bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors of blowout within 90 days after a primary Hartmann’s procedure: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Secher Josefine , Balachandran Rogini , Iversen Lene Hjerrild
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The literature reports a varying occurrence (3–33%) of blowout of the rectal remnant after Hartmann’s procedure, and there is a lack of multivariate analyses on potential risk factors for blowout following Hartmann’s procedure. We aimed to estimate the incidence of blowout within 90 days after a primary Hartmann’s procedure and to identify potential risk factors for blowout through multivariate analysis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, a Danish primary and tertiary hospital. Patients who underwent primary surgery with Hartmann’s procedure irrespective of surgical setting and indications between September 2016 and August 2021 were included. Blowout was defined as a defective closure line of the rectal stump or a pelvic abscess.

Results

A total of 178 patients were included, and blowout occurred in 30 patients (16.9%) within 90 days after a primary Hartmann’s procedure. Multivariate analysis showed increased risk of blowout among patients with Hinchey IV diverticulitis (relative risk 6.32 (95% CI 4.09–9.75)), previous radiotherapy (relative risk 3.35 (95% CI 1.67–6.74)), and alcohol overconsumption (relative risk 1.69 (95% CI 1.05–2.72)). Intraoperative insertion of a Foley catheter in the rectal remnant significantly reduced the risk of blowout within 90 days after a primary Hartmann’s procedure (relative risk 0.18 (95% CI 0.05–0.65)).

Conclusion

Blowout remains a severe and common complication within 90 days after a primary Hartmann’s procedure. Hinchey IV diverticulitis, pelvic radiotherapy, and alcohol overconsumption are risk factors. An intraoperatively inserted rectal Foley catheter is a protective factor and can be considered used in all patients undergoing Hartmann’s procedure.
On Some Non-Rigid Unit Distance Patterns
Authors: Frankl Nóra , Woodruff Dora
Published: July 2023

A recent generalization of the Erdős Unit Distance Problem, proposed by Palsson, Senger, and Sheffer, asks for the maximum number of unit distance paths with a given number of vertices in the plane and in 3-space. Studying a variant of this question, we prove sharp bounds on the number of unit distance paths and cycles on the sphere of radius $$1/{\sqrt{2}}$$

1
/

2

. We also consider a similar problem about 3-regular unit distance graphs in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

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3

.
Age-, gender- and body site-specific reference values of thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing in the Italian population using the Q-sense device
Authors: Cosentino Giuseppe , Antoniazzi Elisa , Bonomi Laura , Cavigioli Camilla , D’Agostino Mariateresa , Todisco Massimiliano , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: July 2023

Background

Age-, gender- and body site-specific values of thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) measures have not yet been reported using the novel and cheap device ‘Q-sense’. Here, we aimed to assess normative values of Q-sense-derived parameters in a representative Italian population.

Methods

QST parameters were measured in 84 healthy participants (42 males; aged 20–76 years) equally distributed into three age groups (18–39, 40–59 and 60–80 years). We explored the Warm and the Cold Detection Thresholds (WDT and CDT, respectively) with the method of limits (MLI) and the method of levels (MLE), and the Heat Pain Threshold (HPT) with the MLI. We tested the trigeminal supraorbital region, the hand thenar, and the foot dorsum on the right body side.

Results

We calculated non-parametric reference limits (2.5–97.5th) according to age, gender and tested site. All QST measures were affected by age, gender and tested site. In the extra-trigeminal body sites, females showed lower WDT and higher CDT, while males had higher HPT. Worse sensory discriminative abilities and increased HPT values were found in people aged over 40 on the foot. Age-related differences were more evident with the reaction time–dependent MLI vs. MLE paradigm.

Conclusions

Demographic characteristics must be considered when QST is used in the clinical setting. The definition of reference limits for sensory testing with the Q-sense herein provided can pave the way towards a more widespread use of thermal QST for diagnosing small fiber neuropathy and for identifying patients’ profiles in different chronic pain syndromes.
Predictors of dopamine dysregulation syndrome in patients with early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liang Keke , Li Xiaohuan , Ma Jianjun , Yang Hongqi , Shi Xiaoxue , Fan Yongyan , Yang Dawei , Guo Dashuai , Liu Chuanze , Dong Linrui , Chang Qingqing , GU Qi , Chen Siyuan , Li Dongsheng
Published: July 2023

Background

Dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) is a complication of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that seriously affects the quality of life of PD patients. Currently, the risk factors for DDS are poorly known, and it is critical to identify them in the early stages of PD.

Objective

To explore the incidence of and risk factors for DDS in patients with early PD.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on the general data, clinical features, and imaging data of patients with early PD in the PPMI database. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for the development of DDS in patients with early PD, and Kaplan‒Meier curves examined the frequency and predictors of incident DDS symptoms.

Results

At baseline, 2.2% (n = 6) of patients with early PD developed DDS, and the cumulative incidence rates of DDS during the 5-year follow-up period were 2.8%, 6.4%, 10.8%, 15.5%, and 18.7%, respectively. In the multivariate Cox regression model controlling for age, sex, and drug use, hypersexuality (HR = 3.088; 95% CI: 1.416~6.732; P = 0.005), compulsive eating (HR = 3.299; 95% CI: 1.665~6.534; P = 0.001), compulsive shopping (HR = 3.899; 95% CI: 1.769~8.593; P = 0.001), anxiety (HR = 4.018; 95% CI: 2.136~7.599; P < 0.01), and lower Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) stage (HR = 0.278; 95% CI: 0.152~0.509; P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for DDS in patients with early PD. PD patients with DDS had lower DAT uptake values than those patients without DDS.

Conclusion

Early PD patients with hypersexuality, compulsive eating, compulsive shopping, anxiety, and lower H-Y stage were at increased risk for DDS. The occurrence of DDS may be related to the decrease in the average DAT uptake of the caudate and putamen.
Graph isomorphism: physical resources, optimization models, and algebraic characterizations
Authors: Mančinska Laura , Roberson David E. , Varvitsiotis Antonios
Published: July 2023

In the (G, H)-isomorphism game, a verifier interacts with two non-communicating players (called provers), by privately sending each of them a random vertex from either G or H. The goal of the players is to convince the verifier that the graphs G and H are isomorphic. In recent work along with Atserias et al. (J Comb Theory Ser B 136:89–328, 2019) we showed that a verifier can be convinced that two non-isomorphic graphs are isomorphic, if the provers are allowed to share quantum resources. In this paper we model classical and quantum graph isomorphism by linear constraints over certain complicated convex cones, which we then relax to a pair of tractable convex models (semidefinite programs). Our main result is a complete algebraic characterization of the corresponding equivalence relations on graphs in terms of appropriate matrix algebras. Our techniques are an interesting mix of algebra, combinatorics, optimization, and quantum information.
The Visual Language Research Corpus (VLRC): an annotated corpus of comics from Asia, Europe, and the United States
Authors: Cohn Neil , Cardoso Bruno , Klomberg Bien , Hacımusaoğlu Irmak
Published: July 2023

The Visual Language Research Corpus (VLRC) is a dataset of annotations of 376 stories from comics from the United States, northwestern Europe, and East Asia, along with analysis of the complete 10 year run of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Comics were annotated using 254 constructs from Visual Language Theory, a framework focusing on the linguistic and cognitive structures involved in visual and multimodal information. These annotations include analysis of panel’s attentional framing structure and filmic shot scale, the situational changes across panels, page layouts, multimodality, visual morphology, and path structure.
Gestational Breast Cancer – a Review of Outcomes, Pathophysiology, and Model Systems
Authors: Callaway Mackenzie K. , dos Santos Camila O.
Published: July 2023

The onset of pregnancy marks the start of offspring development, and represents the key physiological event that induces re-organization and specialization of breast tissue. Such drastic tissue remodeling has also been linked to epithelial cell transformation and the establishment of breast cancer (BC). While patient outcomes for BC overall continue to improve across subtypes, prognosis remains dismal for patients with gestational breast cancer (GBC) and post-partum breast cancer (PPBC), as pregnancy and lactation pose additional complications and barriers to several gold standard clinical approaches. Moreover, delayed diagnosis and treatment, coupled with the aggressive time-scale in which GBC metastasizes, inevitably contributes to the higher incidence of disease recurrence and patient mortality. Therefore, there is an urgent and evident need to better understand the factors contributing to the establishment and spreading of BC during pregnancy. In this review, we provide a literature-based overview of the diagnostics and treatments available to patients with BC more broadly, and highlight the treatment deficit patients face due to gestational status. Further, we review the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving GBC, and discuss recent advances in model systems that may support the identification of targetable approaches to block BC development and dissemination during pregnancy. Our goal is to provide an updated perspective on GBC, and to inform critical areas needing further exploration to improve disease outcome.
Critical analysis of thermal conductivity enhancement of alumina–water nanofluids
Authors: Iqbal M. , Kouloulias K. , Sergis A. , Hardalupas Y.
Published: July 2023

Nanofluids are colloidal suspensions constituted of nanoparticles and typical heat transfer fluids which have shown potential in yielding enhanced heat transport for many applications. Significant attention has been paid to their thermal conductivity enhancement which has been alleged, in some cases, to exceed theoretical limits classifying the enhancement as “anomalous”. The present study aims to quantitatively investigate the nature of the enhancements reported in the literature and classify their alignment with theoretical predictions. To do so, a rigorous and objective mathematical analysis method has been employed. The novelty and value of the present work lies in the deeper characterisation and understanding of the anomalous observations reported. The present analytical study focuses on (spherical) Al2O3–water nanofluids. It was discovered that studies involving low nanoparticle concentrations ($$\phi $$ϕ≤ 0.2 vol%) and the use of electrostatic stabilisation (through pH control) as opposed to steric stabilisation (using surfactants) as suspension stability control methods are likely to report anomalous effects. An exceptional case was observed ford < 15 nm, where to achieve anomalous enhancement, surfactants and pH controllers should not be used to prevent significant interfacial resistance. The shared characteristics of these anomalous observations indicate that nanofluid preparation effects are linked to the underlying physical mechanisms of heat transfer involved and those should be further investigated. The failure of studies attempting to replicate anomalous thermal conductivity enhancement in the literature could hence be understood, as these did not satisfy the conditions required to lead to an anomalous enhancement. The role of measurement errors was also considered.
Physical Models for Solar Cycle Predictions
Authors: Bhowmik Prantika , Jiang Jie , Upton Lisa , Lemerle Alexandre , Nandy Dibyendu
Published: July 2023

The dynamic activity of stars such as the Sun influences (exo)planetary space environments through modulation of stellar radiation, plasma wind, particle and magnetic fluxes. Energetic solar-stellar phenomena such as flares and coronal mass ejections act as transient perturbations giving rise to hazardous space weather. Magnetic fields – the primary driver of solar-stellar activity – are created via a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo mechanism within stellar convection zones. The dynamo mechanism in our host star – the Sun – is manifest in the cyclic appearance of magnetized sunspots on the solar surface. While sunspots have been directly observed for over four centuries, and theories of the origin of solar-stellar magnetism have been explored for over half a century, the inability to converge on the exact mechanism(s) governing cycle to cycle fluctuations and inconsistent predictions for the strength of future sunspot cycles have been challenging for models of the solar cycles. This review discusses observational constraints on the solar magnetic cycle with a focus on those relevant for cycle forecasting, elucidates recent physical insights which aid in understanding solar cycle variability, and presents advances in solar cycle predictions achieved via data-driven, physics-based models. The most successful prediction approaches support the Babcock-Leighton solar dynamo mechanism as the primary driver of solar cycle variability and reinforce the flux transport paradigm as a useful tool for modelling solar-stellar magnetism.
Industrial and infrastructural conditions for production and export of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels in the MENA region: insights from Jordan, Morocco, and Oman
Authors: Ersoy Sibel Raquel , Terrapon-Pfaff Julia , Pregger Thomas , Braun Josua , Jamea El Mostafa , Al-Salaymeh Ahmed , Braunschweig Patrick , Bereschi Zsuzsa , Ciobotaru Oana Teodora , Viebahn Peter
Published: July 2023

Green hydrogen and synthetic fuels are increasingly recognized as a key strategic element for the progress of the global energy transition. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with its large wind and solar potential, is well positioned to generate renewable energy at low cost for the production of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels, and is therefore considered as a potential future producer and exporter. Yet, while solar and wind energy potentials are essential, other factors are expected to play an equally important role for the development of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels (export) sectors. This includes, in particular, adequate industrial capacities and infrastructures. These preconditions vary from country to country, and while they have been often mentioned in the discussion on green hydrogen exports, they have only been examined to a limited extent. This paper employs a case study approach to assess the existing infrastructural and industrial conditions in Jordan, Morocco, and Oman for the development of a green hydrogen and downstream synthetic fuel (export) sector.
Decreased Arsenic Disposition and Alteration of its Metabolic Profile in mice Coexposed to Fluoride
Authors: Peña Luz C. Sanchez , Hernández Angel Barrera , Del Razo Luz M.
Published: July 2023

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) and fluoride (iF) are ubiquitous elements whose coexistence is frequent in several regions of the world due to the natural contamination of water sources destined for human consumption. It has been reported that coexposure to these two elements in water can cause toxic effects on health, which are controversial since antagonistic and synergistic effects have been reported. However, there is little information on the possible toxicological interaction between concurrent exposure to iAs and iF on the iAs metabolism profile.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of iF exposure on iAs methylation patterns in the urine and the tissues of female mice of the C57BL/6 strain, which were divided into four groups and exposed daily for 10 days through drinking water as follows: purified water (control); arsenite 1 mg/L, fluoride 50 mg/L and arsenite & fluoride 1:50 mg/L.

To characterize the iAs methylation pattern in concomitant iF exposure, iAs and its methylated metabolites (MAs and DMAs) were quantified in the tissues and the urine of mice was exposed to iAs alone or in combination. Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in the arsenic species concentrations and altered relative proportions of arsenic species in tissues and urine in the As-iF coexposure group compared to the iAs-exposed group. These findings show that iF exposure decreases arsenic disposition and alters methylation capacity.

Nevertheless, additional studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the iAs-iF interaction through iF exposure affecting iAs disposition and metabolism.
Surfactant-supported organoclay for removal of anionic food dyes in batch and column modes: adsorption characteristics and mechanism study
Authors: Mostafa Aya G. , Abd El-Hamid Ahmed I. , Akl Magda A.
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to create CTAB-modified bentonite organoclay (Bt@CTAB) by mixing the naturally occurring mineral bentonite (Bt) with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Elemental analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis have been employed to analyze both the unmodified Bt and the Bt@CTAB organoclay. The dye sorption onto Bt@CTAB organoclay was investigated in the batch and column modes using aqueous solutions of anionic food dyes, viz., Sunset yellow FCF (E110), Azorubine (E122), and Ponceau 4R (E124) (individually or in a mixture). Experimental variables affecting the adsorption process, such as initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature, pH, and adsorbent dose, are evaluated. From the kinetic investigations, the adsorption of E110, E122, and E124 dyes well matched the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. E110 and E122 dyes adsorption onto Bt@CTAB attained equilibrium in 120 min while attained in 240 min for E124. The investigated food dyes were expected to achieve maximum adsorption efficiencies at concentration of 100 ppm of (E110 and E124) and 150 ppm of (E124), an adsorbent dosage of 0.4 gL−1, and an initial pH 5. In addition, Langmuir model best fits the sorption isotherm data, with the maximum adsorption capacity at 303 K being 238 mg/g, 248.75 mg/g, and 358.25 mg/g for E110, E122, and E124, respectively. The Bt@CTAB organoclay can be regenerated up to the 4th cycle successfully. The thermodynamic studies revealed the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption of these anionic dyes onto Bt@CTAB organoclay. The prepared cationic Bt@CTAB organoclay was successfully applied for the removal of E110, E122, and E124 from real water samples, synthetic effluents, and colored soft drinks with a recovery (R%) higher than 95%. The plausible adsorption mechanism of E110, E122, and E124 onto Bt@CTAB organoclay is proposed to be due to electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond formation. Finally, the present study shows that Bt@CTAB organoclay may be employed efficiently and effectively to remove anionic food dyes from a wide range of real water and colored soft drinks.
Re-validation of biochemophysical variables as metrics for assessing the ecological integrity of an aquatic ecosystem (Badagry Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria)
Authors: Ndimele Prince Emeka
Published: July 2023

Assessment of ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystem is a major priority for scientists, government and private concerns all-over the world. In this study, multi-metric indices (physico-chemistry, biodiversity, length–weight relationship and condition factor) was used to evaluate the ecological integrity of Badagry Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. Three sampling sites (Akarakumo, Topo and Ajido) were selected based on extent of fishing activities. Water and fish samples were collected monthly from the three sampling stations for ten consecutive months (February to November, 2018). Standard methods were used for the analysis of physico-chemical parameters, fish diversity, length–weight relationship and condition factor of some fish species from the study sites. Simpson’s dominance index (0.056–0.057) and Shannon diversity index (3.11–3.13) were similar for the three sampling stations. The initial growth coefficient (a) in this study varied within a very narrow range (0.01–0.04) while the growth coefficient (b) had wider range (2.14–3.16). Growth pattern was predominantly negative allometry. Most of the fish species encountered were not under threat of extinction except Sarotherodon melanotheron and Sarotherodon galilaeus that were critically endangered and vulnerable, respectively. The physico-chemical variables of the sampling stations indicated that the ecological integrity of the water body is high, and this was corroborated by the results of biodiversity study, length–weight relationship and condition factors. Therefore, these metrics can be used in the assessment of the ecological integrity of aquatics.
Modified-likelihood estimation of fixed-effect models for dyadic data
Authors: Jochmans Koen
Published: July 2023

We consider point estimation and inference based on modifications of the profile likelihood in models for dyadic interactions betweennagents featuring agent-specific parameters. The maximum-likelihood estimator of such models has bias and standard deviation of order$$n^{-1}$$n-1and so is asymptotically biased. Estimation based on modified likelihoods leads to estimators that are asymptotically unbiased and likelihood ratio tests that exhibit correct size.
Inertial hybrid gradient method with adaptive step size for variational inequality and fixed point problems of multivalued mappings in Banach spaces
Authors: Mewomo O. T. , Alakoya T. O. , Khan S. H.
Published: July 2023

We propose in this article a new inertial hybrid gradient method with self-adaptive step size for approximating a common solution of variational inequality and fixed point problems for an infinite family of relatively nonexpansive multivalued mappings in Banach spaces. Unlike in many existing hybrid gradient methods, here the projection onto the closed convex set is replaced with projection onto some half-space which can easily be implemented. We incorporate into the proposed algorithm inertial term and self-adaptive step size which help to accelerate rate of convergence of iterative schemes. Moreover, we prove a strong convergence theorem without the knowledge of the Lipschitz constant of the monotone operator and we apply our result to find a common solution of constrained convex minimization and fixed point problems in Banach spaces. Finally, we present a numerical example to demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm in comparison with some recent iterative methods in the literature.
Bone health and body composition in transgender adults before gender-affirming hormonal therapy: data from the COMET study
Authors: Ceolin C. , Scala A. , Dall’Agnol M. , Ziliotto C. , Delbarba A. , Facondo P. , Citron A. , Vescovi B. , Pasqualini S. , Giannini S. , Camozzi V. , Cappelli C. , Bertocco A. , De Rui M. , Coin A. , Sergi G. , Ferlin A. , Garolla A. ,   the Gender Incongruence Interdisciplinary Group (GIIG), Garolla Andrea , Aprile Anna , Azzena Bruno , Barbisan Camillo , Camozzi Valentina , Campello Elena , Annamaria Cattelan , Ceolin Chiara , Moro Fabrizio , Conti Giorgio , Favaro Angela , Ferlin Alberto , Francini Francesco , Gatta Michela , Ghisi Marta , Giannini Sandro , Guazzarotti Laura , Iafrate Massimo , Meneguzzo Paolo , Miscioscia Marina , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Saccardi Carlo , Sasset Lolita , Scala Alberto , Schiavo Rossana , Sergi Giuseppe , Simioni Paolo , Tascini Benedetta , Venturini Francesca , Vianello Fabrizio
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Preliminary data suggested that bone mineral density (BMD) in transgender adults before initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is lower when compared to cisgender controls. In this study, we analyzed bone metabolism in a sample of transgender adults before GAHT, and its possible correlation with biochemical profile, body composition and lifestyle habits (i.e., tobacco smoke and physical activity).

Methods

Medical data, smoking habits, phospho-calcic and hormonal blood tests and densitometric parameters were collected in a sample of 125 transgender adults, 78 Assigned Females At Birth (AFAB) and 47 Assigned Males At Birth (AMAB) before GAHT initiation and 146 cisgender controls (57 females and 89 males) matched by sex assigned at birth and age. 55 transgender and 46 cisgender controls also underwent a complete body composition evaluation and assessment of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results

14.3% of transgender and 6.2% of cisgender sample, respectively, had z-score values < -2 (p = 0.04). We observed only lower vitamin D values in transgender sample regarding biochemical/hormonal profile. AFAB transgender people had more total fat mass, while AMAB transgender individuals had reduced total lean mass as compared to cisgender people (53.94 ± 7.74 vs 58.38 ± 6.91, p < 0.05). AFAB transgender adults were more likely to be active smokers and tend to spend more time indoor. Fat Mass Index (FMI) was correlated with lumbar and femur BMD both in transgender individuals, while no correlations were found between lean mass parameters and BMD in AMAB transgender people.

Conclusions

Body composition and lifestyle factors could contribute to low BMD in transgender adults before GAHT.
Estimating the change in the rational runoff coefficient through history in Jefferson County, Texas
Authors: Muppavarapu Nayana , Haselbach Liv
Published: July 2023

Jefferson County in Texas has experienced devastating storms in recent years resulting in billions of dollars in damages. The county has gone through temporal milestones in terms of population growth and industrial development. Many studies have shown that urban development increases the risk of flooding by decreasing the soil infiltration capacity. The current study focuses on estimating the extent to which the urban development in the county has led to increased imperviousness using a combination of historical and current spatial data. Rational runoff coefficients of the County were estimated and compared at three different times over a span of 120 years. A land survey map for 1898, an aerial imagery map for 1966 and a land parcel map for 2019 were obtained from various sources. The three maps available, each in different format, were analyzed to determine the land use and land cover type for the respective years. The runoff coefficient increased by 21% from 1898 to 1966 and remained the same from 1966 till 2019. The estimates are in correlation with industrial and population growth patterns of the county. These preliminary spatial analyses are useful in estimating the contributions of recent major flooding from overall development, or if they may be more impacted from other factors such as changes in weather patterns.
Potential for NPY receptor–related therapies for polycystic ovary syndrome: an updated review
Authors: Chen Wei-hong , Shi Yan-chuan , Huang Qiao-yi , Chen Jia-ming , Wang Zhi-yi , Lin Shu , Shi Qi-yang
Published: July 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease that can cause female infertility and bring economic burden to families and to society. The clinical and/or biochemical manifestations include hyperandrogenism, persistent anovulation, and polycystic ovarian changes, often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. Although its pathogenesis is unclear, PCOS involves the abnormal regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and the abnormal activation of GnRH neurons. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is widely distributed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and functions as the physiological integrator of two neuroendocrine systems, one governing feeding and the other controlling reproduction. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the improvement of the reproductive and metabolic status of PCOS through the therapeutic application of NPY and its receptors. In this review, we summarize the central and peripheral regulation of NPY and its receptors in the development of PCOS and discuss the potential for NPY receptor–related therapies for PCOS.
Immune Ethics
Authors: Glannon Walter
Published: July 2023

The immune system maintains homeostasis within human organisms and protects them from pathogenic threats. But sometimes it cannot provide this protection on its own, and vaccines may be necessary to ensure our health and survival. Immune functions can become dysregulated and result in autoimmune disease or multi-system damage. Pharmacological and genomic interventions may activate or modulate immune functions to prevent these outcomes. This Element is an analysis and discussion of some of the ethical implications of these interventions. After describing the main components of innate and adaptive immunity and how it might be enhanced, it considers the potential benefit and harm from vaccines against addiction and viruses, immunotherapy for cancer, neuroimmunomodulating agents to prevent or treat neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, and gene editing of immunity to enable xenotransplantation and prevent infectious disease. The Element concludes with an exploration of a possible outcome of natural competition between humans and microbes.
The Power of Emotions
Authors: Frevert Ute
Published: July 2023

Emotions make history and have their own history. Exploring the emotional worlds of the German people, this book tells a very different story of the twentieth century. Ute Frevert reveals how emotions have shaped and influenced not only individuals but entire societies. Politicians use emotions, and institutions frame them, while social movements work with and through them. Ute Frevert's engaging analysis of twenty essential and powerful emotions – including anger, grief, hate, love, pride, shame and trust – explores how emotions coloured major events and developments from the German Empire to the Federal Republic until this very day. Emotions also have a history, illustrated by the changing forms, meanings and atmosphere of various emotions in twentieth-century Germany: for example, hate was a driving force behind National Socialism but is out of place in a democracy. Around 1900, people associated practices with love or nostalgia that do not resonate with us today. Showcasing why Germans were enthusiastic about the war in 1914 and proud of their national football team in 2006, this book highlights the historical power of emotions as much as their own historicity.
Political Change and Electoral Coalitions in Western Democracies
Authors: Hall Peter A. , Evans Georgina , Kim Sung In
Published: July 2023

This Element documents long-term changes in the political attitudes of occupational groups, shifts in the salience of economic and cultural issues, and the movement of political parties in the electoral space from 1990 to 2018 in eight Western democracies. We evaluate prominent contentions about how electoral contestation has changed and why support for mainstream parties has declined while support for challenger parties has increased. We contribute a new analysis of how the viability of the types of electoral coalitions assembled by center-left, center-right, radical-right, and Green parties changes over these decades. We find that their viability is affected by changes over time in citizens' attitudes to economic and cultural issues and shifts in the relative salience of those issues. We examine the contribution these developments make to declining support for mainstream center-left and center-right coalitions and increasing support for coalitions underpinning radical-right and Green parties.
Artificial intelligence and algorithmic decisions in fraud detection: An interpretive structural model
Authors: Tan Evrim , Petit Jean Maxime , Simonofski Anthony , Tombal Thomas , Kleizen Bjorn , Sabbe Mathias , Bechoux Lucas , Willem Pauline
Published: July 2023

The use of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making in public policy processes is influenced by a range of diverse drivers. This article provides a comprehensive view of 13 drivers and their interrelationships, identified through empirical findings from the taxation and social security domains in Belgium. These drivers are organized into five hierarchical layers that policy designers need to focus on when introducing advanced analytics in fraud detection: (a) trust layer, (b) interoperability layer, (c) perceived benefits layer, (d) data governance layer, and (e) digital governance layer. The layered approach enables a holistic view of assessing adoption challenges concerning new digital technologies. The research uses thematic analysis and interpretive structural modeling.
Treated, hospital-onset Clostridiodes difficile infection: An evaluation of predictors and feasibility of benchmarking comparing 2 risk-adjusted models among 265 hospitals
Authors: Yu Kalvin C. , Ye Gang , Edwards Jonathan R. , Dantes Raymund , Gupta Vikas , Ai ChinEn , Betz Kristina , Benin Andrea L.
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

To evaluate the incidence of a candidate definition of healthcare facility-onset, treated Clostridioides difficile (CD) infection (cHT-CDI) and to identify variables and best model fit of a risk-adjusted cHT-CDI metric using extractable electronic heath data.

Methods:

We analyzed 9,134,276 admissions from 265 hospitals during 2015–2020. The cHT-CDI events were defined based on the first positive laboratory final identification of CD after day 3 of hospitalization, accompanied by use of a CD drug. The generalized linear model method via negative binomial regression was used to identify predictors. Standardized infection ratios (SIRs) were calculated based on 2 risk-adjusted models: a simple model using descriptive variables and a complex model using descriptive variables and CD testing practices. The performance of each model was compared against cHT-CDI unadjusted rates.

Results:

The median rate of cHT-CDI events per 100 admissions was 0.134 (interquartile range, 0.023–0.243). Hospital variables associated with cHT-CDI included the following: higher community-onset CDI (CO-CDI) prevalence; highest-quartile length of stay; bed size; percentage of male patients; teaching hospitals; increased CD testing intensity; and CD testing prevalence. The complex model demonstrated better model performance and identified the most influential predictors: hospital-onset testing intensity and prevalence, CO-CDI rate, and community-onset testing intensity (negative correlation). Moreover, 78% of the hospitals ranked in the highest quartile based on raw rate shifted to lower percentiles when we applied the SIR from the complex model.

Conclusions:

Hospital descriptors, aggregate patient characteristics, CO-CDI burden, and clinical testing practices significantly influence incidence of cHT-CDI. Benchmarking a cHT-CDI metric is feasible and should include facility and clinical variables.
Didymus Chalcenterus and Aristophanes’ twoPlutusplays
Authors: Willi Andreas
Published: July 2023

A variety of ancient sources suggest that there was more than one Aristophanic play entitled Πλοῦτος, and the scholia on the extantPlutusshow that one ancient commentator erroneously thought that he was working on a comedy of 408 BC when in reality he had the comedy of 388 BC in front of him. This error, which most likely arose because there were two similar versions of the latePlutus, has often been attributed to the first-century BC scholar Didymus Chalcenterus. It is here argued that the basis for this ascription is weak and that there are in fact substantial counter-arguments. Instead of Didymus, a later commentator such as the second-century AD scholar Symmachus may have been responsible for the mistake, which probably had more to do with the evolving transmission history of Aristophanes’ comedies than with careless scholarship.
Impact of musical training in specialised centres on learning strategies, auditory discrimination and working memory in adolescents
Authors: Sepúlveda-Durán Carmen María , Martín-Lobo Pilar , Santiago-Ramajo Sandra
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to analyse whether specialised musical training influences auditory discrimination, working memory, learning strategies and academic performance. Sixty students (30 with at least four years of musical training and 30 without) of the same socioeconomic level were compared. Significant differences were found between students with and without musical training in terms of learning strategies, working memory and academic performance (p= <.05). This study shows the benefits of musical training offered at specialised centres, the development of students’ cognitive skills and the contributions of neuroscience to improving professional practice.
CHAD for expressive total languages
Authors: Lucatelli Nunes Fernando , Vákár Matthijs
Published: July 2023

We show how to apply forward and reverse mode Combinatory Homomorphic Automatic Differentiation (CHAD) (Vákár (2021). ESOP, 607–634; Vákár and Smeding (2022). ACM Transactions on Programming Languages and Systems44 (3) 20:1–20:49.) to total functional programming languages with expressive type systems featuring the combination of

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tuple types;

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sum types;

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inductive types;

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coinductive types;

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function types.

We achieve this by analyzing the categorical semantics of such types in
$\Sigma$
-types (Grothendieck constructions) of suitable categories. Using a novel categorical logical relations technique for such expressive type systems, we give a correctness proof of CHAD in this setting by showing that it computes the usual mathematical derivative of the function that the original program implements. The result is a principled, purely functional and provably correct method for performing forward- and reverse-mode automatic differentiation (AD) on total functional programming languages with expressive type systems.
The German O*NET Interest Profiler Short Form
Authors: Roemer Lena , Lewis Phil , Rounds James
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Holland’s RIASEC model is the dominant framework to conceptualize vocational interests. It describes vocational interests with six broad domains: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. The O*NET Interest Profiler Short Form is a freely accessible inventory measuring vocational interests according to Holland’s model with 60 items. With this manuscript, we provide a translation of the inventory into German and evaluate the scores’ psychometric qualities, construct-related and criterion-related validity. We used data from an age-diverse ( N = 276) and high-school sample ( N = 672). Internal consistency estimates of the scale scores were adequate. Randomization tests and multidimensional scaling showed that the scores’ structural properties mirrored the RIASEC theoretical model. Scale scores were sensitive to gender differences and could predict participants’ actual and ideal occupations with reasonable hit rates. Overall, the German O*NET Interest Profiler Short Form seems apt for usage in career counseling and research settings.
Marine Protection Does Not Affect Fish Catches in Mexico
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: July 2023

Catches of species such as tuna and swordfish did not decrease after a marine protected area the size of New York State was established off the coast of Mexico in 2017.
BICC1 drives pancreatic cancer progression by inducing VEGF-independent angiogenesis
Authors: Huang Chongbiao , Li Hui , Xu Yang , Xu Chao , Sun Huizhi , Li Zengxun , Ge Yi , Wang Hongwei , Zhao Tiansuo , Gao Song , Wang Xiuchao , Yang Shengyu , Sun Peiqing , Liu Zhe , Liu Jing , Chang Antao , Hao Jihui
Published: July 2023

VEGF inhibitors are one of the most successful antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of many solid tumors. Nevertheless, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) cells can reinstate tumor angiogenesis via activation of VEGF-independent pathways, thereby conferring resistance to VEGF inhibitors. Bioinformatic analysis showed that BICC1 was one of the top genes involved in the specific angiogenesis process of PAAD. The analysis of our own cohort confirmed that BICC1 was overexpressed in human PAAD tissues and was correlated to increased microvessel density and tumor growth, and worse prognosis. In cells and mice with xenograft tumors, BICC1 facilitated angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer in a VEGF-independent manner. Mechanistically, as an RNA binding protein, BICC1 bounds to the 3’UTR of Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) mRNA and post-transcriptionally up-regulated LCN2 expression in PAAD cells. When its level is elevated, LCN2 binds to its receptor 24p3R, which directly phosphorylates JAK2 and activates JAK2/STAT3 signal, leading to increased production of an angiogenic factor CXCL1. Blocking of the BICC1/LCN2 signalling reduced the microvessel density and tumor volume of PAAD cell grafts in mice, and increased the tumor suppressive effect of gemcitabine. In conclusion, BICC1 plays a pivotal role in the process of VEGF-independent angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer, leading to resistance to VEGF inhibitors. BICC1/LCN2 signaling may serve as a promising anti-angiogenic therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer patients.
The inhibition of FKBP5 protects β-cell survival under inflammation stress via AKT/FOXO1 signaling
Authors: Liu Na , Li Rui , Cao Jinglin , Song Xinyao , Ma Wenmiao , Liu Tengli , Wang Le , Zou Jiaqi , Zhang Boya , Liu Zewen , Liang Rui , Zheng Rongxiu , Wang Shusen
Published: July 2023

The FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51, encoded by FKBP5 gene) has emerged as a critical regulator of mammalian endocrine stress responses and as a potential pharmacological target for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, in β cells, which secrete the only glucose-lowering hormone—insulin, the expression and function of FKBP5 has not been documented. Here, using human pancreatic tissue and primary human islets, we demonstrated the abundant expression of FKBP5 in β cells, which displayed an responsive induction upon acute inflammatory stress mimicked by in vitro treatment with a cocktail of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). To explore its function, siRNAs targeting FKBP5 and pharmacological inhibitor SAFit2 were applied both in clonal NIT-1 cells and primary human/mice islets. We found that FKBP5 inhibition promoted β-cell survival, improved insulin secretion, and upregulated β-cell functional gene expressions (MAFA and NKX6.1) in acute-inflammation stressed β cells. In primary human and mice islets, which constitutively suffer from inflammation stress during isolation and culture, FKBP5 inhibition also presented decent performance in improving islet function, in accordance with its protective effect against inflammation. Molecular studies found that FKBP5 is an important regulator for FOXO1 phosphorylation at Serine 256, and silencing of FOXO1 abrogated the protective effect of FKBP5 inhibition, suggesting that it is the key downstream effector of FKBP5 in β cells. At last, in situ detection of FKBP5 protein expression on human and mice pancreases revealed a reduction of FKBP5 expression in β cells in human T2D patients, as well as T2D mice model (db/db), which may indicate a FKBP5-inhibition-mediated pro-survival mechanism against the complex stresses in T2D milieus.
Restricting epigenetic activity promotes the reprogramming of transformed cells to pluripotency in a line-specific manner
Authors: Fu Xiuling , Zhuang Qiang , Babarinde Isaac A. , Shi Liyang , Ma Gang , Hu Haoqing , Li Yuhao , Chen Jiao , Xiao Zhen , Deng Boping , Sun Li , Jauch Ralf , Hutchins Andrew P.
Published: July 2023

Somatic cell reprogramming and oncogenic transformation share surprisingly similar features, yet transformed cells are resistant to reprogramming. Epigenetic barriers must block transformed cells from reprogramming, but the nature of those barriers is unclear. In this study, we generated a systematic panel of transformed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using oncogenic transgenes and discovered transformed cell lines compatible with reprogramming when transfected with Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/Myc. By comparing the reprogramming-capable and incapable transformed lines we identified multiple stages of failure in the reprogramming process. Some transformed lines failed at an early stage, whilst other lines seemed to progress through a conventional reprogramming process. Finally, we show that MEK inhibition overcomes one critical reprogramming barrier by indirectly suppressing a hyperacetylated active epigenetic state. This study reveals that diverse epigenetic barriers underly resistance to reprogramming of transformed cells.
Structural insights into the mechanism of overcoming Erm-mediated resistance by macrolides acting together with hygromycin-A
Authors: Chen Chih-Wei , Leimer Nadja , Syroegin Egor A. , Dunand Clémence , Bulman Zackery P. , Lewis Kim , Polikanov Yury S. , Svetlov Maxim S.
Published: July 2023

The ever-growing rise of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the top healthcare threats today. Although combination antibiotic therapies represent a potential approach to more efficiently combat infections caused by susceptible and drug-resistant bacteria, only a few known drug pairs exhibit synergy/cooperativity in killing bacteria. Here, we discover that well-known ribosomal antibiotics, hygromycin A (HygA) and macrolides, which target peptidyl transferase center and peptide exit tunnel, respectively, can act cooperatively against susceptible and drug-resistant bacteria. Remarkably, HygA slows down macrolide dissociation from the ribosome by 60-fold and enhances the otherwise weak antimicrobial activity of the newest-generation macrolide drugs known as ketolides against macrolide-resistant bacteria. By determining a set of high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of drug-sensitive wild-type and macrolide-resistant Erm-methylated 70S ribosomes in complex with three HygA-macrolide pairs, we provide a structural rationale for the binding cooperativity of these drugs and also uncover the molecular mechanism of overcoming Erm-type resistance by macrolides acting together with hygromycin A. Altogether our structural, biochemical, and microbiological findings lay the foundation for the subsequent development of synergistic antibiotic tandems with improved bactericidal properties against drug-resistant pathogens, including those expressing erm genes.
Distinct evolution of type I glutamine synthetase in Plasmodium and its species-specific requirement
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Kundu Rajib , Chandana Manjunatha , Das Rahul , Anand Aditya , Beura Subhashree , Bobde Ruchir Chandrakant , Jain Vishal , Prabhu Sowmya Ramakant , Behera Prativa Kumari , Mohanty Akshaya Kumar , Chakrapani Mahabala , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu , Suryawanshi Amol Ratnakar , Dixit Anshuman , Padmanaban Govindarajan , Nagaraj Viswanathan Arun
Published: July 2023

Malaria parasite lacks canonical pathways for amino acid biosynthesis and depends primarily on hemoglobin degradation and extracellular resources for amino acids. Interestingly, a putative gene for glutamine synthetase (GS) is retained despite glutamine being an abundant amino acid in human and mosquito hosts. Here we show Plasmodium GS has evolved as a unique type I enzyme with distinct structural and regulatory properties to adapt to the asexual niche. Methionine sulfoximine (MSO) and phosphinothricin (PPT) inhibit parasite GS activity. GS is localized to the parasite cytosol and abundantly expressed in all the life cycle stages. Parasite GS displays species-specific requirement in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) having asparagine-rich proteome. Targeting PfGS affects asparagine levels and inhibits protein synthesis through eIF2α phosphorylation leading to parasite death. Exposure of artemisinin-resistant Pf parasites to MSO and PPT inhibits the emergence of viable parasites upon artemisinin treatment.