bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA-DQB1*05 subtypes and not DRB1*10:01 mediates risk in anti-IgLON5 disease
Authors: Yogeshwar Selina M , Muñiz-Castrillo Sergio , Sabater Lidia , Peris-Sempere Vicente , Mallajosyula Vamsee , Luo Guo , Yan Han , Yu Eric , Zhang Jing , Lin Ling , Fagundes Bueno Flavia , Ji Xuhuai , Picard Géraldine , Rogemond Véronique , Pinto Anne Laurie , Heidbreder Anna , Höftberger Romana , Graus Francesc , Dalmau Josep , Santamaria Joan , Iranzo Alex , Schreiner Bettina , Giannoccaro Maria Pia , Liguori Rocco , Shimohata Takayoshi , Kimura Akio , Ono Yoya , Binks Sophie , Mariotto Sara , Dinoto Alessandro , Bonello Michael , Hartmann Christian J , Tambasco Nicola , Nigro Pasquale , Prüss Harald , McKeon Andrew , Davis Mark M , Irani Sarosh R , Honnorat Jérôme , Gaig Carles , Finke Carsten , Mignot Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Anti-IgLON5 disease is a rare and likely underdiagnosed subtype of autoimmune encephalitis. The disease displays a heterogeneous phenotype that includes sleep, movement and bulbar-associated dysfunction. The presence of IgLON5-antibodies in CSF/serum, together with a strong association with HLA-DRB1*10:01∼DQB1*05:01, supports an autoimmune basis.

In this study, a multicentric human leukocyte antigen (HLA) study of 87 anti-IgLON5 patients revealed a stronger association with HLA-DQ than HLA-DR. Specifically, we identified a predisposing rank-wise association with HLA-DQA1*01:05∼DQB1*05:01, HLA-DQA1*01:01∼DQB1*05:01 and HLA-DQA1*01:04∼DQB1*05:03 in 85% of patients. HLA sequences and binding cores for these three DQ heterodimers were similar, unlike those of linked DRB1 alleles, supporting a causal link to HLA-DQ. This association was further reflected in an increasingly later age of onset across each genotype group, with a delay of up to 11 years, while HLA-DQ-dosage dependent effects were also suggested by reduced risk in the presence of non-predisposing DQ1 alleles. The functional relevance of the observed HLA-DQ molecules was studied with competition binding assays. These proof-of-concept experiments revealed preferential binding of IgLON5 in a post-translationally modified, but not native, state to all three risk-associated HLA-DQ receptors. Further, a deamidated peptide from the Ig2-domain of IgLON5 activated T cells in two patients, compared with one control carrying HLA-DQA1*01:05∼DQB1*05:01.

Taken together, these data support a HLA-DQ-mediated T-cell response to IgLON5 as a potentially key step in the initiation of autoimmunity in this disease.
Dendrimer-induced synthesis of subnano materials and their characterization: establishing atom hybrid science
Authors: Kuzume Akiyoshi , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: February 2024

The precise molecular design of functional dendritic polymers enables the accumulation of multiple metals within a molecular cage. We have established a synthesizing methodology of metallodendrimers where the number of constituent atoms, the choice of elements, and the composition ratio were precisely controlled through an intramolecular Lewis acid-base interaction at each branch of phenylazomethine dendrons. Due to their inherent capsule effect, chemical reduction of metallodendrimers generates homogeneous subnanoparticles with a particle size of about 1 nm in diameter within the dendrimer cage. Fabricated subnanoparticles show amorphous crystal structures with distorted and fluctuated surface atoms and, with such a unique atomic structure, induce peculiar electronic states, surpassing unique and discrete physical and chemical properties of conventional nanoparticles and bulk metals. In this paper, we review the dendrimer-derived synthesis of atomic hybrid subnanoparticles and its research application established in our laboratory.
Matrix metalloproteinase-8 regulates dendritic cell tolerance in late polymicrobial sepsis via the nuclear factor kappa-B p65/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Lu Zhong-qiu , Zhang Chen , Zhao Lin-jun , Dong Wei , Lv Liang , Lu Yang , Chen Xiao-Yan , Zhang Jie , Liu Xin-yong , Xiao Zhong , Chen Long-wang , Yao Yong-ming , Zhao Guang-ju
Published: February 2024

Background

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) are associated with poor prognosis of sepsis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. However, whether MMPs are involved in the functional reprogramming of DCs is unknown. The study aims to investigate the role of MMPs in sepsis-induced DCs tolerance and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

A murine model of late sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The expression levels of members of the MMP family were detected in sepsis-induced tolerogenic DCs by using microarray assessment. The potential roles and mechanisms underlying MMP8 in the differentiation, maturation and functional reprogramming of DCs during late sepsis were assessed both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

DCs from late septic mice expressed higher levels of MMP8, MMP9, MMP14, MMP19, MMP25 and MMP27, and MMP8 levels were the highest. MMP8 deficiency significantly alleviated sepsis-induced immune tolerance of DCs both in vivo and in vitro. Adoptive transfer of MMP8 knockdown post-septic bone marrow-derived DCs protected mice against sepsis-associated lethality and organ dysfunction, inhibited regulatory T-cell expansion and enhanced Th1 response. Furthermore, the effect of MMP8 on DC tolerance was found to be associated with the nuclear factor kappa-B p65/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

Increased MMP8 levels in septic DCs might serve as a negative feedback loop, thereby suppressing the proinflammatory response and inducing DC tolerance.
The endless expansion of carbon offsetting: sequestration by agricultural soils in historical perspective
Authors: Berta Nathalie , Roux Alain
Published: February 2024

The growing popularity of the idea of carbon budgets has contributed to a reshaping of climate policy goals in terms of carbon neutrality (net zero emissions) instead of strict emissions reductions. As a consequence, new legitimacy has been given to debatable efforts to use negative emissions for offsetting purposes. In this respect, sequestration by agricultural soils is now presented as a promising way to offset fossil carbon emissions. Adopting a historical perspective, this article studies the way soil sciences and economics amplified the political promise of agricultural sequestration, despite enduring concerns about its non-permanence and reversibility. First, it shows how, from the 1980s, the soil sciences conveyed a mechanical representation of soil as a carbon sink, and on this basis worked to assess its sequestration potential. Second, it shows how agricultural economics helped to translate this physical potential into economic opportunity, extolling its low cost relative to decarbonisation options. Both tendencies contributed to the institutionalisation of a new equivalence between the reduction of CO2 emissions and organic carbon sequestration through the enlargement of the international system of carbon accounting, and both encouraged the development of soil-based offsets, at the cost of environmental integrity.
Growing concerns about using hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors for the treatment of renal anemia
Authors: Nakanishi Takeshi , Kuragano Takahiro
Published: February 2024

Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) have emerged as a novel therapeutic class for treating anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Small molecule analogs of α-ketoglutarate (AKG), an essential substrate for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), including prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs), inhibit PHDs pharmacologically and thereby prevent HIF degradation. HIF stabilization alleviates anemia through several stimulatory effects on erythropoiesis, but it also affects the expression of many anemia-unrelated genes whose protein products exert important functions in vivo. Therefore, the pleiotropic effects of HIF stabilization under normoxic conditions deserve to be examined in more detail. Specifically, we believe that particular attention should be given to epigenetic modifications among the various AKG-based metabolic systems that may be altered by HIF-PHIs. It is noteworthy that AKG has been reported to exert health-protective actions. AKG-based metabolic systems include enzymes associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle and amino acid metabolism, as well as 2-OGDD-mediated processes, which play important roles in many biological reactions. In this review, we examine the multifaceted effects of HIF-PHIs, encompassing not only their on-target effect of HIF stabilization but also their off-target inhibitory effects on various AKG-based metabolic systems. Furthermore, we examine its potential relevance to cardiovascular complications, based on clinical and animal studies suggesting its involvement in vascular calcification, thrombogenesis and heart failure. In conclusion, although HIF-PHIs offer a promising avenue for anemia treatment in CKD patients, their broader impact on multiple biological systems raises substantial concerns. The intricate interplay between HIF stabilization, AKG competition and cardiovascular complications warrants extensive, long-term investigations to ensure the safety and usefulness of HIF-PHIs in clinical practice.
Family-Centered Early Intervention Deaf/Hard of Hearing (FCEI-DHH): Methods
Authors: Moodie Sheila T F , Moeller Mary Pat , Szarkowski Amy , Gale Elaine , Smith Trudy , Birdsey Bianca C , Carr Gwen , Stredler-Brown Arlene , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine , Holzinger Daniel
Published: February 2024

This is the fourth article in a series of eight that comprise a special issue on family-centered early intervention (FCEI) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and their families, FCEI-DHH. This article describes the co-production team and the consensus review method used to direct the creation of the 10 Principles described in this special issue. Co-production is increasingly being used to produce evidence that is useful, usable, and used. A draft set of 10 Principles for FCEI-DHH and associated Tables of recommended behaviors were developed using the knowledge creation process. Principles were refined through two rounds of eDelphi review. Results for each round were analyzed using measures of overall group agreement and measures that indicated the extent to which the group members agreed with each other. After Round 2, with strong agreement and low to moderate variation in extent of agreement, consensus was obtained for the 10 Principles for FCEI-DHH presented in this special issue. This work can be used to enhance evolution of FCEI-DHH program/services and systems world-wide and adds to knowledge in improvement science.
Family-Centered Early Intervention Deaf/Hard of Hearing (FCEI-DHH): Introduction
Authors: Moeller Mary Pat , Gale Elaine , Szarkowski Amy , Smith Trudy , Birdsey Bianca C , Moodie Sheila T F , Carr Gwen , Stredler-Brown Arlene , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine ,   FCEI-DHH International Consensus Panel, Berke Michele , Binder Doris , Carr Gwen , Cloete Natasha , Crace Jodee , Crowe Kathryn , Dauer Frank , DesGeorges Janet , Dirks Evelien , Fellinger Johannes , Ferguson Bridget , Grover Anita , Hofer Johannes , Holten Sonja Myhre , Holzinger Daniel , Hopkins Karen , Laugen Nina Jakhelln , Lillo-Martin Diane , Magongwa Lucas , Martin Amber , McCall Jolanta , McCarthy Melissa , McDonnell Teresa , Movallali Guita , Müllegger-Treciokaite Daiva , Olson Stephanie B , Olusanya Bolajoko O , Pittman Paula , Porter Ann , Russell Jane , Sarkar Snigdha , Seaver Leeanne , Storbeck Claudine , Stredler-Brown Arlene , Thompson Nanette , Windisch Sabine , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine , Young Alys , Zheng Xuan , Holzinger Daniel
Published: February 2024

This article is the first of eight articles in this special issue on Family-Centered Early Intervention (FCEI) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), or FCEI-DHH. In 2013, a diverse panel of experts published an international consensus statement on evidence-based Principles guiding FCEI-DHH. Those original Principles have been revised through a coproduction process involving multidisciplinary collaborators and an international consensus panel, utilizing the best available evidence and current understanding of how to optimally support children who are DHH and their families. This revision (referred to as expanded Principles) was motivated by the need to incorporate (a) input from family leaders and DHH leaders, (b) broader international and cultural perspectives, (c) new empirical evidence, and (d) research in human development. This Introduction provides an overview of the rationale, purposes, and main content areas to be addressed throughout the special issue.
Family-Centered Early Intervention Deaf/Hard of Hearing (FCEI-DHH): Foundation Principles
Authors: Moeller Mary Pat , Gale Elaine , Szarkowski Amy , Smith Trudy , Birdsey Bianca C , Moodie Sheila T F , Carr Gwen , Stredler-Brown Arlene , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine ,   FCEI-DHH International Consensus Panel, Berke Michele , Binder Doris , Carr Gwen , Cloete Natasha , Crace Jodee , Crowe Kathryn , Dauer Frank , DesGeorges Janet , Dirks Evelien , Fellinger Johannes , Ferguson Bridget , Grover Anita , Hofer Johannes , Holten Sonja Myhre , Holzinger Daniel , Hopkins Karen , Laugen Nina Jakhelln , Lillo-Martin Diane , Magongwa Lucas , Martin Amber , McCall Jolanta , McCarthy Melissa , McDonnell Teresa , Movallali Guita , Müllegger-Treciokaite Daiva , Olson Stephanie B , Olusanya Bolajoko O , Pittman Paula , Porter Ann , Russell Jane , Sarkar Snigdha , Seaver Leeanne , Storbeck Claudine , Stredler-Brown Arlene , Thompson Nanette , Windisch Sabine , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine , Young Alys , Zheng Xuan , Holzinger Daniel
Published: February 2024

This article is the fifth in a series of eight articles that comprise a special issue on Family-Centered Early Intervention (FCEI) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and their families, or FCEI-DHH. The 10 FCEI-DHH Principles are organized conceptually into three sections (a) Foundation Principles, (b) Support Principles, and (c) Structure Principles. Collectively, they describe the essential Principles that guide FCEI for children who are DHH and their families. This article describes the Foundation Principles (Principles 1 and Principle 2). The Foundation Principles emphasize the essential elements of ensuring that families with children who are DHH can access early intervention (EI) and other appropriate supports, as well as highlight the need for provision of EI that is family-centered. Implementation of these FCEI-DHH Principles is intended to improve the lives and the outcomes of children who are DHH and their families around the globe.
European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) expert consensus statement on perioperative myocardial infarction after cardiac surgery
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Flather Marcus , Capodanno Davide , Milojevic Milan , Bhatt Deepak L , Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Boden William E , Devereaux P J , Doenst Torsten , Farkouh Michael , Freemantle Nicholas , Fremes Stephen , Puskas John , Landoni Giovanni , Lawton Jennifer , Myers Patrick O , Redfors Björn , Sandner Sigrid
Published: February 2024

Cardiac surgery may lead to myocardial damage and release of cardiac biomarkers through various mechanisms such as cardiac manipulation, systemic inflammation, myocardial hypoxia, cardioplegic arrest and ischaemia caused by coronary or graft occlusion. Defining perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) after cardiac surgery presents challenges, and the association between the current PMI definitions and postoperative outcomes remains uncertain. To address these challenges, the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) facilitated collaboration among a multidisciplinary group to evaluate the existing evidence on the mechanisms, diagnosis and prognostic implications of PMI after cardiac surgery. The review found that the postoperative troponin value thresholds associated with an increased risk of mortality are markedly higher than those proposed by all the current definitions of PMI. Additionally, it was found that large postoperative increases in cardiac biomarkers are prognostically relevant even in absence of additional supportive signs of ischaemia. A new algorithm for PMI detection after cardiac surgery was also proposed, and a consensus was reached within the group that establishing a prognostically relevant definition of PMI is critically needed in the cardiovascular field and that PMI should be included in the primary composite outcome of coronary intervention trials.
Unlocking the plant growth-promoting potential of yeast spp.: exploring species from the Moroccan extremophilic environment for enhanced plant growth and sustainable farming
Authors: Raklami Anas , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Jemo Martin , Nafis Ahmed
Published: February 2024

In this study, we successfully isolated two distinct yeasts from Moroccan extreme environments. These yeasts were subjected to molecular characterization by analyzing their Internal Transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Our research thoroughly characterizes plant growth-promoting abilities and their drought and salt stress tolerance. In a greenhouse assay, we examined the impact of selected yeasts on Medicago sativa’s growth. Four treatments were employed: (i) control without inoculation (NI), (ii) inoculation with L1, (iii) inoculation with L2, and (iv) inoculation with the mixture L1 + L2. L1 isolated from Toubkal Mountain shared 99.83% sequence similarity to Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Meanwhile, L2, thriving in the arid Merzouga desert, displayed a similar identity to Naganishia albida (99.84%). Yeast strains were tolerant to NaCl (2 M) and 60% PEG (polyethylene glycol P6000) in case of drought. Both strains could solubilize phsphorus, with L2 additionally demonstrating potassium solubilization. In addition, both strains produce indole acetic acid (up to 135 µl ml−1), have siderophore ability, and produce aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase. Isolates L1 and L2, and their consortium showed that the single or combined strain inoculation of M. sativa improved plant growth, development, and nutrient assimilation. These findings pave the way for harnessing yeast-based solutions in agricultural practices, contributing to enhanced crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
Young Plasma Rejuvenates Blood DNA Methylation Profile, Extends Mean Lifespan, and Improves Physical Appearance in Old Rats
Authors: Chiavellini Priscila , Lehmann Marianne , Gallardo Maria D , Mallat Martina Canatelli , Pasquini Diana C , Zoller Joseph A , Gordevicius Juozas , Girard Mauricio , Lacunza Ezequiel , Herenu Claudia B , Horvath Steve , Goya Rodolfo G
Published: February 2024

There is converging evidence that young blood conveys cells, vesicles, and molecules able to revitalize function and restore organ integrity in old individuals. We assessed the effects of young plasma on the lifespan, epigenetic age, and healthspan of old female rats. Beginning at 25.6 months of age, a group of 9 rats (group T) was intraperitoneally injected with plasma from young rats until their natural death. A group of 8 control rats of the same age received no treatment (group C). Blood samples were collected every other week. Survival curves showed that from age 26 to 30 months, none of the group T animals died, whereas the survival curve of group C rats began to decline at age 26 months. Blood DNAm age versus chronological age showed that DNAm age in young animals increased faster than chronological age, then slowed down, entering a plateau after 27 months. The DNAm age of the treated rats fell below the DNAm age of controls and, in numerical terms, remained consistently lower until natural death. When rats were grouped according to the similarities in their differential blood DNA methylation profile, samples from the treated and control rats clustered in separate groups. Analysis of promoter differential methylation in genes involved in systemic regulatory activities revealed specific GO term enrichment related to the insulin-like factors pathways as well as to cytokines and chemokines associated with immune and homeostatic functions. We conclude that young plasma therapy may constitute a natural, noninvasive intervention for epigenetic rejuvenation and health enhancement.
Purpose in Life and Its Association to Parkinsonism
Authors: Koga Hayami K , Grodstein Francine , Williams David R , Buchman Aron S , Kubzansky Laura D
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Purpose in life has been associated with diverse health outcomes; however, few studies have examined its associations with progressive motor decline in older adults. We tested if higher purpose would be associated with lower likelihood of incident parkinsonism as well as with lower levels and slower rates of increase in parkinsonian signs.

Methods

Participants were 2,626 older adults from the Rush Memory and Aging Project and Minority Aging Research Study followed for an average of 7.2 years (standard deviation [SD] = 4.6). Purpose was measured using the purpose in life subscale of the modified Ryff’s and Keyes’s measure of psychological well-being. Four parkinsonian signs (i.e., parkinsonian gait, rigidity, bradykinesia, and tremor) were assessed using the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. We examined purpose with risk of developing incident parkinsonism using Cox proportional hazards models. We also used linear mixed-effect models to assess the association between purpose and parkinsonian sign trajectories.

Results

After including demographics, health conditions, and health behaviors in the model, for a 1-SD increase in purpose, the hazards ratio for incident parkinsonism was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80, 0.97). A 1-SD increase in purpose was associated with a −0.19 (95% CI −0.24, −0.15) point lower score in the global parkinsonian summary score at baseline but no differences in rate of change were evident.

Discussion

Higher purpose was associated with lower hazards of incident parkinsonism and lower levels of parkinsonian signs at baseline. Associations were seen even after adjustment for a wide range of covariates. Findings suggest higher purpose may contribute to maintenance of healthy physical function among older adults.
Pumpkin CmoDREB2A enhances salt tolerance of grafted cucumber through interaction with CmoNAC1 to regulate H2O2 and ABA signaling and K+/Na+ homeostasis
Authors: Peng Yuquan , Cui Lvjun , Wang Ying , Wei Lanxing , Geng Shouyu , Chen Hui , Chen Guoyu , Yang Li , Bie Zhilong
Published: February 2024

Pumpkin CmoNAC1 enhances salt tolerance in grafted cucumbers. However, the potential interactions with other proteins that may co-regulate salt tolerance alongside CmoNAC1 have yet to be explored. In this study, we identified pumpkin CmoDREB2A as a pivotal transcription factor that interacts synergistically with CmoNAC1 in the co-regulation of salt tolerance. Both transcription factors were observed to bind to each other’s promoters, forming a positive regulatory loop of their transcription. Knockout of CmoDREB2A in the root resulted in reduced salt tolerance in grafted cucumbers, whereas overexpression demonstrated the opposite effect. Multiple assays in our study provided evidence of the protein interaction between CmoDREB2A and CmoNAC1. Exploiting this interaction, CmoDREB2A facilitated the binding of CmoNAC1 to the promoters of CmoRBOHD1, CmoNCED6, CmoAKT1;2, and CmoHKT1;1, inducing H2O2 and ABA synthesis and increasing the K+/Na+ ratio in grafted cucumbers under salt stress. Additionally, CmoNAC1 also promoted the binding of CmoDREB2A to CmoHAK5;1/CmoHAK5;2 promoters, further contributing to the K+/Na+ homeostasis. In summary, these findings reveal a crucial mechanism of CmoNAC1 and CmoDREB2A forming a complex enhancing salt tolerance in grafted cucumbers.
A case report of a normal fertile woman with 46,XX/46,XY somatic chimerism reveals a critical role for germ cells in sex determination
Authors: Cheng Dehua , Lu Chang-Fu , Gong Fei , Du Juan , Yuan Shimin , Luo Ke-Li , Tan Yue-Qiu , Lu Guang-Xiu , Lin Ge
Published: February 2024

Individuals with 46,XX/XY chimerism can display a wide range of characteristics, varying from hermaphroditism to complete male or female, and can display sex chromosome chimerism in multiple tissues, including the gonads. The gonadal tissues of females contain both granulosa and germ cells. However, the specific sex chromosome composition of the granulosa and germ cells in 46,XX/XY chimeric female is currently unknown. Here, we reported a 30-year-old woman with secondary infertility who displayed a 46,XX/46,XY chimerism in the peripheral blood. FISH testing revealed varying degrees of XX/XY chimerism in multiple tissues of the female patient. Subsequently, the patient underwent preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) treatment, and 26 oocytes were retrieved. From the twenty-four biopsied mature oocytes, a total of 23 first polar bodies (PBs) and 10 second PBs were obtained. These PBs and two immature metaphase I (MI) oocytes only displayed X chromosome signals with no presence of the Y, suggesting that all oocytes in this chimeric female were of XX germ cell origin. On the other hand, granulosa cells obtained from individual follicles exhibited varied proportions of XX/XY cell types, and six follicles possessed 100% XX or XY granulosa cells. A total of 24 oocytes were successfully fertilized, and 12 developed into blastocysts, where 5 being XY and 5 were XX. Two blastocysts were transferred with one originating from an oocyte aspirated from a follicle containing 100% XY granulosa cells. This resulted in a twin pregnancy. Subsequent prenatal diagnosis confirmed normal male and female karyotypes. Ultimately, healthy boy–girl twins were delivered at full term. In summary, this 46,XX/XY chimerism with XX germ cells presented complete female, suggesting that germ cells may exert a significant influence on the sexual determination of an individual, which provide valuable insights into the intricate processes associated with sexual development and reproduction.
A North-South Agent–Based Model of segmented labor markets: the role of education and trade asymmetries
Authors: Fanti Lucrezia , Pereira Marcelo C , Virgillito Maria Enrica
Published: February 2024

Drawing upon the labour-augmented K+S Agent-Based Model (ABM), this paper develops a two-country North-South ABM wherein the leader and the laggard country interact through the international trade of machines. The model aims to address sources of asymmetries and possible converge patterns between two economies belonging to a currency union, that are initially differentiated only in terms of the education level they are able to ensure. Education is modeled as a macro-level public policy differently targeting three levels, that is primary, secondary and tertiary. After being educated, when workers enter the labour force, they face a segmented labour market, divided into three types of qualifications and resulting functions deployed inside firms, i.e., basic, medium and advanced occupations. The three markets are heterogeneous in terms of both requested education level and minimum offered wage. We experiment with different education and trade settings. Ultimately, we are interested in understanding the coupling effects of asymmetries in education, which reverberate in segmented labour markets and differentiated growth patterns. Notably, our focus on capital-goods trade, rather than on consumption goods, allows us to investigate a direct link between productive capabilities in complex products and country growth prospects.
Biennial patterns in Alaskan sockeye salmon ocean growth are associated with pink salmon abundance in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea
Authors: Rand Peter S , Ruggerone Gregory T
Published: February 2024

In response to ocean heating and hatchery production, pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) returning from the North Pacific Ocean steadily increased after 1975, leading to concerns about their influence on food webs and competition with other species. Using measurements of distance between scale annuli of 24 584 individual sockeye salmon (O. nerka), we examined growth during their 2 or 3 years at sea from 1977 to 2015 for eight populations in Alaska. We found significant, negative autocorrelations at 1 lag year in annual growth of sockeye salmon, with a consistent pattern of lower growth in odd years, i.e. opposite to the biennial pattern of pink salmon abundance. Peak pink salmon abundances reduced growth of sockeye salmon from 7 to 14% during the second year in the ocean compared with growth when pink salmon abundance was low, while third-year growth was reduced up to 17%. The overall effect of pink salmon abundance on sockeye growth was over two times greater than the effect of sockeye salmon abundance. Production hatcheries and ocean heating contribute to the competitive dominance of pink salmon, underscoring the need to consider this unintended anthropogenic effect on the growth and productivity of sockeye salmon throughout the North Pacific.
Novel para-aortic cardiac assistance using a pre-stretched dielectric elastomer actuator
Authors: Jahren Silje Ekroll , Martinez Thomas , Walter Armando , Clavica Francesco , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Buffle Eric , Luedi Markus Martin , Hörer Jürgen , Obrist Dominik , Carrel Thierry , Civet Yoan , Perriard Yves
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

We propose an evolution of a dielectric elastomer actuator-based cardiac assist device that acts as a counterpulsation system. We introduce a new pre-stretched actuator and implant the device in a graft bypass between the ascending and descending aorta to redirect all blood through the device (ascending aorta clamped). The objective was to evaluate the influence of these changes on the assistance provided to the heart.

METHODS

The novel para-aortic device and the new implantation technique were tested in vivo in 5 pigs. We monitored the pressure and flow in the aorta as well as the pressure–volume characteristics of the left ventricle. Different activation timings were tested to identify the optimal device actuation.

RESULTS

The proposed device helps reducing the end-diastolic pressure in the aorta by up to 13 ± 4.0% as well as the peak systolic pressure by up to 16 ± 3.6%. The early diastolic pressure was also increased up to 10 ± 3.5%. With different activation, we also showed that the device could increase or decrease the stroke volume.

CONCLUSIONS

The new setup and the novel para-aortic device presented here helped improve cardiac assistance compared to previous studies. Moreover, we revealed a new way to assist the heart by actuating the device at different starting time to modify the left ventricular stroke volume and stroke work.
Differential Graded Manifolds of Finite Positive Amplitude
Authors: Behrend Kai , Liao Hsuan-Yi , Xu Ping
Published: February 2024

We prove that dg manifolds of finite positive amplitude, that is, bundles of positively graded curved $L_{\infty }[1]$-algebras, form a category of fibrant objects. As a main step in the proof, we obtain a factorization theorem using path spaces. First we construct an infinite-dimensional factorization of a diagonal morphism using actual path spaces motivated by the AKSZ construction. Then we cut down to finite dimensions using the Fiorenza-Manetti method. The main ingredient in our method is the homotopy transfer theorem for curved $L_{\infty }[1]$-algebras. As an application, we study the derived intersections of manifolds.
Rectifiability of Flat Singular Points for Area-Minimizing mod 2Q Hypercurrents
Authors: Skorobogatova Anna
Published: February 2024

Consider an $ m $-dimensional area minimizing mod$ (2Q) $ current $ T $, with $ Q\in {\mathbb {N}} $, inside a sufficiently regular Riemannian manifold of dimension $ m + 1 $. We show that the set of singular density-$ Q $ points with a flat tangent cone is $ (m-2) $-rectifiable. This complements the thorough structural analysis of the singularities of area-minimizing hypersurfaces modulo $ p $ that has been completed in the series of works of De Lellis–Hirsch–Marchese–Stuvard and De Lellis–Hirsch–Marchese–Stuvard–Spolaor, and the work of Minter–Wickramasekera.
Sustainable deployment of clinical prediction tools—a 360° approach to model maintenance
Authors: Davis Sharon E , Embí Peter J , Matheny Michael E
Published: February 2024

Background

As the enthusiasm for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care grows, so has our understanding of the challenges associated with deploying impactful and sustainable clinical AI models. Complex dataset shifts resulting from evolving clinical environments strain the longevity of AI models as predictive accuracy and associated utility deteriorate over time.

Objective

Responsible practice thus necessitates the lifecycle of AI models be extended to include ongoing monitoring and maintenance strategies within health system algorithmovigilance programs. We describe a framework encompassing a 360° continuum of preventive, preemptive, responsive, and reactive approaches to address model monitoring and maintenance from critically different angles.

Discussion

We describe the complementary advantages and limitations of these four approaches and highlight the importance of such a coordinated strategy to help ensure the promise of clinical AI is not short-lived.
Bone and Skin/Subcutaneous Tissue Concentrations of Cefiderocol During Treatment of Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mueller Scott W , Molina Kyle C , Blass Brittany , Gibson Cameron , Kohler Amber D , Krsak Martin , Wiktor Arek J
Published: February 2024

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare dermatologic disorder that disrupts the skin barrier, requiring immunosuppressive therapy. We successfully used cefiderocol for the treatment of an extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia, and presumed osteomyelitis in a patient with severe pyoderma gangrenosum and associated immunosuppressive therapy while being medically optimized for skin grafting. We obtained bone and skin/subcutaneous tissue while the patient was on cefiderocol under an institutional review board-approved biologic waste recovery protocol. Cefiderocol concentrations in bone and skin/subcutaneous tissue were 13.9 and 35.9 mcg/g, respectively. The patient recovered from bacteremia and underwent autografting without further complications. Cefiderocol at approved dosing of 2 g IV (3-hour infusion) every 8 hours resulted in bone and skin/subcutaneous tissue concentrations adequate to treat extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria that remain susceptible to cefiderocol.
Exploring the Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Parents Within 12 Months of Child Burn Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chouinard Naomi Hope , Ndongo Sonfack Davaine Joel , Chang Sue-Ling , Bergeron Frédéric , Beaudoin Cloutier Chanel , Guertin Jason Robert
Published: February 2024

Our systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among parents within 12 months of their child’s burn injury. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Psychinfo, and CINAHL on January 6, 2023, for quantitative studies reporting the prevalence of PTSD and/or PTSS in parents within 12 months following their child’s burn injury. The risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018. A narrative synthesis of prevalence was presented. We identified 15 articles that met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of PTSS within 12 months following the burn injury ranged from 6% to 49%. Prevalence estimates of PTSD within the 12 months following a burn injury were limited, ranging from 4.4% to 22%. Our findings highlight the significant impact of burn injuries on parental mental health, with a considerable proportion of parents experiencing PTSS within 12 months following their child’s burn injury. Prevalence estimates for PTSD were limited and warrant further investigation. Our review also underscores the need for standardization of PTSS/PTSD terminology. Timely and targeted psychological support is needed for parents in the aftermath of their child’s burn injury.
Best practices on patient education materials in hip surgery based on learnings from major hip centers and societies
Authors: Parsa Ali , Prabhavalkar Omkar N , Saeed Sheema , Nerys-Figueroa Julio , Carbone Andrew , Domb Benjamin G
Published: February 2024

Patient education is important as it gives patients a better understanding of the risks and benefits of medical and surgical interventions. Developing communication technologies have completely changed and enhanced patient access to medical information. The aim of this study was to evaluate available patient education materials (PEMs) regarding hip surgery on the websites of major hip societies and centers. The PEM from 11 selected leading hip centers and societies were evaluated with the following assessment tools: Flesch–Kincaid (FK) readability test, Flesch Reading Ease formula, Literature-Intelligence-Data-Analysis (LIDA) instrument and Discernibility Interpretability Sources Comprehensive Evidence Relevance Noticeable (DISCERN) tool. Videos were assessed using Patient Educational Video Assessment Tool (PEVAT). A total of 69 educational items, including 52 text articles (75.4%) and 17 videos (24.6%) were retrieved and evaluated. The median Interquartile Range (IQR) FK level of 52 text articles was 10.8 (2.2). The median (IQR) LIDA score of text articles by center was 45. According to the LIDA score, 60% of all website articles demonstrated high accessibility (LIDA score > 44). The median DISCERN score of text articles by center was 69. Overall, 52 (100%) of the text articles were deemed to be at ‘good’ quality rating or higher, and 23.2% (16 out of 69) of the articles had excellent quality. The mean PEVAT score for the 17 videos was 25 ± 1.9. Analysis of text and video articles from the 11 leading orthopedic surgery centers and societies demonstrated that by selecting a reliable source of information from main scientific societies and major centers in hip surgery, patients can find more accurate information regarding their hip conditions.
Impact of time from diagnosis to chemotherapy on prognosis in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Nishida Tsutomu , Sugimoto Aya , Hosokawa Kana , Masuda Haruka , Okabe Satoru , Fujii Yoshifumi , Nakamatsu Dai , Matsumoto Kengo , Yamamoto Masashi , Fukui Koji
Published: February 2024

Background

Due to the aggressive nature and poor prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, prompt initiation of treatment is critical. We investigated the effect of the interval between cancer diagnosis and initiation of chemotherapy on survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-centre study, consecutive patients with advanced pancreatic cancer between April 2013 and March 2022 were analyzed. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records of patients who received chemotherapy for metastatic, locally advanced or resectable pancreatic cancer or who received chemotherapy due to either being intolerant of or declining surgery. We compared overall survival between two groups: the early waiting time group (waiting time ≤30 days from diagnosis to chemotherapy initiation) and the elective waiting time group (waiting time ≥31 days). Prognostic factors, including biliary drainage, were considered. The impact of waiting time on survival was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses with Cox proportional hazard models. A 1:1 propensity score matching approach was used to balance bias, accounting for significant poor prognosis factors, age and sex.

Results

The study involved 137 patients. Overall survival exhibited no statistically significant difference between the early and elective waiting time groups (207 and 261 days, P = 0.2518). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified poor performance status and metastasis presence as predictors of worse prognosis. This finding persisted post propensity score matching (275 and 222 days, P = 0.8223).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that initiating chemotherapy ˃30 days later does not significantly affect treatment efficacy compared to within 30 days of diagnosis.
Metabolomic profiling reveals decreased serum cysteine levels during gestational diabetes mellitus progression
Authors: Lai Mengyu , Li Jiaomeng , Yang Jiaying , Zhang Qingli , Gong Yujia , Ma Yuhang , Fang Fang , Li Na , Zhai Yingxiang , Shen Tingting , Peng Yongde , Liu Jia , Wang Yufan
Published: February 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-related metabolic disorder associated with short-term and long-term adverse health outcomes, but its pathogenesis has not been clearly elucidated. Investigations of the dynamic changes in metabolomic markers in different trimesters may reveal the underlying pathophysiology of GDM progression. Therefore, in the present study, we analysed the metabolic profiles of 75 women with GDM and 75 women with normal glucose tolerance throughout the three trimesters. We found that the variation trends of 38 metabolites were significantly changed during GDM development. Specifically, longitudinal analyses revealed that cysteine (Cys) levels significantly decreased over the course of GDM progression. Further study showed that Cys alleviated GDM in female mice at gestational day 14.5, possibly by inhibiting phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase to suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis. Taken together, these findings suggest that the Cys metabolism pathway might play a crucial role in GDM and Cys supplementation represents a potential new treatment strategy for GDM patients.
Unfreedom or Mere Inability? The Case of Biomedical Enhancement
Authors: Lee Ji Young
Published: February 2024

Mere inability, which refers to what persons are naturally unable to do, is traditionally thought to be distinct from unfreedom, which is a social type of constraint. The advent of biomedical enhancement, however, challenges the idea that there is a clear division between mere inability and unfreedom. This is because bioenhancement makes it possible for some people’s mere inabilities to become matters of unfreedom. In this paper, I discuss several ways that this might occur: first, bioenhancement can exacerbate social pressures to enhance one’s abilities; second, people may face discrimination for not enhancing; third, the new abilities made possible due to bioenhancement may be accompanied by new inabilities for the enhanced and unenhanced; and finally, shifting values around abilities and inabilities due to bioenhancement may reinforce a pre-existing ableism about human abilities. As such, we must give careful consideration to these potential unfreedom-generating outcomes when it comes to our moral evaluations of bioenhancement.
Population-level incidence of human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal, cervical, and anal cancers, by smoking status
Authors: Gopalani Sameer V , Saraiya Mona , Huang Bin , Tucker Thomas C , Mix Jacqueline M , Chaturvedi Anil K
Published: February 2024

We estimated the population-level incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive oropharyngeal, cervical, and anal cancers by smoking status. We combined HPV DNA genotyping data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Cancer Registry Sentinel Surveillance System with data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System across smoking status. During 2004-2005 and 2014-2015 in Kentucky, most cases of oropharyngeal (63.3%), anal (59.7%), and cervical (54.9%) cancer were among individuals who ever smoked. The population-level incidence rate was higher among individuals who ever smoked than among those who never smoked for HPV-positive oropharyngeal (7.8 vs 2.1; adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.6), cervical (13.7 vs 6.8; adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.0), and anal (3.9 vs 1.6; adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.5) cancers. These findings indicate that smoking is associated with increased risk of HPV-positive oropharyngeal, cervical, and anal cancers, and the population-level burden of these cancers is higher among individuals who ever smoked.
CFD simulation analysis of air curtain applications in vulcanization machines
Authors: Hsieh Kun-Liang , Huang Pin-Quan , Lee Shi-Min , Lee Po-Cheng , Kuan Yean-Der
Published: February 2024

This study simulates the vulcanization gas generated during the processing of the vulcanizing machine. During the simulation process, the influence of different angles and flow rates of the gas curtain on its flow field is simulated. Since the rubber has to go through the vulcanization process of the vulcanizer during the manufacturing process, the original liquid rubber is turned into a viscoelastic rubber solid. During the process, toxic and high-temperature vulcanization gas will be generated due to high-temperature hot pressing. If a large amount of this gas is inhaled, it will cause harm to the human body. Therefore, this study uses the CFD software Flow Vision to simulate the opening of the vulcanizing machine, and observes the flow field with different air curtains to find the most suitable air curtain wind speed and angle. Then, make a simple model for actual experiments, using CO2 instead of sulfide gas and installing a CO2 sensor at the nose of the mannequin, using the sensor to observe whether there is excessive CO2 diffused to the mannequin to judge the air curtain. Whether the gas is successfully prevented from spreading to the position where the personnel is located, to facilitate the observation of the gas diffusion, a smoke machine and a ray generator are added so that the gas diffusion status can be observed in real-time. In the end, finding the 9 m/s flow rate and a 90° air curtain angle positioned near the machine can greatly reduce the inhalation of excessive sulfide gas by machine operators and reduce the potential harm to the human body during work.
Symmetry estimating R × C vote transfer matrices from aggregate data
Authors: Pavía Jose M , Romero Rafael
Published: February 2024

Ecological inference methods are devised to estimate unknown inner-cells of 2-way contingency tables by inferring conditional distribution probabilities. This outlines one of the more long-standing social science problems, chiefly frequent in political science and sociology. To solve the problem, ecological inference algorithms consider an asymmetric relationship, with a main characteristic (e.g. race or social class) mapped to rows impacting on a dependent variable, usually the vote, mapped to columns. The problem arises because different solutions are reached depending on how variables are assigned to rows and columns. The models are asymmetric. In this paper, we propose 2 new sets of ecological inference algorithms and explore if accuracy could be improved by handling the problem in a symmetric way. We assess the accuracy of the proposed methods using real data from more than 550 concurrent elections where the true district-level cross-classifications of votes (straight- and split-tickets) are known. Our empirical assessment clearly identifies the symmetric solutions as more accurate. They outperform asymmetric methods 90% of the time and reduce error, on average, by 11%. Our results are based on data from simultaneous elections, so further research is required to see whether our conclusions can be maintained in other ecological inference contexts. Interested readers can easily use the proposed methods as they are implemented in the R package lphom.
A doubly self-exciting Poisson model for describing scoring levels in NBA basketball
Authors: Briz-Redón Álvaro
Published: February 2024

In this article, Poisson time series models are considered to describe the number of field goals made by a basketball team or player at both the game (within-season) and the minute (within-game) level. The model is endowed with a doubly self-exciting structure, following the INGARCH(1,1) specification. To estimate the model at the within-game level, a divide-and-conquer procedure is carried out under a Bayesian framework. Then, we perform a clustering of the players in terms of their similarity according to the corresponding posterior distributions of key model parameters. The model is tested with National Basketball Association (NBA) teams and players from the 2018–2019 season.