bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of endothelial cell signatures for predicting the diagnosis, prognosis and immunotherapy response of bladder cancer via machine learning
Authors: Fu Yang , Sun Shanshan , Shi Du , Bi Jianbin
Published: March 2024

We subtyped bladder cancer (BC) patients based on the expression patterns of endothelial cell (EC) ‐related genes and constructed a diagnostic signature and an endothelial cell prognostic index (ECPI), which are useful for diagnosing BC patients, predicting the prognosis of BC and evaluating drug sensitivity. Differentially expressed genes in ECs were obtained from the Tumour Immune Single‐Cell Hub database. Subsequently, a diagnostic signature, a tumour subtyping system and an ECPI were constructed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. Associations between the ECPI and the tumour microenvironment, drug sensitivity and biofunctions were assessed. The hub genes in the ECPI were identified as drug candidates by molecular docking. Subtype identification indicated that high EC levels were associated with a worse prognosis and immunosuppressive effect. The diagnostic signature and ECPI were used to effectively diagnose BC and accurately assess the prognosis of BC and drug sensitivity among patients. Three hub genes in the ECPI were extracted, and the three genes had the closest affinity for doxorubicin and curcumin. There was a close relationship between EC and BC. EC‐related genes can help clinicians diagnose BC, predict the prognosis of BC and select effective drugs.
Coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, arginine vasopressin deficiency, and Marfan syndrome: A case report
Authors: Le Yunyi , Zhang Jingjing , Hong Tianpei , Yang Jin
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP‐D) are characterized by polyuria. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenetic variants in FBN1. Here, we report a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus, AVP‐D, and Marfan syndrome. Although the coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and AVP‐D is rare, for those patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the existence of AVP‐D should be considered when polyuria is not in accordance with the blood glucose levels, especially for those with a low urine specific gravity. Specific symptoms or signs help to identify Marfan syndrome early, and genetic testing of the FBN1 pathogenetic variant helps to make a definitive diagnosis.
Application of various microscopy techniques to study early‐age and longer‐term behaviour of super sulphated cement microstructure
Authors: Chedrewih Migueli , Medala Marta , Schmid Christelle , Garcia Emmanuel , Damidot Denis , Thiéry Vincent
Published: March 2024

Super sulphated cement (SSC) is a very promising substitute for traditional construction materials (i.e. Portland cement), due to its enhanced durability and particularly low environmental impact. This paper explores the microstructure and certain properties of SSC, focusing on the particular complexities of its microstructure and the difficulties of microanalysis of its hydrates. To do so, SSC paste samples were first cast to identify hydration products using X‐ray diffraction, then observed at early age using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and at early and late age using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, concrete cores impregnated with fluorescein in order to highlight porosity, cracking and aggregates debonding were observed under UV light using optical microscopy (OM), showing a complete absence of cracking and aggregate debonding. Both microscopy techniques (CLSM and UV light OM) have been applied to this type of binder for the first time. The results show that SSC microstructure is characterised by a sophisticated intergrowth of various phases, including ettringite and amorphous calcium‐(alumina)‐silicate hydrate gels. Finally, Monte–Carlo simulation of electron‐matter has been provided for a better understanding of EDS analysis.
Investigating the impact of added Profhilo mesogel to subcision versus subcision monotherapy in treating acne scars; a single‐blinded, split‐face randomized trial
Authors: Dastgheib Mani , Heidari Sama , Azizipour Arghavan , Kavyani Mohammadreza , Lajevardi Vahide , Ehsani Amir Hooshang , Teimourpour Amir , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Kashani Mansour Nassiri , Balighi Kamran
Published: March 2024

Background

Acne scar is an inflammatory condition, which commonly occurs in patients with acne vulgaris, especially in adults. Mesogels have been reported effective in improving atrophic acne scars.

Aims

We investigated the efficacy of adding Profhilo (a hyaluronic acid‐based filler) to subcision as a new treatment method.

Methods

Twelve patients aged 18–45 years with atrophic acne scars on both sides of the face participated in this single‐blinded, split‐face, randomized controlled trial. Each side of the face was randomly assigned to one of the treatment methods, including subcision alone and subcision + Profhilo. Patients in the Profhilo arm received mesogel (1 cc) in addition to the subcision procedure. Both methods were carried out two times at 1‐month intervals. Assessments were done based on the sonographic depth of scars, and two blinded observers examined photographs at baseline and 3 months after the final session and the results were reported based on an exclusively made formula as the total score. The Global Improvement Scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (for patient satisfaction) were also used.

Results

The VAS score of patient satisfaction was statistically significant in the Profhilo arm, with a mean improvement of 528.08 and 219.06 in the subcision arm (p = 0.02). No significant difference was seen in total acne scar reduction comparing the two methods (29.74 in the Profhilo arm and 22.27 in the subcision arm, p = 0.56). Sonographic depth reduction was also non‐significant, with a mean of 29.21 in the Profhilo arm and 28.53 in the subcision arm (p = 0.4). The mean global improvement was reported as four in both arms, and no statistical significance was observed (p = 0.89). The best response to treatment belonged to the rolling subtype in both methods (p = 0.029 for the Profhilo arm and p = 0.001 for the subcision arm).

Conclusion

Despite no significant difference between the methods, Profhilo is more effective due to a higher satisfaction rate and better physiologic effects.
Networking trait resilience: Unifying fragmented trait resilience systems from an ecological systems theory perspective
Authors: Maltby John
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study reconceptualized trait resilience, defining it as a network of systems; utilizing direct resilience assessments—engineering, ecological, adaptive capacity, social cohesion—and proxy resilience assessments—personality, cognitive, emotional, eudaimonia, and health.

Background

The background of the study addresses the fragmented conceptualization of trait resilience by proposing a unifying network model based on ecological systems theory, illustrating the dynamic interplay of resilience factors across varying levels of disturbance.

Method

In Study One, four USA or UK samples (total n = 2396) were used to depict the trait resilience network. Study Two (n = 1091) examined the relationship between the network and disturbance at two time‐points, using mental health levels as a disturbance metric.

Results

Study One found that adaptive capacity, and sometimes positive emotional processes, were central variables to the network. Study Two found that in lower disturbance groups, adaptive capacity remained important, while in higher disturbance groups, a broader set of variables became central to the network.

Conclusions

Study One suggests a Broaden‐and‐Build approach, where adaptive capacity is a foundational resilience capability, reciprocally associated with positive emotional mechanisms. Study Two suggests a new “Dynamic Resilience Spectrum Theory,” proposing that increased disturbances necessitate the use of a more diverse set of resilience traits.
Control line failure in Angiostrongylus vasorum point‐of‐care serology test in dogs with angiostrongylosis due to suspected hook effect
Authors: Barker E. N. , Payne J. R. , Wilson H.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Angiostrongylosis is a significant differential for a diverse range of clinical signs in dogs, many of whom present acutely and sometimes with fatal consequences. Point‐of‐care diagnostic assays include a commercially available Angiostrongylus vasorum qualitative direct lateral flow assay.

Materials and Methods

Case records from one referral centre from dogs with an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay, comprising an absent control line alongside a visible test line, were reviewed. As control line failure was hypothesised to be due to antigen excess; where available the A. vasorum lateral flow assay was repeated using dilutions of the original serum.

Results

Six dogs had an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay result. Five dogs had presented with acute‐onset, severe clinical disease consistent with angiostrongylosis, and one dog was a clinically healthy in‐contact. Clinical suspicion of angiostrongylosis was confirmed using alternative diagnostic testing and/or response to treatment. Repetition of the A. vasorum lateral flow assay, in four cases, using diluted plasma (10% to 12.5% v/v) resulted in the appearance of a control line alongside the visible test line.

Clinical Significance

A heavy burden of A. vasorum infection resulting in angiostrongylosis should be suspected in dogs with compatible clinical signs and an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay result due to control failure alongside a visible test line. Repetition of the test with a diluted serum may be considered to account for the hook effect, also known as the postzone phenomenon, as a possible cause.
The impact of childhood adversity on female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence in young adulthood
Authors: McGrath Ailsa , Mackay Jenny , Baguley Thom
Published: March 2024

Purpose

A common conception of intimate partner violence (IPV) is that women rarely use violence against romantic partners, and when they do, this is usually in self‐defence. However, evidence demonstrates that women perpetrate IPV at least as frequently as men, particularly in young adult populations. Despite this, there is still a significant lack of research focusing on women's IPV perpetration, particularly in determining risk markers. The unique relationship between adversity in childhood and IPV perpetration has been recognized in males and it is thought that this relationship may be even more marked in females. The present study aimed to investigate this relationship to see whether experiencing increasing numbers of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) would be associated with higher incidence of female‐perpetrated IPV.

Methods

Exposure to ACEs and frequency of IPV perpetration was measured through an online survey of young adult females from the general population.

Results

Regression analysis revealed that ACEs did significantly predict the frequency of IPV perpetrated by females. The results showed that the more adversity a female has experienced in childhood, the greater their risk of IPV perpetration in young adulthood.

Conclusions

It is suggested that this relationship potentially exists because adversity in childhood impacts the individual's attachments and processing of social environments, thus resulting in dysfunctional, violent responses to relationship dilemmas throughout life. These results stress the importance of tailoring treatment strategies for female perpetrators to address potential childhood adversity in which their violence may be rooted.
Gene co‐expression patterns in Atlantic salmon adipose tissue provide a molecular link among seasonal changes, energy balance and age at maturity
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Verta Jukka‐Pekka , Kurko Johanna , Ruokolainen Annukka , Singh Pooja , Debes Paul Vincent , Erkinaro Jaakko , Primmer Craig R.
Published: March 2024

Sexual maturation in many fishes requires a major physiological change that involves a rapid transition between energy storage and usage. In Atlantic salmon, this transition for the initiation of maturation is tightly controlled by seasonality and requires a high‐energy status. Lipid metabolism is at the heart of this transition since lipids are the main energy storing molecules. The balance between lipogenesis (lipid accumulation) and lipolysis (lipid use) determines energy status transitions. A genomic region containing a transcription co‐factor of the Hippo pathway, vgll3, is the main determinant of maturation timing in Atlantic salmon. Interestingly, vgll3 acts as an inhibitor of adipogenesis in mice and its genotypes are potentially associated with seasonal heterochrony in lipid storage and usage in juvenile Atlantic salmon. Here, we explored changes in expression of more than 300 genes directly involved in the processes of adipogenesis, lipogenesis and lipolysis, as well as the Hippo pathway in the adipose tissue of immature and mature Atlantic salmon with distinct vgll3 genotypes. We found molecular evidence consistent with a scenario in which immature males with different vgll3 genotypes exhibit contrasting seasonal dynamics in their lipid profiles. We also identified components of the Hippo signalling pathway as potential major drivers of vgll3 genotype‐specific differences in adipose tissue gene expression. This study demonstrates the importance of adipose gene expression patterns for directly linking environmental changes with energy balance and age at maturity through genetic factors bridging lipid metabolism, seasonality and sexual maturation.
Iraq's Struggle to Contend With the Sino‐US Rivalry
Authors: Rasheed Amjed
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes Iraq's response to evolving US‐China relations, focusing on its foreign‐policy objectives of ending isolation, strengthening security, and fostering economic growth. Iraq seeks American support to attain these goals, aspiring to reintegrate into the international system and bolster its defense mechanisms. Simultaneously, Baghdad perceives China and its Belt and Road Initiative as instrumental to economic recovery. Despite these aspirations, Iraq encounters impediments that stem from its external environment and domestic politics. As a relatively feeble power, Iraq grapples with limited economic, political, and diplomatic influence, which constrains its ability to effectively respond to shifts in the Sino‐US rivalry. In addition, the country engages in incoherent foreign behavior due to consociationalism and the nonstate armed groups that operate outside of the state`s orbit. The analysis concludes that Iraq's responses to US‐China tensions are reactive, not proactive; circumstantial, not strategic. This article is part of a special issue on the responses of Gulf countries to rising Sino‐American competition, edited by Andrea Ghiselli, Anoushiravan Ehteshami, and Enrico Fardella.
Back to the future for drought tolerance
Authors: Guadarrama‐Escobar Luis M. , Hunt James , Gurung Allison , Zarco‐Tejada Pablo J. , Shabala Sergey , Camino Carlos , Hernandez Pilar , Pourkheirandish Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Global agriculture faces increasing pressure to produce more food with fewer resources. Drought, exacerbated by climate change, is a major agricultural constraint costing the industry an estimated US$80 billion per year in lost production. Wild relatives of domesticated crops, including wheat (Triticum spp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), are an underutilized source of drought tolerance genes. However, managing their undesirable characteristics, assessing drought responses, and selecting lines with heritable traits remains a significant challenge. Here, we propose a novel strategy of using multi‐trait selection criteria based on high‐throughput spectral images to facilitate the assessment and selection challenge. The importance of measuring plant capacity for sustained carbon fixation under drought stress is explored, and an image‐based transpiration efficiency (iTE) index obtained via a combination of hyperspectral and thermal imaging, is proposed. Incorporating iTE along with other drought‐related variables in selection criteria will allow the identification of accessions with diverse tolerance mechanisms. A comprehensive approach that merges high‐throughput phenotyping and de novo domestication is proposed for developing drought‐tolerant prebreeding material and providing breeders with access to gene pools containing unexplored drought tolerance mechanisms.
Effects of litter amount and seed sowing position on seedling emergence and growth of hemiparasitic Rhinanthus species under drought stress
Authors: Zimmerbeutel A. , Diekötter T. , Reck H. , Nissen H. , Wiedmann L. J. , Donath T. W.
Published: March 2024

Roadside vegetation in Central Europe is mostly species‐poor and dominated by a few grass species. Hemiparasitic plant species, including Rhinanthus spp., might effectively restrict grass growth, thereby making space for light‐dependent herb species. Despite the significance of abiotic site conditions for plant establishment in general, their effects on Rhinanthus establishment are less well known. We investigated combined effects of water availability, litter amount and seed position within litter on Rhinanthus seedling emergence and growth.

Two parallel greenhouse experiments were conducted with R. angustifolius and R. minor. In these, we tested the impact of 200 or 400 g litter·m−2 with seeds sown beneath or on top of a litter layer under constantly humid or intermittently dry conditions on seedling emergence and biomass production of Rhinanthus.

Presence of litter positively affected Rhinanthus seedling emergence when sown beneath the litter layer and reduced negative effects of water deficiency. Sowing beneath a litter layer increased seedling emergence by 157%, with similar effects at 200 and 400 g litter·m−2. Water level did not affect biomass production. Compared to R. minor, R. angustifolius had higher mean biomass, and its seedlings emerged earlier and in higher numbers.

Our results indicate that Rhinanthus spp. react similarly to litter as non‐hemiparasitic plant species from temperate grasslands. Litter presence positively influenced Rhinanthus seedling emergence and growth under intermittently dry conditions. Its hemiparasitic characteristics might reduce drought impacts on biomass production. To ensure seed contact with the soil surface, seeds should be sown when no litter is present, or mulching should occur post‐sowing.
How production cooperatives operating a sharing economy business model innovate in rural places
Authors: Fink Matthias , Maresch Daniela , Lang Richard , Richter Ralph , Chatzichristos Georgios
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate how production Cooperatives with a Sharing Economy Business Model (CSE‐BMs) foster innovations in structurally weak rural places. Taking a place‐based social capital perspective, we argue that the strength of CSE‐BMs in developing process, service, product, and social innovation lies in their ability to reconfigure shared resources across communities and actors located on different levels of power and with different access to resources. Empirically, we reconstruct the mobilization and reconfiguration of shared resources across the network in an in‐depth case study of a CSE‐BM in rural Greece. We find that CSE‐BMs can mobilize resources across the network by offering value propositions that stakeholders regard as credible because decision‐makers show attachment to the place. To realize sufficient value for members to sustain their contributions to the CSE‐BM, product, service, and process innovations are complemented by social innovations. Mobilizing and reconfiguring shared resources across different interest groups unleashes the innovative potential of CSE‐BMs but causes tensions between different mindsets at the same time. Cooperatives offer an organizational structure to turn these tensions from a threat into an opportunity for innovation. Our findings contribute to the Sharing Economy Business Model (SE‐BM) literature on typology building and the construction of ideal types. We also advance the SE‐BM debate by shedding light on the potential of cooperative forms of organizing collaborative production in the sharing economy. Practically, we contribute to the discussion about the importance of physical vs. digital platforms as intermediaries in SE‐BMs.
Spectral Jacobi approximations for Boussinesq systems
Authors: Duran Angel
Published: March 2024

This paper is concerned with the numerical approximation of initial‐boundary‐value problems of a three‐parameter family of Bona–Smith systems, derived as a model for the propagation of surface waves under a physical Boussinesq regime. The work proposed here is focused on the corresponding problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions and its approximation in space with spectral methods based on Jacobi polynomials, which are defined from the orthogonality with respect to some weighted inner product. Well‐posedness of the problem on the corresponding weighted Sobolev spaces is first analyzed and existence and uniqueness of solution, locally in time, are proved. Then, the spectral Galerkin semidiscrete scheme and some detailed comments on its implementation are introduced. The existence of numerical solution and error estimates on those weighted Sobolev spaces are established. Finally, the choice of the time integrator to complete the full discretization takes care of different stability issues that may be relevant when approximating the semidiscrete system. Some numerical experiments illustrate the results.
How do sports injury epidemiological outcomes vary depending on athletes' response rates to a weekly online questionnaire? An analysis of 39‐week follow‐up from 391 athletics (track and field) athletes
Authors: Edouard Pascal , Dandrieux Pierre‐Eddy , Blanco David , Tondut Jeanne , Chapon Joris , Navarro Laurent , Junge Astrid , Hollander Karsten
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore how sports injury epidemiological outcomes (i.e., prevalence, average prevalence, incidence, burden, and time to first injury) vary depending on the response rates to a weekly online self‐reported questionnaire for athletes.

Methods

Weekly information on athletics injuries and exposure from 391 athletics (track and field) athletes was prospectively collected over 39 weeks (control group of the PREVATHLE randomized controlled trial) using an online self‐reported questionnaire. The data were used to calculate sports injury epidemiological outcomes (i.e., prevalence, average prevalence, incidence, burden, and time to first injury) for sub‐groups with different minimum individual athletes' response rates (i.e., from at least 100%, at least 97%, at least 95%, … to at least 0% response rate). We then calculated the relative variation between each sub‐group and the sub‐group with a 100% response rate as a reference. A substantial variation was considered when the relative variation was greater than one SD or 95% CI of the respective epidemiological outcome calculated in the sub‐group with a 100% response rate.

Results

Of 15 249 expected weekly questionnaires, 7209 were completed and returned, resulting in an overall response rate of 47.3%. The individual athletes' response rates ranged from 0% (n = 51) to 100% (n = 100). The prevalence, average weekly prevalence, and time to first injury only varied substantially for the sub‐groups below a 5%, 10% and 18% minimum individual response rate, respectively. The incidence and injury burden showed substantial variations for all sub‐groups with a response rate below 100%.

Conclusions

Epidemiological outcomes varied depending on the minimum individual athletes' response rate, with injury prevalence, average weekly prevalence, and time to first injury varying less than injury incidence and injury burden. This highlights the need to take into account the individual response rate when calculating epidemiological outcomes, and determining the optimal study‐specific cut‐offs of the minimum individual response rate needed.
Inequality and social stratification in Russia during the Putin regime: From market transition to war on Ukraine
Authors: Gerber Theodore P. , Gimpelson Vladimir
Published: March 2024

The collapse of the USSR in late 1991 inspired social science research on levels, patterns, and trends in inequality within Russia, due to theoretical interest in how market transition affects social stratification. The start of the Putin regime in 2000 marked a new era in Russia's post‐Soviet political economic trajectory: in contrast to the 1990s, the economy first took off, then stagnated, while the state rolled back institutions of democracy and civic freedoms. In short, Russia became a consolidated market economy under authoritarian rule. In this context research has continued to produce insights into social stratification. The labor market featured high levels of employment but with downward wage flexibility, modest decreases in earnings inequality, and persistent returns to education, gender wage gaps, and locality‐based differences. Waves of labor migration to Russia, resurgent traditional gender norms, shrinking population, housing inequality, health disparities, and a small contingent of ultra‐rich represent additional noteworthy developments. Although market transition is no longer an intriguing theoretical lens through which to view social stratification in Russia, the topic nonetheless holds broader theoretical interest because inequality became closely intertwined with Russia's political economy, social policies, and geopolitical actions, including those that culminated in Putin's decision to invade Ukraine.
Unwilling trust: Unpacking the assumption of trust between sexual misconduct reporters and their institutions in UK higher education
Authors: Shannon Erin R. , Bull Anna
Published: March 2024

This article explores trust in organisations by analysing interview data from students and staff who have disclosed or reported gender‐based violence and harassment (GBVH) to their higher education institution in the UK since 2016. GBVH contributes to gender inequality in higher education (HE), and increased reporting of it may not only help prevent GBVH, but also improve gender equality by helping to retain women and gender minorities within HE. Around half of the interviewees in this study (n = 12) expressed distrust in their institution, yet despite this they still reported or disclosed their experiences to their institution. Existing literature in this area, particularly the concept of institutional betrayal, assumes that survivors of GBVH trust their institutions—including HE institutions—because they are dependent upon said institutions. Our data challenges this assumption, and in this article, we analyse participants' trust orientations in the context of their reasons for reporting. We argue that dependence on and trust in institutions are separate phenomena, in that members of an organisation may be dependent upon the organisation in various ways, but their trust in the organisation reflects their structural positioning within it. To develop the theorisation of trust in institutional betrayal, we draw on and extend Luhmann's concept of ‘system trust’ as well as other sociological theories of trust. Finally, the article introduces the concept of ‘unwilling trust’—a contradiction between an individual acting in trusting ways despite feeling a lack of trust—to explain this disconnect between dispositions and actions.
How artificial intelligence cooperating with agent‐based modeling for urban studies: A systematic review
Authors: Guo Zijian , Liu Xintao
Published: March 2024

As urbanization accelerates, cities become more complex, coming along with more complex urban issues. Agent‐based model (ABM) is a traditional method to simulate activities in a complex system, which has been widely applied in urban studies. However, due to its rigid initial settings, ABM has been criticized for its lack of intelligence, especially in dealing with modern urban issues. With the success of artificial intelligence (AI) and complexity science, it is generally agreed that ABM can be enhanced with AI agents, a promising technology that can bridge the gaps. For that, this article provides a systematic review, in which 10 subsections correspond to 10 different ways that AI can work with ABM in the methodological framework. The sections include that (1) ABM is Al; (2) ABM provides training data for Al; (3) Al provides data for ABM; (4) ABM is a submodule in the ensemble Al; (5) Al leads an optimization framework with ABM participation; (6) Al tunes ABM initialization parameters; (7) Al provides the environment for ABM; (8) Al aids in choosing the agent's attributes; (9) Al provides behaviors for agents in ABM; (10) Al helps to evaluate the performance of ABM. For each case, some typical works are examined for illustration. Finally, we discuss some of the current limitations and prospects for future development.
Performance evaluation of a Test&Treat rapid detection kit for the diagnosis of septic effusions in dogs and cats
Authors: Vezzi Noël K. , Lane Selena L. , Thevelein Britt A. , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a veterinary point‐of‐care (POC) luminometer‐based kit for the diagnosis of septic peritoneal or pleural effusion in dogs and cats.

Design

Prospective study performed between January 2020 and July 2021.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Forty‐eight animals with naturally occurring peritoneal or pleural effusion collected by aseptic abdominocentesis or thoracocentesis.

Procedures

Effusion samples were split into filtered (using a 10‐micron filter) and unfiltered aliquots and analyzed by the POC instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions and following variable incubation periods. Samples were also plated aerobically on standard and blood agar plates. Proprietary reagents were added to samples, causing bacterial ATP to generate bioluminescence that is detected by the luminometer. Bioluminescence values (relative light units [RLUs]) were recorded and compared with the presence of bacterial growth on the culture plates. Nucleated cell counts in native and filtered effusion samples were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐one samples were septic based on positive culture. RLUs were higher in septic effusions for filtered and native effusions compared with sterile effusions. The use of a filter reduced cell counts. In filtered samples incubated for 30 minutes before testing, the sensitivity and specificity of the luminometer for diagnosis of infection in cavitary effusions were 81% and 82%, respectively, using a cutoff of 12,202 RLUs.

Conclusions

The luminometer kit evaluated in this study represents a viable screening tool for diagnosis of septic cavitary effusions and could be used in conjunction with other POC diagnostics to support the rapid diagnosis of infection.
Reorganization of mitochondria–organelle interactions during postnatal development in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kim Yuho , Parry Hailey A. , Willingham T. Bradley , Alspaugh Greg , Lindberg Eric , Combs Christian A. , Knutson Jay R. , Bleck Christopher K. E. , Glancy Brian
Published: March 2024

Skeletal muscle cellular development requires the integrated assembly of mitochondria and other organelles adjacent to the sarcomere in support of muscle contractile performance. However, it remains unclear how interactions among organelles and with the sarcomere relates to the development of muscle cell function. Here, we combine 3D volume electron microscopy, proteomic analyses, and live cell functional imaging to investigate the postnatal reorganization of mitochondria–organelle interactions in skeletal muscle. We show that while mitochondrial networks are disorganized and loosely associated with the contractile apparatus at birth, contact sites among mitochondria, lipid droplets and the sarcoplasmic reticulum are highly abundant in neonatal muscles. The maturation process is characterized by a transition to highly organized mitochondrial networks wrapped tightly around the muscle sarcomere but also to less frequent interactions with both lipid droplets and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Concomitantly, expression of proteins involved in mitochondria–organelle membrane contact sites decreases during postnatal development in tandem with a decrease in abundance of proteins associated with sarcomere assembly despite an overall increase in contractile protein abundance. Functionally, parallel measures of mitochondrial membrane potential, NADH redox status, and NADH flux within intact cells revealed that mitochondria in adult skeletal muscle fibres maintain a more activated electron transport chain compared with neonatal muscle mitochondria. These data demonstrate a developmental redesign reflecting a shift from muscle cell assembly and frequent inter‐organelle communication toward a muscle fibre with mitochondrial structure, interactions, composition and function specialized to support contractile function.

image

Key points

Mitochondrial network organization is remodelled during skeletal muscle postnatal development.

The mitochondrial outer membrane is in frequent contact with other organelles at birth and transitions to more close associations with the contractile apparatus in mature muscles.

Mitochondrial energy metabolism becomes more activated during postnatal development.

Understanding the developmental redesign process within skeletal muscle cells may help pinpoint specific areas of deficit in muscles with developmental disorders.
Passive sea ice thickness inference using cryophones
Authors: Reeder D. Benjamin , Joseph John E. , Wheeler S. Kyle
Published: March 2024

Mechanical properties of Arctic sea ice can be inferred by observations of in-ice propagation of compressional, shear, and flexural waves. During the 1980s, impulsive signals were generated by a lead ball or sledgehammer dropped onto the sea ice, and the inference required observation of wave speeds. During ICEX20 and ARCEX23, passive cryophone observations were made of naturally occurring compressional wave resonances. Average first-year ice thicknesses during ICEX20 and ARCEX23 were inferred to be 1.3 and 1.6 m, respectively; these are consistent with independent observations and indicate the potential for remote, autonomous monitoring of sea ice thickness.
Education and public outreach: communicating science through storytelling
Authors: Tirumalai Madhan R.
Published: March 2024

Education and public outreach activities can be challenging for most active scientists, for very good reasons. Allotment of time to participate in outreach activities could be a major challenge. However, when such activities are incorporated into one’s academic and research plan, they can be enriching. Here, the author describes his experience in what began as on one-off participation at an outreach event, leading to a series of speaking events addressing the public at the monthly meetings of several astronomy clubs/societies, observatories, etc. in the states of Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Colorado. They have often involved the use of motifs and characters from popular science fiction, literature, and movies and when possible, getting the audience actively involved in the presentations. Furthermore, the discussions following each presentation have been enriching in terms of getting a broad perspective of the perceptions that people in general have, regarding the origins of life, microbiology, extremophiles, and astrobiology.
Human otic progenitor cell models of congenital hearing loss reveal potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of Zika virus and cytomegalovirus infections
Authors: Harding Alfred T. , Ocwieja Karen , Jeong Minjin , Zhang Yichen , Leger Valerie , Jhala Nairuti , Stankovic Konstantina M. , Gehrke Lee
Published: March 2024

Congenital hearing loss is a common chronic condition affecting children in both developed and developing nations. Viruses correlated with congenital hearing loss include human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), which causes congenital Zika syndrome. The mechanisms by which HCMV and ZIKV infections cause hearing loss are poorly understood. It is challenging to study human inner ear cells because they are encased in bone and also scarce as autopsy samples. Recent advances in culturing human stem cell-derived otic progenitor cells (OPCs) have allowed us herein to describe successful
in vitro
infection of OPCs with HCMV and ZIKV, and also to propose potential mechanisms by which each viral infection could affect hearing. We find that ZIKV infection rapidly and significantly induces the expression of type I interferon and interferon-stimulated genes, while OPC viability declines, at least in part, from apoptosis. In contrast, HCMV infection did not appear to upregulate interferons or cause a reduction in cell viability, and instead disrupted expression of key genes and pathways associated with inner ear development and function, including Cochlin, nerve growth factor receptor, SRY-box transcription factor 11, and transforming growth factor-beta signaling. These findings suggest that ZIKV and HCMV infections cause congenital hearing loss through distinct pathways, that is, by inducing progenitor cell death in the case of ZIKV infection, and by disruption of critical developmental pathways in the case of HCMV infection.

IMPORTANCE

Congenital virus infections inflict substantial morbidity and devastating disease in neonates worldwide, and hearing loss is a common outcome. It has been difficult to study viral infections of the human hearing apparatus because it is embedded in the temporal bone of the skull. Recent technological advances permit the differentiation of otic progenitor cells (OPCs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. This paper is important for demonstrating that inner ear virus infections can be modeled
in vitro
using OPCs. We infected OPCs with two viruses associated with congenital hearing loss: human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a DNA virus, or Zika virus (ZIKV), an RNA virus. An important result is that the gene expression and cytokine production profiles of HCMV/ZIKV-infected OPCs are markedly dissimilar, suggesting that mechanisms of hearing loss are also distinct. The specific molecular regulatory pathways identified in this work could suggest important targets for therapeutics.
Supplemental Material: Magmatic–hydrothermal evolutionary processes in highly evolved granitic systems: Insights from zircons of the Baishitouquan pluton, NW China
Authors: Wang Zhen-Hua , Lei Ru-Xiong , et al.
Published: March 2024

Figure S1: Backscattered electron images of the three types of zircon grains in the Baishitouquan pluton. (A) Type-I zircon in leucogranite, (B) Type-Ⅱa zircon in amazonite pegmatite, (C) Type-Ⅱa and -IIb zircon grains, and (D, E, F) zircon grains with core–rim structures. Figure S2: Frequency histograms illustrating the variability in (A–C) FWHM and (D–F) degree of peak offset of the Eg, A1g, and B1g bands of the different types of zircon grains in the Baishitouquan pluton. Table S1: Zircon particle size distribution in lithological zones of the Baishitouquan pluton. Table S2: The FWHM and peak offset of zircon crystals in the Baishitouquan pluton. Table S3: Trace-element concentrations of zircon grains in the Baishitouquan pluton. Table S4: The α-radiation dose received by zircon grains in the Baishitouquan pluton.
Eculizumab therapy and complement regulation in a case of resistant catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Frederick Rachel , Zolio Luigi , Romas Evange , Ierino Frank
Published: March 2024

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a life-threatening form of antiphospholipid syndrome characterised by diffuse arterial and venous thrombosis, in the presence of positive antiphospholipid antibodies. The multiple sites of thrombosis in small, medium and large vessels progress to multiorgan failure, accounting for the high mortality rate associated with CAPS. Unregulated complement activation is increasingly recognised as critical to the pathogenesis of CAPS. Early diagnosis is essential to initiate prompt life-saving treatment with the triple therapy of anticoagulation, immunosuppression and either plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin. Among other immunosuppressive agents, eculizumab, a complement inhibitor has demonstrated efficacy in treatment-resistant cases.

We report an instructive case of a woman presenting with both clinical and laboratory findings consistent with primary CAPS, resistant to initial treatment and responsive to eculizumab, with emphasis on genetic testing and implications for future therapy.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia complicated by gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty
Authors: Alam Ahmad , Agrawal Neeraj Kumar , Singh Surya K
Published: March 2024

Precocious puberty, characterised by the early appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, poses challenges in diagnosis and management. Here, we describe a case of precocious puberty diagnosed in a boy in middle childhood, who presented with progressive phallus enlargement, pubic hair development and increased aggressive behaviour. Hormonal evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), complicated by gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty. The case highlights the importance of assessment of testicular volume in a patient presenting with precocious puberty. Symmetrical testicular enlargement in a patient with CAH suggests premature activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The patient received glucocorticoid therapy to suppress androgen production related to CAH and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue therapy to control premature activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Follow-up visits showed regression of secondary sexual characteristics and improved growth velocity.
Spinal subdural haemorrhage secondary to strenuous exercise and warfarin, complicated by acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Liu James , McHugh Frances , Li Yingda
Published: March 2024

Spinal subdural haemorrhage or haematoma (SSDH) is a rare condition that is often overlooked and missed on initial presentation due to its non-specific features that may mimic other more common pathologies. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, with few evidence-based management principles, particularly during the subacute stages of recovery. In this report, we detail a case of SSDH associated with exercise and anticoagulation therapy, which was complicated by acute ischaemic stroke. SSDH should be suspected in cases of acute back pain without a clear alternative cause, particularly in coagulopathic individuals. Following treatment, early recommencement of anticoagulation therapy may be justified in certain cases where indicated, after careful consideration of the affected individual’s risk profile.
Equivariant localization in the theory of Z-stability for Kähler manifolds
Authors: Corradini Alexia
Published: March 2024

We apply equivariant localization to the theory of [Formula: see text]-stability and [Formula: see text]-critical metrics on a Kähler manifold [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a Kähler class. We show that the invariants used to determine [Formula: see text]-stability of the manifold, which are integrals over test configurations, can be written as a product of equivariant classes, hence equivariant localization can be applied. We also study the existence of [Formula: see text]-critical Kähler metrics in [Formula: see text], whose existence is conjectured to be equivalent to [Formula: see text]-stability of [Formula: see text]. In particular, we study a class of invariants that give an obstruction to the existence of such metrics. Then we show that these invariants can also be written as a product of equivariant classes. From this we give a new, more direct proof of an existing result: the former invariants determining [Formula: see text]-stability on a test configuration are equal to the latter invariants related to the existence of [Formula: see text]-critical metrics on the central fibre of the test configuration. This provides a new approach from which to derive the [Formula: see text]-critical equation.
Parameter estimation for fractional-order nonlinear systems based on improved sparrow search algorithm
Authors: Zhou Yongqiang , Yang Renhuan , Chen Yibin , Huang Qidong , Shen Chao , Yang Xiuzeng , Zhang Ling , Wei Mengyu
Published: March 2024

Parameter estimation is important in the study of control and synchronization of fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs). This paper proposes an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA) for the parameter estimation problem of FONSs. The algorithm improves the population initialization, position update method of discoverers and warning sparrows based on Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), and the parameter estimation simulation experiment for fractional-order financial nonlinear system and fractional-order L nonlinear system is conducted to demonstrate this method. The experimental results show that the proposed ISSA is superior to the SSA, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) in terms of parameter optimization accuracy and convergence speed, which validates the advantages of the ISSA.
Electro-osmotic peristaltic flow of non-Newtonian Sutterby TiO2 nanofluid inside a microchannel through porous medium with modified Darcy’s law
Authors: Abdelmoneim M. M. , Eldabe N. T. , Abouzeid M. Y. , Ouaf M. E.
Published: March 2024

The primary aim of this study was to examine the peristaltic flow of an unsteady non-Newtonian TiO2 nanofluid through a uniformly symmetric channel under the influence of electro-osmosis. The fluid behavior was modeled by the Sutterby model. Furthermore, the flow took place through a porous medium, following a modified form of Darcy’s law. Additionally, the impacts of Dufour and Soret effects, chemical reaction, activation energy, viscous dissipation, heat generation, and thermal radiation were considered. A wave transformation was used to simplify the governing equations describing the velocity, temperature, and nanoparticle concentration. These simplified equations were then solved analytically using the homotopy perturbation method. Additionally, set figures were employed to illustrate and discuss the impact of the physical parameters involved in the problem on the obtained solutions. It is found that the presence of a modified Darcy’s medium in the Navier–Stokes equation results in a porous term that is dependent on the index of the Sutterby model. Furthermore, it is found that as the thermophoresis parameter increases, the nanoparticles are more concentrated, and their flow from the hot region to the cold region is more effective. Additionally, it is observed that in the presence of thermal radiation, the activation energy and the Brownian motion parameter have similar effects on the concentration profile.