bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenomic insights into common human disease pathology
Authors: Bell Christopher G.
Published: April 2024

The epigenome—the chemical modifications and chromatin-related packaging of the genome—enables the same genetic template to be activated or repressed in different cellular settings. This multi-layered mechanism facilitates cell-type specific function by setting the local sequence and 3D interactive activity level. Gene transcription is further modulated through the interplay with transcription factors and co-regulators. The human body requires this epigenomic apparatus to be precisely installed throughout development and then adequately maintained during the lifespan. The causal role of the epigenome in human pathology, beyond imprinting disorders and specific tumour suppressor genes, was further brought into the spotlight by large-scale sequencing projects identifying that mutations in epigenomic machinery genes could be critical drivers in both cancer and developmental disorders. Abrogation of this cellular mechanism is providing new molecular insights into pathogenesis. However, deciphering the full breadth and implications of these epigenomic changes remains challenging. Knowledge is accruing regarding disease mechanisms and clinical biomarkers, through pathogenically relevant and surrogate tissue analyses, respectively. Advances include consortia generated cell-type specific reference epigenomes, high-throughput DNA methylome association studies, as well as insights into ageing-related diseases from biological ‘clocks’ constructed by machine learning algorithms. Also, 3rd-generation sequencing is beginning to disentangle the complexity of genetic and DNA modification haplotypes. Cell-free DNA methylation as a cancer biomarker has clear clinical utility and further potential to assess organ damage across many disorders. Finally, molecular understanding of disease aetiology brings with it the opportunity for exact therapeutic alteration of the epigenome through CRISPR-activation or inhibition.
Tumor-associated macrophage-derived exosomal miR21-5p promotes tumor angiogenesis by regulating YAP1/HIF-1α axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yan Quan , Liu Jing , Liu Yiding , Wen Zhihao , Jin Dong , Wang Fu , Gao Lu
Published: April 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently received increasing attention as essential mediators of communication between tumor cells and their microenvironments. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a proangiogenic role in various tumors, especially head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and angiogenesis is closely related to tumor growth and metastasis. This research focused on exploring the mechanisms by which EVs derived from TAMs modulate tumor angiogenesis in HNSCC. Our results indicated that TAMs infiltration correlated positively with microvascular density in HNSCC. Then we collected and identified EVs from TAMs. In the microfluidic chip, TAMs derived EVs significantly enhanced the angiogenic potential of pHUVECs and successfully induced the formation of perfusable blood vessels. qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that EVs from TAMs transferred miR-21-5p to endothelial cells (ECs). And targeting miR-21-5p of TAMs could effectively inhibit TAM-EVs induced angiogenesis. Western blot and tube formation assays showed that miR-21-5p from TAM-EVs downregulated LATS1 and VHL levels but upregulated YAP1 and HIF-1α levels, and the inhibitors of YAP1 and HIF-1α could both reduce the miR-21-5p enhanced angiogenesis in HUVECs. The in vivo experiments further proved that miR-21-5p carried by TAM-EVs promoted the process of tumor angiogenesis via YAP1/HIF-1α axis in HNSCC. Conclusively, TAM-derived EVs transferred miR-21-5p to ECs to target the mRNA of LATS1 and VHL, which inhibited YAP1 phosphorylation and subsequently enhanced YAP1-mediated HIF-1α transcription and reduced VHL-mediated HIF-1α ubiquitination, contributing to angiogenesis in HNSCC. These findings present a novel regulatory mechanism of tumor angiogenesis, and miR-21-5p/YAP1/HIF-1α might be a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Stokes matrices and exceptional isomorphisms
Authors: Fan Yu-Wei , Whang Junho Peter
Published: April 2024

We prove that the integral Stokes matrices of size 4 with given Coxeter invariant of nonzero discriminant decompose into finitely many braid group orbits. We also establish exceptional isomorphisms between moduli spaces of points on algebraic unit 3-spheres and certain moduli of local systems on positive genus surfaces.
Characterization of Ordered Semigroups Generating Well Quasi-Orders of Words
Authors: Klíma Ondřej , Kolegar Jonatan
Published: April 2024

The notion of a quasi-order generated by a homomorphism from the semigroup of all words onto a finite ordered semigroup was introduced by Bucher et al. (Theor. Comput. Sci. 40, 131–148 1985). It naturally occurred in their studies of derivation relations associated with a given set of context-free rules, and they asked a crucial question, whether the resulting relation is a well quasi-order. We answer this question in the case of the quasi-order generated by a semigroup homomorphism. We show that the answer does not depend on the homomorphism, but it is a property of its image. Moreover, we give an algebraic characterization of those finite semigroups for which we get well quasi-orders. This characterization completes the structural characterization given by Kunc (Theor. Comput. Sci. 348, 277–293 2005) in the case of semigroups ordered by equality. Compared with Kunc’s characterization, the new one has no structural meaning, and we explain why that is so. In addition, we prove that the new condition is testable in polynomial time.
Evaluation of a hybrid telehealth care pathway for patients with axial spondyloarthritis including self-sampling at home: results of a longitudinal proof-of-concept mixed-methods study (TeleSpactive)
Authors: Labinsky Hannah , May Susann , Boy Katharina , von Rohr Sophie , Grahammer Manuel , Kuhn Sebastian , Rojas-Restrepo Jessica , Vogt Ekaterina , Heinze Martin , Schett Georg , Muehlensiepen Felix , Knitza Johannes
Published: April 2024

Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) require close monitoring to achieve the goal of sustained disease remission. Telehealth can facilitate continuous care while relieving scarce healthcare resources. In a mixed-methods proof-of-concept study, we investigated a hybrid telehealth care axSpA pathway in patients with stable disease over 6 months. Patients used a medical app to document disease activity (BASDAI and PtGA bi-weekly, flare questionnaire weekly). To enable a remote ASDAS-CRP (TELE-ASDAS-CRP), patients used a capillary self-sampling device at home. Monitoring results were discussed and a decision was reached via shared decision-making whether a pre-planned 3-month on-site appointment (T3) was necessary. Ten patients completed the study, and eight patients also completed additional telephone interviews. Questionnaire adherence was high; BASDAI (82.3%), flares (74.8%) and all patients successfully completed the TELE-ASDAS-CRP for the T3 evaluation. At T3, 9/10 patients were in remission or low disease activity and all patients declined the offer of an optional T3 on-site appointment. Patient acceptance of all study components was high with a net promoter score (NPS) of +50% (mean NPS 8.8 ± 1.5) for self-sampling, +70% (mean NPS 9.0 ± 1.6) for the electronic questionnaires and +90% for the T3 teleconsultation (mean NPS 9.7 ± 0.6). In interviews, patients reported benefits such as a better overview of their condition, ease of use of telehealth tools, greater autonomy, and, most importantly, travel time savings. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate a hybrid approach to follow-up axSpA patients including self-sampling. The positive results observed in this scalable proof-of-concept study warrant a larger confirmatory study.
Effects of soil water content at freezing, thaw temperature, and snowmelt infiltration on N2O emissions and denitrifier gene and transcript abundance during a single freeze-thaw event
Authors: Sennett Louise B. , Brin Lindsay D. , Goyer Claudia , Zebarth Bernie J. , Burton David L.
Published: April 2024

Climate change-related warming and increased precipitation may alter winter snow cover and thawing events, and therefore, may carry significant consequences for nitrous oxide (N2O) production pathways such as denitrification, and the abundance and expression of denitrifying microorganisms. We used a soil microcosm study to investigate the combined effect of soil thaw temperature, initial water filled pore space (WFPS) prior to soil freezing, and snowmelt infiltration simulated by the addition of water on N2O emission and denitrification rates, soil respiration rate, and the abundance and transcription of denitrifying (nirK, nirS, and nosZ) bacteria during a single freeze-thaw event. Soil respiration rate was primarily controlled by an increase in soil thaw temperature, whereas soil N2O emission and denitrification rates were generally greater in soils with a higher initial WFPS and soil thaw temperature. In contrast, snowmelt infiltration generally had a negligible effect on these rates, which may be related to pre-existing soil conditions that were already conducive to denitrification. Unexpectedly, the nosZ transcript/nosZ gene abundance ratio was lower in soils thawed at 8.0 °C compared to 1.5 °C; however, this may have resulted in a lower N2O reduction, thus explaining the greater levels of N2O emitted from soils thawed at 8.0 °C. Overall, this study demonstrated that increased N2O production during a single freeze-thaw event was primarily linked to antecedent conditions of high initial WFPS, soil thaw temperature, and a synergistic interplay between these two environmental parameters, and provides evidence that an increase in annual temperature and precipitation, along with the timing of precipitation, may further stimulate N2O production pathways.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Assmus Birgit , Bekfani Tarek , Dworatzek Elke , Edelmann Frank , Hashemi Djawid , Hellenkamp Kristian , Kempf Tibor , Raake Philipp , Schütt Katharina A. , Wachter Rolf , Schulze Paul Christian , Hasenfuss Gerd , Böhm Michael , Bauersachs Johann
Published: April 2024

The aetiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is heterogenous and overlaps with that of several comorbidities like atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, valvular heart disease, iron deficiency, or sarcopenia. The diagnosis of HFpEF involves evaluating cardiac dysfunction through imaging techniques and assessing increased left ventricular filling pressure, which can be measured directly or estimated through various proxies including natriuretic peptides. To better narrow down the differential diagnosis of HFpEF, European and American heart failure guidelines advocate the use of different algorithms including comorbidities that require diagnosis and rigorous treatment during the evaluation process. Therapeutic recommendations differ between guidelines. Whilst sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors have a solid evidence base, the recommendations differ with regard to the use of inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis. Unless indicated for specific comorbidities, the use of beta-blockers should be discouraged in HFpEF. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current state of the art in HFpEF diagnosis, clinical evaluation, and treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Symptomatic corpus luteum hemorrhage in adolescent females with ITP
Authors: Yelak Alexander , From Anat , Gilad Oded , Brik Simon Dafna , Rubin Shiri , Cohen Miriam , Amarilyo Gil , Levin Carina , Bakry Doua , Izraeli Shai , Tamary Hannah , Yacobovich Joanne , Steinberg-Shemer Orna
Published: April 2024

Patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) usually present with minor mucocutaneous bleeding. Corpus luteum hemorrhage (CLH) is generally asymptomatic but may, rarely, lead to severe intraperitoneal bleeding, mostly in patients with coagulation disorders. CLH causing intraperitoneal bleeding has only been described in few individuals with ITP. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to assess the clinical course and incidence of symptomatic CLH in adolescent females with newly diagnosed or chronic ITP. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to scrutinize cases of pediatric female patients with ITP, complicated by CLH. We identified three patients with ITP and hemoperitoneum secondary to CLH. They presented with acute abdominal pain, had severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts below 20 × 109/L), and required blood transfusions as well as ITP-directed therapy. All the patients were hemodynamically stable and did not require emergency surgical intervention.

  Conclusion: CLH could potentially pose a significant complication in the context of adolescent females with ITP, requiring a strong index of suspicion to direct expedient therapy.

What is Known:• Immune thrombocytopenia is typically associated with minor bleeding tendency.• Corpus luteum hemorrhage is generally asymptomatic; however, in women with bleeding disorders, it has the potential to result in substantial intra-abdominal bleeding.

What is New:• Corpus luteum hemorrhage leading to intra-abdominal bleeding is a potential severe complication of immune thrombocytopenia in adolescent females.
Prognostic and onco-immunological value of immune-related eRNAs-driven genes in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Xuan , Zhao Xingru , Zhou Chao , Wei Nan , Xu Zhiwei , Zhang Xiaoju
Published: April 2024

Background

We aimed to comprehensively analyze the clinical value of immune-related eRNAs-driven genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and find the potential biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic response to improve the survival of this malignant disease.

Materials and methods

Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to identify the immune-related eRNAs-driven genes. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses were used to construct this prognostic risk signature. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. The single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was conducted to evaluate the immune status based on the signature. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to evaluate the expression value of the signature genes between LUAD tissues and adjacent lung tissues.

Results

Five immune-related eRNAs-driven genes (SHC1, GDF10, CCL14, FYN, and NOD1) were identified to construct a prognostic risk signature with favorable predictive capacity. The patients with high-risk scores based on the signature were significantly associated with the malignant clinical features compared with those with low-risk scores. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the sample in the low-risk group had a prolonged survival compared with those in the high-risk group. This risk signature was validated to have a promising predictive capacity and reliability in diverse clinical situations and independent cohorts. The functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that humoral immune response and intestinal immune network for IgA production pathway might be the underlying molecular mechanism related to the signature. The proportion of the vast majority of immune infiltrating cells in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group, and the immunotherapy response rate in the low-risk group was significantly higher than that in the high-risk group. Moreover, BI-2536, sepantronium bromide, and ULK1 were the potential drugs for the treatment of patients with higher risk scores. Finally, the experiment in vivo and database analysis indicated that CCL14, FYN, NOD1, and GDF10 are the potential LUAD suppressor and SHC1 is a potential treatment target for LUAD.

Conclusion

Above all, we constructed a prognostic risk signature with favorable predictive capacity in LUAD, which was significantly associated with malignant features, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy response and may provide clinical benefit in clinical decisions.
Oral arsenic plus imatinib versus imatinib solely for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia: a randomized phase 3 trial with 5-year outcomes
Authors: Tian Jie , Song Yong-Ping , Zhang Gao-Chong , Wang Shu-Fang , Chu Xiao-Xiang , Chai Ye , Wang Chun-Ling , He Ai-Li , Zhang Feng , Shen Xu-Liang , Zhang Wei-Hua , Yang Lin-Hua , Nie Da-Nian , Wang Dong-Mei , Zhu Huan-Ling , Gao Da , Lou Shi-Feng , Zhou Ze-Ping , Su Guo-Hong , Li Yan , Lin Jin-Ying , Shi Qing-Zhi , Ouyang Gui-Fang , Jing Hong-Mei , Chen Sai-Juan , Li Jian , Mi Jian-Qing
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The synergistic effects of combining arsenic compounds with imatinib against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have been established using in vitro data. We conducted a clinical trial to compare the efficacy of the arsenic realgar–indigo naturalis formula (RIF) plus imatinib with that of imatinib monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML (CP-CML).

Methods

In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial, 191 outpatients with newly diagnosed CP-CML were randomly assigned to receive oral RIF plus imatinib (n = 96) or placebo plus imatinib (n = 95). The primary end point was the major molecular response (MMR) at 6 months. Secondary end points include molecular response 4 (MR4), molecular response 4.5 (MR4.5), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 51 months. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recruitment to this study had to be terminated early, on May 28, 2020. The rates of MMR had no significant statistical difference between combination and imatinib arms at 6 months and any other time during the trial. MR4 rates were similar in both arms. However, the 12-month cumulative rates of MR4.5 in the combination and imatinib arms were 20.8% and 10.5%, respectively (p = 0.043). In core treatment since the 2-year analysis, the frequency of MR4.5 was 55.6% in the combination arm and 38.6% in the imatinib arm (p = 0.063). PFS and OS were similar at five years. The safety profiles were similar and serious adverse events were uncommon in both groups.

Conclusion

The results of imatinib plus RIF as a first-line treatment of CP-CML compared with imatinib might be more effective for achieving a deeper molecular response (Chinadrugtrials number, CTR20170221).
A Test System for Microwave-Assisted Dual-Mode Mechanical Cutting of Hard Rock Under True Triaxial Compression
Authors: Feng Xia-Ting , Su Xiang-xin , Yang Cheng-xiang , Lin Feng , Li Shi-ping , Zhang Jiu-yu , Tong Tian-yang
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a test system for microwave-assisted dual-mode mechanical cutting of hard rock under true triaxial compression. The test system was developed by Northeastern University, China, to simulate the cutting and breaking of hard rock by a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The test system is mainly composed of a dual-mode mechanical cutting subsystem, a true triaxial loading subsystem and a high-power microwave presplitting subsystem. The system performs dual-mode cutting under true triaxial stress, applies a single sensor to monitor the three-dimensional force of the cutter head, and integrates the reduction in the vibration and resistance to torsion during the cutting process. Mechanical cutting tests of basalt under different amounts of microwave irradiation and true triaxial stress conditions were conducted in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that microwave radiation presplitting effectively improved the efficiency of mechanical rock breaking. However, after 180 s of microwave irradiation, true triaxial high stress inhibited the mechanical breaking of basalt in terms of the overall excavation depth. During the tests, each system performed stably. The test results verified the reliability of the test system.
On the Microstructure and Dynamics of Membranes Formed by Lipid as From Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a Member of Gut Microbiome: An EPR Study
Authors: Vitiello G. , Esposito R. , Speciale I. , De Castro C. , D’Errico G.
Published: April 2024

Lipid As are the main components of the external leaflet of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Their molecular structure has evolved to allow the bacteria survival in specific environments. In the present work, we investigate how and to what extent lipid membranes that include in their composition lipid A molecules of a bacterium of the gut microbiota, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, differ from those formed by the lipid A of the common Gram-negative bacterium Salmonella enterica, which is not specific to the gut and is here used as a reference. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, using spin-labelled lipids as molecular probes, allows the segmental order of the acyl chain and the polarity across the bilayer to be analyzed in detail. Both considered lipid As cause a stiffening of the outermost segments of the acyl chains. This effect increases with increasing the lipid A content and is stronger for the lipid A extracted from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia than for that extracted from Salmonella enterica. At the same time, the local polarity of the bilayer region just below the interface increases. As the inner core of the bilayer is considered, it is found that the lipid A from Salmonella enterica causes a local disorder and a significant reduction of the local polarity, an effect not found for the lipid A from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. These results are interpreted in terms of the different lengths and distributions of the acyl tails in the two lipid As. It can be concluded that the symmetrically distributed short tails of the lipid A from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia favors a regular packing within the bilayer.
Deterioration of volcanic tuffs from rock dwellings in Brhlovce (Slovakia) induced by freeze-thaw cycling studied by non-destructive tests and µCT visualization
Authors: Maľa M. , Greif V. , Ondrášik M.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of freeze-thaw-induced weathering of volcanic tuffs from the rock dwellings in the village of Brhlovce (Slovakia) based on a non-destructive and experimental study of tuff pore space properties. Traditional techniques for characterization of the porosity and pore size distribution and new experimental techniques like spontaneous imbibition (pore interconnection) or indicative rock pore structure method (pore size distribution) were compared with pore network models acquired by X-ray computed microtomography before and after freeze-thaw cycling in a custom-built thermodilatometer VLAP04. The results offer insight into how frost weathering altered the pore network of volcanic tuffs. Brhlovce tuffs are highly susceptible to frost damage due to their high porosity, pore interconnectivity, and bimodal pore size distribution pattern, where nanometric-sized micropores predominate over larger micrometric-sized capillary pores. Poromechanical principles were applied to confirm that ice crystallization initiates in well-connected micropores with a corresponding crystallization pressure below 10 MPa. After undergoing 100 freeze-thaw cycles with temperature oscillations ranging from − 10 to 10 °C, there was a significant increase in total porosity, pore interconnectivity, and rock permeability. Additionally, the pore size distribution was altered. These parameters influence the transport of fluids and the moisture regime in rock masses, which can serve as a precursor to physical and chemical weathering processes
Spectroscopic evaluation of sesame and mustard oils treated with Murchana method
Authors: Deekshitha S , Neelavara Makkithaya Kausalya , Sajankila Nadumane Sharmila , Hussain Gazala , Sankar Mal Sib , Sundara Babitha K. , Pai Padmini , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: April 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in traditional medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, which emphasizes the use of natural ingredients for various therapeutic purposes. Vegetable oils are an integral part of our diet and have several applications in the cosmetics and healthcare industries. These oils have also been prescribed in ancient Ayurveda texts to treat various health problems. Ayurveda prescribes a processing technique called ‘Murchana’ to improve the therapeutic nature of the oils. Spectroscopic techniques have been used for quality assessment in many fields. High sensitivity and a low detection rate make spectroscopy a formidable analytical technique. This study focusses on the spectroscopic analysis of sesame and mustard oils prepared using the ayurvedic processing method ‘Murchana’. Spectroscopic analysis techniques including UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy were employed to study the oils. Origin software was used to plot graphs of the spectra. The results indicated that the murchana process may reduce the components of the oil responsible for its oxidation, thereby increasing the shelf life of the oils. However, further investigations, including other spectroscopy and chromatography techniques, will prove beneficial in ascertaining the effects of the murchana process on vegetable oils. The study’s findings also suggest that spectroscopic techniques can be used to supplement chemical techniques to investigate the characteristics of vegetable oils.
Modelling the impact of climate change on cultural practices: the future of fen skating (1981–2079)
Authors: Richards Jenny
Published: April 2024

Cultural practices reliant on the formation of ice are likely to be affected by climate change across the world. Outdoor skating is a popular pastime in many regions of North America, Asia and northern Europe. Fen skating is a traditional sport practiced in the flat area of east England, when shallowly flooded fields and meadows freeze to form large stretches of ice. To assess the future of fen skating, climate metrics were constructed to capture the freezing conditions needed for fen skating to take place. A skating freeze was defined as requiring the daily minimum temperature to be either (i) four nights below -4 °C, (ii) three nights below -5 °C or (iii) two nights below -8 °C. The 12 km resolution UKCP18 dataset was used to assess the frequency and duration of skating freezes in the fens for the period 1981 to 2079. Results from the 12 UKCP18 model members showed notable variability and only four model members successfully captured past skating freezes. Outputs from these four model members showed a rapid decrease in the frequency and duration of skating freezes, raising concerns over the future of this sport.
Bridging the gap: robotic applications in cerebral aneurysms neurointerventions - a systematic review
Authors: Łajczak Paweł Marek , Jurek Bartłomiej , Jóźwik Kamil , Nawrat Zbigniew
Published: April 2024

Cerebral aneurysm is a life-threatening condition, which requires high precision during the neurosurgical procedures. Increasing progress of evaluating modern devices in medicine have led to common usage of robotic systems in many fields, including cranial aneurysm operations. However, currently no systematic review describes up-to date knowledge of this topic. Following PRISMA guidelines, we have independently screened and extracted works from seven databases. Only studies fulfilling inclusion criteria were presented in this study. Device used, operation time, complications, aneurysm type and patient demographics were extracted from each work. We identified a total of 995 articles from databases. We have found six original works and one supplementary article eligible for this synthesis. Majority of works (4/6) have implemented CorPath GRX in cerebral aneurysm procedures. The procedures involved diverse aneurysm locations, utilizing flow diverters, stents, or coiling. One study described implementation of robot-assist on 117 patients and compared results to randomized clinical trials. One work with a small patient cohort described use of the magnetically-controlled microguidewire in the coiling procedures, without any complications. Additionally, one case-series study described use of a robotic arm for managing intraoperative aneurysm rupture. Currently, robotical devices for cerebral aneurysm treatment mainly lack jailing and haptic feedback feature. Further development of these devices will certainly be beneficial for operators and patients, allowing for more precise and remote surgeries.
Structured barycentric forms for interpolation-based data-driven reduced modeling of second-order systems
Authors: Gosea Ion Victor , Gugercin Serkan , Werner Steffen W. R.
Published: April 2024

An essential tool in data-driven modeling of dynamical systems from frequency response measurements is the barycentric form of the underlying rational transfer function. In this work, we propose structured barycentric forms for modeling dynamical systems with second-order time derivatives using their frequency domain input-output data. By imposing a set of interpolation conditions, the systems’ transfer functions are rewritten in different barycentric forms using different parametrizations. Loewner-like algorithms are developed for the explicit computation of second-order systems from data based on the developed barycentric forms. Numerical experiments show the performance of these new structured data-driven modeling methods compared to other interpolation-based data-driven modeling techniques from the literature.
Sustainable supply chain evaluation with supplier sustainability in terms of reliability
Authors: Lin Kuan-Yu , Lin Yi-Kuei
Published: April 2024

Amidst the rising global recognition of sustainability and the United Nations' sustainable development goals, enhancing the sustainability of the supply chain while properly distributing orders has become a key point. In contrast to the previous research, this research involves supplier sustainability in reliability evaluation and proposes a new algorithm for computing reliability. In the constructed supply chain network, a node represents a supplier, assembly plant, or customer, and an arc connecting the nodes. For each arc, it has a carrier whose available carrying capacity for demand transmission. The capacity of each carrier, represented by the available delivery containers, should not be deterministic as they may be partially reserved by other customers. Under these conditions, such a supply chain network is regarded as a stochastic supply chain network (SSCN). The reliability for an SSCN is defined as the probability that the SSCN can successfully transport a specific amount of goods to a customer under supplier sustainability level, supplier production capacity, and budget. Reliability is also regarded as a performance indicator for supply chain capability when managers makes decisions under supplier sustainability consideration.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy
Authors: Guo Tianchen , Xu Junfen
Published: April 2024

Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
Community-Based Wildlife Conservation on Pastoral Lands in Kenya: A New Logic of Production with Implications for the Future of Pastoralism
Authors: Lesorogol Carolyn , Lesorogol Prame
Published: April 2024

Community-based wildlife conservation has been identified as a potentially successful approach to meet the needs of wildlife and the interests of local communities living among wildlife, national governments, and the global community interested in stemming the extinction crisis facing the planet. There is a significant literature critiquing the neoliberal approach to community-based conservation arguing that it has not been successful in meeting conservation goals or community goals. While in agreement with many of the critiques and the general calls for a more equitable direction that respects and draws on local and indigenous value systems, we focus on some of the implications of community-based conservation for pastoralism in Samburu County, Kenya. We employed an ethnographic approach, integrating informal and in-depth interviews, a random sample survey of 300 households, participant observation, and experimental economics games. Our findings show that the establishment of core areas, buffer zones, and grazing strategies that depart radically from previous practices reduced pastoralists’ access to critical rangeland resources and forced them to find pastures elsewhere. Thus, while community-based conservation purports to encourage landscape-level land management and coordination, in practice, it contributes to land fragmentation. Our results also explain why community-based conservation persists despite the costs for pastoralists.
Artificial Light at Night Reduces Flashing in Photinus and Photuris Fireflies During Courtship and Predation
Authors: Hillón-Salas Juan S. , Pineda-Dueñas Juan D. , Romero-Chacón Ana M. , Fonseca-Tellez Juliana , Cardona-Restrepo Manuela , Garrido-Villegas Sofía C. , Mejía-Tovar Diego , Arenas-Ríos Camilo , Gaitán-Botero Laia , Barón-Garzón Zulma S. , Robayo-Salek Andrés F. , Pulido-Guarín Harold , Ovalle-Barrera Juan J. , Macías-González Anyi D. , Bernal-Guatibonza Nicolás , Maldonado-Chaparro Adriana A.
Published: April 2024

Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects species-specific communication in a wide range of nocturnal species, including fireflies (Lampyridae). Fireflies rely on bioluminescent signals for communicating. In this study, we conducted two manipulative field experiments to evaluate the effect of artificial light at night on the flashing activity of male and female neotropical fireflies during courtship and predation. Our results showed a significant reduction in the flashing activity of both males and females exposed to ALAN during courtship and predation. Remarkably, the effect of ALAN on male flashing activity seems to be independent of female flashing activity. In conclusion, ALAN disrupts bioluminescent intraspecific (courtship) and interspecific (predation) communication, which in turn could influence mating success, thus negatively affecting neotropical firefly populations in the long term. Our findings contribute to understanding the challenges faced by neotropical firefly communities in the presence of ALAN.
Spreading and correspondence in Huave vowel copy
Authors: Kim Yuni
Published: April 2024

Assimilation is a central phenomenon in phonology, yet there is little consensus on either its representation or computation. In particular, the empirical distinction between spreading (feature sharing) and correspondence (feature copying) is disputed. In this paper, I identify novel diagnostics from two interacting assimilation processes in San Francisco del Mar Huave (isolate: Mexico). First, vowel-copy epenthesis displays a previously unattested blocking pattern that is problematic for spreading, but predicted by feature-copying approaches like Agreement By Correspondence. Second, in CV agreement, I argue that only feature sharing driven by Dep and Specify constraints can insightfully account for the role of underspecification, which produces a range of directionality effects. Huave shows that both spreading and correspondence are needed in phonological theory, and also demonstrates that monolithically assimilation-mandating constraints like Agree can be decomposed to derive assimilation from the interaction of more elementary, independently motivated principles of markedness and faithfulness.
Belief revision in psychotherapy
Authors: Grodniewicz J. P.
Published: April 2024

According to the cognitive model of psychopathology, maladaptive beliefs about oneself, others, and the world are the main factors contributing to the development and persistence of various forms of mental suffering. Therefore, the key therapeutic process of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—a therapeutic approach rooted in the cognitive model—is cognitive restructuring, i.e., a process of revision of such maladaptive beliefs. In this paper, I examine the philosophical assumptions underlying CBT and offer theoretical reasons to think that the effectiveness of belief revision in psychotherapy is very limited. This is the case, I argue, because the cognitive model wrongly assumes that our body of beliefs is unified, while it is in fact fragmented.
The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale L.) liquid extract on growth, immune response, antioxidant defence mechanism, and general health of Holstein calves
Authors: Özkaya Serkan , Pigamov Fahruddin , Erbaş Sabri , Mutlucan Murat , Arın Ulaş Evren , Şanlı Elif Rabia
Published: April 2024

This study was carried out to examine the effects of ginger liquid extract (GLE) on the growth, immune response, antioxidative defence mechanism, and general health of Holstein calves. Sixteen calves (4-d old) were included in the experiment and randomly assigned to groups, and they were fed whole milk containing GLE at a rate of 0, 0.50, 0.72, and 1% of the milk amount consumed. Calves consuming 1% GLE were weaned at an earlier age and gained better body weight (BW) compared to the other groups. The group fed with 0.50% GLE consumed less daily starter than the other groups. The administration of GLE resulted in a non-significant decrease in fecal score (FS), the number of days with diarrhea (DDN), and illness (IDN) among the calves. Notably, the 1% GLE exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli, while its effect on the growth of other pathogenic bacteria was not statistically significant. Despite the non-significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values, the 1% GLE demonstrated support for antioxidative defence mechanism and immune response. The results indicated that 1% GLE can be effective in promoting the health of calves by enhancing their immune response and antioxidant capacity. This suggests that incorporating 1% GLE into their overall well-being, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and performance in calf rearing operations.
Cumulative Incidence of Venous Thromboembolic Events In-Hospital, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 Months After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Systematic Review of 87 Studies and Meta-analysis of 2,731,797 Patients
Authors: El Ansari Walid , El-Menyar Ayman , El-Ansari Kareem , Al-Ansari Abdulla , Lock Merilyn
Published: April 2024

Systematic review/meta-analysis of cumulative incidences of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Electronic databases were searched for original studies. Proportional meta-analysis assessed cumulative VTE incidences. (PROSPERO ID:CRD42020184529). A total of 3066 records, and 87 studies were included (N patients = 4,991,683). Pooled in-hospital VTE of mainly laparoscopic studies = 0.15% (95% CI = 0.13–0.18%); pooled cumulative incidence increased to 0.50% (95% CI = 0.33–0.70%); 0.51% (95% CI = 0.38–0.65%); 0.72% (95% CI = 0.13–1.52%); 0.78% (95% CI = 0–3.49%) at 30 days and 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Studies using predominantly open approach exhibited higher incidence than laparoscopic studies. Within the first month, 60% of VTE occurred after discharge. North American and earlier studies had higher incidence than non-North American and more recent studies. This study is the first to generate detailed estimates of the incidence and patterns of VTE after MBS over time. The incidence of VTE after MBS is low. Improved estimates and time variations of VTE require longer-term designs, non-aggregated reporting of characteristics, and must consider many factors and the use of data registries. Extended surveillance of VTE after MBS is required.

Graphical Abstract
Recent trends in an uncommon method of carbon monoxide suicide
Authors: Stephenson Lilli , Van Den Heuvel Corinna , Humphries Melissa , Byard Roger W.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The most prevalent method of carbon monoxide (CO) suicide is inhalation of vehicle exhaust (VE). However, a new method of CO suicide has recently emerged involving charcoal burning (CB) in a confined space to produce fatal CO levels. This method has been reported from countries in Asia, associated with economic instability and media reporting of high-profile celebrity cases. The current study was undertaken to analyze rates and characteristics of CB suicides in South Australia (SA) for comparison with respect to their characteristics and scene, autopsy and toxicology findings.

Methods

A search was undertaken for all intentional fatal carbon monoxide poisonings in SA between 2000 and 2019. Collected variables included age, sex, cause of death, location of death, decedent histories, scene, autopsy and toxicology findings and manner of death. Statistical analyses were performed using R (version 4.2.3).

Results

There was a significant decrease in VE suicides (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in CB suicides (p < 0.001) over the 20-year period. Those who used CB were found to be, on average, between 1.5 and 15.8 years younger than those who used VE (p = 0.017). The risk factors for CB suicide included psychological/psychiatric conditions and financial problems, while VE suicides were associated with a history of physical problems and contact with the legal system. External and internal autopsy findings were consistent with the literature.

Conclusion

CB suicide is perceived to be widely accessible and painless and is therefore becoming a popular suicide method. Monitoring future trends will be important to determine whether intervention is required.
Development and validation of the aristotelian virtue of conscientiousness scale using Rasch methodology
Authors: McManus James , Medvedev Oleg N. , Zyl Liezl van , Weijers Dan
Published: April 2024

In the dominant Aristotelian view, virtues are traits that contribute to human flourishing, happiness and well-being. Although some scales in psychology are partially based on Aristotelian virtue theory, few of them operationalise all the aspects of virtues that Aristotle took to be essential. The aim of this project was to develop and validate the Aristotelian Virtue of Conscientiousness Scale (AVCS). The initial 60 scale items were developed based on Aristotelian virtue theory. This item pool was piloted and administered to a sample (n = 301) together with measures of distress, satisfaction with life and Big Five Conscientiousness. The twenty-eight most reliable items were selected based on psychometric criteria and subjected to Rasch analysis. The best model fit was achieved when items were combined into six testlets to address local dependency. The AVCS scale displayed excellent reliability (Person Separation Index = 0.88) and was invariant across gender and age. The ordinal-to-interval conversion tables were generated for the AVCS ordinal scores, which strongly correlated with life satisfaction. The AVCS is a reliable and valid measure with good psychometric properties that can be used in future happiness research. The ordinal AVCS scores can be transformed into interval level data using conversion tables published here, which improves accuracy of measurement.
Gender differences in the predictive effect of perceive emotional intelligence on depressive symptomatology in older adults
Authors: Delhom Iraida , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo , Satorres Encarnación , Meléndez Juan C. , Cabello Rosario
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between emotional intelligence, gender, and depressive symptomatology in older adults. To test whether there were differences between groups in the Trait Meta-Mood Scale dimension, univariate and multivariate analysis of variance were carried out, and t tests were performed to find the differences between groups in the variables that had shown differences in the univariate analysis. Participants were 853 Spanish cognitively healthy older adults between 60 and 95 years of age, with a mean age of 71.7 (SD = 7.4), of whom 64.9% were women. Self-reports were administered to assess the different variables under study. Specifically, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 was used to assess emotional intelligence, and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale to measure depressive symptomatology. The three dimensions of emotional intelligence showed differences as a function of gender and depression. Higher scores were found in the three dimensions of emotional intelligence in women. Moreover, people with higher levels of depressive symptomatology had higher scores on attention, and people with low depressive symptomatology had lower levels of clarity and repair. Women with depressive symptomatology showed high levels of attention, in contrast to men and women with low symptomatology. Considering the subjective perception of emotional intelligence, high attention to emotions and the female gender seem to be factors associated with depression in older adults, which allows us to outline a critical profile for depression that should receive special attention. Given the impact of depressive symptomatology in older adults, it is important to identify these profiles in order to detect possible risk factors for depression more effectively.