bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual presentation of talonavicular joint pigmented villonodular synovitis: a case report
Authors: Elahifar Omid , Torkaman Ali , Ghaeini Moein , Eslami Arvin
Published: February 2024

Background

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a rare yet locally invasive disorder impacting synovial tissues. This case report delineates the atypical manifestation of pigmented villonodular synovitis in the talonavicular joint, detailing its diagnostic complexity and successful management.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Iranian patient with a 4-year history of chronic ankle pain, initially diagnosed with degenerative joint disease post-trauma based on imaging, underwent talonavicular fusion surgery. An unexpected pigmented villonodular synovitis mass was encountered during the procedure. Subsequent interventions encompassed tumor resection, talonavicular joint fusion, and allograft bone grafting. Despite the initial intervention, persistent pain and nonunion necessitated a secondary procedure, involving joint surface curettage and autograft bone grafting. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient remained pain-free without tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the significance of considering pigmented villonodular synovitis as a crucial differential diagnosis in chronic ankle pain, even when there is evidence of degenerative joint disease and a history of trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging serves a crucial role in accurate diagnosis. Treatment necessitates precise tumor removal, appropriate bone grafting techniques and secure fixation.

Level of evidence: IV.
Variation in the affinity of three representative avian adenoviruses for the cellular coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor
Authors: Song Yapeng , Tao Mingyue , Liu Lin , Wang Yang , Zhao Zhenchao , Huang Zongmei , Gao Wenming , Wei Qiang , Li Xinsheng
Published: February 2024

According to previous studies, three representative avian adenoviral strains utilize coxsackievirus–adenovirus receptor (CAR) as a receptor and seem to exhibit diverse binding affinities and modes. Thus, further revealing the exact molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between different FAdVs and the attachment receptor CAR is necessary. In this study, we successfully solved the crystal structure of the FAdV-4 fiber1 knob at 1.6 Å resolution. The interaction between the fibre knob and different domains of CAR was verified by confocal microscopy, coimmunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The fibre knobs of the three representative fowl adenoviruses specifically recognized CAR domain 1 (D1), but the recognition of CAR domain 2 (D2) by chicken embryo lethal orphan (CELO) strains was weak. These results provide insights into the differences in adenovirus‒host cell interactions and have important implications for the exploration of viral invasion mechanisms.
Wood, knots and bark extractives for oak, beech and Douglas fir: a dataset based on a review of the scientific literature
Authors: Richard Béatrice , Bénard Alain , Dumarçay Stéphane , Colin Francis
Published: February 2024

Key message

Wood_db-chemistry gathers information on oak, beech and Douglas fir extractives studied between 1950 and 2020. The data can be used by researchers, stakeholders in the forest-wood sector and the chemical industry to make the most of the extractives and their bioactive properties through knowledge of their diversity in the forest resource. Dataset access is at https://doi.org/10.57745/QZYPUA. Associated metadata are available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/4f8c07d2-c0f6-4958-8f74-936054a9870a.
Image fusion research based on the Haar-like multi-scale analysis
Authors: Zhu Xiaoliang , Wen Mengke
Published: February 2024

In view of the serious color and definition distortion in the process of the traditional image fusion, this study proposes a Haar-like multi-scale analysis model, in which Haar wavelet has been modified and used for the medical image fusion to obtain even better results. Firstly, when the improved Haar wavelet basis function is translated, inner product and down-sampled with each band of the original image, the band is decomposed into four sub-images containing one low-frequency subdomain and three high-frequency subdomains. Secondly, the different fusion rules are applied in the low-frequency domain and the high-frequency domains to get the low-frequency sub-image and the high-frequency sub-images in each band. The four new sub-frequency domains are inverse-decomposed to reconstruct each new band. The study configures and synthesizes these new bands to produce a fusion image. Lastly, the two groups of the medical images are used for experimental simulation. The Experimental results are analyzed and compared with those of other fusion methods. It can be found the fusion method proposed in the study obtain the superior effects in the spatial definition and the color depth feature, especially in color criteria such as OP, SpD, CR and SSIM, comparing with the other methods.
Target tracking using video surveillance for enabling machine vision services at the edge of marine transportation systems based on microwave remote sensing
Authors: Li Meiyan , Wang Qinyong , Liao Yuwei
Published: February 2024

Automatic target tracking in emerging remote sensing video-generating tools based on microwave imaging technology and radars has been investigated in this paper. A moving target tracking system is proposed to be low complexity and fast for implementation through edge nodes in a mini-satellite or drone network enabling machine intelligence into large-scale vision systems, in particular, for marine transportation systems. The system uses a group of image processing tools for video pre-processing, and Kalman filtering to do the main task. For testing the system performance, two measures of accuracy and false alarms probability are computed for real vision data. Two types of scenes are analyzed including the scene with single target, and the scene with multiple targets that is more complicated for automatic target detection and tracking systems. The proposed system has achieved a high performance in our tests.
Surface wear of attachments in patients during clear aligner therapy: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Li Qiuying , Yang Kai
Published: February 2024

Background

This prospective clinical study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the surface wear of attachments and investigate the associated risk factors. Additionally, the wear values and regions of three types of commonly used attachments were explored.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the population of patients who received clear aligner therapy from October to December 2022. Intraoral scanning was performed on eligible participants before treatment (T0), immediately after initial bonding of attachments (T1), and at 2 months (T2), 4 months (T3), 6 months (T4), and 8 months (T5) after starting treatment. The attachment volume, average depth and regions of attachment wear were measured using superimposed digitized models. The Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to compare data between multiple groups. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for the volume of attachment wear.

Results

A total of 47 patients with 617 attachments were included. As treatment time increased, the attachment volume decreased significantly (P = 0.003). The initial attachment volume was positively related to the volume of attachment wear (β = 0.527, P < 0.001). The volume of attachment wear was significantly greater in females than in males (β = 0.147, P = 0.020) and in optimized attachments than in conventional attachments (β = 0.308, P < 0.001). The wear of 3-mm rectangular attachments progressed from edges to buccal surfaces, with the deepest wear at corners of gingival edges; the wear of the optimized attachments was primarily located on surface ridges. The wear volume ratio of the optimized root control attachments was significantly greater than that of the 3-mm rectangular attachments at T3 (P = 0.011), T4 (P < 0.001), and T5 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The volume of attachment wear increased gradually with treatment time. Sex, attachment type, and initial attachment volume were risk factors for the volume of attachment wear. The deepest wear regions of 3-mm rectangular attachments were at the corners of gingival edges, while the deepest wear regions of optimized attachments were at surface ridges. Four months after treatment, optimized root control attachments showed more relative wear than 3-mm rectangular attachments.
Evaluation after implementation of chemical bowel preparation for surgical site infections in elective colorectal cancer surgery and role of antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sasaki Yasuhiro , Kurishima Akira , Miyamoto Chieko , Hataji Kenichiro , Tezuka Toru , Katsuragawa Hideo
Published: February 2024

Background

We evaluated the predictive factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) in elective colorectal cancer surgery and the role of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) pharmacists in modifying the clinical pathway.

Main body

Between February 2017 and January 2022, 414 elective colorectal cancer surgeries were performed. The results of multivariate analysis by SSI incidence were adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22–0.96 (P = 0.039) for sex (female), aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.13–0.58 (P < 0.001) for laparoscopy, aOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19–0.91 (P = 0.029) for chemical bowel preparation. The median (interquartile range) postoperative length of stay was 12 (10.0–18.5) vs. 10 (9.0–13.0) days before and after the clinical pathway was modified (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The role of AS pharmacists was primarily to conduct a literature search to explore whether SSIs could be ameliorated by pharmacotherapy, coordinate the addition of chemical bowel preparation, and epidemiologically confirm their effectiveness.
Concentration and risk assessment of Cryptosporidium infection associated with exposure to the Njoro River, Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Essendi Walter Miding’a , Muleke Charles Inyagwa , Otachi Elick Onyango
Published: February 2024

Background

Cryptosporidium is a gastrointestinal pathogen. The oocysts are transmitted through the environment, and drinking contaminated water is one particular route. There is heavy pollution of Cryptosporidium in Njoro River, the main source of drinking water for humans and animals around the watershed. However, there is no information on the parasite concentration and estimated health risk exposed to these populations. This study determined the level of contamination and risk of infection by Cryptosporidium parasites in Njoro River. Water samples were collected monthly from three ecological sites along Njoro River for twelve months. Cryptosporidium oocysts were concentrated from these water samples using calcium carbonate flocculation method, examined and counted using epifluorescent microscopy. Quantitative microbial risk assessment was applied to estimate the health risk of Cryptosporidium infection in Njoro River using a beta-Poisson dose–response model.

Results

The concentration of Cryptosporidium parasites in Njoro River is 0.936 ± 0.73 oocysts/litre. However, this concentration fluctuates with ecological site of the river; highest concentration occurs at downstream (1.325 ± 0.73), followed by midstream (0.917 ± 0.74) and least at upstream (0.567 ± 0.54). Concentration of Cryptosporidium in the river is higher during wet than dry seasons, with the difference in mean concentrations between the two seasons being significant (t(34) = − 6.101, p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between Cryptosporidium concentration, temperature and pH, while a strong positive correlation existed between Cryptosporidium concentration and turbidity. The daily probability of infection by Cryptosporidium in Njoro River watershed is 0.25, while the annual risk is 0.99.

Conclusions

Njoro River is heavily polluted with Cryptosporidium parasites. This exposes both the humans and animals that drink water from this river to a high risk of cryptosporidiosis, a potentially fatal infection particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Electrophysiological studies versus high-resolution nerve ultrasound in diagnosis of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Abou Hagar Ahmed , Negm Mohamed , Elshamly Samer , Shehab Osama , Mosallam Walid , Abd El-Razek Reda
Published: February 2024

Background

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is polyneuropathy characterized by inflammation and immune-mediated processes that is classified into many subtypes based on electrophysiological and pathological criteria. The diagnosis of GBS can be confirmed using electrophysiological studies. However, electrophysiological studies may be normal when carried out early within 1 week in the course of the disease (Berciano et al. in J Neurol 264:221–236, 2017). One of the most useful imaging modalities for peripheral nerve diseases is ultrasonography (US). Nerve US in combination with electrophysiological studies provides an appropriate method in evaluating diseased peripheral nerves. This study aimed to enhance the reliability of early GBS diagnosis by correlating the findings of electrophysiological studies and nerve ultrasound. The nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in 37 GBS patients and 37 controls combined with cross-sectional area (CSA) assessment with US within the first 3 days of onset of symptoms and on day 14 after disease onset were evaluated.

Results

At presentation, patients and controls did not differ significantly in NCS parameters (p ≥ 0.05) except for a significantly longer F-wave minimum latency in the median, ulnar, and tibial nerves in patients (p < 0.001). While on day 14 all NCS parameters differed significantly in patients in comparison to controls (p < 0.001) with exception of the sural nerve parameters (p ≥ 0.05). Except for the sural nerve (p ≥ 0.05), all the examined nerves' CSAs were considerably higher in patients at presentation and on day 14 in comparison to the controls (p < 0.001). The subtypes of Guillain–Barré syndrome either demyelinating, axonal or mixed axonal and demyelinating did not significantly differ regarding the CSAs of all the examined nerves either at presentation or on day 14 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Electrophysiological results in GBS are crucial in diagnosing the disease and understanding its pathophysiology, but serial NCSs are required. Ultrasound shows structural aspects of the nerve, so ultrasonography is a reliable tool which can be used in diagnosis and follow-up of early GBS. As a result, combining the two investigations has a complementary effect in the diagnosis and prognosis of GBS.
Evaluation of smartphone-assisted infrared thermal imaging efficiency in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Turan Kaya , Muratoğlu Osman Görkem , Ergün Tuğrul , Çabuk Haluk
Published: February 2024

Background

Thermography is an industrial method for surface temperature measurements, and although it is medically safe and non-invasive, its place in daily practice has been limited. With the development of technology, thermal cameras have become more accessible and practical via adaptation to mobile phones. Among patients evaluated with bilateral nerve conduction studies (NCS) for suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), those with electrophysiological findings consistent with mild-to-moderate unilateral CTS were accepted for this prospective study. The hands with positive NCS findings were the study group, and the unaffected hands were the control group. The images were evaluated with the thermal analysis software (FLIR Tools ver. 6.4, Windows 10) and compared with NCS for statistical significance. In addition, thermal images were examined by three orthopaedic surgeons, and interobserver correlation was analyzed. Our study aims to evaluate the mobile phone-assisted thermal camera (FLIR One Pro, FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, OR, USA) as a suitable tool to diagnose CTS.

Results

48 patients, 35 women and 13 men were included in the study. Bilaterally, a total of 96 hands were evaluated. 18 patients had mild, and 30 patients had moderate NCS stages unilaterally. The mean temperature difference at the region of interest in the palm, first and third fingers were statistically significant between the study and control groups (p < 0.05). NCS values and stages were correlated with the temperature difference in the third finger (p = 0.002). The inter-observer reliability was high (ICC = 0.858) while detecting temperature differences.

Conclusions

Since smartphone-assisted thermal cameras are easy and convenient to use, we think they are helpful in the daily practice of diagnosing mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
The reliability and validity of the Timed Up and Go test in patients ongoing or following lumbar spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Özden Fatih
Published: February 2024

Background

No other systematic review examined the measurement properties of the TUG in LSS. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the measurement properties of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) in patients with Lumbar Spine Surgery (LSS). A literature search yielded 906 studies [PubMed:71, Web of Science (WoS):80, Scopus:214, ScienceDirect:471 and Cochrane Library:70]. Included 10 studies were assessed for risk of bias and quality using the “four-point COSMIN tool” and “COSMIN quality criteria tool”. Criterion validity and responsiveness results were pooled with “correlation coefficient” and “Hedges’ g” based effect size, respectively.

Results

The correlation coefficient pooling between TUG and VAS back and leg pain was 0.26 (moderate) (95% CI 0.19–0.34) and 0.28 (moderate) (95% CI 0.20–0.36). The pooled coefficient of TUG with ODI and RMDI was 0.33 (moderate) (95% CI 0.27–0.39) and 0.33 (moderate) (95% CI 0.24–0.42), respectively. Besides, TUG has correlated with the quality-of-life PROMs with a coefficient of − 0.22 to − 0.26 (moderate) (EQ5D Index 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.16), (SF12-PCS 95% CI − 0.33 to − 0.15) and (SF12-MCS 95% CI − 0.32 to − 0.13). The pooled coefficient of TUG with COMI, ZCQ-PF and ZCQ-SS was 0.46 (moderate) (95% CI 0.30–0.59), 0.43 (moderate) (95% CI 0.26–0.56), and 0.38 (moderate) (95% CI 0.21–0.52), respectively. TUG’s 3-day and 6-week responsiveness results were 0.14 (low) (95% CI − 0.02 to 0.29) and 0.74 (moderate to strong) (95% CI 0.60–0.89), respectively. TUG was responsive at the mid-term (6 weeks) follow-up.

Conclusion

In clinical practice, the TUG can be used as a reliable, valid and responsive tool to assess LSS patients’ general status, especially in mid-term.
An alternative surgical approach for isolated pulmonary valve infective endocarditis secondary to restrictive ventricular septal defect: a case report
Authors: Hussein Hossameldin , Youssef Ahmed , Mahgoub Ahmed , Gamal Noha , Farrag Amr , Romeih Soha
Published: February 2024

Background

Native pulmonary valve (PV) infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare condition with an incidence of 1.5–2%. Although medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, surgical intervention is still indicated in cases that fail to respond to antibiotics. To date, there is lack of consensus about the best surgical approach for isolated native PV IE. While valve repair is sometimes feasible, most of the cases require valve replacement depending on the extent of tissue damage. A stented bioprosthesis can be used when infection is confined to the valve leaflets. However, extension of damage to the pulmonary root or right ventricular outflow tract usually requires debridement and root replacement.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old lady with a long history of restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) presented with fever and shortness of breath shortly after vaginal delivery that was diagnosed as isolated PV IE with pulmonary septic emboli. After 1 week of antibiotic therapy, there was no response with persistent infection and complete valve destruction. Heart team discussion recommended PV replacement using a Freestyle valve along with VSD repair. On follow-up after 1 year, she was doing fine with well-functioning Freestyle valve.

Conclusion

Unrepaired restrictive VSD can be a predisposing factor for native PV IE. A Freestyle valve in the pulmonary position is a valid option for such cases, with good early outcomes and reasonable durability, particularly when there is extensive tissue infection and homograft is not available. More evidence is still required to evaluate the long-term outcomes of PV Freestyle in cases of IE.
Efficient preconditioned least-squares wave-equation migration
Authors: Abolhassani Siamak , Verschuur Dirk Jacob
Published: February 2024

Since the appearance of wave-equation migration (WEM), many have tried to improve the resolution and effectiveness of this technology. Least-squares wave-equation migration is one of those attempts that try to fill the gap between migration assumptions and reality in an iterative manner. However, these iterations do not come cheap. A proven solution to limit the number of least-squares iterations is to correct the gradient direction within each iteration via the action of a preconditioner that approximates the inverse Hessian. However, the Hessian computation, or even the Hessian approximation computation, in large-scale seismic imaging problems involves an expensive computational bottleneck, making it unfeasible. Therefore, we develop an efficient computation of the Hessian approximation operator in the context of one-way WEM in the space-frequency domain. We build the Hessian approximation operator depth by depth, considerably reducing the operator size each time it is calculated. We prove the validity of our method with two numerical examples. We then extend our proposal to the framework of full-wavefield migration, which is based on WEM principles but includes interbed multiples. Finally, this efficient preconditioned least-squares full-wavefield migration is successfully applied to a data set with strong interbed multiple scattering.
Impaired Mitochondrial Respiration in Upper Compared to Lower Body Differentiated Human Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Lempesis Ioannis G , Hoebers Nicole , Essers Yvonne , Jocken Johan W E , Dubois Ludwig J , Blaak Ellen E , Manolopoulos Konstantinos N , Goossens Gijs H
Published: February 2024

Context

Abdominal obesity is associated with increased cardiometabolic disease risk, while lower body fat seems to confer protection against obesity-related complications. The functional differences between upper and lower body adipose tissue (AT) remain poorly understood.

Objective

We aimed to examine whether mitochondrial respiration is impaired in abdominal as compared to femoral differentiated human multipotent adipose-derived stem cells (hMADS; primary outcome) and AT in postmenopausal women.

Design

In this cross-sectional study, 23 postmenopausal women with normal weight or obesity were recruited at the University of Birmingham/Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (Birmingham, UK). We collected abdominal and femoral subcutaneous AT biopsies to determine mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in differentiated abdominal and femoral hMADS. Furthermore, we assessed oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein expression and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in abdominal and femoral AT as well as hMADS. Finally, we explored in vivo fractional oxygen extraction and carbon dioxide release across abdominal and femoral subcutaneous AT in a subgroup of the same individuals with normal weight or obesity.

Results

We found lower basal and maximal uncoupled mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in abdominal compared to femoral hMADS. In line, in vivo fractional oxygen extraction and carbon dioxide release were lower across abdominal than femoral AT. OXPHOS protein expression and mtDNA content did not significantly differ between abdominal and femoral differentiated hMADS and AT.

Conclusion

The present findings demonstrate that in vitro mitochondrial respiration and in vivo oxygen fractional extraction are less in upper compared to lower body differentiated hMADS and AT, respectively, in postmenopausal women.
Treatment Satisfaction With Omnipod DASH in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Nonblinded 1:1 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kong Yee Wen , Yuan Cheng Yi , Kiburg Katerina , Brown Katrin , Trawley Steven , Partovi Andi , Roem Kerryn , Pham Cecilia , Harrison Natalie , Fourlanos Spiros , Ekinci Elif I , O’Neal David N
Published: February 2024

Context

Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System is a tubeless insulin pump that overcomes the physical inconveniences of conventional tubed insulin pump therapy (IPT).

Objective

We compared treatment satisfaction with Omnipod DASH System to usual care (multiple daily injections [MDIs] or tubed IPT) in adults with type 1 diabetes using self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG).

Methods

Adults with type 1 diabetes on MDI (n = 40) or IPT (n = 25) from 4 diabetes centers in Australia were randomly assigned in a 1:1 nonblinded manner to Omnipod DASH System (Omnipod group) or continue usual care (Usual Care group) for 12 weeks, followed by a further 12-week extension during which all participants used the device. The primary outcome was treatment satisfaction assessed by change in Diabetes Technology Questionnaire “current” (ΔDTQ-current) score at 12 weeks (study end). Secondary outcomes included ΔDTQ-current following extension and other participant-reported outcomes (PROs) measuring quality of life, burden of disease treatment, and glycemic and device-related outcomes at 12 weeks (study end) and 24 weeks (end extension).

Results

Treatment satisfaction improved more in the Omnipod group vs the Usual Care group (ΔDTQ-current score of 16.4 [21.2] vs 0.0 [12.8]; P < .001) at study end. Significantly greater improvements in other PROs and glycated hemoglobin A1c were also observed. Improvements in DTQ-current and other PROs comparing study end and end extension were similar. While percentage in time in range change from baseline did not differ at study end (−2.0 [12.7] %), it was significantly greater at end extension (5.6 [10.9] %; P = .016).

Conclusion

The Omnipod DASH System resulted in greater treatment satisfaction at 12 weeks in adults with type 1 diabetes using SMBG that was sustained after 24 weeks of device use without compromising sleep quality and fear of hypoglycemia. Improvements in glycemia were also observed.
Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in 30 Japanese Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism Attributable to TG Defects
Authors: Tanase-Nakao Kanako , Iwahashi-Odano Megumi , Sugisawa Chiho , Abe Kiyomi , Muroya Koji , Yamamoto Yukiyo , Kawada Yasusada , Mushimoto Yuichi , Ohkubo Kazuhiro , Kinjo Saori , Shimura Kazuhiro , Aoyama Kohei , Mizuno Haruo , Hotsubo Tomoyuki , Takahashi Chie , Isojima Tsuyoshi , Kina Yoko , Takakuwa Satoshi , Hamada Junpei , Sawaki Miwa , Shigehara Keiichi , Sugimoto Satoru , Etani Yuri , Narumi-Wakayama Hiroko , Mine Yusuke , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Hishinuma Akira , Narumi Satoshi
Published: February 2024

Context

Thyroglobulin (Tg), encoded by TG, is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. TG defects result in congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Most reported patients were born before the introduction of newborn screening (NBS).

Objective

We aimed to clarify the phenotypic features of patients with TG defects diagnosed and treated since the neonatal period.

Methods

We screened 1061 patients with CH for 13 CH-related genes and identified 30 patients with TG defects. One patient was diagnosed due to hypothyroidism-related symptoms and the rest were diagnosed via NBS. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their genotypes, and clinical characteristics were compared. We evaluated the functionality of the 7 missense variants using HEK293 cells.

Results

Twenty-seven rare TG variants were detected, including 15 nonsense, 3 frameshift, 2 splice-site, and 7 missense variants. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 13 patients with biallelic truncating variants and 17 patients with monoallelic/biallelic missense variants. Patients with missense variants were more likely to develop thyroid enlargement with thyrotropin stimulation than patients with biallelic truncating variants. Patients with biallelic truncating variants invariably required full hormone replacement, whereas patients with missense variants required variable doses of levothyroxine. Loss of function of the 7 missense variants was confirmed in vitro.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the largest investigation on the clinical presentation of TG defects diagnosed in the neonatal period. Patients with missense variants showed relatively mild hypothyroidism with compensative goiter. Patients with only truncating variants showed minimal or no compensative goiter and required full hormone replacement.
Robust axis elongation by Nodal-dependent restriction of BMP signaling
Authors: Schauer Alexandra , Pranjic-Ferscha Kornelija , Hauschild Robert , Heisenberg Carl-Philipp
Published: February 2024

Embryogenesis results from the coordinated activities of different signaling pathways controlling cell fate specification and morphogenesis. In vertebrate gastrulation, both Nodal and BMP signaling play key roles in germ layer specification and morphogenesis, yet their interplay to coordinate embryo patterning with morphogenesis is still insufficiently understood. Here, we took a reductionist approach using zebrafish embryonic explants to study the coordination of Nodal and BMP signaling for embryo patterning and morphogenesis. We show that Nodal signaling triggers explant elongation by inducing mesendodermal progenitors but also suppressing BMP signaling activity at the site of mesendoderm induction. Consistent with this, ectopic BMP signaling in the mesendoderm blocks cell alignment and oriented mesendoderm intercalations, key processes during explant elongation. Translating these ex vivo observations to the intact embryo showed that, similar to explants, Nodal signaling suppresses the effect of BMP signaling on cell intercalations in the dorsal domain, thus allowing robust embryonic axis elongation. These findings suggest a dual function of Nodal signaling in embryonic axis elongation by both inducing mesendoderm and suppressing BMP effects in the dorsal portion of the mesendoderm.
C. elegans spermatocyte divisions show a weak spindle checkpoint response
Authors: Chen Shang-yang , Cheng Pu-wei , Peng Hsiao-fang , Wu Jui-ching
Published: February 2024

Male meiotic division exhibits two consecutive chromosome separation events without apparent pausing. Several studies have shown that spermatocyte divisions are not stringently regulated as in mitotic cells. In this study, we investigated the role of the canonical spindle assembly (SAC) pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans spermatogenesis. We found the intensity of chromosome-associated outer kinetochore protein BUB-1 and SAC effector MDF-1 oscillates between the two divisions. However, the SAC target securin is degraded during the first division and remains undetectable for the second division. Inhibition of proteasome-dependent protein degradation did not affect the progression of the second division but stopped the first division at metaphase. Perturbation of spindle integrity did not affect the duration of meiosis II, and only slightly lengthened meiosis I. Our results demonstrate that male meiosis II is independent of SAC regulation, and male meiosis I exhibits only weak checkpoint response.
The black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis detects CO2 without the Haller's organ
Authors: Städele Carola
Published: February 2024

Both male and female ticks have a strong innate drive to find and blood-feed on hosts. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered a critical behavioral activator and attractant for ticks and an essential sensory cue to find hosts. Yet, how CO2 activates and promotes host seeking in ticks is poorly understood. CO2 responses were studied in the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector for Lyme disease in North America. Adult males and females were exposed to 1%, 2%, 4% or 8% CO2, and changes in walking behavior and foreleg movement were analyzed. CO2 is a potent stimulant for adult I. scapularis, even at lower concentrations (1%). Behavioral reactions depended on the animal's state: walking ticks increased their walking speed, while stationary ticks started to wave their forelegs and began to quest – both behaviors resembling aspects of host seeking. Only in sporadic cases did stationary animals start to walk when exposed to CO2, supporting the hypothesis that CO2 acts as an activator rather than an attractant. Furthermore, I. scapularis did not show a clear concentration preference and was not tuned more robustly to breath-like CO2 concentrations (∼4%) than to the other concentrations tested. Moreover, convincing evidence is provided showing that the foreleg Haller's organ is not necessary for CO2 detection. Even with a disabled or amputated Haller's organ, I. scapularis responded robustly to CO2, signifying that there must be CO2-sensitive structures important for tick host seeking that have not yet been identified.
Fantastic beasts and how to study them: rethinking experimental animal behavior
Authors: Ding Siyu Serena , Fox Jessica L. , Gordus Andrew , Joshi Abhilasha , Liao James C. , Scholz Monika
Published: February 2024

Humans have been trying to understand animal behavior at least since recorded history. Recent rapid development of new technologies has allowed us to make significant progress in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior, a key goal of neuroethology. However, there is a tradeoff when studying animal behavior and its underlying biological mechanisms: common behavior protocols in the laboratory are designed to be replicable and controlled, but they often fail to encompass the variability and breadth of natural behavior. This Commentary proposes a framework of 10 key questions that aim to guide researchers in incorporating a rich natural context into their experimental design or in choosing a new animal study system. The 10 questions cover overarching experimental considerations that can provide a template for interspecies comparisons, enable us to develop studies in new model organisms and unlock new experiments in our quest to understand behavior.
Impact of Metastatic Lymph Nodes on Survival of Patients with pN1-Category Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Long-Term Survival Analysis
Authors: Li Kexun , Du Kunyi , Li Changding , He Wenwu , Lu Simiao , Liu Kun , Wang Chenghao , Nie Xin , Han Yongtao , Huang Yunchao , Wang Qifeng , Peng Lin , Leng Xuefeng
Published: February 2024

Background

The morbidity and mortality rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are high in China. The overall survival (OS) of patients with ESCC is related to lymph node (LN) metastasis (LNM). This study aimed to discuss the impact of metastasis in LN stations on the OS of patients with pathologic N1 (pN1) ESCC.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Esophageal Cancer Case Management database of Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute (SCCH-ECCM). Additionally, data of patients with pN1-category ESCC collected between January 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Data from 807 patients were analyzed. The median OS of the patients with one metastatic LN (group 1) was 49.8 months (95 % confidence interval [CI], 30.8–68.9 months), whereas the OS of those with two metastatic LNs (group 2) was only 33.3 months (P = 0.0001). Moreover, group 1 did not show a significantly longer OS than group 2.1 (patients with 2 metastatic LNs in 1 LNM station; P = 0.5736), but did show a significantly longer OS than group 2.2 (patients with 2 metastatic LNs in 2 LNM stations; P < 0.0001). After propensity score-matching, the 5-year survival rate for group 1 was 28 %, whereas that for group 2 was 14 % (P = 0.0027).

Conclusions

The OS for the patients with one metastatic LN in one LNM was not significantly longer than for the patients with two metastatic LNs in one LNM station. Patients with one LNM station had a significantly longer OS than those with two LNM stations. Thus, the number of LNM stations is a significant determinant of OS in pN1 ESCC.
Long-Term Outcome of Proximal Gastrectomy for Upper-Third Advanced Gastric and Siewert Type II Esophagogastric Junction Cancer Compared With Total Gastrectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Lee Seungho , Chae Yoon Soo , Yun Won-Gun , Kim Jane Chungyoon , Park Jae Kyun , Kim Min Gyu , Kim Jeesun , Cho Yo-Seok , Kong Seong-Ho , Park Do Joong , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Yang Han-Kwang
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the oncologic long-term safety of proximal gastrectomy for upper-third advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and Siewert type II esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer.

Methods

The study enrolled patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy (PG) or total gastrectomy (TG) with standard lymph node (LN) dissection for pathologically proven upper-third AGC and EGJ cancers between January 2007 and December 2018. Propensity score-matching with a 1:1 ratio was performed to reduce the influence of confounding variables such as age, sex, tumor size, T stage, N stage, and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to analyze oncologic outcome. The prognostic factors of recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results

Of the 713 enrolled patients in this study, 60 received PG and 653 received TG. Propensity score-matching yielded 60 patients for each group. The overall survival rates were 61.7 % in the PG group and 68.3 % in the TG group (p = 0.676). The RFS was 86.7 % in the PG group and 83.3 % in the TG group (p = 0.634). The PG group showed eight recurrences (1 anastomosis site, 1 paraaortic LN, 1 liver, 1 spleen, 1 lung, 1 splenic hilar LN, and 2 remnant stomachs). In the multivariate analysis, the operation method was not identified as a prognostic factor of tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

The patients who underwent PG had a long-term oncologic outcome similar to that for the patients who underwent TG for upper-third AGC and EGJ cancer.
Essays on textual analysis in finance
Authors: Γκούμας Νικόλαος
Published: February 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αποτελείται από πέντε κεφάλαια. Ειδικότερα, το πρώτο κεφάλαιο είναι εισαγωγικό και παρουσιάζει στον αναγνώστη με ένα σαφή και συνοπτικό τρόπο τους κύριους στόχους της παρούσας διατριβής. Το δεύτερο κεφάλαιο χρησιμοποιεί μεθόδους επεξεργασίας φυσικής γλώσσας προκειμένου να δημιουργήσει ποσοτικές απεικονίσεις της ποιοτικής πληροφορίας που εμπεριέχεται στις ετήσιες εκθέσεις των αμερικανικών τραπεζών. Στη συνέχεια τα εξαγόμενα κειμενικά χαρακτηριστικά συνδυάζονται με παραδοσιακά χρησιμοποιούμενες οικονομικές μεταβλητές ως εισροή σε μοντέλα μηχανικής μάθησης, συμπεριλαμβανομένου και βαθιάς μάθησης, με απώτερο στόχο την πρόβλεψη περιστατικών διαγραφής μετοχών από τα χρηματιστήρια NYSE/AMEX ή NASDAQ. Τα αποτελέσματα που παρουσιάζονται αποδεικνύουν ότι ο συνδυασμός αυτών των ετερογενών πηγών πληροφόρησης δύναται να οδηγήσει τόσο παραδοσιακά χρησιμοποιούμενες στατιστικές τεχνικές, π.χ., λογιστική παλινδρόμηση, όσο και πιο τεχνολογικά εξελιγμένες τεχνικές στο να επιτύχουν βέλτιστες προβλεπτικές επιδόσεις. Το τρίτο κεφάλαιο χρησιμοποιεί επίσης μεθόδους κειμενικής ανάλυσης αλλά από μία διαφορετική οπτική γωνία. Αναλυτικότερα, επιχειρείται η ποσοτικοποίηση της αβεβαιότητας που πηγάζει από τις ετήσιες εκθέσεις των αμερικανικών τραπεζών, μέσω του υπολογισμού του ποσοστού των λέξεων που ανήκουν στις αντίστοιχες κατηγορίες-λεξικά των Loughran and McDonald (2011). Στη συνέχεια εξετάζονται οι συσχετίσεις μεταξύ υψηλών ποσοστών αβέβαιων λέξεων και επικείμενων περιστατικών κατάρρευσης των τιμών των μετοχών των τραπεζών. H κύρια καινοτομία της έρευνας αυτής ανάγεται στο γεγονός ότι οι εν λόγω συσχετίσεις μελετώνται αφού ληφθεί υπόψη η φάση του οικονομικού κύκλου. Τα αποτελέσματα συνηγορούν υπέρ αυτού του εγχειρήματος μιας και παρουσιάζονται στατιστικά σημαντικές συσχετίσεις μόνο σε περιόδους ύφεσης. Το τέταρτο κεφάλαιο εστιάζει και πάλι σε περιστατικά κατάρρευσης των τιμών των μετοχών στον τραπεζικό τομέα των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών. Ειδικότερα προσπαθεί να συνδέσει την εμφάνιση τέτοιων περιστατικών με την ανταγωνιστικότητα της αγοράς στην οποία η τράπεζα δραστηριοποιείται καθώς και με την κατοχή ή όχι χαρτοφυλακίων δανείων υψηλής διαφοροποίησης. Σύμφωνα με τα καταγεγραμμένα αποτελέσματα, τράπεζες που δραστηριοποιούνται σε ανταγωνιστικές αγορές είναι πιο πιθανό να βιώσουν περιστατικά κατάρρευσης της τιμής της μετοχής τους. Ωστόσο, η κατοχή χαρτοφυλακίων δανείων χαρακτηριζόμενα από υψηλή διαφοροποίηση φαίνεται να είναι ευεργετική για αυτές καθώς μειώνει την πιθανότητα εκδήλωσης τέτοιων συμβάντων.Τέλος, στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα κεντρικά συμπεράσματα της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής καθώς και προτάσεις για μελλοντική έρευνα.
The importance of response times measures in verbal fluency tasks
Authors: Orologa Emilia , Chatzopoulos Georgios , Nikolaidis Dimitrios , Kosmidis Mary , Proios Hariklia
Published: February 2024

Verbal fluency is a commonly used task in clinical and experimental neuropsychology. It assesses a person’s ability to generate relevant words, according to a given category within a limited amount of time. Phonemic (PF) and semantic (SF) fluency tasks reflect different aspects of language and executive function abilities. In the present study, we investigated first response latency as an additional measure of phonemic, semantic and excluded letter fluency of 44 healthy adults (aged 18 to 39 years old) divided in 2 groups, according to their education level. We investigated potential correlations between response times and education level. Preliminary results from a small sample show that when comparing phonemic, semantic and excluded letter tasks the shortest response time was observed in semantic fluency tasks whereas the excluded letter tasks have the longest (Z = -5.35, p < 0.0005). Education appeared to have a significant negative effect on the mean response times of the participants (for PF U = 137, p = 0.014; for ELF U = 141.5, p = 0.018; for SF t = 2.05, p = 0.046). These results constitute a potential underexamined way to investigate lexical organization and access in verbal fluency. Also, we noted that education contributes not only to overall performance but to response times as well.
Plastid genome of Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima (poro-poro) from Huánuco, Peru
Authors: Aliaga Flavio , Zapata-Cruz Mario , Valverde-Zavaleta Silvia Ana
Published: February 2024

Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima, known locally as poro-poro, is an important native fruit used in traditional Peruvian medicine with relevant agro-industrial and pharmaceutical potential for its antioxidant capacity for human health. However, to date, only a few genetic data are available, which limits exploring its genetic diversity and developing new genetic studies for its improvement. We report the poro-poro plastid genome to expand the knowledge of its molecular markers, evolutionary studies, molecular pathways, and conservation genetics. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome is 163,451 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single-copy region of 85,525 bp and a small single-copy region of 13,518 bp, separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions (IR) of 32,204 bp, and the overall GC content was 36.87%. This cp genome contains 128 genes (110 genes were unique and 18 genes were found duplicated in each IR region), including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA-coding genes, and 13 genes with introns (11 genes with one intron and two genes with two introns). The inverted repeat region boundaries among species were similar in organization, gene order, and content, with a few revisions. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on single-copy orthologous genes and maximum likelihood analysis demonstrates poro-poro is most closely related to Passiflora menispermifolia and Passiflora oerstedii. In summary, our study constitutes a valuable resource for studying molecular evolution, phylogenetics, and domestication. It also provides a powerful foundation for conservation genetics research and plant breeding programs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the plastid genome of Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima from Peru.
Gender gaps in research: a systematic review
Authors: Rivera-Lozada Isabel Cristina , Escobar Gissel Carolina , Rivera-Lozada Oriana
Published: February 2024

Background Despite significant advancements in closing the global gender gap, there is still much progress to be made, particularly in the field of science and scientific research. Numerous studies have addressed this issue and identified a variety of factors that contribute to gender asymmetries in research. Methods This study aimed to identify the determinants of gender gaps in scientific research present in the most cited studies of the past ten years as a first step towards closing these differences. Through a systematic literature review that incorporated the Proknow-C Knowledge Development Process and Constructivism methodology. Results The results lead us to identify four dimensions to classify the determinants of the gaps in scientific research: academic supply, research policies, scientific production and researcher profile with their respective quantitative or qualitative indicators. Conclusions As a potential basis for further modeling that offers greater analytical and correlational depth, as well as the identification of targeted strategies aimed at reducing gender gaps in research.
Understanding the welfare requirements of a neurologically and physically divergent captive male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)
Authors: Bridgeland-Stephens Lelia , Thorpe Susannah K. S. , Price Eluned , Hunt Gordon , Chappell Jackie
Published: February 2024

Background Understanding the needs of animals with physical and cognitive impairments is essential for zoos, rehabilitation centres, and other captive contexts. This case study describes the atypical physical and cognitive development of Jiwa, an adult male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), to evaluate how these differences may impact Jiwa and to explore how cognitive enrichment can be tailored to his skill level. Methods Keeper records from Jiwa’s birth (1999) to February 2022 were scrutinised to identify key developmental milestones, changes in body weight, and deciduous dental emergence. These were compared with expected milestones for wild and captive orangutans. In addition, a probe feeder apparatus was gradually tailored to an appropriate skill level between January and March 2022. Results Many of Jiwa’s developmental milestones were consistent with expected orangutan development, although there were noticeable differences in body weight, dental emergence, locomotion, and cognition. The welfare domains most likely to be negatively impacted by these differences were physical health, expression of agency, and mental wellbeing. After the enrichment device was tailored to an appropriate level of challenge, Jiwa showed marked improvement in engagement and ability to use the device. Conclusions This study helps to inform future case studies of atypical great apes by detailing the physical and cognitive development of an individual orangutan. Although Jiwa’s differences may impact his own wellbeing in some areas, he has largely been able to overcome them. However, this case study highlights the challenges involved in tailoring enrichment apparatuses and resilience interventions for atypical individuals.