bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced triplet superconductivity in next-generation ultraclean UTe
2
Authors: Wu Z. , Weinberger T. I. , Chen J. , Cabala A. , Chichinadze D. V. , Shaffer D. , Pospíšil J. , Prokleška J. , Haidamak T. , Bastien G. , Sechovský V. , Hickey A. J. , Mancera-Ugarte M. J. , Benjamin S. , Graf D. E. , Skourski Y. , Lonzarich G. G. , Vališka M. , Grosche F. M. , Eaton A. G.
Published: September 2024

The unconventional superconductor UTe

2

exhibits numerous signatures of spin-triplet superconductivity—a rare state of matter which could enable quantum computation protected against decoherence. UTe

2

possesses a complex phase landscape comprising two magnetic field-induced superconducting phases, a metamagnetic transition to a field-polarized state, along with pair- and charge-density wave orders. However, contradictory reports between studies performed on UTe

2

specimens of varying quality have severely impeded theoretical efforts to understand the microscopic origins of the exotic superconductivity. Here, we report a comprehensive suite of high magnetic field measurements on a generation of pristine quality UTe

2

crystals. Our experiments reveal a significantly revised high magnetic field superconducting phase diagram in the ultraclean limit, showing a pronounced sensitivity of field-induced superconductivity to the presence of crystalline disorder. We employ a Ginzburg–Landau model that excellently captures this acute dependence on sample quality. Our results suggest that in close proximity to a field–induced metamagnetic transition the enhanced role of magnetic fluctuations—that are strongly suppressed by disorder—is likely responsible for tuning UTe

2

between two distinct spin-triplet superconducting phases.
Sugar signaling modulates SHOOT MERISTEMLESS expression and meristem function in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Lopes Filipa L. , Formosa-Jordan Pau , Malivert Alice , Margalha Leonor , Confraria Ana , Feil Regina , Lunn John E. , Jönsson Henrik , Landrein Benoît , Baena-González Elena
Published: September 2024

In plants, development of all above-ground tissues relies on the shoot apical meristem (SAM) which balances cell proliferation and differentiation to allow life-long growth. To maximize fitness and survival, meristem activity is adjusted to the prevailing conditions through a poorly understood integration of developmental signals with environmental and nutritional information. Here, we show that sugar signals influence SAM function by altering the protein levels of SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM), a key regulator of meristem maintenance. STM is less abundant in inflorescence meristems with lower sugar content, resulting from plants being grown or treated under limiting light conditions. Additionally, sucrose but not light is sufficient to sustain STM accumulation in excised inflorescences. Plants overexpressing the α1-subunit of SUCROSE-NON-FERMENTING1-RELATED KINASE 1 (SnRK1) accumulate less STM protein under optimal light conditions, despite higher sugar accumulation in the meristem. Furthermore, SnRK1α1 interacts physically with STM and inhibits its activity in reporter assays, suggesting that SnRK1 represses STM protein function. Contrasting the absence of growth defects in SnRK1α1 overexpressors, silencing
SnRK1α
in the SAM leads to meristem dysfunction and severe developmental phenotypes. This is accompanied by reduced
STM
transcript levels, suggesting indirect effects on STM. Altogether, we demonstrate that sugars promote STM accumulation and that the SnRK1 sugar sensor plays a dual role in the SAM, limiting STM function under unfavorable conditions but being required for overall meristem organization and integrity under favorable conditions. This highlights the importance of sugars and SnRK1 signaling for the proper coordination of meristem activities.
Microwave assisted reduction of graphene oxide using multiwalled carbon nanotubes for high performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Anjali  , Twinkle  , Kashyap Rajiv , Kumar Suresh , Goswamy J K
Published: September 2024

This study demonstrates a time-efficient, non-hazardous, chemical free, eco-friendly controllable reduction approach to reduce graphene oxide (GO) and in turn its usage as supercapacitor electrode. The electrochemical charge storage (supercapacitive) performance of the electrode was investigated with 0.3 M Fe3+ + PVA-1M H2SO4 gel electrolyte. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (with varied wt. percentages) incorporated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) samples were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. Effective surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of the hybrid were determined through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurement technique. The energy storage performance was evaluated using 0.3 M Fe3+ + PVA-1M H2SO4 gel electrolyte, which resulted in an impressive specific capacitance of 1326.92 Fg−1 at 7.5 Ag−1. Symmetric supercapacitor assembled by rGO/MWCNT-5 electrode with 0.3 M Fe3+ + PVA-1M H2SO4 electrolyte, has an energy density of 36.56 Wh kg−1 with power density of 4874.66 W kg−1. These observations can pave a new ﻿way to fabricate nano-carbons based high capacity energy storage devices.
A novel asymmetric extension of power XLindley distribution: properties, inference and applications to engineering data
Authors: Alsadat Najwan , Hassan Amal S , Elgarhy Mohammed , Nagarjuna Vasili B V , Benchiha Sid Ahmed , Gemeay Ahmed M
Published: September 2024

It is impossible to overstate the importance of using trigonometric functions appropriately in distribution theory. The main contribution of the research is to construct a flexible trigonometric extension of the power XLindley distribution. More specifically, we build an innovative two-parameter lifetime distribution known as the sine power XLindley distribution (SPXLD) using characteristics from the sine-generated family of distributions. As the main motivational fact, it provides an attractive alternative to the power Lindley, power XLindley, weighted Lindley, and extended power Lindley distributions; it may be better able to model lifetime phenomena presenting data of leptokurtic and platkurtic nature. In contrast to the increasing, decreasing, and reversed-j-shaped hazard rate function, the density exhibits asymmetric shapes with varying peakedness levels. Several significant characteristics are illustrated, including moments, the quantile function, the probability density function in series representation, the stress-strength reliability, and incomplete moments. To analyze the behavior of the suggested distribution, sixteen estimation techniques are applied, such as the maximum likelihood, percentiles, some methods of minimum distances, some methods based on minimum and maximum spacing distances, and the Kolmogorov method. After that, an extensive simulation study and the examination of two survival real datasets are used to show the viability, usefulness, and adaptability of the SPXLD. Relevant goodness of fit criteria demonstrates that the SPXLD fits several current distributions.
Multi-layer controlled remote implementation of partially unknown single-qudit operations
Authors: Li Siyi , Ma Songya , Jin Si
Published: September 2024

Our concern is to investigate controlled remote implementation of partially unknown operations with multiple layers. We first propose a scheme to realize the remote implementation of single-qubit operations belonging to the restricted sets. Then, the proposed scheme is extended to the case of single-qudit operations. As long as the controller and the higher-layer senders consent, the receiver can restore the desired state remotely operated by the sender. It is worth mentioning that the recovery operation is deduced by general formulas which clearly reveal the relationship with the measurement outcomes. For the sake of clarity, two specific examples with two levels are given respectively. In addition, we discuss the influence of amplitude-damping noise and utilize weak measurement and measurement reversal to effectively resist noise.
Recurrent wildfires alter forest structure and community composition of terra firme Amazonian forests
Authors: Pereira Cassio Alves , Barlow Jos , Tabarelli Marcelo , Giles Andre Luiz , Ferreira Amanda Estefania de Melo , Vieira Ima Célia Guimarães
Published: September 2024

Wildfires associated with land-use and climate change have considered a key driver to the Amazon forest collapse. However, achieving a detailed understanding of how human-related disturbances impact forest successional trajectories needs comprehensive information spanning forest strata. Here, we investigate the impact of recurrent wildfires on forest structure, species diversity, and composition, making a comprehensive assessment of the regenerating, understory, and canopy tree communities in a sustainable use reserve in the eastern Amazon. Plant communities were described across 16 forest stands (old-growth, burned once and twice) sampling a total of 3620 individuals and 326 tree and palm species. Wildfires affected all attributes of forest structure. Aboveground biomass decreased by 44% in forest burned once, and 71% in twice-burned forest stands. Forest canopy was the most affected strata after the second fire, with a 44%-decrease compared to unburned forest. The same pattern emerged for basal area, which decreased by an average of 27.5% after the first fire and 53.8% following the second fire event. Overall, plant communities experienced a 50%-loss of species richness after two fires, including both dominant and rare species. Plant communities also became more dissimilar as fire events accumulated, with 58%–61% increase in species dissimilarity following two fires events. As wildfires reoccured, the old-growth forests of our focal landscape were converted into a mosaic of regenerating forest stands dominated by local short-lived pioneers (i.e. low-biomass early-regenerating forest stands) and a few tree species less sensitive to fire. Our findings highlight the urgent need to secure a resilient future for Amazonian forests with actions needed to support local livelihoods whilst reducing the prevalence of ignitions sources and allowing forest recovery.
Provincial-scale assessment of direct air capture to meet China’s climate neutrality goal under limited bioenergy supply
Authors: Kim Hanwoong , Qiu Yang , McJeon Haewon , Clarens Andres , Javadi Parisa , Wang Can , Wang Rui , Wang Jiachen , Jiang Hanying , Miller Andy , Cui Ryna , Behrendt Jenna , Ou Yang , Yu Sha , Fuhrman Jay
Published: September 2024

China has large, estimated potential for direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) but its deployment locations and impacts at the subnational scale remain unclear. This is largely because higher spatial resolution studies on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in China have focused mainly on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. This study uses a spatially detailed integrated energy-economy-climate model to evaluate DACCS for 31 provinces in China as the country pursues its goal of climate neutrality by 2060. We find that DACCS could expand China’s negative emissions capacity, particularly under sustainability-minded limits on bioenergy supply that are informed by bottom-up studies. But providing low-carbon electricity for multiple GtCO2 yr−1 DACCS may require over 600 GW of additional wind and solar capacity nationwide and comprise up to 30% of electricity demand in China’s northern provinces. Investment requirements for DACCS range from $330 to $530 billion by 2060 but could be repaid manyfold in the form of avoided mitigation costs, which DACCS deployment could reduce by up to $6 trillion over the same period. Enhanced efforts to lower residual CO2 emissions that must be offset with CDR under a net-zero paradigm reduce but do not eliminate the use of DACCS for mitigation. For decision-makers and the energy-economy models guiding them, our results highlight the value of expanding beyond the current reliance on biomass for negative emissions in China.
Generalized boson and fermion operators with a maximal total occupation property
Authors: Stoilova N I , Van der Jeugt J
Published: September 2024

We propose a new generalization of the standard (anti-)commutation relations for creation and annihilation operators of bosons and fermions. These relations preserve the usual symmetry properties of bosons and fermions. Only the standard (anti-)commutator relation involving one creation and one annihilation operator is deformed by introducing fractional coefficients, containing a positive integer parameterp. The Fock space is determined by the classical definition. The new relations are chosen in such a way that the total occupation number in the system has the maximum valuep. From the actions of creation and annihilation operators in the Fock space, a group theoretical framework is determined, and from here the correspondence with known particle statistics is established.
On Darmon’s program for the generalized Fermat equation, II
Authors: Billerey Nicolas , Chen Imin , Dieulefait Luis , Freitas Nuno
Published: September 2024

We obtain additional Diophantine applications of the methods surrounding Darmon’s program for the generalized Fermat equation developed in the first part of this series of papers. As a first application, we use a multi-Frey approach combining two Frey elliptic curves over totally real fields, a Frey hyperelliptic curve over 

Q

\mathbb {Q}

due to Kraus, and ideas from the Darmon program to give a complete resolution of the generalized Fermat equation

x
7

+

y
7

=
3

z
n

\begin{equation*} x^7 + y^7 = 3 z^n \end{equation*}

for all integers

n
≥
2

n \ge 2

. Moreover, we explain how the use of higher dimensional Frey abelian varieties allows a more efficient proof of this result due to additional structures that they afford, compared to using only Frey elliptic curves.

As a second application, we use some of these additional structures that Frey abelian varieties possess to show that a full resolution of the generalized Fermat equation

x
7

+

y
7

=

z
n

x^7 + y^7 = z^n

depends only on the Cartan case of Darmon’s big image conjecture. In the process, we solve the previous equation for solutions

(
a
,
b
,
c
)

(a,b,c)

such that 

a
a

and 

b
b

satisfy certain

2
2

- or 

7
7

-adic conditions and all

n
≥
2

n \ge 2

.
Looking for the Soul of Environmental Lament
Authors: Thompson Michael G , Monagle Clare
Published: September 2024

In texts, films, paintings and speeches, New Deal policymakers and allied intellectuals deployed biblical language and images to evoke contrition for environmental “sins.” The sins of the fathers, namely the exploitative land use on the part of settlers and agro-capitalists, were now being visited on the Depression generation in the catastrophes not only of wind-born soil erosion (as in the Dust Bowl) but also the more extensive threat of gullying and water-born erosion. New Deal uses of the Bible, we argue, were not an instrumental conceit designed to manipulate hearts and minds. Rather, New Deal environmental thought, even at its seemingly most technocratic, was profoundly embedded within Christian imaginaries of sin and redemption. Scientific and religious modes of authority merged with the offices of state. As such, the soil Jeremiad is one illustration of both the need for and potential benefit of thickening “inter-field” religious and environmental methodologies—a potential we explore in this essay. In historicizing the soil Jeremiad, we also offer an example of how we might better understand the importance of religion for the history of the environmental movement beyond stories from activists’ biographies and move toward a religious-environmental history of the public sphere itself.
Ghost Records in the Archival Empire
Authors: Dean Gabrielle
Published: September 2024

In the libraries of many historically white colleges and universities, there is genuine desire and sincere effort to make primary source collections more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. But these endeavors are thwarted by long-standing internal practices and values. Laying bare the inner workings of special collections libraries within such institutions, I analyze the financial, epistemological, and cultural mechanisms that interfere with the building of archival collections relevant to African American history and experience.
Extensive avoidance behaviour of krill from predators and nets
Authors: Christiansen Svenja , Bråthen Mabel Pernille , Moksnes Fredrik Lund , Schmedling Charlotte Aurora , Thorsby Sara Jegstad , Titelman Josefin , Kaartvedt Stein
Published: September 2024

We used echosounders to assess krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) responses to sampling gear and predators. Towing pelagic trawls above autonomous submerged, upward-looking echosounders revealed instantaneous diving by the krill during daytime but not at night. The krill dived at 10–30 cm s−1 with a near-simultaneous response throughout the krill layer below the gear (>10 m). Traversing the paths of the previous sampling revealed long-lasting voids in the krill distribution during the daytime. Such voids were less apparent at night. Backscatter increased in the wake of the gear during nocturnal sampling, possibly due to changes in individual backscatter related to variation in swimming behaviour. During daytime, krill responded to fish schools with instantaneous coherent diving, spanning tens of meters at speeds of 10–27 cm s−1. Coordinated and far-ranging responses indicate that even loose krill aggregations may facilitate predator avoidance by enabling efficient signal transmission between individuals. The krill antipredator behaviour instigated marked daytime krill patchiness. Krill patchiness will vary relative to the predator regime and reflect recent encounters.
Twisting the Infinitesimal Site
Authors: Mundinger Joshua
Published: September 2024

We classify twistings of Grothendieck’s differential operators on a smooth variety $X$ in prime characteristic $p$. We prove that isomorphism classes of twistings are in bijection with $H^{2}(X,\mathbb{Z}_{p}(1))$, the degree 2, weight 1 syntomic cohomology of $X$. We also discuss the relationship between twistings of crystalline and Grothendieck differential operators. Twistings in mixed characteristic are also analyzed.
COVID-19 and Gender Gap in Labor Market Recovery: Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Hossain Marup , Hossain Md Amzad
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic-driven economic downturn can have substantial implications for the gender gap in the labor market in developing countries, where women are already worse off in job participation and earnings than men. After more than two years of the pandemic, how has the labor market reshaped in developing countries like Nigeria? Using multiple rounds of data before and after the pandemic and incorporating a difference-in-differences design, we show that overall employment dropped in the post-epidemic period in Nigeria. Importantly, overall employment fell more for women than men in Nigeria. Women in the high-COVID-intensity areas also experienced a larger shift from wage and service jobs to farm-based employment. It may aggravate women’s economic condition to the extent that the labor market returns in farming activities are lower than that of wage and service jobs.
Impact of different feed intake levels on intestinal morphology and epithelial cell differentiation in piglets
Authors: Wang Xin , Yin Lanmei , Geng Chunchun , Zhang Jiaqi , Li Jianzhong , Huang Pengfei , Li Yali , Wang Qiye , Yang Huansheng
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effect of feed intake levels on the development of intestinal morphology and epithelial cell differentiation in piglets. Sixty-four 35-d-old healthy weaned piglets ([Large White × Landrace] × Duroc) with an initial weight (6.93 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups (100%, 80%, 40%, and 20% feed intake) with 8 replicates of 2 pigs each. Samples were collected on days 3 and 7. The results revealed that with an increase in feed restriction degree and time, the body weight and organ index of piglets significantly decreased, and the villus height (VH) and crypt depth of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum also decreased linearly (P < 0.05). After 3 d of feed restriction, jejunal ki67, endocrine cells, goblet cells, and villus endocrine/VH all decreased linearly, but the villus cup/VH ratio increased linearly, and the 40% and 20% were significantly higher than those of the 100% and 80% (P < 0.05). There was also a linear decrease in jejunal ki67, endocrine cells, goblet cells, and villous endocrine/VH in piglets fed 7 d of food restriction; however, the villus goblet cells/VH ratio in the 20% was significantly higher than that in the 40% group and was not different from that in the 80% (P < 0.05). During 3 d of feed restriction, the expression of jejunal differentiation marker genes showed a linear decreasing trend (P < 0.05) but increased linearly after 7 d of feed restriction. The expression levels of interleukin17 (IL-17) and IL-22 also increased linearly (P < 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene set enrichment analysis analyses indicated that the PPAR signaling pathway, ECM–receptor interaction, and Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell differentiation were significantly enriched in these processes. real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that both PPAR and ECM–receptor interactions were significantly activated during 7 d of feeding restriction (P < 0.05). The results showed that with an increase in feed restriction intensity and time, the intestinal morphology and epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation were significantly reduced, except for the goblet cells. This phenomenon is related to the regulation of intestinal differentiation by IL-17 and IL-22 secreted by the Th cells.
High total water loss driven by low-fat diet in desert-adapted mice
Authors: Blumstein Danielle M , Colella Jocelyn P , Linder Ernst , MacManes Matthew D
Published: September 2024

Availability of food resources is an important driver of survival. Populations must either relocate or adapt to persist in environments where food availability is changing. An optimal diet balances energy gain, water regulation, and nutrition. We used flow-through respirometry to characterize metabolic phenotypes of the desert-adapted Cactus Mouse (Peromyscus eremicus) under diurnally variable environmental conditions that mimic that of the Sonoran Desert. We treated mice with 2 different energetically equivalent diets, a standard diet and a low-fat diet, and measured energy expenditure, water loss rate, respiratory quotient, weight, and electrolyte levels. Mice fed the low-fat diet lost significantly more water than those on the standard diet. Despite being desert-adapted, our results suggest that cactus mice may have limited capacity to tolerate water deprivation if optimal foods become less abundant. Given that climate change is predicted to modify the distribution of food items, understanding these links may have important implications for long-term population viability for desert and non-desert-adapted animals alike.
Deciphering accretion-driven starquakes in recycled millisecond pulsars using gravitational waves
Authors: Chatterjee Sagnik , Nath Kamal Krishna , Mallick Ritam
Published: September 2024

Recycled millisecond pulsars are susceptible to starquakes as they are continuously accreting matter from their binary companion. A starquake happens when the rotational frequency of the star crosses its breaking frequency. In this study, we perform a model analysis of an accreting neutron star suffering a starquake. We analyse two models: a spherical star with accreting mountains and a deformed star with accreting mountains. We find that as the star crosses the breaking frequency and suffers a starquake, there is a sudden change in the continuous gravitational wave signal arriving from it. The amplitude of the gravitational wave signal increases suddenly both for the spherical and deformed star. For the spherical star, the accreting matter entirely dictates the amplitude of the gravitational wave. For the deformed star, both the accreting matter and the deformation from spherical symmetry play a significant role in determining the amplitude of the gravitational wave signal. This sudden change in the continuous gravitational wave signal in recycled millisecond pulsars can be a unique signature for such pulsars undergoing a starquake.
Chronic constipation and gut microbiota: current research insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Xu Xiaoqian , Wang Yali , Long Yiyan , Cheng Yanli
Published: September 2024

Chronic constipation is a prevalent clinical condition. Its etiology and pathogenesis have not yet been fully understood. In recent years, mounting evidence suggests a close association between chronic constipation and intestinal dysbiosis, including alterations in the colony structure and metabolites, as well as the modulation of bowel movements via the brain–gut–microbiota axis. With the deepening of related research, probiotic-related therapies are expected to become a potential first-line treatment for chronic constipation in the future. In this review, we summarize the current research insights into the intricate relationships between chronic constipation and the gut microbiota and briefly discuss several different approaches for treating chronic constipation. The findings from this review may advance our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying chronic constipation and, ultimately, translate them into improvements in patient care.
“I Have Faith in God That I Will Get Better”—The Multidimensional Perceptions and Expectations of Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Qualitative Analysis of Common Sense
Authors: de Freitas Letícia Jonas , Hotta Gisele Harumi , Alaiti Rafael Krasic , Fukusawa Leandro , Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Oliveira Anamaria Siriani
Published: September 2024

Objective

This descriptive qualitative study aimed to gain insights into the expectations of individuals with chronic shoulder pain and to investigate how different levels of disability may influence their beliefs and expectations regarding improvement.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized the Common Sense Model as its theoretical framework. Conducted within a public physical therapy clinic, individuals with chronic shoulder pain who were awaiting the initiation of the treatment were included. Participants, female and male (aged 30–69 years), were purposefully sampled. Thirty participants, categorized into 2 groups based on the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, underwent semi-structured interviews. Group 1, lower SPADI scores (0–60), had 10 participants, and Group 2, higher SPADI scores (61–100), had 20 participants. Thematic analysis and inductive coding were employed to analyze the interviews.

Results

Common themes emerged in both groups: the use of medical terms for understanding the diagnosis and the multidimensional impact of pain. The last 2 themes differed between groups. Notable differences included Group 1’s focus on resources for pain relief and positive expectations with physical therapy, while Group 2 emphasized rest, religion as a resource for pain relief, and God’s role in improvement.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the complexity of beliefs and expectations among patients with chronic shoulder pain. Individuals with greater disability often incorporated religious beliefs into their coping strategies, but they held lower recovery expectations and reported negative treatment experiences. These insights have implications for tailoring patient-centered care approaches.

Impact

This study underscores the need for health care providers to consider the multidimensionality of recovery expectations, which can significantly influence patient outcomes. Clinicians can reflect on this knowledge to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient prognosis.
The development of mathematics revision resources and economics student demand for these resources
Authors: Brendon-Penn Andrew , Elliott Caroline , Kostadinov Emil , Smith Jeremy
Published: September 2024

The article describes revision mathematics resources that were developed for students to work through prior to starting their university economics degrees. This was believed to be important as school mathematics syllabi differ. The development of the resources was timely, as when the resources were created, there was also concern that students’ pre university studies may have been disrupted during the pandemic. The resources included short films, sets of notes and multiple quizzing opportunities. The revision resources were made available via the university virtual learning environment. Take up of the resources was very good and the key resources are now also publicly available via The Economics Network website. We tracked students’ use of the revision resources prior to the start of their undergraduate economics degrees in 2023 and during the first term of their studies. The usage data demonstrates the demand for revision mathematics resources, with over 70% of new students engaging with the resources. Data from The Economics Network website support this conclusion. We suggest that usage data provide an important indicator of students’ revealed preference for the resources developed.
Diagnostic dilemma: a typical follicular adenoma mimicking poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Nkenguye William P. , Mremi Alex , Lodhia Jay
Published: September 2024

Introduction and importance:

Thyroid disorders encompass a diverse range of conditions, including benign adenomas and malignant carcinomas. Atypical follicular adenomas represent a subset that presents diagnostic challenges due to their ambiguous features. Given the thyroid gland’s proximity to critical structures, prompt and accurate diagnosis is imperative for optimal management.

Case presentation:

This case report details the clinical journey of a 58-year-old male presenting with an anterior neck swelling and hoarseness of voice. Following a right hemithyroidectomy, histopathological examination revealed an atypical follicular adenoma. However, subsequent developments, such as persistent hoarseness, contralateral thyroid lobe enlargement, and cervical lymphadenopathy, necessitated further investigation.

Clinical discussion:

The complexities of diagnosing and managing thyroid lesions, especially those with atypical features and postoperative complications, are discussed. Differential diagnoses and investigative strategies are explored within the context of this case, highlighting the challenges encountered in clinical practice.

Conclusion:

This case underscores the intricate nature of thyroid pathology and the importance of comprehensive evaluation in guiding clinical decision-making. Despite initial histopathological findings, ongoing vigilance and thorough assessment are crucial for identifying and addressing evolving clinical presentations in patients with thyroid disorders.
Virtual reality in epilepsy: current trends, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Ewuzie Zimakor , Ezeano Chimezirim , Aderinto Nicholas
Published: September 2024

Epilepsy presents challenges in seizure management and cognitive deficits despite medical advancements. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool in epilepsy care, offering innovative approaches beyond traditional therapies. This narrative review explores current trends, challenges in implementation, and future directions of VR applications in epilepsy management. Systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar identified relevant studies from 2000 to February 2024. Key findings highlight VR’s potential in stress reduction, seizure prediction, cognitive training, and patient education. VR environments provide immersive experiences that alleviate stress and anxiety associated with epilepsy, potentially improving patient well-being. Moreover, VR-based biofeedback systems show promise in enhancing seizure prediction through real-time physiological data monitoring, aiding in early intervention strategies. Cognitive deficits, such as impaired memory and attention, significantly impact daily functioning in epilepsy patients. VR-based cognitive training programs offer tailored interventions to address these deficits, promoting neuroplasticity and functional independence. However, challenges such as photosensitivity risks and variability in VR technology must be addressed to ensure safe and effective implementation. The review explores the need for standardized protocols and longitudinal studies to validate VR’s efficacy across diverse patient populations. Future research should explore advanced VR technologies and focus on integrating VR into clinical practice to optimize epilepsy management strategies.
Enigmatic Presentation of Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma in a Boy
Authors: Farhan Abeer , Fakhro Abdulla , Burshaid Dalal
Published: September 2024

Background:

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) is a subtype of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. It is exceedingly rare in the pediatric population, with less than two dozen cases documented in individuals younger than 20 years. The rarity of the disease, coupled with the scarcity of comprehensive clinical data, emphasizes the importance of a meticulous approach in the diagnostic process to avoid under-diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Methods:

We report a case of an eight-year-old boy who presented with a unique form of scalp lesion, ultimately diagnosed as PCFCL. A complete excision of the remaining defect was addressed by a rotational flap based on the superficial temporal artery.

Results:

Adopting a multidisciplinary approach in managing PCFCL in the pediatric age group exemplifies the importance of collaborative care in addressing complex and rare conditions. The favorable outcome post surgical intervention reinforces the role of complete excision in treating localized PCFCL, aligning with current treatment guidelines for this patient demographic.

Conclusions:

The management of pediatric PCFCL consists of complete surgical excision as the primary treatment modality, reserving radiotherapy for cases of relapse. This case adds to the scant literature on pediatric primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma and highlights this rare entity’s diagnostic challenges and clinical peculiarities. Ongoing research is essential to enhance our understanding, refine diagnostic criteria, and develop more effective treatment protocols for PCFCL.
Associations Between Organizational Support, Burnout, and Professional Fulfillment Among US Physicians During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carlasare Lindsey E. , Wang Hanhan , West Colin P. , Trockel Mickey , Dyrbye Liselotte N. , Tutty Michael , Sinsky Christine , Shanafelt Tait D.
Published: September 2024

Goal:

This research aimed to evaluate variations in perceived organizational support among physicians during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associations between perceived organizational support, physician burnout, and professional fulfillment.

Methods:

Between November 20, 2020, and March 23, 2021, 1,162 of 3,671 physicians (31.7%) responded to the study survey by mail, and 6,348 of 90,000 (7.1%) responded to an online version. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and perceived organizational support was assessed by questions developed and previously tested by the Stanford Medicine WellMD Center. Professional fulfillment was measured using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index.

Principal Findings:

Responses to organizational support questions were received from 5,933 physicians. The mean organizational support score (OSS) for male physicians was higher than the mean OSS for female physicians (5.99 vs. 5.41, respectively, on a 0–10 scale, higher score favorable; p < .001). On multivariable analysis controlling for demographic and professional factors, female physicians (odds ratio [OR] 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55–0.78) and physicians with children under 18 years of age (OR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56–0.91) had lower odds of an OSS in the top quartile (i.e., a high OSS score). Specialty was also associated with perceived OSS in mean-variance analysis, with some specialties (e.g., pathology and dermatology) more likely to perceive significant organizational support relative to the reference specialty (i.e., internal medicine subspecialty) and others (e.g., anesthesiology and emergency medicine) less likely to perceive support. Physicians who worked more hours per week (OR for each additional hour/week 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99–1.00) were less likely to have an OSS in the top quartile. On multivariable analysis, adjusting for personal and professional factors, each one-point increase in OSS was associated with 21% lower odds of burnout (OR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.77–0.81) and 32% higher odds of professional fulfillment (OR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.28–1.36).

Practical Applications:

Perceived organizational support of physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a lower risk of burnout and a higher likelihood of professional fulfillment. Women physicians, physicians with children under 18 years of age, physicians in certain specialties, and physicians working more hours reported lower perceived organizational support. These gaps must be addressed in conjunction with broad efforts to improve organizational support.
Rural Hospital Service Lines: Changes Over Time and Impacts on Profitability
Authors: Whitacre Brian E. , Rhoades Claudia A. , Davis Alison F.
Published: September 2024

Goal:

To document shifts in rural hospital service line offerings between 2010 and 2021 and to assess the resulting impacts on hospital profitability.

Methods:

We used annual Medicare cost report data for all rural hospitals that did not change payment classifications between 2010 and 2021. We documented changes in the percentages of hospitals offering each of the 37 inpatient or ancillary service lines included in the data. We then used panel event studies to assess effects on hospital operating margin for specific service lines that changed most prominently during this period.

Principal Findings:

Twelve service lines changed by more than 5% during our period of analysis. These are highlighted by hospitals adding rural health clinics (+32%) and CT scans (+20%) and removing delivery rooms (−21%) and skilled nursing facilities (−19%). Panel event studies demonstrated that the addition or subtraction of most services did not have statistically significant impacts on future hospital operating margins. Notable exceptions were the addition of rural health clinics and the removal of delivery services, both of which positively affected future operating margins. The addition of occupational therapy services had a positive effect on operating margin in the near term, but adding MRI services had a negative effect.

Practical Applications:

The finding that only a select few service line changes resulted in meaningful impacts to hospital operating margins suggests that hospital leaders should be wary of implementing such changes as a means of improving financial viability.
Orthotic treatment for unstable hip joints in children with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis: A case series with follow-up until skeletal maturity
Authors: Haga Nobuhiko , Okada Keita , Tanaka Hiroshi , Fujiwara Sayaka , Kubota Masaya
Published: September 2024

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis is an extremely rare disorder characterized by congenital generalized loss of pain and thermal sensation, decreased sweating, intellectual disability, and self-mutilating behavior. Skeletal complications can develop even after minor trauma or an unknown cause, and management is difficult and sometimes unsuccessful, leading to the development of Charcot joints. We report 3 patients whose hip instability was treated with a hip action brace (HAB) that allowed for free abduction but prevented adduction. In 2 patients, metal attachments were added to bilateral joint units to prevent the patient’s hip joints from flexing over 90 degrees. The HAB was well tolerated by all patients, and no adverse effects, such as pressure ulcers, occurred during this treatment. Of the 6 hips with instability, 1 remained dislocated, and 5 were stabilized after several years of HAB application. However, 3 joints in 2 patients aged between 14 and 16 years were subluxated or dislocated, leading to joint destruction. The follow-up period from the application of HAB until the most recent visit ranged from 10 to 13 years, and all patients reached skeletal maturity. Our experience suggests that HAB treatment is effective in reducing hip instability and maintaining stability for at least several years in children with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis.
Eating disorders: etiology, risk factors, and suggestions for prevention
Authors: Keski-Rahkonen Anna
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

The incidence of eating disorders has increased worldwide. This narrative review gives an overview of research on etiology and risk factors of eating disorders published in 2022–2024.

Recent findings

Eating disorders arise from a complex set of risk factors. The recent increase in incidence of eating disorders can be linked to root causes that include sociocultural pressure to conform to unrealistic and gendered body ideals, rise in obesogenic environments, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Recent studies have shown that screen time and social media intensify sociocultural pressure to look a certain way. Individual-specific risk factors also increase the likelihood of onset of eating disorders. These include sports, stressful and traumatic life events, family factors, and psychological factors, including disgust sensitivity, aversive experiences, low self-esteem, perfectionism, neuroticism, obsessive-compulsive and impulsive features, and emotional dysregulation. Preexisting mental health conditions, particularly anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, and neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, are also associated with increased eating disorder risk. Genetic and biological factors contribute both to risk and resiliency.

The risk factors of eating disorders are well established. Future studies should focus on increasing resilience and preventive interventions.
No evidence for an up-regulation of female immune function in response to elevated risk of sexual conflict
Authors: Wyber Blake W. , Tomkins Joseph L. , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: September 2024

Sexual conflict is widespread among sexually reproducing organisms. Phenotypic plasticity in female resistance traits has the potential to moderate the harm imposed by males during mating, yet female plasticity has rarely been explored. In this experiment, we investigated whether female seed beetles invest more in immunocompetence, measured as phenoloxidase (PO) capacity, when exposed to cues signalling a greater risk of sexual conflict. Risk perception was manipulated by housing focal individuals alone or with a companion as developing larvae, followed by exposure to a mating-free male- or female-biased social environment when adults. We predicted that females exposed to cues of increased sexual conflict would have increased PO capacity. However, PO capacity did not differ between either larval or adult social treatments. Our results suggest that females may not perceive a risk to their fitness on the basis of increased male presence or are unable to adjust this aspect of their phenotype in response to that risk.
Serine chirality guides metabolic flow between one-carbon metabolism and neuromodulator synthesis
Authors: Suzuki Masataka , Adachi Kenichiro , Wiriyasermukul Pattama , Fukumura Mariko , Tamura Ryota , Hirano Yoshinori , Aizawa Yumi , Miyamoto Tetsuya , Taniguchi Sakiko , Toda Masahiro , Homma Hiroshi , Kanekura Kohsuke , Yasuoka Kenji , Kanai Takanori , Sugimoto Masahiro , Nagamori Shushi , Yasui Masato , Sasabe Jumpei
Published: September 2024

Neural development requires metabolic adaptations that coincide with a functional shift from differentiation to neurotransmission. Serine metabolism provides essential metabolites for cellular growth and proliferation, and also produces neurotransmitters. However, how serine metabolism coordinates functional development of neurons remains unclear. Here, we report that neurons undergo metabolic transitions through an enantiomeric shift of serine during functional maturation. Developmental alterations of neural transcriptional profiles and serine enantiomers indicated that L- to D-serine conversion is a signature of neural maturation. Metabolomic analysis of neural progenitors revealed that D-serine decreases glycine synthesis, thereby suppressing one-carbon metabolism, in which L-serine is a crucial carbon donor. D-serine inhibits one-carbon metabolism by competing with transport of cytosolic L-serine to mitochondria, which restrains proliferation and triggers apoptosis of neural progenitors as well as neural tumor cells, but not mature neurons,in vitroandex vivo. Thus, our findings suggest that the metabolic transition from L- to D-serine during neural maturation inhibits one-carbon metabolism essential for proliferation of immature neural cells, leading to acquisition of characteristics tailored to functional development toward neurotransmission.
GenoM7GNet: An Efficient N7-methylguanosine Site Prediction Approach Based on a Nucleotide Language Model
Authors: Li Chuang , Wang Heshi , Wen Yanhua , Yin Rui , Zeng Xiangxiang , Li Keqin
Published: September 2024

N7-methylguanosine (m7G), one of the mainstream post-transcriptional RNA modifications, occupies an exceedingly significant place in medical treatments. However, classic approaches for identifying m7G sites are costly both in time and equipment. Meanwhile, the existing machine learning methods extract limited hidden information from RNA sequences, thus making it difficult to improve the accuracy. Therefore, we put forward to a deep learning network, called “GenoM7GNet,” for m7G site identification. This model utilizes a Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT) and is pretrained on nucleotide sequences data to capture hidden patterns from RNA sequences for m7G site prediction. Moreover, through detailed comparative experiments with various deep learning models, we discovered that the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) exhibits outstanding performance in sequence feature learning and classification. The proposed GenoM7GNet model achieved 0.953 in accuracy, 0.932 in sensitivity, 0.976 in specificity, 0.907 in Matthews Correlation Coefficient and 0.984 in Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve on performance evaluation. Extensive experimental results further prove that our GenoM7GNet model markedly surpasses other state-of-the-art models in predicting m7G sites, exhibiting high computing performance.