bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABCs begin with ZEB2
Authors: Knox James J , Cancro Michael P
Published: March 2024

Age‐associated B cells (ABCs) are a stable subset of memory B lymphocytes that develop during microbial infections and in autoimmune diseases. Despite growing appreciation of their phenotypic and functional characteristics, the transcriptional networks involved in ABC fate commitment and maintenance have remained elusive. In their recent publication, Dai et al. tackle this problem, leveraging both mouse models and human diseases to reveal zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) as a key transcriptional regulator of ABC lineage specification. In aggregate, their results show that ZEB2, a member of the zinc finger E homeobox binding family, promotes ABC differentiation by repressing alternative differentiative fates and targeting genes important for ABC character and function. Moreover, their results strengthen the case for causal links between ABC fate and function in autoimmune pathologies.
Efficiency analysis in two‐stage data envelopment analysis with shared resources and undesirable outputs: an application in the banking sector
Authors: Amirteimoori Alireza
Published: March 2024

In classic and traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, the production process is considered as single stage process and the internal structures have been ignored. In many real‐world occasions, however, the processes have two‐ or multi‐stage structures with or without shared resources. Two‐stage DEA models deal with the calculation of the technical efficiency of a system, taking into consideration its internal structures. In this contribution, we consider a two‐stage production process in which both stages are fed by shared resources, and there are undesirable products from the second stage. In the model we will propose, an optimal split on shared resources is given. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach, data on 40 bank branches in seven years 2014–2020 is presented. In our real application in the banking sector, we find out that the most important sources of inefficiency of bank branches are related to interest revenue and overdue debt (undesirable output). Moreover, we saw that almost all branches were inefficient in the second stage (sale and service section) in all the seven years of evaluation.
Estimation of heritability with genomic information by method R
Authors: Hollifield Mary Kate , Lourenco Daniela , Misztal Ignacy
Published: March 2024

Estimating heritabilities with large genomic models by established methods such as restricted maximum likelihood (REML) or Bayesian via Gibbs sampling is computationally expensive. Alternatively, heritability can be estimated indirectly by method R and by maximum predictivity, referred to as MaxPred here, at a much lower computing cost. By method R, the heritability used for predictions with whole and partial data is considered the best estimate when the predictions based on partial data are unbiased relative to those with the complete data. By MaxPred, the heritability estimate is the one that maximizes predictivity. This study compared heritability estimation with genomic information using average information REML (AI–REML), method R and MaxPred. A simulated population was generated with ten generations of 5000 animals each and an effective population size of 80. Each animal had one record for a trait with a heritability of 0.3, a phenotypic variance of 10.0 and was genotyped at 50 k SNP. In method R, the heritability estimate is found when the expectation of a regression coefficient is equal to one. The regression is the EBV of selection candidates calculated with the whole dataset regressed on the EBV of candidates calculated from a partial dataset. In this study, we used the GBLUP framework and therefore, GEBV was calculated. The partial dataset was created by removing the last generation of phenotypes. Predictivity was defined as the correlation between the adjusted phenotypes of the selection candidates and their GEBV calculated from the partial data. We estimated the heritability for populations that included between three and 10 generations. In every scenario, predictivity increased as more data was used and was the highest at the simulated heritability. However, the predictivity for all data subsets and all heritabilities compared did not differ more than 0.01, suggesting MaxPred is not the best indication for heritability estimation. For the whole dataset, the heritability was estimated as 0.30 ± 0.01, 0.26 ± 0.01 and 0.30 ± 0.04 for AI–REML without genomics, AI–REML with genomics and method R with genomics, respectively. Heritability estimation with genomics by method R reduced timing by 83%, implying a reduction in computing time from 9.5 to 1.6 h, on average, compared to AI–REML with genomics. Method R has the potential to estimate heritabilities with large genomic information at a low cost when many generations of animals are present; however, the standard error can be high when only a few iterations are used.
Polypharmacy and risk of fractures in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Gagnon Marie‐Eve , Talbot Denis , Tremblay Florence , Desforges Katherine , Sirois Caroline
Published: March 2024

Background

Fractures have serious health consequences in older adults. While some medications are individually associated with increased risk of falls and fractures, it is not clear if this holds true for the use of many medications (polypharmacy). We aimed to identify what is known about the association between polypharmacy and the risk of fractures in adults aged ≥65 and to examine the methods used to study this association.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis of studies published up to October 2023 in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the grey literature. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, then performed data extraction and quality assessment.

Results

Among the 31 studies included, 11 different definitions of polypharmacy were used and were based on three medication counting methods (concurrent use 15/31, cumulative use over a period 6/31, daily average 3/31, and indeterminate 7/31). Overall, polypharmacy was frequent and associated with higher fracture risk. A dose–response relationship between increasing number of medications and increased risk of fractures was observed. However, only seven studies adjusted for major confounders (age, sex, and chronic disease). The quality of the studies ranged from poor to high.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy appears to be a relevant modifiable risk factor for fractures in older individuals that can easily be used to identify those at risk. The diversity of medication calculation methods and definitions of polypharmacy highlights the importance of a detailed methodology to understand and compare results.
Comparative pathogenicity of Nocardia seriolae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), milkfish (Chanos chanos) and Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)
Authors: Nazareth Sandra Celenia , Cheng Li‐Wu , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: March 2024

Nocardiosis, caused by Nocardia seriolae, has been a prominent disease in Southeast Asian aquaculture in the last three decades. This granulomatous disease reported in various fish species is responsible for significant economic losses. This study investigated the pathogenicity of N. seriolae in three cultured species in Taiwan: Nile tilapia (omnivore), milkfish (herbivore) and Asian seabass (carnivore). Administration of an infective dose of 1 × 106 CFU/ fish in tilapia, seabass and milkfish demonstrated mortalities of 100%, 90% and 75%, respectively. Additionally, clinical signs namely, granuloma and lesions displayed varying intensities between the groups and pathological scores. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification specific for N. seriolae was confirmed to be positive (432 bp) using NS1/NG1 primers. Post‐mortem lesions revealed the absence of granulomas in tilapia and milkfish and their presence in the seabass. Interestingly, the gut in tilapia showed an influx of eosinophils suggesting its role during the acute stages of infection. However, post‐challenge, surviving milkfish exhibited granulomatous formations, while surviving seabass progressed toward healing and tissue repair within sampled tissues. Overall, in conclusion, these results demonstrate the versatility in the immunological ability of individual Perciformes to contain this pathogen as a crucial factor that influences its degree of susceptibility.
Comorbidities, healthcare use, and contact with healthcare transition services in older veterans after incarceration
Authors: Hwong Alison R. , Barry Lisa C. , Li Yixia , Byers Amy L.
Published: March 2024

Background

The Health Care for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) program was established to support community reintegration for veterans after incarceration. Yet, it is unclear how those with and without HCRV contact differ. We sought to evaluate differences in medical and psychiatric conditions and healthcare utilization among mid‐to late‐life reentry veterans who did and did not receive HCRV outreach.

Methods

Study participants were veterans aged ≥50 years who qualified for Medicare fee‐for‐service, had experienced incarceration for ≥1 year, and were released from incarceration between October 1, 2006, and September 30, 2018 (N = 9733). Using VA and Medicare claims data, we compared prevalence of medical and psychiatric diagnoses, and use of emergency, inpatient, and outpatient medical and mental health services up to 12 months after release between those with and without HCRV contact.

Results

Veterans with HCRV contact (35.5%) had significantly higher rates of psychiatric conditions and medical conditions related to substance use (e.g., liver disease) compared to veterans without HCRV contact. Average time between release and first healthcare service use was significantly lower for HCRV veterans (36.5 ± SD 59.5 days) versus non‐HCRV veterans (58.9 ± SD 77.5 days) and HCRV veterans were more likely to utilize the emergency department, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and inpatient medical services.

Conclusion

HCRV reaches older reentry veterans with a large burden of mental health and substance use disorders. However, levels of multimorbidity were high among all older reentry veterans, pointing to a need to develop specialized geriatric models of care for this reentry population.
Pragmatic implementation of comprehensive dementia care management: The Cedars‐Sinai C.A.R.E.S. Program preliminary data
Authors: Tan Zaldy S. , Qureshi Nabeel , Spivack Erica , Rhinehart Deana , Gatmaitan Dyane , Guinto Augustine , Kremen Sarah , Sicotte Nancy L.
Published: March 2024

Background

The United States faces a growing challenge with over 6.5 million people living with dementia (PLwD). PLwD and their caregivers struggle with cognitive, functional, behavioral, and psychosocial issues. As dementia care shifts to home settings, caregivers receive inadequate support but bear increasing responsibilities, leading to higher healthcare costs. In response, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Guiding an Improving Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. The study explores the real‐world implementation of the Cedars‐Sinai C.A.R.E.S. Program, a pragmatic dementia care model, detailing its recruitment process and initial outcomes.

Methods

The Cedars‐Sinai C.A.R.E.S. Program was integrated into the Epic electronic health record system and focused on proactive patient identification, engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, care transitions, and ongoing care management. Eligible patients with a dementia diagnosis were identified through electronic health record and invited to join the program. Nurse practitioners with specialized training in dementia care performed comprehensive assessments using the CEDARS‐6 tool, leading to personalized care plans developed in consultation with primary care providers. Patients benefited from a multidisciplinary team and support from care navigators.

Results

Of the 781 eligible patients identified, 431 were enrolled in the C.A.R.E.S. Program. Enrollees were racially diverse, with lower caregiver strain and patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) severity compared to other programs dementia care programs. Healthcare utilization, including hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) admissions, and urgent care visits showed a downward trend over time. Completion of advanced directives and Physician Order of Life‐Sustaining Treatment (POLST) increased after enrollment.

Conclusion

The Cedars‐Sinai C.A.R.E.S. Program offers a promising approach to dementia care. Its real‐world implementation demonstrates the feasibility of enrolling a diverse population and achieving positive outcomes for PLwD and their caregivers, supporting the goals of national dementia care initiatives.
Platelet‐rich plasma as a new and successful treatment for lichen planopilaris: A controlled blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Behrangi Elham , Akbarzadehpasha Amirhossein , Dehghani Abbas , Zare Sona , Ghassemi Mohammadreza , Zeinali Roya , Goodarzi Azadeh , Lotfi Zahra
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is one of the most common causes of scarring hair loss caused by immune‐mediated inflammation resulting in atrophy and scaling. The key to preventing this irreversible hair loss is diagnosing and starting treatment at the earliest possible stage. As there is no definite cure for LPP, the therapy could be challenging. In the study, we conducted a single‐blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the therapeutic effects, safety, and tolerability of platelet‐rich plasma versus topical clobetasol in the treatment of LPP.

Method

A randomized single‐blinded controlled clinical trial was conducted in 24 LPP patients referring to our dermatology clinic between August 2022 and March 2023. Patients in the control group were treated with topical clobetasol 0.05% applied at night, and patients in the case group, in addition to topical clobetasol, received three sessions of PRP injection monthly. Both groups were assessed 1, 2, and 6 months after the start of the study by the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI), physician and patient satisfaction, tolerability, and recording adverse effects.

Results

The average age in the clobetasol and PRP groups was 43.75 ± 13.51 and 42.75 ± 9.67, respectively (p = 0.83). In terms of gender, all 12 cases (100%) in the clobetasol group and 9 cases (75%) in the PRP group were female (p = 0.21). Both PRP and topical clobetasol effectively reduced LPPAI in the first 2 months; however, after 6 months, the LPPAI significantly increased in the clobetasol group (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in LPPAI between the two groups at the beginning of the study and after 1 month. However, the mean LPPAI score in the clobetasol group was significantly higher than in the PRP group at 2 and 6 months after the start of the study (p = 0.01). Patient satisfaction with treatment increased in both groups during follow‐up sessions, but at the end of the follow‐up period, it was significantly higher in the PRP group (p = 0.03). Finally, the study did not have any serious adverse effects, and the pain experienced during PRP injection was tolerable for the patients. Overall, treatment tolerability was excellent in both groups.

Conclusion

Given the different efficacy profiles, PRP could be considered a new and effective choice for the treatment of LPP.
Crown adjustment and chairside efficiency of single‐unit restorations fabricated from immediate and staged impressions using a digital workflow for posterior implants
Authors: Ren Shuxin , Jiang Xi , Lin Ye , Di Ping
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This is a clinical study to compare immediate and staged impression methods in a complete digital workflow for single‐unit implants in the posterior area.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients requiring single‐unit implant crowns were enrolled. Forty patients were assigned to the test group, immediate digital impression after implant surgery with crown delivery 4 months later. The remaining 20 patients were assigned to the control group, staged digital impressions 4 months after implant surgery, and crown delivery 1 month later. Both workflows involved free‐model CAD‐CAM crown fabrications. The crowns were scanned before and after clinical adjustment using an intraoral scanner (TRIOS Color; 3Shape). Two 3D digital models were trimmed and superimposed to evaluate the dimensional changes using Geomagic Control software. Chairside times for the entire workflow were recorded. Kruskal–Wallis was performed to compare crown adjustments between two groups, while One‐way ANOVA was used to compare chairside time durations between the test and control groups.

Results

All crowns were delivered without refabrication. The average maximum occlusion adjustment of crowns was −353.2 ± 207.1 μm in the test group and −212.7 ± 150.5 μm in the control group (p = 0.02). The average area of occlusal adjustment, measured as an area of deviation larger than 100 μm, was 14.8 ± 15.3 and 8.4 ± 8.1 mm2 in the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.056). There were no significant differences in the mesial and distal contact adjustment amounts, or the maximum deviations of the proximal area, between the two groups. The mean chair‐side time was 50.25 ± 13.48 and 51.20 ± 5.34 min in the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.763).

Conclusions

The immediate impression method in the digital workflow for single‐unit implants required more occlusal adjustments of crowns but showed similar chairside times compared to the staged impression method.
Insights into the molecular regulation of source–sink relations in potato
Authors: Tai Helen H.
Published: March 2024

This article is a Commentary on Shi et al. (2024), 242: 2541–2554.
Validity of ICD‐10 diagnosis codes for placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Jotwani Anjali R. , Lyell Deirdre J. , Butwick Alexander J. , Rwigi Wanjiru , Leonard Stephanie A.
Published: March 2024

Background

The 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10) includes diagnosis codes for placenta accreta spectrum for the first time. These codes could enable valuable research and surveillance of placenta accreta spectrum, a life‐threatening pregnancy complication that is increasing in incidence.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the validity of placenta accreta spectrum diagnosis codes that were introduced in ICD‐10 and assess contributing factors to incorrect code assignments.

Methods

We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the ICD‐10 placenta accreta spectrum code assignments after reviewing medical records from October 2015 to March 2020 at a quaternary obstetric centre. Histopathologic diagnosis was considered the gold standard.

Results

Among 22,345 patients, 104 (0.46%) had an ICD‐10 code for placenta accreta spectrum and 51 (0.23%) had a histopathologic diagnosis. ICD‐10 codes had a sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.56, 0.83), specificity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.93, 1.00), positive predictive value of 0.61 (95% CI 0.48, 0.72) and negative predictive value of 1.00 (95% CI 0.96, 1.00). The sensitivities of the ICD‐10 codes for placenta accreta spectrum subtypes— accreta, increta and percreta—were 0.55 (95% CI 0.31, 0.78), 0.33 (95% CI 0.12, 0.62) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.31, 0.78), respectively. Cases with incorrect code assignment were less morbid than cases with correct code assignment, with a lower incidence of hysterectomy at delivery (17% vs 100%), blood transfusion (26% vs 75%) and admission to the intensive care unit (0% vs 53%). Primary reasons for code misassignment included code assigned to cases of occult placenta accreta (35%) or to cases with clinical evidence of placental adherence without histopatholic diagnostic (35%) features.

Conclusion

These findings from a quaternary obstetric centre suggest that ICD‐10 codes may be useful for research and surveillance of placenta accreta spectrum, but researchers should be aware of likely substantial false positive cases.
Impacts of greenhouse fertilization and planting season on survival and reproductive potential of Silene regia transplants
Authors: Janssen Eric , Coons Janice , Coutant Nancy , Edgin Bob
Published: March 2024

Restoration of rare plants is essential to maintain species diversity in natural areas. The methods used to grow and plant these rare plants for restoration impact seedling health and potentially the success of restoration attempts. We evaluated how different fertilizers and planting seasons impacted survival and reproductive potential for transplants of Silene regia. Plants were grown from seeds in greenhouses with four fertilizer treatments: slow‐release, liquid biweekly (every other week), liquid weekly, and control (no fertilizer). Transplanting was conducted in spring and fall for 2 years (2010 and 2011) at three sites. Number of leaves on transplants were counted before planting. Plants were counted over the growing seasons for 8 years (2010–2017) to determine survival and stem elongation (an indication of reproductive potential). Transplants produced the most leaves with slow‐release, followed by both liquid fertilizers and the fewest leaves with no fertilizer. The fertilizer type had a limited effect, but plants grown with fertilizer had increased survival and stem elongation relative to no fertilizer when a fertilizer effect was found. Planting season had a more consistent effect, with spring having higher survival and stem elongation. Sites differed for all measured parameters. Year‐to‐year survival was initially high, then dropped after 3–5 years, and less than 20% of plants remained by 2017. These findings demonstrate the value of pre‐planting fertilizer to provide vigorous transplants and planting season for reintroductions. Finally, multiple sites and long‐term monitoring are important to ensure success for reintroductions of rare species such as S. regia.
Terms‐of‐trade effects of productivity shocks in developing economies
Authors: Özçelik Emre , Tuğan Mustafa
Published: March 2024

This paper studies the terms‐of‐trade effects of economy‐specific shocks to productivity in developing economies using a panel vector autoregression model with interactive fixed effects and the “max‐share” approach. We find that the terms of trade after unanticipated changes in economy‐specific productivity mostly exhibit insignificant dynamics in the developing economies. However, we present evidence that they can significantly deteriorate in a particular set of developing countries, namely the ones with a high score on technological deepening and upgrading.
A proof‐of‐concept study evaluating cardiac compression techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in laying hens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Eisenbarth Jessica , Cummings Charles O. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Karlin Emily , Rush John
Published: March 2024

Objective

To determine in adult chickens which of 3 CPR techniques, sternal compressions (SC), SC with interposed caudal coelomic compressions (ICCC), or lateral compressions (LC), results in the highest mean systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) as measured directly from the carotid artery.

Design

Prospective, nonblinded, experimental crossover study.

Setting

University teaching hospital laboratory.

Animals

Ten retired laying hens.

Interventions

Birds were sedated, anesthetized, and placed in dorsal recumbency. A carotid artery catheter was placed to directly measure arterial pressure. Ventricular fibrillation was induced with direct cardiac stimulation using a 9‐Volt battery. Each bird then received 2 minutes of the 3 different cardiac compression techniques in a random order by 3 different compressors, with the compressor order also randomized. Birds were subsequently administered IV epinephrine, and transthoracic defibrillation was attempted. At the end of experimentation, each bird was euthanized, and simple gross necropsies were performed. Linear mixed models followed by pairwise paired t‐tests were performed to evaluate differences in pressures generated by each technique.

Measurements and Main Results

The primary study outcomes were SAP, DAP, and MAP over 2 minutes of compressions for each compression technique. Pressures from ICCC (SAP: 27.6 ± 5.3 mm Hg, DAP: 18.7 ± 5.2 mm Hg, MAP: 21.7 ± 5.2 mm Hg) were significantly higher than those from LC (SAP: 18.9 ± 5.4 mm Hg, DAP: 11.6 ± 4.1 mm Hg, MAP: 14.1 ± 4.5 mm Hg). Pressures from SC (SAP: 24.5 ± 6.4 mm Hg, DAP: 15.2 ± 4.3 mm Hg, MAP: 18.3 ± 5.0 mm Hg) were not significantly different from ICCC or LC.

Conclusions

External compressions can generate detectable increases in arterial pressure in chickens with ventricular fibrillation. SC with ICCC generated significantly higher arterial pressures than LC. SC alone generated blood pressures that were not significantly different from those generated by SC with ICCC or LC.
Multistability and intermediate tipping of the Atlantic Ocean circulation
Authors: Lohmann Johannes , Dijkstra Henk A. , Jochum Markus , Lucarini Valerio , Ditlevsen Peter D.
Published: March 2024

Tipping points (TP) in climate subsystems are usually thought to occur at a well-defined, critical forcing parameter threshold, via destabilization of the system state by a single, dominant positive feedback. However, coupling to other subsystems, additional feedbacks, and spatial heterogeneity may promote further small-amplitude, abrupt reorganizations of geophysical flows at forcing levels lower than the critical threshold. Using a primitive-equation ocean model, we simulate a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) due to increasing glacial melt. Considerably before the collapse, various abrupt, qualitative changes in AMOC variability occur. These intermediate tipping points (ITP) are transitions between multiple stable circulation states. Using 2.75 million years of model simulations, we uncover a very rugged stability landscape featuring parameter regions of up to nine coexisting stable states. The path to an AMOC collapse via a sequence of ITPs depends on the rate of change of the meltwater input. This challenges our ability to predict and define safe limits for TPs.
Critical fluctuations in a confined driven-dissipative quantum condensate
Authors: Alnatah Hassan , Comaron Paolo , Mukherjee Shouvik , Beaumariage Jonathan , Pfeiffer Loren N. , West Ken , Baldwin Kirk , Szymańska Marzena , Snoke David W.
Published: March 2024

Phase fluctuations determine the low-energy properties of quantum condensates. However, at the condensation threshold, both density and phase fluctuations are relevant. While strong emphasis has been given to the investigation of phase fluctuations, which dominate the physics of the quantum system away from the critical point, number fluctuations have been much less explored even in thermal equilibrium. In this work, we report experimental observation and theoretical description of fluctuations in a circularly confined nonequilibrium Bose-Einstein condensate of polaritons near the condensation threshold. We observe critical fluctuations, which combine the number fluctuations of a single-mode condensate state and competition between different states. The latter is analogous to mode hopping in photon lasers. Our theoretical analysis indicates that this phenomenon is of a quantum character, while classical noise of the pump is not sufficient to explain the experiments. The manifestation of a critical quantum state competition unlocks possibilities for the study of condensate formation while linking to practical realizations in photonic lasers.
Childhood cancer mutagenesis caused by transposase-derived PGBD5
Authors: Yamada Makiko , Keller Ross R. , Gutierrez Rodrigo Lopez , Cameron Daniel , Suzuki Hiromichi , Sanghrajka Reeti , Vaynshteyn Jake , Gerwin Jeffrey , Maura Francesco , Hooper William , Shah Minita , Robine Nicolas , Demarest Phillip , Bayin N. Sumru , Zapater Luz Jubierre , Reed Casie , Hébert Steven , Masilionis Ignas , Chaligne Ronan , Socci Nicholas D. , Taylor Michael D. , Kleinman Claudia L. , Joyner Alexandra L. , Raju G. Praveen , Kentsis Alex
Published: March 2024

Genomic rearrangements are a hallmark of most childhood tumors, including medulloblastoma, one of the most common brain tumors in children, but their causes remain largely unknown. Here, we show that PiggyBac transposable element derived 5 (Pgbd5) promotes tumor development in multiple developmentally accurate mouse models of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma. Most Pgbd5-deficient mice do not develop tumors, while maintaining normal cerebellar development. Ectopic activation of SHH signaling is sufficient to enforce cerebellar granule cell progenitor–like cell states, which exhibit Pgbd5-dependent expression of distinct DNA repair and neurodevelopmental factors. Mouse medulloblastomas expressing Pgbd5 have increased numbers of somatic structural DNA rearrangements, some of which carry PGBD5-specific sequences at their breakpoints. Similar sequence breakpoints recurrently affect somatic DNA rearrangements of known tumor suppressors and oncogenes in medulloblastomas in 329 children. This identifies PGBD5 as a medulloblastoma mutator and provides a genetic mechanism for the generation of oncogenic DNA rearrangements in childhood cancer.
Quorum-sensing regulation of phenazine production heightens
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
resistance to ciprofloxacin
Authors: Xia Lexin , Li Yue , Wang Yufan , Zhou Hui , Dandekar Ajai A. , Wang Meizhen , Xu Feng
Published: March 2024

Quorum sensing is a type of cell–cell communication that modulates various biological activities of bacteria. Previous studies indicate that quorum sensing contributes to the evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we grew
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in the presence of sub-lethal concentrations of ciprofloxacin, resulting in a large increase in ciprofloxacin minimal inhibitory concentration. We discovered that quorum sensing-mediated phenazine biosynthesis was significantly enhanced in the resistant isolates, where the quinolone circuit was the predominant contributor to this phenomenon. We found that production of pyocyanin changed carbon flux and showed that the effect can be partially inhibited by the addition of pyruvate to cultures. This study illustrates the role of quorum sensing-mediated phenotypic resistance and suggests a strategy for its prevention.
Suppression of host humoral immunity by
Borrelia burgdorferi
varies over the course of infection
Authors: Williams Megan T. , Zhang Yan , Pulse Mark E. , Berg Rance E. , Allen Michael S.
Published: March 2024

Borrelia burgdorferi
, the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease, utilizes a variety of strategies to evade and suppress the host immune response, which enables it to chronically persist in the host. The resulting immune response is characterized by unusually strong IgM production and a lack of long-term protective immunity. Previous studies in mice have shown that infection with
B. burgdorferi
also broadly suppresses host antibody responses against unrelated antigens. Here, we show that mice infected with
B. burgdorferi
and concomitantly immunized with recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein had an abrogated antibody response to the immunization. To further define how long this humoral immune suppression lasts, mice were immunized at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-infection. Suppression of host antibody production against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein peaked at 2 weeks post-infection but continued for all timepoints measured. Antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were also assessed following antibiotic treatment to determine whether this immune suppression persists or resolves following clearance of
B. burgdorferi
. Host antibody production against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein returned to baseline following antibiotic treatment; however, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM remained high, comparable to levels found in
B. burgdorferi
-infected but untreated mice. Thus, our data demonstrate restored IgG responses following antibiotic treatment but persistently elevated IgM levels, indicating lingering effects of
B. burgdorferi
infection on the immune system following treatment.
African swine fever virus NAM P1/95 is a mixture of genotype I and genotype VIII viruses
Authors: Goatley Lynnette C. , Freimanis Graham L. , Tennakoon Chandana , Bastos Armanda , Heath Livio , Netherton Christopher L.
Published: March 2024

African swine fever virus causes a lethal hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs. The NAM P1/1995 isolate was originally described as
B646L
genotype XVIII; however, full genome sequencing revealed that this assignment was incorrect.
Recent advances in the prevention and treatment of decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and the role of biomarkers
Authors: Trebicka Jonel , Hernaez Ruben , Shawcross Debbie Lindsay , Gerbes Alexander L
Published: March 2024

The progression of cirrhosis with clinically significant portal hypertension towards decompensated cirrhosis remains clinically challenging and the evolution towards acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), with one or more extrahepatic organ failures, is associated with very high mortality. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanisms leading to decompensation and ACLF. As portal hypertension advances, bacterial translocation across an impaired gut barrier culminates in endotoxaemia, systemic inflammation and cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID). Gut-derived systemic inflammation and CAID have become the logical targets for innovative therapies that prevent hepatic decompensation episodes and the progression to ACLF.

Furthermore, classification of disease and biomarker discovery to personalise care have advanced in the field. This review discusses progress in biomarker discovery and personalisation of treatment in decompensated cirrhosis and ACLF.
Deep learning on pre-procedural computed tomography and clinical data predicts outcome following stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Diprose James P , Diprose William K , Chien Tuan-Yow , Wang Michael T M , McFetridge Andrew , Tarr Gregory P , Ghate Kaustubha , Beharry James , Hong JaeBeom , Wu Teddy , Campbell Doug , Barber P Alan
Published: March 2024

Background

Deep learning using clinical and imaging data may improve pre-treatment prognostication in ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Methods

Deep learning models were trained and tested on baseline clinical and imaging (CT head and CT angiography) data to predict 3-month functional outcomes in stroke patients who underwent EVT. Classical machine learning models (logistic regression and random forest classifiers) were constructed to compare their performance with the deep learning models. An external validation dataset was used to validate the models. The MR PREDICTS prognostic tool was tested on the external validation set, and its performance was compared with the deep learning and classical machine learning models.

Results

A total of 975 patients (550 men; mean±SD age 67.5±15.1 years) were studied with 778 patients in the model development cohort and 197 in the external validation cohort. The deep learning model trained on baseline CT and clinical data, and the logistic regression model (clinical data alone) demonstrated the strongest discriminative abilities for 3-month functional outcome and were comparable (AUC 0.811 vs 0.817, Q=0.82). Both models exhibited superior prognostic performance than the other deep learning (CT head alone, CT head, and CT angiography) and MR PREDICTS models (all Q<0.05).

Conclusions

The discriminative performance of deep learning for predicting functional independence was comparable to logistic regression. Future studies should focus on whether incorporating procedural and post-procedural data significantly improves model performance.
The complex heavy quarkonium potential with the Gribov–Zwanziger action
Authors: Debnath Manas , Ghosh Ritesh , Haque Najmul
Published: March 2024

Gribov–Zwanziger prescription in Yang–Mills theory improves the infrared dynamics. In this work, we study the static potential of a heavy quark-antiquark pair with the HTL resummed perturbation method within the Gribov–Zwanziger approach at finite temperature. The real and imaginary parts of the heavy quarkonium complex potential are obtained from the one-loop effective static gluon propagator. The one-loop effective gluon propagator is obtained by calculating the one-loop gluon self-energies containing the quark, gluon, and ghost loop. The gluon and ghost loops are modified in the presence of the Gribov parameter. We also calculate the decay width from the imaginary part of the potential. We also discuss the medium effect of heavy quarkonium potential with the localized action via auxiliary fields.
On redshift evolution and negative dark energy density in Pantheon + Supernovae
Authors: Malekjani M. , Mc Conville R. , Ó Colgáin E. , Pourojaghi S. , Sheikh-Jabbari M. M.
Published: March 2024

Within the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) framework, the Hubble constant $$H_0$$

H
0

is an integration constant. Thus, consistency of the model demands observational constancy of $$H_0$$

H
0

. We demonstrate redshift evolution of best fit $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM parameters $$(H_0, \Omega _{m})$$

(

H
0

,

Ω
m

)

in Pantheon+ supernove (SNe). Redshift evolution of best fit cosmological parameters is a prerequisite to finding a statistically significant evolution as well as identifying alternative models that are competitive with $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM in a Bayesian model comparison. To assess statistical significance, we employ three different methods: (i) Bayesian model comparison, (ii) mock simulations and (iii) profile distributions. The first shows a marginal preference for the vanilla $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model over an ad hoc model with 3 additional parameters and an unphysical jump in cosmological parameters at $$z=1$$

z
=
1

. From mock simulations, we estimate the statistical significance of redshift evolution of best fit parameters and negative dark energy density ($$\Omega _m > 1$$

Ω
m

>
1

) to be in the $$1-2 \sigma $$

1
-
2
σ

range, depending on the criteria employed. Importantly, in direct comparison to the same analysis with the earlier Pantheon sample we find that statistical significance of redshift evolution of best fit parameters has increased, as expected for a physical effect. Our profile distribution analysis demonstrates a shift in $$(H_0, \Omega _m)$$

(

H
0

,

Ω
m

)

in excess of $$95\%$$

95
%

confidence level for SNe with redshifts $$z > 1$$

z
>
1

and also shows that a degeneracy in MCMC posteriors is not equivalent to a curve of constant $$\chi ^2$$

χ
2

. Our findings can be interpreted as a statistical fluctuation or unexplored systematics in Pantheon+ or $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model breakdown. The first two possibilities are disfavoured by similar trends in independent probes.
Bridges Between Spiking Neural Membrane Systems and Virus Machines
Authors: Ramírez-de-Arellano Antonio , Orellana-Martín David , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: March 2024

Spiking Neural P Systems (SNP) are well-established computing models that take inspiration from spikes between biological neurons; these models have been widely used for both theoretical studies and practical applications. Virus machines (VMs) are an emerging computing paradigm inspired by viral transmission and replication. In this work, a novel extension of VMs inspired by SNPs is presented, called Virus Machines with Host Excitation (VMHEs). In addition, the universality and explicit results between SNPs and VMHEs are compared in both generating and computing mode. The VMHEs defined in this work are shown to be more efficient than SNPs, requiring fewer memory units (hosts in VMHEs and neurons in SNPs) in several tasks, such as a universal machine, which was constructed with 18 hosts less than the 84 neurons in SNPs, and less than other spiking models discussed in the work.
HEIGHT-TO-LENGTH RATIOS OBTAINED BY WRIST RADIOGRAPHY TO ASSESS SCAPHOID MALUNION: RADIOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF 32 CASES
Authors: Bezirgan Uğur , Özyıldıran Mustafa , Acar Erdinç , Yoğun Yener , Erdoğan Yasin , Armangil Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Scaphoid nonunion and malunion can be observed after scaphoid fracture. While the diagnosis of nonunion is well defined in the literature, there is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria and clinical outcomes of scaphoid malunion. The aim of the study is to define the direct radiography parameters of scaphoid malunion and determine the clinical outcomes.

Methods: Patients applied to our clinic with the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture between January 2020 and June 2021, and were analyzed retrospectively. 32 patients treated with surgical or conservative methods were included in the study. Nonunions and cases with a follow-up period of less than 12 months were excluded. Scapholunate (SL) angles and height-to-length (H/L) ratios of scaphoid were measured on wrist radiography to assess scaphoid malunion. Malunion was defined as SL angle >60∘ and ROC analysis was applied to determine cutoff H/L ratio in wrist radiography. Wrist functionality and pain were evaluated with the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and MAYO scores. The range of motion (ROM) and grip strength were also recorded.

Results: Seventeen patients (53.1%) underwent surgery while conservative treatment was applied to the other 15 (46.9%). Of these, six patients (18.8%) met the definition of malunion. According to receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, the cutoff H/L ratio in posteroanterior wrist radiographs was 0.602 ([Formula: see text] < 0.001) and the cutoff H/L ratio in lateral wrist radiographs was 0.692 ([Formula: see text] = 0.003). The ROM values for flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation was smaller in the malunion group ( [Formula: see text] = 0.023 and [Formula: see text] = 0.014, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in pronation/supination values ([Formula: see text] > 0.05). Mean MAYO score was 75.0 in malunion group and 90.0 in nonmalunion group ([Formula: see text] = 0.003). While the mean PRWE value was 24.50 in malunion, it was 14.15 in nonmalunion ([Formula: see text] = 0.023).

Conclusion: Evaluation of H/L ratio in wrist radiography provides valuable information in the diagnosis of scaphoid malunion. Scaphoid malunions have poorer functional outcomes.
ℱ𝒦-norms of finite groups
Authors: Ru Guotuan , Shen Zhencai
Published: March 2024

[Formula: see text] always represents a finite group. [Formula: see text] is a formation meeting the condition [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, represent the class of nilpotent groups and abelian groups. [Formula: see text] is a subgroup-closed formation. We call [Formula: see text] the [Formula: see text]-norm of [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is the intersection of the normalizers of [Formula: see text] for all the subgroups [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] We mainly demonstrate that [Formula: see text] We also show that [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] for every subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] generated by three elements. Furthermore, we introduce the [Formula: see text]-groups and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-groups.
Advancements in Soft Directed Graph Theory: New Ideas and Properties
Authors: Jose Jinta , George Bobin , Thumbakara Rajesh K.
Published: March 2024

The emergence of soft set theory represented a significant advancement in establishing a holistic mathematical framework for handling uncertain data. Currently, numerous scholars are integrating this theory to address decision-making problems. In graph theory, a directed graph consists of vertices connected by directed edges, commonly referred to as arcs. Soft directed graphs are introduced by integrating the principles of soft sets into directed graphs, offering a parameterized perspective on directed graphs. In this paper, we introduce the fundamental notions of order, size, and frequency within the context of soft directed graphs. Furthermore, we establish the concepts of vertex and arc degree sums and explore their properties. Additionally, we delve into the concepts of strong vertex and strong arc, elucidating their significance. Finally, we define the notion of complement within soft directed graphs.
Fuzzy Soft Tri-quasi Ideals of Regular Semirings
Authors: Rao Marapureddy Murali Krishna , Saeid Arsham Borumand , Kona Rajendra Kumar
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study some of the properties fuzzy soft tri-quasi ideals of a semiring. Tri-quasi ideals generalize, bi-ideals, quasi-ideals and interior ideals. We characterize regular semiring using fuzzy soft tri-quasi ideals and prove that, if [Formula: see text] is a fuzzy soft tri-quasi ideal over a regular semiring [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] is a fuzzy soft tri-ideal over [Formula: see text]
Large-Scale Synthesis of ZnO Nanorods Bundles by Microwave Heating Method: Growth Mechanism and Possibility of Controllable Growth of Nanoneedle
Authors: Kim Un-Chol , Kim Song-Mu , Kim Ryong-Jin
Published: March 2024

This paper has presented a novel method for the synthesis of regular and reproductive ZnO nanostructures by microwave heating. Unlike the previous studies, it has focused on ZnO nanostructures grown on the Si wafer used as a cover rather than on the precursor top and the results show that ZnO nanostructures with different shapes depending on the amount of mixture and the position in the Si wafer grow on the regular and reproductive basis. In the center of the Si wafer, short and coarse ZnO nanorods have grown, and on the outer edges, the structure of bundles consisting of ZnO nanorods with much longer lengths and smaller diameters has been synthesized. Morphology of ZnO nanorods was characterized by using scanning electron microscope and the nanorods grown on the outer edges had a mean diameter of 200[Formula: see text]nm and were up to [Formula: see text]m long. In order to elucidate the growth mechanism of nanorods, we have carried out SEM, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and XRD characterization, which shows that ZnO nanorods have grown according to VLS mechanism. A controllable growth method of ZnO nanoneedle is suggested.