bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of low level laser on periodontal tissue remodeling in hPDLCs under tensile stress
Authors: Zhang Jiaxi , Zhang Xizhong , Han Kaifang , Wang Xuan , Guo Ziyuan , Deng Qi , Li Jiahui , Lv Shuxin , Yu Wenwen
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on human Periodontal Ligament Cells (hPDLCs) under tension stress. Primary hPDLCs were obtained using the tissue culture method, and P3 cells were utilized for the subsequent experiments. The study comprised four groups: a blank control group (Group B), a laser irradiation group (Group L), a tension stress group (Group T), and a laser + tension stress group (Group LT). Mechanical loading was applied using an in-vitro cell stress loading device at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and deformation of 2% for two hours per day for two days. Laser irradiation at 808 nm GaAlAs laser was administered 1 h after force loading. Cell samples were collected after the experiment. Bone and fiber remodeling factors were analyzed using PCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the cell cycle, while ROS and Ca2+ levels were measured using a multifunctional enzyme labeling instrument. The results revealed that laser intervention under tension stress inhibited the expression of osteogenic differentiation factors, promoted the expression of osteoclast differentiation factors, and significantly increased the production of collagen factors, MMPs, and TIMPs. The LT group exhibited the most active cell cycle (P < 0.05). LLLT not only enhanced Ca2+ expression in hPDLCs under tension stress, but also stimulated the production of ROS. Overall, our findings demonstrate that LLLT effectively accelerated the proliferation of hPDLCs and the remodeling of periodontal tissue, possibly through the regulation of ROS and Ca2+ levels in hPDLCs.
Interspecific differences in the behavioral response of ticks exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Baňas Miroslav , Šofranková Lívia , Kurimský Juraj , Pavlík Marek , Pikalík Mário , Majláthová Viktória , Cimbala Roman , Pipová Natália , Wurfl Liliana , Majláth Igor
Published: October 2023

Artificial electromagnetic radiation is a new environmental factor that affects animals. Experiments with the effect of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation were focused on both vertebrates and invertebrates. Ticks showed a significant affinity to radiation. Our study is a continuation of this research and its aim was to monitor the effect of radiation on the behavior of four tick species: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis inermis. In total 1,200 ticks, 300 of each species, were tested in modules allowing the choice of an exposed or shielded area. During the test, the ticks were exposed to electro-magnetic radiation of 900 MHz for 24 h. The position of the individuals was recorded and we evaluated the obtained data statistically. We observed a significant preference to the exposed area in both sexes of I. ricinus. Males of D. reticulatus and D. marginatus also showed an affinity to radiation, but not females of both species, nor females and males of H. inermis. The results of the study support the assumption that ticks perceive the electromagnetic field and the observed differences in their response have the potential to help understand the mechanism of perception.
Alien eating alien - rapid spread of Aceria fraxiniflora, a non-native gall mite of the invasive green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) in Central-Eastern Europe
Authors: Korda Márton , Ripka Géza , Hradil Karel , Glavendekic Milka , Matosevic Dinka , Hrasovec Boris , Paulin Márton , Hirka Anikó , Csóka György
Published: October 2023

The North American gall mite Aceria fraxiniflora was first recorded in Europe in southeast Hungary in 2017. Since then, it has shown a remarkably rapid spread on its host, the also North American green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). By the beginning of 2023 it has been recorded in eight Central-Eastern European countries. In 2022 it was recorded on the other North American ash (Fraxinus Americana) in Zagreb (Croatia) and in Szarvas Arboretum (SE Hungary). Possible reasons and outcomes of this spread are discussed.
Effect of restrained versus free drying on hygro-expansion of hardwood and softwood fibers and paper handsheet
Authors: Vonk Niels , Peerlings Ron , Geers Marc , Hoefnagels Johan
Published: October 2023

Earlier work on the hygro-expansion of paper states that the larger hygro-expansivity of freely compared to restrained dried handsheets is due to structural differences between the fibers inside the handsheet. To study this hypothesis, first, the hygro-expansion of freely and restrained dried, hardwood and softwood handsheets has been characterized. Subsequently, the transient full-field hygro-expansion (longitudinal, transverse, and shear strain) of fibers extracted from these handsheets was measured using global digital height correlation, from which the micro-fibril angle was deduced. The hygro-expansivity of each individual fiber was tested before and after a wetting period, during which the fiber’s moisture content is maximized, to analyze if a restrained dried fiber can “transform” into a freely dried fiber. It was found that the longitudinal hygro-expansion of the freely dried fibers is significantly larger than the restrained dried fibers, consistent with the sheet-scale differences. The difference in micro-fibril angle between the freely and restrained dried fibers is a possible explanation for this difference, but merely for the hardwood fibers, which are able to “transform” to freely dried fibers after being soaked in water. In contrast, this “transformation” does not happen in softwood fibers, even after full immersion in water for a day. Various mechanisms have been studied to explain the observations on freely and restrained dried hardwood and softwood, fiber and handsheets including analysis of the fibers’ lumen and cross-sectional shape. The presented results and discussion deepens the understanding of the differences between freely and restrained dried handsheets.
CSP beyond tractable constraint languages
Authors: Dreier Jan , Ordyniak Sebastian , Szeider Stefan
Published: October 2023

The constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) is among the most studied computational problems. While NP-hard, many tractable subproblems have been identified (Bulatov 2017, Zhuk 2017) Backdoors, introduced by Williams, Gomes, and Selman
(2003), gradually extend such a tractable class to all CSP instances of bounded distance to the class. Backdoor size provides a natural but rather crude distance measure between a CSP instance and a tractable class. Backdoor depth, introduced by Mählmann, Siebertz, and Vigny
(2021) for SAT, is a more refined distance measure, which admits the parallel utilization of different backdoor variables. Bounded backdoor size implies bounded backdoor depth, but there are instances of constant backdoor depth and arbitrarily large backdoor size. Dreier, Ordyniak, and Szeider
(2022) provided fixed-parameter algorithms for finding backdoors of small depth into the classes of Horn and Krom formulas. In this paper, we consider backdoor depth for CSP. We consider backdoors w.r.t. tractable subproblems $$C_\Gamma $$

C
Γ

of the CSP defined by a constraint language $$\varvec{\Gamma }$$

Γ

, i.e., where all the constraints use relations from the language $$\varvec{\Gamma }$$

Γ

. Building upon Dreier et al.’s game-theoretic approach and their notion of separator obstructions, we show that for any finite, tractable, semi-conservative constraint language $$\varvec{\Gamma }$$

Γ

, the CSP is fixed-parameter tractable parameterized by the backdoor depth into $$C_{\varvec{\Gamma }}$$

C

Γ

plus the domain size. With backdoors of low depth, we reach classes of instances that require backdoors of arbitrary large size. Hence, our results strictly generalize several known results for CSP that are based on backdoor size.
Reliability, Validity and Factor Structure of the Polish Version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair Pulling Scale
Authors: Kłosowska Joanna , Sznajder Dominika , Antosz-Rekucka Rachela , Tuleja Aleksandra , Prochwicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale (MGH-HPS) is a 7-item self-report tool that measures hair-pulling behaviors. The study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the MGH-HPS in a sample of adults.

Methods

The online screening survey was completed by 1024 participants (777 women, 241 men, 6 non-binary), 92 of which (68 women, 24 men) were included in the study because they confirmed engaging in hair-pulling behaviors at least occasionally; 23 of those (2.25% of the initial sample) met the DSM-5 criteria for hair-pulling disorder. The participants were asked to complete the online version of the MGH-HPS, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21-Item Version, the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised, and a scale containing the DSM-5 hair-pulling disorder criteria. The factor structure, reliability, validity, and diagnostic accuracy of the Polish version of the MGH-HPS were examined.

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that both a one-factor and a two-factor model fit the data well; however, given the high correlation between the factors, the unidimensional model may be superior. High internal consistency and convergent and divergent validity were obtained for the total score of the MGH-HPS and the Severity and Resistance and Control factors (Cronbach’s alphas: 0.89, 0.85 and 0.84 respectively). The ROC analysis indicated adequate prognostic ability of the total score to discriminate subjects with clinical and non-clinical hair-pulling. The optimal cut-off value was 13 points (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 62.22%).

Conclusions

The Polish version of the MGH-HPS is a valid, reliable tool which may be used to measure hair-pulling behaviors in adult samples.
Characterizing Substrate-Borne Vibrational Mating Signals Produced by Pear Psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: Jocson Dowen Mae I. , Gonzales Mark T. , Horton David R. , Nottingham Louis B. , Beers Elizabeth H. , Oeller Liesl C. , Crowder David W.
Published: October 2023

Tactics that manipulate insect behavior are a component of many pest management strategies. Pheromone-based mating disruption is one such tactic widely used in agricultural systems, but few studies have assessed disrupting other mate communication mechanisms, such as acoustic signals. The most destructive pear pest in the Pacific Northwest USA, pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola) is believed to use acoustic signals to find mates, making it a candidate for this type of disruption. This species has two adult morphs, overwintering adults (winterforms) that emerge in the spring and subsequent generations (summerforms). Our study characterized the mating signals for both sexes and morphs of pear psylla, and assessed whether temperature and previous exposure to adult conspecifics altered signals and likelihood of signaling. While there are descriptions for acoustic signals of other psyllid species, this study provides the first evidence that C. pyricola communicates acoustically. The two sexes communicate via duetting; males signal to attract a female and the female signals back if she is receptive for mating. We showed that both morphotypes’ male signals contain a group of chirps followed by a trill, while females respond with chirps. Male signal trills differed significantly in frequency (Hz) between winterform and summerform psylla. The signal frequency among morphs also had a positive linear relationship with temperature, suggesting that dissimilarity in signals among morphs had some relationship to temperature. Males were more likely to signal when they had previous exposure to females compared to males without exposure to females. Our results provide new information on how pear psylla communicate acoustically for mating, advancing the potential to develop mating disruption strategies for integrated pest management (IPM).
An Efficient hp-Adaptive Strategy for a Level-Set Ghost-Fluid Method
Authors: Mossier Pascal , Appel Daniel , Beck Andrea D. , Munz Claus-Dieter
Published: October 2023

We present an hp-adaptive discretization for a sharp interface model with a level-set ghost-fluid method to simulate compressible multiphase flows. The scheme applies an efficient p-adaptive discontinuous Galerkin (DG) operator in regions of smooth flow. Shocks and the phase interface are captured by a Finite Volume (FV) scheme on a h-refined element-local sub-grid. The resulting hp-adaptive scheme thus combines both the high order accuracy of the DG method and the robustness of the FV scheme by using p-adaptation in smooth areas and h-refinement at discontinuities, respectively. For the level-set based interface tracking, a similar hybrid DG/FV operator is employed. Both p-refinement and FV shock and interface capturing are performed at runtime and controlled by an indicator, which is based on the modal decay of the solution polynomials. In parallel simulations, the hp-adaptive discretization together with the costly interface tracking algorithm cause a significant imbalance in the processor workloads. To ensure parallel efficiency, we propose a dynamic load balancing scheme that determines the workload distribution by element-local wall time measurements and redistributes elements along a space filling curve. The parallelization strategy is supported by strong scaling tests using up to 8192 cores. The framework is applied to established benchmarks problems for inviscid, compressible multiphase flows. The results demonstrate that the hybrid adaptive discretization can efficiently and accurately handle complex multiphase flow problems involving pronounced interface deformations and merging interface contours.
The importance of polymorphisms in the genes encoding glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes in development of selected cancers and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Grussy Katarzyna , Łaska Magdalena , Moczurad Wiktoria , Król-Kulikowska Magdalena , Ściskalska Milena
Published: October 2023

Glutathione S-transferases are a family of enzymes, whose main role is to detoxify cells from many exogenous factors, such as xenobiotics or carcinogens. It has also been proven that changes in the genes encoding these enzymes may affect the incidence of selected cancers and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to review the most important reports related to the role of glutathione S-transferases in the pathophysiology of two of the most common diseases in modern society – cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It was shown that polymorphisms in the genes encoding glutathione S-transferases are associated with the development of these diseases. However, depending on the ethnic group, the researchers obtained divergent results related to this field. In the case of the GSTP1 A/G gene polymorphism was shown an increased incidence of breast cancer in Asian women, while this relationship in European and African women was not found. Similarly. In the case of cardiovascular diseases, the differences in the influence of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and GSTA1 polymorphisms on their development or lack of it depending on the continent were shown. These examples show that the development of the above-mentioned diseases is not only influenced by genetic changes, but their pathophysiology is more complex. The mere presence of a specific genotype within a studied polymorphism may not predispose to cancer, but in combination with environmental factors, which often depend on the place of residence, it may elevate the chance of developing the selected disease.
Potential Benefits of the Jesuit Examen for Psychological Health and Well Being: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rader Carolina , Plante Thomas G.
Published: October 2023

The Jesuit Examen is a form of prayerful reflection on daily experiences that was introduced five centuries ago by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (better known as the Jesuits). The Examen may be utilized by diverse populations when adapted and secularized, which can be completed by substituting the language of God in the original Examen for more inclusive terms such as “love.” Although five centuries old, the 10–15-min daily reflective practice has not been subject to empirical research. Furthermore, research has not explored the effects of the Examen on psychological health and well-being in a workplace setting. Other religious practices, including mindfulness and yoga, are important and religiously derived but now secularized interventions that can be utilized in multiple work and other settings. The present pilot study focused on the potential effectiveness of using a secularized version of the Examen in the workplace to determine whether this practice can produce psychological and well-being health benefits, such as stress reduction and improvement in one’s satisfaction with life.
Root acclimations to soil flooding prime rice (Oryza sativa L.) for subsequent conditions of water deficit
Authors: Peralta Ogorek Lucas León , Song Zhiwei , Pellegrini Elisa , Liu Fulai , Tomasella Martina , Nardini Andrea , Pedersen Ole
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

The root barrier to radial O2 loss is a trait induced during soil flooding restricting oxygen loss from the roots to the anoxic soil. It can also restrict radial water loss, potentially providing tolerance towards drought during conditions of water deficit. Several root traits (aerenchyma and xylem vessels area) respond in a similar way to soil flooding and low soil water potentials. Therefore, we hypothesised that root acclimations to soil flooding prime plants to withstand conditions of water deficit.

Methods

We raised plants in hydroponics mimicking contrasting soil water conditions (aerated controls for well-watered soils; stagnant, deoxygenated solutions for flooded soils, and aerated solutions with different PEG6000 concentrations to mimic conditions of water deficit). We used O2 microsensors and gravimetric measurements to characterize the formation of a barrier to radial O2 loss during conditions of water deficit, and measured key anatomical root traits using light microscopy.

Results

Several root traits were induced in stagnant conditions as well as in conditions of water deficit, including the barrier to radial O2 loss. The tightness of the barrier to water loss was similar in both stagnant and PEG6000 treatments. Moreover, plants growing in stagnant conditions tolerated a following severe condition of water deficit, whereas those growing in mimicked well-watered conditions did not.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that plants growing in stagnant conditions can withstand following severe conditions of water deficit. We propose that key root traits, such as the barrier to radial O2 loss, which are induced in stagnant conditions as well as mild conditions of water deficit, prime the plants for a following severe condition of water deficit.
Exploring the role of the inflammasomes on prostate cancer: Interplay with obesity
Authors: Pérez-Gómez Jesús M. , Montero-Hidalgo Antonio J. , Fuentes-Fayos Antonio C. , Sarmento-Cabral André , Guzmán-Ruiz Rocio , Malagón María M. , Herrera-Martínez Aura D. , Gahete Manuel D. , Luque Raúl M.
Published: October 2023

Obesity is a weight-related disorder characterized by excessive adipose tissue growth and dysfunction which leads to the onset of a systemic chronic low-grade inflammatory state. Likewise, inflammation is considered a classic cancer hallmark affecting several steps of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In this regard, novel molecular complexes termed inflammasomes have been identified which are able to react to a wide spectrum of insults, impacting several metabolic-related disorders, but their contribution to cancer biology remains unclear. In this context, prostate cancer (PCa) has a markedly inflammatory component, and patients frequently are elderly individuals who exhibit weight-related disorders, being obesity the most prevalent condition. Therefore, inflammation, and specifically, inflammasome complexes, could be crucial players in the interplay between PCa and metabolic disorders. In this review, we will: 1) discuss the potential role of each inflammasome component (sensor, molecular adaptor, and targets) in PCa pathophysiology, placing special emphasis on IL-1β/NF-kB pathway and ROS and hypoxia influence; 2) explore the association between inflammasomes and obesity, and how these molecular complexes could act as the cornerstone between the obesity and PCa; and, 3) compile current clinical trials regarding inflammasome targeting, providing some insights about their potential use in the clinical practice.
Simulations of Solar and Stellar Dynamos and Their Theoretical Interpretation
Authors: Käpylä Petri J. , Browning Matthew K. , Brun Allan Sacha , Guerrero Gustavo , Warnecke Jörn
Published: October 2023

We review the state of the art of three dimensional numerical simulations of solar and stellar dynamos. We summarize fundamental constraints of numerical modelling and the techniques to alleviate these restrictions. Brief summary of the relevant observations that the simulations seek to capture is given. We survey the current progress of simulations of solar convection and the resulting large-scale dynamo. We continue to studies that model the Sun at different ages and to studies of stars of different masses and evolutionary stages. Both simulations and observations indicate that rotation, measured by the Rossby number which is the ratio of rotation period and convective turnover time, is a key ingredient in setting the overall level and characteristics of magnetic activity. Finally, efforts to understand global 3D simulations in terms of mean-field dynamo theory are discussed.
Perfusion Computed Tomography as a Screening Tool for Pending Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Comatose Patients After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Busse Thor Löwe , Munthe Sune , Ketharanathan Baskaran , Bülow Karsten , Jóhannsson Bjarni , Diaz Anabel , Nielsen Troels Halfeld
Published: October 2023

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is frequently complicated by delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), leading to poor outcomes. Early diagnosis of DCI is crucial for improving survival and outcomes but remains challenging in comatose patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate computed tomography with angiography and perfusion (P-CT) as a screening modality on postictal days four and eight for impending DCI after aSAH in comatose patients using vasospasm with hypoperfusion (hVS) as a surrogate and DCI-related infarction as an outcome measure. Two objectives were set: (1) to evaluate the screening’s ability to accurately risk stratify patients and (2) to assess the validity of P-CT screening.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the records of comatose patients with aSAH from January 2019 to December 2021 who were monitored with P-CT scans on days four and eight. The event rates of DCI-related infarction, hVS, and endovascular rescue therapy (ERT) were analyzed, and the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) for DCI were calculated. DCI-related infarction was defined as new secondary cerebral infarction > 48 h < 6 weeks post aSAH not attributable to other causes, and hVS was defined as arterial narrowing with corresponding hypoperfusion on P-CT.

Results

Fifty-six comatose patients were included, and 98 P-CT scans were performed. The incidence of DCI-related infarction was 40%. Screening P-CT on days four and eight found vasospasm in 23% of all patients, including 11% with hVS. A positive hVS on day four or eight revealed a relative risk of 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–5.11, p = 0.03], sensitivity of 23% (95% CI 8–45, p = 0.03), specificity of 95% (95% CI 36–100, p = 0.03), PPV of 0.83 (95% CI 0.36–1.00, p = 0.03), and NPV of 0.65 (95% CI 0.50–0.78). Six positive P-CT scans led to digital subtraction angiography in five patients, three of whom received ERT. All ERT-intervened patients developed DCI-related infarction.

Conclusions

P-CT resulted in few interventions and often resulted in late detection of DCI at an irreversible stage. Although a positive P-CT result accurately predicts impending DCI-related infarction, screening on days four and eight alone in comatose patients with aSAH often fails to timely detect impending DCI. Based on our analysis, we cannot recommend P-CT as a screening modality. P-CT is likely best used as a confirmatory test prior to invasive interventions when guided by continuous multimodal monitoring; however, prospective studies with comparison groups are warranted. The need for a reliable continuous screening modality is evident because of the high rate of deterioration and narrow treatment window.
Roles of circRNAs in regulating the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Liu Tao , Long Kaijun , Zhu Zhengfeng , Song Yongxiang , Chen Cheng , Xu Gang , Ke Xixian
Published: October 2023

CircRNAs, a type of non-coding RNA widely present in eukaryotic cells, have emerged as a prominent focus in tumor research. However, the functions of most circRNAs remain largely unexplored. Known circRNAs exert their regulatory roles through various mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges, binding to RNA-binding proteins, and functioning as transcription factors to modulate protein translation and coding. Tumor growth is not solely driven by gene mutations but also influenced by diverse constituent cells and growth factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). As crucial regulators within the TME, circRNAs are involved in governing tumor growth and metastasis. This review highlights the role of circRNAs in regulating angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and immunosuppression within the TME. Additionally, we discuss current research on hypoxia-induced circRNAs production and commensal microorganisms’ impact on the TME to elucidate how circRNAs influence tumor growth while emphasizing the significance of modulating the TME.
Sustainability conflicts in the blue economy: planning for offshore aquaculture and offshore wind energy development in Norway
Authors: Knol-Kauffman Maaike , Nielsen Kåre Nolde , Sander Gunnar , Arbo Peter
Published: October 2023

Blue economy developments entail an industrialization of the world’s ocean and coastal areas, placing growing pressures on the marine environment and ecosystems. Moreover, the competition for ocean space and resources increases the likelihood for social conflicts. Marine spatial planning has been presented as a tool that can avoid or mitigate conflicts. However, there is a need for a more thorough analysis of the conflicts linked to the blue economy. The objective of this paper is to analyze characteristics of blue economy conflicts and how they are shaped by the institutional context and sustainability discourses. This study also explores perspectives on conflict management and pathways toward sustainable transformations in marine planning. Empirically, we use two case studies of blue growth industries in Norway: (1) offshore wind energy development and (2) offshore aquaculture development. Through these cases, we take a close look at the established principles and procedures which regulate conflicts. Our study shows how current blue economy conflicts are framed and handled through institutionalized practices of conflict management. Our findings are twofold. First, blue economy conflicts are not easily categorized through common conflict typologies (i.e., user-user, user-environment) but increasingly appear to be sustainability conflicts in which all actors use sustainability as a frame of reference for discussing possible and desirable futures. Second, conflicts are not necessarily a negative social process. In fact, conflicts often uncover unsustainable practices and create potential positive pathways for sustainable transformations.
Hypocalcemia in combination with hyperphosphatemia impairs muscle cell differentiation in vitro
Authors: Bimonte V. M. , Catanzaro G. , Spinello Z. , Massari M. C. , Curreli M. , Terrana G. , Defeudis G. , Halupczok-Żyła J. , Mantovani G. , Ferretti E. , Migliaccio S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by low or absent secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to decreased calcium and increased phosphorus levels in the serum. The diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism is based on the identification of the aforementioned biochemical abnormalities, which may be accompanied by clinical manifestations. Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, primarily attributed to hypocalcemia, include muscle cramps or spasms, facial, leg, and foot pain, seizures, and tingling in the lips or fingers. The treatment of hypoparathyroidism depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying pathology. Over the long term, calcium supplements, active vitamin D analogs, and thiazide diuretics may be needed. In fact, in patient cohorts in which optimal disease control still remains elusive, replacement therapy with recombinant parathyroid hormone analogs may be contemplated. Despite the predominantly neuromuscular symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, further effects of parathyroid hormone deficiency at the muscle cell level remain poorly understood. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of hypocalcemia in combination with hyperphosphatemia on muscle cells differentiation in vitro.

Methods

C2C12 cells, an in vitro model of muscle cells, were differentiated for 2 or 6 days in the presence of hypocalcemia (CaCl2 0.9 mmol/l) and moderate (PO4 1.4 mmol/l) or severe (PO4 2.9 mmol/l) hyperphosphatemia, or combinations of both conditions. Cell differentiation and expression of genes linked to muscle differentiation were evaluated.

Results

The combination of hypocalcemia with hyperphosphatemia induced a significant reduction (50%) in differentiation marker levels, such as MyoD (protein 1 for myoblast determination) and myogenin on the 1st day of differentiation, and MHC (myosin heavy chains) after 6 days of differentiation compared to control. Furthermore, this condition induced a statistically significant reduction of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression and inhibition of IGF signaling and decrease in ERK phosphorylation compared to control cells.

Conclusions

Our results showed that a condition of hypocalcemia with hyperphosphatemia induced an alteration of muscle cell differentiation in vitro. In particular, we observed the reduction of myogenic differentiation markers, IGF-1 signaling pathway, and ERK phosphorylation in differentiated skeletal myoblasts. These data suggest that this altered extracellular condition might contribute to the mechanisms causing persistence of symptoms in patients affected by hypoparathyroidism.
Sedimentary facies controls on reservoir quality of the Abu Madi Formation, offshore Nile Delta Basin, Egypt
Authors: Assal Ehab M. , Farouk Sherif , Sarhan Mohammad A.
Published: October 2023

The present study investigates the sedimentological analysis and petrophysical properties of the Messinian Abu Madi reservoir (AMR), offshore Nile Delta Basin in order to determine how facies heterogeneities control reservoir quality. This approach was performed by integrating core data from Mina-1 well and BE-1 well and wireline logs from four wells (BN-1, BN-2, BE-3 and Mina-1). Based on core studies, seven clastic facies have been identified, of which five form sandstone reservoirs. These facies have accumulated within a deep incised canyon-fill during four successive fluvial sub-environments; braided fluvial channel, point bar, floodplain, and abandoned channel. These fluvial sediments were changed into tidally influenced fluvial/estuarine deposits with aggradational-retrogradational stacking patterns due to a transgressive event during the Messinian time. Based on the well log petrophysical evaluation, the Abu Madi reservoir has a total porosity of 0.20–0.26 v/v and effective porosity in the 0.18–0.25 v/v range. Shale volume ranges from 0.04 to 0.09 v/v, and water saturation ranges between 0.15 and 0.45 v/v. Four reservoir rock types were recognized and interpreted as a function of composition and therefore having different petrophysical characteristics. RRT1 and RRT2 show good petrophysical properties and good reservoir quality. The best reservoir quality occurs in massive sandstones (RRT3), which have porosities up to 26% and permeabilities up to 1440 mD. RRT4 has a poor reservoir quality with porosity of 5.4% and permeability of 0.6 mD. The reservoir porosity heterogeneities and reservoir quality have been strongly impacted by the original composition and primary depositional facies.
Solar energy for low carbon buildings: choice of systems for minimal installation area, cost, and environmental impact
Authors: Liu Renhua , He Guoqing , Su Yujie , Yang Yi , Ding De
Published: October 2023

Solar application in buildings is limited by available installation areas. The performance of photovoltaic (PV) and solar collectors are compared in meeting the heating and cooling demand of a residential house using 100% solar energy through TRNSYS modelling of five systems that use air source heat pump and seasonal energy storage as optional assisting technologies. The results show that in a large scale, the PV working with air source heat pump is more efficient than the solar collector system. However, the photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) is the most spatially efficient with an energy capacity of 551 kWh/m2, 10.6% higher than that of the PV. Compared with the air source heat pump heating system using grid power, using solar energy regardless of system formats can reduce emission by 72% in a lifetime of 20 years. Solar energy can become cost-effective if the utility price is increased to above 0.7 CNY/kWh. The results can help in renewable planning in the studied climate.
The ‘‘Monstrous tumor’’ of Adrenal gland: A case report and review of literature on adrenal teratomas
Authors: AlQattan Abdullah Saleh , AlSharit Mohammed Abdulmohsen , Alsaihaty Essra Zakarya , Eraqe Samma Tareq , Mashhour Miral , Alsaif Osama Habib
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction and clinical importance

Teratomas are neoplasms originating from pluripotent cells, rising from more than one or all three embryonic germinal layers. The nomenclature “Teratoma” is derived from the Greek word “teras” which translates to the word “monster”. One of the rarest locations is the adrenal gland, with adrenal teratomas representing only 0.13 % of all adrenal tumors.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old female, morbidly obese, was found to have a right adrenal mass after she presented to our surgical outpatient clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain. The mass was found on an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, which revealed a large retroperitoneal lesion measuring 29 × 15 × 22 cm and displacing the IVC, pancreas, duodenum, right kidney, and ascending colon. The differential diagnosis based on the patient’s workup was adrenal teratoma, myolipoma, angiolipoma, and liposarcoma. The patient underwent an uneventful open right adrenalectomy. The final histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a mature right adrenal cystic teratoma weighing 4 kg. The last follow-up was 3 years postoperatively with no evidence of recurrence on CT scan.

Clinical discussion

A thorough discussion of the clinical presentations of the reported cases in the literature including the first reported case in the English literature. Furthermore, the use of the different modalities of diagnosis e.g., Ultrasonography, CT scan, and MRI. Also, the mainstay modality of treatment and the debate of minimal invasive laparoscopic adrenalectomy vs open adrenalectomy. Finally, the discussion of the period of following up the patient after successful operation and the removal of the tumor were presented.

Conclusion

Adrenal teratoma is extremely uncommon entity, with a great percentage of patient presenting with a non-specific presentation or are asymptomatic. Initial diagnosis might be made radiologically. However, a confirmatory diagnosis is based on the histopathological examination. The workup must rule out other possible differential diagnoses, like metastastis or functional tumors. Finally, surgical resection is the mainstay treatment of adrenal teratoma with an excellent survival rate.

Highlights
Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation
Authors: Fogleman Alex
Published: October 2023

In this book, Alex Fogleman presents a new history of the rise and development of catechesis in Latin Patristic Christianity by focusing on the critical relationship between teaching and epistemology. Through detailed studies of key figures and catechetical texts, he offers a nuanced account of initiation in the Early Christian era to explore fundamental questions in patristic theology: What did early Christians think that it meant to know God, and how could it be taught? What theological commitments and historical circumstances undergirded the formation of the catechumenate? What difference did the Christian confession of Jesus Christ as God-made-flesh make for practices of Christian teaching? Fogleman's study provides a dynamic narrative that encompasses not only the political and social history of Christianity associated with the Constantinian shift in the fourth century but also the modes of teaching and communication that helped to establish Christian identity. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
How are the relationships between childhood temperament, personality development and interpersonal function, and risk to depressive and other mood disorders, best conceptualised? What are the implications for preventive or treatment research?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , Chanen Andrew
Published: October 2023

One of the long-standing challenges in the field of depressive and other mood disorders is to have a clear conceptualisation of the relationships between childhood temperaments, personality development and adult self and interpersonal function, and depressive and other mood disorders. Some biologically-based dispositional (or temperamental) traits are present from birth and are relatively stable from infancy through to adulthood. These characteristics (e.g., anxious attachment or social inhibition) are commonly seen as ‘at-risk’ traits for later formal diagnoses of anxiety disorders in pre-pubertal children and anxiety and depression in teenagers (Compas et al., 2004; Rothbart, 2007).
What childhood and related developmental factors are relevant to the risk of onset and course of depression and other mood disorders?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , LaMonica Haley M. , Guastella Adam J. , Boulton Kelsie A. , Ospina-Pinillos Laura , Szatmari Peter , Gallagher Louise , Crouse Jacob J.
Published: October 2023

One of the most strongly held beliefs in developmental psychiatry is that various emotional, cognitive, behavioural and temperamental factors observed in childhood set the individual trajectory for the risk of onset, course and likely response to treatments in youth and adults with depressive and other mood disorders (Hickie et al., 2019).
Are depressive and other mood disorders best conceptualized as disorders of energy, and related motor activity, rather than mood?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , Scott Jan , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Scott Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2023

The most basic distinction between depressive (and other mood) disorders and other major mental disorders is the notion that they are primarily mood or affective disorders and not fundamentally perturbations of other cognitive, perceptual, motor, communication, impulse, sleep−wake, fear-response, arousal, developmental or personality functions. The primacy of mood or affective state is captured in the ‘core’ criteria for major depression (depressed mood or loss of pleasure) and the other major mood disorders (e.g., for dysthymia – prolonged depressed mood) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For bipolar disorder, while the presence of manic features (with increased motor activity) (Scott et al., 2017) is the core element, the depressive phase is described in similar terms, with the emphasis on the same shared features of major depression (i.e., depressed mood or loss of pleasure).
Will new brain stimulation techniques precipitate a new wave of therapies?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Scott Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

The field of therapeutic interventions available for depression and other mood disorders has been radically transformed over the last decade by the introduction of a range of new brain stimulation therapies. There is strong professional and public interest in the relative efficacy, and side effect profiles, of these approaches compared with conventional pharmacotherapy and older methods such as electro-convulsive therapy (Brunoni et al., 2022; Fitzgerald, 2021; Fitzgerald et al., 2022).
What are the likely impacts of climate change on rates of depression and other mood disorders? What actions can be taken by individuals, communities or nations to reduce those impacts?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , Ospina-Pinillos Laura , Scott Elizabeth M. , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Iorfino Frank , Crouse Jacob J.
Published: October 2023

One of the greatest global threats to mental health and wellbeing is the already discernible impact of climate change on local communities, particularly those living in the most vulnerable places on the planet, as well as the predicted impacts globally over the next 25–50 years (Romanello et al., 2021). Impacts have already been reported in those communities which have been devastated, often repeatedly, by extreme weather events (floods, cyclones, drought, bushfires, etc.) (Obradovich et al., 2018). These include massive social dislocation, loss of social connections and breakdowns in education, employment, economic and housing security – all factors known to increase the risk of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.
In Defence of the Acquaintance Principle in Aesthetics
Authors: Sauchelli Andrea
Published: October 2023

Making an adequate aesthetic judgment about an object or an aesthetic property requires first-hand experience of that object or property. Many have suggested that this principle is a valid epistemic norm in the epistemology of the aesthetic. However, some recent philosophers have argued that certain works of conceptual art and other counterexamples disprove the principle in question, even suitably modified. In this paper, I argue that these philosophers are mistaken and that, when properly qualified, the acquaintance principle (in some of its versions) is not threatened by their examples and arguments.
Exponential multiple mixing for commuting automorphisms of a nilmanifold
Authors: BÉNARD TIMOTHÉE , VARJÚ PÉTER P.
Published: October 2023

Let
$l\in \mathbb {N}_{\ge 1}$
and
$\alpha : \mathbb {Z}^l\rightarrow \text {Aut}(\mathscr {N})$
be an action of
$\mathbb {Z}^l$
by automorphisms on a compact nilmanifold
$\mathscr{N}$
. We assume the action of every
$\alpha (z)$
is ergodic for
$z\in \mathbb {Z}^l\smallsetminus \{0\}$
and show that
$\alpha $
satisfies exponential n-mixing for any integer
$n\geq 2$
. This extends the results of Gorodnik and Spatzier [Mixing properties of commuting nilmanifold automorphisms. Acta Math.215 (2015), 127–159].
K-stability of birationally superrigid Fano 3-fold weighted hypersurfaces
Authors: Kim In-Kyun , Okada Takuzo , Won Joonyeong
Published: October 2023

We prove that the alpha invariant of a quasi-smooth Fano 3-fold weighted hypersurface of index$1$is greater than or equal to$1/2$. Combining this with the result of Stibitz and Zhuang [SZ19] on a relation between birational superrigidity and K-stability, we prove the K-stability of a birationally superrigid quasi-smooth Fano 3-fold weighted hypersurfaces of index$1$.
English's expanding linguistic foothold in K-pop lyrics
Authors: Schneider Ian
Published: October 2023

Korean popular music (K-pop) has expanded its cultural reach among Western audiences over the past 20 years (Lie, 2015), and groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have achieved unprecedented global success recently (McIntyre, 2022). As K-pop evolves into a global cultural export, scholars have paid more attention to the code-mixing of English within its lyrics (Yeo, 2018; Ahn, 2021).
High versus low measurement frequency during 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring - a randomized crossover study
Authors: Thomsen Martin B. , Nyvad Jakob , Christensen Kent L. , Reinhard Mark , Buus Niels Henrik
Published: October 2023

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) may be stressful and associated with discomfort, possibly influenced by the number of cuff inflations. We compared a low frequency (LF-ABPM) regimen with one cuff inflation per hour, with a high frequency (HF-ABPM) regimen performed according to current guidelines using three cuff-inflations per hour during daytime and two cuff-inflations during night time. In a crossover study, patients underwent ABPMs with both frequencies, in a randomized order, within an interval of a few days. Patients reported pain (visual analogue scale from 0 to 10) and sleep disturbances after each ABPM. The primary endpoint was the difference in mean 24 h systolic BP (SBP) between HF-ABPM and LF-ABPM. A total of 171 patients were randomized, and data from 131 (age 58 ± 14 years, 47% females, 24% normotensive, 53% mildly hypertensive, and 22% moderately-severely hypertensive) completing both ABPMs were included in the analysis. Mean SBP was 137.5 mmHg (95% CI, 134.8;140.2) for HF-ABPM and 138.2 mmHg (95%CI, 135.2;141.1) for LF-ABPM. The 95% limits of agreement were −15.3 mmHg and +14.0 mmHg. Mean 24 h SBP difference between HF-ABPM and LF-ABPM was −0.7 mmHg (95%CI, −2.0;0.6). Coefficients of variation were similar for LF-ABPM and HF-ABPM. Pain scores (median with interquartile range), for HF-ABPM and LF-ABPM were 1.5 (0.6;3.0) and 1.3 (0.6;2.9) during daytime, and 1.3 (0.4:3.4) and 0.9 (0.4;2.0) during nighttime (P < 0.05 for both differences). We conclude that LF-ABPM and HF-ABPM values are in good agreement without any clinically relevant differences in BP. Furthermore, LF-ABPM causes a relatively modest reduction in procedure-related pain.