire. This difference could be the result of greater residual forest structure associated with wildfire as well as the extensive resource roads that are necessary for forestry operations. Although there is sound theoretical support for EBM, the practice, as implemented, may not be effective for maintaining the habitat and ultimately populations of woodland caribou.
I want to climb to the tops of trees! Factors facilitating the development of ivy vines in central European forests
Authors: Wyka Jakub , Dyderski Marcin K , Grzędzicka Emilia , Lešo Peter , Piechnik Łukasz , Kajtoch Łukasz
Published: October 2024

Lianas, which are considered to form tree-related microhabitats, are known as important elements of tropical forests; however, their ecological function and relationships with host trees (phorophytes) in temperate forests are poorly known. This gap in knowledge stems from a low species diversity and abundance of lianas in temperate forests. An exception is common ivy (Hedera helix), which is widely distributed and is currently increasing its abundance in temperate forests. In this study, we examined the relationships between ivy vines with features of their phorophytes, using Central European upland mixed forests as an example. We assess the presence and density of ivy within 69 study plots, established in the forest interior and ecotone. We use generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess drivers of ivy’s presence and its density, while accounting for the tree diameter at breast height, bark roughness, and the canopy light transmittance. We show that ivy is able to grow on nearly all tree species, although it prefers phorophytes with rough bark and a large diameter. Large generative individuals (ivy vines that produce fruits) were found mostly on veteran trees (usually oaks, alders, or pines). For its growth, ivy requires tree phorophytes with only a moderate transparency of light through the tree crowns, which is likely related to evergreen leaves that enable ivy vines to also develop during leaf-off periods. The features of phorophytes preferred by ivy indicate that the vine finds optimal conditions for development in old patches of tree stand, often in areas inaccessible or unprofitable for forest management. We propose using large and fruiting ivy vines as indicators of old-growth forests that deserve protection, which would be in line with the current policy of sustaining and restoring close-to-natural forests in Europe.
Higher-order epistasis within Pol II trigger loop haplotypes
Authors: Duan Bingbing , Qiu Chenxi , Lockless Steve W , Sze Sing-Hoi , Kaplan Craig D
Published: October 2024

RNA polymerase II (Pol II) has a highly conserved domain, the trigger loop (TL), that controls transcription fidelity and speed. We previously probed pairwise genetic interactions between residues within and surrounding the TL for the purpose of understanding functional interactions between residues and to understand how individual mutants might alter TL function. We identified widespread incompatibility between TLs of different species when placed in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pol II context, indicating species-specific interactions between otherwise highly conserved TLs and their surroundings. These interactions represent epistasis between TL residues and the rest of Pol II. We sought to understand why certain TL sequences are incompatible with S. cerevisiae Pol II and to dissect the nature of genetic interactions within multiply substituted TLs as a window on higher-order epistasis in this system. We identified both positive and negative higher-order residue interactions within example TL haplotypes. Intricate higher-order epistasis formed by TL residues was sometimes only apparent from analysis of intermediate genotypes, emphasizing complexity of epistatic interactions. Furthermore, we distinguished TL substitutions with distinct classes of epistatic patterns, suggesting specific TL residues that potentially influence TL evolution. Our examples of complex residue interactions suggest possible pathways for epistasis to facilitate Pol II evolution.
Longitudinal Changes in Peak Expiratory Flow Predict Risk for Incident Dementia
Authors: Donahue Patrick T , Balasubramanian Aparna , Xue Qian-Li , Schrack Jennifer A , Carlson Michelle C
Published: October 2024

Background

Impaired respiratory function, measured via peak expiratory flow (PEF), has been associated with increased dementia risk. However, much of the current literature uses cross-sectional measures of PEF, whereas longitudinal relationships between changes in respiratory function and dementia risk are underexplored.

Methods

Using 10 years of data (2011–2021) from 2 439 adults ages 65 and older in the National Health and Aging Trends Study, we examined whether 5-year changes in PEF (2011–2016) were associated with risk for incident dementia over the subsequent 5-year period (2017–2021). PEF slopes for each participant were estimated using linear mixed-effects models and then grouped into quartiles: rapid, moderate, mild, and no declines. Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk for incident dementia by PEF slope category while controlling for several health and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

After excluding dementia cases during the exposure window (2011–2016), we identified 338 cases of incident dementia (13.9%) between 2017–2021. Rapid PEF declines between 2011–2016 were associated with 85% higher risk for incident dementia between 2017–2021 compared to those with no declines in PEF (hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval [1.24, 2.76]). Results were robust to several sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that declines in PEF may precede declines in cognition, suggesting that respiratory function may be an important dementia risk factor in older adults. Additionally, these findings highlight the utility of measuring PEF via a peak flow meter, which is a simple and inexpensive measure of respiratory function.