bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum advantage beyond entanglement in Bayesian game theory
Authors: Lowe A
Published: January 2024

Quantum discord has been utilised in order to find quantum advantage in an extension of the Clauser, Horne, Shimony, and Holt game. By writing the game explicitly as a Bayesian game, the resulting game is modified such the payoff’s are different. Crucially, restrictions are imposed on the measurements that Alice and Bob can perform. By imposing these restrictions, it is found that there exists quantum advantage beyond entanglement for a given quantum state. This is shown by decomposing the expected payoff into a classical and quantum term. By optimising over the expected payoff, the classical limit is surpassed for the given state in the restricted measurement space. This gives an operational framework in order to witness and determine the quantum discord for specific states, whilst demonstrating the importance of measurement in quantum advantage.
The impact of metal dopants on the properties of nZVI: a theoretical study
Authors: White Jessica Jein , Hinsch Jack Jon , Bennett William W , Wang Yun
Published: January 2024

The substitution of Fe with metal dopants shows potential for enhancing the wastewater remediation performance of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). However, the specific roles and impacts of these dopants remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we employed density functional theory (DFT) to investigate metal-doped nZVI on stepped surfaces. Four widely used metal dopants (Ag, Cu, Ni, and Pd) were investigated by replacing Fe atoms at the edge of the stepped surface. Previous research has indicated that these Fe atoms exhibit chemical reactivity and are vulnerable to water oxidation. Our DFT calculations revealed that the replacement of Fe atoms on the edge of the stepped surface is energetically more favorable than that on the flat Fe(110) surface. Our results shed light on the effects of metal dopants on the surface properties of nZVI. Notably, the replacement of Fe atoms with a metal dopant generally led to weaker molecular and dissociated water adsorption across all systems. The results from this study enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between dopants and the surface properties of nZVI, offering theoretical guidance for the development and optimization of metal-doped nZVI for efficient and sustainable wastewater remediation applications.
Application of autoencoders artificial neural network and principal component analysis for pattern extraction and spatial regionalization of global temperature data
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie , Obarein Omon A , Abu Itohan-Osa
Published: January 2024

Spatial regionalization is instrumental in simplifying the spatial complexity of the climate system. To identify regions of significant climate variability, pattern extraction is often required prior to spatial regionalization with a clustering algorithm. In this study, the autoencoder (AE) artificial neural network was applied to extract the inherent patterns of global temperature data (from 1901 to 2021). Subsequently, Fuzzy C-means clustering was applied to the extracted patterns to classify the global temperature regions. Our analysis involved comparing AE-based and principal component analysis (PCA)-based clustering results to assess consistency. We determined the number of clusters by examining the average percentage decrease in Fuzzy Partition Coefficient (FPC) and its 95% confidence interval, seeking a balance between obtaining a high FPC and avoiding over-segmentation. This approach suggested that for a more general model, four clusters is reasonable. The Adjusted Rand Index between the AE-based and PCA-based clusters is 0.75, indicating that the AE-based and PCA-based clusters have considerable overlap. The observed difference between the AE-based clusters and PCA-based clusters is suggested to be associated with AE’s capability to learn and extract complex non-linear patterns, and this attribute, for example, enabled the clustering algorithm to accurately detect the Himalayas region as the ‘third pole’ with similar temperature characteristics as the polar regions. Finally, when the analysis period is divided into two (1901–1960 and 1961–2021), the Adjusted Rand Index between the two clusters is 0.96 which suggests that historical climate change has not significantly affected the defined temperature regions over the two periods. In essence, this study indicates both AE’s potential to enhance our understanding of climate variability and reveals the stability of the historical temperature regions.
Specific network information gain for detecting the critical state of colorectal cancer based on gut microbiome
Authors: Peng Xueqing , Gao Rong , Ren Jing , Lu Jianbo , Ma Xu , Li Peiluan
Published: January 2024

There generally exists a critical state or tipping point from a stable state to another in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) beyond which a significant qualitative transition occurs. Gut microbiome sequencing data can be collected non-invasively from fecal samples, making it more convenient to obtain. Furthermore, intestinal microbiome sequencing data contain phylogenetic information at various levels, which can be used to reliably identify critical states, thereby providing early warning signals more accurately and effectively. Yet, pinpointing the critical states using gut microbiome data presents a formidable challenge due to the high dimension and strong noise of gut microbiome data. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel approach termed the specific network information gain (SNIG) method to detect CRC’s critical states at various taxonomic levels via gut microbiome data. The numerical simulation indicates that the SNIG method is robust under different noise levels and that it is also superior to the existing methods on detecting the critical states. Moreover, utilizing SNIG on two real CRC datasets enabled us to discern the critical states preceding deterioration and to successfully identify their associated dynamic network biomarkers at different taxonomic levels. Notably, we discovered certain ‘dark species’ and pathways intimately linked to CRC progression. In addition, we accurately detected the tipping points on an individual dataset of type I diabetes.
Parametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in takotsubo syndrome: a case report
Authors: Sunnasy Ritesh , Mohiaddin Raad Hashem
Published: January 2024

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) causes angina with ventricular dysfunction that can mimic acute coronary syndrome. Normal coronary angiography leads to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the diagnostic pathway. Historically, TTS was thought to be associated with the absence of late gadolinium enhancement on CMR. This case report highlights the presence of late gadolinium enhancement in a case of TTS while demonstrating the other characteristic findings, including quantitative parametric T1/T2 mapping.

Case summary

A 69-year-old lady was admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath. She was found to have classical TTS with the characteristic wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram, left ventricular angiogram, and CMR. Her CMR also demonstrated strongly positive myocardial T1/T2 mapping that matched the wall motion abnormalities and the less frequently described positive early and late gadolinium enhancement.

Discussion

This case highlights the diagnostic pathway in TTS and the ability of CMR to make a diagnosis in myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries. We describe the characteristic cardiac imaging features of TTS while discussing the positive late gadolinium enhancement patterns that may help confirm the diagnosis.
Ceramides improve cardiovascular risk prediction beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Authors: Leiherer Andreas , Muendlein Axel , Saely Christoph H , Laaksonen Reijo , Fraunberger Peter , Drexel Heinz
Published: January 2024

Aims

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the best documented cardiovascular risk predictor and at the same time serves as a target for lipid-lowering therapy. However, the power of LDL-C to predict risk is biased by advanced age, comorbidities, and medical treatment, all known to impact cholesterol levels. Consequently, such biased patient cohorts often feature a U-shaped or inverse association between LDL-C and cardiovascular or overall mortality. It is not clear whether these constraints for risk prediction may likewise apply to other lipid risk markers in particular to ceramides and phosphatidylcholines.

Methods and results

In this observational cohort study, we recorded cardiovascular mortality in 1195 patients over a period of up to 16 years, comprising a total of 12 262 patient-years. The median age of patients at baseline was 67 years. All participants were either consecutively referred to elective coronary angiography or diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, indicating a high cardiovascular risk. At baseline, 51% of the patients were under statin therapy. We found a U-shaped association between LDL-C and cardiovascular mortality with a trough level of around 150 mg/dL of LDL-C. Cox regression analyses revealed that LDL-C and other cholesterol species failed to predict cardiovascular risk. In contrast, no U-shaped but linear association was found for ceramide- and phosphatidylcholine-containing markers and these markers were able to significantly predict the cardiovascular risk even after multivariate adjustment.

Conclusion

We thus suggest that ceramides- and phosphatidylcholine-based predictors rather than LDL-C may be used for a more accurate cardiovascular risk prediction in high-risk patients.
The risks to refugee law of humanitarian responses to flight from Ukraine
Authors: Dauvergne Catherine
Published: January 2024

This article argues that the humanitarian outpouring of support that has greeted those fleeing the war in Ukraine exposes fragility in international refugee law. Over and over again, humanitarianism has proven insufficient to address the protection needs of refugees. The politics of humanitarianism present many advantages to states and are potentially highly motivating to publics, but they are an insufficient substitute for legally-grounded human rights protections. The current humanitarian moment is raising a number of questions about refugee law, and is fostering considerable confusion about the role of law in responding to those fleeing Ukraine. Despite refugee law's imperfections and biases, in a world that is increasingly hostile to migrants, international refugee law is the strongest tool available. In the face of the humanitarian surge of the moment, it is important to defend the core protection commitments of refugee law, even as we work to improve the law's shortcomings. While it is tempting to shy away from anything that could be perceived as a critique of the compassion and generosity we are witnessing, as scholars and advocates we should use this moment to draw important lessons about how to strengthen refugee law.
The challenge for the ‘rest’: insertion, agency spaces and recognition in world politics
Authors: Chagas-Bastos Fabrício H
Published: January 2024

One of the long-standing questions for scholars and policy-makers—in particular in western capitals—is how to treat the rise of new powers in world politics. Although past research has paved the way for studying power transitions, we still lack conceptual tools to understand the behaviour of peripheral states which move between different power positions. How can we explain, from the point of view of those in the margins, how such power transitions happen? To put it differently, how does a rise to power happen for states in the peripheries and semi-peripheries? I argue in this article that not all states have agentic capacities to act (e.g., to rise to a less peripheral position or to seek better status). There has been a silent and tacit consensus around the fact that peripheral states must first be recognized and accepted by systemic/hierarchy gatekeepers as actors who can fully exercise their agency in global hierarchies. I present the concept of international insertion, which contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how rising powers behave in world politics, and helps to explain why there are no discernible heightened tensions from a strategic–military perspective when peripherical countries move (or try to move) towards mid-system (or improved status) positions within regional and global hierarchies.
The false promise of nuclear risk reduction
Authors: Pelopidas Benoît , Egeland Kjølv
Published: January 2024

In a context of intensifying great power competition and deep divergences of view between nuclear and non-nuclear powers on the urgency of nuclear abolition, ‘nuclear risk reduction’ has gained renewed attention as a pragmatic framework for managing and progressively reducing nuclear dangers. The idea is simple: with more fundamental policy changes either undesirable or out of reach, advocates of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament should focus their efforts on the international community's shared interest in reducing the risk of nuclear use and escalation, identifying and implementing limited measures to sequester nuclear risk scenarios. Drawing on historical scholarship, archival documents and theories of ‘normal’ and ‘epistemic’ accidents, we argue that the risk reduction agenda offers a false promise for those seeking durable, shared solutions to the nuclear predicament. The risk reduction framework demands access to an unattainable level of knowledge, encourages overconfidence in managerial control and fails to provide meaningful policy guidance. Examining in detail the scholarship of Thomas Schelling, we maintain that the risk reduction agenda remains heavily circumscribed by the requirements of credible nuclear deterrence.
Prevalent vs Incident Screen: Why Does It Matter?
Authors: Hayward Jessica H , Lee Amie Y , Sickles Edward A , Ray Kimberly M
Published: January 2024

There are important differences in the performance and outcomes of breast cancer screening in the prevalent compared to the incident screening rounds. The prevalent screen is the first screening examination using a particular imaging technique and identifies pre-existing, undiagnosed cancers in the population. The incident screen is any subsequent screening examination using that technique. It is expected to identify fewer cancers than the prevalent screen because it captures only those cancers that have become detectable since the prior screening examination. The higher cancer detection rate at prevalent relative to incident screening should be taken into account when analyzing the medical audit and effectiveness of new screening technologies.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Teams in Veterans Affairs and Nonfederal Hospitals in the United States: A National Survey of Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices
Authors: Hawes Armani M , Greene M Todd , Ratz David , Fowler Karen E , Kendall Ronald E , Patel Payal K
Published: January 2024

In a cross-sectional survey of US acute care hospitals, antimicrobial stewardship programs were present in most Veterans Affairs and nonfederal hospitals but varied in team composition, scope, and impact. Diagnostic stewardship was common across hospitals. Veterans Affairs hospitals had increased reach in outpatient settings. Telestewardship remains an opportunity in all hospital systems.
Isoniazid Monoresistance and Antituberculosis Treatment Outcome in Persons With Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Brazil
Authors: Araújo-Pereira Mariana , Arriaga María B , Carvalho Anna Cristina C , Spener-Gomes Renata , Schmaltz Carolina A S , Nogueira Betânia M F , Figueiredo Marina C , Turner Megan M , Cordeiro-Santos Marcelo , Rolla Valeria C , Sterling Timothy R , Andrade Bruno B , Kritski Afrânio L ,   for the Regional Prospective Observational Research for Tuberculosis (RePORT)-Brazil Consortium, Rocha Michael S , Nascimento Vanessa , Santos Saulo R N , Costa Alysson G , Garcia Leandro Sousa , de Sousa Carvalho Brenda K , de Loiola Bruna P , Gomes-Silva Adriano , Ignácio Francine P , Lourenço Maria C , Silva Elisangela C , Mello Mayla , Souza Alexandra B , Benjamin Aline , Moreira Adriana S R , de Oliveira Jamile G , Cavalcante Solange , Durovni Betina , Lapa-e-Silva José R
Published: January 2024

Background

The high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a problem to achieve the goals of the End TB Strategy by 2035. Whether isoniazid monoresistance (Hr) affects anti-TB treatment (ATT) outcomes remains unknown in high-burden countries.

Methods

We evaluated determinants of ATT outcome among pulmonary TB cases reported to the National Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN) between June 2015 and June 2019, according to drug sensitivity testing (DST) results. Binomial logistic regression models were employed to evaluate whether Hr was associated with an unfavorable ATT outcome: death or failure, compared to cure or treatment completion.

Results

Among 60 804 TB cases reported in SINAN, 21 197 (34.9%) were included in the study. In this database, the frequency of unfavorable outcomes was significantly higher in those with Hr in contrast to isoniazid-sensitive persons with pulmonary TB (9.1% vs 3.05%; P < .001). Using a binomial logistic regression model, Hr was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio, 3.34 [95% confidence interval, 2.06–5.40]; P < .001).

Conclusions

Hr detected prior to ATT was predictive of unfavorable outcomes at the national level in Brazil. Our data reinforce the need for high-TB-burden countries to prioritize DST to detect Hr. Effective treatment regimens for Hr-TB are needed to improve outcomes.
Psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning in women with cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Carney Lauren M , Schnur Julie B , Morgan Orly , Hyun Christine , Magin Zachary E , Martin Lily , Montgomery Guy H
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Many women with cancer struggle with sexual side effects during and after treatment. Although preliminary evidence indicates that psychosocial interventions may be efficacious in improving sexual functioning for women with cancer, no systematic review has summarized the state of the science in this area.

Objectives

The primary goal of this review was to narratively synthesize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to address sexual dysfunction in women with cancer. A secondary goal was to describe the diversity of the included samples (ie, racial/ethnic and sexual minority).

Methods

Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted examining RCTs of psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning for women with cancer. Articles were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Two reviewers independently assessed each article for inclusion, with a third to resolve discrepancies.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the review, 12 of which provided sufficient information to calculate effect sizes. Ten of the 12 studies primarily aimed to improve sexual functioning, all of which demonstrated positive effects on at least 1 outcome of sexual functioning. In the 2 RCTs of psychosocial interventions in which sexual function was a secondary aim, effects were negligible (ds = −0.04 and −0.15). Commonalities among the studies with large effect sizes were that they included education, mindfulness/acceptance, and communication/relationship skills as intervention components. Of note, there was an overall lack of sample diversity across studies, and most studies failed to report the race/ethnicity or sexual orientation of the participants.

Conclusion

Results support interventions targeting sexual functioning outcomes for women with cancer and suggest that multimodal interventions including education, mindfulness/acceptance, and communication/relationship skills may be most effective. Future research should also focus on examining the efficacy and potential adaptations of extant sexual functioning interventions for underrepresented groups.
The impact of prophylactic mastectomy on sexual well-being: a systematic review
Authors: Scotto Ludovica , Pizzoli Silvia Francesca Maria , Marzorati Chiara , Mazzocco Ketti , Pravettoni Grabriella
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Considering the increasing women’s awareness of health promotion and disease prevention programs, mutation carriers are inevitably asked to face important decisions concerning the possibility of undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) has become increasingly more common, although it has a significant impact on women’s quality of life and sexual well-being.

Objectives

The systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of RRM on the sexuality of women with breast cancer.

Methods

According to Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement, the study quantified the effects of frontline work on the mental health of healthcare workers. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. The expression (“sexuality” OR “sexual” OR “sex”) AND (“prophylactic mastectomy” OR “risk-reducing mastectomy”) was searched in PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Embase. Twenty-two articles published in English until 2022 were selected.

Results

Two studies investigated sexual experience after risk-reducing surgeries as a single outcome, while other studies analyzed the relationship between sexuality and psychosocial outcomes, risk perception, and satisfaction. In all of the included studies, significant findings in sexual dysfunction were found. The most reported problems were related to sexual satisfaction and attractiveness, body image, and loss of femininity. Last, women reported changes in the relationship with their partners.

Conclusion

RRM has a major impact on body image that affects sexual functioning and quality of life. These implications must be considered during treatment selection.
Plant defense activation of two contrasting soybean genotypes in response to Diaporthe caulivora
Authors: Mena Eilyn
Published: January 2024

Soybean is an important crop worldwide, its production is limited by soybean stem canker disease caused by Diaporthe caulivora. In this study, two contrasting soybean cultivars, Williams (susceptible) and Génesis 5601 (resistant) were compared in response to infection with D.caulivora. Génesis 5601 was more resistant to fungal infection than Williams, evidenced by reduced length lesions, disease severity index and pathogen biomass. Transcriptional profiling was performed in D.caulivora-inoculated and control tissues. In total, 2322 and 1855 genes were differentially expressed in Génesis 5601 and Williams, respectively. Under basal conditions Génesis 5601 presents higher expression of genes related to plant defense. At 8 hours post inoculation an earlier defense response was activated in Génesis 5601, demonstrated by upregulation of 1028 compared to 434 genes in Williams. Resistance to D.caulivora was associated with perception of the pathogen by surface and intracellular receptors, and defense activation through transcription factors, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, hormones, small heat shock proteins and genes with different roles in defense. Moreover, cell wall modifications, accumulation of phenolic compounds and reactive oxygen species were observed in stems of inoculated plants compared to the control. These findings provide novel insights into soybean molecular defense developed to control this pathogen, and a foundation for improving resistance in breeding programs.
Inactivation of tomato WAT1 leads to reduced susceptibility to Clavibacter michiganensis through downregulation of bacterial virulence factor
Authors: Koseoglou Eleni
Published: January 2024

Tomato bacterial canker caused by Clavibacter michiganensis (Cm) is considered to be one of the most destructive bacterial diseases of tomato. To date, no resistance to the pathogen has been identified. While several molecular studies have identified (Cm) bacterial factors involved in disease development, the plant genes and mechanisms associated with susceptibility of tomato to the bacterium remain largely unknown. Here, we show for the first time that tomato gene SlWAT1 is a susceptibility gene to Cm. We inactivated the gene SlWAT1 through RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 to study changes in tomato susceptibility to Cm. Furtermore, we analysed the role of the gene in the molecular interaction with the pathogen. Our findings demonstrate that SlWAT1 functions as an S gene to genetically diverse Cm strains. Inactivation of SlWAT1 reduced free auxin contents and ethylene synthesis in tomato stems and suppressed the expression of specific bacterial virulence factors. However, CRISPR/Cas9 slwat1 mutants exhibited severe growth defects. The observed reduced susceptibility is possibly a result of downregulation of bacterial virulence factors and reduced auxin contents in transgenic plants. This is the first time it has been shown that an S gene can regulate the expression of virulence factors.
Progress and perspective of organoid technology in breast cancer research
Authors: Huang Changsheng , Jin Hongyan
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer, a malignant tumor with a high incidence in women, lacks in vitro research models that can represent the biological functions of breast tumors in vivo. As a new biological tool, the organoid model has unique advantages over traditional methods, such as cell culture and patient-derived xenografts. Combining organoids with other emerging technologies, such as gene engineering and microfluidic chip technology, provides an effective method to compensate for the deficiencies in organoid models of breast cancer in vivo. The emergence of breast cancer organoids has provided new tools and research directions in precision medicine, personality therapy, and drug research. In this review, we summarized the merits and demerits of organoids compared to traditional biological models, explored the latest developments in the combination of new technologies and organoid models, and discussed the construction methods and application prospects of different breast organoid models.
Preeclampsia’s Cardiovascular Aftermath: A Comprehensive Review of Consequences for Mother and Offspring
Authors: Kilkenny Katherine , Frishman William
Published: January 2024

Preeclampsia (PE), a multisystem hypertensive disorder affecting 2–8% of pregnancies, has emerged as a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in affected mothers and in their offspring. Between 10 and 15 years following gestation, women with a history of PE have double the risk of CVD, nearly 4 times the risk of hypertension, and increased all-cause mortality. Offspring exposed to PE in utero carry an increased risk of CVD and congenital heart defects. Due to the multifactorial nature of both PE and CVD, a clear dependency has been difficult to establish. The interplay between CVD and PE is an area of active investigation, likely involving placental, genetic, and epigenetic factors resulting in enduring endothelial, vascular, and immune dysfunction. Fetal developmental programming induced by adverse intrauterine environments, epigenetic changes triggered by oxidative stress, and underlying genetic predisposition play pivotal roles in the development of CVD in offspring exposed to PE. Though the literature has discussed the cardiovascular outcomes associated with PE for nearly a decade, patient risk perception and health care provider awareness remain low, representing a substantial missed opportunity for early intervention in this vulnerable population. This review article will discuss the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, its intersection with CVD, and the long-term cardiovascular consequences for affected mothers and their offspring. Our objective is to increase health care provider awareness and garner greater research interest in this important topic.
Marijuana and Vascular Disease: A Review
Authors: Ye Ivan B. , Hines George L.
Published: January 2024

Marijuana use is common and increasing due to decriminalization, legalization, and expansion of medical use. As a result, the proportion of vascular patients with marijuana is also expected to increase, raising questions if cannabis use affects the incidence and outcomes of vascular disease. Active ingredients of cannabis have been shown to interact with receptors found on vascular endothelium, promoting oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. However, current clinical studies have yet to demonstrate a relationship between marijuana use and atherosclerosis. Nonetheless, cannabis arteritis is a rare condition where cannabis is hypothesized to induce vascular inflammation. Future research with high-quality studies is needed to clarify the impact of marijuana use on vascular diseases.
A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis of the Impact of Carcinoma In Situ on the Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinomas—A Nationwide Multi-Institutional Cohort Study
Authors: Wong Shin Mei , Ke Hung-Lung , Li Wei-Ming , Chang Chao-Hsiang , Huang Chi-Ping , Wu Shu-Yu , Tsai Yao-Zhou , Huang Steven K. , Tsing Wen-Hsin , Chen I-Hsuan Alan , Lin Jen-Tai , Tsai Chung-You , Cheng Pai-Yu , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Lee Yu-Khun , Chiang Bing-Juin , Chen Yung-Tai , Chuech Leonard S. , Hsueh Thomas Y. , Lin Wei Yu , Wu Chia-Chang , Tseng Jen-Shu , Chen Pi-Che , Huang Chao-Yuan , Hong Jian-Hua
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to explore the clinical prognostic features of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) compared with those without it.

Material and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 3285 patients with UTUC. Propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model to regress disease status on various baseline covariates, including cell type, tumor size, histology, lymphovascular invasion, surgical margin, and pathological stage. Using these scores, we adopted a one-to-two pair matching approach to form matched pairs between the two groups, ensuring patients within each pair had similar propensity score values. Prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the rates of prognostic outcomes, and survival curves were compared using the stratified log-rank test.

Results:

Matched cohorts of 810 patients without and 405 with CIS from each group were compared. There was no discernible difference in the 5-year overall survival. The Kaplan-Meier curves for cancer-specific survival were significantly different in the adjusted group only (P = .043). Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that disease-free and bladder recurrence-free survival rates were similar between the two groups. The CIS status was not significantly correlated with the disease-free or bladder recurrence-free survival (P = .066 and .179, respectively).

Conclusions:

Patients with UTUC with CIS did not exhibit significantly worse oncologic outcomes than those without it.
A rare case report of Huntington’s disease with severe psychiatric symptoms as initial manifestations
Authors: Lv Chenling , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhang Yan , Zhong Lin , Yu Ziqiang , Guo Dengjun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Huntington’s disease (HD) stands as an inherited and progressive neurodegenerative ailment distinguished by chorea-esque movement patterns, which manifest as archetypal symptoms. The presence of pronounced psychiatric onset symptoms in patients can considerably amplify the intricacies of accurate diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old gentleman was admitted with a five-year chronicle of delusions, hallucinations, and irritability. He had previously received a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had been subjected to a regimen of antipsychotic medications for a span exceeding four years. However, subsequent to the application of cerebral MRI and genetic testing, his condition was conclusively redetermined as HD.

Conclusion

The salient attribute of this case resides in the deferred diagnosis of HD attributable to the presence of acute psychiatric initial symptoms, a scenario bearing noteworthy ramifications for disease oversight and prognostication. This instance warrants attentive scrutiny and discourse within the professional community.
Microbacterium memoriense sp. nov., a member of the Actinomycetota from marine beach sediment of the north coast of Portugal
Authors: Santos José Diogo Neves dos , Klimek Dominika , Calusinska Magdalena , Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , Catita José , Gonçalves Hugo , González Ignacio , Lage Olga Maria
Published: January 2024

The oceans harbour a myriad of unknown micro-organisms that remain unstudied because of a failure to establish the right growth conditions under laboratory conditions. To overcome this limitation, an isolation effort inspired by the iChip was performed using marine sediments from Memória beach, Portugal. A novel strain, PMIC_1C1BT, was obtained and subjected to a polyphasic study. Cells of strain PMIC_1C1BT were Gram-positive, rod-shaped, divided by binary fission and formed colonies that were shiny light-yellow. Based on its full 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain PMIC_1C1BT was phylogenetically associated to the genus

Microbacterium

and its closest relatives were

Microbacterium aurum

KACC 15219T (98.55 %),

Microbacterium diaminobutyricum

RZ63T (98.48 %) and

Microbacterium hatanonis

JCM 14558T (98.13 %). Strain PMIC_1C1BT had a genome size of 2 761 607 bp with 67.71 mol% of G+C content and 2582 coding sequences, which is lower than the genus average. Strain PMIC_1C1BT grew from 15 to 30 °C, optimally at 25 °C, at pH 6.0 to 11.0, optimally between pH 6.0 and 8.0, and from 0 to 5 % (w/v) NaCl, optimally between 2.0 and 3.0 %. It grew with casamino acids, glutamine, methionine, N-acetylglucosamine, sodium nitrate, tryptophan, urea and valine as sole nitrogen sources, and arabinose and cellobiose as sole carbon sources. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. Genome mining revealed the presence of four biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) with low similarities to other known BCGs. Based on the polyphasic data, strain PMIC_1C1BT is proposed to represent a novel species, for which the name Microbacterium memoriense sp. nov. (=CECT 30366T=LMG 32350T) is proposed.
Identification of a system for hydroxamate xenosiderophore-mediated iron transport in Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Hussein Syakira Mohammed , Sofoluwe Aderonke , Paleja Ameya , Duhme-Klair Anne , Thomas Mark S.
Published: January 2024

One of the mechanisms employed by the opportunistic pathogen

Burkholderia cenocepacia

to acquire the essential element iron is the production and release of two ferric iron chelating compounds (siderophores), ornibactin and pyochelin. Here we show that

B. cenocepacia

is also able to take advantage of a range of siderophores produced by other bacteria and fungi (‘xenosiderophores’) that chelate iron exclusively by means of hydroxamate groups. These include the tris-hydroxamate siderophores ferrioxamine B, ferrichrome, ferricrocin and triacetylfusarinine C, the bis-hydroxamates alcaligin and rhodotorulic acid, and the monohydroxamate siderophore cepabactin. We also show that of the 24 TonB-dependent transporters encoded by the

B. cenocepacia

genome, two (FhuA and FeuA) are involved in the uptake of hydroxamate xenosiderophores, with FhuA serving as the exclusive transporter of iron-loaded ferrioxamine B, triacetylfusarinine C, alcaligin and rhodotorulic acid, while both FhuA and FeuA are able to translocate ferrichrome-type siderophores across the outer membrane. Finally, we identified FhuB, a putative cytoplasmic membrane-anchored ferric-siderophore reductase, as being obligatory for utilization of all of the tested bis- and tris-hydroxamate xenosiderophores apart from alcaligin.
Quantifying the daily harvest of fermentation products from the human gut microbiota
Authors: Arnoldini Markus , Sharma Richa , Moresi Claudia , Chure Griffin , Chabbey Julien , Slack Emma , Cremer Jonas
Published: January 2024

Fermentation products released by the gut microbiota provide energy and important regulatory functions to the host. Yet, little quantitative information is available on the metabolite exchange between the microbiota and the human host, and thus the effective doses of fermentation products. Here, we introduce an integrative framework combining experimental characterization of major gut bacteria with a quantitative analysis of human digestive physiology to put numbers on this exchange and its dependence on diet and microbiota composition. From the complex carbohydrates fueling microbiota growth, we find most carbon ends up in fermentation products which are largely utilized by the host. This harvest of mixed fermentation products varies strongly with diet, from between 100-700 mmol/day within the US population to up to 1300 for the Hadza people of Tanzania. Accordingly, fermentation products cover between 2% and 12% of the daily energy demand of human hosts, substantially less than the 21±4% estimated for laboratory mice. In contrast, microbiota composition has little impact on the total daily harvest but determines the harvest of specific fermentation products. Butyrate, known for promoting epithelial health, shows the biggest variation. Our framework thus identifies and quantifies major factors driving the metabolic interactions and exchange of information between microbiota and host, crucial to mechanistically dissect the role of the microbiota in health and disease.
Revealing sphingolipids composition in extracellular vesicles and paternal β-cells after persistent hyperglycemia
Authors: Skalska Magdalena E. , Durak-Kozica Martyna , Stępień Ewa Ł.
Published: January 2024

Extended periods of hyperglycemia (HG) can lead to metabolic disorders of sphingolipids (SPs) and their subsequent accumulation in cells. This accumulation can trigger a range of complications, including kidney and neurodegenerative diseases. In our study, we compared the levels of selected ceramides (CER), hexosylceramides (HexCER), and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in potential HG biomarkers - extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs were derived in vitro from human β-cells cultured under both normoglycemic and high-glucose conditions (HG). We utilized Time of Flight – Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for SPs analysis. Our results confirmed that the lipid profiles of these three groups differ between large and small EVs, with some SP lipids being more enriched in EVs compared to cells. Interestingly, our study revealed that HG only regulates the lipid content from the glycosphingolipid group in relation to normoglycemia. Collectively, our findings underscore the potential applications of ToF-SIMS in characterizing the impact of different culture conditions on lipid levels. As far as we know, our study is the first which employs ToF-SIMS in analyzing the effects of HG on SP levels in EVs and their parental β-cells.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

ToF-SIMS effectively compares glycosphingolipid content in cells and EVs.

Analysis reveals lipid profile differences between EVs and their parent cells.

Hyperglycemia alters glycosphingolipid content in cells and EVs per ToF-SIMS.
Detecting m6A RNA modification from nanopore sequencing using a semi-supervised learning framework
Authors: Teng Haotian , Stoiber Marcus , Bar-Joseph Ziv , Kingsford Carl
Published: January 2024

Direct nanopore-based RNA sequencing can be used to detect post-transcriptional base modifications, such as m6A methylation, based on the electric current signals produced by the distinct chemical structures of modified bases. A key challenge is the scarcity of adequate training data with known methylation modifications. We present Xron, a hybrid encoder-decoder framework that delivers a direct methylation-distinguishing basecaller by training on synthetic RNA data and immunoprecipitation-based experimental data in two steps. First, we generate data with more diverse modification combinations through in silico cross-linking. Second, we use this dataset to train an end-to-end neural network basecaller followed by fine-tuning on immunoprecipitation-based experimental data with label-smoothing. The trained neural network basecaller outperforms existing methylation detection methods on both read-level and site-level prediction scores. Xron is a standalone, end-to-end m6A-distinguishing basecaller capable of detecting methylated bases directly from raw sequencing signals, enabling de novo methylome assembly.
Binucleated cell formation and oncogene expression after particulate matter exposure is preceded by microtubule disruption, dysregulated cell cycle, prolonged mitosis, and septin binding
Authors: Podlipec Rok , Sebastijanovič Aleksandar , Cassidy Hilary , Han Lianyong , Danielsen Pernille , Čotar Petra , Kokot Hana , Koser Benjamin Koroševič , Vencelj Ana , Pirker Luka , Umek Polona , Hlawacek Gregor , Heller Rene , Matallanas David , Pelicon Primož , Stoeger Tobias , Urbančič Iztok , Vogel Ulla , Koklič Tilen , Štrancar Janez
Published: January 2024

Several biopersistent high aspect ratio nanomaterials show pronounced pathogenic effects, from chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis to cancer. For example, asbestos fibers are classified as carcinogens, whereas the carcinogenicity of highly inflammatory multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and TiO2nanomaterials is still being evaluated. The exact early mechanisms of their pathogenicity towards inflammation and cancer remains uncertain, but it is likely not due to genotoxic or mutagenic activity. A proposed early mode of action that might lead to the formation of cancerous cells for asbestos fibers is the formation of binucleated and multinucleated cells, resulting in genetic instability. Here, we show that two high aspect ratio nanomaterials, MWCNTs and TiO2nanotubes, which both induce chronic lung inflammation, induce very different cancer-related changesin vitro. TiO2nanotubes – but not low aspect-ratio nanocubes of the same crystalline structure – disrupt microtubule organization and prolong mitosis, as well as deform nuclear shape, induce the formation of binucleated cells, and downregulate the tumour suppressor protein p53, whereas only the MWCNTs activate the stimulator of the interferon genes (STING) pathway, a hallmark of lung cancer. The observed differences in cellular responses to different high aspect ratio materials imply the need for assessing each nanomaterial individually with a broad range of tests rather than relying solely on a single marker or pathway, or even morphological or bulk chemical properties to infer possible carcinogenic properties.
CD177 is a novel IgG Fc receptor and CD177 genetic variants affect IgG-mediated function
Authors: Li Yunfang , Wu Jianming
Published: January 2024

CD177 plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid lineage cells including neutrophils, myelocytes, promyelocytes, megakaryocytes, and early erythroblasts in bone marrow. CD177 deficiency is a common phenotype in humans. Our previous studies revealed genetic mechanisms of human CD177 deficiency and expression variations. Up to now, immune functions of CD177 remain undefined. In the current study, we revealed human IgG as a ligand for CD177 by using flow cytometry, bead-rosette formation, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. In addition, we show that CD177 variants affect the binding capacity of CD177 for human IgG. Furthermore, we showed that the CD177 genetic variants significantly affect antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) function. The demonstration of CD177 as a functional IgG Fc-receptor may provide new insights into CD177 immune function and genetic mechanism underlying CD177 as biomarkers for human diseases.
De-glycosylated non-structural protein 1 enhances dengue virus clearance by limiting PD-L1/PD-1 mediated T cell apoptosis
Authors: Idris Fakhriedzwan , Ting Donald Heng Rong , Tan Eunice Tze Xin , Wan Corrine , Chan Kuan Rong , Benke Peter I , Marzinek Jan Kazimierz , Copping Jack M , Li Qin Hui , Walsh Ian , Allison Jane R , Bond Peter John , Torta Federico , Nguyen-Khuong Terry , Alonso Sylvie
Published: January 2024

The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of dengue virus (DENV) contains two highly conserved N-glycosylation sites at positions 130 and 207 (N130 and N207). Intracellular NS1 monomers and homo-dimers participate in viral RNA replication within membrane-bound replication complexes. Soluble multimeric NS1 (sNS1) is secreted into the extracellular milieu and represents an important virulence factor for DENV through its ability to interfere with the host complement activation cascade and to induce vascular leakage. The role of the two N-glycans in NS1 biological activities, however, has not been carefully examined. Here, stable DENV2 mutants that lack glycan at either N sites of NS1 were engineered. We showed that the lack of glycans at either N site of NS1 did not impair viral replication nor viral output in both mosquito and mammalian cell lines. In contrast, while N130 de-glycosylated DENV displayed parentalin vivofitness in IFNAR-/-mice, the N207 de-glycosylated mutant was significantly attenuated as evidenced by 100% survival rate, which correlated with accelerated viral clearance in circulation. sNS1-depletion, sNS1 exogenous administration and co-infection experiments supported that N207 de-glycosylated NS1 exerted a dominant attenuating effect duringin vivoinfection. Bulk RNAseq, inflammatory cytokine profile, immune phenotyping of neutrophils and T cells, immune cell depletion and immune checkpoint blockade approaches led us to propose that N207 de-glycosylated NS1 limited CD8+T cell apoptosis mediated by the PD-L1/PD-1 axis, thereby improving viral clearance efficacy. This work uncovers a novel immune evasion strategy where N207 glycans on NS1 prevent the protein from exerting immune modulation activity that would be detrimental to DENV.
Semi-inclusive two-nucleon emission in (anti) neutrino charged current scattering within the relativistic mean field framework
Authors: Martinez-Consentino V. L. , Cantizani A. M. , Amaro J. E.
Published: January 2024

This paper delves into the distribution of semi-inclusive events involving the emission of two nucleons in (anti) neutrino charged-current scattering. The analysis is conducted within the framework of relativistic mean-field theory applied to nuclear matter. To quantify the likelihood of such semi-inclusive events occurring, we employ a relativistic model of meson-exchange currents that aligns with the 2p2h inclusive cross section. The outcomes are presented in terms of onefold and twofold integrated semi-inclusive cross sections. To highlight disparities among the various emission channels, including proton-proton, neutron-proton, and neutron-neutron, we compare them against a purely phase-space isotropic distribution within the center of mass of the two nucleons. These comparisons reveal significant differences in the event distributions, shedding light on the distinctive characteristics of each channel.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024