bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nomogram for predicting lymph nodes metastasis at the inferior mesenteric artery in rectal cancer: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Xu Chunhao , Huang Qiaoyi , Hu Yunhuang , Ye Kai , Xu Jianhua
Published: January 2024

According to past and current literature, metastasis of the lymph nodes at the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA-LN), also known as 253LN of colorectal cancer has been seldom investigated. To date, there are still controversies on whether the 253LN need to be routinely cleaned. Using specific criteria, 347 patients who underwent radical resection for rectal cancer between April 2019 and July 2022 were selected for the study. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood that a patient may suffer 253LN metastasis, and a nomogram for 253LN metastasis subsequently developed. The c-index and calibration curve were used to evaluate precision and discrimination in the nomogram, and the appropriateness of the final nomogram for the clinical setting determined using decision curve analysis (DCA). 253LN metastases appeared in the pathological specimens of 29 (8.4%) of the selected patients. Logistic regression showed that preoperative parameters including serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value ( > 5 ng / ml, OR = 2.894, P = 0.023), distance from anal margin (> 9 cm, OR = 2.406, P = 0.045) and degree of differentiation (poor, OR = 9.712, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 253LN metastasis. A nomogram to predict 253LN metastasis in rectal cancer was developed and showed considerable discrimination and good precision (c-index = 0.750). Furthermore, DCA confirmed that the nomogram has some feasibility for the clinical environment. Clinicopathological and radiological patient data can be pivotal for making surgical decisions relating to 253LN metastasis. A nomogram was developed using this data, providing an objective method that can significantly improve prognoses in colorectal cancer.
The Influence of Rotational Discontinuities on the Formation of Reconnected Structures at Collisionless Shocks—Hybrid Simulations
Authors: Steinvall K. , Gingell I.
Published: January 2024

Recent simulations and in‐situ observations have shown that magnetic reconnection is an active dissipation mechanism in the transition region of collisionless shocks. The generation mechanisms and upstream conditions enabling reconnection have been studied numerically. However, these numerical studies have been limited to the case of a steady, uniform upstream. The effect upstream discontinuities have on shock reconnection remains poorly understood. Here, we use local hybrid (fluid electron, particle ion) simulations with time‐varying upstream conditions to study the influence upstream rotational discontinuities (RDs) have on the formation of reconnected magnetic structures in the shock transition region. Our results show that bursts of reconnection can occur when RDs interact with the shock. This effect is much more significant at initially quasi‐parallel shocks than quasi‐perpendicular shocks, as the interaction between the RDs and the foreshock (only present in the quasi‐parallel case) can lead to the generation of foreshock bubbles, in which we observe an enhanced reconnection occurrence. The enhanced fluxes of accelerated ions within the foreshock bubble are likely a contributing factor to the increased reconnection occurrence. In addition, we find that the RDs with large magnetic shear are prone to reconnect upon reaching the shock, resulting in the generation of large magnetic islands. Our findings illustrate that upstream discontinuities can significantly increase the amount of reconnected magnetic structures at the bow shock, suggesting that reconnection might be a particularly important dissipation mechanism during periods of dynamic upstream conditions.
CYB5R3 functions as a tumor suppressor by inducing ER stress-mediated apoptosis in lung cancer cells via the PERK-ATF4 and IRE1α-JNK pathways
Authors: Im Joo-Young , Kim Soo Jin , Park Jong-Lyul , Han Tae-Hee , Kim Woo-il , Kim Inhyub , Ko Bomin , Chun So-Young , Kang Mi-Jung , Kim Bo-Kyung , Jeon Sol A. , Kim Seon-Kyu , Ryu Incheol , Kim Seon-Young , Nam Ki-Hoan , Hwang Inah , Ban Hyun Seung , Won Misun
Published: January 2024

Cytochrome b5 reductase 3 (CYB5R3) is involved in various cellular metabolic processes, including fatty acid synthesis and drug metabolism. However, the role of CYB5R3 in cancer development remains poorly understood. Here, we show that CYB5R3 expression is downregulated in human lung cancer cell lines and tissues. Adenoviral overexpression of CYB5R3 suppresses lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. However, CYB5R3 deficiency promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in mouse models. Transcriptome analysis revealed that apoptosis- and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes are upregulated in CYB5R3-overexpressing lung cancer cells. Metabolomic analysis revealed that CYB5R3 overexpression increased the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Ectopic CYB5R3 is mainly localized in the ER, where CYB5R3-dependent ER stress signaling is induced via activation of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α). Moreover, NAD+ activates poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase16 (PARP16), an ER-resident protein, to promote ADP-ribosylation of PERK and IRE1α and induce ER stress. In addition, CYB5R3 induces the generation of reactive oxygen species and caspase-9-dependent intrinsic cell death. Our findings highlight the importance of CYB5R3 as a tumor suppressor for the development of CYB5R3-based therapeutics for lung cancer.
Structure-changeable luminescent Eu(III) complex as a human cancer grade probing system for brain tumor diagnosis
Authors: Wang Mengfei , Kono Masaya , Yamaguchi Yusaku , Islam Jahidul , Shoji Sunao , Kitagawa Yuichi , Fushimi Koji , Watanabe Sora , Matsuba Go , Yamamoto Akihisa , Tanaka Motomu , Tsuda Masumi , Tanaka Shinya , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: January 2024

Accurate determination of human tumor malignancy is important for choosing efficient and safe therapies. Bioimaging technologies based on luminescent molecules are widely used to localize and distinguish active tumor cells. Here, we report a human cancer grade probing system (GPS) using a water-soluble and structure-changeable Eu(III) complex for the continuous detection of early human brain tumors of different malignancy grades. Time-dependent emission spectra of the Eu(III) complexes in various types of tumor cells were recorded. The radiative rate constants (kr), which depend on the geometry of the Eu(III) complex, were calculated from the emission spectra. The tendency of the kr values to vary depended on the tumor cells at different malignancy grades. Between T = 0 and T = 3 h of invasion, the kr values exhibited an increase of 4% in NHA/TS (benign grade II gliomas), 7% in NHA/TSR (malignant grade III gliomas), and 27% in NHA/TSRA (malignant grade IV gliomas). Tumor cells with high-grade malignancy exhibited a rapid upward trend in kr values. The cancer GPS employs Eu(III) emissions to provide a new diagnostic method for determining human brain tumor malignancy.
Influence of changes in foot morphology and temperature on bruised toenail injury risk during running
Authors: Song Yang , Cen Xuanzhen , Sun Dong , Bíró István , Mao Zhuqing , Fang Yufei , Gu Yaodong
Published: January 2024

Despite runners frequently suffering from dermatologic issues during long distance running, there is no compelling evidence quantitatively investigating their underlying injury mechanism. This study aimed to determine the foot morphology and temperature changes during long distance running and reveal the effect of these alterations on the injury risk of bruised toenail by measuring the subjective-perceived hallux comfort and gap length between the hallux and toebox of the shoe. Ten recreational runners participated in the experimental tests before (baseline), immediately after 5 and 10 km of treadmill running (12 km/h), in which the foot morphology was measured by a 3D foot scanner, the foot temperature was detected by an infrared camera, the perceived comfort was recorded by a visual analogue scale, and the gap length in the sagittal plane was captured by a high-speed camera. Ball width became narrower (106.39 ± 6.55 mm) and arch height (12.20 ± 2.34 mm) was reduced greatly after the 10 km run (p < 0.05). Foot temperature increased significantly after 5 and 10 km of running, and the temperature of dorsal hallux (35.12 ± 1.46 °C), dorsal metatarsal (35.92 ± 1.59 °C), and medial plantar metatarsal (37.26 ± 1.34 °C) regions continued to increase greatly from 5 to 10 km of running (p < 0.05). Regarding hallux comfort, the perceived scores significantly reduced after 5 and 10 km of running (2.10 ± 0.99,p < 0.05). In addition, during one running gait cycle, there was a significant increase in gap length at initial contact (39.56 ± 6.45 mm,p < 0.05) for a 10 km run, followed by a notable decrease upon reaching midstance (29.28 ± 6.81 mm,p < 0.05). It is concluded that the reduced ball width and arch height while increased foot temperature during long-distance running would exacerbate foot-shoe interaction, potentially responsible for bruised toenail injuries.
A comprehensive study for selecting optimal treatment modalities for blood cancer in a Fermatean fuzzy dynamic environment
Authors: Alghazzawi Dilshad , Noor Aqsa , Alolaiyan Hanan , El-Wahed Khalifa Hamiden Abd , Alburaikan Alhanouf , Dai Songsong , Razaq Abdul
Published: January 2024

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to cellular damage or death. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a kind of blood cancer, that affects lymphoid cells and is a challenging malignancy to treat. The Fermatean fuzzy set (FFS) theory is highly effective at capturing imprecision due to its capacity to incorporate extensive problem descriptions that are unclear and periodic. Within the framework of this study, two innovative aggregation operators: The Fermatean fuzzy Dynamic Weighted Averaging (FFDWA) operator and the Fermatean fuzzy Dynamic Weighted Geometric (FFDWG) operator are presented. The important attributes of these operators, providing a comprehensive elucidation of their significant special cases has been discussed in details. Moreover, these operators are utilized in the development of a systematic approach for addressing scenarios involving multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems with Fermatean fuzzy (FF) data. A numerical example concerning on finding the optimal treatment approach for ALL using the proposed operators, is provided. At the end, the validity and merits of the new method to illustrate by comparing it with the existing methods.
Serum IGFBP-1 as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Bin-Liang , Wei Lai-Feng , Lin Yi-Wei , Huang Li-Sheng , Qu Qi-Qi , Li Xin-Hao , Chu Ling-Yu , Xu Yi-Wei , Wang Wei-Dong , Peng Yu-Hui , Wu Fang-Cai
Published: January 2024

Our previous study showed that levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) has potential diagnostic value for early-stage upper gastrointestinal cancers. This study aimed to assess whether serum IGFBP-1 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC patients. IGFBP-1 mRNA expression profile data of peripheral blood in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were downloaded and analyzed from Gene Expression Omnibus database. We detected serum IGFBP-1 in 138 CRC patients and 190 normal controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Blood IGFBP-1 mRNA levels were higher in CRC patients than those in normal controls (P = 0.027). In addition, serum IGFBP-1 protein levels in the CRC group were significantly higher than those in normal control group (P < 0.0001). Serum IGFBP-1 demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy for all CRC and early-stage CRC, respectively, when compared with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen19-9 (CA 19-9) or the combination of CEA and CA19-9. Furthermore, Cox multivariate analysis revealed that serum IGFBP-1 was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.043, P = 0.045). Our study demonstrated that serum IGFBP-1 might be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. In addition, the nomogram might be helpful to predict the prognosis of CRC.
Early modulation of the gut microbiome by female sex hormones alters amyloid pathology and microglial function
Authors: Saha Piyali , Weigle Ian Q. , Slimmon Nicholas , Poli Pedro Blauth , Patel Priyam , Zhang Xiaoqiong , Cao Yajun , Michalkiewicz Julia , Gomm Ashley , Zhang Can , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Dylla Nicholas , Al-Hendy Ayman , Sisodia Sangram S.
Published: January 2024

It is well-established that women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanisms underlying this sex-specific disparity are not fully understood, but several factors that are often associated-including interactions of sex hormones, genetic factors, and the gut microbiome-likely contribute to the disease's etiology. Here, we have examined the role of sex hormones and the gut microbiome in mediating Aβ amyloidosis and neuroinflammation in APPPS1-21 mice. We report that postnatal gut microbiome perturbation in female APPPS1-21 mice leads to an elevation in levels of circulating estradiol. Early stage ovariectomy (OVX) leads to a reduction of plasma estradiol that is correlated with a significant alteration of gut microbiome composition and reduction in Aβ pathology. On the other hand, supplementation of OVX-treated animals with estradiol restores Aβ burden and influences gut microbiome composition. The reduction of Aβ pathology with OVX is paralleled by diminished levels of plaque-associated microglia that acquire a neurodegenerative phenotype (MGnD-type) while estradiol supplementation of OVX-treated animals leads to a restoration of activated microglia around plaques. In summary, our investigation elucidates the complex interplay between sex-specific hormonal modulations, gut microbiome dynamics, metabolic perturbations, and microglial functionality in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Rigidifying of the internal dynamics of amyloid-beta fibrils generated in the presence of synaptic plasma vesicles
Authors: Vugmeyster Liliya , Au Dan Fai , Frazier Bailey , Qiang Wei , Ostrovsky Dmitry
Published: January 2024

We probed the changes in internal flexibility of amyloid-β fibrils grown with synaptic plasma vesicles using 2H solid-state NMR methods and TEM. A rigidifying effect is observed in comparison to the wild-type fibrils made without the vesicles.
Potent inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 discovered via virtual high-throughput screening and absolute binding free energy calculations
Authors: Wang Shipeng , Liu Fengjiao , Li Pengfei , Wang Jia-Ning , Mo Yan , Lin Bin , Mei Ye
Published: January 2024

Virtual screening identified CDK9 inhibitor 006, optimized through molecular dynamics and structural modifications, demonstrating enhanced binding affinity and potential for cancer treatment.
Composite fiber as a multifunctional catalyst support for the upgradation of lignin-based chemicals
Authors: Li Zuzhi , Ma Ya , Guo Xingjie , Cao Yang , Jiang Qian , Gao Mi , Liu Xudong , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Jiang Zhicheng , Shi Bi
Published: January 2024

PAN–Tan fiber could in situ anchor and reduce Pd2+ ions for the subsequent catalysis of vanillin hydrogenation.
Weaning causes imbalanced T lymphocyte distribution and impaired intestinal immune barrier function in piglets
Authors: Dong Li , Wang Mengxuan , Peng Zhong , Li Hongmin , Wang Hongrong , Qin Tao , Yin Yinyan , Yu Lihuai
Published: January 2024

Context The immune system of piglets is not fully developed at weaning. The immature adaptive immune system along with the change in the feed types and the living conditions make piglets susceptible to pathogenic infections, and result in diarrhoea and decreased growth. However, the underlying mechanisms require further research. Aims This study was conducted to investigate the effects of weaning on the growth performance and intestinal immune function of piglets. Methods In total, 40 piglets with similar bodyweights were selected in pairs at 21 days old and divided into the suckling group (SG, breastfed by their mothers) and weaning group (WG, weaned at 21 days old). Eight piglets from each group were randomly selected and sacrificed at 24 days (SG3 and WG3) and 28 days of age (SG7 and WG7). The growth performance, T lymphocyte subpopulations, the concentration of cytokines and immunoglobulins, and the expression of Notch2 signalling proteins were determined. Key results The weaning caused a decrease in bodyweight (P < 0.01) and the ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ T cells in the thymus (P < 0.05). Compared with SG3, the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the jejunum was decreased, and that of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in serum and ileum, IL-1β and IL-2 in jejunum were upregulated (P < 0.01), while IL-10 in the small intestine was downregulated (P < 0.05) in WG3. Weaning downregulated gene expression of IL-4 and upregulated gene expression of IL-1β, IL-12, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in small intestine (P < 0.05). Weaning downregulated protein expression of Notch2 and Hes1 but upregulated Jagged1 expression in small intestine of piglets (P < 0.05). Conclusions Weaning caused an imbalance in T lymphocyte distribution, thus impairing the intestinal immune function of piglets, which might be associated with the Notch2 signalling. Furthermore, weaning caused adverse effects on piglets especially on the first 3 days, which were partly recovered after 3 days, but still existed at 7 days after weaning. Implications The results of this study may guide the pig-raising industry, especially for the management of piglets shortly after weaning.
Reductions in premature deaths from heat and particulate matter air pollution in South Asia, China, and the United States under decarbonization
Authors: Shindell Drew , Faluvegi Greg , Nagamoto Emily , Parsons Luke , Zhang Yuqiang
Published: January 2024

Following a sustainable development pathway designed to keep warming below 2 °C will benefit human health. We quantify premature deaths attributable to fine particulate matter (PM
2.5
) air pollution and heat exposures for China, South Asia, and the United States using projections from multiple climate models under high- and low-emission scenarios. Projected changes in premature deaths are typically dominated by population aging, primarily reflecting increased longevity leading to greater sensitivity to environmental risks. Changes in PM
2.5
exposure typically have small impacts on premature deaths under a high-emission scenario but provide substantial benefits under a low-emission scenario. PM
2.5
-attributable deaths increase in South Asia throughout the century under both scenarios but shift to decreases by late century in China, and US values decrease throughout the century. In contrast, heat exposure increases under both scenarios and combines with population aging to drive projected increases in deaths in all countries. Despite population aging, combined PM
2.5
- and heat-related deaths decrease under the low-emission scenario by ~2.4 million per year by midcentury and ~2.9 million by century’s end, with ~3% and ~21% of these reductions from heat, respectively. Intermodel variations in exposure projections generally lead to uncertainties of <40% except for US and China heat impacts. Health benefits of low emissions are larger from reduced heat exposure than improved air quality by the late 2090s in the United States. In contrast, in South and East Asia, the PM
2.5
-related benefits are largest throughout the century, and their valuation exceeds the cost of decarbonization, especially in China, over the next 30 y.
Atomic observation and structural evolution of covalent organic framework rotamers
Authors: Zeng Tengwu , Ling Yang , Jiang Wentao , Yao Xuan , Tao Yu , Liu Shan , Liu Huiyu , Yang Tieying , Wen Wen , Jiang Shan , Zhao Yingbo , Ma Yanhang , Zhang Yue-Biao
Published: January 2024

Dynamic 3D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown concerted structural transformation and adaptive gas adsorption due to the conformational diversity of organic linkers. However, the isolation and observation of COF rotamers constitute undergoing challenges due to their comparable free energy and subtle rotational energy barrier. Here, we report the atomic-level observation and structural evolution of COF rotamers by cryo-3D electron diffraction and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. Specifically, we optimize the crystallinity and morphology of COF-320 to manifest its coherent dynamic responses upon adaptive inclusion of guest molecules. We observe a significant crystal expansion of 29 vol% upon hydration and a giant swelling with volume change up to 78 vol% upon solvation. We record the structural evolution from a non-porous contracted phase to two narrow-pore intermediate phases and the fully opened expanded phase using
n
-butane as a stabilizing probe at ambient conditions. We uncover the rotational freedom of biphenylene giving rise to significant conformational changes on the diimine motifs from
synclinal
to
syn-periplanar
and
anticlinal
rotamers. We illustrate the 10-fold increment of pore volumes and 100% enhancement of methane uptake capacity of COF-320 at 100 bar and 298 K. The present findings shed light on the design of smarter organic porous materials to maximize host–guest interaction and boost gas uptake capacity through progressive structural transformation.
Influence of samarium on the structural, magnetic, and gas sensing performance of cadmium zinc ferrites
Authors: Korek Hani , Habanjar Khulud , Awad R
Published: January 2024

Cadmium zinc ferrites Cd0.5Zn0.5SmxFe2−xO4 nanoparticles were synthesized with different concentrations x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08, via the wet chemical co-precipitation method. The effects of the Sm3+ doping on the structural, morphological, compositional, and magnetic properties have been investigated. The structural analysis is performed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinement. The results indicate great crystallinity in the FCC Fd3m spinel structure of Cd0.5Zn0.5SmxFe2−xO4 nanoparticles. The crystallite size was estimated using Debye–Scherrer, Williamson–Hall, Size-strain plot (SSP), and Halder-Wagner (H-W) methods. It revealed a decreasing trend with the increase of Sm-doping concentrations until the solubility limit at around x = 0.04. The spherical morphology of the samples was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with minor agglomeration as a benefit of using the capping agent polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Raman spectroscopy validates the incorporation of trivalent Sm3+ in the octahedral sites. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the elemental compositions as well as the purity of the samples and the incorporation of the dopants. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to study the magnetic properties, and which indicates the superparamagnetic behavior of the prepared samples. The prepared samples were tested as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensors by studying their sensitivity, optimum working temperature, response time, and recovery time. The doping of samarium ions reveals a great increase in LPG sensing sensitivity and optimum temperature with decreasing response and recovery times.
Normally-off recessed gate β-Ga2O3 MOSHFETs with a modulation-doped heterostructure back-barrier
Authors: Atmaca Gökhan , Cha Ho-Young
Published: January 2024

This study demonstrates enhancement-mode recessed-gate β-Ga2O3 metal–oxide–semiconductor heterojunction field-effect transistors (MOSHFETs) with a combination of the MOS channel and a modulation-doped heterostructure to improve maximum drain current and on-resistance (RON). In this proposed device concept, modulation doping in the heterostructure back-barrier inserted into the MOS channel increases the electron density in the MOS channel while maintaining a normally-off operation. First, 2D simulations of enhancement-mode recessed-gate β-Ga2O3 metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were performed in a Silvaco ATLAS TCAD environment to calibrate the transfer characteristics with the measured data of the investigated device reported previously. Second, using calibrated physical models and parameters, the transfer and transconductance characteristics, and output and off-state characteristics of the enhancement-mode recessed-gate β-Ga2O3 MOSHFETs were comprehensively investigated. The maximum drain current at VGS = 8 V and VDS = 10 V could be increased up to 32.6 mA mm−1 from 9.1 mA mm−1 with the MOSHFET in comparison with that of the recessed-gate MOSFET. The breakdown voltage increased considerably from 186 V to 226 V for the recessed-gate MOSHFET. The proposed device also showed a lower RON, which decreased from 354 Ω.mm to 214 Ω.mm owing to greater electron accumulation in the channel owing to the introduction of the modulation-doped heterostructure.
Absolute partial and total ionization cross sections of carbon monoxide with electron collision from 350 eV to 8000 eV
Authors: Khan Taj Wali , Huang 黄 Weizhe 伟哲 , Wang 王 Enliang 恩亮 , Shan 单 Xu 旭 , Chen 陈 Xiangjun 向军
Published: January 2024

The absolute partial and total cross sections for electron impact ionization of carbon monoxide are reported for electron energies from 350 eV to 8000 eV. The product ions (CO+, C+, O+, CO2+, C2+, and O2+) are measured by employing an ion imaging mass spectrometer and two ion-pair dissociation channels (C+ + O+ and C2+ + O+) are identified. The absolute cross sections for producing individual ions and their total, as well as for the ion-pair dissociation channels are obtained by normalizing the data of CO+ to that of Ar+ from CO–Ar mixture target with a fixed 1:1 ratio. The overall errors are evaluated by considering various kinds of uncertainties. A comprehensive comparison is made with the available data, which shows a good agreement with each other over the energy ranges that are overlapped. This work presents new cross-section data with electron energies above 1000 eV.
Reform of the Arbitration Act 1996: a missed opportunity to entrench diversity?
Authors: Davies Ella , Noury Sylvia
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the recent consultation by the Law Commission of England and Wales (‘Law Commission’) on reform to the Arbitration Act 1996 (‘AA 1996’) which grappled with the issue of discrimination in agreements to appoint arbitrators. Recent efforts by the arbitration community to promote greater arbitrator diversity have started to result in the codification of equality and diversity considerations directly into some arbitral rules. However, guidelines developed to date by arbitral institutions have tended to focus on promoting greater diversity in institutional appointments rather than prohibiting discrimination in party appointments. In its September 2022 Consultation Paper, the Law Commission initially proposed new statutory provisions which would have made agreements relating to arbitrators’ ‘protected characteristics’ unenforceable, subject to certain exceptions. This article discusses some areas of uncertainty with these proposals which ultimately led to their abandonment, as well as the Law Commission’s conclusion against reforming the AA 1996 to prohibit discrimination in arbitration generally. The article examines some of the alternative ways in which discrimination could have been addressed through statutory reform and whether it is desirable for the onus to fall back to the arbitral institutions to adopt more robust guidance prohibiting discrimination in party appointments.
The Use of Hyaluronidase in Aesthetic Practice: A Comparative Study of Practitioner Usage in Elective and Emergency Situations
Authors: Currie Elena , Granata Bronwyn , Goodman Greg , Rudd Alice , Wallace Katy , Rivkin Alexander , Hart Sarah , Porter Catherine E , Harris Steven , Walker Lee , Lin Frank , Corduff Niamh , Davies Nik , Roberts Stefania , Clague Michael , Callan Peter P , McDonald Cara , Magnusson Mark , Tsirbas Angelo , Gupta Ritu , Bekhor Philip , Welsh Belinda
Published: January 2024

Background

Hyaluronic acids (HAs) continue to be the fillers of choice worldwide and their popularity is growing. Adverse events (AEs) are able to be resolved through the use of hyaluronidase (HYAL). However, routine HYAL use has been at issue due to perceived safety issues.

Objectives

There are currently no guidelines on the use of HYAL in aesthetic practice, leading to variability in storage, preparation, skin testing, and beliefs concerning AEs. This manuscript interrogated the use of this agent in daily practice.

Methods

A 39-question survey concerning HYAL practice was completed by 264 healthcare practitioners: 244 from interrogated databases and 20 from the consensus panel. Answers from those in the database were compared to those of the consensus panel.

Results

Compared to the database group, the consensus group was more confident in the preparation of HYAL, kept reconstituted HYAL for longer, and was less likely to skin test for HYAL sensitivity and more likely to treat with HYAL in an emergency, even in those with a wasp or bee sting anaphylactic history. Ninety-two percent of all respondents had never observed an acute reaction to HYAL. Just over 1% of respondents had ever observed anaphylaxis. Five percent of practitioners reported longer-term adverse effects, including 3 respondents who reported loss of deep tissues. Consent before injecting HA for the possible requirement of HYAL was always obtained by 74% of practitioners.

Conclusions

Hyaluronidase would appear to be an essential agent for anyone injecting hyaluronic acid filler. However, there is an absence of evidence-based recommendations with respect to the concentration, dosing, and treatment intervals of HYAL, and these should ideally be available.

Level of Evidence: 5
Broadening horizons: ferroptosis as a new target for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wei Ziqing , Yu Haihan , Zhao Huijuan , Wei Mingze , Xing Han , Pei Jinyan , Yang Yang , Ren Kaidi
Published: January 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with ~50 million people experiencing TBI each year. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death triggered by iron ion-catalyzed and reactive oxygen species-induced lipid peroxidation, has been identified as a potential contributor to traumatic central nervous system conditions, suggesting its involvement in the pathogenesis of TBI. Alterations in iron metabolism play a crucial role in secondary injury following TBI. This study aimed to explore the role of ferroptosis in TBI, focusing on iron metabolism disorders, lipid metabolism disorders and the regulatory axis of system Xc−/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 in TBI. Additionally, we examined the involvement of ferroptosis in the chronic TBI stage. Based on these findings, we discuss potential therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis after TBI. In conclusion, this review provides novel insights into the pathology of TBI and proposes potential therapeutic targets.
Iatrogenic bioprosthetic, self-expandable, transcatheter aortic valve replacement dysfunction after cardiac catheterization
Authors: Amirian Aslan , Goda Hemal , Mansoor Atizazul
Published: January 2024

Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) is typically a progressive process related to natural wear of the prosthesis. With acute presentations, possible durability issues or iatrogenic causes need to be considered. Here, we present 2 patients with acute BVD of self-expanding, transcatheter aortic valve replacement post-heart catheterization. The presentations and outcomes, in otherwise normally functioning valves antecedent to the heart catheterizations, raise the question of the increased complexity of coronary access in this valve platform, and whether that or other features provide for greater risk of such events. We believe this to be the first publication of such events and they help to highlight the importance of valve implantation planning, as well as familiarity with the potential complexity of coronary access during heart catheterization.
Ciliopathy due to POC1A deficiency: clinical and metabolic features, and cellular modeling
Authors: Perge Kevin , Capel Emilie , Villanueva Carine , Gautheron Jérémie , Diallo Safiatou , Auclair Martine , Rondeau Sophie , Morichon Romain , Brioude Frédéric , Jéru Isabelle , Rossi Massimiliamo , Nicolino Marc , Vigouroux Corinne
Published: January 2024

Objective

SOFT syndrome (MIM#614813), denoting Short stature, Onychodysplasia, Facial dysmorphism, and hypoTrichosis, is a rare primordial dwarfism syndrome caused by biallelic variants in POC1A, encoding a centriolar protein. SOFT syndrome, characterized by severe growth failure of prenatal onset and dysmorphic features, was recently associated with insulin resistance. This study aims to further explore its endocrinological features and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Design/Methods

We present clinical, biochemical, and genetic features of 2 unrelated patients carrying biallelic pathogenic POC1A variants. Cellular models of the disease were generated using patients' fibroblasts and POC1A-deleted human adipose stem cells.

Results

Both patients present with clinical features of SOFT syndrome, along with hyperinsulinemia, diabetes or glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, liver steatosis, and central fat distribution. They also display resistance to the effects of IGF-1. Cellular studies show that the lack of POC1A protein expression impairs ciliogenesis and adipocyte differentiation, induces cellular senescence, and leads to resistance to insulin and IGF-1. An altered subcellular localization of insulin receptors and, to a lesser extent, IGF1 receptors could also contribute to resistance to insulin and IGF1.

Conclusions

Severe growth retardation, IGF-1 resistance, and centripetal fat repartition associated with insulin resistance-related metabolic abnormalities should be considered as typical features of SOFT syndrome caused by biallelic POC1A null variants. Adipocyte dysfunction and cellular senescence likely contribute to the metabolic consequences of POC1A deficiency. SOFT syndrome should be included within the group of monogenic ciliopathies with metabolic and adipose tissue involvement, which already encompasses Bardet-Biedl and Alström syndromes.
Transposon Removal Reveals Their Adaptive Fitness Contribution
Authors: Cranz-Mileva Susanne , Reilly Eve , Chalhoub Noor , Patel Rohan , Atanassova Tania , Cao Weihuan , Ellison Christopher , Zaratiegui Mikel
Published: January 2024

Transposable elements are molecular parasites that persist in their host genome by generating new copies to outpace natural selection. Transposable elements exert a large influence on host genome evolution, in some cases providing adaptive changes. Here we measure the fitness effect of the transposable element insertions in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe type strain by removing all insertions of its only native transposable element family, the long terminal repeat retrotransposon Tf2. We show that Tf2 elements provide a positive fitness contribution to its host. Tf2 ablation results in changes to the regulation of a mitochondrial gene and, consistently, the fitness effect are sensitive to growth conditions. We propose that Tf2 influences host fitness in a directed manner by dynamically rewiring the transcriptional response to metabolic stress.
FP-Zernike: An Open-source Structural Database Construction Toolkit for Fast Structure Retrieval
Authors: Qi Junhai , Feng Chenjie , Shi Yulin , Yang Jianyi , Zhang Fa , Li Guojun , Han Renmin
Published: January 2024

The release of AlphaFold2 has sparked a rapid expansion in protein model databases. Efficient protein structure retrieval is crucial for the analysis of structure models, while measuring the similarity between structures is the key challenge in structural retrieval. Although existing structure alignment algorithms can address this challenge, they are often time-consuming. Currently, the state-of-the-art approach involves converting protein structures into three-dimensional (3D) Zernike descriptors and assessing similarity using Euclidean distance. However, the methods for computing 3D Zernike descriptors mainly rely on structural surfaces and are predominantly web-based, thus limiting their application in studying custom datasets. To overcome this limitation, we developed FP-Zernike, a user-friendly toolkit for computing different types of Zernike descriptors based on feature points. Users simply need to enter a single line of command to calculate the Zernike descriptors of all structures in customized datasets. FP-Zernike outperforms the leading method in terms of retrieval accuracy and binary classification accuracy across diverse benchmark datasets. In addition, we showed the application of FP-Zernike in the construction of the descriptor database and the protocol used for the Protein Data Bank (PDB) dataset to facilitate the local deployment of this tool for interested readers. Our demonstration contained 590,685 structures, and at this scale, our system required only 4–9 s to complete a retrieval. The experiments confirmed that it achieved the state-of-the-art accuracy level. FP-Zernike is an open-source toolkit, with the source code and related data accessible at https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/biocode/tools/BT007365/releases/0.1, as well as through a webserver at http://www.structbioinfo.cn/.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle: exploring the role of social media and fitness applications in the context of social media addiction risk
Authors: Liu Junfeng
Published: January 2024

The popularity of social networks turns them into a legal method for promoting a healthy lifestyle, which benefits not only people but also different countries’ governments. This research paper aimed to examine the Keep fitness app integrated into WeChat, Weibo and QQ as regards long-term improvements in health-related behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, health responsibility, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships and stress management) and assess the associated risk of increased social media addiction. Students from Lishui University in China (N = 300) participated in this study, and they were formed into control and experimental groups. The Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale and Social Media Disorder Scale were used as psychometric instruments. The Keep app was found to improve respondents’ scores on the parameters of physical activity, nutrition and health responsibility (P = 0.00). However, the level of dependence on social media did not change in either the control or the experimental group during the year of research (P ≥ 0.05). It is concluded that fitness apps can be an effective tool to promote healthy lifestyles among young people in China and other countries. The feasibility of government investment in fitness apps to promote healthy lifestyles is substantiated.
‘A profound effect on how I see myself and the world around me’: what students found meaningful about taking an academic course intended to reduce campus sexual violence
Authors: Lederer Alyssa M , Liddell Jessica L , Johnson Katherine M , Sheffield Sydney
Published: January 2024

Sexual violence is common on US college campuses and can result in negative health and academic outcomes. Credit-bearing courses are a possible innovative intervention, but few have been studied, and little is known about enrolled students’ experiences. Our institution, located in the Southern United States, developed a semester-long class as a curricular intervention after our institutional climate survey results showed high rates of sexual violence among undergraduate students. Students enrolled in the course wrote a final reflection paper on what they found meaningful about the class (N = 62). Qualitative conventional content analysis was used to examine what students found most salient. Three overarching categories emerged: course content, course delivery and course impact, each with multiple themes. For course content, students wrote about 22 different topics from the class. For course delivery, students discussed the open forum to discuss sexuality, the importance of taking the course in their first year of college and the course structure. For course impact, students discussed gaining new knowledge, questioning prior assumptions, experiencing personal transformation and feeling empowered to act. Results indicated that students had a powerful class experience and that this kind of educational intervention has the potential to positively impact enrolled students.
The performance of the amplitude-based model for complex phase retrieval
Authors: Xia Yu , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to study the performance of the amplitude-based model $\widehat{{\boldsymbol x}} \in \mathop{\mathrm{argmin}}\limits _{{\boldsymbol x}\in \mathbb{C}^{d}}\sum _{j=1}^{m}\left (|\langle{\boldsymbol a}_{j},{\boldsymbol x}\rangle |-b_{j}\right )^{2}$, where $b_{j}:=|\langle{\boldsymbol a}_{j},{\boldsymbol x}_{0}\rangle |+\eta _{j}$ and ${\boldsymbol x}_{0}\in \mathbb{C}^{d}$ is a target signal. The model is raised in phase retrieval as well as in absolute value rectification neural networks. Many efficient algorithms have been developed to solve it in the past decades. However, there are very few results available regarding the estimation performance in the complex case under noisy conditions. In this paper, we present a theoretical guarantee on the amplitude-based model for the noisy complex phase retrieval problem. Specifically, we show that $\min _{\theta \in [0,2\pi )}\|\widehat{{\boldsymbol x}}-\exp (\mathrm{i}\theta )\cdot{\boldsymbol x}_{0}\|_{2} \lesssim \frac{\|{\boldsymbol \eta }\|_{2}}{\sqrt{m}}$ holds with high probability provided the measurement vectors ${\boldsymbol a}_{j}\in \mathbb{C}^{d},$  $j=1,\ldots ,m,$ are i.i.d. complex sub-Gaussian random vectors and $m\gtrsim d$. Here ${\boldsymbol \eta }=(\eta _{1},\ldots ,\eta _{m})\in \mathbb{R}^{m}$ is the noise vector without any assumption on the distribution. Furthermore, we prove that the reconstruction error is sharp. For the case where the target signal ${\boldsymbol x}_{0}\in \mathbb{C}^{d}$ is sparse, we establish a similar result for the nonlinear constrained $\ell _{1}$ minimization model. To accomplish this, we leverage a strong version of restricted isometry property for an operator on the space of simultaneous low-rank and sparse matrices.
Extracellular symbiont colonizes insect during embryo development
Authors: González Porras Miguel Ángel , Pons Inès , García-Lozano Marleny , Jagdale Shounak , Emmerich Christiane , Weiss Benjamin , Salem Hassan
Published: January 2024

Insects typically acquire their beneficial microbes early in development. Endosymbionts housed intracellularly are commonly integrated during oogenesis or embryogenesis, whereas extracellular microbes are only known to be acquired after hatching by immature instars such as larvae or nymphs. Here, however, we report on an extracellular symbiont that colonizes its host during embryo development. Tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) host their digestive bacterial symbiont Stammera extracellularly within foregut symbiotic organs and in ovary-associated glands to ensure its vertical transmission. We outline the initial stages of symbiont colonization and observe that although the foregut symbiotic organs develop 3 days prior to larval emergence, they remain empty until the final 24 h of embryo development. Infection by Stammera occurs during that timeframe and prior to hatching. By experimentally manipulating symbiont availability to embryos in the egg, we describe a 12-h developmental window governing colonization by Stammera. Symbiotic organs form normally in aposymbiotic larvae, demonstrating that these Stammera-bearing structures develop autonomously. In adults, the foregut symbiotic organs are already colonized following metamorphosis and host a stable Stammera population to facilitate folivory. The ovary-associated glands, however, initially lack Stammera. Symbiont abundance subsequently increases within these transmission organs, thereby ensuring sufficient titers at the onset of oviposition ~29 days following metamorphosis. Collectively, our findings reveal that Stammera colonization precedes larval emergence, where its proliferation is eventually decoupled in adult beetles to match the nutritional and reproductive requirements of its host.
A messaging standard for environmental inspections: is it time?
Authors: Mitchell Clifford S , Callahan Tim , Flynn Eamon
Published: January 2024

Environmental health (EH) services in the United States lag behind other areas of public health and health care with respect to information system interoperability and data sharing. This is partly due to an absence of well-defined use cases, the lack of direct economic drivers and resources to improve, the multiple jurisdictional elements that govern EH services across the United States, and no central organization to drive modernization of EH data. We summarize the status of EH information systems; argue for greater interoperability, including use cases for a messaging standard for environmental inspections; and present recommendations to better align EH services and data modernization efforts currently underway in other areas of public health.
Incorporation of emergent symptoms and genetic covariates improves prediction of aromatase inhibitor therapy discontinuation
Authors: Rattsev Ilia , Stearns Vered , Blackford Amanda L , Hertz Daniel L , Smith Karen L , Rae James M , Taylor Casey Overby
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Early discontinuation is common among breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Although several predictors have been identified, it is unclear how to simultaneously consider multiple risk factors for an individual. We sought to develop a tool for prediction of AI discontinuation and to explore how predictive value of risk factors changes with time.

Materials and Methods

Survival machine learning was used to predict time-to-discontinuation of AIs in 181 women who enrolled in a prospective cohort. Models were evaluated via time-dependent area under the curve (AUC), c-index, and integrated Brier score. Feature importance was analysis was conducted via Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and time-dependence of their predictive value was analyzed by time-dependent AUC. Personalized survival curves were constructed for risk communication.

Results

The best-performing model incorporated genetic risk factors and changes in patient-reported outcomes, achieving mean time-dependent AUC of 0.66, and AUC of 0.72 and 0.67 at 6- and 12-month cutoffs, respectively. The most significant features included variants in ESR1 and emergent symptoms. Predictive value of genetic risk factors was highest in the first year of treatment. Decrease in physical function was the strongest independent predictor at follow-up.

Discussion and Conclusion

Incorporation of genomic and 3-month follow-up data improved the ability of the models to identify the individuals at risk of AI discontinuation. Genetic risk factors were particularly important for predicting early discontinuers. This study provides insight into the complex nature of AI discontinuation and highlights the importance of incorporating genetic risk factors and emergent symptoms into prediction models.
Procedural autonomy of national courts acting as EU trade mark courts—how far can the effectiveness of unitary character of EUTMs be ensured?
Authors: Sztoldman Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

The Court of Justice of the European Union has recently rendered preliminary rulings in two separate European Union trade mark (EUTM) infringement cases, Gemeinde Bodmann-Ludwigshafen (C-256/21) and LM v KP (C-654/21), confirming that a counterclaim for invalidity in an EUTM infringement proceedings is independent in scope and the outcome from the infringement action, reflecting the principle of procedural autonomy of national courts acting as EUTM courts.