bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What A Drag It Is Growing Old - Personal Reflections on Ways to Cope with Changing Physical Capabilities as We Age
Authors: Warren Bernie
Published: January 2024

In this brief article we discuss successful and authentic aging, emphasizing that rather than seeing aging as a drag we should embrace it. Through anecdotes that embed ideas, the authors present ways that we each are coming to terms with our own constantly changing physical appearance and capabilities and discuss some of the ways that each of has coped with these as we continue to age.
Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Compliance Rates over the Age of 40: Single Center Data in Türkiye
Authors: KARAGÖZ ÖZEN Düriye Sıla , DAĞISTAN ERGİN Elif , ERGİN Ali Uğur , DEMİRAG Mehmet Derya
Published: January 2024

The frequency of colorectal cancer is increasing under the age of 50, and new sights have emerged regarding the initiation of screening in the earlier age group. This study aims to measure the consciousness of patients over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening and to reveal the screening rates of individuals over the age of 50. 300 consecutive patients who applied to our center and were older than 40 years of age were included. The questionnaire was created based on current guidelines and literature knowledge by the investigators and done through face-to-face interviews. Patients over 50 years of age who did not undergo screening were analyzed by dividing them into groups according to their socio-demographic characteristics and colorectal cancer risk factors. While 64.7% of the participants stated that they knew about colorectal cancer screening, only 32.4% of the participants aged 50 and over had colorectal cancer screening. The vast majority of patients stated that they did not have enough knowledge about the subject. The rate of participants who stated that they were considering entering the cancer screening program after completing this questionnaire was 73.7%. Colorectal cancer screening rates of non-smokers, women, and married participants were higher than the other group (P=0.016, P=0.017, and P=0.033, respectively). This study shows low screening compliance of individuals over the age of 50. We think that it is important to encourage and inform all adults over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening for public health.
A Study on Education Training Policy Borrowing Mechanism in South Korea: A case of Korean Work-Learning Dual System
Authors:   Korean Comparative Education Society, Lee Hanbyul
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the mechanism by which external apprenticeship policies are borrowed in Korea, and to identify the reasons why external policies are transformed into Korean style within this mechanism.
To achieve this goal, this study conducted a qualitative case study by securing data through literature analysis and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted by selecting a total of 34 people involved in industry, academia, government, and research institute concurrently in consideration of the representativeness and balance of the sample.
In this study, from the perspective of morphogenetic theory that explains the mechanism of social change by considering both the influence of the structure and agency, a new analysis framework was designed to supplement the existing education training policy borrowing analysis framework. Based on this analysis framework, Korea's apprenticeship policy borrowing mechanism was analyzed by dividing it into three stages: structural conditioning, actor interaction, and structural internalization. And how the external policy prototype was transformed into the Korean style by the structure and actors was discussed. Based on this, the meaning of the ‘Korean style’ transformation was reexamined and the direction for the Korean education training policy borrowing was suggested.
The implications of this research is that first, by clarifying the mechanism of the Korean apprenticeship policy borrowing, it provides feedback to policy makers and researchers on ways to develop a truly Korean style apprenticeship policy by taking the Korean structure and agency into account. This research also suggests a new framework to analyze the education training policy borrowing mechanism by considering both the structure and the agency on equal terms.
Pure Islamic rationalization of the Muhammadiyah congregation in the hills and south coast of Watulimo-Trenggalek
Authors: Azis Hamzah Nur , Sudarso Sudarso
Published: January 2024

The diversity of people of the hills and the coast of South Java has a different style from the people of the coast of North Java. This research aims to explore how Muhammadiyah as a puritan Islamic organization can develop and grow during the culture and habits of the hill community as well as the South coast of Watulimo-Trenggalek, and how the social behavior of Muhammadiyah members and congregation of the Watulimo Branch. This study used a qualitative method with Max Weber’s social theory approach regarding changes in society to become modern which looks different between people in the East and West regions. The results showed the success of the Muhammadiyah movement in spreading its teachings in Watulimo using two approaches. The first is by the study route that has been adapted to the cultural context of the south coast community, and the second is by formal education. This study concludes that these two approaches led to the emergence of four Muhammadiyah jemaah groups in Watulimo.
Development of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Test Instruments on Parabolic and Circular Motion Materials in High Schools
Authors: Fadillah Muhammad Aizri , Sahyar Sahyar
Published: January 2024

This research intends to produce HOTS test instruments on high school parabolic and circular motion materials. The Borg and Gall model of research and development (R&D) includes six stages: (1) preliminary investigation, (2) planning and equipment preparation, (3) expert initial product testing and revision, (4) limited field testing, (5) revision based on the results field testing, and (6) broader field test. The data analysis used was qualitative and quantitative. The HOTS test instrument consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, including ten on parabolic and circular motion. According to three experts from material, construction, and language, the outcomes of HOTS instrument validation showed valid and feasible to use with an average value of 0.95 (high validity). The characteristics of HOTS questions have met the criteria of validity as many as 18 questions, high reliability with a value of 0.71, nine questions with a medium difficulty level, an average differentiating power of 0.41 with a good category, and 17 questions have the effectiveness of effective deception. This research concluded that HOTS-based parabolic and circular motion instruments are feasible. Thus, the instrument can be used as training material and assessment of students’ HOTS in high schools.
REALISASI PENGEMBANGAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN DI SEKOLAH BERSTATUS SEKOLAH PENGGERAK
Authors: Mahdayana Dea , Hakim Zerri Rahman , Pribadi Reksa Adya
Published: January 2024

Pendidikan yang ada di Indonesia menurun pada saat munculnya pandemi covid 19 pada awal tahun 2020, munculnya covid 19 ini menyebabkan banyaknya kegiatan pembelajaran yang tertunda atau bahkan ditiadakan. Dengan menurunnya kualitas pendidikan akibat adanya pandemi covid 19 ini pemerintah membuat inovasi baru agar pendidikan yang ada di Indonesia ini meningkat kembali dan sesuai dengan tujuan pendidikan yang ada di Indonesia. Kementerian pendidikan dan kebudayaan Indonesia berinovasi dengan membuat program sekolah penggerak yang dibuat secara khusus pada saat adanya pandemi covid 19 di tahun 2020. Tujuan dibuatnya program sekolah penggerak ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kembali kualitas pendidikan yang menurun akibat munculnya pandemi covid 19 di Indonesia. Peneliti ingin mengetahui lebih lanjut mengenai tahapan yang dilalui oleh sekolah agar memiliki status sekolah penggerak, lalu hambatan atau tantangan dalam melaksanakan kegiatan atau program sekolah penggerak dan pelaksaaan kegiatan pembelajaran sekolah penggerak. Dalam peneltian yang dilakukan, peneliti mengambil data ke sekolah dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualiatif metode deskriptif dengan teknik wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Dan didapatkan hasil bahwa sekolah penggerak ini merupakan program yang mana kemendikbud bersama pemerintah daerah bekerja sama dalam mengupayakan sekolah menjadi sekolah penggerak untuk bisa dijadikan contoh atau acuan bagi sekolah yang tidak memiliki status sekolah penggerak.
PENGARUH PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI DIGITAL TERHADAP KEMANDIRIAN SISWA KELAS IV PADA SEKOLAH PENGGERAK DI WILAYAH KOTA TANGERANG
Authors: Azhar Arry Patria , Edwita Edwita , Yarmi Gusti
Published: January 2024

This article aims to explore the application of technology in the context of the Mobilizing School Program with a focus on how technology can be used to encourage student independence in the digital era. This research uses a qualitative approach with the case study method as the research framework. Data was collected from several Driving Schools that have successfully integrated technology in the learning process.This research explores various aspects of technology implementation in the Driving School Program, including the type of technology used, the training provided to teachers, and its impact on student independence. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with teachers, students and school staff, as well as participatory observation in classes that have implemented technology effectively.The results of this research reveal that the application of technology in the Driving School Program can make a significant contribution in developing student independence. Factors such as selecting the right technological tools, good teacher training, and support from the school and parents play an important role in the successful implementation of the technology. Apart from that, students' independence is also influenced by their ability to manage information, collaborate online, and develop digital literacy.The case studies in this research provide in-depth insight into how the application of technology can support the development of student independence in the digital era. These results have important implications for the design of educational programs and teaching practices that focus on the use of technology to increase student independence.
Scapholunate Ligament Rupture and Coincident Fracture Proximal Pole Scaphoid Presenting Late with Osteonecrosis
Authors: S Vignesh , Prabhakar R Ponnaian , Shekhar Raj
Published: January 2024

Case:

A 29-year-old young active man with ununited necrosed proximal fifth of scaphoid with chronic scapholunate ligament disruption was managed by excision of proximal pole fragment and interosseous scapholunate reconstruction using modified Brunelli triple ligament tenodesis technique with satisfying outcome at 6 months and return to sports instructor job by the end of 1 year.

Conclusion:

Meticulous understanding and algorithmic itemwise approach of injury components can lead to optimal management of complex unstable wrist injuries such as scapholunate dissociation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on excision of proximal pole of scaphoid coupled with scapholunate ligament reconstruction.
Diagnosis of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Using Postoperative Histopathology During Routine Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Anibas Jakob J. , Spence Dominque B. , Reyes Michael , Skelly William , Cheppalli Naga Suresh
Published: January 2024

Case:

We present a 63-year-old patient diagnosed with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) through histopathology of bone tissue after total knee arthroplasty for routine osteoarthritis. The patient, surgical team, and the pathologist were unaware of this diagnosis before the surgery.

Conclusion:

The cost-effectiveness of routine histopathologic examination of bone cuts and synovial samples after total joint arthroplasty continues to be a source of debate. Our case highlights an example of the utility of histopathology because it led to the early detection of WM, resulting in prompt treatment to improve quality of life.
Pediatric Orthopaedic Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Mulpuri Neha , Sanborn Ryan M. , Pradhan Pratik , Miller Patricia E. , Canizares Maria F. , Shore Benjamin J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

There is growing evidence of increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence in children with trauma or infection. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of existing literature related to VTE in the pediatric orthopaedic population, to estimate the overall incidence of VTE and identify risk factors associated with this condition.

Methods:

A systematic review of the available literature was performed to identify articles that described VTE in pediatric orthopaedic surgery or admission. Literature queries were performed to identify articles published from 1980 to 2021 that included patients ≤21 years of age. A stepwise search strategy of 5 electronic databases yielded 1,426 articles, which were filtered by 2 reviewers to identify 30 articles for full-text review. The primary aim was to determine the rate of VTE, and the secondary aim was to identify risk factors for VTE. The pooled incidence of VTE was estimated and reported in cases per 10,000. Studies were stratified by study size, by trauma versus elective surgery, and by orthopaedic subspecialty.

Results:

The 30 articles reported 3,113 VTE events in 2,467,764 pediatric patients (including those with non-orthopaedic conditions), for a pooled VTE incidence of 20 events (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.8 to 37.2) per 10,000. Four of the studies were excluded for incomplete data or high heterogeneity. The remaining 26 studies had 850,268 orthopaedic patients with 1,108 cases of VTE, for a pooled VTE incidence of 16.6 events (95% CI = 9.1 to 30.5) per 10,000. Studies with <10,000 patients and those involving a diagnosis of trauma had the highest VTE incidence when stratification was performed. The most frequently analyzed risk factors in 15 available studies included age, sex, obesity/body mass index, type of surgery, and use of a central venous catheter.

Conclusions:

This systematic review indicated that the risk of VTE associated with pediatric orthopaedic surgery or admission remains low, at <17 events per 10,000 cases. However, orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the most common risk factors associated with pediatric orthopaedic VTE and should pay special attention to traumatic etiologies, as these yielded the highest incidence.

Levels of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Treatment Outcomes of Simple Elbow Dislocations
Authors: Pott Charlotte M.J.M. , de Klerk Huub H. , Priester-Vink Simone , Eygendaal Denise , van den Bekerom Michel P.J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

The treatment of simple elbow dislocations (SEDs) has become more functional last decade with a tendency to shorter immobilization of the elbow, whereas simultaneously, surgical stabilization has been promoted by some authors. The primary aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and analyze the outcomes and complications of different treatment options for acute and persistent SEDs, including operative and nonoperative treatments with varying immobilization periods.

Methods:

A literature search was performed based on the online medical databases MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Articles presenting patients with a SED were eligible for inclusion. When an SED persists for >3 weeks, it is categorized as persistent. Various outcome measures were assessed, including the range of motion (ROM), patient-reported outcome measures, and complication rates. To get insight into the severity of complications, all complications were categorized as minor or major. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies was used to assess the methodological quality of nonrandomized studies. The risk of bias in the randomized studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

Results:

A total of 37 articles were included with 1,081 dislocated elbows (1,078 patients). A fair quality of evidence was seen for the nonrandomized studies and a low risk of bias for the randomized study. Nonoperative treatment was administered to 710 elbows, with 244 elbows treated with early mobilization, 239 with 1- to 3-week immobilization, and 163 with ≥3-week immobilization. These groups showed a ROM flexion-extension arc (ROM F/E) of 137, 129, and 131°, respectively. Surgical treatment as open reduction and ligament repair or reconstruction was performed in 228 elbows and showed a ROM F/E of 128°. All persistent SEDs were treated surgically and showed a ROM F/E of 90°.

Conclusion:

The early mobilization treatment showed the most consistent satisfactory outcomes in the literature compared with the other treatment options. Nevertheless, there remains ambiguity regarding which patients would benefit more from surgery than nonoperative treatment.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Rotator Cuff Tears to Shoulder Instability
Authors: Testa Edward J. , Katz Luca , Zhang Helen , Chang Kenny , Kutschke Michael J. , Dworkin Myles , Owens Brett D.
Published: January 2024

» The acromion is a well-studied region of the scapula that has demonstrated substantial relationships to various shoulder pathologies.

» Abnormal acromial morphology is associated with rotator cuff pathology, and our understanding of this risk factor inspired acromioplasty as an adjunctive treatment for rotator cuff tears.

» The acromion is linked closely to shoulder kinematics and biomechanics, as it serves as the origin for the deltoid muscle.

» In degenerative shoulder disease, eccentric glenohumeral osteoarthritis has been associated with a higher, flatter acromial roof.

» Increasing literature is emerging connecting morphology of the acromion with shoulder instability.
Review of regressive channel erosion and grade control options on the Rio Coca, Ecuador
Authors: Haring Christopher , Darby Tom , May David , Boyd Paul
Published: January 2024

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is assisting the Ecuadorian state-run Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC) in addressing a water resource issue involving regressive channel erosion on the Rio Coca. Reconnaissance of the site was completed the week of 21 February 2022; parts of the river system were viewed to determine if improvements could be made to the current grade control structure (GCS) mitigation plan for reducing channel erosion and stabilizing the river system downstream of the Coca Coda Sinclair (CCS) Dam. The Rio Coca is a tributary to the Amazon River system in South America. It originates on the east side of the Andes Mountains and generally flows from southwest to northeast through the project area and then turns and flows east into the Amazon basin (Figure 1).* The Rio Coca valley is a current example of how damaging regressive erosion can be to a fluvial system (Figure 2).
Enteral Nutrition in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors:   Ex-Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India., J Shah Shagun , S Tullu Milind ,   Professor (Additional), Department of Pediatrics, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Occurrence of malnutrition in critically ill children is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Critically ill children have to face various challenges to meet adequate energy needs. It is important to identify patients who are already malnourished or might become so during their illness by appropriate nutritional assessment. The main purpose of this review article is to discuss various aspects of enteral nutrition in the pediatric intensive care units. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database using word combinations of controlled vocabulary (MeSH terms):‘enteral nutrition’ and ‘critical illnesses’. The methodology used for literature retrieval has been discussed in details in the main text. Results: To reach an optimal nutrition, target caloric and protein requirement should be calculated by indirect calorimetry (ideally) or by standard formulae (like Schofield or WHO equations). Nutrition (in critically ill children) should preferably be provided in the form of enteral nutrition as early as possible (if there are no contraindications). It is vital to know the indicators of feed intolerance and side effects/complications of enteral feeding. Feed interruptions are very frequently encountered in the pediatric intensive care units with most of them being (actually) avoidable interruptions. Conclusions: All the available local data should be put together to develop locally-suited algorithms to initiate Indian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Pediatrics Volume 13 Number 2-3/April-September 2021 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijtep.2348.9987.132-321.2 Authors Affiliation 1Ex-Assistant Professor, 2Professor (Additional), Department of Pediatrics, Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India. Corresponding AuthorAffiliation Milind S Tullu, Professor (Additional), Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India. Email: milindtullu@yahoo.com How to cite this article: Shagun J Shah, Milind S Tullu/Enteral Nutrition in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit/Indian J Trauma Emerg Pediatr.2021;13(2- 3):49-58. Shagun J Shah1, Milind S Tullu2 and maintain enteral feeding which should be implemented strictly by a multidisciplinary nutrition support team.
The Impact of Autonomous Inflow Control Valve on Improved Oil Recovery in a Thin-Oil-Rim Reservoir
Authors: Taghavi Soheila , Aakre Haavard , Tahami Seyed Amin , Moldestad Britt M. E.
Published: January 2024

Oil production from thin-oil-rim fields can be challenging as such fields are prone to gas coning. Excessive gas production from these fields results in poor production and recovery. Hence, these resources require advanced recovery methods to improve the oil recovery. One of the recovery methods that is widely used today is advanced inflow control technology such as autonomous inflow control valve (AICV). AICV restricts the inflow of gas in the zones where breakthrough occurs and may consequently improve the recovery from thin-oil-rim fields. This paper presents a performance analysis of AICVs, passive inflow control devices (ICDs), and sand screens based on the results from experiments and simulations. Single- and multiphase-flow experiments are performed with light oil, gas, and water at typical Troll field reservoir conditions (RCs). The obtained data from the experiments are the differential pressure across the device vs. the volume flow rate for the different phases. The results from the experiments confirm the significantly better ability of the AICV to restrict the production of gas, especially at higher gas volume fractions (GVFs). Near-well oil production from a thin-oil-rim field considering sand screens, AICV, and ICD completion is modeled. In this study, the simulation model is developed using the CMG simulator/STARS module. Completion of the well with AICVs reduces the cumulative gas production by 22.5% and 26.7% compared with ICDs and sand screens, respectively. The results also show that AICVs increase the cumulative oil production by 48.7% compared with using ICDs and sand screens. The simulation results confirm that the well completed with AICVs produces at a beneficial gas/oil ratio (GOR) for a longer time compared with the cases with ICDs and sand screens. The novelty of this work is the multiphase experiments of a new AICV and the implementation of the data in the simulator. A workflow for the simulation of AICV/ICD is proposed. The simulated results, which are based on the proposed workflow, agree with the experimental AICV performance results. As it is demonstrated in this work, deploying AICV in the most challenging light oil reservoirs with high GOR can be beneficial with respect to increased production and recovery.
Phagocytosis of antigen-coated beads or malaria parasites using neutrophils
Authors: Feng Gaoqian , Beeson James
Published: January 2024

Antibodies can opsonise pathogens and promote opsonic phagocytosis by immune cells (e.g. neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages). High levels of antibodies capable of inducing opsonic phagocytosis have been associated with protective immunity in several diseases, including malaria. This protocol measures phagocytosis by neutrophils of either antibody-opsonised P. falciparum merozoites or antigen-coated beads. This approach is valuable to assess the role of antibodies in in immunity to malaria, either naturally acquired or vaccine-induced. Antigen-coated beads can be a useful alternative to using whole malaria parasites (or other organisms), and also have the advantage of enabling assays that quantify activity with specific antigenic targets. These assays can be used with a range of different malaria parasite stages including, merozoites, sporozoites, and infected erythrocytes. This protocol describes the use of neutrophils as the phagocyte, but can be adapted to use monocytes and macrophages, or phagocytic cell lines such as THP-1.
FAK loss reduces BRAFV600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation
Authors: Gao Chenxi , Ge Huaibin , Kuan Shih-Fan , Cai Chunhui , Lu Xinghua , Esni Farzad , Schoen Robert , Wang Jing , Chu Edward , Hu Jing
Published: January 2024

BRAF V600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a "just-right" level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vill-Cre;BRAFV600E/+;Fakfl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E's oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation increased the level of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Our findings show that a "just-right" ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
Humanization of the mouse telomerase gene reset telomeres to human length
Authors: Zhu Jiyue , Cheng De , Zhang Fan , Porter Kenneth , Wang Shuwen , Zhang Hui , Davis Christopher , Robertson Gavin
Published: January 2024

Telomeres undergo shortening with each cell division, serving as biomarkers of human aging, which is characterized by short telomeres and restricted telomerase expression in adult tissues. Contrarily, mice, featuring their longer telomeres and widespread telomerase activity, present limitations as models for understanding telomere-related human biology and diseases. To bridge this gap, we engineered a mouse strain with a humanized mTert gene, hmTert, wherein specific non-coding sequences were replaced with their human counterparts. The hmTert gene, encoding the wildtype mTert protein, was repressed in adult tissues beyond the gonads and thymus, closely resembling the regulatory pattern of the human TERT gene. Remarkably, the hmTert gene rescued telomere dysfunction in late generations of mTert-knockout mice. Through successive intercrosses of Terth/- mice, telomere length progressively declined, stabilizing below 10-kb. Terth/h mice achieved a human-like average telomere length of 10-12 kb, contrasting with the 50-kb length in wildtype C57BL/6J mice. Despite shortened telomeres, Terth/h mice maintained normal body weight and cell homeostasis in highly proliferative tissues. Notably, colonocyte proliferation decreased significantly in Terth/h mice during dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis-like pathology, suggesting limitations on cellular renewal due to short telomeres. Our findings underscore the genetic determination of telomere homeostasis in mice by the Tert gene. These mice, exhibiting humanized telomere homeostasis, serve as a valuable model for exploring fundamental questions related to human aging and cancer.
Rules of River Avulsion Change Downstream
Authors: Gearon James , Martin Harrison , DeLisle Clarke , Barefoot Eric , Mohrig David , Paola Chris , Edmonds Douglas
Published: January 2024

Avulsing rivers carve new pathways on the floodplain, and the associated flooding can profoundly impact society 1-4. River avulsions are thought to occur when the water column becomes perched above the floodplain5, or when the slope down the channel's flanks provides a steeper descent than the current path 6,7. However, neither idea has been suitably field-tested. Here we quantify the topography around avulsing rivers and reveal that these mechanisms work together. Near coasts, rivers avulse when the slope away from the channel is steeper, not because they are perched. The opposite is true near mountain fronts; on alluvial fans, alternative paths are all similarly steep, so rivers avulse when they are perched over the surrounding landscape. We reconcile these findings and present a novel theoretical framework that can predict which rivers are vulnerable to avulsion, and where avulsing rivers will go after they start. By clarifying the rules of river avulsion, it is evident that avulsion risks are underestimated in many coastal environments8 and that probabilistic predictions of avulsion pathfinding can efficiently project hazard with minimal information. Applying these principles for risk assessment may have outsized benefit in the world’s poorest nations, which we find are disproportionately impacted by avulsions.
A solar cycle clock for extreme space weather
Authors: Chapman Sandra , de Wit Thierry Dudok
Published: January 2024

The variable solar cycle of activity is a long-standing problem in physics. It modulates the overall level of space weather activity at earth, which in turn can have significant societal impact. The Hilbert transform of the sunspot number is used to map the variable length, approximately 11 year Schwabe cycle onto a uniform clock. The clock is used to correlate extreme space weather seen in the aa index, the longest continuous geomagnetic record at earth, with the record of solar active region areas and latitudes since 1874. This shows that a clear switch-off of the mostextreme space weather events occurs when the solar active regions move to within 15 degrees of the solar equator, from regions of high gradient in solar differential rotation which can power coronal mass ejections, to a region where solar differential rotation is almost constant with latitude. This overlaps with the onset of more moderate space weather events which coincide with 27 day solar rotation recurrences in the aa index, consistent with stable, persistent source regions.This offers a physical explanation for the longstanding identification of a two component cycle of activity in the aa index.
Antimicrobial efficacy of direct air gas soft jet plasma for oral bacterial biofilm eradication and treatment
Authors: Puca Valentina , Marinacci Beatrice , Pinti Morena , Cintio Federica Di , Sinjari Bruna , Marcantonio Maria Carmela Di , Mincione Gabriella , Acharya Tirtha Raj , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Choi Eun Ha , Sallese Michele , Guarnieri Simone , Grande Rossella , Perrotti Vittoria
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of an air gas soft jet CAP for its potential use in removing oral biofilms, given that plasma-based technologies have emerged as promising methods in periodontology. Two types of biofilms were developed, one byStreptococcus mutansUA 159 bacterial strain and the other by a complex mixture of saliva microorganisms isolated from a patient with periodontitis. This latter biofilm was characterized via Next Generation Sequencing to determine the main bacterial phyla. The CAP source was applied at a distance of 6mm for different time points. A statistically significant reduction of both CFU count and XTT was detected after 60s of CAP treatment, while the treatment for 120s resulted in both biofilms eradication. CLSM analysis supported CAP effectiveness in killing the microorganisms inside the biofilm and in reducing the thickness of the biofilm matrix. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the possible use of CAP without important side effects towards human gingival fibroblasts cell line. The current study showed that CAP treatment was able to eradicate preformed biofilms developed by bothS. mutansand the complex mixture of saliva microorganisms, representing a potential innovative strategy to counteract oral pathogens responsible for periodontal diseases.
Specific isoforms of the ubiquitin ligase gene WWP2 are targets of osteoarthritis genetic risk via a differentially methylated DNA sequence
Authors: Roberts Jack Brian , Boldvig Olivia Lucy Georgina , Aubourg Guillaume , Kanchenapally Sai Tanishq , Deehan David John , Rice Sarah Jayne , Loughlin John
Published: January 2024

Background
Transitioning from a genetic association signal to an effector gene and a targetable molecular mechanism requires the application of functional fine-mapping tools such as reporter assays and genome editing. In this report, we undertook such studies on the osteoarthritis (OA) risk that is marked by single nucleotide polymorphism rs34195470 and which maps to functional candidates WWP2 and microRNA-140 (miR-140).
Methods
Nucleic acids were extracted from adult OA (arthroplasty) and foetal cartilage. Samples were genotyped and DNA methylation (DNAm) quantified by pyrosequencing at 16 CpG dinucleotides located within a putative enhancer. CpGs were tested for transcriptional regulatory effects using a chondrocyte cell line and reporter gene assay. DNAm was altered using epigenetic editing, with the impact on gene expression determined using RT-qPCR. In silico analysis complemented laboratory experiments.
Results
rs34195470 genotype associates with differential methylation of the CpGs, forming a methylation quantitative trait locus (mQTL). The mQTL is more pronounced in adult versus foetal cartilage. The differential methylation acts as a transcriptional regulatory intermediate between risk allele and level of WWP2 expression by targeting the full-length and N-terminal transcript isoforms of the gene.
Conclusions
As far as we are aware, this is the first experimental demonstration of an OA association signal targeting specific transcript isoforms of a gene. WWP2 encodes a ubiquitin ligase, with its isoforms encoding proteins with varying substrate specificities, including for components of the TGFb signaling pathway. Future analysis should focus on the substrates regulated by the WWP2 isoforms that are the targets of the genetic risk.
The impact of Bevacizumab on mucosal healing after dental extraction in patients undergoing cancer treatment in the central region of Algeria
Authors: BOUDJELAL Hanane AMMAR , MELZI Mohamed Aimene , BOUAMRA Abderezak , BACHIR Yacine NAIT , MEDDAH Souad , BOUNEDJAR Adda , LATTAFI Rachid
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Bevacizumab currently stands as the most prescribed anti-VEGF medication in oncology. It functions as an angiogenesis inhibitor, thereby slowing down tumor progression. However, this drug is associated with side effects both in general health and in the oral cavity. To assess the impact of Bevacizumab on mucosal healing after dental extraction in patients undergoing cancer treatment in the central region of Algeria.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a cohort study that was comparative, prospective, and multicentric, carried out from June 2018 to September 2021. The sample was divided into two groups: the "With Bevacizumab" group consisted of patients on Bevacizumab with or without chemotherapy, and the second group "Without Bevacizumab" consisted of patients exclusively under conventional chemotherapy. These patients underwent dental extractions without interrupting their antineoplastic treatment. Additionally, the dental extraction protocol adhered to certain conditions, including antibiotic prophylaxis, vasoconstrictor-free anesthetic, and tight sutures. Mucosal healing was evaluated and monitored at 7, 15, and 30 days. Data analysis was performed using Python v. 3.8.16 software.
Results: In total, 1250 cancer-treated patients were examined. Among them, 120 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 52.08 ± 10.31 years, and they received an average dose of 547.9 ± 239.32 mg of Bevacizumab per cycle over an average duration of 40.08 ± 31.66 weeks. The mean total duration of treatment-free interval with Bevacizumab was estimated at 23.13 ± 7.03 days, with 12.85 ± 5.58 days before and 10.28 ± 4.68 days after dental extraction. Mucosal healing delay was only observed in the "With Bevacizumab" group (15.3% vs. 0.0%, p=0.040).
Conclusions: Dental extraction is feasible during Bevacizumab treatment considering the disadvantages associated with interrupting anti-angiogenic treatment, despite the observed delay in epithelialization in our study.
Clinical Relevance: Our results were able to demonstrate delayed mucosal healing (lack of epithelialization) beyond one month after tooth extraction.
How growth without siblings affects adult brain and behavior
Authors: Yu Chunshui , Tang Jie , Zhang Jing , Li Wei , Wang Meiyun , Cheng Jingliang , Zhang Bing , Zhu Wenzhen , Qiu Shijun , Cui Guangbin , Yu Yongqiang , Liao Weihua , Zhang Hui , Gao Bo , Xu Xiaojun , Yang Yunjun , Han Tong , Yao Zhenwei , Zhang Quan , Qin Wen , Liu Feng , Liang Meng , Wang Sijia , Xu Qiang , Xu Jiayuan , Fu Jilian , Ji Yuan , Liu Nana , Zhang Peng , Shi Dapeng , Wang Caihong , Lui Su , Yan Zhihan , Chen Feng , Shen Wen , Miao Yanwei , Wang Dawei , Xian Junfang , Zhang Xiaochu , Xu Kai , Zuo Xi-Nian , Zhang Long Jiang , Ye Zhaoxiang , Geng Zuojun , Gao Jia-Hong , Consortium The CHIMGEN
Published: January 2024

With the worldwide increase of only-child families, it is crucial to understand the influence of growth without siblings (GWS) on human health, but there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of GWS on human brain. Besides, existing studies have reported paradoxical associations between GWS and mental health, most likely due to mismatched confounders and overlooked growth environments. Here, using 2,305 pairs of individuals with and without siblings well matched in confounders, we comprehensively examined the impact of GWS on changes in adult brain structure, function, and behaviors, as well as pathways from GWS, growth environments to brain and behaviors. Our findings uncovered novel associations, including GWS being linked to higher language-fiber integrity, lower motor-fiber integrity, larger regional cerebellum volume, and lower frontotemporal spontaneous brain activity. Contrary to stereotypical associations between GWS and problem behaviors, we found positive correlations of GWS with neurocognition and mental health. Despite direct effects, GWS affects most adult brain and behavioral outcomes through modifiable environments, such as socioeconomic status, maternal care, and family support, suggesting targets for interventions to enhance children’s healthy growth.
Succession from acetoclastic to hydrogenotrophic microbial community during sewage sludge anaerobic digestion for bioenergy production
Authors: rocha Mariana Erthal , Mangiavacchi Norberto , Marques Marcia , Teixeira Lia
Published: January 2024

To evaluate microbial profiling during the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge (SWS) from a municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), a Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) assay operating at 37°C mono-digestion was performed. The results from 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, utilizing the Illumina MiSeq platform, revealed a core bacterial community in the solid material, dominated by variations in the profiles. The relative abundance in the SWS (before AD) was as following: Proteobacteria > Bacteroidota > Actinobacteriota. After AD, the relative abundance shifted to Firmicutes > Synergistota > Proteobacteria. At the genus level, Sporanaerobacter and Clostridium were dominant. The methanogenic community presented a shift in metabolic pathway from acetoclastic to hydrogenotrophic in the lab-scale reactors. The dominance of methanogenic groups at the genus level was represented by Methanosaeta > Methanolinea > Methanofastidiosum. After AD, the dominance shifted to Methanobacterium > Methanosaeta > Methanospirillum. This shift in the metabolic pathway could be related to the increase in Firmicutes, especially the population of Clostridia, which contains acetate-oxidizing bacteria that convert acetate to hydrogen.
The Role of Policy and Module Manufacturing Learning in Industrial Decarbonization by Small Modular Reactors
Authors: Vanatta Max , Stewart William , Craig Michael
Published: January 2024

Small nuclear modular reactors (SMRs) offer a unique solution to the challenge of decarbonizing mid- and high-temperature industrial processes. We develop deployment pathways for four SMR designs serving industrial heat processes at 925 facilities across the United States under diverse policy and factory and onsite learning conditions. We find that widespread SMR deployment in industry requires natural gas prices above $6/MMBtu or aggressive carbon taxes. At natural gas prices of $6 to $10/MMBtu, 5 to 51 GWt of SMRs could be economically deployed by 2050, reducing annual emissions by up to 59 million mt CO2e. Large, lower temperature SMRs are deployed at lower natural gas prices, while microreactors and higher temperature designs become dominant at higher prices. Policy levers like subsidies are not effective at incentivizing sustainable deployment, but aggressive carbon taxes and investment tax credits provide effective support for SMR success. Large-scale SMR deployment hinges on factory, not onsite, learning.
Laboratory realization of relativistic pair-plasma beams
Authors: Arrowsmith Charles , Simon Pascal , Bilbao Pablo , Bott Archie , Burger Stephane , Chen Hui , Cruz Filipe , Davenne Tristan , Efthymiopoulos Ilias , Froula Dustin , Goillot Alice Marie , Gudmundsson Jon Tomas , Haberberger Dan , Halliday Jonathan , Hodge Tom , Huffman Brian , Iaquinta Sam , Miniati Francesco , Reville Brian , Sarkar Subir , Schekochihin Alexander , Silva Luis , Simpson  , Stergiou Vasiliki , Trines Raoul , Vieu Thibault , Charitonidis Nikolaos , Bingham Robert , Gregori Gianluca
Published: January 2024

Relativistic electron-positron (e±)plasmas are ubiquitous in extreme astrophysical environments such as black holes and neutron star magnetospheres, where accretion-powered jets and pulsar winds are expected to be enriched with such pair plasmas. Their behaviour is quite different from typical electron-ion plasmas due to the matter-antimatter symmetry of the charged components and their role in the dynamics of such compact objects is believed to be fundamental. So far, our experimental inability to produce large yields of positrons in quasi-neutral beams has restricted the understanding of electron-positron pair plasmas to simple numerical and analytical studies which are rather limited. We present first experimental results confirming the generation of high-density, quasi-neutral, relativistic electron-positron pair beams using the 440 GeV/c beam at CERN's Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerator. The produced pair beams have a volume that fills multiple Debye spheres and are thus able to sustain collective plasma oscillations. Our work opens up the possibility of directly probing the microphysics of pair plasmas beyond quasi-linear evolution into regimes that are challenging to simulate or measure via astronomical observations.
Kdm4a is an activity downregulated barrier to generate new engram for memory separation
Authors: Guan Ji-Song , Guo Xiuxian , Hong Pengfei , Xiong Songhai , Yan Yuze , Xie Hong
Published: January 2024

Memory engrams are a subset of learning activated neurons critical for memory recall, consolidation, extinction and separation. While the transcriptional profile of engrams after learning suggests profound neural changes underlying plasticity and memory formation, little is known about how memory engrams are selected and allocated. As epigenetic factors suppress memory formation, we developed a CRISPR screening in the hippocampus to search for factors controlling engram formation. We identified histone lysine-specific demethylase 4a (Kdm4a) as a novel regulator for engram formation. Kdm4a is downregulated after neural activation and controls the volume of mossy fiber boutons. Mechanistically, Kdm4a anchors to the exonic region of Trpm7 gene loci, causing the stalling of nascent RNAs and allowing burst transcription of Trpm7 upon the dismissal of Kdm4a. Furthermore, the YTH domain containing protein 2 (Ythdc2) recruits Kdm4a to the Trpm7 gene and stabilizes nascent RNAs. Reducing the expression of Kdm4a in the hippocampus via genetic manipulation or artificial neural activation facilitated the ability of pattern separation in rodents. Our work indicates that Kdm4a is a negative regulator of engram formation and suggests a priming state to generate a separate memory.
Structures of the essential efflux pump EfpA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis reveal the mechanisms of substrate transport and small-molecule inhibition
Authors: Wang Shuhui , Wang Kun , Song Kangkang , Li Pengfei , Li Dongying , Sun Yajie , Mei Ye , Xu Chen , Liao Maofu
Published: January 2024

As the first identified multidrug efflux pump in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), EfpA is an essential protein and promising drug target. However, the functional and inhibitory mechanisms of EfpA are poorly understood. Herein we report cryo-EM structures of EfpA in outward-open conformation, either bound to three endogenous lipids or the inhibitor BRD-8000.3. Three lipids inside EfpA span from the inner leaflet to the outer leaflet of the membrane. BRD-8000.3 occupies one lipid site at the level of inner membrane leaflet, competitively inhibiting lipid binding. EfpA resembles the related lysophospholipid transporter MFSD2A in both overall structure and lipid binding sites, and may function as a lipid flippase. Combining AlphaFold-predicted EfpA structure, which is inward-open, we propose a complete conformational transition cycle for EfpA. Together, our results provide a structural and mechanistic foundation to comprehend EfpA function and develop EfpA-targeting anti-TB drugs.