bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twisted orientation of the muscle bundles in the levator ani functional parts in women: Implications for pelvic floor support mechanism
Authors: Muro Satoru , Moue Shoko , Akita Keiichi
Published: October 2023

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the anatomical features of the levator ani muscle. The levator ani is a critical component of the pelvic floor; however, its intricate anatomy and functionality are poorly understood. Understanding the precise anatomy of the levator ani is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Previous studies have been limited by the lack of comprehensive three‐dimensional analyses; to overcome this limitation, we analysed the levator ani muscle using a novel 3D digitised muscle‐mapping approach based on layer‐by‐layer dissection. From this examination, we determined that the levator ani consists of overlapping muscle bundles with varying orientations, particularly in the anteroinferior portion. Our findings revealed distinct muscle bundles directly attached to the rectum (LA‐re) and twisted muscle slings surrounding the anterior (LA‐a) and posterior (LA‐p) aspects of the rectum, which are considered functional parts of the levator ani. These results suggest that these specific muscle bundles of the levator ani are primarily responsible for functional performance. The levator ani plays a crucial role in rectal elevation, lifting the centre of the perineum and narrowing the levator hiatus. The comprehensive anatomical information provided by our study will enhance diagnosis accuracy and facilitate the development of targeted treatment strategies for pelvic floor disorders in clinical practice.
Associations between daily affective experiences, trait and daily rumination on negative and positive affect: a diary study
Authors: Kovács Lilla Nóra , Kocsel Natália , Tóth Zsófia , Smahajcsik‐Szabó Tamás , Karsai Szilvia , Kökönyei Gyöngyi
Published: October 2023

Background

Rumination has mostly been studied in relation to depression, however, it may also occur in response to positive emotions (i.e., positive rumination) and therefore may be a protective factor related to the maintenance of positive mood.

Objective

We hypothesized that daily positive and negative affect would be associated with daily positive and negative rumination even after controlling for trait‐level rumination.

Method

We carried out a diary study with university students (n = 178), where participants had to answer short surveys online about their daily affect and daily rumination every evening for 10 days. We analyzed our data with multilevel regression in R.

Results

Daily positive and negative affect were significantly associated with daily negative and positive rumination, while trait‐level rumination scores were not. Daily and trait‐level rumination were moderately correlated (r = 0.333–0.440).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that daily rumination plays a more significant role in daily emotional experiences than trait rumination across positive and negative valence domains. Daily negative affect appears to be more closely related to higher daily negative rumination than the lack of daily positive rumination, which could be relevant for intervention strategies.
Description of two new species of Nostoc (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria) from central Mexico, using morphological, ecological, and molecular attributes
Authors: Carmona Jiménez Javier , Caro Borrero Angela , Becerra‐Absalón Itzel , Perona Urizar Elvira , Márquez Santamaría Kenia , Mateo Ortega Pilar
Published: October 2023

The present study describes two new Nostoc species, N. montejanii and N. tlalocii, based on a polyphasic approach that combines morphological, ecological, and genetic characteristics. The five investigated populations, including those from newly collected material from central Mexico, were observed to possess morphological features characteristic of the Nostoc genus. Results showed that both new species are strictly associated with running water, and they show clear differences in their habitat preferences. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the five strains displayed between 98% and 99% similarity to the genus Nostoc sensu stricto. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analyses inferred using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and parsimony methods, placed these five strains in two separate clades distinct from other Nostoc species. The secondary structures of the 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer rRNA region in the two new species showed >10.5% dissimilarities in the operons when compared with other Nostoc species. In addition, clear morphological differences were observed between the two Mexican species, including the color of the colonies (black in N. montejanii and green in N. tlalocii), the size of the cells (greater in N. montejanii), and the number of polyphosphate granules present in the cells (one in N. montejanii and up to four in N. tlalocii).
Selection of efficient ectomycorrhizal fungi for improved growth, biomass and nutrient uptake of Shorea robusta seedlings
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Singh Atri Narender
Published: October 2023

Shorea robusta Gaertn. (sal) forests are rapidly decreasing across India owing to the low survival rate and establishment of their seedlings. Because of this, the present study identified ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associates of S. robusta and the role they play in increasing the growth and efficiency of nutrient uptake by the mycorrhizal roots of this plant. During the field survey we identified, collected, cultured and systematically investigated three dominant ECM associates of S. robusta: Russula kanadii Dutta & Acharya, R. cyanoxantha (Schaeff.) Fr. and Lactarius shiwalikensis Kumar and Atri, organically connected to the host plant roots. Pure cultures of each of these mycorrhizal fungal associates were grown using tissue culture techniques. We prepared spawn via purified mycelium using boiled wheat grains for mass inoculation and used the prepared inoculums for inoculating the germinating sal seeds for establishing the mycorrhizal association. To evaluate the effects of mycorrhizal colonization on various growth parameters, we observed the inoculated and control plants every three months for one year. The growth parameters in the sal seedlings grown in ECM‐inoculated soil exhibited significantly higher values over the un‐inoculated control soil owing to the increased uptake of both macro‐ and micronutrients. The overall results indicate that S. robusta seedlings inoculated with ECM fungal partners exhibited better establishment and enhanced growth and development, essential for the regeneration and survival of this plant. This technique will accelerate and assure successful reforestation programs and contribute toward appropriate functioning of sal forest ecosystems.
Prurigo‐like atopic dermatitis in a child with CARD11‐associated severe combined immunodeficiency successfully treated with dupilumab
Authors: Gualdi Giulio , Lougaris Vassilios , Amerio Paolo , Petruzzellis Alessandra , Parodi Aurora , Burlando Martina
Published: October 2023

A 12‐year‐old boy affected by severe combined immunodeficiency due to a heterozygous variant in the CARD domain of CARD11, c.169G>A; p.Glu57Lys, developed severe atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. After failure of conventional systemic therapy, dupilumab was administered at a dose of 400 mg subcutaneously, followed by 200 mg every 14 days. The patient had an excellent clinical response after 1 month and complete remission after a year, with the absence of side effects, demonstrating good efficacy and safety profile.
Surgical outcome and prognosis of pediatric solid‐pseudopapillary neoplasm
Authors: Kawakubo Naonori , Takemoto Junkichi , Irie Keiko , Souzaki Ryota , Maniwa Junnosuke , Obata Satoshi , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Nagata Kouji , Miyata Junko , Matsuura Toshiharu , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: October 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) who underwent pancreatectomy.

Methods

Pediatric patients with SPNs who underwent pancreatectomy at our institution between 1995 and 2020 were included in the study.

Results

During the period under review, 12 patients underwent pancreatectomy for SPNs (median age: 10 years; range: 6–15 years). The surgical procedures included pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 2; 16.6%), distal pancreatectomy (n = 3; 25%), and enucleation (n = 7; 58.3%). The most common postoperative complication was postoperative pancreatic fistula (n = 6; 50%). Patients who underwent enucleation tended to have higher postoperative complication rates compared with those who underwent other procedures. All patients were alive without recurrence at the end of the study period.

Conclusions

SPN is associated with a good prognosis, regardless of the surgical procedure. If surgeons select enucleation for pediatric SPNs, they should bear in mind that it is associated with a higher complication rate.
Association of surfactant protein A2 with acute respiratory failure in children
Authors: Emery Lucy , Kane Elizabeth , Anderson‐Fears Keenan , Liu Dajiang , Floros Joanna , Gandhi Chintan K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Interactions among single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of surfactant protein (SP) are associated with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and its short‐term outcome, pulmonary dysfunction at discharge (PDAD) in children. However, genetic association studies using individual SNPs have not been conducted before. We hypothesize that SP genetic variants are associated with pediatric ARF and its short‐term complications by themselves.

Methods

We used available genotype and clinical data in the Floros biobank consisting of 248 children aged ≤24 months with ARF; 86 developed PDAD. A logistic regression analysis was performed for each of the 14 selected SNPs, SP‐A1 and SP‐A2 genotypes. A p‐value less than the Bonferroni correction threshold was considered significant. A likelihood ratio test was done to compare two models (one with demographic data and another with genetic variants).

Results

Before Bonferroni correction, female sex is associated with a decreased risk of ARF. Black race and the rs721917 of the SFTPD are associated with increased risk of ARF. After Bonferroni correction, the 1A01A1 genotype of SFTPA2 was associated with decreased risk of ARF. The likelihood ratio test showed that the model of the genotype information with demographic data was a better fit to predict ARF risk. None of the SP SNPs and SP‐A1, SP‐A2 genotypes were associated with PDAD.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that SNPs and genotypes of SPs involved in innate immunity and host defense play an important role in ARF and, in the future, may be used as biomarkers.
Uterine prolapse in a non‐pregnant bitch
Authors: Greiling Marie Sophie , Packeiser Eva‐Maria , Gerhauser Ingo , Goericke‐Pesch Sandra
Published: October 2023

A ten‐year‐old mixed breed bitch was presented for a tissue prolapse protruding from her vulva. Following detailed examination and stabilization, the ovaries and uterine horns were removed by laparotomy, whereas the prolapsed tissue identified as uterus including cervix was removed vaginally. Histology confirmed uterine prolapse, a rare condition in bitches usually found shortly after birth especially due to dystocia. In contrast, the present case was found in a nulliparous non‐pregnant bitch. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including microbiological and histological findings, are described and discussed critically.
Importer market power and preferential trade agreements: Empirical evidence
Authors: Jestrab Ross
Published: October 2023

This paper provides direct empirical evidence that preferential trade agreements (PTAs) are consistent with the terms‐of‐trade theory. Using PTAs that occur between 2001 and 2015, we first show a PTA is associated with being more likely if countries have greater importer market power over one another. Second, using recently available tariff data for 39 bilateral PTAs, we show high levels of importer market power lead to tariff cuts that are larger in magnitude when PTAs enter into force. These results provide a rationale for why PTAs are permitted by the World Trade Organization.
Ear keloids: An innovative 3‐steps combined treatment
Authors: Domenico Piccolo , Giuliana Crisman , Daniele Bollero , Bruno Bovani , Alessandro Gennai , Fabrizio Melfa , Matteo Tretti Clementoni , Claudio Conforti
Published: October 2023

Introduction

An excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis after an injury may lead to a benign fibrous tumor, known as keloid, which does not regress spontaneously. Earlobes are a very frequent site of onset, since after a trauma (i.e., piercing) keloids may develop either on the helix and on the anterior or posterior lobe, from a few months up to several years after the injury.

Objectives

To report the effectiveness of a combined protocol of CO2 laser + Dye laser + a portable Blue LED Light medical device for Photobiomodulation Therapy (EmoLED®).

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with a total of 56 ear keloids have been treated in the same session with a single CO2 laser procedure + a pulsed Dye laser procedure with an adjunctive EmoLED® procedure for 3 up to 6 min. A monthly follow‐up has been performed with an adjunctive EmoLED® session in case of signs of inflammation.

Results

Among 56 treated keloids, 89.3% of them (50/56) did not recur during a follow‐up period (from 6 up to 24 months, mean 16.3 months) while six keloids recurred (6/56, 10.7%) with mild thickening of the scar, thus requiring further treatments.

Conclusions

Even if an excellent outcome obtained by the synergistic effect of combined laser treatments has already been described (i.e., CO2 laser + Dye Laser), the present study showed the adjuvant procedure with EmoLED® can reduce significantly the risk of keloids recurrences.
Quantitative Definition of Spray Edge With Extinction Diagnostics and Evaluation of Attenuation Coefficient for Liquid Jets in Supersonic Crossflow
Authors: McKelvy Aubrey J. , Braun James , Paniagua Guillermo , Andre Thierry , Choquet Etienne , Falempin Francois
Published: October 2023

A quantifiable, reproducible, and repeatable definition of the three-dimensional spray width and depth for a canonical jet in an open-source supersonic crossflow is presented. An expanding Mach 2 dry-air crossflow is generated through a converging-diverging nozzle with a 25.4 mm by 230 mm wide throat area. A one-millimeter injector with ethanol seeding provides the liquid injection. Injector characteristics and losses are quantified through a calibrated cavitating venturi. Momentum flux ratios ranged from 0.1 to 20, and Reynolds number scaled by the injector diameter ranged from 5000 to 40,000. A shadowgraph setup with a telecentric lens provides uniform magnification for precise and repeatable measurements from injection to 150 mm downstream of the jet. A Phantom v2012 camera with a frame rate of 20 kHz and shutter time of 285 ns was employed. Light transmittance is defined and calculated for each image pixel with a ratio method paired with no-spray images collected immediately before injection. These values are then related to an attenuation coefficient by incorporating spray width profiles collected with cross-sectional Mie-scatter imaging at multiple axial locations with a burst mode laser.
Thermal Inactivation of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 by an Electric Fan Heater in Winter and Defining Conditions to Ensure That All the Air Passes Through the Fan
Authors: Canpolat Murat , Şakalar Çağrı , Bozkurt Serhat , Çoban Ahmet Yılmaz , Karaçaylı Deniz , Toker Emre
Published: October 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spread, especially in closed environments, by airborne transmission. The study aims to assess the thermal inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2 in a 30 m3 test room as a function of outlet temperature, airflow rate, and operating time of an electric heater, then define a condition to ensure that all air in the room passes through the electric heater. Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 was delivered to the test room at an ambient temperature of 20 °C and 40% humidity. Two electric heaters with different powers and airflow rates were operated respectively in the test room to compare their efficiencies in the inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2. The first and second electric heaters had power, airflow rates, and outlet temperatures of 1.5 kW, 44 m3/h, 220 °C, and 3 kW, 324 m3/h, and 150 °C, respectively. A fan drew the outside air into the heater. In the first experiment, a 1.5 kW electric heater was operated in the test room for 80 min. In the second experiment, a 3 kW electric heater was used in the test room for 75 min. Airborne SARS-CoV-2 in the test room was inactivated by 99.00% and 99.96% in the first and second experiments, respectively. A condition is defined to ensure that all the air in the room passes at least once through the electric heater fan.
“It Looks Good on Paper, But It Was Never Meant to Be Real”: Mixed-Gender Events in the Paralympic Movement
Authors: Dean Nikolaus A. , Bundon Andrea , Howe P. David , Abele Natalie
Published: October 2023

Although the Paralympic Games have been around for over 60 years, women remain underrepresented in almost all aspects of the Paralympic Movement. It has been suggested that a way to increase women’s involvement is through the implementation of mixed-gender events. On paper, this approach makes sense. However, when it comes to the implementation of mixed-gender opportunities for women, it is less clear how effective these events are in increasing participation by women in Para sport. Through document analysis and interviews with athletes and organizers of mixed-gender Paralympic sport, we explore the various strategies that four mixed-gender sports have used to address the issue of gender parity. Using critical feminist theories, we illustrate how larger social, political, and cultural ideas about gender influence women’s experiences within these events and discuss the potential of using mixed-gender initiatives to address gender parity within the Paralympic Movement.
Commingling Effects of Anterior Load and Walking Surface on Dynamic Gait Stability in Young Adults
Authors: Simpkins Caroline , Ahn Jiyun , Buehler Rebekah , Ban Rebecca , Wells Meredith , Yang Feng
Published: October 2023

Treadmill walking has been used as a surrogate for overground walking to examine how load carriage affects gait. The validity of using treadmill walking to investigate load carriage’s effects on stability has not been established. Thirty young adults were randomized into 3 front-loaded groups (group 1: 0%, 2: 10%, or 3: 20% of bodyweight). Participants carried their load during overground and treadmill walking. Dynamic gait stability (primary outcome) was determined for 2 gait events (touchdown and liftoff). Secondary variables included step length, gait speed, and trunk angle. Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated similar stability between walking surfaces. Group 3 was less stable during treadmill walking than overground (P ≤ .005). Besides trunk angle, all secondary outcomes were similar between groups (P > .272) but different between surfaces (P ≤ .001). The trunk angle at both events showed significant group- and surface-related differences (P ≤ .046). Results suggested that walking with an anterior load of up to 10% bodyweight causes comparable stability between surfaces. A 20% bodyweight front load could render participants less stable on the treadmill than overground. This indicates that anteriorly loaded treadmill walking may not be interchangeable with overground walking concerning stability for anterior loads of 20% bodyweight.
An Auto-netnographic Approach to Understanding Alternate Gaming Accounts: How Smurfing Impacts the Prosumer Experience in Counter-Strike:Global Offensive
Authors: McCauley Brian
Published: October 2023

Esport-based game titles, such as Counter-Strike:Global Offensive, represent platforms where players simultaneously consume and produce content as prosumers. Through peer-to-peer presumption, these players co-create value between themselves to drive a range of emotional and social outcomes. Smurfing is the act of higher skilled players utilizing alternate game accounts to play with lower skilled players resulting in unbalanced competitive experiences. This study combines an auto-netnographic approach with interviews to provide novel insights on this pervasive phenomenon. Through combining perspectives of regular players and those who engage in smurfing, three key themes are identified. Smurfing is embedded within gaming platforms, driven by complex motivations, and framed as cheating according to perspective.
Stimulated Raman photothermal microscopy toward ultrasensitive chemical imaging
Authors: Zhu Yifan , Ge Xiaowei , Ni Hongli , Yin Jiaze , Lin Haonan , Wang Le , Tan Yuying , Prabhu Dessai Chinmayee V. , Li Yueming , Teng Xinyan , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: October 2023

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has shown enormous potential in revealing molecular structures, dynamics, and couplings in complex systems. However, the sensitivity of SRS is fundamentally limited to the millimolar level due to shot noise and the small modulation depth. To overcome this barrier, we revisit SRS from the perspective of energy deposition. The SRS process pumps molecules to their vibrationally excited states. The subsequent relaxation heats up the surroundings and induces refractive index changes. By probing the refractive index changes with a laser beam, we introduce stimulated Raman photothermal (SRP) microscopy, where a >500-fold boost of modulation depth is achieved. The versatile applications of SRP microscopy on viral particles, cells, and tissues are demonstrated. SRP microscopy opens a way to perform vibrational spectroscopic imaging with ultrahigh sensitivity.
Plasmid-encoded VCC-1 β-lactamase in a clinical isolate of
Aeromonas caviae
Authors: Bychenko Banyas Darya , Lurie-Weinberger Mor , Efrati Epchtien Reut , Laviad Shitrit Sivan , Temkin Elizabeth , Schwartz David , Keren-Paz Alona , Carmeli Yehuda
Published: October 2023

V
ibrio
c
holerae

c
arbapenemase (VCC-1) is a chromosomal encoded class A carbapenemase thus far reported in environmental
Vibrio cholerae
isolates. Here, we report the first isolation of a

bla
VCC-1

-carrying
Aeromonas caviae
from a clinical sample in Israel. The isolate was resistant to all β-lactam agents, including carbapenems. The

bla
VCC-1

was located on a large plasmid. GC content suggests that the origin of the

bla
VCC-1

gene is neither
Aeromonas
nor
Vibrio
spp. but an unknown progenitor.
In vitro
activity of imipenem/relebactam against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Ruiz Victor H. , Fratoni Andrew , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a common multidrug-resistant pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The
in vitro
activity of imipenem/relebactam and imipenem was compared with other antipseudomonal antibiotics against 105 isolates from patients with CF from three US hospitals. Imipenem/relebactam, imipenem, meropenem, ceftazidime/avibactam, and ceftolozane/tazobactam susceptibilities were 77%, 55%, 58%, 90%, and 92%, respectively. Relebactam potentiates imipenem against CF
P. aeruginosa
by fourfold leading imipenem/relebactam to retain susceptibility against most isolates in this cohort.
Multiplexed on-site sample-in-result-out test through microfluidic real-time PCR (MONITOR) for the detection of multiple pathogens causing influenza-like illness
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Chao , Shi Hua , Guo Xudong , Liu Wanying , Li Jinhui , Li Lizhong , Zhao Jun , Zhang Guohao , Song Hongbin , Hao Rongzhang , Zhao Rongtao
Published: October 2023

The global COVID-19 pandemic and frequent outbreaks of other infectious diseases, such as influenza and monkeypox, often initially manifest with non-specific influenza-like symptoms. Portability to the outbreak site and accurate identification of the various pathogens causing influenza-like illness are crucial for the rapid implementation of effective control measures. Utilizing real-time PCR and microfluidic technology, a multiplexed on-site sample-in-result-out test through microfluidic real-time PCR (MONITOR) has been developed for detecting the pathogens responsible for influenza-like illness. The operator simply needs to introduce the sample to a highly integrated microfluidic chip (requiring ≤1 minute), and the system can autonomously execute sample pre-processing, nucleic acid extraction, and PCR amplification and deliver results for eight pathogens within 85 minutes. The detection limit of MONITOR for the eight pathogens ranges from 0.78 to 6.25 copies/µL. Standard curves demonstrate notable linearity and amplification efficiency. A simulated clinical sample test reveals MONITOR’s sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy at 97.5%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrates strong agreement between the cycle threshold of positive MONITOR samples and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (
R
2
= 0.952), suggesting MONITOR’s ability to indirectly quantify pathogen load. The fully enclosed structure of the system chip minimizes sample and environmental cross-contamination, rendering the assay independent of a specialized laboratory. The portable, fully automated MONITOR facilitates on-site, comprehensive detection of multiple pathogens, even non-specialized operators with minimal training. This presents a promising approach for the rapid and precise diagnosis of influenza-like illness in grassroots communities and underserved rural areas lacking centralized laboratories.

IMPORTANCE

This study combines quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and microfluidics to introduce MONITOR, a portable field detection system for multiple pathogens causing influenza-like illness. MONITOR can be rapidly deployed to enable simultaneous sample-in-result-out detection of eight common influenza-like illness (ILI) pathogens with heightened sensitivity and specificity. It is particularly well suited for communities and regions without centralized laboratories, offering robust technical support for the prompt and accurate monitoring and detection of ILI. It holds the potential to be a potent tool in the early detection and prevention of infectious diseases.
Parallel evolution of picobirnaviruses from distinct ancestral origins
Authors: Perez Lester J. , Cloherty Gavin A. , Berg Michael G.
Published: October 2023

Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) are small, bi-segmented, double-stranded RNA viruses frequently associated with gastrointestinal and recently linked to respiratory infections. Detected in hosts from distant biological kingdoms, debate swirls as to their age and origins and whether they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic viruses. Our evolutionary analysis revealed a contemporaneous emergence for PBV, as PBV-R
1&3
species arose ~350 years ago with both segments, whereas the more ancient species, PBV-R
2
, initially lacked capsid. Integrated phylogenetic reconstruction defined two origins for PBV, determining PBV-R
1&3
species descended from
Reovirus
and PBV-R
2
branched with
Partitivirus
ancestors. These results, coupled with the heterogeneity of Shine-Dalgarno motifs, argue against a prokaryotic origin. Epistatic interactions identified in the RdRp of PBV-R
1&3
evidenced the constraints imposed by vertebrate host immunity, whereas its absence in PBV-R
2
concurs with its fungal origin. After acquisition of capsid, PBV-R
2
increased its adaptive and functional divergences in RdRp domains and the compactness of its RNA structure to enable encapsidation. While their pathogenicity remains an open question, picobirnaviruses likely originated from both fungal and avian hosts: parallel evolution mechanisms have driven the genetic similarities shared among present-day PBV species.

IMPORTANCE

Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) are highly heterogeneous viruses encoding a capsid and RdRp. Detected in a wide variety of animals with and without disease, their association with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and consequently their public health importance, has rightly been questioned. Determining the “true” host of Picobirnavirus lies at the center of this debate, as evidence exists for them having both vertebrate and prokaryotic origins. Using integrated and time-stamped phylogenetic approaches, we show they are contemporaneous viruses descending from two different ancestors: avian
Reovirus
and fungal
Partitivirus
. The fungal PBV-R2 species emerged with a single segment (RdRp) until it acquired a capsid from vertebrate PBV-R1 and PBV-R3 species. Protein and RNA folding analyses revealed how the former came to resemble the latter over time. Thus, parallel evolution from disparate hosts has driven the adaptation and genetic diversification of the
Picobirnaviridae
family.
Patient-reported effects of hospital-wide implementation of shared decision-making at a university medical centre in Germany: a pre–post trial
Authors: Scheibler Fülöp , Geiger Friedemann , Wehkamp Kai , Danner Marion , Debrouwere Marie , Stolz-Klingenberg Constanze , Schuldt-Joswig Anja , Sommer Christina Gesine , Kopeleva Olga , Bünzen Claudia , Wagner-Ullrich Christine , Koch Gerhard , Coors Marie , Wehking Felix , Clayman Marla , Weymayr Christian , Sundmacher Leonie , Rüffer Jens Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the SHARE TO CARE (S2C) programme, a complex intervention designed for hospital-wide implementation of shared decision-making (SDM).

Design

Pre–post study.

Setting

University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel Campus.

Participants

Healthcare professionals as well as inpatients and outpatients from 22 departments of the Kiel Campus of UKSH.

Interventions

The S2C programme is a comprehensive implementation strategy including four core modules: (1) physician training, (2) SDM support training for and support by nurses as decision coaches, (3) patient activation and (4) evidence-based patient decision aid development and integration into patient pathways. After full implementation, departments received the S2C certificate.

Main outcome measures

In this paper, we report on the feasibility and effectiveness outcomes of the implementation. Feasibility was judged by the degree of implementation of the four modules of the programme. Outcome measures for effectiveness are patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). The primary outcome measure for effectiveness is the Patient Decision Making subscale of the Perceived Involvement in Care Scale (PICSPDM). Pre–post comparisons were done using t-tests.

Results

The implementation of the four components of the S2C programme was able to be completed in 18 of the 22 included departments within the time frame of the study. After completion of implementation, PICSPDMshowed a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between the means compared with baseline. This difference corresponds to a small to medium yet clinically meaningful positive effect (Hedges’ g=0.2). Consistent with this, the secondary PREMs (Preparation for Decision Making and collaboRATE) also showed statistically significant, clinically meaningful positive effects.

Conclusions

The hospital-wide implementation of SDM with the S2C-programme proved to be feasible and effective within the time frame of the project. The German Federal Joint Committee has recommended to make the Kiel model of SDM a national standard of care.
Association of macular pigment optical density with retinal layer thicknesses in eyes with and without manifest primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Lawler Thomas , Mares J A , Liu Zhe , Thuruthumaly Catherine , Etheridge Tyler , Vajaranant Thasarat S , Domalpally Amitha , Hammond Billy R , Wallace Robert B , Tinker Lesley F , Nalbandyan Marine , Klein Barbara E K , Liu Yao
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate associations between baseline macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and retinal layer thicknesses in eyes with and without manifest primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (CAREDS2).

Methods and analysis

MPOD was measured at CAREDS baseline (2001–2004) via heterochromatic flicker photometry (0.5° from foveal centre). Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), macular ganglion cell complex (GCC), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and RNFL thicknesses were measured at CAREDS2 (2016–2019) via spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Associations between MPOD and retinal thickness were assessed using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Among 742 eyes (379 participants), manifest POAG was identified in 50 eyes (32 participants). In eyes without manifest POAG, MPOD was positively associated with macular GCC, GCL and IPL thicknesses in the central subfield (P-trend ≤0.01), but not the inner or outer subfields. Among eyes with manifest POAG, MPOD was positively associated with macular GCC, GCL, IPL and RNFL in the central subfield (P-trend ≤0.03), but not the inner or outer subfields, and was positively associated with peripapillary RNFL thickness in the superior and temporal quadrants (P-trend≤0.006).

Conclusion

We observed a positive association between MPOD and central subfield GCC thickness 15 years later. MPOD was positively associated with peripapillary RNFL superior and temporal quadrant thicknesses among eyes with manifest POAG. Our results linking low MPOD to retinal layers that are structural indicators of early glaucoma provide further evidence that carotenoids may be protective against manifest POAG.
Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping review
Authors: Street Jena Heck , Boos Zebadiah P , Fial Alissa , Lennon Shannon L , Smith Carolyn S , Creasy Seth A , Hunter Sandra K , Farquhar William B , Capin Jacob John
Published: October 2023

While sports medicine has traditionally focused on recovering from injury and returning athletes to sport safely after injury, there is a growing interest in the long-term health of athletes. The purpose of this scoping review was to (1) summarise the literature (methodologies and findings) on physical function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife (age 40–65 years) former competitive athletes compared with non-athlete controls, (2) identify areas for future study in long-term health in athletes and (3) determine outcomes that could be evaluated in a future systematic review(s). We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus for studies published between 2000 and 2022 evaluating former athletes and controls on physical function, body composition and/or cardiometabolic measures using MeSH terms. We identified 20 articles that met our criteria. Outcomes varied considerably across studies, most of which were cross-sectional and evaluated only males. Limited data suggest that former endurance athletes have leaner body compositions, higher aerobic capacity and better cardiometabolic indicators than controls; former athletes who maintain higher physical activity (ie, self-reported exercise) are healthier than those who do not; and former team sport athletes, who have higher injury prevalence, may have poorer functional performance than controls who were recreationally active in college. Studies rarely evaluated functional performance, did not control for prior injury or diet and seldom assessed current physical activity levels. Future research should include females and evaluate sex differences, control for prior sports-related injury(ies), quantify physical activity, use standardised outcome measures including performance-based functional assessments and incorporate longitudinal designs.
Revolutionary transformation lowering the mortality of pancreaticoduodenectomy: a historical review
Authors: Wu Bo Chang , Wlodarczyk Jakub , Abadchi Sanaz Nourmohammadi , Shababi Niloufar , Cameron John L , Harmon John W
Published: October 2023

The History Maker paper focuses on the extraordinary revolution that dramatically improved the surgical results for the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) in the 1980s and identifies Dr. Cameron as the leader of this revolution, who reported a mortality rate of approximately 1%. The revolutionary reduction of postoperative mortality for the Whipple procedure was achieved by adherence to gentle and precise Halstedian surgical techniques with adequate drainage of pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis with closed-suction silastic drains, along with the development of high-volume surgeons and hospitals. Excellent teamwork in patient care, including but not limited to preoperative evaluation by multidisciplinary teams, intraoperative communication between surgeons and anaesthesiologists, and postoperative management, contributed to a successful Whipple procedure.
FGF/FGFR genomic amplification as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade resistance: a short report
Authors: Roussot Nicolas , Lecuelle Julie , Dalens Lorraine , Truntzer Caroline , Ghiringhelli Francois
Published: October 2023

A novel crosstalk between immunogenic and oncometabolic pathways triggered by T cell-released interferon-gamma (IFN-ɣ) has been recently identified. This IFN-ɣ-pyruvate kinase M2-β-catenin axis relies on fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) signaling in tumor cells and leads to hyperprogressive disease on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in preclinical models. This result underlines how IFN-ɣ signaling may have distinct effects on tumor cells depending on their oncogenic and metabolic features. On the basis of these data, this study aims to explore the relationship between genomic tumor FGF2 or FGF/FGF receptor (FGFR) amplification and immunotherapy response in patients with metastatic solid cancers. We used a large genomic data set of 545 ICB-treated patients and compared outcomes between those with and without FGF2 genomic amplification. Patients with no FGF2 genomic amplification had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) (HR=0.55 (95% CI 0.4, 0.8); p value=0.005) and overall survival (OS) (HR=0.56 (0.3, 0.9); p value=0.02) than patients harboring an FGF2 amplification. We next questioned whether such an observation may extend to genomic amplification of the FGF/FGFR pathway. Similarly, patients with no FGF/FGFR genomic amplification had longer PFS (HR=0.71 (0.8, 0.9), p value=0.004) and OS (HR=0.77 (0.6, 1); p value=0.06). RNA sequencing analysis of tumors between the amplified and non-amplified populations showed distinct expression profiles concerning oncogenic pathways. Importantly, using a cohort of patients untreated with ICB from the The Cancer Genome Atlas, we show that FGF2 and FGF/FGFR genomic amplification were not associated with prognosis, thus demonstrating that we identified a predictive biomarker of immunotherapy resistance.
Tectonic setting and provenance analysis of the Yaojia Formation in the northeastern Songliao Basin, NE China: constraints from sandstone geochemistry, Hf isotopes, and zircon U–Pb chronology
Authors: Li Yan , Yan Zhao-Bin , Cai Jianfang , Nie Feng-Jun , Li Wenqing , Wang Dongxu , Zhang Yao , Liu Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

The Songliao Basin is rich in uranium ores, and the Yaojia Formation, which is dominated by gray fine-grained sandstones, contains the main ore-bearing stratum. Rocks in the formation contain high SiO2, Al2O3, and total alkali, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U, K, and light rare earth elements but are depleted in high field strength elements, similar to upper crustal rocks. U–Pb dating of zircon grains from sandstones in the formation yielded four groups of ages, including 99–182, 202–245, 284–365, and 1800–1900 Ma. These ages combined with the Hf isotope composition, geochemical characteristics, and regional history suggest that the Yaojia Formation rocks are associated with passive and active continental margin settings. These clastic rocks originate principally from felsic rocks in the Zhangguangcailing–Xiao Xing'anling area, and these were deposited in oxic freshwater environments.
Maxwell equations in curved spacetime
Authors: Hwang Jai-chan , Noh Hyerim
Published: October 2023

In curved spacetime, Maxwell’s equations can be expressed in forms valid in Minkowski background, with the effect of the metric (gravity) appearing as effective polarizations and magnetizations. The electric and magnetic (EM) fields depend on the observer’s frame four-vector. We derive Maxwell’s equations valid in general curved spacetime using the fields defined in the normal frame, the coordinate frame, and two other non-covariant methods used in the literature. By analyzing the case in the generic frame we show that the EM fields, as well as the charge and current densities, defined in non-covariant ways do not correspond to physical ones measured by an observer. We show that modification of the homogeneous part is inevitable to any observer, and such a modification is difficult to interpret as the effective medium property. The normal frame is the relevant one to use as it gives the EM fields measured by an Eulerian observer.
Path Planning for Unified Scheduling of Multi-Robot Based on BSO Algorithm
Authors: Qiu Guangping , Li Jincan
Published: October 2023

The technology for path planning of independent mobile robots is mature, but multi-robot path planning for unified scheduling and allocation is much more complex than single-robot path planning. This requires consideration of collision problems between robots, general optimal path problems, etc. This paper proposes the use of the BSO algorithm for unified scheduling and allocation of multiple robots to improve the efficiency of task execution. The BSO algorithm is a new type of intelligent optimization algorithm that uses clustering ideas to search for local optimal solutions and obtains global optimal solutions by comparing local optimal solutions. It also uses mutation ideas to increase the diversity of the algorithm and avoid becoming trapped in local optimal solutions. Using the GA/SA algorithm and the proposed BSO algorithm for computer simulation comparison, we obtained the optimal path planning for the three robots under unified scheduling. The total distance of the optimal path obtained by the BSO algorithm was 27.36% and 25.31% shorter than those of the GA and SA algorithms, respectively. To further test the performance of the BSO algorithm, we conducted additional experiments on the unified scheduling of multiple robots. The experimental results show that the proposed BSO algorithm can significantly improve the efficiency. The multi-robot under unified scheduling performs point-to-point path planning without collisions, and they can traverse all task target points in the shortest path without repetition. This algorithm is suitable for multi-robot tasks in large-scale environments.
Hybrid Organic-Inorganic ZnO/PCBM Electron Transport Layer with Organic Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cell Materials CH3NH3PbIX2, X is Cl or I
Authors: Alaiawi Ali Anyam Luaibi , Bülbül Mehmet Mahir , Jafar Aqel Mashot
Published: October 2023

An experimental investigation has been undertaken to explore a variety of properties of organic perovskite solar cells (OPSCs) that are distinct in their photovoltaic response. In this study, OPSCs were constructed using zinc oxide, ZnO and [6,6]-phenylC[Formula: see text]-acid methyl ester, PCBM, as electron transfer materials (ETM), poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, as hole transport material (HTM), and CH3NH3PbIX2 as a photosensitizer, where X is either Cl or I. The structural and optical characteristics of the ETM and HTM layers and the perovskite materials of OPSCs were investigated. The [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curves of each solar cell prepared in OPSCs were measured using an integrated cell tester. This comprises a photovoltaic [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] measurement system and a solar simulation system. As a result of these results, the OPSC’s performance is evaluated. The calculations in this work suggest that the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE = 6.31%) was achieved in photovoltaic devices using CH3NH3PbI3 as the effective absorber layer and ZnO with PCBM as the ETM layer. At a light intensity of 100 mW/cm2, each OPSC cell was performed. Under the same conditions, the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curves were evaluated for each OPSC device. By improving the selection of organic and inorganic active materials in the ETM layer, OPSC performance may be improved.
Supramolecular Self-Assembly of g-C3N4 Nanoplatform as Drug Delivery Carriers for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Chen , Gan Lu , Li Yuxuan , Wang Shan , Lu Li , Zhang Siyao , Wang Wenrui , Chen Yan
Published: October 2023

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N[Formula: see text] polymer with two-dimensional planar structure is a new star in nanodrug delivery systems in recent years because it shows characteristics of low cost, nontoxicity, biocompatibility and easy functionalization. However, conventional g-C3N4 shows bulk, macro size, small specific surface area and poor water solubility. To improve this, most works are always confined to physical ultrasound, oxidative peeling or template-strategy, which have the disadvantages of redundant steps, environment-unfriendliness and high cost. In this paper, a modified supramolecular self-assembled strategy was carried out to construct a novel graphitic carbon nitride nanoplatform (named by CA-MA[Formula: see text] using melamine and cyanuric as precursors. The chemical structure characterization, drug loading experiment and cell tests in vitro of the CA-MA[Formula: see text] nanoplatform were carried out and discussed in detail. Results indicated that the obtained samples show enhanced specific surface area, more exposed groups and good biocompatibility. Compared to the traditional carbon nitride (named by MA-CN), the newly prepared CA-MA[Formula: see text] carrier shows improved drug loading efficiency and good pH-responsive loading, as well as releasing. Cell uptake experiment demonstrates that CA-MA2-DOX can be swallowed by cancer cells and during treatment of the cancer cell process, the CA-MA2-DOX complex experiences phagocytizing by the cancer cell, controlled-release DOX and kills the cancer cell after DOX was passively diffused into the nucleus. CA-MA2-DOX exhibited significant in vitro antitumor activity. To our knowledge, this is the first time the supramolecular self-assembled method was used in carbon nitride nanocarrier construction for cancer treatment.