bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da capacidade de escoamento superficial de uma avenida em um município de médio porte da Bahia
Authors: Santos Bethsaide Souza , Aguiar Lucas Gomes
Published: June 2023

Com a urbanização e consequente aumento da impermeabilização do solo, os centros urbanos estão cada vez mais sujeitos à ocorrência de diversos problemas nas suas respectivas infraestruturas e, alguns desses estão relacionadas à drenagem pluvial. Nesse contexto, torna-se de extrema importância a adoção de medidas preventivas tomadas na fase de pré-desenvolvimento da bacia urbana, tanto estruturais quanto não estruturais. A área de estudo deste trabalho é a avenida Artêmia Pires na cidade de Feira de Santana (BA), que teve e tem o seu processo de expansão urbana não eficazmente planejado pelas competências públicas. Foi analisado o sistema de drenagem pluvial na avenida, que é representado majoritariamente pelo escoamento superficial irregular. Para o geoprocessamento e determinação de áreas de contribuição, foi utilizado o software QGIS e para o cálculo da vazão de contribuição foi aplicado o método racional, e encontrou-se um valor igual a 8,32 m³/s para a avenida. Foram adotados parâmetros de cálculo e assim foi possível determinar a capacidade de deflúvio superficial e determinar áreas onde essa metodologia é mais insatisfatória. Também foi analisado um cenário futuro de maior impermeabilização do solo, onde foi utilizado o coeficiente de escoamento superficial C = 0,70 pra todas as áreas. Foi encontrada uma vazão igual a 32,42 m³/s, e assim firmou-se que a capacidade de drenagem superficial da avenida Artêmia Pires ficará majoritariamente comprometida.

Keywords: Rain drainage. Urban expansion. Urban planning.

 

Abstract

“Urbanization and the consequent increase in soil sealing makes urban centers increasingly prone to the occurrence of several problems in their respective infrastructures, being some of these are related to rain drainage. In this context, it is extremely important to adopt preventive measures (structural and non-structural) taken in the pre-development phase of an urban basin. The object studied in this work is Artêmia Pires Avenue in the city of Feira de Santana (BA), which  hasn’t  had  its  urban  expansion  process  effectively  planned  by  governmental competences. The avenue drainage system, which is mainly represented by irregular runoff, was analyzed. Geoprocessing and determination of contribution areas were done with QGIS software.Rational method was applied to calculate contribution flow, resulting in 8.32 m³/s. Calculation parameters were adopted. Therefore, it was possible to determine the surface defluviation capacity as well as the areas where this methodology is most unsatisfactory. A future scenario of greater soil impermeability was also analyzed in which runoff coefficient C = 0.70 was used for all areas. A flow of 32.42 m³/s was found and thus the surface drainage capacity of Artêmia Pires Avenue was projected. It is likelyto be mostly compromised in this new scenario.”
Rio São Francisco
Authors: Rodney Evandro
Published: June 2023

A capa deste número contém fotografia do rio São Francisco de autoria do fotográfo Evandro Rodney e criação e design da Assessoria de Comucação (Ascom). A foto refere-se à porção do "Velho Chico" localizada no município de Ibiaí, Minas Gerais.
década de pesquisas nas turfeiras da Serra do Espinhaço Meridional
Authors: Gonçalves Thamyres Sabrina , Silva Alexandre Christófaro da , Costa Camila Rodrigues , Terra Ingrid Horák , Barral Uidemar Morais
Published: June 2023

Há dez anos às turfeiras da Serra do Espinhaço Meridional vem sendo estudadas, especialmente pelos pesquisadores vinculados a Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, em parceria com diversas instituições que em trabalhos interinstitucionais têm contribuído muito para o avanço no conhecimento sobre as turfeiras de montanhas tropicais, sobre a dinâmica da matéria orgânica e sobretudo na reconstituição paleoambiental da região da Serra do Espinhaço Meridional. Diante disso, essa revisão tem o objetivo de sintetizar um esboço dos trabalhos que já foram realizados nas turfeiras da Serra do Espinhaço Meridional ao longo da última década, os principais objetivos, resultados e conclusões de cada um deles, que podem subsidiar a discussão de resultados encontrados nas pesquisas a partir de então, para que seja possível dar continuidade a essas pesquisas tão importantes, conectando as informações já existentes com as que vierem a ser obtidas a partir de então. As pesquisas foram acontecendo de maneira a se complementarem, partindo de simples trabalhos de caracterização inicialmente até pesquisas mais aprofundadas atualmente. Não se pode deixar de ressaltar o que é preconizado nas conclusões de todos esses estudos sem exceção que é a importância de preservação das turfeiras para que elas possam continuar a cumprir seu papel no sistema prestando os serviços ambientais tão úteis aos seres humanos, a sociedade e ao ambiente. E apesar de todas essas pesquisas ainda existem mais perguntas que respostas acerca de tudo o que já foi descoberto a partir do estudo da matéria orgânica do solo das turfeiras e seus microfóssies guardados por milhares de anos, assim sendo essas pesquisas precisam continuar.
Avaliação do potencial da cobrança na bacia hidrográfica do rio Chapecó em Santa Catarina
Authors: Beilfuss Bruno Henrique , Kreutz Cristiane , Consolin Filho Nelson
Published: June 2023

A cobrança pelo Uso dos Recursos Hídricos, como instrumento de gestão, contribui para o uso racional da água, bem público, escasso e tem como impacto sinérgico a arrecadação de recursos para a execução dos planos de bacia.  O Estado de Santa Catarina não implementou a Cobrança, e como forma de avaliar seu potencial arrecadação foram analisados os usos de água e demandas de investimento na bacia do Rio Chapecó. Nesta bacia, e considerando valores usuais, o instrumento da Cobrança permite implementar integralmente as ações de planejamento e gestão de recursos hídricos, o que por si só, se configura em um avanço diante das atuais limitações orçamentárias do setor. A cobrança, porém, não é fonte de recursos capaz de individualmente, suprir todos os investimentos indicados no Plano da Bacia como fundamentais para assegurar água em qualidade e quantidade adequadas.
Avaliação ex-post de programa implementado com recursos da cobrança pelo uso de recursos hídricos
Authors: Morais Anderson de Assis , Alves Fabiano Henrique da Silva
Published: June 2023

Uma parcela importante da demanda total de água na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Doce é devida à irrigação, especialmente no estado do Espírito Santo. Considerando essa situação, os Comitês de Bacias Hidrográficas (CBHs) aprovaram o Programa de Incentivo ao Uso Racional de Água na Agricultura – P22. Este estudo tem por objetivo realizar uma avaliação qualitativa e quantitativa da implementação do P22 na Unidade de Análise (UA) do rio São José, no Espírito Santo, que tem a irrigação como principal uso consuntivo da água. Foram definidos categorias, indicadores e índices de avaliação, possibilitando a obtenção, consolidação e avaliação do programa. O P22 foi implementado de forma satisfatória para 90% dos participantes na pesquisa. Houve boa aceitação, disposição em recomendar o programa a outras instituições ou produtores e disposição para participar novamente do programa. Para 80% dos participantes o P22 foi a primeira experiência com uma ação de incentivo ao uso racional da água na agricultura e para 100% dos produtores foi o primeiro contato com uma tecnologia de manejo da água na irrigação. De acordo com as categorias, indicadores e índices de avaliação definidos, o Programa P22 obteve um percentual de 74%, estando na Situação de Implementação "BOM". A avaliação do P22 mostrou-se uma importante ferramenta de gestão de recursos hídricos, contribuindo para o processo decisório sobre a sua continuidade, na medida em que foram conhecidos os seus resultados, considerando não só os apresentados pela entidade executora, mas também pelos pontos de vista dos participantes do programa.
Avaliação da transição do modelo de apoio aos comitês de bacias hidrográficas catarinenses
Authors: Rocha Cintia Hoffer da , Cataneo Franciele Boeira , Bavaresco Marcionize Elis , Santos Priscilla da Cunha Neves , Constante Vinicius Tavares
Published: June 2023

Em Santa Catarina, desde 2017, o órgão gestor estadual firmou Termos de Colaboração com entidades executivas para o apoio aos Comitês de Gerenciamento das Bacias Hidrográficas (CBHs) do Estado. Como etapa subsequente ao término das parcerias, ocorrido entre o final de 2021 e o início de 2022, avalia-se os avanços e as dificuldades atinentes ao formato. Nos quatro anos de contrato, foram constatados aspectos positivos especialmente em termos de consolidação legal e técnica dos comitês. Mas também foram constatados gargalos de ordem operacional, administrativa e burocrática que apontaram para complexidades nos objetos da parceria e para restrições à sua execução, especialmente em relação às prestações de contas. O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a proposta de alteração no modelo de apoio técnico e administrativo aos CBHs catarinenses, em substituição ao modelo encerrado. Caracterizado como estudo de caso, apresentam-se aqui dados levantados a partir da observação direta de encontros, reuniões e deliberações junto aos CBHs e da imersão em atividades de apoio. A estratégia de apresentação dos dados é descritiva e a avaliação qualitativa, com destaque para quatro eixos de análise: o agrupamento e a área de atuação dos CBHs; prestações de contas; apoio técnico; processos de comunicação, articulação e mobilização social. O novo modelo pretende simplificar e otimizar o apoio aos comitês, bem como aprimorar as ações de cunho técnico e de mobilização social, a partir dos estudos de base e do incentivo à integração desde uma nova configuração de agrupamentos.
Comunidade zooplanctônica na área de Influência da UHE Jauru, Mato Grosso (MT)
Authors: Landa Giovanni Guimarães
Published: June 2023

Este estudo foi realizado na área de influência da UHE Jauru, no rio Jauru (MT). Este trabalho teve como objetivo obter uma caracterização limnológica preliminar da área de influência da futura UHE Jauru, através da composição quali-quantitativa do zooplâncton e alguns parâmetros físico-químicos. A coleta de amostras para as análises da comunidade zooplanctônica foi efetuada durante os meses de setembro e outubro de 1994, com rede de plâncton de 35 micrômetros de malha. Foram filtrados 300 litros de água, com auxílio de balde de capacidade de 10 (dez) litros. A análise quantitativa consistiu na contagem de no mínimo 200 indivíduos por amostra, em câmara de Sedgwick-Rafter, sob microscópio binocular. A densidade foi expressa em número de  indivíduos por metro cúbico (ind.m-3). A comunidade zooplanctônica durante os meses de setembro e outubro de 1994, estava representada por 35 táxons, dominada por protozoários tecamebas e rotíferos, tanto em riqueza quanto em densidade. O índice médio de diversidade encontrado foi de 1,56 Bits.ind-1. Pode-se considerar também, que baseado nas espécies mais frequentes e abundantes encontradas, o ambiente está classificado numa faixa de baixo teor de carga orgânica, característica essa também demonstrada pelos parâmetros físico-químicos da água.
Keywords: Zooplankton.Lotic environment.Tropical limnology.
 
Abstract
This study was carried out in the influence area of Jauruhydroelectric power plant, on the JauruRiver (MT). This work aimed to obtain a preliminary limnological characterization of the influence area of the future Jauruhydroelectric power plant, through qualitative and quantitative composition of zooplankton and some physical-chemical parameters. Sample collection for zooplanktonic community analyzes was carried out during the months of September and October 1994, with a plankton net of 35 micrometers of mesh. 300 liters of water were filtered with the aid of a ten-liter bucket. Quantitative analysis consisted of counting at least 200 individuals per sample, in a Sedgwick-Rafter chamber, under a binocular microscope. Density was expressed in number of individuals per cubic meter (ind.m-3). The zooplanktonic community during the months of September and October 1994 was represented by 35 taxa, dominated by protozoans thecamebas and rotifers, both in richness and density. The average diversity index found was 1.56 Bits.ind-1. Based on the most frequent and abundant species found, it can also be considered that the environment is classified in a range of low organic load, a characteristic also demonstrated by the physical-chemical parameters of the water.
Political ideology and belief change in the face of counterevidence
Authors: Kossowska Małgorzata , Czarnek Gabriela , Szwed Paulina
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the role of political ideology with regard to changes in beliefs on political and non‐political issues. In line with the political asymmetry hypothesis and threat sensitivity accounts in relation to ideology, it was assumed that right‐wing adherents would change their prior beliefs (on political and non‐political issues) to a lesser extent in response to counterevidence than left‐wing adherents. We also expected that the mechanism responsible for this effect would be accounted for by individual differences in threat sensitivity. To test these hypotheses, we conducted two experimental studies (total N = 576) in which participants holding right‐ and left‐wing views were exposed to new information, inconsistent with their prior beliefs, on political and non‐political issues. Contrary to expectations, we found that individuals with right‐ and left‐wing beliefs did not differ in the degree of change to their prior beliefs in response to counterevidence. Nor did we find evidence indicating that threat sensitivity was responsible for the link between ideology and belief change. The paper's findings contribute to the ongoing discussion around ideological (a)symmetry and the controversies concerning threat‐related ideological differences.
Glucan from Dictyophora rubrovolvata boosts immunity by regulating AKT‐STAT1 pathway to induce dendritic cells maturation and T cells differentiation
Authors: Wu Yu , Zhou Wengan , Feng RuTing , Zhang Duoduo , Yu Yongkang , Huang Zuanyuan , Yin Junyi , Zhou Xingtao , Nie Shaoping
Published: June 2023

Glucan from fruit body of Dictyophora rubrovolvata (DRP) exerts immunomodulation activity, but the mechanism is still elusive. The immunoregulatory effects of DRP were evaluated using cyclophosphamide (CTX)‐induced immunosuppression in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, bone marrow dendritic cells were used to investigate the activated effect of DRP on immune cells in vitro. This study pointed out that DRP recuperated CTX‐induced immunosuppression of BALB/c mice and activated dendritic cells (DCs) to increase the secretion of cytokines in vitro. RNA‐sequencing showed that DRP upregulated the C‐type lectin receptor (CLR), AKT‐STAT1, and Th17 cell differentiation pathways in DCs. Furthermore, western blot and immunofluorescence confirmed that DRP increased the phosphorylation of AKT and STAT1 and the nuclear translocation of STAT1. Intriguingly, flow cytometry showed that the activation of DCs by DRP was interrupted by Mincle (a CLR) and STAT1 inhibitor. Furthermore, co‐cultured experiments demonstrated that DRP promoted naïve CD4+ T cell differentiation to Th17 cells via the stimulation of DCs. Hence, this study implied that DRP regulated the AKT‐STAT1 signaling pathway via Mincle in DCs to induce CD4+ T cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby ameliorating CTX‐induced immunosuppression.
Expressing passion for luxury enhances perceived authenticity
Authors: Jung SungJin , Chen Charlene , Yap Andy
Published: June 2023

Consumers are often viewed unfavorably when using luxury products. They are seen as seeking status and managing impressions, and therefore judged as inauthentic. How can luxury consumers alleviate these negative social consequences? Our pilot studies suggest that although many consumers are passionate about luxury products and brands, they avoid sharing this passion with others because they fear being judged negatively. However, we propose that publicly expressing one's passion for luxury can mitigate the social costs of luxury consumption. Six experiments (including three supplemental experiments) show that expressing passion for luxury causes others to perceive luxury consumers as more authentic, consequently increasing perceptions of their warmth and trustworthiness, and leading others to demonstrate greater interest in knowing more about them. Expressing passion for luxury enhances perceived authenticity by prompting observers to attribute the luxury consumption more to intrinsic motivation (e.g., consuming luxury for inherent enjoyment and pleasure) rather than extrinsic motivation (e.g., status enhancement). The effects of passion expression are attenuated for non‐luxury consumption because non‐luxury consumption is generally unlikely to elicit inferences about extrinsic motives.
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy for BRAF mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: the efficacy, new strategies, and potential biomarkers
Authors: Zhong Jie , Sun Zijian , Li Sheng , Yang Liu , Cao Yuepeng , Bao Jun
Published: June 2023

BRAF mutant metastatic colorectal cancer has long been considered a tumor with a poor prognosis and a poor response to chemotherapy. Despite the efficacy of targeted therapy with multi-targeted blockade of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway has brought a glimmer of hope to this group of patients, the need to improve treatment efficacy remains unmet, especially for the microsatellite stability/DNA proficient mismatch repair (MSS/pMMR) subtype. BRAF mutant colorectal cancer patients with high microsatellite instability/DNA deficient mismatch repair (MSI-H/dMMR) have high tumor mutation burden and abundant neoantigen, who are deemed as ones that could receive expected efficacy from immunotherapy. Generally, it is believed that MSS/pMMR colorectal cancer is an immunologically “cold” tumor that is insensitive to immunotherapy. However, targeted therapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade therapy seems to bring light to BRAF mutant colorectal cancer patients. In this review, we provide an overview of clinical efficacy and evolving new strategies concerning immune checkpoint blockade therapy for both MSI-H/dMMR and MSS/pMMR BRAF mutant metastatic colorectal cancer and discuss the potential biomarkers in the tumor immune microenvironment for predicting immunotherapeutic response in BRAF mutant colorectal cancer.
Comparison of the different anti-CD16 antibody clones in the activation and expansion of peripheral blood NK cells
Authors: Kim Jinho , Phan Minh‑Trang Thi , Hwang Ilwoong , Park Jeehun , Cho Duck
Published: June 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are promising tool for cancer treatment. Methods have been developed for large-scale NK cell expansion, including feeder cell-based methods or methods involving stimulation with NK cell activating signals, such as anti-CD16 antibodies. Different clones of anti-CD16 antibodies are available; however, a comprehensive comparison of their differential effects on inducing NK cell activation and expansion has not been conducted among these various clones under the same experimental conditions. Herein, we found that the NK cell expansion rate differed depending on the various anti-CD16 antibodies (CB16, 3G8, B73.1, and MEM-154) coated on microbeads when stimulated with genetically engineered feeder cells, K562‑membrane-bound IL‑18, and mbIL‑21 (K562‑mbIL‑18/-21). Only the CB16 clone combination caused enhanced NK cell expansion over K562‑mbIL‑18/-21 stimulation alone with similar NK cell functionality. Treatment with the CB16 clone once on the initial day of NK cell expansion was sufficient to maximize the combination effect. Overall, we developed a more enhanced NK expansion system by merging a feeder to effectively stimulate CD16 with the CB16 clone.
Risk analyses of nocturia on incident poor sleep and vice versa: the Nagahama study
Authors: Negoro Hiromitsu , Setoh Kazuya , Fukunaga Arinobu , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Funada Satoshi , Yoshino Takayuki , Yoshimura Koji , Mathis Bryan J. , Tabara Yasuharu , Matsuda Fumihiko , Ogawa Osamu , Kobayashi Takashi
Published: June 2023

Cross-sectional relationships between nocturia and sleep problems have been well evaluated but the risk association for each incidence is scarcely reported. This analysis included 8076 participants of the Nagahama study in Japan (median age 57, 31.0% male) and associations between nocturia and self-reported, sleep-related problems (poor sleep) were evaluated cross-sectionally. Causal effects on each new-onset case were analyzed longitudinally after 5 years. Three models were applied: univariable analysis, adjustment for basic variables (i.e., demographic and lifestyle variables) and full adjustment for basic and clinical variables. The overall prevalences of poor sleep and nocturia were 18.6% and 15.5%, while poor sleep was positively associated with nocturia (OR = 1.85, p < 0.001) and vice versa (OR = 1.90, p < 0.001). Among 6579 good sleep participants, 18.5% developed poor sleep. Baseline nocturia was positively associated with this incident poor sleep (OR = 1.49, p < 0.001, full adjustment). Among 6824 non-nocturia participants, the nocturia incidence was 11.3%. Baseline poor sleep was positively associated with this incident nocturia (OR = 1.26, p = 0.026); such associations were significant only in women (OR = 1.44, p = 0.004) and under-50-year-old groups (OR = 2.82, p < 0.001), after full adjustment. Nocturia and poor sleep associate with each other. Baseline nocturia can induce new-onset poor sleep while baseline poor sleep may induce new-onset nocturia only in women.
Effective service coverage of long-term care among older persons in South Korea
Authors: Leigh Ja-Ho , Lee Hyejin , Yoon Jaehong , Han Eun-Jeong , Park Eunok , Jung Tong Ryoung , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran , Han Zee-A
Published: June 2023

Background

Global population aging, and the accelerated increase in the number of oldest-old adults, over 80 years, has implied a heightened need for long-term care (LTC). We aimed to provide a theoretical care cascade of LTC services to assess publicly funded LTC (Analysis 1) and to investigate the association between the use of LTC insurance (LTCI) and unmet care needs among older people (Analysis 2) in South Korea.

Methods

Analysis 1 used data from the eighth wave (2020) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), the 2020 National Health Insurance Service LTCI Statistical YearBook and the 2020 National Awareness Survey of LTCI. The care cascade consisted of the target population, service contacts, coverage and outcomes. Analysis 2 used the fifth to eighth waves of KLoSA, and LTCI analysis was based on three groups: not aware, aware but do not use and aware and use. Unmet care needs were defined as the absence of help among older people with care needs.

Results

Among 8,489,208 people aged 65 or older in 2020, 1,368,148 (16.1%) were estimated to want care. Of these, 62.7% (N = 857,984) had LTCI service contact and 807,067 (94.1%) of those had used LTCI services in the past year (Analysis 1). Older people who were aware and used LTCI were less likely to report unmet activities of daily living (ADL) (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.66) or unmet instrumental ADL (IADL) needs (PR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17–0.43) than those who were not aware (Analysis 2).

Conclusions

This article provides a theoretical cascade to assess LTC provision in South Korea and a preliminary model for other countries. Korea’s LTCI is associated with reduced unmet ADL and IADL needs.
Reinscribing global hierarchies: COVID–19, racial capitalism and the liberal international order
Authors: Papamichail Andreas
Published: June 2023

The COVID–19 pandemic led to debates within International Relations (IR) as to the extent to which it would cause a rupture in the so-called liberal international order (LIO). This article is concerned with why such a rupture did not occur and draws on theories of racial capitalism to answer this question. It explores the political economy of three dynamics of the global response to the pandemic—lockdowns, border controls and vaccine distribution—and argues that rather than causing a rupture, COVID–19 has reinscribed various domestic and global racial hierarchies. The global divisions of labour and hierarchies of expendability that manifested in the unequal burdens of COVID–19; the border policies that both included and excluded based on racialized notions of who carries disease and the necessity of keeping capital in circulation; and the intellectual property regime and profit motives of pharmaceutical companies that led to inequitable vaccine distribution, are all intimately linked with key ideational and material institutions of the LIO. By drawing theories of racial capitalism into the IR literature on global health, the article points to the need for domestic and global health policy to address the deep-rooted racial inequities that characterized the COVID–19 pandemic ahead of future disease outbreaks.
The Trump presidency, Russia and Ukraine: explaining incoherence
Authors: Deyermond Ruth
Published: June 2023

This article examines the Trump administration's policy on Russian aggression in Ukraine and the problem of incoherence in Trump's foreign policy. It argues that the Trump administration's policy on Russia–Ukraine was characterized by incoherence, an absence of clear relationships between the views of senior administration members and official policy, and an unprecedented lack of transparency. Its policy on Russian aggression in Ukraine highlights the unconventional behaviour of the Trump administration as a foreign policy-making body, something which limits the ability of the foreign policy analysis (FPA) field to explain Trump policy. It argues that assumptions about foreign policy and the methods for researching it need to be rethought when administration practices fall so far outside US foreign policy-making norms, particularly in an era when changes in United States domestic politics mean that the Trump administration may not remain a unique case.
Duodenocaval fistula after bevacizumab therapy: case presentation and complete overview of the literature
Authors: Giordano Alessio , Moroni Francesco , Gosmar Alessandra , Passagnoli Federico , Jeong Juhye , Menici Francesco , Baraghini Maddalena , Mirasolo Vita M , Campiglia Laura , Michelagnoli Stefano , Cantafio Stefano
Published: June 2023

Duodenocaval fistula (DCF) is a very rare condition and is associated with a 41.1% of mortality rate. Although ingested foreign bodies, peptic ulcer disease and radiotherapy are often the etiologies described, only three patients have been described who developed DCF after bevacizumab therapy. We report a case of a 58-year-old woman with a history of ovarian neoplasia and subsequent surgical treatments, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with bevacizumab with the appearance of a spontaneous DCF after 6 months at the end of this therapy. The multidisciplinary approach between oncologist and vascular surgeon together with the support of the anesthesiology team allowed the DFC to be treated surgically through the suture of the inferior vena cava and the duodenal breach. The patient was discharged on the 14th postoperative day and we found no postoperative morbidities both immediately and after 30 and 60 days.
Hybrid robot-assisted abdominoperineal resection supported by simultaneous trans-perineal approach for anal gland adenocarcinoma with vaginal invasion: a case report
Authors: Imaizumi Ken , Kasajima Hiroyuki , Ito Keiichiro , Fukasawa Takumu , Odagiri Makoto , Yamana Daisuke , Tsuruga Yosuke , Umehara Minoru , Kurushima Michihiro , Munakata Satoru , Shimoyama Norihiko , Nakanishi Kazuaki
Published: June 2023

Hybrid surgery (abdominal robotic approach with a trans-anal approach) has been reported to improve oncological outcomes in cases involving advanced cancer or technical difficulties. A 74-year-old woman presented with anal pain and stenosis. Examination revealed palpable sclerosis on the anterior wall at the anal verge with possible vaginal invasion. A biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma. We performed a two-team robot-assisted abdominoperineal resection combined with resection of the vagina supported by a simultaneous trans-perineal approach. After rendezvous at the posterior side, the abdominal team cut the posterior wall of the vaginal vault while the perineal team confirmed the surgical margin. Histopathological findings identified the tumour as an anal gland adenocarcinoma (pT4b [vagina] N0M0 pathological stage IIC) with a negative circumferential resection margin. Hybrid surgery combined with resection of the posterior wall of the vagina may be performed safely and is a valuable surgical option for multimodal treatment of anal adenocarcinomas.
Association of Neighborhood Deprivation With Healthcare Utilization Among Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Montano-Campos J Felipe , Stout Jason E , Pettit April C , Okeke Nwora Lance
Published: June 2023

Background

We previously identified 3 latent classes of healthcare utilization among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH): adherent, nonadherent, and sick. Although membership in the “nonadherent” group was associated with subsequent disengagement from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care, socioeconomic predictors of class membership remain unexplored.

Methods

We validated our healthcare utilization–based latent class model of PWH receiving care at Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) using patient-level data from 2015 to 2018. SDI scores were assigned to cohort members based on residential addresses. Associations of patient-level covariates with class membership were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and movement between classes was estimated using latent transition analysis.

Results

A total of 1443 unique patients (median age of 50 years, 28% female sex at birth, 57% Black) were included in the analysis. PWH in the most disadvantaged (highest) SDI decile were more likely to be in the “nonadherent” class than the remainder of the cohort (odds ratio [OR], 1.58 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .95–2.63]) and were significantly more likely to be in the “sick” class (OR, 2.65 [95% CI, 2.13–3.30]). PWH in the highest SDI decile were also more likely to transition into and less likely to transition out of the “sick” class.

Conclusions

PWH who resided in neighborhoods with high levels of social deprivation were more likely to have latent class membership in suboptimal healthcare utilization groupings, and membership persisted over time. Risk stratification models based on healthcare utilization may be useful tools in the early identification of persons at risk for suboptimal HIV care engagement.
Health outcomes of age at menarche in European women: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lv Yang , Xia Xing , Lei Lei , Xiang Wei , Wu Xuan , Xie Songbo , Li Jie
Published: June 2023

Background

Observational studies have shown an association between age at menarche (AAM) and the risk of gynecological diseases. However, the causality cannot be determined due to residual confounding.

Methods

We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the causal effect of AAM on several gynecological diseases, including endometriosis, female infertility, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were used as genetic instruments. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the primary approach and several other MR models were conducted for comparison. Cochran’s Q test, Egger’s intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis were conducted for sensitivity analysis. Radial MR analysis was conducted when detecting the existence of heterogeneity.

Results

After Bonferroni correction and thorough sensitivity analysis, we observed a robust causal effect of AAM on endometrial cancer (odds ratio: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.89; P = 4.61 × 10−5) and breast cancer (odds ratio: 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.90–0.98; P = .003). Sensitivity analysis found little evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. The inverse variance weighted method also detected weak evidence of associations of AAM with endometriosis and pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

Conclusions

This MR study demonstrated a causal effect of AAM on gynecological diseases, especially for breast cancer and endometrial cancer, which indicates AAM might be a promising index to use for disease screening and prevention in clinical practice.

Key messages What is already known on this topic – Observational studies have reported associations between age at menarche (AAM) and a variety of gynecological diseases but the causality has not been determined. What this study adds – This Mendelian randomization study demonstrated that AAM causally affects the risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy – The findings of our study imply that AAM could be a candidate marker for early screening of populations at higher risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with increased prevalence of valvular heart diseases: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Eid Siwar , Sharif Kassem , McGonagle Dennis , Patt Yonatan Shneor , Tsur Avishai M , Adawi Mohammad , Cohen Arnon D , Amital Howard , Watad Abdulla
Published: June 2023

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the sacroiliac joint and axial skeleton with associated extra-articular involvement including cardiovascular system disease including aortic valve disease with variable reported prevalence. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of heart valve disorders in AS patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study that retrieved data from the Clalit Health Services registry. Cases were defined as having AS, whereas controls were frequency matched by age and sex in a ratio of 5:1. The prevalence of valvular heart diseases was compared between the two groups; a multivariate logistic regression model was applied to estimate the association after controlling for potential confounders.

Results

We included 4082 AS patients and 20 397 controls frequency matched by age and sex. AS patients had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (P < .001) and a higher prevalence of valvular heart disease. In the multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting for multiple confounding factors, AS was independently associated with aortic stenosis [odds ratio (OR): 2.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57–3.23, P < 0.001], aortic insufficiency (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.50–3.94, P < 0.001), and mitral insufficiency (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.17–2.61, P < 0.001) but not mitral stenosis (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.60–2.70, P = 0.47).

Conclusions

Our study reports the increased risk of valvular heart diseases in patients with AS, possibly due to the inflammatory milieu associated with the disease process and the result of biomechanical stress affecting the enthesis-like valvular structures.
Phosphate toxicity and SERCA2a dysfunction in sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: June 2023

Almost half of the people who die from sudden cardiac arrest have no detectable heart disease. Among children and young adults, the cause of approximately one‐third of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest remains unexplained after thorough examination. Sudden cardiac arrest and related sudden cardiac death are attributed to dysfunctional cardiac ion‐channels. The present perspective paper proposes a pathophysiological mechanism by which phosphate toxicity from cellular accumulation of dysregulated inorganic phosphate interferes with normal calcium handling in the heart, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. During cardiac muscle relaxation following contraction, SERCA2a pumps actively transport calcium ions into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, powered by ATP hydrolysis that produces ADP and inorganic phosphate end products. Reviewed evidence supports the proposal that end‐product inhibition of SERCA2a occurs as increasing levels of inorganic phosphate drive up phosphate toxicity and bring cardiac function to a sudden and unexpected halt. The paper concludes that end‐product inhibition from ATP hydrolysis is the mediating factor in the association of sudden cardiac arrest with phosphate toxicity. However, current technology lacks the ability to directly measure this pathophysiological mechanism in active myocardium, and further research is needed to confirm phosphate toxicity as a risk factor in individuals with sudden cardiac arrest. Moreover, phosphate toxicity may be reduced through modification of dietary phosphate intake, with potential for employing low‐phosphate dietary interventions to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Shared and distinct pathways and networks genetically linked to coronary artery disease between human and mouse
Authors: Kurt Zeyneb , Cheng Jenny , McQuillen Caden N. , Saleem Zara , Hsu Neil , Jiang Nuoya , Barrere-Cain Rio , Pan Calvin , Franzen Oscar , Koplev Simon , Wang Susanna , Bjorkegren Johan , Lusis Aldons J. , Blencowe Montgomery , Yang Xia
Published: June 2023

Mouse models have been used extensively to study human coronary artery disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis and to test therapeutic targets. However, whether mouse and human share similar genetic factors and pathogenic mechanisms of atherosclerosis has not been thoroughly investigated in a data-driven manner. We conducted a cross-species comparison study to better understand atherosclerosis pathogenesis between species by leveraging multiomics data. Specifically, we compared genetically driven and thus CAD-causal gene networks and pathways, by using human GWAS of CAD from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium and mouse GWAS of atherosclerosis from the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP) followed by integration with functional multiomics human (STARNET and GTEx) and mouse (HMDP) databases. We found that mouse and human shared >75% of CAD causal pathways. Based on network topology, we then predicted key regulatory genes for both the shared pathways and species-specific pathways, which were further validated through the use of single cell data and the latest CAD GWAS. In sum, our results should serve as a much-needed guidance for which human CAD-causal pathways can or cannot be further evaluated for novel CAD therapies using mouse models.
Differences in the transcriptome response in the gills of sea lamprey acutely exposed to 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), niclosamide or a TFM:niclosamide mixture
Authors: Lawrence M.J. , Grayson P. , Jeffrey J.D. , Docker M.F. , Garroway C.J. , Wilson J.M. , Manzon R.G. , Wilkie M.P. , Jeffries K.M.
Published: June 2023

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control in the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America makes use of two pesticides: 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) and niclosamide, which are often co-applied. Sea lamprey appear to be vulnerable to these agents resulting from a lack of detoxification responses with evidence suggesting that lampricide mixtures produce a synergistic effect. However, there is a lack of information pertaining to the physiological responses of sea lamprey to niclosamide and TFM:niclosamide mixtures. Here, we characterized the transcriptomic responses of the sea lamprey to TFM, niclosamide, and a TFM:niclosamide (1.5%) mixture in the gill. Along with a control, larval sea lamprey were exposed to each treatment for 6 h, after which gill tissues were extracted for measuring whole-transcriptome responses using RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression patterns were summarized, which included identifying the broad roles of genes and common expression patterns among the treatments. While niclosamide treatment resulted in no differentially expressed genes, TFM- and mixture-treated fish had several differentially expressed genes that were associated with the cell cycle, DNA damage, metabolism, immune function, and detoxification. However, there was no common differential expression among treatments. For the first time, we characterized the transcriptomic response of sea lamprey to niclosamide and a TFM:niclosamide mixture and identified that these agents impact mRNA transcript abundance of genes associated with the cell cycle and cellular death, and immune function, which are likely mediated through mitochondrial dysregulation. These results may help to inform the production of more targeted and effective lampricides in sea lamprey control efforts.
Thin Microfluidic Chips with Active Valves
Authors: Prajapati Ekta , Giri Pravin Shankar , Rath Subha Narayan , Kumar Shishir
Published: June 2023

We report the fabrication of very thin microfluidic active and passive devices on rigid and flexible substrates for sample-space-restricted applications. Thin glass coverslips are commonly used substrates, but these being fragile often crack during experiments, leading to device failure. Here, we used PET as a flexible substrate to fabricate robust thin devices. We proposed a simpler process for PET-PDMS bonding without any silane, adhesive, and/or plasma treatment. We presented the compatibility of the thin devices with a digital in-line holographic microscope (DIHM) as a use case. The substitution of the conventional microscope with DIHM in microfluidic large-scale integrated systems renders simplicity, cost-effectiveness, portability, and miniaturization of the overall system. It also enables a customized and parallel multisite optical observation for a complex microfluidic circuit chip. These chips comprise various microfluidic components made of active microvalves, particularly Quake valves. We also successfully demonstrated the function of microvalves fabricated with our method to regulate the fluidic flow. Thus, are suited to making sophisticated microfluidic circuit chips to fit a variety of applications like organ-on-chip, cell culture, wearable biosensors, pressure sensors, etc.
Post-acquisition super resolution for cryo-electron microscopy
Authors: Burton-Smith Raymond N. , Murata Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2023

Super resolution detector acquisition for cryo-EM has been used to improve the clarity of cryo-EM reconstructions. Recent reports have demonstrated achieving resolutions beyond the physical Nyquist limit using super resolution acquisition. Here, we demonstrate exceeding the physical Nyquist limitation by pre-processing the raw micrograph movies from “counting mode” data which has already reached physical Nyquist reconstruction resolution. To demonstrate functionality, micrograph movies of five datasets were pre-processed and demonstrate that it is possible to exceed the physical Nyquist limit via pixel doubling before motion correction. We call this “post-acquisition super resolution”, or PASR. While this was originally developed for processing of giant virus datasets, where acquiring at high magnification is not always possible or desirable, it is also shown to work for smaller objects such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) and apoferritin, both of which are still high symmetry, and jack bean urease, with lower symmetry. PASR could reduce the magnification required to achieve desired resolutions, which may increase collection efficiency. PASR can also be of use for in vivo tomography and facilities with high storage demands. However, this method should only be used for data which is able to achieve the Nyquist limit without PASR pre-processing. It will not improve attained resolutions of data which does not already reach the Nyquist limit.
Saturation Genome Editing Resolves the Functional Spectrum of PathogenicVHLAlleles
Authors: Buckley Megan , Kajba Christina M. , Forrester Nicole , Terwagne Chloé , Sawyer Chelsea , Shepherd Scott T.C. , Jonghe Joachim De , Dace Phoebe , Turajlic Samra , Findlay Gregory M.
Published: June 2023

To maximize the impact of precision medicine approaches, it is critical to accurately identify genetic variants in cancer-associated genes with functional consequences. Yet, our knowledge of rare variants conferring clinically relevant phenotypes and the mechanisms through which they act remains highly limited. A tumor suppressor gene exemplifying the challenge of variant interpretation isVHL.VHLencodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates the cellular response to hypoxia. Germline pathogenic variants inVHLpredispose patients to tumors including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and pheochromocytoma, and somaticVHLmutations are frequently observed in sporadic renal cancer. Here, we optimize and apply Saturation Genome Editing (SGE) to assay nearly all possible single nucleotide variants (SNVs) acrossVHL’s coding sequence. To delineate mechanisms, we quantify mRNA dosage effects over time and compare effects in isogenic cell lines. Function scores for 2,268VHLSNVs identify a core set of pathogenic alleles driving ccRCC with perfect accuracy, inform differential risk across tumor types, and reveal novel mechanisms by which variants impact function. These results have immediate utility for classifyingVHLvariants encountered in both germline testing and tumor profiling and illustrate how precise functional measurements can resolve pleiotropic and dosage-dependent genotype-phenotype relationships across complete genes.
The displacement of the σ70finger in initial transcription is highly heterogeneous and promoter-dependent
Authors: Wanga Anna , Mazumdera Abhishek , Kapanidis Achillefs N.
Published: June 2023

Bacterial sigma factors (σ) contain a highly conserved structural module, the ‘‘σ-finger’’, which forms a loop that protrudes towards the RNA polymerase (RNAP) active-centre in the open complex and has been implicated in pre-organisation of template DNA, abortive initiation of short RNAs, initiation pausing, and promoter escape. Here, we introduce a novel single-molecule FRET (smFRET) assay to monitor σ-finger motions during transcription initiation and promoter escape. We find that the σ-finger is displaced from its position inside the active site cleft before promoter escape, and after synthesis of RNAs with lengths that are highly dependent on the sequence of the promoter used. Real-time smFRET measurements reveal the presence of significant heterogeneity in the timing of finger displacement and show that different σ-finger conformations in single open transcription complexes are associated with substantially different kinetics in transcription initiation and promoter escape, potentially impacting gene regulation in bacteria.