bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the efficiency of initial dental alignment with Invisalign® aligners changed every 7 or 14 days in mature adults: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fialho Tiago , de Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , Ohira Eduardo Terumi Blatt , de Souza José Eduardo Prado , de Oliveira Renata Cristina Gobbi , de Oliveira Ricardo César Gobbi , Valarelli Fabrício Pinelli , Pinzan‐Vercelino Célia Regina Maio , Cotrin Paula
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare the anterior crowding correction after sequential use of the first 5 aligners between two aligner exchange protocols (7 and 14 days) in mature adult patients.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐six patients over 35 years who received orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® were randomly allocated to two different aligner replacement sequence protocols: Group 1: exchange every 7 days (n = 18); and Group 2: exchange every 14 days (n = 18). All patients were scanned with iTero Element 5D® (Align Technology) in two treatment times: at pre‐treatment (T1) and after using the first five aligners (T2). Little's Irregularity Index (LII) and arch widths were evaluated with OrthoCAD software. Intra and intergroup comparisons were performed with the dependent and independent t‐tests. The results were considered significant for P < .05.

Results

Thirty‐five patients completed the study. Both groups' maxillary and mandibular Irregularity Indexesi were significantly lower at T2. There was no significant difference in inter‐canine, inter‐premolar, and intermolar distances. G2 (14 days) presented a greater decrease in mandibular irregularity than G1 (7 days).

Conclusion

Both exchange protocols (7 and 14 days) effectively correct anterior crowding in the initial phase of orthodontic treatment with aligners in mature adult patients. However, the 14‐day exchange protocol provided a greater correction in mandibular anterior crowding in the evaluated period than the 7‐day exchange protocol.
Gender distribution in publishing in five leading optometry journals
Authors: Cardona Genis , Herrera Aitor
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore gender distribution in authorship and citation parameters of articles published in five optometry journals included in the Ophthalmology category of Journal Citation Reports.

Methods

The Scopus database was used to retrieve all citable articles published in 2011 and 2021 in Optometry and Vision Science, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, Clinical Experimental Optometry, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, and Eye and Contact Lens. Gender of the first, last and single authors of all articles, and citation parameters of articles published in 2011 up to May 2023 were determined. Gender of the editor‐in‐chief and members of the editorial board of these journals was investigated (May 2023).

Results

Only one journal had a female editor‐in‐chief and three journals had more males than females in their editorial board. In 2011 and 2021, respectively, 40.1% and 48.0% of articles had female as the first authors ( = 5.77; p = 0.02), and 32.7% and 39.6% had female as the last authors ( = 4.61; p = 0.03). Gender parity was observed in one journal for the first author and none for the last author in 2011, and in three journals for the first author and one for the last author in 2021. Regarding combinations of male (M) and female (F) first and last authorship positions, the authors of articles in 2011 were MM (44.5%), FM (22.8%), FF (17.3%) and MF (15.4%), and MM (34.6%), FM (25.8%), FF (22.1%) and MF (17.5%) in 2021. Differences between 2011 and 2021 were statistically significant ( = 9.80; p = 0.02). The proportion of authorship combinations did not show statistically significant differences among journals in 2011 or in 2021. Neither citation nor self‐citation were influenced by gender.

Conclusions

Gender disparities persist in optometry journals, with females being under‐represented in senior and leadership positions. Increasing the awareness of gender disparity in authorship is a necessary step towards ensuring fairness in science in general, and optometry in particular.
Changes in branched‐chain amino acids in an infant with maple syrup urine disease during perioperative pediatric liver transplant: A case report
Authors: Saeyup Pipat , Tubjaroen Chomchanat , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Thaveepunsan Winnie
Published: February 2024

An 11‐month‐old female infant diagnosed with classic subtype IB maple syrup urine disease underwent living donor liver transplantation. Blood samples for plasma amino acid analysis were collected during the three phases of the operation. Despite the perioperative prophylactic administration of 12.5% hypertonic dextrose solution with insulin and a 20% intralipid emulsion, the blood levels of the branched‐chain amino acids increased dramatically during surgery, consistent with an acute intraoperative metabolic decompensation. However, these blood levels normalized soon after liver transplantation with an excellent outcome. We suggest that the occurrence of an intraoperative metabolic crisis during liver transplantation is not necessarily a sign of graft failure.
Temperature‐smart plants: A new horizon with omics‐driven plant breeding
Authors: Raza Ali , Bashir Shanza , Khare Tushar , Karikari Benjamin , Copeland Rhys G. R. , Jamla Monica , Abbas Saghir , Charagh Sidra , Nayak Spurthi N. , Djalovic Ivica , Rivero Rosa M. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: February 2024

The adverse effects of mounting environmental challenges, including extreme temperatures, threaten the global food supply due to their impact on plant growth and productivity. Temperature extremes disrupt plant genetics, leading to significant growth issues and eventually damaging phenotypes. Plants have developed complex signaling networks to respond and tolerate temperature stimuli, including genetic, physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations. In recent decades, omics tools and other molecular strategies have rapidly advanced, offering crucial insights and a wealth of information about how plants respond and adapt to stress. This review explores the potential of an integrated omics‐driven approach to understanding how plants adapt and tolerate extreme temperatures. By leveraging cutting‐edge omics methods, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, miRNAomics, epigenomics, phenomics, and ionomics, alongside the power of machine learning and speed breeding data, we can revolutionize plant breeding practices. These advanced techniques offer a promising pathway to developing climate‐proof plant varieties that can withstand temperature fluctuations, addressing the increasing global demand for high‐quality food in the face of a changing climate.
Exploring the chain mediating roles of frailty and depressive symptoms in the relationship between pain and cognitive function among nursing home older adults
Authors: Zhao Xia , Si Huaxin
Published: February 2024

Background

The prevalence of cognitive decline is high among nursing home older adults. Pain is a vital factor in cognitive function. Furthermore, the current literature lacks the complex association between pain, frailty, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to explore the chain mediating roles of frailty and depressive symptoms in the association between pain and cognitive function among nursing home older adults.

Methods

This is a population‐based cross‐sectional study, conducted in China, of 210 nursing home older adults aged 64–98 years old, who completed the measurements of sociodemographic information, pain, frailty, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. Mediation analyses tested the indirect effect of frailty and depressive symptoms in the relationship between pain and cognitive function by PROCESS macro.

Results

Pain, frailty, as well as depressive symptoms, were negatively related to cognitive function. Frailty mediated the association between pain and cognitive function. Importantly, mediation analyses showed that frailty and depressive symptoms acted as sequential mediators of pain and cognitive function.

Conclusions

These findings have crucial clinical implications, as they suggest targeting physiological and psychological factors in older adults with chronic pain to alleviate cognitive decline.
Asymptotic inference of the ARMA model with time‐functional variance noises
Authors: Cai Bibi , Zhu Enwen , Ling Shiqing
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the autoregressive and moving average (ARMA) model with time‐functional variance (TFV) noises, called the ARMA‐TFV model. We first establish the consistency and asymptotic normality of its least squares estimator (LSE). The Wald tests and portmanteau tests are constructed based on the theory for variable selection and model checking. A simulation study is carried out to assess the performance of our approach in finite samples, and two real examples are given. It should be mentioned that the process generated from the ARMA‐TFV model is not stationary, and the technique in this paper is nonstandard and may provide insights for future research in this area.
Effects of anthropometrics, thrust, and drag on stroke kinematics and 100 m performance of young swimmers using path‐analysis modeling
Authors: Morais Jorge E. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Gomeñuka Natalia A. , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to understand the interactions between anthropometric, kinetic, and kinematic variables and how they determine the 100 m freestyle performance in young swimmers. Twenty‐five adolescent swimmers (15 male and 10 female, aged 15.75 ± 1.01 years) who regularly participated in regional and national competitions were recruited. The 100 m freestyle performance was chosen as the variable to be predicted. A series of anthropometric (hand surface area–HSA), kinetic (thrust and active drag coefficient (CDA)), and kinematic (stroke length (SL); stroke frequency (SF), and swimming speed) variables were measured. Structural equation modeling (via path analysis) was used to develop and test the model. The initial model predicted performance with 90.1% accuracy. All paths were significant (p < 0.05) except the thrust—SL. After deleting this non‐significant path (thrust—SL) and recalculating, the model goodness‐of‐fit improved and all paths were significant (p < 0.05). The predicted performance was 90.2%. Anthropometrics had significant effects on kinetics, which had significant effects on kinematics, and consequently on the 100 m freestyle performance. The cascade of interactions based on this path‐flow model allowed for a meaningful prediction of the 100 m freestyle performance. Based on these results, coaches and swimmers should be aware that the swimming predictors can first meaningfully interact with each other to ultimately predict the 100 m freestyle performance.
Cytonuclear interplay in auto‐ and allopolyploids: a multifaceted perspective from the Festuca‐Lolium complex
Authors: Shahbazi Mehrdad , Majka Joanna , Kubíková Denisa , Zwierzykowski Zbigniew , Glombik Marek , Wendel Jonathan F. , Sharbrough Joel , Hartmann Stephan , Szecówka Marek , Doležel Jaroslav , Bartoš Jan , Kopecký David , Kneřová Jana
Published: February 2024

Restoring cytonuclear stoichiometry is necessary after whole‐genome duplication (WGD) and interspecific/intergeneric hybridization in plants. We investigated this phenomenon in auto‐ and allopolyploids of the Festuca‐Lolium complex providing insights into the mechanisms governing cytonuclear interactions in early polyploid and hybrid generations. Our study examined the main processes potentially involved in restoring the cytonuclear balance after WGD comparing diploids and new and well‐established autopolyploids. We uncovered that both the number of chloroplasts and the number of chloroplast genome copies were significantly higher in the newly established autopolyploids and grew further in more established autopolyploids. The increase in the copy number of the chloroplast genome exceeded the rise in the number of chloroplasts and fully compensated for the doubling of the nuclear genome. In addition, changes in nuclear and organelle gene expression were insignificant. Allopolyploid Festuca × Lolium hybrids displayed potential structural conflicts in parental protein variants within the cytonuclear complexes. While biased maternal allele expression has been observed in numerous hybrids, our results suggest that its role in cytonuclear stabilization in the Festuca × Lolium hybrids is limited. This study provides insights into the restoration of the cytonuclear stoichiometry, yet it emphasizes the need for future research to explore post‐transcriptional regulation and its impact on cytonuclear gene expression stoichiometry. Our findings may enhance the understanding of polyploid plant evolution, with broader implications for the study of cytonuclear interactions in diverse biological contexts.
Assembly of CpcL‐phycobilisomes
Authors: Guo Rui , Xu Ya‐Li , Zhu Jun‐Xun , Scheer Hugo , Zhao Kai‐Hong
Published: February 2024

CpcL‐phycobilisomes (CpcL‐PBSs) are a reduced type of phycobilisome (PBS) found in several cyanobacteria. They lack the traditional PBS terminal energy emitters, but still show the characteristic red‐shifted fluorescence at ~670 nm. We established a method of assembling in vitro a rod‐membrane linker protein, CpcL, with phycocyanin, generating complexes with the red‐shifted spectral features of CpcL‐PBSs. The red‐shift arises from the interaction of a conserved key glutamine, Q57 of CpcL in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, with a single phycocyanobilin chromophore of trimeric phycocyanin at one of the three β82‐sites. This chromophore is the terminal energy acceptor of CpcL‐PBSs and donor to the photosystem(s). This mechanism also operates in PBSs from Acaryochloris marina MBIC11017. We then generated multichromic complexes harvesting light over nearly the complete visible range via the replacement of phycocyanobilin chromophores at sites α84 and β153 of phycocyanins by phycoerythrobilin and/or phycourobilin. The results demonstrate the rational design of biliprotein‐based light‐harvesting elements by engineering CpcL and phycocyanins, which broadens the light‐harvesting range and accordingly improves the light‐harvesting capacity and may be potentially applied in solar energy harvesting.
Results of clinical effectiveness of conventional versus Mirasol‐treated Apheresis Platelets in Patients with Hypoproliferative Thrombocytopenia (MiPLATE) trial
Authors: Koepsell Scott A. , Stolla Moritz , Sedjo Rebecca L. , Carson Jeffrey , Knudson Michael , Cook Richard , Fasano Ross , Ngamsuntikul Samantha G. , Cohn Claudia , Gorlin Jed , Delaney Meghan , Slichter Sherrill , Ness Paul , McCullough Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Background

The Mirasol® Pathogen Reduction Technology System was developed to reduce transfusion‐transmitted diseases in platelet (PLT) products.

Study Design and Methods

MiPLATE trial was a prospective, multicenter, controlled, randomized, non‐inferiority (NI) study of the clinical effectiveness of conventional versus Mirasol‐treated Apheresis PLTs in participants with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia. The novel primary endpoint was days of ≥Grade 2 bleeding with an NI margin of 1.6.

Results

After 330 participants were randomized, a planned interim analysis of 297 participants (145 MIRASOL, 152 CONTROL) receiving ≥1 study transfusion found a 2.79‐relative rate (RR) in the MIRASOL compared to the CONTROL in number of days with ≥Grade 2 bleeding (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–4.67). The proportion of subjects with ≥Grade 2 bleeding was 40.0% (n = 58) in MIRASOL and 30.3% (n = 46) in CONTROL (RR = 1.32, 95% CI 0.97–1.81, p = .08). Corrected count increments were lower (p < .01) and the number of PLT transfusion episodes per participant was higher (RR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.05–1.41) in MIRASOL. There was no difference in the days of PLT support (hazard ratio = 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.08) or total number of red blood cell transfusions (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.91–1.37) between MIRASOL versus CONTROL. Transfusion emergent adverse events were reported in 119 MIRASOL participants (84.4%) compared to 133 (82.6%) participants in CONTROL (p = NS).

Discussion

This study did not support that MIRASOL was non‐inferior compared to conventional platelets using the novel endpoint number of days with ≥Grade 2 bleeding in MIRASOL when compared to CONTROL.
Effects of intranasal and intramuscular administration of butorphanol and zolazepam‐tiletamine combination on intraocular pressure and tear secretion in New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Cinar Harun , Yanmaz Latif Emrah , Sirin Muhammed Yusuf
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to compare the effect of intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (IM) administration of butorphanol and zolazepam‐tiletamine (ZT) combination on intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear secretion (TS) in rabbits. Fourteen healthy male New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3.05 ± 0.72 kg, aged between 1 and 2 years old, were included in the study. Animals randomly received 0.5 mg/kg butorphanol and 15 mg/kg ZT combination either with IN or IM administration. IOP and TS were measured at baseline (T0), and followed by 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after drug administration. The sedation variables, the time to onset of sedation, duration of sedation, and sedation scores were also recorded. The route of administration for the butorphanol and ZT combination had no significant effect on the mean IOP (p = .301) and TS (p = .445). Furthermore, there were no significant changes observed in the IOP (p = .472) and TS (p = .348) over time. The time to onset of sedation was earlier in the IN group (4.57 ± 0.79 min) than in the IM group (5.86 ± 0.9 min; p = .0004). The duration of sedation was significantly longer for IM (57.43 ± 3.41 min) compared with IN (45.0 ± 1.91 min; p < .0001). No significant difference in the sedation score was observed between groups at all time points. In conclusion, both IN and IM administration of the butorphanol and ZT combination in rabbits had similar effects on IOP and TS.
Dimensional and spatial computed tomographic abnormalities of the rectum and prostate are only partly reversible after surgical repair of perineal hernia in dogs
Authors: Salonen Hanna M. , Åhlberg Tuuli M. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori Outi M. , Mölsä Sari H.
Published: February 2024

Caudal protrusion of pelvic organs and dilatation and deviation of the rectum with perineal hernia (PH) have not previously been studied using CT, and it is not known how completely the changes normalize after PH repair. Objectives of this prospective experimental case series were to evaluate the dimensions and shape of the rectum and the volume, location, and other features (enhancement pattern, presence of cysts, and mineralizations) of the prostate of 66 dogs on CT before and 3 months after PH repair. The rectal cross‐sectional areas were measured at intrapelvic and caudal locations, and the shape was categorized as straight, deviated, flexure, or caudal fold on dorsal images. According to paired samples t‐tests, the caudal rectal dimensions were significantly larger (P < .001) than the intrapelvic dimensions both before and 3 months after PH repair, and according to linear mixed models, the intrapelvic dimensions increased significantly (P < .001) after repair. Before PH repair, the most common rectal shape was flexure (69.2%); after repair, the number of dogs having a straight rectum increased significantly (P < .001) according to the McNemar paired‐samples proportion test. We were also able to show that rectal dimensions increased after PH repair despite straightening in most dogs. According to the linear mixed model, prostate ratio volume, and according to Wilcoxon signed ranks test, the number of prostates with intraprostatic cysts decreased significantly (both P < .001) after PH repair, but the proportion of prostates located in the caudal or perineal area did not. Small mineralizations remained in some dogs.
On the Lindelöf hypothesis for general sequences
Authors: Broucke Frederik , Weishäupl Sebastian
Published: February 2024

In a recent paper, Gonek, Graham, and Lee introduced a notion of the Lindelöf hypothesis (LH) for general sequences that coincides with the usual LH for the Riemann zeta function in the case of the sequence of positive integers. They made two conjectures: that LH should hold for every admissible sequence of positive integers, and that LH should hold for the “generic” admissible sequence of positive real numbers. In this paper, we give counterexamples to the first conjecture, and show that the second conjecture can be either true or false, depending on the meaning of “generic”: we construct probabilistic processes producing sequences satisfying LH with probability 1, and we construct Baire topological spaces of sequences for which the subspace of sequences satisfying LH is meagre. We also extend the main result of Gonek, Graham, and Lee, stating that the Riemann hypothesis is equivalent to LH for the sequence of prime numbers, to the context of Beurling generalized number systems.
A radiomics model based on transrectal ultrasound for predicting prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Yanhua , Qian Hongwei , Zheng Yuanyuan , Song Huiming , Liu Xiatian
Published: February 2024

Aim: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common neoplasms in men. However, the value of ultrasound-based radiomics for diagnosing PCa remains uncertain.Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed ultrasonic and clinical data from 373 patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to the pathological results. Radiomics features wereextracted from TRUS, and we screened the optimal features to construct radiomics models. Relationships between clinical characteristics and prostate lesions were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Finally, a clinical-radiomics model was developed, and then visualized in the form of a nomogram.Results: Of the 373 patients, 178 had benign disease and 195 had malignant disease. The support vector machine (SVM) classification model showed the best performance, while the diagnostic performance of the clinical model was poorer than that of the radiomics model (p<0.05) or the combined (clinical-radiomics) model (p<0.05). In general, the combined model demonstrated the highest AUC and proved to be more advantageous.Conclusion: The prediction model we constructed based on TRUS predicted PCa preoperatively with high efficiency. In addition, combining radiomics with clinical factors improved diagnostic accuracy.
Atypical inflammatory kinase IKBKE phosphorylates and inactivates FoxA1 to promote liver tumorigenesis
Authors: Gao Bing , Wu Xueji , Bu Lang , Jiang Qiwei , Wang Lei , Liu Haining , Zhang Xiaomei , Wu Yuanzhong , Li Xiaoxing , Li Jingting , Liang Ying , Xu Lixia , Xie Wei , Guo Jianping
Published: February 2024

Physiologically, FoxA1 plays a key role in liver differentiation and development, and pathologically exhibits an oncogenic role in prostate and breast cancers. However, its role and upstream regulation in liver tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that FoxA1 acts as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer. Using a CRISPR-based kinome screening approach, noncanonical inflammatory kinase IKBKE has been identified to inhibit FoxA1 transcriptional activity. Notably, IKBKE directly binds to and phosphorylates FoxA1 to reduce its complex formation and DNA interaction, leading to elevated hepatocellular malignancies. Nonphosphorylated mimic
Foxa1
knock-in mice markedly delay liver tumorigenesis in hydrodynamic transfection murine models, while phospho-mimic
Foxa1
knock-in phenocopy
Foxa1
knockout mice to exhibit developmental defects and liver inflammation. Notably,
Ikbke
knockout delays diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced mouse liver tumor development. Together, our findings not only reveal FoxA1 as a bona fide substrate and negative nuclear effector of IKBKE in hepatocellular carcinioma (HCC) but also provide a promising strategy to target IKBEK for HCC therapy.
Self-assembled, disordered structural color from fruit wax bloom
Authors: Middleton Rox , Tunstad Sverre Aarseth , Knapp Andre , Winters Sandra , McCallum Susan , Whitney Heather
Published: February 2024

Many visually guided frugivores have eyes highly adapted for blue sensitivity, which makes it perhaps surprising that blue pigmented fruits are not more common. However, some fruits are blue even though they do not contain blue pigments. We investigate dark pigmented fruits with wax blooms, like blueberries, plums, and juniper cones, and find that a structural color mechanism is responsible for their appearance. The chromatic blue-ultraviolet reflectance arises from the interaction of the randomly arranged nonspherical scatterers with light. We reproduce the structural color in the laboratory by recrystallizing wax bloom, allowing it to self-assemble to produce the blue appearance. We demonstrate that blue fruits and structurally colored fruits are not constrained to those with blue subcuticular structure or pigment. Further, convergent optical properties appear across a wide phylogenetic range despite diverse morphologies. Epicuticular waxes are elements of the future bioengineering toolbox as sustainable and biocompatible, self-assembling, self-cleaning, and self-repairing optical biomaterials.
Real-time in vivo monitoring of intraocular pressure distribution in the anterior chamber and vitreous chamber for diagnosis of glaucoma
Authors: Seo Hunkyu , Hong Yeon-Mi , Chung Won Gi , Park Wonjung , Lee Jakyoung , Kim Hong Kyun , Byeon Suk Ho , Kim Dai Woo , Park Jang-Ung
Published: February 2024

Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss due to optic nerve damage and retinal cell degeneration. Since high intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma development, accurate IOP measurement is crucial, especially intravitreal IOP affecting the optical nerve and cells. However, conventional methods have limits in selectively and directly detecting local retina pressure. Here, we present continuous measurements of local IOP values in the anterior chamber and vitreous chamber of living animals using minimally invasive probes with pressure-sensitive transistors. After inducing glaucoma in animal models, we compared the local IOP distribution between normal and glaucomatous eyes. We also compared IOP values detected in the cornea using tonometry measurements. Our findings revealed that glaucoma induced higher IOP in the vitreous chamber than in the anterior chamber, indicating that measuring IOP in the vitreous chamber is key to the glaucoma model. This progress offers future directions for diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Exonic knockout and knockin gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells rescues RAG1 immunodeficiency
Authors: Castiello Maria Carmina , Brandas Chiara , Ferrari Samuele , Porcellini Simona , Sacchetti Nicolò , Canarutto Daniele , Draghici Elena , Merelli Ivan , Barcella Matteo , Pelosi Gabriele , Vavassori Valentina , Varesi Angelica , Jacob Aurelien , Scala Serena , Basso Ricci Luca , Paulis Marianna , Strina Dario , Di Verniere Martina , Sergi Sergi Lucia , Serafini Marta , Holland Steven M. , Bergerson Jenna R. E. , De Ravin Suk See , Malech Harry L. , Pala Francesca , Bosticardo Marita , Brombin Chiara , Cugnata Federica , Calzoni Enrica , Crooks Gay M. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Genovese Pietro , Naldini Luigi , Villa Anna
Published: February 2024

Recombination activating genes (
RAGs
) are tightly regulated during lymphoid differentiation, and their mutations cause a spectrum of severe immunological disorders. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is the treatment of choice but is limited by donor availability and toxicity. To overcome these issues, we developed gene editing strategies targeting a corrective sequence into the human
RAG1
gene by homology-directed repair (HDR) and validated them by tailored two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and in vivo xenotransplant platforms to assess rescue of expression and function. Whereas integration into intron 1 of
RAG1
achieved suboptimal correction, in-frame insertion into exon 2 drove physiologic human RAG1 expression and activity, allowing disruption of the dominant-negative effects of unrepaired hypomorphic alleles. Enhanced HDR-mediated gene editing enabled the correction of human
RAG1
in HSPCs from patients with hypomorphic
RAG1
mutations to overcome T and B cell differentiation blocks. Gene correction efficiency exceeded the minimal proportion of functional HSPCs required to rescue immunodeficiency in
Rag1
–/–
mice, supporting the clinical translation of HSPC gene editing for the treatment of RAG1 deficiency.
IgE in allergy: It takes two
Authors: von Borstel Anouk , O’Hehir Robyn E. , van Zelm Menno C.
Published: February 2024

A type 2 memory B cell subset is poised to differentiate into IgE-producing plasma cells in individuals with allergies (Ota
et al
. and Koenig
et al
.).
Outbreak of Oropouche virus in frontier regions in western Amazon
Authors: Moreira Hillquias Monteiro , Sgorlon Gabriella , Queiroz Jackson A. S. , Roca Tarcio P. , Ribeiro Jessiane , Teixeira Karolaine S. , Passos-Silva Ana Maísa , Araújo Adrhyan , Gasparelo Nadson Willian Felipe , Dos Santos Alcione de Oliveira , Lugtenburg Celina Aparecida Bertoni , Roque Rosemary Aparecida , Villalobos Salcedo Juan Miguel , Pereira Dhelio B. , Vieira Deusilene
Published: February 2024

Oropouche virus (OROV) is characterized as a re-emerging arbovirus of great concern for public health, being responsible for several outbreaks of acute fever identified in Latin American countries, registering more than half a million reported cases. The incidence of reports of this virus is intrinsically favored by environmental conditions, in which such characteristics are related to the increase and distribution of the vector population to areas of human traffic. Moreover, there is a problem regarding the lack of diagnosis in Brazil that aggregates the success of the etiologic agent. Thus, by means of molecular techniques, we identified 27 positive cases of the OROV circulating in border locations in western Amazon, with 44.44% (12/27) of the cohort characterized as infected individuals with reported symptoms, mainly ranging from fever, myalgia, and back pain. Among the positive samples, it was possible to obtain a total of 48.14% (13/27) samples to analyze the S and M segments of Oropouche, which showed similarities among the Brazilian sequences. Thus, it was possible to verify the circulation of the OROV in Rondonia and border areas, in which the tracking of neglected arboviruses is necessary for the genomic surveillance of emerging and re-emerging viruses.

IMPORTANCE

The western Amazon region is known for outbreaks of acute febrile illnesses, to which the lack of specific diagnostics for different pathogens hinders the management of patients in healthcare units. The Oropouche virus has already been recorded in the region in the 1990s. However, this is the first study, after this record, to perform the detection of individuals with acute febrile illness using a screening test to exclude Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, confirmed by sequencing the circulation of the virus in the state of Rondonia and border areas. We emphasize the importance of including diagnostics for viruses such as Oropouche, which suffers underreporting for years and is related to seasonal periods in Western Amazon locations, a factor that has a direct influence on public health in the region. In addition, we emphasize the importance of genomic surveillance in the elucidation of outbreaks that affect the resident population of these locations.
Hilbert–Pólya Operators in Krein Spaces
Authors: Kapustin V. V.
Published: February 2024

We construct some class of selfadjoint operators in the Krein spaces consisting of functions on
the straight line $ \{\operatorname{Re}s=\frac{1}{2}\} $.
Each of these operators is a rank-one perturbation of a selfadjoint operator
in the corresponding Hilbert space
and has eigenvalues complex numbers of the form $ \frac{1}{s(1-s)} $,
where $ s $ ranges over the set of nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function.
Global Analysis of Riccati Quadratic Differential Systems
Authors: Artés Joan C. , Llibre Jaume , Schlomiuk Dana , Vulpe Nicolae
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we study the family of quadratic Riccati differential systems. Our goal is to obtain the complete topological classification of this family on the Poincaré disk compactification of the plane. The family was partially studied before but never from a truly global viewpoint. Our approach is global and we use geometry to achieve our goal. The geometric analysis we perform is via the presence of two invariant parallel straight lines in any generic Riccati system. We obtain a total of 119 topologically distinct phase portraits for this family. Furthermore, we give the complete bifurcation diagram in the 12-dimensional space of parameters of this family in terms of invariant polynomials, meaning that it is independent of the normal forms in which the systems may be presented. This bifurcation diagram provides an algorithm to decide for any given quadratic system in any form it may be presented, whether it is a Riccati system or not, and in case it is to provide its phase portrait.
Trustworthy Distributed AI Systems: Robustness, Privacy, and Governance
Authors: Wei Wenqi , Liu Ling
Published: February 2024

Emerging Distributed AI systems are revolutionizing big data computing and data processing capabilities with growing economic and societal impact. However, recent studies have identified new attack surfaces and risks caused by security, privacy, and fairness issues in AI systems. In this article, we review representative techniques, algorithms, and theoretical foundations for trustworthy distributed AI through robustness guarantee, privacy protection, and fairness awareness in distributed learning. We first provide a brief overview of alternative architectures for distributed learning, discuss inherent vulnerabilities for security, privacy, and fairness of AI algorithms in distributed learning, and analyze why these problems are present in distributed learning regardless of specific architectures. Then, we provide a unique taxonomy of countermeasures for trustworthy distributed AI, covering (1) robustness to evasion attacks and irregular queries at inference, and robustness to poisoning attacks, Byzantine attacks, and irregular data distribution during training; (2) privacy protection during distributed learning and model inference at deployment; and (3) AI fairness and governance with respect to both data and models. We conclude with a discussion on open challenges and future research directions toward trustworthy distributed AI, such as the need for trustworthy AI policy guidelines, the AI responsibility-utility co-design, and incentives and compliance.
Sport-related concussion alters cerebral hemodynamic activity during controlled respiration
Authors: Ellingson Cody A. , Singh Jyotpal , Ellingson Chase J. , Shafiq M. Abdullah , Sirant Luke W. , Dorsch Kim D. , Gruszecki Marcin , Kratzig Gregory P. , Neary J. Patrick
Published: February 2024

This study investigated cerebral hemodynamic activity following sport-related concussion. Prefrontal cortex oxygenation was assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a controlled breathing protocol. Wavelet transformation of the NIRS signals showed significant decreases in HbO2 and HbD amplitude at the respiratory frequency interval (0.10–0.6 HZ) from preseason baseline to acute concussion. These results suggest a decreased respiratory contribution to cerebral hemodynamic activity following acute concussion.
Supplementary Table 4 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table 4 shows sources for data.
Supplementary Table 2 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table 2 shows sources for data.
Supplementary Table 1 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table 1 shows Types of Cancer Included in Composite Cancer Incidence Rate (19 total)
Supplementary Figure 5 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure 5 shows the output of natural splines conducted on incidence by longitude and time zone for composite cancer with 95% bootstrap confidence band using linear approximation (n = 2853).
Supplementary Figure 1 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Figure 1 shows a map of U.S. counties contained in our analysis of composite cancer incidence according to their respective time zones (n = 2853).
FIGURE 4 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Output of natural splines for most prevalent cancers. Figure shows the output of natural splines conducted on incidence by longitude and time zone for four of the most prevalent cancers, with 95% bootstrap confidence band. A, Liver and bile duct cancer (without MST, n = 1,063). B, Lung and bronchus cancer (n = 2,441). C, Colon and rectum cancer (n = 1,955). D, Pancreas cancer (n = 1,191).
FIGURE 2 from Longitudinal Position and Cancer Risk in the United States Revisited
Authors: Niu Jin , Brown Charlotte , Law Michael , Colacino Justin A. , Ritov Ya'acov
Published: February 2024

Output of linear approximation for total cancers. Figure shows linear approximation results of total cancer incidence rate by relative position with 95% bootstrap confidence band with 607 counties (A) and with 2,853 counties (B).
Denosumab Decreases Epicardial Adipose Tissue Attenuation in Dialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and low bone Mass
Authors: Chen Chien-liang , Liou En-Shao , Wu Ming-Ting
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Denosumab preceding elective surgery is an alternative option when parathyroidectomy is not immediately possible. Denosumab (an osteoprotegerin mimic) may play a role in the cardiovascular system, which is reflected in the features of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and coronary artery calcification (CAC).
Methods: We investigated the effects of denosumab on EAT attenuation (EATAT) and CAC in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). This cohort study included patients on dialysis with SHPT. The baseline characteristics of dialysis patients and propensity score–matched non-dialysis patients were compared. Computed tomography scans of the dialysis patients (dialysis group with denosumab, n = 24; dialysis group without denosumab, n = 21) were obtained at baseline and at 6 months follow-up.
Results: At baseline, the dialysis group patients had a higher EATAT-median (-71.00H ± 10.38 vs. -81.60H ± 6.03; P < 0.001) and CAC (1223A [248.50–3315] vs. 7A [0–182.5]; P < 0.001) than the non-dialysis group. At follow-up, the dialysis group without denosumab showed an increase in Agatston score (1319.50A (238.00–2587.50) to 1552.00A (335.50–2952.50); P = 0.001) without changes in EATAT-median (-71.33H ± 11.72 to -70.86H ± 12.67; P = 0.15). The dialysis group with denosumab showed no change in Agatston score (1132.2A (252.25–3260.5) to 1199.50A (324.25–2995); P = 0.19), but a significant decrease of EATAT-median (-70.71H ± 9.30 to -74.33H ± 10.28; P = 0.01).
Conclusions: Denosumab may reverse EATat and retard CAC progression in dialysis patients with SHPT.
Occlusion of the Lateral Semicircular Canal, Endolymphatic Sac Surgery, and Cochlear Implantation: A Low Destructive Treatment for Unilateral Ménière’s Disease and Deafness
Authors: Riemann Conrad , Kim Rayoung , Pfeiffer Christoph J. , Sudhoff Holger , Todt Ingo
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Surgical treatment of Ménière’s disease (MD) and deafness aims to treat vertigo and hearing disabilities. Current treatment options like labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation (CI) have shown acceptable results but are destructive. Less destructive procedures, like the occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal and endolymphatic sac surgery, have been shown to be successful in vertigo control. The combination of both procedures with CI has not been investigated; therefore the objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of this combination in patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: In this retrospective study, 10 patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss were included. In all of them, a single-staged surgery, which consisted of CI, endolymphatic sac surgery, and occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, was performed. The surgery was performed after a failed conservative therapy trial. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and audiological tests. These were assessed preoperatively, 3 and 6 months after surgery. An MRI with a hydrops sequence was performed to support the clinical diagnosis. Results: After the combined surgery, the mean DHI testing improved significantly from 71 to 30. Mean audiological monosyllabic speech testing outcome with the cochlea implant was 65% at 65 dB. The residual hearing of 2 patients could be preserved after the surgical procedure. Conclusion: The combination of occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, endolymphatic sac surgery, and CI is an efficient low traumatic treatment for patients with a single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss.
Combined Central and Peripheral Demyelination: Two Case Reports
Authors: Belen Buse Gül , Bülbül Nazlı Gamze , Karsidag Sibel , Köse Ercan , Vural Atay , Özdağ Fatih
Published: February 2024

Combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) is a rare disease characterized by demyelinating lesions in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). CCPD can present with acute, subacute, or chronic onset. The initial symptom may be of CNS origin, PNS origin, or both. The clinical manifestations of CCPD are quite heterogeneous, and there are no well-defined diagnostic criteria. In MRI imaging of CCPD cases, demyelinating lesions can be seen in areas such as the brain, cerebellum, brainstem, optic nerve, and spinal cord. Common electromyography (EMG) findings in patients with CCPD include decreased motor nerve conduction velocities, decreased or absent sensory nerve action potentials, prolonged F-wave latency, and decreased amplitude of compound muscle action potentials. Neurofascin (NF) is a transmembrane protein and anti-neurofascin (anti-NF) antibodies directed against NF can be positive in cases of CCPD. Four main NF polypeptides are produced by alternative splicing: NF 186, NF 180, NF 166, and NF 155. The investigation of anti-NF in CCPD cases is therefore important for etiological considerations. Here, we discussed three cases diagnosed with CCPD based on clinical, neuroimaging, EMG, and anti-NF antibody results in light of the literature.
Low-Frequency/High-Frequency Ratio Is a Predictor of Death and Hospitalization in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chen Yafei , Li Xu , Zhu Li , Wang Yan , Gan Liangying , Zuo Li
Published: February 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio in all causes of death and hospitalizations in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: This is a single-center prospective study with a 48-h electrocardiograph (ECG) recording. A total of 110 patients were enrolled in the study from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. ECG recordings started before initiation of the hemodialysis (HD) session and lasted for 48 h, covering the intra- as well as inter-HD period. We divided our participants into two groups based on the median value of LF/HF, one of the frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability (HRV). Patients with LF/HF <1.33 were categorized as group A and those with LF/HF ≥1.33 were group B. The endpoint of the study was a composite event of death or hospitalization. We followed all patients until the composite endpoint or the end of the study on February 28, 2023. Multivariate Cox regression was used to assess the adjusted effect of LF/HF on the composite endpoint. Results: Patients in group A were older and the number of patients with diabetes was more than that of group B. With regards to the laboratory data, group A had lower serum creatinine and uric acid and higher ferritin and NT-ProBNP. In the index HD session, systolic blood pressure was higher but diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in group A. During the median follow-up period of 8.8 (7.6–9.8) months, 27 hospitalizations and 10 deaths were documented. Increased LF/HF ratio was an independent protective factor of composite endpoint events (HR = 0.357, 95% CI: 0.162–0.790, p = 0.011). Conclusion: Risks of mortality and hospitalizations are higher among HD patients having decreased LF/HF ratios. LF/HF in the 48-h recording can be considered as a prognostic factor for risk stratification in HD patients.
A chance encounter in central Texas yields insights on the ecology of aestivating Siren nettingi (Caudata: Sirenidae)
Authors: Sirsi Shashwat , Zughaiyir Ferris E. , Villamizar-Gomez Andrea , Bohannon Austin M. A. , Forstner Michael R. J.
Published: February 2024

Siren spp. are often dominant vertebrates in the wetlands they occupy and are known to estivate when such wetlands dry up. Practical considerationslimit in-situ observations of estivating individuals. On 12 October 2021, we incidentally discovered an estivating aggregate of Siren nettingi in Bastrop County, Texas, USA. These salamanders were excavated from compact, rocky soil adjacent to a caliche road, at depths that ranged between ~0.2 to 1.5 m. The dominant vegetation at this site included Ulmus crassifolia, Persicaria sp., and various grass species. We recovered 140 individuals of which seven were salvaged and 133 were captured live. We measured 115 of these for snout–vent length (SVL) and observed the aggregate was predominated by juveniles. We estimated an estivation density of 2.33 sirens/m2 that is comparable to densities estimated for non-estivating populations. However, in-lieu of monitoring that was in place for this study, we expect a mass mortality event would have likely occurred. We therefore suggest that roadway construction in preferred habitat be considered as a threat to siren populations.
An index to assess the level of vulnerability to crocodiles in coastal communities
Authors: Durán-Apuy Alejandro , Mora José Manuel , Chavarría-Trejos Rosa , Madrigal-Vargas Andreina
Published: February 2024

Human-wildlife negative interactions are a recurring phenomenon worldwide, originating from the shared habitats and resources between both. In several coastal communities, negative interactions occur due to the presence of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). We have developed an index to assess the level of vulnerability of communities to this reptile. The construction of this index is based on the Approximate SustainabilityIndex developed by Gutiérrez-Espeleta in 1994. The Index of Vulnerability (IVU) is built upon several indicators across four parameters: social, biological-environmental, institutional, and spatial. These indicators are assessed using a performance scale and interpretation. The IVU assigns values to the vulnerability condition, which are presented in a color scale corresponding to defined intervals. For each indicator, reference categories and rating scales are represented with traffic light colors and numerical ratings. The IVU value obtained for a community can be visualized with a map and a corresponding figure, including a table of values for the assessed parameters.