bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the factors influencing user satisfaction and reuse intention towards monorail service using a PLS-SEM approach: A case study in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad Nazrul Hakimi , Borhan Muhamad Nazri
Published: August 2023

This work aims to examine the factors that influence users’ satisfaction and reuse intention in respect of the monorail system in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The hypotheses were tested with 417 survey data collected among monorail users. The newly developed model of users’ satisfaction and reuse intention was evaluated through structural equation modelling, the basis of which was a parameter estimation of partial least squares (PLS-SEM). Findings reported that the proposed model led to 70.4% and 59.5% of the variances explained by user satisfaction and reuse intention towards the service provided. The findings demonstrated convincingly that overall satisfaction and reuse intention are affected by two key factors from the users’ perspectives: perceived quality and perceived value. The results are useful for service providers and related bodies in their effort to enhance user satisfaction as well as increase the monorail service ridership.
Male and female students: who are more likely to be involved in risky riding behaviours and which are influencing factors?
Authors: Nguyen Bien Van , Hoang Linh Nhat , Nguyen-Phuoc Duy Quy , Mai Nhat Xuan
Published: August 2023

Young motorcyclists have been considered a high-risk population contributing to a high number of traffic crashes. Since rider risky behaviours have a serious impact on traffic safety, identifying the rider’s mindset can help clarify the nature of accidents. The data of the study were collected from students in some universities located in Da Nang city, Vietnam using a self-report questionnaire. Based on the combined framework of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and deterrence theory (DT), psychological factors affecting risky riding behaviour are explored. The research results show that the factors in the TPB model have a positive and significant influence on the intention to involve in risky riding behaviours among university students. In contrast, certainty has a negative impact on the behavioural intention. Additionally, in this study, a multi-group analysis is performed to further explore the differences between male and female riders. The results of this study are useful for developing strategies which aim to reduce risky riding behaviours among young riders, particularly in the context of a motorcycle-dependent country.
Understanding the adoption of electric motorcycles among road users in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Dinh Minh , Hoang Nhat Linh , Nguyen Van Bien , Nguyen-Phuoc Duy Quy
Published: August 2023

Motorcycles with internal combustion engines using fossil fuels account for the majority of traffic flow in major Asian cities. The increase in the number of conventional motorcycles using a gas engine is one of the main causes leading to air and noise pollution in comparison with other lower-emitting transport modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and public transport). Thus, many Asian countries have promoted the adoption of electric motorcycles to significantly reduce air pollution and non-renewable energy consumption as a solution for motorcycles using internal combustion engines. However, the application of electric motorcycles still faces many limitations and challenges. This study explores factors influencing the adoption of electric motorcycles in Vietnam based on the extention of TAM model. Based on 751 valid responses in Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang cities, Vietnam, a structural equation model (SEM) with first-order and second-order latent variables is proposed to analyse the collected data. The results indicate that perceived of usefulness is the most significant positive effect on the adoption of electric motorcycles. In contrast, perceived risk is found to be a barrier of the adoption intention. In addition, the results of multigroup analysis show that age moderates the correlation between prceived easy to use and the adoption intention. Similarly, the correlation between perceived risk and the adoption of electric motorcycles is influenced by the difference in monthly income. Several policies and governance implications are also discussed in this study.
Case study of superelevation design at an expressway interchange by using ADSCivil Road software
Authors: Pham Bach Van , Nguyen Thanh-Binh , Dao Viet-Cuong , Bui Quynh-Anh Thi
Published: August 2023

Superelevation is known as a transverse slope made available to mitigate the impact of centrifugal force and minimize the vehicle’s tendency to overturn and skid. However, in an intersection or interchange that has horizontal curves with small radius consecutively, it is difficult to design superelevation. If the superelevation arrangement is not good enough, the alignment is not smooth, causing unfavourable and unsafe conditions. Moreover, for expressway interchange, it become more complicated to design by manual method because the expressway requirements in term of safety and aesthetics is higher than that of conventional intersection. On the other hand, ADSCivil Road, a software in the ADSCivil solution suite for infrastructure design developed by Baezeni Soft Co, Ltd. is a useful tool for geometric road design. This paper presents the results of ADSCivil Road software application in designing the superelevation at the expressway. ADSCivil Road has arranged superelevation for an interchange ramp (with a design speed of 60 km/h) that includes the small radius circular curves connecting together (R=125 m and R=100 m). The results show that using the superelevation diagram and corridor model in ADSCivil Road makes the superelevation design process more intuitive, make it easier to adjust the slope at each point, and controls the rate of superelevation difference. In addition, ADSCivil Road automatically updates the superelevation change for profile, cross-section and plan. Also, 3D simulation results show that the superelevation layout for this interchange meets technical, economic, and aesthetic requirements. Obviously, it can be seen that can become an effective tool to help engineers solve complex problems in road design.
Adsorption-catalytic method for reducing the content of sulphur compounds in gas condensate diesel fuel
Authors: Grishina Irina , Lyubimenko Valentina , Kolesnikov Sergey , Shcherban Alena , Vinokurov Vladimir
Published: August 2023

Gas condensate diesel fuels, being an excellent resource base, often do not meet modern standards of the cetane number value and the content of sulfur compounds (SC). Currently, Euro 5 and Euro 6 (<10 ppm sulfur content) diesel motor fuels are produced worldwide. High-quality diesel fuels are produced using hydro desulfurization process. Analysis of scientific publications has shown that the adsorption is effective method of desulphurization, which can serve as a method of removing SC from fuels or refining oil and its fractions, which allows removing residual sulfur. The advantages of the adsorption method are: low level of capital costs; simplicity of equipment; carrying out the process under much milder conditions compared to hydro desulfurization. In this paper, an original adsorption-catalytic method of reducing the concentration of SC to <10 ppm using a nanoporous adsorbent-catalyst is proposed. The structure and content of complex sulfur compounds in gas condensate fuels obtained from the raw materials of two deposits – Yamburgsky and Zapolyarny – were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The next SC substances were found: tert-hexadecanethiol (C16H34S); 4,4,6-trimethyl-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazinane-2-thione (C13H17NOS); 1,2-bis(2-methylundecan-2-yl)-disulfane (C24H50S2); 3-methyl-2,4a,9,9a-tetrahydro-1H-2λ4-indeno [2,1-c]thiopyran-2-carbonitrile (C14H15NS) and 2,3,4,5-pentamethylbenzene-sulfoneamide (C11H17NO2S). Three-dimensional images of SC molecules and their adsorption complexes with Al-Ni-Mo-O component of a complex adsorbent-catalyst were obtained by molecular modeling. The adsorption energies of SC on the Al-Ni-Mo-O catalyst are calculated. The obtained values of the adsorption energies are in the range of −99.17 ÷−231.66 kJ/mol. As a result of the conducted research, a cartridge with selected adsorbent catalysts has been developed, which must be activated by heating in an inert medium up to 350 ° C. The average life of the cartridge is 1.5 years, after which it needs restoration.
Applications of common energy variability methods for establishing the equilibrium equation in mechanics
Authors: Dao Cong-Binh , Mai Viet-Chinh
Published: August 2023

The principles of the energy variation method are commonly utilized in mechanics. Energy is a scalar variable, so these are more convenient and simple to establish the equilibrium equations compared to vector-based approaches (i.e. using forces and displacements). The present article applied the theorem of the energy variation method in order to set the equilibrium equations for various complicated problems. Four examples of applying the energy variation method include the differential equation of the Euler – Bernoulli beam based on the energy method, the system of Equilibrium Equations of the Euler–Bernoulli beam with the theorem of Least Work, the principle of maximum work to establish the equation of motions for the Euler–Bernoulli beam and the equation of motion for the Euler–Bernoulli beam by the virtual work theorem, have been implemented. The results obtained from this study open up further research directions on the application of the energy variation method in mechanics as well as in the analysis theory of beam bridges.
Utilization of rubber aggregates in cement-treated bases: A review
Authors: Pham Phuong N.
Published: August 2023

Cement-treated bases are commonly used in high-classified road pavements due to their stable strength and improved durability. However, this type of pavement base is sensitive to shrinkage caused by early water loss or temperature change after construction, resulting in shrinkage cracks and subsequent reflective cracking in semi-rigid pavements. To address this issue, various waste or by-products, such as oil, steel slag, end-of-life tires etc., have been investigated for use as an additive or a replacement for aggregates in cement-treated base. This review focuses specifically on the impact of rubber aggregates on the properties of rubberized cement-stabilized aggregates. In general, rubber aggregates are detrimental to the mechanical properties of cement-treated aggregates. However, the rubberized cement-stabilized aggregates exhibited reduced shrinkage and improved shrinkage cracking resistance, as confirmed through actual field applications. Furthermore, internal microstructure analyses indicate that rubberized cement-stabilized aggregates possess excellent anti-cracking capacity, particularly when subjected to compressive loadings. The review ends with recommendations and future studies to promote the applicability of rubberised cement-stabilized bases in semi-rigid pavements.
Strength Performance of Alkali Activated Binder and Cement Stabilized Expansive Soil: A Field Study on Subgrade Layer
Authors: Syed Mazhar , GuhaRay Anasua
Published: August 2023

The dual character of expansive subgrade soil, which includes swelling and shrinkage, causes a premature collapse on the pavement surfaces. The scopes of the current study include comparison of the field performance of cement and alkali activated binder (AAB) stabilized expansive subgrade soil. To assess the strength properties, a 12 m long semi-field test section with expansive soil that has been treated with AAB, cement, and untreated expansive soil is built. Steel slag and fly ash are used as dry pozzolanic precursors in AAB, while sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide are used as an activator solution in a 0.4 water:solids ratio. AAB provides twin benefits of reducing the need for traditional binders and lowering the cost of fly ash/slag disposal in landfills. It also has a less carbon footprint than a PC-based binder, stronger mechanical strength and longer durability. By embedding a number of stress metres and strain gauges in the subgrade layer and applying a load through a dual-wheel truck load (12-tonne rear axle load) on the field track, the in-situ subgrade strength behaviour is assessed. On samples taken from the field section, the effects of AAB, curing duration, and the proportion of steel slag/fly ash in the alkaline soil mixture on the geomechanical properties of soil are examined. Additionally, using KGP-BACK software, falling weight deflectometer investigations were conducted to assess the elastic moduli of each layer. It has been noted that subgrade layers treated with AAB had larger elastic moduli than those treated with cement or left untreated. In comparison to cement-treated soil, the AAB mixture’s subgrade strength is increased by 23-26% by the combined addition of slag and fly ash. Based on the semi-field test section studies, recommendations for the effective application of AAB stabilisation for expansive soils as subgrade are given.
Bearing capacity of strip footing on c-ϕ slope under rainfall condition
Authors: Tran Minh Nhat , Lai Van Qui , Nguyen Trung Kien , Dang Dang Tung , Huynh Ngoc Thi
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel solution for predicting the bearing capacity of a strip footing on a c-ϕ (cohesive-frictional) slope under rainfall conditions. The commercial finite element PLAXIS code was adopted for numerical modelling purposes. The bearing capacity of the strip footing is expressed through a dimensionless bearing capacity factor. The bearing capacity was examined considering the rainfall conditions and variation of design parameters, e.g., soil strength parameters, slope angle, and setback ratio. The results show that the bearing capacity of strip footing on the slope decrease under rainfall compares to its normal condition and the effects of each parameter on the UBC. The paper’s results can be a helpful reference for practical engineering in predicting the bearing capacity of strip footing on the c-ϕ slope under rainfall conditions.
Effects of curing temperature on cement-stabilized soils
Authors: Tran Thien Q , Ju Hwanik , Nguyen Tu-Nam , Hoang Tung P , Abdelaziz Sherif L , Brand Alexander S
Published: August 2023

Curing temperature is widely known for its effects on the strength of various cementitious-based civil engineering materials, including in stabilized soils. Curing materials at different temperatures can cause negative or positive impacts on the mechanical properties of these materials due to the effect of temperature on hydration behavior, hydration rate, and ion exchange. This paper aims to better understand these factors in geoengineering applications. In particular, the discussion focuses on the effects of curing temperatures ranging from below freezing to 50 °C on the hydration process of cement paste (i.e., hydration rate, mineral dissolution, compressive strength) and the hydration process and strengthening mechanism of cement-stabilized soils. Finally, an informative table listing the advantages and disadvantages of the influences of each temperature level on these materials is provided as a summary of the findings from the literature.
Pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and admissions to substance use disorder treatment for pregnant people in the USA
Authors: Berglas Nancy F , Subbaraman Meenakshi S , Thomas Sue , Roberts Sarah C M
Published: August 2023

Aims

We examined relationships between pregnancy-specific alcohol policies and admissions to substance use disorder treatment for pregnant people in the USA.

Methods

We merged state-level policy and treatment admissions data for 1992–2019. We aggregated data by state-year to examine effects of nine pregnancy-specific alcohol policies on the number of admissions of pregnant women where alcohol was reported as the primary, secondary, or tertiary substance related to the treatment episode (N = 1331). We fit Poisson models that included all policy variables, state-level controls, fixed effects for state and year, state-specific time trends, and an offset variable of the number of pregnancies in the state-year to account for differences in population size and fertility.

Results

When alcohol was reported as the primary substance, civil commitment [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10–1.89] and reporting requirements for assessment and treatment purposes [IRR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.77] were associated with greater treatment admissions. Findings for alcohol as primary, secondary, or tertiary substance were similar for civil commitment [IRR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08–1.59] and reporting requirements for assessment and treatment purposes [IRR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00–1.47], although mandatory warning signs [IRR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.98] and priority treatment for pregnant women [IRR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.99] were associated with fewer treatment admissions. Priority treatment findings were not robust in sensitivity analyses. No other policies were associated with treatment admissions.

Conclusions

Pregnancy-specific alcohol policies related to greater treatment admissions tend to mandate treatment rather than make voluntary treatment more accessible, raising questions of ethics and effectiveness.
According to law
Authors: Perry Adam
Published: August 2023

Legal discourse consists largely of legal claims. These are claims that there is a legal obligation, legal right, or other legal incident. What is the meaning of “legal obligation”, “legal right” and so on in legal claims? The standard view among philosophers of law is that “legal” indicates that, according to law, there is a moral obligation, moral right or other moral incident. Here I set out a new objection to the standard view. The objection is that the standard view is unable to account for the use of legal claims in some common forms of logically complex arguments.
A new paradox for well-being subjectivism
Authors: Davies Ben
Published: August 2023

Subjectivists think that our well-being is grounded in our subjective attitudes. Many such views are vulnerable to variations on the ‘paradox of desire’, where theories cannot make determinate judgements about the well-being of agents who take a positive valuing attitude towards their life going badly. However, this paradox does not affect all subjectivist theories; theories grounded on agents’ prudential values can avoid it.

This paper suggests a new paradox for subjectivist theories which has a wider scope, and includes such prudential judgement theories. I outline the new paradox and show how two plausible idealisztions (coherence and consideration) will not help. Subjectivists about well-being must either add an additional idealization that can solve the paradox of judgement or explain why such paradoxes do not constitute serious objections to a theory of well-being.
God, gluts and evil
Authors: Beall Jc
Published: August 2023

The aim of this paper is to advance a very natural and very simple glut-theoretic response to the problem of evil – or at least the target, ‘logical’ problem of evil. At the very least, the given account rebuts the frequent claim – even by glut theorists (including me until recently) – that gluts are entirely irrelevant to the problem of evil even if otherwise involved in the true theology.
Genomic signatures of ecological divergence between savanna and forest populations of a Neotropical tree
Authors: Muniz André Carneiro , de Oliveira Buzatti Renata Santiago , de Lemos-Filho José Pires , Heuertz Myriam , Nazareno Alison Gonçalves , Lovato Maria Bernadete
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

In eastern Neotropical South America, the Cerrado, a large savanna vegetation, and the Atlantic Forest harbour high biodiversity levels, and their habitats are rather different from each other. The biomes have intrinsic evolutionary relationships, with high lineage exchange that can be attributed, in part, to a large contact zone between them. The genomic study of ecotypes, i.e. populations adapted to divergent habitats, can be a model to study the genomic signatures of ecological divergence. Here, we investigated two ecotypes of the tree Plathymenia reticulata, one from the Cerrado and the other from the Atlantic Forest, which have a hybrid zone in the ecotonal zone of Atlantic Forest–Cerrado.

Methods

The ecotypes were sampled in the two biomes and their ecotone. The evolutionary history of the divergence of the species was analysed with double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. The genetic structure and the genotypic composition of the hybrid zone were determined. Genotype-association analyses were performed, and the loci under putative selection and their functions were investigated.

Key Results

High divergence between the two ecotypes was found, and only early-generation hybrids were found in the hybrid zone, suggesting a partial reproductive barrier. Ancient introgression between the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest was not detected. The soil and climate were associated with genetic divergence in Plathymenia ecotypes and outlier loci were found to be associated with the stress response, with stomatal and root development and with reproduction.

Conclusions

The high genomic, ecological and morphophysiological divergence between ecotypes, coupled with partial reproductive isolation, indicate that the ecotypes represent two species and should be managed as different evolutionary lineages. We advise that the forest species should be re-evaluated and restated as vulnerable. Our results provide insights into the genomic mechanisms underlying the diversification of species across savanna and forest habitats and the evolutionary forces acting in the species diversification in the Neotropics.
Cell-connectivity-guided trajectory inference from single-cell data
Authors: Smolander Johannes , Junttila Sini , Elo Laura L
Published: August 2023

Motivation

Single-cell RNA-sequencing enables cell-level investigation of cell differentiation, which can be modelled using trajectory inference methods. While tremendous effort has been put into designing these methods, inferring accurate trajectories automatically remains difficult. Therefore, the standard approach involves testing different trajectory inference methods and picking the trajectory giving the most biologically sensible model. As the default parameters are often suboptimal, their tuning requires methodological expertise.

Results

We introduce Totem, an open-source, easy-to-use R package designed to facilitate inference of tree-shaped trajectories from single-cell data. Totem generates a large number of clustering results, estimates their topologies as minimum spanning trees, and uses them to measure the connectivity of the cells. Besides automatic selection of an appropriate trajectory, cell connectivity enables to visually pinpoint branching points and milestones relevant to the trajectory. Furthermore, testing different trajectories with Totem is fast, easy, and does not require in-depth methodological knowledge.

Availability and implementation

Totem is available as an R package at https://github.com/elolab/Totem.
O09 Long-term safety of ustekinumab in paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results from an ongoing observational study
Authors: Mahé Emmanuel , Geldhof Anja , Movshovich Evgenia , Schreiber Joerg , Malynn Sandra , Efficace Michela , Seyger Marieke M B
Published: August 2023

The European Medicines Agency approved ustekinumab for psoriasis treatment in adolescents (12–17 years) in 2015 (CADMUS trial), and children (6–11 years) in 2020. Interim results are reported from a post-authorization study (NCT03218488) evaluating the long-term safety profile of ustekinumab. This ongoing, prospective, observational, multicentre study enrolled patients (6–17 years) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis initiating ustekinumab. Clinical data and all adverse events (AEs) through approximately 54 months (data cut-off) are reported. Younger children (6–11 years) were included later in the study. Data are reported by age (younger cohort, 6–11; older cohort, 12–17). At data cut-off, 85 patients, 10 younger (median follow-up, 0.24 years) and 75 older (median follow-up, 1.69 years), had been enrolled. Ustekinumab therapy was discontinued in 11 (12.9%) patients, all from the older cohort. Overall, 50/85 (58.8%) patients reported 290 AEs and 27 (31.8%) reported 96 AEs considered related to ustekinumab. The most commonly reported AEs were nasopharyngitis (n = 8, 9.4%), fatigue (n = 7, 8.2%) and headache (n = 7, 8.2%). Most AEs were mild and did not result in treatment change. Nine (10.6%) patients reported 13 serious AEs; one (appendicitis) was considered related to ustekinumab. One younger patient reported two AEs considered related to ustekinumab, although neither was serious and therapy continued. No malignancies or deaths were reported in either cohort. These findings revealed no new safety concerns and are generally consistent with the known safety profile for ustekinumab in paediatric patients.
Increased dental comorbidities in patients with psoriasis: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea
Authors: Kwak Eun-Jung , Choi Yun Jin , Kim Han-Na , Kim Ko Eun , Jeon Jiehyun , Baek Yoo Sang
Published: August 2023

Background

Limited data are available regarding the association between psoriasis and common dental conditions.

Objectives

To investigate the risk of potential dental comorbidities in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study to analyse the claims data of patients with psoriasis (n = 15 165) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 75 825). The incidence risk of the following potential dental conditions was analysed: dental caries, pulp and periapical disease, periodontal disease, gingival changes and tooth loss.

Results

After adjusting for potential cofactors, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of dental caries [1.105; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.078–1.132], pulp and periapical disease (1.07; 95% CI 1.044–1.096) and periodontal disease (1.108; 95% CI 1.088–1.129) were significantly higher than those in the control cohort (P < 0.001). However, among the subset of patients with psoriasis who received systemic antipsoriatic treatment (n = 4275), the aHR risk of all potential dental comorbidities was not significantly higher from that of the control cohort.

Conclusions

Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of dental comorbidities, and systemic antipsoriatic treatment may help mitigate this increased risk.
A case of multiple self-healing squamous epitheliomas of Ferguson-Smith in a patient on systemic immunosuppression for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Prideaux Amy , Davidson Leonie , Webber Lucy , Hitchens Emma , Keith Daniel
Published: August 2023

An 82-year-old man was referred with an 18-month history of multiple enlarging ulcerated, nontender nodules on a background of a 30-year history of multiple self-healing squamous epitheliomas of Ferguson-Smith (MSSE-FS). Historically, his lesions regressed spontaneously within a few months of their appearance. At the time of presentation, he was taking sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and at higher doses, he noted a deterioration in his MSSE-FS. After discussion with rheumatology, sulfasalazine was stopped after which his lesions rapidly regressed and have now mostly healed; however, his RA has subsequently deteriorated and further treatment options are still being considered.
MAIT cells in bacterial infectious diseases: heroes, villains, or both?
Authors: Wu Sihong , Yang Xi , Lou Yongliang , Xiao Xingxing
Published: August 2023

Due to the aggravation of bacterial drug resistance and the lag in the development of new antibiotics, it is crucial to develop novel therapeutic regimens for bacterial infectious diseases. Currently, immunotherapy is a promising regimen for the treatment of infectious diseases. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a subpopulation of innate-like T cells, are abundant in humans and can mount a rapid immune response to pathogens, thus becoming a potential target of immunotherapy for infectious diseases. At the site of infection, activated MAIT cells perform complex biological functions by secreting a variety of cytokines and cytotoxic substances. Many studies have shown that MAIT cells have immunoprotective effects because they can bridge innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to bacterial clearance, tissue repair, and homeostasis maintenance. MAIT cells also participate in cytokine storm generation, tissue fibrosis, and cancer progression, indicating that they play a role in immunopathology. In this article, we review recent studies of MAIT cells, discuss their dual roles in bacterial infectious diseases and provide some promising MAIT cell-targeting strategies for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.
Genetic inactivation of β-catenin is salubrious, whereas its activation is deleterious in desmoplakin cardiomyopathy
Authors: Olcum Melis , Fan Siyang , Rouhi Leila , Cheedipudi Sirisha , Cathcart Benjamin , Jeong Hyun-Hwan , Zhao Zhongming , Gurha Priyatansh , Marian Ali J
Published: August 2023

Aims

Mutations in the DSP gene encoding desmoplakin, a constituent of the desmosomes at the intercalated discs (IDs), cause a phenotype that spans arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) and dilated cardiomyopathy. It is typically characterized by biventricular enlargement and dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, cell death, and arrhythmias. The canonical wingless-related integration (cWNT)/β-catenin pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of ACM. The β-catenin is an indispensable co-transcriptional regulator of the cWNT pathway and a member of the IDs. We genetically inactivated or activated β-catenin to determine its role in the pathogenesis of desmoplakin cardiomyopathy.

Methods and results

The Dsp gene was conditionally deleted in the 2-week-old post-natal cardiac myocytes using tamoxifen-inducible MerCreMer mice (Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F). The cWNT/β-catenin pathway was markedly dysregulated in the Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F cardiac myocytes, as indicated by a concomitant increase in the expression of cWNT/β-catenin target genes, isoforms of its key co-effectors, and the inhibitors of the pathway. The β-catenin was inactivated or activated upon inducible deletion of its transcriptional or degron domain, respectively, in the Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F cardiac myocytes. Genetic inactivation of β-catenin in the Myh6-McmTam:DspF/F mice prolonged survival, improved cardiac function, reduced cardiac arrhythmias, and attenuated myocardial fibrosis, and cell death caused by apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, i.e. PANoptosis. In contrast, activation of β-catenin had the opposite effects. The deleterious and the salubrious effects were independent of changes in the expression levels of the cWNT target genes and were associated with changes in several molecular and biological pathways, including cell death programmes.

Conclusion

The cWNT/β-catenin was markedly dysregulated in the cardiac myocytes in a mouse model of desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. Inactivation of β-catenin attenuated, whereas its activation aggravated the phenotype, through multiple molecular pathways, independent of the cWNT transcriptional activity. Thus, suppression but not activation of β-catenin might be beneficial in desmoplakin cardiomyopathy.
Building a large gene expression-cancer knowledge base with limited human annotations
Authors: Marchesin Stefano , Menotti Laura , Giachelle Fabio , Silvello Gianmaria , Alonso Omar
Published: August 2023

Cancer prevention is one of the most pressing challenges that public health needs to face. In this regard, data-driven research is central to assist medical solutions targeting cancer. To fully harness the power of data-driven research, it is imperative to have well-organized machine-readable facts into a knowledge base (KB). Motivated by this urgent need, we introduce the Collaborative Oriented Relation Extraction (CORE) system for building KBs with limited manual annotations. CORE is based on the combination of distant supervision and active learning paradigms and offers a seamless, transparent, modular architecture equipped for large-scale processing. We focus on precision medicine and build the largest KB on ‘fine-grained’ gene expression–cancer associations—a key to complement and validate experimental data for cancer research. We show the robustness of CORE and discuss the usefulness of the provided KB.

Database URL https://zenodo.org/record/7577127
Competency-based cardiac imaging for patient-centred care. A statement of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). With the contribution of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), and the support of the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP), the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC
Authors: Westwood Mark , Almeida Ana G , Barbato Emanuele , Delgado Victoria , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Fox Kevin F , Gargani Luna , Huber Kurt , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Merino Jose L , Mindham Richard , Muraru Denisa , Neubeck Lis , Nijveldt Robin , Papadakis Michael , Pontone Gianluca , Price Susanna , Rosano Giuseppe M C , Rossi Alexia , Sade Leyla Elif , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Weidinger Franz , Achenbach Stephan , Petersen Steffen E
Published: August 2023

Imaging plays an integral role in all aspects of managing heart disease and cardiac imaging is a core competency of cardiologists. The adequate delivery of cardiac imaging services requires expertise in both imaging methodology—with specific adaptations to imaging of the heart—as well as intricate knowledge of heart disease. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging have developed and implemented a successful education and certification programme for all cardiac imaging modalities. This programme equips cardiologists to provide high quality competency-based cardiac imaging services ensuring they are adequately trained and competent in the entire process of cardiac imaging, from the clinical indication via selecting the best imaging test to answer the clinical question, to image acquisition, analysis, interpretation, storage, repository, and results dissemination. This statement emphasizes the need for competency-based cardiac imaging delivery which is key to optimal, effective and efficient, patient care.
Thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibody: an updated clinical and laboratory expert consensus
Authors: Giovanella Luca , D’Aurizio Federica , Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia , Görges Rainer , Petranovic Ovcaricek Petra , Tuttle R Michael , Visser W Edward , Verburg Frederik A ,   hsTg&TgAb Consensus Working Group, Borowczyk Martyna , Chiovato Luca , Duntas Leonidas , Section Thyroid , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Knappe Luisa , Leenhardt Laurence , Magri Flavia , Rimmele Harald , Seregni Ettore
Published: August 2023

Objective

Thyroglobulin measurement is the cornerstone of modern management of differentiated thyroid cancer, with clinical decisions on treatment and follow-up based on the results of such measurements. However, numerous factors need to be considered regarding measurement with and interpretation of thyroglobulin assay results.

Design

The present document provides an integrated update to the 2013 and 2014 separate clinical position papers of our group on these issues.

Methods

Issues concerning analytical and clinical aspects of highly-sensitive thyroglobulin measurement will be reviewed and discussed based on an extensive analysis of the available literature.

Results

Thyroglobulin measurement remains a highly complex process with many pitfalls and major sources of interference, especially anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, need to be assessed, considered and, when necessary, dealt with appropriately.

Conclusions

Our expert consensus group formulated 53 practical, graded recommendations for guidance on highly-sensitive thyroglobulin and TgAb in laboratory and clinical practice, especially valuable where current guidelines do not offer sufficient guidance.
Development and validation of osteoporosis risk assessment score in patients with heart failure: comparison with the osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians
Authors: Numazawa Ryo , Katano Satoshi , Yano Toshiyuki , Koyama Masayuki , Nagaoka Ryohei , Fujisawa Yusuke , Yamano Kotaro , Honma Suguru , Ohori Katsuhiko , Kouzu Hidemichi , Katayose Masaki , Furuhashi Masato , Tsuchihashi Kazufumi , Hashimoto Akiyoshi
Published: August 2023

Aims

Osteoporosis is prevalent and is associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). However, bone mineral density measurement by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is not always available in a daily clinical setting or large-scale population-based studies.

Methods and results

A single-centre, cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 387 patients [median age: 77 years (interquartile range: 68–83 years); 37% women]. Bone mineral densities were measured by DEXA scans, and osteoporosis was diagnosed as ≤−2.5 standard deviation of the bone mineral densities in healthy young adults. Osteoporosis risk assessment score (ORAS) was developed using significant predictors from a logistic regression model for osteoporosis and was subsequently validated. Osteoporosis was found in 103 (27%) of the 387 HF patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses yielded the ORAS based on sex, body mass index, handgrip strength, and anti-coagulant therapy utilization. The C-index of ORAS in the developmental set (0.796, 95% confidence interval: 0.747–0.845) was similar to the bootstrap validation of the prediction model (0.784) and tended to be higher than that of the osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians (OSTA). A nomogram of ORAS, established on the basis of the final logistic regression model, demonstrated 100% sensitivity at the lowest score (35 points), with an optimal cut-off point of 127 points, yielding 85% sensitivity and 62% specificity.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis risk assessment score exhibits superior predictive performance to OSTA in predicting osteoporosis in HF patients, establishing itself as a valuable tool for early detection in both daily clinical practice and large-scale population-based studies.
Twenty-five years of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia: a look back and a look forward
Authors: Natale Andrea , Zeppenfeld Katja , Della Bella Paolo , Liu Xu , Sabbag Avi , Santangeli Pasquale , Sommer Philipp , Sticherling Christian , Zhang Xiaodong , Di Biase Luigi
Published: August 2023

This article will discuss the past, present, and future of ventricular tachycardia ablation and the continuing contribution of the Europace journal as the platform for publication of milestone research papers in this field of ventricular tachycardia ablation.
Trends in United States Family Forest Owners’ Attitudes, Behaviors, and General Characteristics from 2006 to 2018
Authors: Sass Emma M , Butler Brett J , Caputo Jesse , Huff Emily S
Published: August 2023

Family forest owners (FFOs) control a plurality of forestland in the United States, and the decisions these landowners make have a profound impact on the landscape. Most research on FFOs consists of cross-sectional studies, although many of these recognize the importance of capturing long-term trends to understand whether and how FFO attitudes, behaviors, and general characteristics are changing. We use data from the 2006, 2013, and 2018 iterations of the USDA Forest Service, National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS), with a bootstrapping approach to identify significant changes across these time periods among FFOs with 4+ hectares of forestland. Total FFO hectares decreased and FFO ownerships trended downward over the study period. A decreasing proportion of FFOs owned farms or homes near their forestland, harvested timber, or received advice. Demographic shifts include an increase in age and education level from 2006 to 2018, and an increase in FFOs of color from 2006 to 2013. Overall, we find a trend towards decreased traditional engagement and management and a slight increase in owning land for its amenity values. Understanding temporal trends in FFO characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors will help policymakers and forestry professionals inform and update their outreach, technical support, and financial assistance programs.

Study Implications: Families and individuals hold more forestland than any other ownership group in the United States. We use nationwide survey data from 2006, 2013, and 2018 to determine whether and how these landowners are changing over time. The total forestland held by FFOs decreased between 2006 and 2018, and there has been a decrease in traditional forest management and engagement, such as through timber harvesting and nearby farm ownership. This study provides insights for policies, programs, and outreach and a foundation for future long-term comparisons of this group.
Genome assembly of the foot-flagging frog, Staurois parvus: a resource for understanding mechanisms of behavior
Authors: Holtz Mika A , Racicot Riccardo , Preininger Doris , Stuckert Adam M M , Mangiamele Lisa A
Published: August 2023

Elaborate and skilled movements of the body have been selected in a variety of species as courtship and rivalry signals. One roadblock in studying these behaviors has been a lack of resources for understanding how they evolved at the genetic level. The Bornean rock frog (Staurois parvus) is an ideal species in which to address this issue. Males wave their hindlimbs in a “foot-flagging” display when competing for mates. The evolution of foot flagging in S. parvus and other species is accompanied by increases in the expression of the androgen receptor gene within its neuromuscular system, but it remains unclear what genetic or transcriptional changes are associated with this behavioral phenotype. We have now assembled the genome of S. parvus, resulting in 3.98 Gbp of 22,402 contigs with an N50 of 611,229 bp. The genome will be a resource for finding genes related to the physiology underlying foot flagging and to adaptations of the neuromuscular system. As a first application of the genome, we also began work in comparative genomics and differential gene expression analysis. We show that the androgen receptor is diverged from other anuran species, and we identify unique expression patterns of genes in the spinal cord and leg muscle that are important for axial patterning, cell specification and morphology, or muscle contraction. This genome will continue to be an important tool for future -omics studies to understand the evolution of elaborate signaling behaviors in this and potentially related species.
The Genomic Basis of Adaptation to High Elevations in Africanized Honey Bees
Authors: Everitt Turid , Wallberg Andreas , Christmas Matthew J , Olsson Anna , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Neumann Peter , Webster Matthew T
Published: August 2023

A range of different genetic architectures underpin local adaptation in nature. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the Eastern African Mountains harbor high frequencies of two chromosomal inversions that likely govern adaptation to this high-elevation habitat. In the Americas, honey bees are hybrids of European and African ancestries and adaptation to latitudinal variation in climate correlates with the proportion of these ancestries across the genome. It is unknown which, if either, of these forms of genetic variation governs adaptation in honey bees living at high elevations in the Americas. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 29 honey bees from both high- and low-elevation populations in Colombia. Analysis of genetic ancestry indicated that both populations were predominantly of African ancestry, but the East African inversions were not detected. However, individuals in the higher elevation population had significantly higher proportions of European ancestry, likely reflecting local adaptation. Several genomic regions exhibited particularly high differentiation between highland and lowland bees, containing candidate loci for local adaptation. Genes that were highly differentiated between highland and lowland populations were enriched for functions related to reproduction and sperm competition. Furthermore, variation in levels of European ancestry across the genome was correlated between populations of honey bees in the highland population and populations at higher latitudes in South America. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that adaptation to both latitude and elevation in these hybrid honey bees are mediated by variation in ancestry at many loci across the genome.
Circulating Growth Differentiation Factors 11 and 8, Their Antagonists Follistatin and Follistatin-Like-3, and Risk of Heart Failure in Elders
Authors: Kizer Jorge R , Patel Sheena , Ganz Peter , Newman Anne B , Bhasin Shalender , Lee Se-Jin , Cawthon Peggy M , LeBrasseur Nathan K , Shah Sanjiv J , Psaty Bruce M , Tracy Russell P , Cummings Steven R
Published: August 2023

Background

Heterochronic parabiosis has identified growth differentiation factor (GDF)-11 as a potential means of cardiac rejuvenation, but findings have been inconsistent. A major barrier has been lack of assay specificity for GDF-11 and its homolog GDF-8.

Methods

We tested the hypothesis that GDF-11 and GDF-8, and their major antagonists follistatin and follistatin-like (FSTL)-3, are associated with incident heart failure (HF) and its subtypes in elders. Based on validation experiments, we used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to measure total serum GDF-11 and GDF-8, along with follistatin and FSTL-3 by immunoassay, in 2 longitudinal cohorts of older adults.

Results

In 2 599 participants (age 75.2 ± 4.3) followed for 10.8 ± 5.6 years, 721 HF events occurred. After adjustment, neither GDF-11 (HR per doubling: 0.93 [0.67, 1.30]) nor GDF-8 (HR: 1.02 per doubling [0.83, 1.27]) was associated with incident HF or its subtypes. Positive associations with HF were detected for follistatin (HR: 1.15 [1.00, 1.32]) and FLST-3 (HR: 1.38 [1.03, 1.85]), and with HF with preserved ejection fraction for FSTL-3 (HR: 1.77 [1.03, 3.02]). (All HRs per doubling of biomarker.) FSTL-3 associations with HF appeared stronger at higher follistatin levels and vice versa, and also for men, Blacks, and lower kidney function.

Conclusions

Among older adults, serum follistatin and FSTL-3, but not GDF-11 or GDF-8, were associated with incident HF. These findings do not support the concept that low serum levels of total GDF-11 or GDF-8 contribute to HF late in life, but do implicate transforming growth factor-β superfamily pathways as potential therapeutic targets.