bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CSF cytology of common primary CNS neoplasms categorized by CNS WHO 2021
Authors: Salimian Mohammad , Viaene Angela N. , Chiang Jason , Ho Cheng‐Ying
Published: December 2023

Objective

The detection of neoplastic cells in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is pivotal for the management of patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumours. This article delves into the CSF cytological characteristics of common CNS neoplasms, aligning with the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of CNS tumours.

Methods

A retrospective review of CSF specimens positive for primary CNS neoplasms was performed at three tertiary medical centres. Only cases that had histopathologic confirmation and/or molecular workup were included.

Results

Common primary CNS neoplasms seen in CSF cytology specimens include medulloblastoma, (non‐WNT/non‐SHH as well as SHH‐activated and TP53 mutant), pineoblastoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour (AT/RT), IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma, and primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the CNS. Ependymomas and germinomas can also have CSF involvement but are less common. Although the typical histologic architecture of these tumours may not be preserved in the CSF, unique cytomorphologic features such as nuclear moulding, nuclear pleomorphism, rhabdoid cells, prominent nucleoli and rosette formation can still be appreciated.

Conclusion

Adopting the updated terminology and correlating cytologic observations with molecular findings will streamline the diagnostic process, reducing the complexities and ambiguities pathologists often encounter when analysing CSF specimens for potential primary CNS neoplasms.
Early improvement of global longitudinal strain after iron deficiency correction in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Sutil‐Vega Mario , Rizzo Marcelo , Colomer‐Asenjo Íngrid , Taibi Fadwa , Castaldo Francesca , del Castillo‐Vázquez Pablo , Mallofré Núria , Torres‐Ruiz Gabriel , Rojas Paola , Martínez‐Rubio Antonio
Published: December 2023

Background

Iron deficiency correction with ferric carboxymaltose improves symptoms and reduces rehospitalization in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The mechanisms underlying these improvements are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine changes in left ventricular contractility after iron treatment as reflected in global longitudinal strain.

Methods

Prospective single‐center study including 43 adults with reduced ejection fraction, non‐anemic iron deficiency, and functional class II‐III heart failure despite optimal medical treatment. Global longitudinal strain through speckle‐tracking echocardiography was measured at baseline and 4 weeks after ferric carboxymaltose.

Results

A significant improvement in global longitudinal strain was detected (from −12.3% ± 4.0% at baseline to −15.6% ± 4.1%, p < .001); ferritin and transferrin saturation index had increased, but ejection fraction presented no significant changes (baseline 35.7% ± 4.6%, follow‐up 37.2% ± 6.6%, p = .073).

Conclusions

In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, the correction of iron deficiency with ferric carboxymaltose is associated with an early improvement in global longitudinal strain, possibly suggesting a direct effect of iron correction on myocardial contractility.
Contextualizing singlehood among young adults: Exploring the meanings and perceived reasons for being single
Authors: Beckmeyer Jonathon J. , Jamison Tyler B.
Published: December 2023

Objective

We explored how young adults discussed their experiences with singlehood and their reasons for being single.

Background

Despite singlehood being normative during young adulthood, less research has focused on the diversity of singlehood compared to that of romantic involvement.

Method

In Study 1, 35 young adults participated in in‐depth qualitative interviews about their romantic histories. We explored singlehood meanings and reasons in the context of their relationship histories. In Study 2 we used data from 155 single young adults to explore the factor structure, internal reliability, and initial validity of the Reasons for Being Single (RBS) scale, which we developed for this study.

Results

In Study 1 we found that singlehood is not simply the time in‐between relationships, but represents its own, unique aspect of romantic development. In Study 2, our analyses indicated that the RBS was comprised of three subscales: (a) self‐defeating reasons, (b) self‐enhancing reasons, and (c) lack of interest. Self‐defeating reasons were negatively associated with young adult well‐being, whereas self‐enhancing and lack‐of‐interest reasons were positively associated with young adult well‐being.

Conclusion

Singlehood, like other aspects of young adults' romantic lives, is a diverse and varied experience. Singlehood is also neither an entirely positive nor entirely negative experience. Yet, framing singlehood more positively may aid well‐being.

Implications

Within relationship education, being single should be treated as a diverse experience. Helping single young adults gain clarity around why they are single and identify their romantic goals may increase the efficacy of relationship education efforts.
The crystal structure of RsSymEG1 reveals a unique form of smaller GH7 endoglucanases alongside GH7 cellobiohydrolases in protist symbionts of termites
Authors: Haataja Topi , Hansson Henrik , Moriya Shigeharu , Sandgren Mats , Ståhlberg Jerry
Published: December 2023

Glycoside hydrolase family 7 (GH7) cellulases are key enzymes responsible for carbon cycling on earth through their role in cellulose degradation and constitute highly important industrial enzymes as well. Although these enzymes are found in a wide variety of evolutionarily distant organisms across eukaryotes, they exhibit remarkably conserved features within two groups: exo‐acting cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases. However, recently reports have emerged of a separate clade of GH7 endoglucanases from protist symbionts of termites that are 60–80 amino acids shorter. In this work, we describe the first crystal structure of a short GH7 endoglucanase, RsSymEG1, from a symbiont of the lower termite Reticulitermes speratus. A more open flat surface and shorter loops around the non‐reducing end of the cellulose‐binding cleft indicate enhanced access to cellulose chains on the surface of cellulose microfibrils. Additionally, when comparing activities on polysaccharides to a typical fungal GH7 endoglucanase (Trichoderma longibrachiatum Cel7B), RsSymEG1 showed significantly faster initial hydrolytic activity. We also examine the prevalence and diversity of GH7 enzymes that the symbionts provide to the termite host, compare overall structures and substrate binding between cellobiohydrolase and long and short endoglucanase, and highlight the presence of similar short GH7s in other organisms.
Safety and feasibility of same‐day discharge following uncomplicated transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Gianni Carola , Elchouemi Mohanad , Helmy Rami , Spinetta Lauryn , La Fazia Vincenzo Mirco , Pierucci Nicola , Asfour Issa , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Bassiouny Mohamed A. , Coffeen Paul C. , Hranitzky Patrick M. , Neely Robert C. , Natale Andrea , Canby Robert C. , Al‐Ahmad Amin
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE), while mostly a safe procedure, has risk of serious periprocedural complications. As such, overnight hospitalization remains a routine practice. In our center, we routinely discharge patients on the same day following an uncomplicated TLE.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 265 consecutive patients who underwent uncomplicated TLE in our center between 2019 and 2021. Same‐day discharge (SDD) patients are compared with those who stayed at least overnight for observation after the TLE procedure (non‐SDD group). To assess the safety of an SDD strategy after uncomplicated TLE, the main study endpoint was to compare the rate of major procedure‐related complications at 1‐, 7‐, and 30‐days. To identify the factors influencing the operator's decision to discharge the patient on the same day, the secondary endpoint was to analyze clinical and procedural predictors of SDD.

Results

A total of 153 patients were discharged the same day after uncomplicated TLE (SDD), while 112 stayed at least overnight after the procedure (non‐SDD). There was no significant difference in major procedure‐related complications at 1‐day (SDD 0% vs. non‐SDD 1.8%, p value = ns), while patients in the SDD group had a lower rate of 7‐ and 30‐day complications when compared with those in the non‐SDD group (2.1% vs. 8.2%, p value = .0308; and 3.5% vs. 16%, p value = .0049, respectively). Noninfectious indication for TLE (OR 16.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.29–77.6) and procedure end time before 12:00 (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.11–7.27) were the only independent predictors of SDD.

Conclusion

SDD discharge following uncomplicated TLE in selected patients (i.e., those without device infection and when the TLE procedure is completed in the morning) is feasible and safe.
A profile of spatial abilities in people with Down syndrome
Authors: Bracken A. , Hauss J. , Grinshpun S. , Lasc D. , Hershkovich A. , Yang Y.
Published: December 2023

Background

Spatial abilities are fundamental cognitive abilities, have direct applications in daily life, serve as a cognitive foundation for many other complex skills and are used in many specialty jobs. The current study aimed to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the spatial abilities of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) relative to mental ability‐matched typically developing (TD) children based on Newcombe and Shipley's double‐dimension theoretical framework for classifying spatial abilities.

Methods

Forty adolescents and young adults with DS and 40 TD children completed a nonverbal intelligence test (Raven's), two measures of static–extrinsic skills (water‐level task and cart task), two measures of static–intrinsic skills (figure ground and form completion), two measures of dynamic–extrinsic skills (three mountains task and dog task) and two measures of dynamic–intrinsic spatial skills (mental rotation task and block design task).

Results

Participants with DS showed reduced performance on two dynamic–intrinsic tasks and one static–extrinsic task (i.e. cart task) relative to TD children. Performances were similar in two dynamic–extrinsic tasks and two static–intrinsic tasks. Analyses of composite accuracy for each spatial category further confirmed deficits in dynamic–intrinsic and static–extrinsic categories for people with DS relative to TD children.

Conclusions

Our results showed an uneven profile of spatial abilities in people with DS relative to ability‐matched TD children with particular weaknesses in comprehending and manipulating dynamic–intrinsic and static–extrinsic spatial relations. Furthermore, our research has important clinical implications for more targeted interventions to improve spatial abilities in people with DS.
Reasons for collaborating in inclusive research projects: The perspectives of researchers with experiential knowledge, academic researchers and principal investigators
Authors: van den Bogaard Kim H. J. M. , Frielink Noud , Giesbers Sanne A. H. , Schippers Alice , Embregts Petri J. C. M.
Published: December 2023

Inclusive research—in which people with an intellectual disability both collaborate with researchers and work as researchers themselves—has gained increased attention over the last three decades. Although the foundational principles of conducting inclusive research are well‐established at this point, there is a relative dearth of insights concerning the underlying reasons for collaborating as part of inclusive research projects. Therefore, this study sought to identify the reasons why researchers with experiential knowledge (n = 9), academic researchers (n = 8) and principal investigators (n = 10) collaborate within inclusive research projects. All 27 participants were interviewed individually, in order to explore their reasons for collaborating within one of the six inclusive research projects, which encompassed a range of research avenues within the field of intellectual disability research. A thematic analysis was conducted to gain insight into these reasons. For the three groups of participants, several themes emerged, such as experiencing full participation (researchers with experiential knowledge), making research (processes) better suited to the needs of participants with an intellectual disability (academic researchers) and striving for equivalence (principal investigators). Understanding why people collaborate within inclusive research projects is important for facilitating collaborative partnerships, which are a precondition for inclusive research projects.
Species pool, local assembly processes: Disentangling the mechanisms determining bacterial α‐ and β‐diversity during forest secondary succession
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Dai Handan , Huang Yongtao , Liu Kuan , Li Xingang , Zhang Shuoxin , Fu Shenglei , Jiao Shuo , Chen Chunbo , Dong Biao , Yang Zhu , Cui Yang , Li Huan , Liu Shirong
Published: December 2023

Across ecology, and particularly within microbial ecology, there is limited understanding how the generation and maintenance of diversity. Although recent work has shown that both local assembly processes and species pools are important in structuring microbial communities, the relative contributions of these mechanisms remain an important question. Moreover, the roles of local assembly processes and species pools are drastically different when explicitly considering the potential for saturation or unsaturation, yet this issue is rarely addressed. Thus, we established a conceptual model that incorporated saturation theory into the microbiological domain to advance the understanding of mechanisms controlling soil bacterial diversity during forest secondary succession. Conceptual model hypotheses were tested by coupling soil bacterial diversity, local assembly processes and species pools using six different forest successional chronosequences distributed across multiple climate zones. Consistent with the unsaturated case proposed in our conceptual framework, we found that species pool consistently affected α‐diversity, even while local assembly processes on local richness operate. In contrast, the effects of species pool on β‐diversity disappeared once local assembly processes were taken into account, and changes in environmental conditions during secondary succession led to shifts in β‐diversity through mediation of the strength of heterogeneous selection. Overall, this study represents one of the first to demonstrate that most local bacterial communities might be unsaturated, where the effect of species pool on α‐diversity is robust to the consideration of multiple environmental influences, but β‐diversity is constrained by environmental selection.
Effector‐triggered susceptibility by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Oliveira‐Garcia Ely , Yan Xia , Oses‐Ruiz Miriam , de Paula Samuel , Talbot Nicholas J.
Published: December 2023

Rice blast, the most destructive disease of cultivated rice world‐wide, is caused by the filamentous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. To cause disease in plants, M. oryzae secretes a diverse range of effector proteins to suppress plant defense responses, modulate cellular processes, and support pathogen growth. Some effectors can be secreted by appressoria even before host penetration, while others accumulate in the apoplast, or enter living plant cells where they target specific plant subcellular compartments. During plant infection, the blast fungus induces the formation of a specialized plant structure known as the biotrophic interfacial complex (BIC), which appears to be crucial for effector delivery into plant cells. Here, we review recent advances in the cell biology of M. oryzae–host interactions and show how new breakthroughs in disease control have stemmed from an increased understanding of effector proteins of M. oryzae are deployed and delivered into plant cells to enable pathogen invasion and host susceptibility.
Severe bronchial hyperresponsiveness along with house dust mite allergy indicates persistence of asthma in young children
Authors: Donath Helena , Klenner Hans , Hutter Martin , Meoli Aniello , Trischler Jordis , Schulze Johannes , Blumchen Katharina , Zielen Stefan
Published: December 2023

Background

Significant risk factors for persistence of asthma later in life are family history of allergies, early allergic sensitization and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The evolution of BHR in young children without allergic sensitization and with house dust mite allergy (HDM) was investigated.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, electronic charts of 4850 young children with asthma and wheezy bronchitis between 2005 and 2018 were reviewed in order to study all patients ≤6 years with BHR assessed by methacholine provocation tests (MCT) at least once (n = 1175). Patients with more than two follow‐up measurements were divided in group 1 (no allergic sensitization; n = 110) and group 2 (HDM allergy; n = 88). Additionally, skin prick test, exhaled nitrite oxide (eNO), and asthma treatment were analyzed.

Results

Forty‐seven patients of group 1 aged median 4.3 years and 48 patients of group 2 aged median 4.7 years showed initially severe BHR <0.1 mg. At follow‐up, patients with HDM were more likely to show persistence of severe BHR than non‐sensitized patients (severe BHR group 1: n = 5 (10.6%) vs. group 2: n = 21 (43.8%), p < .001). In addition, 89.4% of group 1 had mild to moderate or no BHR, compared to only 56.2% of group 2. There was a significant difference in eN0 (median group 1: 9 ppb vs. group 2: 26 ppb, p < .001), at last follow‐up. Age, sex, and asthma therapy had no effect on BHR.

Conclusion

In young children without sensitization BHR normalizes, whereas HDM allergy indicates a persistence of asthma beyond infancy.
G‐optimal grid designs for kriging models
Authors: Dasgupta Subhadra , Mukhopadhyay Siuli , Keith Jonathan
Published: December 2023

This work is focused on finding G‐optimal designs theoretically for kriging models with two‐dimensional inputs and separable exponential covariance structures. For design comparison, the notion of evenness of two‐dimensional grid designs is developed. The mathematical relationship between the design and the supremum of the mean squared prediction error (SMSPE) function is studied and then optimal designs are explored for both prospective and retrospective design scenarios. In the case of prospective designs, the new design is developed before the experiment is conducted and the regularly spaced grid is shown to be the G‐optimal design. Retrospective designs are constructed by adding or deleting points from an already existing design. Deterministic algorithms are developed to find the best possible retrospective designs (which minimizes the SMSPE). It is found that a more evenly spread design under the G‐optimality criterion leads to the best possible retrospective design. For all the cases of finding the optimal prospective designs and the best possible retrospective designs, both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks have been considered. The proposed methodology for finding retrospective designs is illustrated with a spatiotemporal river water quality monitoring experiment.
The novel HLA‐F*01:16 and HLA‐F*01:17 alleles identified in hematopoietic cell donors
Authors: Rowley Maya V. , Lucas Jonathan A. M. , Turner Thomas R. , Marsh Steven G. E. , Mayor Neema P.
Published: December 2023

Two novel non‐classical HLA class I alleles have been characterized, HLA‐F*01:16 and ‐F*01:17.
Novel wet transfer technology of manufacturing flexible suspended two-dimensional material devices
Authors: Wang Yingtao , Savalia Mona , Zhang Xian
Published: December 2023

With the rise of two-dimensional (2D) materials, their excellent optical, electronic, and thermal properties different from bulk materials make them increasingly widely studied and commercialized. 2D materials’ exceptional physical properties and unique structures make them an ideal candidate for next-generation flexible and wearable devices. In this work, we created a manufacturing method to successfully transfer monolayer, bilayer, and trilayer graphene onto the flexible substrate, with trenches of micron size to suspend graphene. Thermal transport measurements have been characterized to prove the suspended region. The achievement of manufacturing 2D materials in suspended condition will allow us to study their intrinsic physical properties at a mechanical strain, as well as contribute to novel flexible and wearable electronic devices and sensors.
Remodulation of bacterial transcriptome after acquisition of foreign DNA: the case of
irp
-HPI high-pathogenicity island in
Vibrio anguillarum
Authors: Lages Marta A. , do Vale Ana , Lemos Manuel L. , Balado Miguel
Published: December 2023

The high-pathogenicity island
irp
-HPI is widespread in
Vibrionaceae
and encodes the siderophore piscibactin, as well as the regulator PbtA that is essential for its expression. In this work, we aim to study whether PbtA directly interacts with
irp
-HPI promoters. Furthermore, we hypothesize that PbtA, and thereby the acquisition of
irp
-HPI island, may also influence the expression of other genes elsewhere in the bacterial genome. To address this question, an RNAseq analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes after
pbtA
deletion in
Vibrio anguillarum
RV22 genetic background. The results showed that PbtA not only modulates the
irp
-HPI genes but also modulates the expression of a plethora of
V. anguillarum
core genome genes, inducing nitrate, arginine, and sulfate metabolism, T6SS1, and quorum sensing, while repressing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production, MARTX toxin, and major porins such as OmpV and ChiP. The direct binding of the C-terminal domain of PbtA to piscibactin promoters (P
frpA
and P
frpC
), quorum sensing (
vanT
), LPS transporter
wza,
and T6SS structure- and effector-encoding genes was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The results provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression of
irp
-HPI island and its impact on Vibrios transcriptome, with implications in pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Horizontal gene transfer enables bacteria to acquire traits, such as virulence factors, thereby increasing the risk of the emergence of new pathogens.
irp
-HPI genomic island has a broad dissemination in
Vibrionaceae
and is present in numerous potentially pathogenic marine bacteria, some of which can infect humans. Previous works showed that certain
V. anguillarum
strains exhibit an expanded host range plasticity and heightened virulence, a phenomenon linked to the acquisition of the
irp
-HPI genomic island. The present work shows that this adaptive capability is likely achieved through comprehensive changes in the transcriptome of the bacteria and that these changes are mediated by the master regulator PbtA encoded within the
irp
-HPI element. Our results shed light on the broad implications of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial evolution, showing that the acquired DNA can directly mediate changes in the expression of the core genome, with profounds implications in pathogenesis.
Fisetin inhibits
Salmonella
Typhimurium type III secretion system regulator HilD and reduces pathology
in vivo
Authors: Li Siqi , Liu Hongtao , Shu Jingyan , Li Quanshun , Liu Yuan , Feng Haihua , Wang Jianfeng , Deng Xuming , Zhang Yong , Guo Zhimin , Qiu Jiazhang
Published: December 2023

Salmonella enterica
is an important zoonotic intracellular bacterial pathogen that is capable of causing infections ranging from localized gastroenteritis to fatal systemic infection in humans and food-producing animals. The increasing antibiotic resistance in
Salmonella
isolates, especially the emergence of MDR and newer XDR strains, has compromised the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial therapy for
Salmonella
infections. Hence, it is desirable to develop alternative therapeutic means to tackle the antimicrobial resistance crisis. In this study, we screened plant-derived compounds to identify inhibitors of
Salmonella
invasion of host cells. These efforts identified fisetin as a possible protector against infection. Further mechanistic studies revealed that fisetin suppressed the function of type III secretion system 1 (T3SS-1), the virulence determinant critical for
Salmonella
invasion. Fisetin appears to interfere with the interaction between HilD and its relevant promoters, thereby decreasing the transcription of
hilA
, the central transcriptional regulator that functions to activate the expression of T3SS-1 effector proteins and structural elements. In addition, administration of fisetin in the
Salmonella
murine infection model resulted in reduced bacterial colonization, alleviation of histopathological destruction, and decreased proinflammatory cytokine levels. Taken together, our study establishes that the natural compound fisetin can be used as a lead compound for the development of anti-
Salmonella
drugs targeting T3SS-1.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella spp. remains a major worldwide health concern that causes significant morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals. The spread of antimicrobial resistant strains has declined the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. Thus, novel anti-infection drugs or strategies are needed. Anti-virulence strategy represents one of the promising means for the treatment of bacterial infections. In this study, we found that the natural compound fisetin could inhibit Salmonella invasion of host cells by targeting SPI-1 regulation. Fisetin treatment impaired the interaction of the regulatory protein HilD with the promoters of its target genes, thereby suppressing the expression of T3SS-1 effectors as well as structural proteins. Moreover, fisetin treatment could reduce pathology in the Salmonella murine infection model. Collectively, our results suggest that fisetin may serve as a promising lead compound for the development of anti-Salmonella drugs.
Generation of Reflected Second Harmonic at Semiconductor Quantum Dots
Authors: Aktsipetrov O. A. , Nikulin A. A. , Ekimov A. I.
Published: December 2023

Generation of the reflected second harmonic has been observed for the first time in a composite material: a glass matrix containing microscopic CdSe crystals, ranging in size from 500 to 50 Å. The violation of polarization selection rules in the second-harmonic generation indicates that the nonlinear sources are of a fluctuational nature. A size effect has also been observed: The intensity of the second harmonic increases by a factor of 102 as the size of the microscopic crystals is reduced. A possible mechanism for this size effect is analyzed.
Oscillations of Polarization of Recombination Radiation of a Variable-Gap Semiconductor in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Volkov A. S. , Ekimov A. I. , Nikishin S. A. , Safarov V. I. , Tsarenkov B. V. , Tsarenkov G. V.
Published: December 2023

An oscillatory character of the variation of the degree of polarization is observed and is due to recombination of spin-polarized electrons in a variable-gap semiconductor in a magnetic field, as a function of the energy of the emitted quanta at a fixed magnetic field, and as a function of the magnetic field at a fixed quantum energy.
Characteristics of Long-Term Spot Activity on Several Late-Spectral-Type Stars
Authors: Kozhevnikova A. V. , Alekseev I. Yu. , Kozhevnikov V. P.
Published: December 2023

We present our analysis of many-year photometry for several dozens of chromospherically active stars that exhibit solar-type activity (from our own observations as well as from data in the literature). Modeling of the distribution of cool photospheric spots, based on the zonal model, was performed, with several hundred models constructed. We find that, for most stars, their spots are located at intermediate and moderate latitudes and that the largest spotted areas can cover from 7 to 58% of the star’s surface. We demonstrate that a latitude drift of spots can be suspected for a number of stars, towards the equator as well as towards the pole; however, the rate of this drift is several times lower than for solar spots. For 15 stars, we detected the presence of activity cycles from 3 to 28 years long that reveal themselves in variations of the system’s brightness as well as in variations of the total spot coverage of the star. This paper is based on a talk presented at the memorial astrophysical workshop “Novelties in Understanding the Evolution of Binary Stars” dedicated to the 90th birthday of Prof. M.A. Svechnikov.
Parameter calibration of discrete element simulation for the interaction between heavy soil and soil-engaging components in shellfish culture
Authors: Huang Bing , Pan Hong , Wang Xiao-Meng , Li Yong-Ren , Zhang Tao , Li Shi-De , Jiang Yong-Cheng , Wang Fan-Zhen
Published: December 2023

Shellfish culture heavy soils are suitable for the cultivation of marine organisms and are essential for the development of marine fisheries. To study both the interaction between heavy soil particles and that between the soil and soil-engaging components of agricultural machinery in shellfish culture, the simulation parameters in the model were determined. To study the interaction between soil particles in the viscous soil of shellfish culture with moisture content of 26.51% ± 1%. Discrete element method is used to establish the accumulation simulation experiment; the contact parameters between soil particles were calibrated. The response surface optimization technique was used to create the accumulation angle regression model. To study the interaction between the soil and soil-engaging components, the static friction coefficient between the heavy soil and soil-engaging components was determined by static friction experiment. The contact parameters between the soil and soil-engaging components were calibrated by the slope simulation experiment; the rolling distance regression model was established by response surface optimization methodology. The findings demonstrate that the optimized soil model can simulate the actual soil, and reflect the interaction between the heavy soil particles, soil, and the soil-engaging components of agricultural machinery, which not only provides a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of soil-engaging components of agricultural machinery in heavy soil, but also provides a new way for the research and development of agricultural machinery in a complex environment.
Surgical Treatment for Patients with Post-traumatic Flexion Contracture of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: Analysis of Various Affecting Factors
Authors: LEE Jun-Ku , OH Chi Hoon , OH Jongbeom , JEONG Simho , LIM Chae Kwang , HAN Soo-Hong
Published: December 2023

Background: A flexion contracture (FC) of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint can have a profound negative influence on daily activity. The outcomes of surgical release of the PIP joint in literature are based on small sample size studies done several decades ago. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of surgical treatment for post-traumatic FC of the PIP joint and to identify factors that affect these outcomes.

Methods: This single institute retrospective study included patients from 2000 to 2020. We only included patients with post-traumatic FC of the PIP joint. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, cause of FC, surgical approaches and the various procedures conducted. We surveyed postoperative complications. During the study period, we asked about their current symptoms and evaluated their operative outcomes as excellent, good, fair or poor through the phone.

Results: The average FC recovery angle was 37.3°. The small finger was the most affected, and the most common cause of FC was a tendon laceration. The volar plate complex release was the most frequently conducted procedure. The FC improvement was positively correlated to the degree of preoperative FC. The more severe preoperative flexion–extension arc was presented, the more FC recovery was achieved after operation. Patients who underwent multiple procedures had a higher degree of preoperative FC, and better correction was achieved with multiple procedures than with a single procedure. The most critical complication was recurrence.

Conclusions: We were able to obtain average 37.3° of extension by surgical treatment. The more severe the FC presented before surgery, the greater the need for multiple procedures, however, this resulted in a significant increase in joint extension. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised regarding recurrence and could occur even with an experienced surgeon.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Index Finger Flexor Digitorum Profundus Function Deficit after Shoulder Arthroscopy Treated by Neurolysis: A Case Report
Authors: KIM Seong Hun , CHANG Min-Yung , CHOI Heemin , LEE Jun-Ku
Published: December 2023

A 60-year-old woman presented functional deficit of the index finger flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon after shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. As no recovery was observed for 10 months, we conducted an operative exploration of the median nerve and the anterior interosseous nerve, followed by an external neurolysis. The patient recovered FDP function 4.5 months after the second operation. In a patient with persistent isolated FDP dysfunction after shoulder arthroscopy, operative exploration and external neurolysis could facilitate functional recovery.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Recent Advances in Enteric Methane Mitigation and the Long Road to Sustainable Ruminant Production
Authors: Roques Simon , Martinez-Fernandez Gonzalo , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Popova Milka , Denman Stuart , Meale Sarah J. , Morgavi Diego P.
Published: December 2023

Mitigation of methane emission, a potent greenhouse gas, is a worldwide priority to limit global warming. A substantial part of anthropogenic methane is emitted by the livestock sector, as methane is a normal product of ruminant digestion. We present the latest developments and challenges ahead of the main efficient mitigation strategies of enteric methane production in ruminants. Numerous mitigation strategies have been developed in the last decades, from dietary manipulation and breeding to targeting of methanogens, the microbes that produce methane. The most recent advances focus on specific inhibition of key enzymes involved in methanogenesis. But these inhibitors, although efficient, are not affordable and not adapted to the extensive farming systems prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Effective global mitigation of methane emissions from livestock should be based not only on scientific progress but also on the feasibility and accessibility of mitigation strategies.
Data from β2-Microglobulin Maintains Glioblastoma Stem Cells and Induces M2-like Polarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Li Daqi , Zhang Qian , Li Lu , Chen Kexin , Yang Junlei , Dixit Deobrat , Gimple Ryan C. , Ci Shusheng , Lu Chenfei , Hu Lang , Gao Jiancheng , Shan Danyang , Li Yangqing , Zhang Junxia , Shi Zhumei , Gu Danling , Yuan Wei , Wu Qiulian , Yang Kailin , Zhao Linjie , Qiu Zhixin , Lv Deguan , Gao Wei , Yang Hui , Lin Fan , Wang Qianghu , Man Jianghong , Li Chaojun , Tao Weiwei , Agnihotri Sameer , Qian Xu , Shi Yu , You Yongping , Zhang Nu , Rich Jeremy N. , Wang Xiuxing
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a complex ecosystem that includes a heterogeneous tumor population and the tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME), prominently containing tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and microglia. Here, we demonstrated that β2-microglobulin (B2M), a subunit of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I), promotes the maintenance of stem-like neoplastic populations and reprograms the TIME to an anti-inflammatory, tumor-promoting state. B2M activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling by interacting with PIP5K1A in GBM stem cells (GSC) and promoting MYC-induced secretion of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). Inhibition of B2M attenuated GSC survival, self-renewal, and tumor growth. B2M-induced TGFβ1 secretion activated paracrine SMAD and PI3K/AKT signaling in TAMs and promoted an M2-like macrophage phenotype. These findings reveal tumor-promoting functions of B2M and suggest that targeting B2M or its downstream axis may provide an effective approach for treating GBM.
Significance:
β2-microglobulin signaling in glioblastoma cells activates a PI3K/AKT/MYC/TGFβ1 axis that maintains stem cells and induces M2-like macrophage polarization, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies for targeting tumor cells and the immunosuppressive microenvironment in glioblastoma.
FIGURE 3 from Sustained Disease Control in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Responders with Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer after Treatment Termination
Authors: Simmons Kristen , Thomas Jane V. , Ludford Kaysia , Willis Jason A. , Higbie Victoria S. , Raghav Kanwal P.S. , Johnson Benny , Dasari Arvind , Kee Bryan K. , Parseghian Christine M. , Lee Michael S. , Le Phat H. , Morelli Maria P. , Shen John Paul , Bent Alisha , Vilar Eduardo , Wolff Robert A. , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J. , Morris Van Karlyle
Published: December 2023

Association between disease recurrence after immunotherapy cessation and metastatic organ involvement (A) and mutation status (B).
Tattoo-Associated Skin Reactions: A Danish Population-Based Survey in 5,914 Tattooed Individuals
Authors: Friis Karina , Ladehoff Thomsen Anne Marie , Olsen Jørn , Rahbek Rørth Mikael , Serup Jørgen
Published: December 2023

Background: In Europe, Australia, and the USA, the estimated overall prevalence of tattooing is around 10–20%. Tattoo ink often comprises harmful chemicals and epidemiological studies on adverse effects of tattoos are lacking. Objectives: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of tattoo-associated skin reactions in the general Danish population and describe individuals with tattoo-associated skin reactions by socio-demographic factors and tattoo characteristics. Methods: The study was based on respondents aged 16 years or older from a population-based 2021 survey entitled “How are you?” conducted in the Central Denmark Region (n = 33,925). Logistic regression was used to characterise individuals with tattoo-associated skin reactions by socio-demographic factors (gender, age, educational level, and ethnic background). Also, the relationship between size, age and colour of the tattoo, and tattoo-associated skin reactions was studied. Model 1 was adjusted for all socio-demographic variables (gender, age, educational level, and ethnic background); model 2, for all socio-demographic variables and tattoo characteristics (size, age, and colour). Results: In total, 21.1% reported that they had at least one tattoo, 10.2% hereof reported that they had experienced tattoo-associated skin reactions (itching, pain, inflammation, and swelling) beyond the first 3 weeks after the tattoo was made. Lower age (16–44 years) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) ≥1.75), larger tattoos (AOR ≥1.61) and having had tattoos for more than 10 years (AOR = 2.92, 95% confidence interval 1.45–5.88) increased the odds of tattoo-associated skin reactions. In general, tattooed individuals with colours other than black had higher odds of tattoo-associated skin reactions. Conclusion: Among participants with at least one tattoo, 10.2% had experienced tattoo-associated skin reactions beyond the first 3 weeks after their tattoo was made. This finding highlights the need for safer tattoo inks to prevent the adverse health problems experienced by many individuals with tattoos.
Genome Mapping Nomenclature
Authors: Moore Sarah , McGowan-Jordan Jean , Smith Adam C. , Rack Katrina , Koehler Udo , Stevens-Kroef Marian , Barseghyan Hayk , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Hastings Ros ,   On behalf of the ISCN Standing Committee
Published: December 2023

Background: Genome Mapping Technologies (optical and electronic) use ultra-high molecular weight DNA to detect structural variation and have application in constitutional genetic disorders, hematological neoplasms, and solid tumors. Genome mapping can detect balanced and unbalanced structural variation, copy number changes, and haplotypes. The technique is analogous to chromosomal microarray analysis, although genome mapping has the added benefit of being able to detect and ascertain the nature of more abnormalities in a single assay than array, karyotyping, or FISH alone. Key Messages: This paper describes a specific nomenclature for genome mapping that can be used by diagnostic and research centers to report their findings accurately. An international nomenclature is essential for patient results to be understood by different healthcare providers as well as for clear communication in publications and consistency in databases. Summary: Genome mapping can detect aneuploidy, balanced and unbalanced structural variation, as well as copy number changes. The Standing Committee for the International System for Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature (ISCN) recognised there was a need for a specific nomenclature for genome mapping that encompasses the range of abnormalities detected by this technique. This paper explains the general principles of the nomenclature as well as giving specific ISCN examples for the different types of numerical and structural rearrangements.
What Taking Development Seriously Means for Evolutionary Theory
Authors: Witherington David C. , Lickliter Robert , Moore David S.
Published: December 2023

Proponents of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) emphasize the critical role that organisms and their development play in the process of evolution. This framework explicitly rejects the genocentric focus that once dominated interpretations of the Modern Synthesis in evolutionary theory. In place of genocentrism, EES highlights processes like niche construction, developmental constraint, and extragenetic inheritance as central to any understanding of the evolutionary process. However, much more is at stake in adopting the EES than simply moving beyond the gene-dominant viewpoint of the Modern Synthesis. The EES, in fact, represents a fundamental challenge to the core of classic Darwinism itself by actively repudiating Darwin’s key idea that natural selection acts as a creative force in the construction of phenotypes and phenotypic change. In this paper, we more fully explore the assumptive base of Darwinism’s population-oriented, selectional focus. We demonstrate how taking development seriously in evolutionary theory mandates a systematic overhaul of Darwinism’s assumptive base in favor of grounding all understanding of phenotypic construction in the developmental processes of self-organization endemic to organisms’ active engagement with their worlds.
The Relationship Between Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and The Smoking Status of Lung Cancer
Authors: Indah Sari Fitri , Setyawan Ungky , Destyana Dita
Published: December 2023

Pendahuluan: Angka kematian yang tinggi dipengaruhi beberapa faktor risiko salah satunya rokok yang saat ini menjadi faktor risiko utama penyebab kanker paru. RNL dari darah lengkap perifer dapat menjadi bukti inflamasi sistemik dan indeks prognostik kanker. Penelitian terbaru menunjukkan bahwa RNL  memiliki peran penting dalam respon imun terhadap kanker paru.

Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui  karakteristik pasien kanker paru berdasarkan usia, jenis kelamin, status merokok dan RNL di RSSA Malang dan hubungan antara RNL dengan status merokok pasien kanker paru di RSSA Malang.

Metode: Metode penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional analitik dengan menggunakan pendekatan desain penelitian cross-sectional. Metode penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional analitik dengan menggunakan pendekatan desain penelitian cross-sectional. Populasi penelitian ini adalah semua pasien yang terkonfirmasi kanker paru yang dirawat di RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Kota Malang pada bulan Januari 2021 hingga bulan Maret 2022. Data sampel merupakan data sekunder yang diambil dari rekam medis 40 pasien kanker paru di RSSA Malang. . Data yang diperoleh diinput ke excel. Setelah itu, dianalisis menggunakan SPSS. Data yang sudah diinput ke SPSS, dilakukan analisis diantaranya uji normalitas data (Saphirwo-Wilk), uji beda untuk mengetahui apakah ada nilai RNL yang signifikan pada pasien kanker digunakan Uji Independent T-Test, Uji Korelasi untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat hubungan antara RNL dengan status pasien kanker paru dengan ketentusn Uji Pearson apabila distribusi normal dan Uji Spearman apabila distribusi tidak normal.

Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan karakteristik subyek didominasi usia <60 tahun dimana status perokok lebih banyak terdata pada penelitian ini dengan jumlah 22 dengan jenis kelamin laki-laki lebih mendominasi dibandingkan perempuan dengan jumlah 24 dan lebih terdata sebagai perokok. Pada penelitian ini nilai RNL >3.53 lebih banyak ditemukan pada pasien kanker paru. Mean pada perokok memiliki nilai RNL yang lebih tinggi yaitu 4.821±3.88 sedangkan pada bukan perokok memiliki nilai 4.253±3.73.

Kesimpulan: Tidak terdapat perbedaan dan hubungan signifikan nilai RNL pada perokok dan bukan perokok.
Pasien COVID-19 dengan Cedera Hati Sedang dan Sindrom Gangguan Pernapasan Akut (ARDS)
Authors: Anjarwati Dwi , Putri Rifka , Rizqi Damar
Published: December 2023

Pendahuluan: Penyakit coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) masih berlangsung. Beberapa data menunjukkan bahwa penyakit ini menyerang berbagai organ, terutama pada kasus yang parah dan kritis. Kerusakan hati dan ARDS merupakan komplikasi yang sering terjadi pada pasien COVID-19. Tujuan penulisan makalah ini adalah untuk melaporkan dan mendiskusikan terapi pada kasus-kasus yang ditemukan oleh penulis sehingga diharapkan dapat bermanfaat secara klinis.

Ilustrasi kasus: Laki-laki 35 tahun dengan hasil swab nasofaring positif COVID-19 dengan kerusakan hati dan ARDS. Pasien mendapatkan protokol terapi standar pada saat perawatan di rumah sakit, plasma konvalesen 3 kolf dan terapi setelah perawatan di rumah sakit. Pasien telah membaik.

Diskusi: Menekan hiperaktivasi sitokin merupakan target utama dalam terapi COVID-19 agar tidak berkembang menjadi stadium yang lebih parah. Pemilihan favipiravir, colchicine, dexamethasone, UDCA, dan vitamin D adalah terapi yang menargetkan mekanisme ini.

Kesimpulan: Pasien dengan gejala berat hingga kritis berisiko mengalami kondisi yang lebih buruk bahkan kematian. Mengatasi hiperaktivasi sitokin merupakan target utama terapi kasus COVID-19, sehingga pemilihan obat yang digunakan didasarkan pada mekanisme patogenesis tersebut. Selain itu, pemberian terapi suportif lainnya juga perlu diperhatikan untuk penatalaksanaan yang lebih optimal.