bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LAMTOR1 ablation impedes cGAS degradation caused by chemotherapy and promotes antitumor immunity
Authors: Bie Juntao , Li Yutong , Song Chen , Weng Qiaoyou , Zhao Long , Su Li , Zhao Zhongwei , Ye Yingjiang , Shen Zhanlong , Ji Jiansong , Luo Jianyuan
Published: October 2024

Chemotherapy resistance remains a significant obstacle that limits the long-term efficacy of cancer therapy, necessitating further investigations into the underlying mechanisms. Here, we find that DNA fragments induced by chemotherapeutic agents trigger the degradation of cGAS, a potent double-strand DNA (dsDNA) sensor, by lysosomes. Mechanically, the lysosome-localized protein LAMTOR1 is up-regulated, and the interaction between LAMTOR1 and cGAS is enhanced upon exposure to DNA fragments, boosting the accumulation and digestion of cGAS in lysosomes through the receptor protein p62. LAMTOR1 deficiency increases cGAS abundance and promotes activation of the cGAS–STING pathway, leading to subsequent production of type I interferons induced by cytosolic DNA stimulation. Loss of LAMTOR1 synergizes with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice by promoting the infiltration of effective T lymphocytes. Thus, our study reveals a regulation of cGAS abundance and provides a potential strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance by targeting LAMTOR1.
Memory effects of transcription regulator−DNA interactions in bacteria
Authors: Jung Won , Chen Tai-Yen , Santiago Ace George , Chen Peng
Published: October 2024

Memory effect refers to the phenomenon where past events influence a system’s current and future states or behaviors. In biology, memory effects often arise from intra- or intermolecular interactions, leading to temporally correlated behaviors. Single-molecule studies have shown that enzymes and DNA-binding proteins can exhibit time-correlated behaviors of their activity. While memory effects are well documented and studied in vitro, no such examples exist in cells to our knowledge. Combining single-molecule tracking (SMT) and single-cell protein quantitation, we find in living
Escherichia coli
cells distinct temporal correlations in the binding/unbinding events on DNA by MerR- and Fur-family metalloregulators, manifesting as memory effects with timescales of ~1 s. These memory effects persist irrespective of the type of the metalloregulators or their metallation states. Moreover, these temporal correlations of metalloregulator–DNA interactions are associated with spatial confinements of the metalloregulators near their DNA binding sites, suggesting microdomains of ~100 nm in size that possibly result from the spatial organizations of the bacterial chromosome without the involvement of membranes. These microdomains likely facilitate repeated binding events, enhancing regulator−DNA contact frequency and potentially gene regulation efficiency. These findings provide unique insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of protein–DNA interactions in bacterial cells, introducing the concept of microdomains as a crucial player in memory effect–driven gene regulation.
Capturing a methanogenic carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase complex via cryogenic electron microscopy
Authors: Biester Alison , Grahame David A. , Drennan Catherine L.
Published: October 2024

Approximately two-thirds of the estimated one-billion metric tons of methane produced annually by methanogens is derived from the cleavage of acetate. Acetate is broken down by a Ni-Fe-S-containing A-cluster within the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS) to carbon monoxide (CO) and a methyl group (CH3+). The methyl group ultimately forms the greenhouse gas methane, whereas CO is converted to the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) by a Ni-Fe-S-containing C-cluster within the enzyme carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH). Although structures have been solved of CODH/ACS from acetogens, which use these enzymes to make acetate from CO2, no structure of a CODH/ACS from a methanogen has been reported. In this work, we use cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the structure of a methanogenic CODH and CODH/ACS fromMethanosarcina thermophila(MetCODH/ACS). We find that the N-terminal domain of acetogenic ACS, which is missing in all methanogens, is replaced by a domain of CODH. This CODH domain provides a channel for CO to travel between the two catalytic Ni-Fe-S clusters. It generates the binding surface for ACS and creates a remarkably similar CO alcove above the A-cluster using residues from CODH rather than ACS. Comparison of ourMetCODH/ACS structure with ourMetCODH structure reveals a molecular mechanism to restrict gas flow from the CO channel when ACS departs, preventing CO escape into the cell. Overall, these long-awaited structures of a methanogenic CODH/ACS reveal striking functional similarities to their acetogenic counterparts despite a substantial difference in domain organization.
Intestinal
Lactobacillus murinus
-derived small RNAs target porcine polyamine metabolism
Authors: Fan Lijuan , Liu Bingnan , Wang Youxia , Tang Bin , Xu Tianqi , Fu Jian , Wang Chuanlong , Liu Yuan , Ge Liangpeng , Wei Hong , Ren Wenkai
Published: October 2024

Gut microbiota plays a vital role in host metabolism; however, the influence of gut microbes on polyamine metabolism is unknown. Here, we found germ-free models possess elevated polyamine levels in the colon. Mechanistically, intestinal
Lactobacillus murinus
-derived small RNAs in extracellular vesicles down-regulate host polyamine metabolism by targeting the expression of enzymes in polyamine metabolism. In addition,
Lactobacillus murinus
delays recovery of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by reducing polyamine levels in mice. Notably, a decline in the abundance of small RNAs was observed in the colon of mice with colorectal cancer (CRC) and human CRC specimens, accompanied by elevated polyamine levels. Collectively, our study identifies a specific underlying mechanism used by intestinal microbiota to modulate host polyamine metabolism, which provides potential intervention for the treatment of polyamine-associated diseases.
Experimental localization of metal-binding sites reveals the role of metal ions in type II DNA topoisomerases
Authors: Wang Beijia , Najmudin Shabir , Pan Xiao-Su , Mykhaylyk Vitaliy , Orr Christian , Wagner Armin , Govada Lata , Chayen Naomi E. , Fisher L. Mark , Sanderson Mark R.
Published: October 2024

Metal ions have important roles in supporting the catalytic activity of DNA-regulating enzymes such as topoisomerases (topos). Bacterial type II topos, gyrases and topo IV, are primary drug targets for fluoroquinolones, a class of clinically relevant antibacterials requiring metal ions for efficient drug binding. While the presence of metal ions in topos has been elucidated in biochemical studies, accurate location and assignment of metal ions in structural studies have historically posed significant challenges. Recent advances in X-ray crystallography address these limitations by extending the experimental capabilities into the long-wavelength range, exploiting the anomalous contrast from light elements of biological relevance. This breakthrough enables us to confirm experimentally the locations of Mg2+in the fluoroquinolone-stabilizedStreptococcus pneumoniaetopo IV complex. Moreover, we can unambiguously identify the presence of K+and Cl-ions in the complex with one pair of K+ions functioning as an additional intersubunit bridge. Overall, our data extend current knowledge on the functional and structural roles of metal ions in type II topos.
Hydrogen halides HBr/DBr/TBr and HI/DI/TI: Born-Oppenheimer rovibrational spectrum
Authors: Aguilar-Díaz Daniel , Olivares-Pilón Horacio
Published: October 2024

The full bound rovibrational spectra

E

(
ν
,
L
)

for the ground electronic state

X

1

Σ
+

of the hydrogen bromine HBr and hydrogen iodine HI is calculated in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. As a starting point an analytical expression for the potential energy curve V(R), valid in the entire domain

R
∈
[
0
,
∞
)

, is obtained in the form of a two-point Padé approximant that correctly reproduces the asymptotic behavior for small

R
→
0

and large

R
→
∞

internuclear distances. Remaining free parameters are fixed by making a fit with the experimental RKR points. In a second stage, the rovibrational spectra

E

(
ν
,
L
)

is obtained by solving the nuclear Schröodinger equation with nuclear interaction V(R). It was found that the potential energy curve for the ground electronic state

X
1

Σ
+

supports a total of 798/748 rovibrational states with maximal vibrational/rotational quantum numbers

v

max

=
19

/

17

and

L

max

=
65

/

66

for hydrogen halides HBr/HI, respectively. Through a simple modification in the nuclear Schröodinger equation, the bound rovibrational spectra

E

(
ν
,
L
)

is obtained for the isotopological species with deuterium (D) and tritium (T) content: DBr/TBr (1575/2329 states in total with

ν

max

=
27

/

34

and

L

max

=
92

/

112

) and DI/TI (1485/2207 states in total with

ν

max

=
25

/

31

and

L

max

=
93

/

114

).
Extracting terrain elevation information in front of the vehicle based on vehicle-mounted LiDAR in dynamic environments
Authors: Xu Peng , Liu Shuang , Zhao Dingxuan , Wu Xiaoyang , Lin Zhenjun , Zhang Cong
Published: October 2024

Point cloud maps constructed using 3D LiDAR, are widely used for robot navigation and localization. Few studies have utilized point cloud maps to extract terrain elevationinformation in front of a vehicle, which can be used as active suspension inputs to reduce vehicle bumps. In addition, the trajectories of dynamic objects in point cloud maps and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data loss can affect the extraction of elevation information. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a framework for extracting terrain elevation information in front of the vehicle based on vehicle-mounted LiDAR in dynamic environments. The framework consists of two modules: point cloud map construction and vehicle front terrain elevation information extraction. In the point cloud map construction module, a system for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is proposed, which is capable of building point cloud maps without GNSS. Furthermore, a dynamic descriptor-based dynamic object filtering algorithm is proposed which is applied to SLAM. Therefore, the SLAM system overcomes the influence of dynamic objects on vehicle position and attitude estimation, and there are no trajectories of dynamic objects in the point cloud maps built by the system. In the vehicle front terrain elevation information extraction module, the unscented Kalman filter is utilized to predict the vehicle position at the next moment. Based on the geometric features of the tire-ground contact area, the terrain elevation information of the tire contact area at the predicted position on the point cloud map is extracted. Experiments show that the algorithm in this paper overcomes the effect of dynamic objects and builds a vehicle point cloud map without dynamic objects under GNSS data loss, which improves the accuracy of the extraction of terrain elevation information in front of the vehicle.
CMUT for ultrafast passive cavitation detection during ultrasound-induced blood–brain barrier disruption: proof of concept study
Authors: Cornu Corentin , Jourdain Laurène , Barcella Flavien , Colin Laurent , Edon Zoé , Dauba Ambre , Selingue Erwan , Gennisson Jean-Luc , Larrat Benoit , Certon Dominique , Novell Anthony
Published: October 2024

Objective. Cavitation dose monitoring plays a key role in ultrasound drug delivery to the brain. The use of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) technology has a great potential for passive cavitation detection (PCD). Approach. Here, a circular (diameter 7 mm) CMUT centered at 5 MHz was designed to be inserted into a therapeutic transducer (1.5 MHz) used for ultrasound-induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption on mice. CMUT-based real-time cavitation detection was performed during the ultrasound procedure (50 μl intravenous injection of SonoVue microbubbles, frequency 1.5 MHz, PNP 480 kPa, duty Cycle 10%, PRF 10 Hz, duration 60 s). BBB disruption were confirmed by contrast-enhanced 7T-MRI. Main results. The CMUT device has a fractional bandwidth of 140%, almost twice a conventional piezocomposite PCD transducer. As expected, the CMUT device was able to detect the occurrence of harmonic, subharmonic and ultraharmonic frequencies as well as the increase of broadband signal indicating inertial cavitation in a wide frequency range (from 0.75 to 6 MHz). Signal-to-noise ratio was high enough (>40 dB) to perform ultrafast monitoring and follow the subtle intrapulse variations of frequency components at a rate of 10 kHz. Significance. This first in vivo proof of concept demonstrates the interest of CMUT for PCD and encourages us to develop devices for PCD in larger animals by integrating an amplifier directly to the CMUT front-end to considerably increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
Expressibility-induced concentration of quantum neural tangent kernels
Authors: Yu Li-Wei , Li Weikang , Ye Qi , Lu Zhide , Han Zizhao , Deng Dong-Ling
Published: October 2024

Quantum tangent kernel methods provide an efficient approach to analyzing the performance of quantum machine learning models in the infinite-width limit, which is of crucial importance in designing appropriate circuit architectures for certain learning tasks. Recently, they have been adapted to describe the convergence rate of training errors in quantum neural networks in an analytical manner. Here, we study the connections between the expressibility and value concentration of quantum tangent kernel models. In particular, for global loss functions, we rigorously prove that high expressibility of both the global and local quantum encodings can lead to exponential concentration of quantum tangent kernel values to zero. Whereas for local loss functions, such issue of exponential concentration persists owing to the high expressibility, but can be partially mitigated. We further carry out extensive numerical simulations to support our analytical theories. Our discoveries unveil a fundamental feature of quantum neural tangent kernels, indicating that the issue of their concentration cannot be bypassed merely by transitioning to a local encoding scheme while maintaining high expressibility. This offers valuable insights for the design of wide quantum variational circuit models in practical applications.
Monte Carlo study of microdosimetric spectra conversion from diamond to tissue in proton therapy
Authors: Yu Songke , Bai Bing , Wang Dong , Zhong Xiaojuan , Chen Huamin
Published: October 2024

Diamond is regarded as a promising material in
microdosimetry. However, since the stopping power of the diamond is
different from tissue, the energy deposition distribution in the
diamond is not identical to that in tissue. Therefore, a conversion
of the spectra in the diamond microdosimeter to the tissue site is
needed. In this work, we introduced a method for the tissue
equivalence conversion of diamond microdosimeters, which is
developed to perform the energy deposition spectra conversion from
the diamond to an equivalent size of tissue in radiotherapy. It was
derived from the scaled Fourier transformation and the scaling
factor. The method was tested by comparing the spectra converted
from the diamond to tissue with those obtained in tissue along the
Bragg curve at different locations. The results show that: i) the
conversion method can overcome the defect of poor coincidence of the
spectra between converted and actual results in low deposition
energy zones, which is introduced by the method derived based on the
distribution characteristics; ii) The equivalence between detector
material and target tissue can affect the conversion results at the
plateau of the Bragg curve; iii) The inconsistency between the
converted and actual spectra due to the spectra shapes was also
found, which occurs in the range of η from 0.117 to 1.248 for
diamonds in this work; iv) the conversion at the distal part of the
Bragg peak should pay attention to the range of the incident
particles and the diamond microdosimeter size. To sum up, the method
introduced in this work shows relatively good results in
microdosimetric spectra conversion from diamond to tissue,
especially in low-energy deposition regions. Nonetheless, further
study is necessary to improve the practicability of this method so
that it can be competent for spectral conversion on the whole Bragg
curve.
Oxygen-functionalization of unique hierarchical carbon nanosheet fishtail-like for synergistically enhanced capacitive performance supercapacitor
Authors: Taer Erman , Nursyafni Nursyafni , Apriwandi Apriwandi , Fudholi Ahmad , Chitraningrum Nidya , Deraman Mohamad , Taslim Rika
Published: October 2024

The optimization of high-performance supercapacitors with enhanced electrochemical properties using biomass-based activated carbon is a challenging task. To overcome this, a novel strategy was used to create functional nanocarbon with a hierarchical-nanosheet structure based on bio-waste of Clausena Excavata Burm F (CEBF) leaves. The precursor was optimized through different chemical impregnation concentrations without the addition of any other substances. This resulted in a unique hierarchical carbon nanosheet fishtail-like with a specific surface area of 828.679 m2 g−1. The high carbon content of CEBF (up to 88.58%) and 4.46% oxygen as heteroatoms showed a beneficial pseudocapacitance effect. The electrochemical properties of CEBF-activated carbon were excellent, with a specific capacitance of 248 F g−1. The optimal energy density reached 33.8267 Wh kg−1, and the power density was 4.755 kW kg−1 at 10 A g−1. These findings suggest that CEBF biomass has significant potential as a source of hierarchical carbon nanosheet that enhances high-performance electrochemical supercapacitors.
The Hodge standard conjecture for self-products of K3 surfaces
Authors: Ito Kazuhiro , Ito Tetsushi , Koshikawa Teruhisa
Published: October 2024

As an application of our previous work on CM liftings of K3 surfaces and the Tate conjecture, we prove the Hodge standard conjecture for squares of K3 surfaces. We also deduce the Hodge standard conjecture for all the powers of certain K3 surfaces.
Syntactic transitivity
Authors: Creissels Denis
Published: October 2024

The first section of this chapter discusses the articulation between semantic transitivity and syntactic transitivity. Section 3.2 surveys various types of alternations affecting the coding of agents and patients of prototypical transitive verbs and discusses the criteria according to which they can be analyzed in terms of either variants of the transitive construction, or intransitive alternatives to the transitive construction. Section 3.3 deals with the analysis of transitive constructions in which one of the terms (the pivot) is explicitly marked as the syntactically privileged term, and the selection of the pivot is independent of its possible characterization as A or P. Section 3.4 is devoted to semantically bivalent verbs that do not select the transitive construction as their coding frame. Section 3.5 discusses the possibility of evolutions by which a construction that was initially an intransitive alternative to the transitive construction becomes the basic construction of transitive verbs.
Flexivalency alternations
Authors: Creissels Denis
Published: October 2024

This chapter puts forward a typology of uncoded valency alternations. Section 15.1 clarifies problematic points about the notion of uncoded valency alternation and discusses terminological issues. Section 15.2 puts forward a typology of flexivalency alternations involving a change in transitivity (ambitransitivity). Sections 15.3 and 15.4 examine in more detail the two major subtypes of ambitransitivy: P-ambitransitivity and A-ambitransitivity. Section 15.5 is devoted to flexivalency alternations involving two intransitive constructions, and section 15.6 to flexivalency alternations involving two transitive constructions. Section 15.7 deals with the particular case of symmetrical verbs. Section 15.8 discusses flexivalency alternation involving impersonal constructions. Section 15.9 is about the particular case of avalent verbs. Section 15.10 discusses an atypical type of flexivalency alternation found in Bantu languages.
The Relationship Between 10-year Changes in Cognitive Ability and Subsequent Mortality: Findings from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Trial
Authors: Chen Diefei , Gross Alden L , Parisi Jeanine M , Willis Sherry L , Felix Cynthia , Thorpe Roland J , Marsiske Michael , Thomas Kelsey R , Huang Alison R , Rebok George W
Published: October 2024

Cognitive ability and cognitive decline are related to mortality in older adults. Cognitive interventions have been found to improve cognitive performance and slow cognitive decline in later life. However, the longitudinal effects of cognitive interventions on mortality in older adults remain unclear. Using twenty-year follow-up data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, we examined the association between cognitive trajectory (i.e., intercept, slope, and retest effect) and mortality, using shared growth-survival models. We evaluated the effect of ACTIVE cognitive training (memory, reasoning, and speed of processing) on mortality risk. Among the 2,802 participants, 2,021 died on or before the year 2019 (72.1%). Higher baseline, slower decline, and greater retest effects in general cognitive performance were associated with lower mortality risk after adjusting for covariates. Associations with mortality were similar contrasting general and domain-specific cognitive abilities. We did not observe any significant effects of ACTIVE cognitive training in memory, reasoning, or speed of processing on all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest cognitive training interventions do not have a significant effect on cognitive trajectory and mortality among older adults; rather, older adults with higher education tend to incur greater survival benefits from memory training.
Score Disclosure
Authors: Celik Levent , Drugov Mikhail
Published: October 2024

We study verifiable disclosure by a seller when the product has multiple quality attributes. We identify an equilibrium in which, for some qualities, the seller discloses its score—the average of the qualities—and does not reveal anything else. This occurs when its score is sufficiently high or when the qualities are sufficiently similar and the score is not too low. Otherwise, the seller fully discloses. While full unravelling is still an equilibrium, it is dominated by this partial score disclosure equilibrium in terms of ex ante as well as ex post profits.
N-glycoproteomic and proteomic alterations in SRD5A3-deficient fibroblasts
Authors: Garapati Kishore , Ranatunga Wasantha , Joshi Neha , Budhraja Rohit , Sabu Saniha , Kantautas Kristin A , Preston Graeme , Perlstein Ethan O , Kozicz Tamas , Morava Eva , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: October 2024

SRD5A3-CDG is a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) resulting from pathogenic variants in SRD5A3 and follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The enzyme encoded by SRD5A3, polyprenal reductase, plays a crucial role in synthesizing lipid precursors essential for N-linked glycosylation. Despite insights from functional studies into its enzymatic function, there remains a gap in understanding global changes in patient cells. We sought to identify N-glycoproteomic and proteomic signatures specific to SRD5A3-CDG, potentially aiding in biomarker discovery and advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms. Using tandem mass tag (TMT)-based relative quantitation, we analyzed fibroblasts derived from five patients along with control fibroblasts. N-glycoproteomics analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) identified 3,047 glycopeptides with 544 unique N-glycosylation sites from 276 glycoproteins. Of these, 418 glycopeptides showed statistically significant changes with 379 glycopeptides decreased (P < 0.05) in SRD5A3-CDG patient-derived samples. These included high mannose, complex and hybrid glycan-bearing glycopeptides. High mannose glycopeptides from protocadherin Fat 4 and integrin alpha-11 and complex glycopeptides from CD55 were among the most significantly decreased glycopeptides. Proteomics analysis led to the identification of 5,933 proteins, of which 873 proteins showed statistically significant changes. Decreased proteins included cell surface glycoproteins, various mitochondrial protein populations and proteins involved in the N-glycosylation pathway. Lysosomal proteins such as N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase and procathepsin-L also showed reduced levels of phosphorylated mannose-containing glycopeptides. Our findings point to disruptions in glycosylation pathways as well as energy metabolism and lysosomal functions in SRD5A3-CDG, providing clues to improved understanding and management of patients with this disorder.
Interactions that define the arrangement of sugar-binding sites in BDCA-2 and dectin-2 dimers
Authors: Liu Yu , Kim Jong-Won , Feinberg Hadar , Cull Nikeel , Weis William I , Taylor Maureen E , Drickamer Kurt
Published: October 2024

The sugar-binding receptors dectin-2 and blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA-2) bind oligosaccharide ligands through extracellular carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) and initiate intracellular signaling through Fc receptor γ adapters (FcRγ). Dectin-2 stimulates macrophages in response to pathogen binding while BDCA-2 modulates cytokine production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The oligomeric states of these receptors and the orientations of their CRDs have been investigated by analysis of a naturally occurring disulfide-bonded variant of BDCA-2 and by replacement of transmembrane domains with N-terminal dimerization domains to create extracellular domain dimers of both dectin-2 and BDCA-2. Analysis of these constructs, as well as previously described crystal structures of the CRDs from these proteins and a novel structure of an extended version of the extracellular domain of dectin-2, showed that there is only limited interaction of the CRDs in the dimers, but interactions can be stabilized by the presence of the neck region. The resulting orientation of sugar-binding sites in the dimers would favor crosslinking of multiple dimers by oligosaccharide ligands, causing clustering of FcRγ to initiate signaling.
Moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest as a brain-protective strategy for type A aortic dissection
Authors: Wakisaka Hodaka , Miwa Shunta , Matsubayashi Yuji , Mori Yotaro , Lee Junghun , Kamiya Kenichi , Takashima Noriyuki , Suzuki Tomoaki
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

Brain-protective strategies for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) remain controversial. Moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest (MHCA) without cerebral perfusion is not commonly used. However, we aimed to assess its safety and efficacy in 358 patients who underwent hemiarch replacement with MHCA for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution from August 2012 to August 2022.

METHODS

Clinical outcomes were compared according to circulatory arrest time [≤15 min (S group, n = 52) vs ≥16 min (L group, n = 306)]. The primary outcome was postoperative stroke.

RESULTS

The S group had more older patients (72.5 vs 68.8 years; P = 0.04), a greater incidence of carotid artery malperfusion (21% vs 11%; P = 0.043) and a lower body mass index (21.7 vs 23.6 kg/m2; P < 0.01) and hemodynamic instability (3.8% vs 16%; P = 0.02) than the L group. The incidence of postoperative stroke (7.7% vs 12%; P = 0.33) and the rate of 30-day mortality (5.8% vs 6.5%; P = 0.83) did not significantly differ between groups. After adjusting for all potential confounding factors pre- and intraoperatively, there was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MHCA alone for TAAD had comparable postoperative outcomes with circulatory arrest times under and over 15 min. However, longer arrest times were associated with a higher risk of stroke.
A priori and a posteriori error analysis of a mixed DG method for the three-field quasi-Newtonian Stokes flow
Authors: Zhao Lina
Published: October 2024

In this paper we propose and analyse a new mixed-type DG method for the three-field quasi-Newtonian Stokes flow. The scheme is based on the introduction of the stress and strain tensor as further unknowns as well as the elimination of the pressure variable by means of the incompressibility constraint. As such, the resulting system involves three unknowns: the stress, the strain tensor and the velocity. All these three unknowns are approximated using discontinuous piecewise polynomials, which offers flexibility for enforcing the symmetry of the stress and the strain tensor. The unique solvability and a comprehensive convergence error analysis for all the variables are performed. All the variables are proved to converge optimally. Adaptive mesh refinement guided by a posteriori error estimator is computationally efficient, especially for problems involving singularity. In line of this mechanism we derive a residual-type a posteriori error estimator, which constitutes the second main contribution of the paper. In particular, we employ the elliptic reconstruction in conjunction with the Helmholtz decomposition to derive the a posteriori error estimator, which avoids using the averaging operator. Several numerical experiments are carried out to verify the theoretical findings.
The efficacy of antimicrobial solutions against multispecies bacterial biofilm with or without negative pressure wound therapy in an in vitro wound model
Authors: Tahir Shamaila , Parvin Farhana , Wang Matthew , Deva Anand K , Vickery Karen , Hu Honghua
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Biofilm is the major challenge in chronic wound management. Instilling a wound cleansing solution aids in wound bed cleaning and infectious pathogen elimination. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) improves the wound-healing process. This study investigated the efficacy of two antimicrobials (Vashe Wound Cleanser and Prontosan Wound Irrigation Solution) against a multispecies bacterial biofilm with or without NPWT in an in vitro wound model.

Methods

A mixed multispecies biofilm containing Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Acinetobacter baumannii was developed and verified by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The efficacy of Vashe and Prontosan against multispecies biofilm with or without NPWT was evaluated by colony-forming unit (cfu) of each species and total bacterial number, and visually confirmed by live/dead stain and confocal microscopy.

Results

Prontosan reduced biofilm cell numbers significantly: 6 instils over 24 h resulting in 3.86 ± 0.14 cfu log10 reduction without NPWT and 4.75 ± 0.13 cfu log10 reduction combined with NPWT (P < 0.01) and 12 instils over 48 h resulting in 5.24 ± 0.11 cfu log10 reduction without NPWT and biofilm eradication with NPWT (P < 0.001). NPWT alone or combined with Vashe failed to reduce multispecies biofilm numbers significantly over 24 or 48 h.

Conclusions

Prontosan significantly reduced biofilm cell numbers, with better efficacy over 48 than 24 h, emphasizing the necessity for persistent and robust treatment. NPWT enhanced the effectiveness of Prontosan instillation. However, NPWT alone or combined with Vashe showed limited efficacy and difficulty when combating the multispecies biofilm in vitro.
Towards a Counterculture of International Justice
Authors: Azarova Valentina , Ghahremani Amanda , Jordana Ashley , Kather Alexandra Lily , Rudi Lisa-Marie
Published: October 2024

Coloniality and Eurocentrism are entrenched in the field of international justice, reproducing a harmful dominant culture within international justice non-governmental organizations (‘IJ NGOs’) that influences how practitioners behave, interact with each other, and respond to violence and harm. The article argues that this dominant culture prioritizes punitive approaches to violence over more life-affirming forms of justice and accountability that centre healing and community. Drawing on experiences and conceptual frameworks illustrating dominant oppressive global systems and corresponding social behaviours, the authors critically examine the harms caused by the dominant culture that prevents authentic engagement with a community-led vision of systemic justice that seeks to transform the systems of oppression at the root of violence. Writing from the vantage point of their collective process of co-learning and reorientation and drawing on critical and feminist thought and praxes — including embodiment, abolition, and transformative justice — the authors offer potential ideas and practices that could contribute towards a counterculture in international justice. The article provides initial reflections on a practical framework that could reorient international justice communities of practice towards life-affirming and transformative approaches to justice that centre community-building, collective care, and solidarity.
RDBSB: a database for catalytic bioparts with experimental evidence
Authors: Liu Wan , Wang Pingping , Zhuang Xinhao , Ling Yunchao , Liu Haiyan , Wang Sheng , Yu Haihan , Ma Liangxiao , Jiang Yuguo , Zhao Guoping , Yan Xing , Zhou Zhihua , Zhang Guoqing
Published: October 2024

Catalytic bioparts are fundamental to the design, construction and optimization of biological systems for specific metabolic pathways. However, the functional characterization information of these bioparts is frequently dispersed across multiple databases and literature sources, posing significant challenges to the effective design and optimization of specific chassis or cell factories. We developed the Registry and Database of Bioparts for Synthetic Biology (RDBSB), a comprehensive resource encompassing 83 193 curated catalytic bioparts with experimental evidences. RDBSB offers their detailed qualitative and quantitative catalytic information, including critical parameters such as activities, substrates, optimal pH and temperature, and chassis specificity. The platform features an interactive search engine, visualization tools and analysis utilities such as biopart finder, structure prediction and pathway design tools. Additionally, RDBSB promotes community engagement through a catalytic bioparts submission system to facilitate rapid data sharing and utilization. To date, RDBSB has supported the contribution of >1000 catalytic bioparts. We anticipate that the database will significantly enhance the resources available for pathway design in synthetic biology and serve essential tools for researchers. RDBSB is freely available at https://www.biosino.org/rdbsb/.
Unplanned Postoperative Emergency Department Visits After Upper Extremity Fracture Surgery
Authors: Lans Jonathan , Beagles Clay B. , Watkins Ian T. , Lechtig Aron , Garg Rohit , Chen Neal C.
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to determine whether outpatient upper extremity fracture surgery was associated with increased postoperative emergency department (ED) visits and identify related risk factors.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Setting:

This multicenter study was conducted within a single academic institution, encompassing two Level 1, two Level 2, and one Level 3 trauma centers.

Patient Selection Criteria:

All patients >18 years of age who underwent upper extremity fracture surgery from 2015 to 2021 were included.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Risk factors for postoperative ED visit that were investigated included age, sex, tobacco use, alcohol abuse, psychiatric diagnosis, Elixhauser comorbidity score, race, location of upper extremity fracture, surgical setting (inpatient vs. outpatient), upper extremity block, surgical specialty, and Area Deprivation Index. Variables with a P < 0.1 in bivariate analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with a postoperative ED visit at 30 and 90 days.

RESULTS:

A total of 6315 patients with an average age of 51 ± 19 years were identified of whom 52% were women and 65% had outpatient surgery. Postoperatively, 188 patients (3.0%) presented to the ED within 30 days and 304 (4.8%) presented within 90 days. Thirty-seven percent of ED visits were directly related to the procedure, most commonly for pain (20%), cast issues (4.3%), and swelling (3.9%). At 30 days postoperatively, 2.8% of patients who underwent surgery in an outpatient setting and 3.4% of those who underwent inpatient surgery returned to the ED, with these rates increased to 4.4% and 5.6%, respectively, by 90 days. In multivariable analysis, outpatient surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 1.5, P = 0.030), tobacco use (OR: 2.1, P < 0.001), higher Elixhauser comorbidity scores (OR: 1.2, P < 0.001), non-White race (OR: 1.9, P < 0.001), elbow fractures (OR: 1.8, P = 0.016), and hand fractures (OR: 1.6, P = 0.046) were associated with 30-day ED visits.

CONCLUSIONS:

Outpatient surgery was associated with increased rate of 30-day ED visits. Patients who smoke, had increased number of comorbidities, or were non-White presented to the ED more frequently.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Exploring the 6-year Trend in Dedicated Research Years among Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residents
Authors: Gursky Alexis K. , Camacho Justin M. , Patel Heli S. , Reghunathan Meera , Gosman Amanda A. , Hinchcliff Katharine
Published: October 2024

Background:

The plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) match has become more competitive with an emphasis on research productivity. With the transition of the US Medical Licensing Examination step 1 examination to pass-fail grading, alternative evaluation metrics for residency applications are needed. Our study provides a landscape of the incidence of research years amongst integrated PRS residents and the potential impacts of gender and race.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted for all integrated PRS residents who matched between 2017 and 2022, using publicly available sources including residency websites, PubMed, Doximity, and social media. Demographics, educational background, and participation in a dedicated PRS research year were recorded.

Results:

Among 993 residents across 85 accredited integrated PRS programs, 15.7% (156 of 993) took a research year, with a significant increase over 6 years (R
2 = 0.73, P = 0.019). The majority were men at 51.9%, and White at 53.5%, with underrepresented in medicine residents comprising 13.5%. A total of 73.1% came from a medical school with a home program, and 52.6% matched into a top 20 residency program. No significant difference was seen in the racial/ethnic or gender representation of residents who took a research year compared with all PRS applicants and active PRS residents.

Conclusions:

Research years before applying to residency are becoming more common among integrated PRS residents. Research years are especially common with students who do not have a home program and may help them gain skills and access to mentorship that improves the likelihood of matching.
Subcutaneous Pleomorphic Adenoma in an Accessory Parotid Gland in the Cheek
Authors: Aoki Kenko , Tosa Mamiko , Akiyama Gou , Ogawa Rei
Published: October 2024

The accessory parotid gland (APG) is a distinct salivary tissue in the cheek that is located on the masseter muscle and is separate from the main parotid gland. APG tumors (APGTs) are rare. Due to aesthetic reasons and the risk of both malignancy and recurrence, APGTs are best treated with surgical resection. The resection should be conducted carefully due to potential complications such as Stensen duct and facial nerve injuries. Notably, plastic surgeons rarely see APGT cases because they are classified as parotid gland tumors and are thus mostly treated by otorhinolaryngologists. Nonetheless, because they are subcutaneous tumors in the cheek, patients with APGTs do occasionally visit the plastic surgery outpatient clinic. We report a case of APGT in a 59-year-old woman. She presented in our hospital with a rigid mass in the right cheek that was difficult to diagnose on the basis of clinical findings. After magnetic resonance imaging, APGT was considered along with several other possibilities. However, it was only diagnosed after histopathology on the resected tissues. Thus, plastic surgeons treating subcutaneous tumors of the cheek should consider APGT in their differential diagnosis and seek an accurate preoperative diagnosis, because this will help avoid postoperative complications.
Gender-affirming DIEP Flap Breast Augmentation
Authors: Nolan Ian T. , Alba Brandon E. , Weinstein Brielle , Schechter Loren S. , Shenaq Deana S. , Kurlander David E.
Published: October 2024

Implant-based techniques have been the mainstay of gender-affirming breast augmentation (GABA). Here we describe a novel autologous technique for GABA. We provide a single-patient case report of gender-affirming deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast augmentation. World Professional Association for Transgender Health guidelines were followed according to Standards of Care, version 8. Prepectoral tissue expanders were placed at the time of the patient’s facial feminization surgery. DIEP flaps were then used for bilateral breast augmentation. Planned revisions were made about 5 months later. Breast augmentation was performed successfully with DIEP flaps, and the patient was satisfied with her outcome. No complications occurred. Anatomic differences to cisgender women were noted, including relatively thick musculature of the abdominal wall and chest as well as tight anterior abdominal fascial closure. Advantages compared with implant-based GABA were also noted, including feminization of the abdomen and avoidance of potential implant related complications. We report a novel approach to GABA. Our approach borrows well-established techniques with demonstrated efficacy and high satisfaction in postmastectomy breast reconstruction and even cosmetic purposes. However, sex- and hormone-influenced anatomic differences required some modifications compared with postmastectomy DIEP flap reconstruction.
Rothia mucilaginosa Pneumonia in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Gelfand Michael S. , Cleveland Kerry O. , Animalu Chinelo
Published: October 2024

Rothia mucilaginosa is a gram-positive coccus recognized as an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing pneumonia in immunocompromised patients (Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1995;39:268–270). The organism is often resistant to fluoroquinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, agents routinely used as anti-infective prophylaxis in immunocompromised individuals (Inf Dis Clin Pract. 2020;28:361–365; Infect Dis Now. 2021;51:228–235). Plasma next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasing in clinical use to aid in diagnosis of infections in immunocompromised patients (Infect Dis (Lond). 2015;47:125–1299). A patient with advanced multiple myeloma was admitted with pneumonia. Plasma NGS initially suggested R. mucilaginosa, which was confirmed by cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Treatment with eravacycline led to clinical and radiographic resolution of pneumonia.
Psychological, financial, and educational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among children and adolescents with cancer and their families: a systematic review and thematic analysis
Authors: Churipuy Maureen M. , Noorani Rodrigo , Mullen Callum J. R. , El-Zein Mariam , Barr Ronald D. , Franco Eduardo L. , Malagón Talía
Published: October 2024

Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers are routinely exposed to challenges most families will likely never face, especially during health emergencies where health system resources are put under pressure. The goal of this review was to systematically collect and synthesize the existing literature that examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological, financial, and educational outcomes among children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, which usually are parents but may also include other family members such as siblings or grandparents. MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched on May 3, 2022. We included both qualitative and quantitative original research and brief reports from which we extracted population demographics, COVID-19 intervention, data collection, and outcome-related items. We then conducted a thematic analysis on the results sections of records. 50 studies of children (0–12 years) or adolescents (13–19 years) with cancer or their families were included. We identified five themes: Positive Impacts of COVID-19, Negative Psychological Experiences, Lack of Support, Mass Job Loss, and Disrupted Education. Our results demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with some positive and multiple negative psychosocial outcomes among children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Detection of hepatitis B virus genotypes in a group of hepatitis B virus-infected patients in central and northern Sri Lanka
Authors: Pattiyakumbura T. T. , Malkanthi K. G. K. , Dheerasekara W. K. H. , Manamperi A. , Muthugala M. A. R. V.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Hepatitis B infection causes a spectrum of clinical diseases varying from asymptomatic infection to severe or fulminant acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes appear to influence transmission dynamics, clinical outcomes and responses to antiviral therapy. However, hepatitis B genotyping has been poorly investigated in Sri Lanka. This study intended to determine hepatitis B genotypes in a group of HBV-infected people in central and northern Sri Lanka.

Methodology. The study was a laboratory-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Initial detection of HBV DNA in 100 EDTA blood samples was done by using a commercially validated quantitative real-time PCR kit. Hepatitis B genotyping was performed by in-house conventional semi-nested multiplex PCR using genotype-specific primers (for genotypes A–F). The serological profile was determined using a commercially validated ELISA/chemiluminescence immunoassay. The results were evaluated for genotype prevalence, viral load association and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) expression in the study population.

Results and conclusion. The study detected that genotype C (n=38) is most prevalent and infections with multiple genotypes (n=52, 52%) were commoner than mono-genotype (n=23, 23%) infections. In total, 25% of patients had no detectable genotype among genotypes A–F. The mean viral load in asymptomatic patients with a single genotype was 3.28 log10 copies ml–1 and in multiple genotypes was 4.18 log10 copies ml–1 before treatment. Statistical significance was not detected in mean viral loads and HBeAg expression in these two groups. In the future, chronic HBV infection may be effectively treated and managed according to the infected genotype.