bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms and physical activity among young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Do Bridgette , Dunton Genevieve F. , Miller Kimberly A. , Milam Joel E.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Young adult survivors of childhood cancers are less likely to be physically active compared to non‐cancer affected controls, putting them at an increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Preliminary research has examined how mental health may contribute to physical activity (PA) in this population; however, those more recently diagnosed and Hispanic survivors have been understudied. The objectives were to examine associations of dimensions of depressive symptoms, demographic characteristics, and cancer‐related predictors with PA among a diverse sample of young adult childhood cancer survivors.

Methods

Participants (N = 895) diagnosed with childhood cancer between 1996 and 2010 (53% Hispanic;Mage = 26.2 ± 4.9 years;Mage = 14.8 ± 4.4 years at diagnosis) were recruited from the Los Angeles County cancer registry. Self‐report surveys assessed current PA, depressive symptoms (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, somatic symptoms, interpersonal problems), late effects of cancer treatment, and demographic factors. Multivariable ordinal regressions examined the study objectives.

Results

About 70% of participants engaged in low or moderate frequency PA (fewer than 3 days a week). Participants who were older, female, Asian, or reported more late effects of cancer treatment were less likely to engage in PA. Greater positive affect was significantly associated with higher frequency PA, whereas negative affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal problems were not associated with PA.

Conclusions

The findings suggests that positive—but not negative—mental health characteristics are more likely to facilitate or result from PA among young adult survivors of childhood cancers. Interventions seeking to increase PA may benefit from considering positive aspects of mental health/well‐being.
Deep and machine learning architecture for high accuracy prediction of interior ballistics for modular charges
Authors: Brunet Luc Emile , Fitas Toufik , Cuvelier Sébastien , Fontaine Arnaud , Nouguez Bruno
Published: September 2023

Interior ballistics modelling intends to calculate physical quantities by solving equations requiring a set of input like thermodynamical properties linked to propellant or mechanical properties like friction coefficients, linked to the system, that are often difficult to assess experimentally. Using a consequent and high‐quality dataset of thousands of 155 mm modular charge experiments, we investigated how deep and machine learning approaches could build an efficient model for predicting muzzle velocity, pressure, and ignition time. After identifying the main variables influencing the physics and several potentially relevant to the machine learning and deep learning algorithms, a stacking ensemble learning model (SEL) was built. It is composed of eight machine learning algorithms and one deep learning algorithm, all as weak learner, reaching a consensus for predicting experimental outputs through a strong learner. The performance assessment, on a 900 experiments test data set that were not used in training, shows a prediction accuracy of 97 % at 1 % accuracy for muzzle velocity, 93 % at 3 % for pressure and 72 % at 5 ms for ignition time. The prediction ability for muzzle velocity within 2 m/s reaches 73 % that can be considered as sufficient. Furthermore, the SEL model even having zero knowledge about physics can discriminate gun barrel erosion effect at high and low pressure. This approach allows to imagine a way of modelling physical phenomena poorly described by physical equations or requiring unmeasurable figures.
Recruitment of Hippodamia variegata by active volatiles from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Alhagi sparsifolia plants infested with Aphis atrata
Authors: Jiang Yan , Xiu Chunli , Pan Hongsheng , Liu Xiaoning
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a dominant predatory natural enemy species in cotton‐planting, is a key biological control agent for aphids in China. Our previous study showed that herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) from Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Fisch.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) and Alhagi sparsifolia (Desv.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) plants infested with Aphis atrata (Zhang) (Homoptera: Aphididae), were important semiochemicals for Hippodamia variegata to locate aphids. However, little was known about the varieties and function of active volatiles from HIPVs of the two plant species.

RESULTS

In this study, results from gas chromatography‐electroantennography detection (GC‐EAD) demonstrated that seven HIPVs (butyl acrylate, α‐pinene, butyl isobutyrate, β‐pinene, butyl butyrate, 1,3‐diethylbenzene and 1,4‐diethylbenzene) identified from the two damaged plant species elicited antennal responses from Hippodamia variegata. Also, results from gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that the concentrations of the seven active volatiles were significantly higher than those from corresponding healthy plants. Hippodamia variegata exhibited varying degrees of response to each active volatile in electroantennography (EAG) trials, however, only α‐pinene, butyl isobutyrate, β‐pinene and butyl butyrate significantly attracted Hippodamia variegata in behavioral trials conducted in the laboratory. They also had a better trapping effect on Hippodamia variegata in cotton fields.

CONCLUSION

Four active compounds (α‐pinene, butyl isobutyrate, β‐pinene and butyl butyrate) identified from two damaged plant species were considered the most effective HIPVs that attract Hippodamia variegata. These findings provide possibilities for the development of Hippodamia variegata attractants. They also provide a theoretical basis for the biological prevention and control of aphids using Hippodamia variegata. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Can one “prove” that a harmful event was preventable? Conceptualizing and addressing epistemological puzzles in postincident reviews and investigations
Authors: Meyer Christoph O.
Published: September 2023

A growing part of the literature on crises, disasters, and policy failures focuses on the design, conduct, and impact of postincident reviews or inquiries, particularly whether the right lessons are identified and subsequently learned. However, such accounts underappreciate the specific challenge posed by epistemic puzzles, under what conditions their difficulty may vary, and which strategies could help to solve them. Drawing on insights from a wide range of cases, the article identifies hindsight bias, counterfactual reasoning, and root‐cause analysis as core components creating an epistemic triangle of inquiry puzzling. It advances four propositions about the conditions that help or hinder investigators' capacity to produce sound knowledge and concludes by setting out potential strategies that investigators can use to fully address or at least mitigate these epistemic challenges.
Impact of administering umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to cynomolgus monkeys with endometriosis
Authors: Tsuji Shunichiro , Mukai Takeo , Tsuchiya Hideaki , Iwatani Chizuru , Nakamura Akiko , Nagamura‐Inoue Tokiko , Murakami Takashi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore whether umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) could be used as a therapeutic resource for endometriosis.

Methods

Of seven cynomolgus monkeys with endometriosis, five were administered UC‐MSCs (intervention group) and two were administered saline (control group). First, intravenous US‐MSC treatment was administered for three months. Second, weekly intravenous US‐MSC administration combined with monthly intraperitoneal US‐MSC administration was conducted for 3 months. Finally, weekly intraperitoneal US‐MSC administration was conducted for 3 months. The dose of UC‐MSCs was set to 2 × 106 cells/kg for all administration routes. Laparoscopic findings and serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels were also evaluated. The Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification was used for laparoscopic evaluation.

Results

Laparoscopic findings showed exacerbation of endometriosis after intraperitoneal UC‐MSC administration, although no changes were observed in the control group. Intravenous UC‐MSC administration decreased the level of CA125 in all monkeys; however, the difference was not significant. Intraperitoneal UC‐MSC administration significantly exacerbated endometriosis compared with intravenous administration (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

This study revealed that intraperitoneal UC‐MSC administration exacerbates endometriosis in a nonhuman primate model of the disease.
Human‐centered active torque‐based AAN impedance control for lower limb patient‐exoskeleton coupling system in the rehabilitation
Authors: Wang Yu , Guo Yida , Tao Yizhou , Tian Yang , Wang Haoping
Published: September 2023

This article presents a human‐centered active torque‐based assist‐as‐needed (ATAAN) impedance control for lower limb patient‐exoskeleton coupling system (LLPECS), which considers the coupling effects (e.g., elastic connections, human soft tissues). The proposed double loop structure controller is composed of the establishment of the ATAAN impedance model in the outer‐loop and an adaptive interaction torque‐based controller in the inner‐loop. In the outer‐loop, the patient's muscle torque is estimated by a nonlinear disturbance observer, and the estimated result is used to approximate the patient's active torque. The parameters of ATAAN impedance model are modulated according to the approximation of active torque and the patient's position error to achieve the assist‐as‐needed property. In the inner‐loop, the desired interaction torque, which is required to realize the target ATAAN impedance model, is designed by a robust computed torque controller. The desired trajectory of the exoskeleton is planned online according to the desired interaction torque with the dynamics model of coupling effects. The prescribed performance controller is utilized to achieve accurate trajectory tracking of the exoskeleton, which further enables the interaction torque to track the desired value. The stability of the system and realization of the target ATAAN impedance model are rigorously proved by the Lyapunov method. Co‐simulation experiments are conducted to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method compared with other existing controllers and its robustness against modeling uncertainties. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified through experiments in rehabilitation scenarios.
Fault detection of harmonic reducer for construction robot based on adaptive state observer
Authors: Zhao Jinbao , Tong Shenghao , Zhang Ke , Shi Huaitao
Published: September 2023

The traditional manual masonry technology of building wall has the problems of low construction efficiency and poor safety. The research of automatic masonry robot has become an urgent need. Harmonic reducer is the key component to ensure the construction robot to achieve good quality construction. This paper takes the “flexible assembly” of harmonic reducer as the research object. The system dynamics model is simplified and the reducer fault mathematical model is established. An adaptive state observer with greater design freedom is designed based on the fault model. This paper introduces adaptive threshold and performs parameter optimization. When no fault occurs in the system, the distance between the adaptive threshold and the residual is small and higher than the residual. When the system fails, the residual is higher than the adaptive threshold. This method solves the fault leakage alarm of the traditional detection method with a fixed threshold. The effectiveness of the fault detection scheme under constant fault and time‐varying fault is verified by simulation. The results show that the adaptive threshold method can effectively reduce the false alarm whether the reducer has a constant fault or a time‐varying fault, which shows that the fault detection scheme designed in this paper is effective.
The Wood/MoS2 Composites with Good Adsorption and Photocatalytic Ability for Highly Efficient Removal of Organic Dye Molecules
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Taojun
Published: September 2023

Organic dye‐contained wastewater is a major threat to the global environment and public health. In this study, natural wood and MoS2 are combined to create effective photocatalysts for removing organic pollutants from water under light irradiation. The results show that the photocatalytic degradation activity of wood/MoS2 composites are obviously superior to that of natural wood under solar light as well as possess outstanding stability after three reaction cycles. The improvement in photocatalytic performance for photodegradation is primarily due to an increase in specific surface area and the introduction of catalytic active sites from the edge S, which favors adsorption of organic pollutants and accelerates the degradation process. The synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis also ensures that the composited catalyst is highly universal in its application to organic dye degradation, including RhB (Rhodamine B), MB (Methylene Blue), and MO (Methyl Orange); the kinetic constant for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB, MO, and MB are 0.040, 0.035, and 0.032 min−1, respectively and the degradation performance can be well maintained after three cycle tests. Our study has proved that the wood/MoS2 composite is a novel, low‐cost photocatalyst that plays an important role in environmental protection.
Hybrid Multimaterial 3D Printing Using Photocuring‐While‐Dispensing
Authors: Jin Jie , Zhang Fangzhou , Yang Yulong , Zhang Chengqian , Wu Haidong , Xu Yang , Chen Yong
Published: September 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing methods, such as vat photopolymerization (VPP) and direct‐ink‐writing (DIW) processes, are known for their high‐resolution and multimaterial capabilities, respectively. Here a novel hybrid 3D printing technique that combines the strengths of VPP and DIW processes to achieve multimaterial and high‐resolution printing of functional structures and devices, is presented. The method involves dispensing liquid‐like materials via syringes into a photocurable matrix material and subsequently using a Galvano mirror‐controlled laser beam to selectively photocure the dispensed material trace or the matrix material surrounding the trace. The laser beam scanning and syringe dispensing are synchronized with a set delay to control liquid diffusion and in situ fixture. The versatility of the method is demonstrated by fabricating intricate 3D ant and wheel prototypes using various materials available for VPP and DIW technologies. The proposed photocuring‐while‐dispensing strategy offers advantages over conventional multimaterial 3D printing methods, such as integrating materials regardless of photocurability and viscosity, and fabricating heterogeneous structures with complex geometries and high resolution. With its principle demonstrated, this multimaterial 3D printing process will open up a wide range of potential applications with diverse functionalities and materials.
1T‐2H Mixed‐Phase MoS2 Stabilized with a Hyperbranched Polyethylene Ionomer for Mg2+/Li+ Co‐Intercalation Toward High‐Capacity Dual‐Salt Batteries
Authors: Rahmatinejad Jalal , Raisi Bahareh , Liu Xudong , Zhang Ximeng , Sadeghi Chevinli Ahmad , Yang Liuqing , Ye Zhibin
Published: September 2023

Dual‐salt magnesium/lithium‐ion batteries (MLIBs) benefit from fast lithium ion diffusion on the cathode side while providing safety due to the dendrite‐free Mg2+ stripping/plating mechanism on the anode side. Bulk MoS2 (B‐MoS2), as a cathode for magnesium‐ion batteries (MIBs), suffers from low conductivity and relatively van der Waals gaps and, consequently, resists against divalent Mg2+ insertion due to the high Coulombic interactions. In MLIBs, it exhibits a Daniell‐cell type mechanism with the sole accommodation of Li+. In this paper, the synthesis of a 1T/2H mixed‐phase MoS2(MP‐MoS2) modified with a hyperbranched polyethylene ionomer, I@MP‐MoS2, for high‐capacity MLIBs with a distinct Mg2+/Li+ co‐intercalation mechanism is reported. Benefiting from the enhanced conductivity (due to 53% metallic 1T phase), expanded van der Waals gaps (79% expansion compared to B‐MoS2, 1.11 vs 0.62 nm), and enhanced interactions with THF‐based electrolytes following the modification, I@MP‐MoS2 shows a dramatically increased Mg2+ storage compared to its parent analogue (144 mAh g−1 vs ≈2 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1). In MLIBs, I@MP‐MoS2 is demonstrated to exhibit remarkable specific capacities up to ≈270 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 through a Mg2+/Li+ co‐intercalation mechanism with 87% of capacity retention over 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1.
Synergy Between Surface Confinement and Heterointerfacial Regulations with Fast Electron/Ion Migration in InSe‐PPy for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Chen Penglei , Pei Xiangdong , Liu Ruyi , Wang Jinbao , Lu Yuemeng , Gu Huaiqiang , Tan Lei , Du Xin , Li Dan , Wang Luxiang
Published: September 2023

Layered indium selenide (InSe) is a new 2D semiconductor material with high carrier mobility, widely adjustable bandgap, and high ductility. However, its ion storage behavior and related electrochemical reaction mechanism are rarely reported. In this study, InSe nanoflakes encapsulated in conductive polypyrrole (InSe@PPy) are designed in consideration of restraining the severe volume change in the electrochemical reaction and increasing conductivity via in situ chemical oxidation polymerization. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the construction of heterostructure can generate an internal electric field to accelerate electron transfer via additional driving forces, offering synergistically enhanced structural stability, electrical conductivity, and Na+ diffusion process. The resulting InSe@PPy composite shows outstanding electrochemical performance in the sodium ion batteries system, achieving a high reversible capacity of 336.4 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 and a long‐term cyclic stability with capacity of 274.4 mA h g−1 after 2800 cycles at 5 A g−1. In particular, the investigation of capacity fluctuation within the first cycling reveals the alternating significance of intercalation and conversion reactions and evanescent alloying reaction. The combined reaction mechanism of insertion, conversion, and alloying of InSe@PPy is revealed by in situ X‐ray diffraction, ex situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
The relationships between elementary students' knowledge‐in‐use performance and their science achievement
Authors: Li Tingting , Chen I‐Chien , Adah Miller Emily , Miller Cory Susanne , Schneider Barbara , Krajcik Joseph
Published: September 2023

This longitudinal study examines the relationship between students' knowledge‐in‐use performance and their performance on third‐party designed summative tests within a coherent and equitable learning environment. Focusing on third‐grade students across three consecutive project‐based learning (PBL) units aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the study includes 1067 participants from 23 schools in a Great Lakes state. Two‐level hierarchical linear modeling estimates the effects of post‐unit assessments on end‐of‐year summative tests. Results indicate that post‐unit assessment performances predict NGSS‐aligned summative test performance. Students experiencing more PBL units demonstrate greater gains on the summative test, with predictions not favoring students from diverse backgrounds. This study underscores the importance of coherence, equity, and the PBL approach in promoting knowledge‐in‐use and science achievement. A systematically coherent PBL environment across multiple units facilitates the development of students' knowledge‐in‐use, highlighting the significance of designing science and engineering practices (SEPs) and crosscutting concepts coherently and progressively, with intentional revisitation of disciplinary core ideas (DCIs). The study also investigates how the PBL approach fosters equitable learning environments for diverse demographic groups, offering equitable opportunities through equity‐oriented design. Contributions include a coherent assessment system that tracks and supports learning aligned with NGSS, emphasizing the predictive power of post‐unit assessments, continuous monitoring and tracking. The implications of context similarity and optimal performance expectations within units are discussed. Findings inform educators, administrators, and policymakers about the benefits of NGSS‐aligned PBL systems and the need for coherent and equitable learning and assessment systems supporting knowledge‐in‐use development and equitable opportunities for all learners.
Moxibustion's protective role against atherosclerosis: Inhibition of Ca2+ overload‐triggered oxidative stress and inflammatory response via P2Y12/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Yang Jia , Liu Shouyao , Hu Shiwan , Dai Hanxi , Cai Kun
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aims to investigate the protective mechanism of moxibustion in combating atherosclerosis (AS).

Methods

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐deficient mice, aged 8 weeks, were randomly assigned into four groups: the model group (n = 6), SC79 group (n = 6), moxibustion group (n = 6), and moxibustion+SC79 group (n = 6). All mice were fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD). Concurrently, 8‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice of the same genetic background were utilized as the control group (n = 6) and were given a regular diet. Macrophages were isolated via flow cytometry. The intracellular Ca2+ expression in macrophages was evaluated, and aortic plaques were quantitatively assessed through en face oil red O and Masson staining. The presence of macrophages and smooth muscle cells in AS plaques was determined by MAC‐3 and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) immunohistochemistry. The relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in macrophages was identified by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of proteins related to the P2Y12/phosphatidylinositol 3‐hydroxy kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway were examined by Western blotting.

Results

Moxibustion reduced free Ca2+ expression in macrophage cytoplasm, inhibiting Ca2+ influx and oxidative stress. Significant reductions in atherosclerotic plaque formation and inflammation markers, including TNF‐α and IL‐1β, were noted in the moxibustion group. Moxibustion modulated the P2Y12/PI3K/AKT pathway, impacting various inflammatory and oxidative stress‐related proteins. Introduction of the AKT activator SC79 counteracted moxibustion's benefits, highlighting the P2Y12/PI3K/AKT pathway's central role.

Conclusion

Moxibustion, through the P2Y12/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, can inhibit Ca2+ overload‐induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, decrease macrophage infiltration, and increase the content of smooth muscle cells and collagen, thereby exerting a protective effect against AS.
SLC9A2, suppressing by the transcription suppressor ETS1, restrains growth and invasion of osteosarcoma via inhibition of aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Han Jiangbo , Li Shen , Cao Jiongzhe , Han Hong , Lu Bin , Wen Tao , Bian Weiguo
Published: September 2023

Recent studies have shown that Solute Carrier Family 9 Member A2 (SLC9A2) could serve as a biomarker for cancer. However, its mechanism of action in osteosarcoma (OS) was still unclear. In this study, the data sets GSE154530 and GSE99671 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to methylation were screened by bioinformatics analysis tools. Subsequently, SLC9A2 was screened as a candidate gene from DEGs, which was significantly downregulated in OS. CCK‐8, transwell, western blotting and Seahorse XFe24 Cell Metabolic Analyzer assays demonstrated that overexpression of SLC9A2 could constrain OS cell proliferation, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays indicated ETS proto‐oncogene 1 (ETS1) was a transcription suppressor of SLC9A2, and overexpression of ETS1 could promote methylation levels in specific regions of the SLC9A2 promoter. ETS1 could promote the proliferation, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis ability of OS cells, as well as tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting the expression of SLC9A2. In addition, SLC9A2, suppressing by ETS1, restrains growth and invasion of OS via inhibition of aerobic glycolysis. Thus, SLC9A2 can function as a key inhibitory factor in the aerobic glycolysis to inhibit proliferation and invasion of OS. This indicated that SLC9A2 has a potential targeted therapeutic effect on OS.
A pilot genome‐wide association study meta‐analysis of gastroparesis
Authors: Tavares Leticia Camargo , Zheng Tenghao , Kwicklis Madeline , Mitchell Emily , Pandit Anita , Pullapantula Suraj , Bernard Cheryl , Teder‐Laving Maris , Marques Francine Z. , Esko Tonu , Kuo Braden , Shulman Robert J. , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Koch Kenneth L. , Sarosiek Irene , Abell Thomas L. , McCallum Richard W. , Parkman Henry P. , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Hamilton Frank A. , Tonascia James , Zawistowski Matthew , Farrugia Gianrico , Grover Madhusudan , D’Amato Mauro
Published: September 2023

Background

Gastroparesis (GP) is characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction.

Objective

Genetic predisposition may play a role; however, investigation at the genome‐wide level has not been performed.

Methods

We carried out a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) meta‐analysis on (i) 478 GP patients from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC) compared to 9931 population‐based controls from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study; and (ii) 402 GP cases compared to 48,340 non‐gastroparesis controls from the Michigan Genomics Initiative. Associations for 5,811,784 high‐quality SNPs were tested on a total of 880 GP patients and 58,271 controls, using logistic mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and principal components. Gene mapping was obtained based on genomic position and expression quantitative trait loci, and a gene‐set network enrichment analysis was performed. Genetic associations with clinical data were tested in GpCRC patients. Protein expression of selected candidate genes was determined in full thickness gastric biopsies from GpCRC patients and controls.

Results

While no SNP associations were detected at strict significance (p ≤ 5 × 10−8), nine independent genomic loci were associated at suggestive significance (p ≤ 1 × 10−5), with the strongest signal (rs9273363, odds ratio = 1.4, p = 1 × 10−7) mapped to the human leukocyte antigen region. Computational annotation of suggestive risk loci identified 14 protein‐coding candidate genes. Gene‐set network enrichment analysis revealed pathways potentially involved in immune and motor dysregulation (pFDR ≤ 0.05). The GP risk allele rs6984536A (Peroxidasin‐Like; PXDNL) was associated with increased abdominal pain severity scores (Beta = 0.13, p = 0.03). Gastric muscularis expression of PXDNL also positively correlated with abdominal pain in GP patients (r = 0.8, p = 0.02). Dickkopf WNT Signaling Pathway Inhibitor 1 showed decreased expression in diabetic GP patients (p = 0.005 vs. controls).

Conclusion

We report preliminary GWAS findings for GP, which highlight candidate genes and pathways related to immune and sensory‐motor dysregulation. Larger studies are needed to validate and expand these findings in independent datasets.
Sociopathic narcissistic leadership: How about their victims?
Authors: Khorram‐Manesh Amir , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: September 2023

There is evidence globally that the number of sociopathic, narcissistic, and so‐called antisocial personality disorders is far more prevalent than expected. Most individuals with such a disorder cause limited harm to society. However, politicians may, through an exaggerated sense of entitlement, grandiosity, sensitivity to criticism, and the hunger for acclaim, cause conflicts that have historically reached the level of wars, political unrest, or severe social suffering. This is often evident only after attaining a high office and is especially witnessed in international and national politicians. Thus, this review aims to clarify the social, political, and health‐care security implications of sociopathic narcissistic leadership and to recommend potential societal options to avoid the untoward leadership consequences that too often occur.
Hecke relations among 2d fermionic RCFTs
Authors: Lee Kimyeong , Sun Kaiwen
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Recently, Harvey and Wu proposed a suitable Hecke operator for vector-valued SL(2, ℤ) modular forms to connect the characters of different 2d rational conformal field theories (RCFTs). We generalize such an operator to the 2d fermionic RCFTs and call it fermionic Hecke operator. The new Hecke operator naturally maps the Neveu-Schwarz (NS) characters of a fermionic theory to the NS characters of another fermionic theory. Mathematically, it is the natural Hecke operator on vector-valued Γθ modular forms of weight zero. We find it can also be extended to $$ \overset{\sim }{\textrm{NS}} $$

NS
~

and Ramond (R) sectors by combining the characters of the two sectors together. We systematically study the fermionic Hecke relations among 2d fermionic RCFTs with up to five NS characters and find that almost all known supersymmetric RCFTs can be realized as fermionic Hecke images of some simple theories such as supersymmetric minimal models. We also study the coset relations between fermionic Hecke images with respect to c = 12k holomorphic SCFTs.
Collisions of weakly-bound kinks in the Christ-Lee model
Authors: Dorey Patrick , Gorina Anastasia , Romańczukiewicz Tomasz , Shnir Yakov
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We investigate soliton collisions in a one-parameter family of scalar field theories in 1+1 dimensions which was first discussed by Christ and Lee [1]. The models have a sextic potential with three local minima, and for suitably small values of the parameter their kinks have an internal structure in the form of two weakly-bound subkinks. We show that for these values of the parameter kink collisions are best understood as an independent sequence of collisions of these subkinks, and that a static mode analysis is not enough to explain resonant structures emerging in this model. We also emphasise the role of radiation and oscillon formation in the collision process.
Form factors and correlation functions of $$ \textrm{T}\overline{\textrm{T}} $$-deformed integrable quantum field theories
Authors: Castro-Alvaredo Olalla A. , Negro Stefano , Sailis Fabio
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The study of $$ \textrm{T}\overline{\textrm{T}} $$
T

T
¯

-perturbed quantum field theories is an active area of research with deep connections to fundamental aspects of the scattering theory of integrable quantum field theories, generalised Gibbs ensembles, and string theory. Many features of these theories, such as the peculiar behaviour of their ground state energy and the form of their scattering matrices, have been studied in the literature. However, so far, very few studies have approached these theories from the viewpoint of the form factor program. From the perspective of scattering theory, the effects of a $$ \textrm{T}\overline{\textrm{T}} $$
T

T
¯

perturbation (and higher spin versions thereof) is encoded in a universal deformation of the two-body scattering matrix by a CDD factor. It is then natural to ask how these perturbations influence the form factor equations and, more generally, the form factor program. In this paper, we address this question for free theories, although some of our results extend more generally. We show that the form factor equations admit general solutions and how these can help us study the distinct behaviour of correlation functions at short distances in theories perturbed by irrelevant operators.
Tensionless tales of compactification
Authors: Banerjee Aritra , Chatterjee Ritankar , Pandit Priyadarshini
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study circle compactifications of tensionless bosonic string theory, both at the classical and the quantum level. The physical state condition for different representations of BMS3, the worldsheet residual gauge symmetry for tensionless strings, admits three inequivalent quantum vacua. We obtain the compactified mass spectrum in each of these vacua using canonical quantization and explicate their properties.
Synapses do not facilitate prion-like transfer of alpha-synuclein: a quantitative study in reconstructed unidirectional neural networks
Authors: Courte Josquin , Le Ngoc Anh , Pan Teng , Bousset Luc , Melki Ronald , Villard Catherine , Peyrin Jean-Michel
Published: September 2023

Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregation spreads between cells and underlies the progression of neuronal lesions in the brain of patients with synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s diseases. The mechanisms of cell-to-cell propagation of aggregates, which dictate how aggregation progresses at the network level, remain poorly understood. Notably, while prion and prion-like spreading is often simplistically envisioned as a “domino-like” spreading scenario where connected neurons sequentially propagate protein aggregation to each other, the reality is likely to be more nuanced. Here, we demonstrate that the spreading of preformed aSyn aggregates is a limited process that occurs through molecular sieving of large aSyn seeds. We further show that this process is not facilitated by synaptic connections. This was achieved through the development and characterization of a new microfluidic platform that allows reconstruction of binary fully oriented neuronal networks in vitro with no unwanted backward connections, and through the careful quantification of fluorescent aSyn aggregates spreading between neurons. While this allowed us for the first time to extract quantitative data of protein seeds dissemination along neural pathways, our data suggest that prion-like dissemination of proteinopathic seeding aggregates occurs very progressively and leads to highly compartmentalized pattern of protein seeding in neural networks.
Metformin induces tolerogenicity of dendritic cells by promoting metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Liu Xianmei , Yu Peng , Xu Yujun , Wang Yun , Chen Jin , Tang Fuzhou , Hu Zuquan , Zhou Jing , Liu Lina , Qiu Wei , Ye Yuannong , Jia Yi , Yao Weijuan , Long Jinhua , Zeng Zhu
Published: September 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) can mediate immune responses or immune tolerance depending on their immunophenotype and functional status. Remodeling of DCs’ immune functions can develop proper therapeutic regimens for different immune-mediated diseases. In the immunopathology of autoimmune diseases (ADs), activated DCs notably promote effector T-cell polarization and exacerbate the disease. Recent evidence indicates that metformin can attenuate the clinical symptoms of ADs due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Whether and how the therapeutic effects of metformin on ADs are associated with DCs remain unknown. In this study, metformin was added to a culture system of LPS-induced DC maturation. The results revealed that metformin shifted DC into a tolerant phenotype, resulting in reduced surface expression of MHC-II, costimulatory molecules and CCR7, decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ), increased level of IL-10, upregulated immunomodulatory molecules (ICOSL and PD-L) and an enhanced capacity to promote regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation. Further results demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effects of metformin in vivo were closely related to remodeling the immunophenotype of DCs. Mechanistically, metformin could mediate the metabolic reprogramming of DCs through FoxO3a signaling pathways, including disturbing the balance of fatty acid synthesis (FAS) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), increasing glycolysis but inhibiting the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TAC) and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which resulted in the accumulation of fatty acids (FAs) and lactic acid, as well as low anabolism in DCs. Our findings indicated that metformin could induce tolerance in DCs by reprogramming their metabolic patterns and play anti-inflammatory roles in vitro and in vivo.
The origin of brain malignancies at the blood–brain barrier
Authors: McDonald Brennan , Barth Kathrin , Schmidt Mirko H. H.
Published: September 2023

Despite improvements in extracranial therapy, survival rate for patients suffering from brain metastases remains very poor. This is coupled with the incidence of brain metastases continuing to rise. In this review, we focus on core contributions of the blood–brain barrier to the origin of brain metastases. We first provide an overview of the structure and function of the blood–brain barrier under physiological conditions. Next, we discuss the emerging idea of a pre-metastatic niche, namely that secreted factors and extracellular vesicles from a primary tumor site are able to travel through the circulation and prime the neurovasculature for metastatic invasion. We then consider the neurotropic mechanisms that circulating tumor cells possess or develop that facilitate disruption of the blood–brain barrier and survival in the brain’s parenchyma. Finally, we compare and contrast brain metastases at the blood–brain barrier to the primary brain tumor, glioma, examining the process of vessel co-option that favors the survival and outgrowth of brain malignancies.
Ongoing shielding behavior one year post COVID-19: results from a longitudinal study of patients with inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Sweeney Melissa , Carpenter Lewis , de Souza Savia , Chaplin Hema , Tung Hsiu , Caton Emma , Galloway James , Cope Andrew , Yates Mark , Nikiphorou Elena , Norton Sam
Published: September 2023

Many patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) were instructed to shield during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ending of lockdowns and vaccination, large proportions of IA patients were continuing to shield when it is no longer needed. Given the detrimental effects of shielding on mental and physical health, understanding the rates and reasons for shielding is needed to help clinicians advise patients accordingly. This study was a 12-month prospective study following participants with IA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportions of IA patients shielding at each time point were calculated. Additionally, regressions and odds ratios for shielding were determined to assess medication type, mental health, and risk perception. While the extent of shielding fluctuated over the year of lockdowns, nearly all IA patients (93.5%) were still engaging in some shielding in 2021, with nearly half (43%) still shielding most or all of the time. Medications that were previously considered higher risk were not significantly associated with higher rates of shielding (OR = 1.60, p = 0.29), but greater symptoms of depression in June 2020 (OR = 1.07, p = 0.03) was both associated with increased the odds of shielding in June 2021. The high rates of IA patients continuing to shield in 2021 put more strain on patients and professionals as social isolation is linked with worsening mental and physical health, as well as greater difficulty with self-management. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this trend to ease the stress on patients.
Longitudinal MR-based proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) and T2* for the assessment of associations between bone marrow changes and myelotoxic chemotherapy
Authors: Gassert Felix G. , Kranz Julia , Gassert Florian T. , Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Bogner Christian , Makowski Marcus R. , Glanz Leander , Stelter Jonathan , Baum Thomas , Braren Rickmer , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Gersing Alexandra S.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

MR imaging-based proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T2* imaging has shown to be useful for the evaluation of degenerative changes in the spine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of myelotoxic chemotherapy on the PDFF and T2* of the thoracolumbar spine in comparison to changes in bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

In this study, 19 patients were included who had received myelotoxic chemotherapy (MC) and had received a MR imaging scan of the thoracolumbar vertebrates before and after the MC. Every patient was matched for age, sex, and time between the MRI scans to two controls without MC. All patients underwent 3-T MR imaging including the thoracolumbar spine comprising chemical shift encoding-based water-fat imaging to extract PDFF and T2* maps. Moreover, trabecular BMD values were determined before and after chemotherapy. Longitudinal changes in PDFF and T2* were evaluated and compared to changes in BMD.

Results

Absolute mean differences of PDFF values between scans before and after MC were at 8.7% (p = 0.01) and at −0.5% (p = 0.57) in the control group, resulting in significantly higher changes in PDFF in patients with MC (p = 0.008). BMD and T2* values neither showed significant changes in patients with nor in those without myelotoxic chemotherapy (p = 0.15 and p = 0.47). There was an inverse, yet non-significant correlation between changes in PDFF and BMD found in patients with myelotoxic chemotherapy (r = −0.41, p = 0.12).

Conclusion

Therefore, PDFF could be a useful non-invasive biomarker in order to detect changes in the bone marrow in patients receiving myelotoxic therapy.

Clinical relevance statement

Using PDFF as a non-invasive biomarker for early bone marrow changes in oncologic patients undergoing myelotoxic treatment may help enable more targeted countermeasures at commencing states of bone marrow degradation and reduce risks of possible fragility fractures.

Key Points

Quantifying changes in bone marrow fat fraction, as well as T2* caused by myelotoxic pharmaceuticals using proton density fat fraction, is feasible.

Proton density fat fraction could potentially be established as a non-invasive biomarker for early bone marrow changes in oncologic patients undergoing myelotoxic treatment.
Anatomic repair and ligament bracing as an alternative treatment option for acute combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial or posterolateral corner—results of a multicentre study
Authors: Gensior Tobias J. , Mester Bastian , Achtnich Andrea , Winkler Philipp W. , Henkelmann Ralf , Hepp Pierre , Glaab Richard , Krause Matthias , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Zellner Johannes , Schoepp Christian
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial/-lateral corner (PMC/PLC) usually require surgical management. Literature shows controversy regarding the standards of treatment. Suture-augmented repair leads to excellent results in acute knee dislocations but has not been investigated clinically in combined PCL injuries. The purpose of this multicentre study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of this technique in acute combined PCL injuries.

Materials & methods

N = 33 patients with acute combined PCL injuries involving the PMC/PLC were treated by one-stage suture repair with ligament bracing of the PCL and suture repair of the accompanying PMC/PLC injuries with/without ligament bracing or primary augmentation by semitendinosus autograft. Outcome was assessed by IKDC questionnaire, Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Scale and KOOS. Additional PCL stress-radiography was performed.

Results

N = 31 patients with combined PCL injuries (female: male = 7:24; age 39.1 ± 13.8 years) with a follow-up of 16.8 ± 9.6 months were finally evaluated. 18 had PMC injuries, 13 PLC injuries. 32.2% presented with accompanying meniscal tears (70% medial meniscus). 19.4% showed cartilage injuries grade III-IV. Complications included one infection and four knee stiffnesses. Three had symptomatic postoperative instability, all affiliated to the PLC group. The IKDC was 69.8 ± 16.5, Lysholm score 85 ± 14.4 and KOOS 89.7 ± 8.1. Median loss of activity (Tegner) was 0.89 ± 1.31. Comparing PMC and PLC, all scores showed a tendency towards more favourable outcomes in the PMC group (n.s.). Stress-radiography showed an overall side-to-side difference of 3.7 ± 3.8 mm. Subgroup evaluation showed statistically significant better results (p = 0.035) of PMC (2.5 ± 1.5 mm) versus PLC (5.8 ± 5.6 mm).

Conclusions

One-stage suture repair with ligament bracing is a viable technique for acute combined PCL injuries and predominantly leads to good and excellent clinical outcomes. Patients with PLC injuries show a tendency towards inferior outcomes and higher instability rates compared to PMC injuries. These results may help in therapy planning and counselling patients with these rare injury pattern.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing in FKRP-related limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R9. The Norwegian LGMDR9 cohort study (2020)
Authors: Jensen Synnøve , Abeler Karin , Friborg Oddgeir , Rosner Assami , Olsborg Caroline , Mellgren Svein Ivar , Müller Kai Ivar , Rosenberger Andreas Dybesland , Vold Monica L. , Arntzen Kjell Arne
Published: September 2023

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R9 (LGMDR9) is a progressive and disabling genetic muscle disease. Sleep is relevant in the patient care as it impacts on health, functioning, and well-being. LGMDR9 may potentially affect sleep by physical or emotional symptoms, myalgia, or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) through cardiorespiratory involvement. The objective was to investigate the occurrence of insomnia and unrecognized or untreated SDB in LGMDR9, associated factors, and relationships with fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). All 90 adults in a Norwegian LGMDR9 cohort received questionnaires on sleep, fatigue, and HRQoL. Forty-nine of them underwent clinical assessments and 26 without mask-based therapy for respiration disorders additionally underwent polysomnography (PSG) and capnometry. Among 77 questionnaire respondents, 31% received mask-based therapy. The prevalence of insomnia was 32% of both those with and without such therapy but was significantly increased in fatigued respondents (54% vs 21%). Insomnia levels correlated inversely with mental HRQoL. Among 26 PSG candidates, an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/h was observed in 16/26 subjects (≥ 15/h in 8/26) with median 6.8 obstructive apneas and 0.2 central apneas per hour of sleep. The AHI was related to advancing age and an ejection fraction < 50%. Sleep-related hypoventilation was detected in one subject. Fatigue severity did not correlate with motor function or nocturnal metrics of respiration or sleep but with Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (r = − 0.46). The results indicate that insomnia and SDB are underrecognized comorbidities in LGMDR9 and associated with HRQoL impairment and heart failure, respectively. We propose an increased attention to insomnia and SDB in the interdisciplinary care of LGMDR9. Insomnia and pulmonary function should be examined in fatigued patients.