bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cochlear Synaptopathy with Standard Clinical Equipment
Authors: Lobdell Anne , Trujillo Tevan , Jennings Skyler G.
Published: September 2024

Abstract Background Tinnitus, hyperacusis, and difficulties listening in background noise may be associated with the loss of auditory nerve fibers known as the condition of cochlear synaptopathy. Multiple research-based tests of auditory function have been developed
to identify the potential for synaptopathy in animals and humans, including assessment of the middle-ear muscle reflex (MEMR). Despite these research-based tests, there is no verified method for measuring or identifying the potential for cochlear synaptopathy using standard audiologic equipment.
Purpose The goal of this study was to determine if commonly used audiometric equipment could be configured in a way that approximated the test methods used in the research environment, making it a viable tool in the assessment of patients who present with symptoms consistent with
cochlear synaptopathy (tinnitus, hyperacusis, speech-in-noise difficulties). Methods Laboratory-based and clinically based measures of MEMR strength—as estimated from changes in probe pressure/admittance in response to contralateral noise—were compared for 20 subjects.
MEMR strength estimated from laboratory equipment increased with increasing intensity of the contralateral noise elicitor. Results and Conclusions A moderate positive correlation was found between laboratory- and clinically based measures of MEMR strength. This correlation
supports the hypothesis that commonly used clinical equipment can be employed to assess the potential for cochlear synaptopathy in patients who present with the associated symptoms.
An Innovative Surgical Technique: Dorsal SMAS Periosteal Flap for Nasal Radix Augmentation
Authors: Springford Laurie R. , Alhasan Mohamad Sami
Published: September 2024

The nasal radix holds significant importance in facial aesthetics, sometimes requiring augmentation to create balanced facial profiles. A flat nasal radix can cause inadequate projection and the appearance of a pseudo-hump. In these cases, rhinoplasty surgeons should avoid working on the pseudo-hump and focus on elevating the radix to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Here, we introduce a novel approach and “how we do” the dorsal superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) periosteal flap for nasal radix augmentation. Using an external septorhinoplasty approach, the initial dissection is performed over the nasal bones in the supra-SMAS plane. Then, an SMAS flap is designed with two lateral and one caudal incision extending to the osseocartilaginous junction and dissected subperiosteally. Next, the flap is rotated to fill the space between the nasal bones and skin, augmenting the nasal radix. Compared to traditional methods, this approach always utilizes the patient's own tissue, minimizes rejection, and ensures seamless integration, providing lasting results. It ensures structural stability and avoids the use of cartilage, eliminating the risk of resorption. The dorsal SMAS periosteal flap presents a tailored, durable solution that consistently yields excellent outcomes while overcoming the risk of instability associated with cartilage grafts.
Are we allowed to win this time: new warrior culture in action and government betrayal in the American Rifleman 1975–2023
Authors: Dawson Jessica
Published: September 2024

The emergence of New Warrior culture in the post-Vietnam era has largely been unexplored by sociology of culture. While recent research on the NRA has explored significant aspects of gun culture such as advertising, narratives, as well as ratings of gun empowerment etc., less work has investigated how the NRA facilitated changes not only in gun culture but in the “systems of social relations” between gun owners and the government but also in “systems of meaning” in how gun owners understand their guns. This paper argues that the NRA’s use of Native American warrior narratives, combined with other New Warrior narratives, maps onto Swidler’s unsettled time. Merging classic warrior narratives based in service to the nation alongside extensive use of Native American warriors, the NRA leveraged warrior narratives as a way of facilitating the transformation of warrior identity from one who defends the nation to one that is prepared to fight their government. In this way, the NRA was able to communicate antigovernment narratives without openly embracing the conspiratorial antigovernment ideals espoused by some factions of the militia movement by changing warrior cultural narratives from defending the nation to fighting against its government.
FAST Observations of Four Comets to Search for the Molecular Line Emissions between 1.0 and 1.5 GHz Frequencies
Authors: Chen Long-Fei , Tsai Chao-Wei , Li Jian-Yang , Yang Bin , Li Di , Duan Yan , Hsia Chih-Hao , Pan Zhichen , Qian Lei , Quan Donghui , Jiang Xue-Jian , Li Xiaohu , Zhao Ruining , Zuo Pei
Published: September 2024

We used the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) to search for the molecular emissions in the L-band between 1.0 and 1.5 GHz toward four comets, C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), C/2020 R4 (ATLAS), C/2021 A1 (Leonard), and 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko during or after their perihelion passages. Thousands of molecular transition lines fall in this low-frequency range, many attributed to complex organic or prebiotic molecules. We conducted a blind search for the possible molecular lines in this frequency range in those comets and could not identify clear signals of molecular emissions in the data. Although several molecules have been detected at high frequencies of greater than 100 GHz in comets, our results confirm that it is challenging to detect molecular transitions in the L-band frequency ranges. The non-detection of L-band molecular lines in the cometary environment could rule out the possibility of unusually strong lines, which could be caused by the masers or non-LTE effects. Although the line strengths are predicted to be weak, for FAST, using the ultra-wide bandwidth receiver and improving the radio frequency interference environments would enhance the detectability of those molecular transitions at low frequencies in the future.
Thinking Community Music
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

Thinking Community Music explores critical questions concerning community music practice and theory. Themes include intervention, hospitality, pedagogy, social justice, inclusion, cultural democracy, music, research, and future possibilities. Written for community musicians, music educators, applied ethnomusicologists, music therapists, music creators, and cultural policymakers, the book seeks to encourage questioning, reflection, and dialogue. Shaped as provocations and presented as eight stand-alone essays, each ‘think piece’ comprises of critical questions, concrete illustrations of practice, theoretical explorations, and reflective discussion. Flanked by a historical map and a closing statement, the book provides a springboard for conceptual interrogation about participatory music-making. Supported by the lineage of poststructural philosophy, ideas emulating from Derrida and Deleuze provide a springboard for conceptual interrogation about community music practices and the broader parameters of social-cultural music-making and music teaching and learning. As a vital part of the music ecology, community music is a distinctive field and a critical lens to view other musical practices and the various political and cultural policies that frame them.
Arrival
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

The opening chapter provides the rationale and context for the book Thinking Community Music and charts how and why the text has been written. After grounding the work in an anthropological argument as to why music is important, it provides a historical map charting community music through its initial growth and development punctuated by two key moments, 1984 and 2012/2013. Community music is described as a “field of practice,” and a visual representation of community music’s kaleidoscopic form reflects contemporary practices and the book’s overall structure. Following this, an overview of the central theoretical lineage and a brief sketch regarding the projects of Derrida and Deleuze enable an opportunity to explain why the author has engaged in their work. Finally, each chapter is summarized.
Intervention
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

Describing community music as an “active intervention” has become a common way to articulate the distinctive nature of its activities. This think piece sets out to consider the meaning of intervention and its association with community music practices and asks: Is the notion of intervention apt for a growing global field? In dialogue with cultural democracy, this chapter outlines positive and negative interpretations of the term intervention. It seeks to prompt community musicians to reflect on their cultural legacy and current practices. Exploring the term intervention provides community musicians an opportunity to recalibrate the language used, leading to an enhanced understanding of what community music does, what it can be, and what it is.
Hospitality
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

Since the book Community Music: In Theory and Practice (Higgins, 2012b), the notion of community music as an “act of hospitality” has become part of the lexicon associated with the practice. This think piece deepens this thought by asking, What makes the idea of community music as an act of hospitality important? After recapping the previous argument, hospitality is articulated as a conceptual pivot central to the human experience that can be understood as a cultural and social imperative in constructing relationships and fueling a need for belonging. By placing the host/guest relationship as central to the human experience, this chapter considers the first moments of contact between community musicians and potential music participants through ideas of the stranger, the threshold, and the place—a discussion surrounding the limits of hospitality grounds the idea within contemporary global tensions. Rethinking community through the lens of hospitality presents an opportunity to think critically about negotiating the boundaries between our dreams and our differing realities. As an act of hospitality, the notion of community presents us with the potential to say “yes,” an opportunity to be welcoming alongside a promise that is genuinely inclusive and without discrimination. As a cultural imperative of our time, hospitality is not exclusive to first encounters; it is a productive mindset that retains the notion of that original communication and can be applied to the everyday.
Inclusion and Excellence
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

When music participants work with musicians, they are typically in groups co-constructing the types of music to be created and identifying specific tasks and goals, emphasizing learning within the participants’ life context. With musicians working alongside people to actively identify their learning needs, the concept of inclusion has been at the heart of this approach. Responding to the question, How might notions of inclusion and excellence exist as a balanced pairing, this think piece draws upon a collaborative research project with music educator Jennie Henley. Examples of inclusion and excellence are illustrated through two examples of practice, and through a discussion, the author explores whether excellence is better articulated as a process and inclusion better expressed as an outcome of this process. Following this, the flight line amplifies the ideas before encouraging some reflective thought, noting that those working in the field might find a greater nuance in their language and their doing.
Becoming
Authors: Higgins Lee
Published: September 2024

In this think piece, the author asks, How might community music become? This provocation encourages those involved in community music practice to reflect upon its status, both within its own terms of reference and within the broader parameters of music making, teaching, and learning. The question is open and exploratory, containing a “might” rather than an “ought” or a “should,” and thus points toward opportunities to explore its challenge either as an individual practitioner or collaboratively as a group, as an ensemble, at a conference, at a symposium, or as part of an academic course. It is a chance to wonder or imagine community music’s future regarding impact, policy, pedagogy, musicking, and research. In part, it is an extension of questions regarding definition. Moving in, through, and between Deleuzian concepts, the chapter explores the idea that community music is a multiplicity, an assemblage that seeks relational connections and an endless potential configuration.
Present Bias and Debt-Financed Durable Goods
Authors: Bar-Gill Oren , Hayashi Andrew T
Published: September 2024

It has become common to view credit as problematic for present-biased consumers, who are tempted to incur too much debt because of its deferred costs. But while this view is generally valid when debt is used to finance current consumption, the picture becomes much more nuanced when credit is used to fund the purchase of durable goods—such as houses, cars, and education—which is the most common use of consumer credit. When bundled with the purchase of a durable good, the deferred cost feature of credit can be a feature, not a bug. The reason is that durable goods provide deferred benefits that are also undervalued by present-biased consumers. Moreover, people often need to save in advance to finance the purchase of a durable good, and present-bias makes it difficult to save. As a result, people with present bias tend to underconsume durable goods. We show that the deferred costs of purchase debt can offset these barriers to buying durable goods and make the present-biased consumer better off both by tempting her to buy something that she should—but would not otherwise—buy and by making it easier to save up for the purchase. (JEL D90, K0, G51)
BANMF-S: a blockwise accelerated non-negative matrix factorization framework with structural network constraints for single cell imputation
Authors: Zhao Jiaying , Ching Wai-Ki , Wong Chi-Wing , Cheng Xiaoqing
Published: September 2024

Motivation

Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technique enables the transcriptome profiling of hundreds to ten thousands of cells at the unprecedented individual level and provides new insights to study cell heterogeneity. However, its advantages are hampered by dropout events. To address this problem, we propose a Blockwise Accelerated Non-negative Matrix Factorization framework with Structural network constraints (BANMF-S) to impute those technical zeros.

Results

BANMF-S constructs a gene-gene similarity network to integrate prior information from the external PPI network by the Triadic Closure Principle and a cell-cell similarity network to capture the neighborhood structure and temporal information through a Minimum-Spanning Tree. By collaboratively employing these two networks as regularizations, BANMF-S encourages the coherence of similar gene and cell pairs in the latent space, enhancing the potential to recover the underlying features. Besides, BANMF-S adopts a blocklization strategy to solve the traditional NMF problem through distributed Stochastic Gradient Descent method in a parallel way to accelerate the optimization. Numerical experiments on simulations and real datasets verify that BANMF-S can improve the accuracy of downstream clustering and pseudo-trajectory inference, and its performance is superior to seven state-of-the-art algorithms.

Availability

All data used in this work are downloaded from publicly available data sources, and their corresponding accession numbers or source URLs are provided in Supplementary File Section 5.1 Dataset Information. The source codes are publicly available in Github repository https://github.com/jiayingzhao/BANMF-S.
RCPedia: a global resource for studying and exploring retrocopies in diverse species
Authors: Conceição Helena B , Mercuri Rafael L V , de Castro Matheus P M , Ohara Daniel T , Guardia Gabriela D A , Galante Pedro A F
Published: September 2024

Motivation

Gene retrocopies arise from the reverse transcription and genomic insertion of processed mRNA transcripts. These elements have significantly contributed to genetic diversity and novelties throughout the evolution of many species. However, the study of retrocopies has been challenging, owing to the absence of comprehensive, complete, and user-friendly databases for diverse species.

Results

Here, we introduce an improved version of RCPedia, an integrative database meticulously designed for the study of retrocopies. RCPedia offers an extensive catalog of retrocopies identified across 44 species, which includes 13 primates, 4 rodents, 6 chiropterans, 12 other mammals, 4 birds, turtles, lizards, frogs, zebrafish, and Drosophila. The database offers the most complete compilation of retrocopies per species, accompanied by detailed genomic annotations, expression data, and links to other data portals. Furthermore, RCPedia features a streamlined representation of data and an efficient querying system, establishing it as an invaluable tool for researchers in the fields of genomics, evolutionary biology, and transposable elements (TEs). In summary, RCPedia aims to enhance the investigation of retrocopies and their pivotal roles in shaping the genomic landscapes of diverse species.

Availability and implementation

RCPedia is available at https://www.rcpediadb.org.
SAAMBE-MEM: a sequence-based method for predicting binding free energy change upon mutation in membrane protein–protein complexes
Authors: Rimal Prawin , Panday Shailesh Kumar , Xu Wang , Peng Yunhui , Alexov Emil
Published: September 2024

Motivation

Mutations in protein–protein interactions can affect the corresponding complexes, impacting function and potentially leading to disease. Given the abundance of membrane proteins, it is crucial to assess the impact of mutations on the binding affinity of these proteins. Although several methods exist to predict the binding free energy change due to mutations in protein–protein complexes, most require structural information of the protein complex and are primarily trained on the SKEMPI database, which is composed mainly of soluble proteins.

Results

A novel sequence-based method (SAAMBE-MEM) for predicting binding free energy changes (ΔΔG) in membrane protein–protein complexes due to mutations has been developed. This method utilized the MPAD database, which contains binding affinities for wild-type and mutant membrane protein complexes. A machine learning model was developed to predict ΔΔG by leveraging features such as amino acid indices and position-specific scoring matrices (PSSM). Through extensive dataset curation and feature extraction, SAAMBE-MEM was trained and validated using the XGBoost regression algorithm. The optimal feature set, including PSSM-related features, achieved a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.64, outperforming existing methods trained on the SKEMPI database. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that SAAMBE-MEM performs much better when utilizing evolution-based features in contrast to physicochemical features.

Availability and implementation

The method is accessible via a web server and standalone code at http://compbio.clemson.edu/SAAMBE-MEM/. The cleaned MPAD database is available at the website.
Scywalker: scalable end-to-end data analysis workflow for long-read single-cell transcriptome sequencing
Authors: De Rijk Peter , Watzeels Tijs , Küçükali Fahri , Van Dongen Jasper , Faura Júlia , Willems Patrick , De Deyn Lara , Duchateau Lena , Grones Carolin , Eekhout Thomas , De Pooter Tim , Joris Geert , Rombauts Stephane , De Rybel Bert , Rademakers Rosa , Van Breusegem Frank , Strazisar Mojca , Sleegers Kristel , De Coster Wouter
Published: September 2024

Motivation

Existing nanopore single-cell data analysis tools showed severe limitations in handling current data sizes.

Results

We introduce scywalker, an innovative and scalable package developed to comprehensively analyze long-read sequencing data of full-length single-cell or single-nuclei cDNA. We developed novel scalable methods for cell barcode demultiplexing and single-cell isoform calling and quantification and incorporated these in an easily deployable package. Scywalker streamlines the entire analysis process, from sequenced fragments in FASTQ format to demultiplexed pseudobulk isoform counts, into a single command suitable for execution on either server or cluster. Scywalker includes data quality control, cell type identification, and an interactive report. Assessment of datasets from the human brain, Arabidopsis leaves, and previously benchmarked data from mixed cell lines demonstrate excellent correlation with short-read analyses at both the cell-barcoding and gene quantification levels. At the isoform level, we show that scywalker facilitates the direct identification of cell-type-specific expression of novel isoforms.

Availability and implementation

Scywalker is available on github.com/derijkp/scywalker under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and at https://zenodo.org/records/13359438/files/scywalker-0.108.0-Linux-x86_64.tar.gz.
Randomized clinical trial on accelerated preoperative hyperfractionated radiotherapy versus preoperative hyperfractionated radio-chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Idasiak Adam , Ziółkowska Barbara , Rajczykowski Marcin , Galwas Katarzyna , Dębosz-Suwińska Iwona , Zeman Marcin , Mrochem-Kwarciak Jolanta , Suwiński Rafał
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare pathological response rates after preoperative hyperfractionated radiotherapy with co-administration of chemotherapy based on 5FU (HART-CT) versus preoperative hyperfractionated radiotherapy (HART) in patients with resectable rectal cancer.

Methods

Patients with T2/N+ or T3/any N rectal cancer were randomized either to HART twice a day (28 fractions of 1.5 Gy) to total dose 42 Gy or to HART-CT. Tumour regression grade was postoperatively assessed according to the 4-point scale as recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), toxicity of preoperative treatment, locoregional, and distant failure rates. There were 187 patients eligible for analysis: 95 in HART and 92 in the HART-CT. Median follow-up was 5.6 years.

Results

The analysis demonstrated a significantly higher chance of achieving pathologic complete response in HART-CT arm: complete response was achieved in 4/95, 4% (HART) and 11/92, 12% (HART-CT) (P = .045). The differences in OS and DFS, while tending to favour HART-CT, were not significant: OS (P = .13, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.63-1.06) and DFS (P = .32; HR = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.69-1.13). The locoregional failure and distant metastases rates did not statistically differ between the trial arms. The rate of late complications was similar (P = .51), grade 3+ being 8% versus 11% in the HART/HART-CT group, respectively.

Conclusions

The hyperfractionated preoperative radiotherapy with concurrent 5-Fu-based chemotherapy (HART-CT) improved pathological response rate compared to HART. This translated into favourable OS and DFS in HART-CT, but the differences did not reach the threshold for significance.

Advances in knowledge

A new hyperfractionated chemo-RT scheme is proposed. Histopathological major response (TRG 0-1) is associated with better clinical outcome.
Changes in electrophysiological aperiodic activity during cognitive control in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Monchy Noémie , Modolo Julien , Houvenaghel Jean-François , Voytek Bradley , Duprez Joan
Published: September 2024

Cognitive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are common and can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need to identify a signature derived from behavioural and/or neuroimaging indicators that could predict which patients are at increased risk for early and rapid cognitive decline. Recently, converging evidence identified that aperiodic activity of the EEG reflects meaningful physiological information associated with age, development, cognitive and perceptual states or pathologies. In this study, we aimed to investigate aperiodic activity in Parkinson’s disease during cognitive control and characterize its possible association with behaviour. Here, we recorded high-density EEG in 30 healthy controls and 30 Parkinson’s disease patients during a Simon task. We analysed task-related behavioural data in the context of the activation–suppression model and extracted aperiodic parameters (offset, exponent) at both scalp and source levels. Our results showed lower behavioural performances in cognitive control as well as higher offsets in patients in the parieto-occipital areas, suggesting increased excitability in Parkinson’s disease. A small congruence effect on aperiodic parameters in pre- and post-central brain areas was also found, possibly associated with task execution. Significant differences in aperiodic parameters between the resting-state, pre- and post-stimulus phases were seen across the whole brain, which confirmed that the observed changes in aperiodic activity are linked to task execution. No correlation was found between aperiodic activity and behaviour or clinical features. Our findings provide evidence that EEG aperiodic activity in Parkinson’s disease is characterized by greater offsets, and that aperiodic parameters differ depending on arousal state. However, our results do not support the hypothesis that the behaviour-related differences observed in Parkinson’s disease are related to aperiodic changes. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering aperiodic activity contributions in brain disorders and further investigating the relationship between aperiodic activity and behaviour.
Successful treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria using tralokinumab: a case report
Authors: Zhu Catherine , Fein Michael , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Iannattone Lisa , Netchiporouk Elena
Published: September 2024

We report the case of a patient with omalizumab-resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who exhibited a complete response to tralokinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-13. This case further reinforces the role of type 2 inflammation pathway in the pathogenesis and treatment of CSU.
Vaccine Development Should Be Polytheistic, Not Monotheistic
Authors: Plotkin Stanley A , Robinson James M , Fitchett Joseph R A , Gershburg Edward
Published: September 2024

Vaccines based on messenger RNA technology have been tremendously successful, but their properties are not necessarily ideal for all pathogens. There is a risk that concentration on that technology alone for new vaccine development will ignore older technologies that have properties giving broader and more persistent protection.
Hydroxychloroquine as an add-on therapy for the induction therapy of MPO-AAV: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Gong Yizi , Meng Ting , Lin Wei , Hu Xueling , Tang Rong , Xiong Qi , Ooi Joshua D , Eggenhuizen Peter J , Chen Jinbiao , Zhou Ya-Ou , Luo Hui , Xu Jia , Liu Ning , Xiao Ping , Xiao Xiangcheng , Zhong Yong
Published: September 2024

Background

The remission rate of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients who received standard induction therapy is far from satisfactory. Improving the remission rate of MPO-AAV patients is essential. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), one of the classic antimalarial drugs, has been widely used in various autoimmune rheumatic diseases. This retrospective observational cohort study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HCQ during induction treatment for MPO-AAV.

Methods

The medical records of patients diagnosed with MPO-AAV at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2021 to September 2023 were collected. They were assigned to the HCQ group or control group according to whether they used HCQ. The patients included were screened by propensity score matching. To evaluate whether MPO-AAV patients benefited from HCQ, we compared the prognosis of the two groups. The adverse effects of HCQ during follow-up were recorded.

Results

The composition ratio of complete remission, response and treatment resistance between HCQ group and control group were different statistically (P = .021). There was no significant difference between the two groups in 1-year renal survival (P = .789). The HCQ group had better 1-year patient survival than the control group (P = .049). No serious adverse effects were documented in the HCQ group.

Conclusions

HCQ together with standard induction treatment may improve the remission rate of MPO-AAV patients, and HCQ had good safety in our study.
Circulating dimethylguanidino valeric acid, dietary factors, and risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Heianza Yoriko , Wang Xuan , Kou Minghao , Tiwari Saumya , Watrous Jeramie D , Rexrode Kathryn M , Alotaibi Mona , Jain Mohit , Sun Qi , Manson JoAnn E , Qi Lu
Published: September 2024

Aims

Circulating dimethylguanidino valeric acid (DMGV) was identified as a novel metabolite related to cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Circulating DMGV levels are subjective to dietary modulation; however, studies on its associations with intakes of coronary heart disease (CHD)–related foods/nutrients are limited. We investigated whether plasma DMGV was related to risk of incident CHD. We tested associations of DMGV with CHD-related dietary intakes measured by 7-day dietary records and estimated corresponding disease risk.

Methods and results

This nested case–control study on the incidence of CHD included 1520 women (760 incident cases of fatal CHD and nonfatal myocardial infarction and 760 controls) from the Nurses’ Health Study. Separately, plasma DMGV and CHD-related dietary intakes and cardiometabolic abnormalities were assessed in the Women’s Lifestyle Validation Study (WLVS; n = 724). Higher plasma DMGV was related to a greater risk of CHD [relative risk (RR) per 1 SD, 1.26 (95% CI 1.13, 1.40); P-for-linearity = 0.006]. Greater intakes of sodium, energy-dense foods, and processed/red meat were related to higher DMGV levels; every 1 SD intake of sodium was associated with β 0.13 (SE 0.05; P = 0.007) for DMGV Z-scores, which corresponded to a RR of 1.031 (1.016, 1.046) for CHD. High DMGV (the top quartile, Q4) showed a significant RR of 1.60 (1.17, 2.18) after adjusting for diet and lifestyle factors; the RR further adjusting for obesity and hypertension was 1.29 (0.93, 1.79) as compared with the lowest quartile. In both cohorts, greater adiposity and adverse cardiometabolic factor status were significantly related to higher DMGV levels.

Conclusion

Higher levels of plasma DMGV, a metabolite reflecting unfavourable CHD-related dietary intakes, were associated with an increased risk of CHD. The unfavourable association was attenuated by cardiometabolic risk factor status. Our study underscores the potential importance of plasma DMGV as an early biomarker associated with diet and the long-term risk of CHD among women.
Structural characteristics of the epidermis in marine and freshwater finless porpoises adapted to distinct osmotic environments
Authors: Zhou Haojie , Zhang Changqun , Tang Bin , Zhang Haobo , Zheng Jinsong , Wang Kexiong , He Dekui , Hao Yujiang
Published: September 2024

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis, Pilleri & Gihr, 1972; YFP) is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes. As the primary line of defense in maintaining physiological equilibrium, the epidermis of the porpoise is expected to have undergone structural adaptations due to the shift from the marine to the freshwater environment. This study compared the microstructural and ultrastructural features of the epidermis of YFP and its marine counterpart, the East Asian finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri, Pilleri & Gihr, 1975; EAFP). Microscopic structural observations and statistical analyses of the epidermal thickness demonstrated no significant differences in the cell structure or distribution between the two porpoise species. However, the epidermis of the YFP contained more abundant stratum basale cells. The outermost lipid stratum corneum exhibited a thinner cell layer with wider neutral lipid droplets to resist the passive entry of water molecules in the hypotonic environment. In contrast, for the EAFP, a more uniformly arranged stratum basale in the epidermis led to denser keratin fibers and robust desmosomes within each epidermal layer at the ultrastructural level. This tight arrangement of cells can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in an environment with higher osmotic pressure. In conclusion, the 2 finless porpoise species appear to employ different epidermal mechanisms to adapt to their distinct osmotic environments. The YFP appears to possess a “lipid waterproofing” epidermal structure, while the EAFP possesses a “thick and compact water-retaining” epidermal structure to cope with potential water loss.
Difference in cardiac response after transcatheter aortic valve implantation according to flow and gradient pattern
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroaki , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shishido Koki , Moriyama Noriaki , Ochiai Tomoki , Miyashita Hirokazu , Sugiyama Yoichi , Yashima Fumiaki , Ohno Yohei , Nishina Hidetaka , Izumo Masaki , Asami Masahiko , Naganuma Toru , Mizutani Kazuki , Yamawaki Masahiro , Tada Norio , Shirai Shinichi , Noguchi Masahiko , Ueno Hiroshi , Takagi Kensuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Saito Shigeru , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: September 2024

Aims

In patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis (AS), data on the differences in subsequent cardiac structure and function among stratified groups with flow gradient patterns through the aortic valve are insufficient.

Methods and results

In this large multicenter study, 4523 patients undergoing TAVI for severe AS between 2013 and 2019 were divided into three groups according to the following criteria: (i) high-gradient AS (HG-AS) [mean pressure gradient (MPG) ≥ 40 mmHg], (ii) classical low-flow low-gradient AS (cLFLG-AS) [MPG < 40 mmHg, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%], and (iii) paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS (pLFLG-AS) [MPG < 40 mmHg, LVEF ≥ 50% but stroke volume index (SVi) <35 mL/m2]. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, post-procedure, and 1 year post-TAVI. 3697, 507, and 319 patients had HG-AS, cLFLG-AS, and pLFLG-AS, respectively. After adjusting for clinical factors, cLFLG-AS and pLFLG-AS had an ∼1.5-fold higher 2-year all-cause mortality compared with HG-AS. During 1 year following TAVI, compared with HG-AS, cLFLG-AS showed greater reduction of LV systolic diameter (LVDs) and LV diastolic diameter (LVDd) and greater increase of LVEF (P < 0.001 for all), and changes in LV mass index (LVMi) and SVi were comparable (P = 0.915 and P = 0.821, respectively). However, pLFLG-AS demonstrated less reduction of LVDs and LVDd (P = 0.039 and P = 0.001, respectively), less improvement of LVEF and LVMi (P = 0.045 and P < 0.001, respectively), and comparable change in SVi (P = 0.364).

Conclusion

During 1 year post-TAVI, compared with HG-AS, cLFLG-AS achieves smaller LV diameters, greater increase in LVEF, and comparable regression of LVMi, whereas pLFLG-AS does not.
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with refractory cardiogenic shock due to coronary spasm: a case report
Authors: Renziehausen Stephan , Stöbe Stephan , Spies Christian , Metze Michael
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is primarily due to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Nevertheless, in 1–14% of cases, ACS is present without evidence of obstructive CAD. Coronary artery spasm is an uncommon cause of ACS. Diagnostic work-up includes acute invasive coronary angiography and afterwards provocation testing. The optimal patient management is for patients presenting with cardiogenic shock due to ACS caused by coronary artery spasm is unclear.

Case summary

A 67-year-old Caucasian, who underwent elective revision of hip arthroplasty, presented with ST elevations with circulatory collapse, leading to resuscitation due to anaesthesia induction. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation led to restoration of spontaneous circulation. Coronary angiography revealed coronary vasospasm, which was successfully treated with nitrates i.c. Later, despite of implanted ECMO, recurring haemodynamic deterioration required continuous administration of nitrates i.v., which finally resulted in the stabilization of circulatory system. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation removal was possible 48 h after implantation and another 12 h later we extubated the patient. Furthermore, we administered calcium antagonists and an intra-cardiac defibrillator was implanted. Finally, the patient was discharged 12 days after admission with no physical or neurological restrictions after resuscitation.

Discussion

This unique case highlights that rare causes of severe ACS with cardiogenic shock need to be considered. Administration of vasodilators, which are not part of the standard care in cardiogenic shock, represents the adequate treatment of a patient with spasm of coronary arteries. Furthermore, the recurrence of acute coronary events must be prevented by drug and device therapy in these patients.
The Liberty of Whitby Strand: The Origins and Significance of a Jurisdictional Immunity
Authors: Pickles Thomas
Published: September 2024

The medieval abbey at Whitby, North Yorkshire, controlled a jurisdictional immunity from royal administration, which was territorial and was known as the Liberty of Whitby Strand. Since Frederick William Maitland, historians have analysed such jurisdictional immunities as an index of royal authority and power. However, the surviving documentation for jurisdictional immunities means that it is often difficult to establish precisely when they were created or what franchises they included. Whitby Abbey claimed that the Liberty of Whitby Strand originated in a grant of King William I and this was accepted by the Victoria County History at the beginning of the twentieth century. Since then, the Liberty has been almost completely ignored. This article revisits the evidence, suggesting that it is possible to pinpoint its origins with rare precision. It argues that the Whitby monks forged a series of charters to persuade King Richard I and King John to transform a narrower portfolio of franchises into the wider territorial Liberty. This article further considers the politics surrounding its creation under Richard and John, and its implications for our understanding of royal authority and power.
School absence policy and healthcare use: a difference-in-difference cohort analysis
Authors: Wahlberg Kirsti , Pape Kristine , Austad Bjarne , Asheim Andreas , Anthun Kjartan S , Bjørngaard Johan H , Vie Gunnhild Å
Published: September 2024

Background

A national policy in Norway demanding certificates for medical absences in upper secondary school was implemented in 2016, leading to an increase in general practitioner (GP) visits in this age group.

Objectives

To assess the policy’s effect on the use of primary and specialist healthcare.

Methods

A cohort study following all Norwegian youth aged 14–21 in the years 2010–2019 using a difference-in-differences approach comparing exposed cohorts expected to attend upper secondary school after the policy change in 2016 with previous unexposed cohorts. Data were collected from national registries.

Results

The absence policy led to the increased number of contacts with GPs for exposed cohorts during all exposed years, with estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) in the range from 1.14 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.11–1.18) to 1.25 (95% CI 1.21–1.30). Consultations for respiratory tract infections increased during exposed years. However, there was no conclusive policy-related difference in mental health consultations with GPs. In specialist healthcare we did not find conclusive evidence of an effect of absence policy on the risk of any contact per school year, but there was a slightly increased risk of contacts with ear–nose–throat specialist services.

Conclusions

We found an increase in general practice contacts attributable to the school absence policy. Apart from a possible increase in ear–nose–throat contacts, increased GP attention did not increase specialized healthcare.
Selective Postplanting Forb Control Increased Growth of Douglas-Fir but Not Western Larch Seedlings in Idaho
Authors: Nelson Andrew S , Mullane Joshua A
Published: September 2024

Weeding (commonly referred to as release) is a common practice in major timber-producing regions of the United States, yet the effects have not been well examined in recently established plantations in northern Idaho. This study tested the effects of selective postplanting forb control with clopyralid herbicide applied 1 year after planting on the growth and survival of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) and western larch (Larix occidentalis) for 5 years across a site productivity gradient in northern Idaho. Forb cover was reduced in Douglas-fir plots but not western larch plots. The result was an increase in diameter, height, and stem volume of Douglas-fir seedlings 5 years after treatment at low and high productivity sites, but no effect on western larch. Survival of both species was unaffected by the treatment and remained high, likely because of the generally high productivity of all sites. Results suggest that postplanting forb control with clopyralid may be best suited to Douglas-fir plantations in the region. The early gains in size are likely to persist into the future given the divergent growth trajectories observed, potentially shortening rotations and increasing final stand volume production.

Study Implications: Clopyralid is an effective tool for selectively controlling forbs after planting in recently established plantations in northern Idaho. The response was species-specific. Results showed Douglas-fir had positive gains in size 5 years after treatment, whereas western larch growth was unaffected. Results can help guide operational decisions regarding whether and in which situations clopyralid may be applied to accelerate stand growth by reducing postplanting competition.
Low potential of fish as a source of infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Anettová Lucia , Kačmaříková Jana , Šipková Anna , Velič Vivienne , Cavallo Lia , Dyková Iva , Izquierdo-Rodriguez Elena , Morgan Eric R , Modrý David
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Fish are hypothesized to act as paratenic hosts for the zoonotic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes human eosinophilic meningitis. There is a lack of data confirming the relevance of fish in A. cantonensis life cycle and their contribution to human infection.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a series of experiments to investigate the survival and infectivity of A. cantonensis larvae in Clarias gariepinus (catfish; n=30) and Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia; n=24). Each fish was inoculated with 10 000 third-stage larvae (L3). Larval survival was assessed through artificial digestion of fish tissues 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks post-infection. To investigate the early stages of infection, four catfish were inoculated with 10 000 L3 each and sacrificed 3 d post-infection. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis and histopathological examination were performed to evaluate larval distribution and tissue reactions. Two infected catfish, sacrificed 1 week post-infection, were used to feed Wistar rats.

Results

After 45 d, the rats did not shed first-stage larvae (L1), indicating the absence of infection. One week post-infection, dead larvae were present in the digested tissues of both fish species, and the same was observed 2 weeks and 3 weeks after exposure. qPCR analysis revealed that the intestine was the most heavily infected organ. Histopathological examination identified dead larvae within granulomas in both the intestines and liver. Early-stage infection experiment showed that fish sacrificed 3 d post-inoculation contained viable L3, which was infective to Wistar rats.

Conclusions

While A. cantonensis L3 can survive and remain infective in fish for a short period, they typically die within first few days post-infection. This suggests that fish may not be significant long-term paratenic hosts for A. cantonensis but may play a temporary role in its transmission to mammals (including humans) and birds. These results are consistent with previous studies on freshwater shrimps and highlight the importance of understanding aquatic host interactions in the epidemiology of this zoonotic foodborne pathogen.
The N terminus-only (trans) function of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin-1 controls multiple processes in reproduction of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Matúš Daniel , Post Willem Berend , Groß Victoria Elisabeth , Knierim Alexander Bernd , Kuhn Christina Katharina , Fiedler Franziska , Tietgen Darian Benno , Schön Johanna Lena , Schöneberg Torsten , Prömel Simone
Published: September 2024

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors are unique molecules. They are able to transmit classical signals via G protein activation as well as mediate functions solely through their extracellular N termini, completely independently of the seven transmembrane helices domain and the C terminus. This dual mode of action is highly unusual for G protein-coupled receptors and allows for a plethora of possible cellular consequences. However, the physiological implications and molecular details of this N terminus-mediated signaling are poorly understood. Here, we show that several distinct seven transmembrane helices domain-independent/trans functions of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor latrophilin homolog latrophilin-1 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans together regulate reproduction: sperm guidance, ovulation, and germ cell apoptosis. In these contexts, the receptor elicits its functions in a noncell autonomous manner. The functions might be realized through alternative splicing of the receptor specifically generating N terminus-only variants. Thus, our findings shed light on the versatility of seven transmembrane helices domain-independent/N terminus-only/trans functions of adhesion G protein-coupled receptor and discuss possible molecular details.