bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Movement, not survival, differs between wild and hatchery-reared imperiled desert fishes
Authors: Hedden Skyler C. , Gido Keith B. , Hedden Crosby K. , Hickerson Brian T. , Stewart William T.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Stocking streams with hatchery-produced fishes is an increasingly common practice to restore native populations, but the fate of these fish is uncertain due to low survival or high emigration rates. Monitoring these vital population rates is needed to assess stocking and translocation of rare and endangered fishes to identify approaches that maximize persistence and survival and ultimately result in established populations.

Methods

We quantified survival, emigration, movement directionality, and long-term (24 months) trends in apparent survival of stocked and wild-caught fish implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. We PIT-tagged and tracked 1419 individuals, consisting of direct comparisons between two species of hatchery and wild fish, as well as four other wild-captured species, from 2020 to 2022 in three desert streams in Arizona and New Mexico.

Result

We found that hatchery fish had high (>98%) estimates of survival after being released (<40 days) that was similar to all tagged wild fish. But hatchery fish had a fivefold higher emigration rate than wild conspecifics shortly (<40 days) after being released. Emigrating hatchery fish also tended to move downstream, whereas wild fish were more likely to move upstream. Additionally, apparent survival estimates were about 10 times higher for tagged wild fish than hatchery conspecifics 6 months after release; hatchery fish apparent survival approached zero after about 165 days but did not approach zero for wild fish until 690 days following tagging and release.

Conclusion

Our results suggest emigration, rather than reduced survival, might limit the success of stocking efforts. Thus, choosing optimal stocking locations and the time of year of the stocking, such as upstream reaches during times near the species reproduction season, might improve retention and establishment of stocked fish.
Mediating effects of general self‐efficacy on social support and quality of life in patients after surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zhang Xuecui , Huang Xizhen , Peng Yanchun , Huang Long , Lin Lingyu , Chen Liangwan , Lin Yanjuan
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore whether general self‐efficacy can mediate the relationship between social support and quality of life in patients after surgical aortic valve replacement.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

The final analysis included 283 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement from May 2021 to September 2021. They completed a set of questionnaires, including the Chinese version of the General Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Chinese Questionnaire of Quality of life in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and the Social Support Rating Scale. The PROCESS Macro in SPSS was used to analyse the mediating effect.

Results

Quality of life and all of its dimensions were significantly related to social support and general self‐efficacy. A significant indirect effect of social support existed through general self‐efficacy in relation to quality of life with the mediation effect ratio of 32.82%.
ER stress aggravates diaphragm weakness through activating PERK/JNK signaling in obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Xiang Xiaoxin , Zhu Yanhua , Pan Xuya , Xin Wei , Chen Jianning , Tang Weijian , Guo Ruomi , Yuan Wu , He Xuemin , Zhou Li , Ren Zhitao , Wen Siying , Wang Heting , Lu Yan , Li Shasha , Chen Tufeng , Zhou Yuqi , Dou Zulin , Cai Mengyin , Zhang Xiaoyue , Chen Yanming , Shi Guojun
Published: July 2023

Objective

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome is associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in mediating obesity‐induced diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Methods

A pulmonary function test and ultrasound were applied to evaluate diaphragmatic function and magnetic resonance imaging was applied to measure diaphragmatic lipid deposition in human patients. For the mechanistic study, obese mice were introduced to a high‐fat diet for 24 weeks, followed by diaphragmatic ultrasound measurement, transcriptomic sequencing, and respective biochemical analysis. Automatic force mapping was applied to measure the mechanical properties of C2C12 myotubes.

Results

People with obesity showed significant diaphragm weakness and lipid accumulation, which was further confirmed in obese mice. Consistently, diaphragms from obese mice showed altered gene expression profile in lipid metabolism and activation of ER stress response, indicated by elevated protein kinase R‐like ER kinase (PERK) and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation. In C2C12 myotubes, inhibition of PERK or JNK signaling abrogated lipotoxicity‐induced intracellular lipid deposition and insulin resistance. Inhibition of JNK signaling reversed lipotoxicity‐induced impairment of elasticity in C2C12 myotubes.

Conclusions

These data suggest that ectopic lipid deposition impairs the diaphragmatic function of people with obesity. Activation of PERK/JNK signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of lipotoxicity‐induced diaphragm weakness in obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Maximum principle for mean‐field controlled systems driven by a fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Sun Yifang
Published: July 2023

We study a stochastic control problem of mean‐field controlled stochastic differential systems driven by a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter . As a necessary condition of the optimal control we obtain a stochastic maximum principle. The associated adjoint mean‐field backward stochastic differential equation driven by a fractional Brownian motion and a classical Brownian motion. Applying the stochastic maximum principle to a mean‐field stochastic linear quadratic problem, we obtain the optimal control and prove that the necessary condition for the optimality of an admissible control is also sufficient under certain assumptions.
Long‐Range Magnetic Exchange Coupling in Quasi‐2D CrTe Ferromagnetic Thin Films
Authors: Liu Hao , Zheng Huan , Wang Yamei , Huang Can , Ma Chunlan , Zhu Yan , Yang Hao , Ling Langsheng , Zhang Lei , Fan Jiyu
Published: July 2023

The 2D chromium telluride family (CrxTey) is an outstanding candidate for creating high‐density and dissipationless nanodevices because of its high Curie temperature, chiral spin patterns, and large saturation magnetic moment. However, the precise magnetic exchange mechanism and crucial phase transitional property of CrxTey must be fully analyzed. Herein, a large‐area CrTe (x:y = 1:1) single‐crystalline films deposited on an Al2O3 substrate. Based on the analysis of critical isothermal magnetization around the Curie temperature TC = 201 K and the modified Arrott plot, the precise critical exponents β = 0.386(3) and γ = 1.391(2) are obtained. Both their reliability and accuracy are also verified by Kouvel–Fisher theory, Widom scaling law, and scaling equation. Moreover, using the renormalization group theory, it is confirmed that CrTe belongs to a quasi‐2D Heisenberg‐like behavior with long‐range interactions. Finally, the density functional theory calculations indicate that, near the Fermi level, the CrTe band structure is mainly composed of Cr atom. The spin‐polarized density of states shows that the total magnetic moments are determined mainly by the polarized spin‐up t2g electron of Cr atom. This work is an important asset for a series of CrxTey materials in future spintronic applications.
Interlocking models in classroom science
Authors: Manz Eve , Georgen Chris
Published: July 2023

Both professional and classroom‐based scientific communities develop and test explanatory models of the natural world. For students to take up models as tools for sensemaking, practice must be agentive (where students use and revise modelsforspecific purposes) and conceptually productive (where students make progress on their ideas). In this paper, we explore principles to support agentive and conceptually productive modeling. One is that models can “do work”; that is, participate in students' sensemaking by offering resources, making gaps visible, or pushing back on modelers' understandings. A second is that working across, and seeking to align, multiple models—what we explain asinterlockingmodels—supports models to do work. A third is that modeling activity can support fine‐grained conceptual progress. We detail how we used these ideas to guide and refine the design of a fifth‐grade investigation into the conservation of matter across phase change. We identify four ways that models participated in students' sensemaking as they interlocked: by providingcontradictions,constraints,representational surplus, andgapsfor students to engage with. We discuss how designing for models to be co‐participants in sense‐making and to interlock can provide productive paths forward for curriculum designers, researchers, and teachers.
Multifunctional Titanium Oxide Layers in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells Formed via Selective Anodization
Authors: Jakob Leonie , Tutsch Leonard , Hatt Thibaud , Westraadt Johan , Ngongo Sinoyolo , Glatthaar Markus , Bivour Martin , Bartsch Jonas
Published: July 2023

Herein, a novel strategy is introduced to reduce the consumption of scarce materials in silicon heterojunction solar cells by combining approaches for Ag replacement in the metallization and a reduction of the indium tin oxide layer thickness: a Ti layer deposited by physical vapor deposition serves both as the contact layer of a copper‐based metallization and after electrochemical oxidation as capping layer enabling the use of a thinner transparent conductive oxide. Further, the TiOxlayer can build an encapsulation layer. While oxygen evolution and metal dissolution are found to be critical side reactions, a nonaqueous electrolyte is found in which these reactions can be avoided. The application on silicon heterojunction solar cells shows promising first results, exhibiting a short circuit current density of 35 mA cm−2and a cell efficiency of close to 21% despite nonoptimized layer thicknesses.
A Scalable Architecture for Electronic Payments
Authors: Goodell Geoff , Toliver D. R. , Nakib Hazem Danny
Published: July 2023

We present a scalable architecture for electronic retail payments via central bank digital currency and offer a solution to the perceived conflict between robust regulatory oversight and consumer affordances such as privacy and control. Our architecture combines existing work in payment systems and digital currency with a new approach to digital asset design for managing unforgeable, stateful, and oblivious assets without relying on either a central authority or a monolithic consensus system. Regulated financial institutions have a role in every transaction, and the consumer affordances are achieved through the use of non-custodial wallets that unlink the sender from the recipient in the transaction channel. This approach is fully compatible with the existing two-tiered banking system and can complement and extend the roles of existing money services businesses and asset custodians.
Though five‐strand hamstring autografts demonstrate greater graft diameter, postoperative outcomes are equivocal to four‐strand hamstring autograft preparations: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of level I and II studies
Authors: Vivekanantha Prushoth , Nedaie Soroush , Grzela Patrick , Cohen Dan , Hoshino Yuichi , Nagai Kanto , Kay Jeffrey , de SA Darren
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To compare graft dimensions, functional outcomes, and failure rates following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with either five‐strand or four‐strand hamstring autograft options.

Methods

Three databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 22 April 2023 for level I and II studies comparing five‐ and four‐strand hamstring autografts in ACLR. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R‐AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, surgical details and rehabilitation, graft diameter, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), and rates of positive Lachman test, positive pivot shift test, and graft rupture were extracted. PROMs included Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC).

Results

One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and four prospective cohort studies with 572 patients were included. Graft diameters were larger in the five‐strand group with a mean difference of 0.93 mm (95% CI 0.61 to 1.25, p < 0.001, I2 = 66%). The five‐strand group reported statistically higher KOOS ADL subscale and Lysholm scores with a mean difference of 4.85 (95% CI 0.14 to 9.56, p = 0.04, I2 = 19%) and 3.01 (95% CI 0.48 to 5.53, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%), respectively. There were no differences in KOOS symptoms, pain, quality of life, or sports subscales, or IKDC scores. There were no differences in rates of positive Lachman test, positive pivot shift test, or graft rupture with pooled odds ratios of 0.62 (95% CI 0.13 to 2.91, n.s., I2 = 80%), 0.94 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.75, n.s., I2 = 31%), and 2.13 (95% CI 0.38 to 12.06, n.s., I2 = 0%), respectively.

Conclusions

Although five‐stranded hamstring autografts had significantly larger graft diameters compared to four‐stranded grafts with a mean difference of 0.93 mm, similar graft rupture rates and clinical laxity assessments were identified following ACLR. While some PROMs were statistically superior in the five‐stranded hamstring groups, the threshold for the minimal clinical important difference was not reached indicating similar clinical outcomes overall.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Prospective T1 mapping to assess gadolinium retention in brain after intrathecal gadobutrol
Authors: Ringstad Geir , Valnes Lars Magnus , Vatnehol Svein Are Sirirud , Pripp Are Hugo , Eide Per Kristian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A possible pathway behind gadolinium retention in brain is leakage of contrast agents from blood to cerebrospinal fluid and entry into brain along perivascular (glymphatic) pathways. The object of this study was to assess for signs of gadolinium retention in brain 4 weeks after intrathecal contrast enhanced MRI.

Methods

We prospectively applied standardized T1 mapping of the brain before and 4 weeks after intrathecal administration of 0.5 mmol gadobutrol in patients under work-up of cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders. Due to methodological limitations, a safety margin for percentage change in T1 time was set to 3%. Region-wise differences were assessed by pairwise comparison using t-tests and forest plots, and statistical significance was accepted at .05 level (two-tailed).

Results

In a cohort of 76 participants (mean age 47.2 years ± 17.9 [standard deviation], 47 women), T1 relaxation times remained unchanged in cerebral cortex and basal ganglia 4 weeks after intrathecal gadobutrol. T1 was reduced from 1082 ± 46.7 ms to 1070.6 ± 36.5 ms (0.98 ±2.9%) (mean [standard deviation]) (p=0.001) in white matter, thus within the pre-defined 3% safety margin. The brain stem and cerebellum could not be assessed due to poor alignment of posterior fossa structures at scans from different time points.

Conclusion

Gadolinium retention was not detected in the cerebral hemispheres 4 weeks after an intrathecal dose of 0.5 mmol gadobutrol, implying that presence of contrast agents in cerebrospinal fluid is of minor importance for gadolinium retention in brain.
Early biochemical and radiographic response after one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T radioligand therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients
Authors: Cytawa Wojciech , Hendel Robin , Tomasik Bartłomiej , Weinzierl Franz-Xaver , Bley Thorsten , Jassem Jacek , Schirbel Andreas , Buck Andreas K. , Bundschuh Ralph A. , Hartrampf Philipp E. , Werner Rudolf A. , Lapa Constantin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate very early radiographic PSMA PET response after one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T radioligand therapy (RLT) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and to assess its role in predicting overall response and survival.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 40 mCRPC patients who were treated with a median of 3 (2–9) [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T RLT cycles. Biochemical response was based on the relative change of serum PSA according to PCWG3 criteria, while radiographic response referred to the relative change of PSMA-derived total viable tumor volumes expressed as total lesion PSMA (TLP).

Results

After one cycle of RLT, biochemical partial response (PR) was seen in 8/40 (20.0%), stable disease (SD) in 22/40 (55.0%), and progressive disease (PD) in 10/40 (25%) patients. In PSMA PET, very early molecular PR was observed in 12 (30.0%), SD in 19 (47.5%), and PD in 9 (22.5%) subjects. The PSA and TLP nadir were achieved after a median of 1 (1–5) and 2 (1–6) cycles, respectively. Nineteen (47.5%) patients showed overall biochemical PR, 11 (27.5%) had SD, and 10 (25%) experienced PD. In PSMA-directed PET, 4 patients experienced molecular complete response (CR), 24 (60.0%) had PR, 4 (10.0%) SD, and 8 (20.0%) PD. Early biochemical or radiographic response was not associated with longer overall survival (OS). Overall biochemical responders had a nearly significantly longer median OS (22.7 months) than non-responders (14.4 months, p = 0.08). Early PSA progression was associated with shorter OS (12.2 months), compared to biochemical SD/PR (18.7 months, p = 0.09).

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort, there was no association between early PSMA PET radiographic response and overall survival; hence, treatment should not be prematurely discontinued. In contrast, early PSA progression after one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T RLT was an indicator of overall progression and poor clinical outcome.
Cosmetic satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes following surgical treatment of single-suture craniosynostosis: a systematic review
Authors: Klieverik Vita M. , Singhal Ash , Woerdeman Peter A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study provides a systematic review on cosmetic satisfaction and other patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of patients who underwent surgical treatment of SSC.

Methods

A systematic review of all articles published from inception to 1 June 2022 was performed. Articles were included if they reported on subjective assessment of cosmetic satisfaction or other PROMs by patients or their families using questionnaires or interviews.

Results

Twelve articles, describing 724 surgical treatments of SSC, met the inclusion criteria. Cosmetic satisfaction was evaluated in the following ways: 1) use of the VAS score, binary questions or a 5-point scale to rate general, facial or skull appearance; 2) use of an aesthetic outcome staging in which personal opinion was added to the treating surgeon’s opinion; and 3) use of an evaluation of anatomical proportions of the skull and face. A trend towards an overall improvement in cosmetic satisfaction following surgical treatment of SSC was observed. Reported PROMs included general health, socioeconomic status, patients’ and their families’ rating of the normalcy and noticeability of their appearance and how much this bothered them, and patients’ answers to the Youth Quality of Life with Facial Differences (YQOL-FD) questionnaire. No clear overall trend of the reported PROMs was identified.

Conclusion

This systematic review illuminates that there is a wide variation in outcomes for evaluating cosmetic satisfaction and other PROMs of patients who underwent surgical treatment of SSC, suggesting that further research is needed to develop an inclusive and uniform approach to assess these outcomes.
Neurotransmitter and receptor systems in the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Emmi Aron , Campagnolo Marta , Stocco Elena , Carecchio Miryam , Macchi Veronica , Antonini Angelo , De Caro Raffaele , Porzionato Andrea
Published: July 2023

The Subthalamic Nucleus (STh) is a lens-shaped subcortical structure located ventrally to the thalamus, that despite being embryologically derived from the diencephalon, is functionally implicated in the basal ganglia circuits. Because of this strict structural and functional relationship with the circuits of the basal ganglia, the STh is a current target for deep brain stimulation, a neurosurgical procedure employed to alleviate symptoms in movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. However, despite the great relevance of this structure for both basal ganglia physiology and pathology, the neurochemical and molecular anatomy of the STh remains largely unknown. Few studies have specifically addressed the detection of neurotransmitter systems and their receptors within the structure, and even fewer have investigated their topographical distribution. Here, we have reviewed the scientific literature on neurotransmitters relevant in the STh function of rodents, non-human primates and humans including glutamate, GABA, dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline with particular focus on their subcellular, cellular and topographical distribution. Inter-species differences were highlighted to provide a framework for further research priorities, particularly in humans.
Neural networks as building blocks for the design of efficient learned indexes
Authors: Amato Domenico , Lo Bosco Giosué , Giancarlo Raffaele
Published: July 2023

The new area ofLearned Data Structuresconsists of mixing Machine Learning techniques with those specific to Data Structures, with the purpose to achieve time/space gains in the performance of those latter. The perceived paradigm shift in computer architectures, that would favor the employment of graphics/tensor units over traditional central processing units, is one of the driving forces behind this new area. The advent of the corresponding branch-free programming paradigm would then favor the adoption of Neural Networks as the fundamental units of Classic Data Structures. This is the case of Learned Bloom Filters. The equally important field of Learned Indexes does not appear to make use of Neural Networks at all. In this paper, we offer a comparative experimental investigation regarding the potential uses of Neural Networks as a fundamental building block of Learned Indexes. Our results provide a solid and much-needed evaluation of the role Neural Networks can play in Learned Indexing. Based on our findings, we highlight the need for the creation of highly specialised Neural Networks customised to Learned Indexes. Because of the methodological significance of our findings and application of Learned Indexes in strategic domains, such as Computer Networks and Databases, care has been taken to make the presentation of our results accessible to the general audience of scientists and engineers working in Neural Networks and with no background about Learned Indexing.
Multicenter prospective registration study of efficacy and safety of capsule endoscopy in Crohn’s disease in Japan (SPREAD-J study)
Authors: Sakurai Toshiyuki , Omori Teppei , Tanaka Hiroki , Ito Takahiro , Ando Katsuyoshi , Yamamura Takeshi , Nanjjo Sohachi , Osawa Satoshi , Takeda Teruyuki , Watanabe Kenji , Hiraga Hiroto , Yamamoto Shuji , Ozeki Keiji , Tanaka Shinji , Tajiri Hisao , Saruta Masayuki ,   the SPREAD-J group, Akutagawa Tsuyoshi , Aoyama Nobuo , Iguchi Toshihiro , Endo Katsuya , Esaki Motohiro , Ogata Haruhiko , Oka Shiro , Omiya Naoki , Kagaya Takeshi , Kakimoto Kazuki , Kobayashi Taku , Sagami Shintaro , Sakuraba Hirotake , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Sugimoto Ken , Takao Masaki , Torisu Takehiro , Nakajima Atsushi , Nakamichi Konosuke , Nakamura Masanao , Nakase Hiroshi , Nishiyama Ryuhei , Hayashi Yukie , Hayashida Mari , Hiraoka Sakiko , Fuijya Mikihiro , Fukada Norimasa , Fukuda Masayuki , Mihara Hiroshi , Yokoyama Kaoru , Yoshida Yuicihiro , Wagatsuma Kohei
Published: July 2023

Background

Evidence of small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) for evaluating lesions in Crohn’s disease (CD) is lacking. We aimed to clarify the effectiveness and safety of SBCE in a large sample of patients with CD.

Methods

This multicenter prospective registration study recorded the clinical information and SBCE results of patients with definitive CD (d-CD) or suspected CD (s-CD). The primary outcomes were the rates of successful assessment of disease activity using SBCE, definitive diagnosis of CD, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were the assessment of SBCE findings in patients with d-CD and s-CD and factors affecting SBCE incompletion and retention; and tertiary outcomes included the association between clinical disease activity or blood examination, endoscopic disease activity, ileal CD, and the questionnaire assessment of patient acceptance of SBCE.

Results

Of 544 patients analyzed, 541 underwent SBCE with 7 (1.3%) retention cases. Of 468 patients with d-CD, 97.6% could be evaluated for endoscopic activity. Of 76 patients with s-CD, 15.8% were diagnosed with ‘confirmed CD’. CD lesions were more frequently observed in the ileum and were only seen in the jejunum in 3.4% of the patients. Male sex and stenosis were risk factors for incomplete SBCE, and high C-reactive protein levels and stenosis were risk factors for capsule retention. In L1 (Montreal classification) patients, clinical remission was associated with endoscopic remission but showed low specificity and accuracy. The answers to the acceptability questionnaire showed the minimal invasiveness and tolerability of SBCE.

Conclusion

SBCE is practical and safe in patients with CD.
A comprehensive analysis of tumor-stromal collagen in relation to pathological, molecular, and immune characteristics and patient survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ashina Shigeto , Masuda Atsuhiro , Yamakawa Kohei , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Tsujimae Masahiro , Tanaka Takeshi , Toyama Hirochika , Sofue Keitaro , Shiomi Hideyuki , Sakai Arata , Kobayashi Takashi , Abe Shohei , Gonda Masanori , Masuda Shigeto , Inomata Noriko , Uemura Hisahiro , Kohashi Shinya , Nagao Kae , Harada Yoshiyuki , Miki Mika , Juri Noriko , Irie Yosuke , Kanzawa Maki , Itoh Tomoo , Inoue Jun , Imai Toshio , Fukumoto Takumi , Kodama Yuzo
Published: July 2023

Background

Abundant collagen deposition is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). This study clarified the interactive relationship between tumor-stromal collagen, molecular and immune characteristics, and tumor pr ogression in human PDAC.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive examination using an integrative molecular pathological epidemiology database on 169 cases with resected PDAC . The amount of tumor-stromal collagen was quantified through digital imaging analysis for Elastica van Gieson-stained whole-section tumor slides. We analyzed the association of tumor-stromal collagen with gene alterations (KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A/p16, and SMAD4), immune parameters (CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [TILs], CD8+ TILs, FOXP3+ TILs, and tertiary lymphoid structures), and patient prognosis.

Results

Low amounts of tumor-stromal collagen were associated with poor differentiation (multivariable OR = 3.82, 95%CI = 1.41–12.2, P = 0.008) and CDKN2A/p16 alteration (OR [95%CI] = 2.06 [1.08–4.02], P = 0.03). Tumors with low collagen levels had shorter overall survival (HR [95%CI] = 2.38 [1.59–3.56], P < 0.0001). In the S-1 and gemcitabine (GEM) treatment groups, low tumor-stromal collagen was linked to poor prognosis of patients with PDAC (S-1 group: multivariable HR [95%CI] = 2.76 [1.36–5.79], P = 0.005; GEM group: multivariate HR [95%CI] = 2.91 [1.34–6.71], P = 0.007). Additionally, low amounts of tumor-stromal collagen were also linked to low levels of CD4+ TILs (P = 0.046), CD8+ TILs (P = 0.09), and tertiary lymphoid structures (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Tumor-stromal collagen deposition may play a crucial role in modulating tumor-immune microenvironment and determining response to adjuvant chemotherapy and patient survival outcomes.
Slowly walking down to the more food: relative quantity discrimination in African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata)
Authors: Tomonaga Masaki , Haraguchi Daiki , Wilkinson Anna
Published: July 2023

Quantity discrimination, is thought to be highly adaptive as it allows an organism to select greater amounts of food or larger social groups. In contrast to mammals, the processes underlying this ability are not as well understood in reptiles. This study examined the effects of ratio and number size on relative quantity discrimination in African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata). To assess these effects, tortoises were presented with trays containing favored food pieces in all possible number combinations between 1 and 7. The tortoises had to approach the tray they perceived as having the larger quantity. If correct, they received one piece of food as reinforcement. The results revealed that relative quantity discrimination was influenced by the ratio between the numbers of pieces, with performance improving as the ratio between the numbers increased. This finding suggests that the approximate number system or analogue magnitude estimation may control their behavior. However, as the number size increased, their performance declined, also suggesting that the approximate number system alone could not explain the present results.
The combined rhizoremediation by a triad: plant-microorganism-functional materials
Authors: Chojnacka Katarzyna , Moustakas Konstantinos , Mikulewicz Marcin
Published: July 2023

The article describes new strategies for the remediation of soils contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. The aim of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of combining plant-microorganism-functional materials for a more effective reduction of soil contamination with toxic chemicals. The innovative triad involves functional materials as a habitat for microorganisms, which helps to control the release of pollutants into the soil solution from the adsorbed form. This, in turn, reduces the toxic effect on microorganisms and plants. Microorganisms play a complex role, consisting of partial biodegradation of pollutants, stimulation of plant growth, and support for nutrient supply. Plants synthesize root exudates that facilitate microorganisms in biodegrading organic pollutants and stimulate their growth. The plant takes up pollutants through the root system, which can be further supported by endophytic microorganisms. The cooperation of the three players produces a synergistic effect that enhances the effectiveness of rhizodegradation supported by functional materials, which is more effective than using microorganisms, phytoremediation, or functional materials alone. The combination of physicochemical methods (functional materials) and microbiological methods (bacteria and fungi, rhizosphere, symbiotic and non-symbiotic) supported by plants (hyperaccumulators) is a promising approach for reducing chemicals from soil. Key examples of the synergistic effects of combining plant-microorganism-functional materials have been provided in this article.
Multiple instance ensembling for paranasal anomaly classification in the maxillary sinus
Authors: Bhattacharya Debayan , Behrendt Finn , Becker Benjamin Tobias , Beyersdorff Dirk , Petersen Elina , Petersen Marvin , Cheng Bastian , Eggert Dennis , Betz Christian , Hoffmann Anna Sophie , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Paranasal anomalies are commonly discovered during routine radiological screenings and can present with a wide range of morphological features. This diversity can make it difficult for convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to accurately classify these anomalies, especially when working with limited datasets. Additionally, current approaches to paranasal anomaly classification are constrained to identifying a single anomaly at a time. These challenges necessitate the need for further research and development in this area.

Methods

We investigate the feasibility of using a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify healthy maxillary sinuses (MS) and MS with polyps or cysts. The task of accurately localizing the relevant MS volume within larger head and neck Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans can be difficult, but we develop a strategy which includes the use of a novel sampling technique that not only effectively localizes the relevant MS volume, but also increases the size of the training dataset and improves classification results. Additionally, we employ a Multiple Instance Ensembling (MIE) prediction method to further boost classification performance.

Results

With sampling and MIE, we observe that there is consistent improvement in classification performance of all 3D ResNet and 3D DenseNet architecture with an average AUPRC percentage increase of 21.86 ± 11.92% and 4.27 ± 5.04% by sampling and 28.86 ± 12.80% and 9.85 ± 4.02% by sampling and MIE, respectively.

Conclusion

Sampling and MIE can be effective techniques to improve the generalizability of CNNs for paranasal anomaly classification. We demonstrate the feasibility of classifying anomalies in the MS. We propose a data enlarging strategy through sampling alongside a novel MIE strategy that proves to be beneficial for paranasal anomaly classification in the MS.
Activation of MG53 Enhances Cell Survival and Engraftment of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes in Injured Hearts
Authors: Park Ki Ho , He Xingyu , Jiang Lin , Zhu Hua , Liang Jialiang , Wang Yigang , Ma Jianjie
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

Our previous studies demonstrated that MG53 protein can protect the myocardium, but its use as a therapeutic is challenging due to its short half-life in blood circulation. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective role of MG53 on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (HiPSC-CMs) in the context of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Methods

In vitro: HiPSC-CMs were transfected with adenoviral MG53 (HiPSC-CMsMG53), in which the expression of MG53 can be controlled by doxycycline (Dox), and the cells were then exposed to H2O2 to mimic ischemia/reperfusion injury. In vivo: HiPSC-CMsMG53 were transplanted into the peri-infarct region in NSG™ mice after I/R. After surgery, mice were treated with Dox (+ Dox) to activate MG53 expression (sucrose as a control of -Dox) and then assessed by echocardiography and immunohistochemistry.

Results

MG53 can be expressed in HiPSC-CMMG53 and released into the culture medium after adding Dox. The cell survival rate of HiPSC-CMMG53 was improved by Dox under the H2O2 condition. After 14 and 28 days of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), transplanted HiPSC-CMsMG53 + Dox significantly improved heart function, including ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) in mice, compared to HiPSC-CMsMG53-Dox, and reduced the size of the infarction. Additionally, HiPSC-CMMG53 + Dox mice demonstrated significant engraftment in the myocardium as shown by staining human nuclei-positive cells. In addition, the cell survival-related AKT signaling was found to be more active in HiPSC-CMMG53 + Dox transplanted mice’s myocardium compared to the HiPSC-CMMG53-Dox group. Notably, the Dox treatment did not cause harm to other organs.

Conclusion

Inducible MG53 expression is a promising approach to enhance cell survival and engraftment of HiPSC-CMs for cardiac repair.

Graphical Abstract
Associations of Social Support with Sexual Practices, Health Behaviours, and Health Outcomes Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Evidence From a Longitudinal Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Durevall Dick , Cowden Richard G. , Beckett Sean , Kharsany Ayesha B. M. , Lewis Lara , George Gavin , Cawood Cherie , Khanyile David , Govender Kaymarlin
Published: July 2023

Background

Several studies have reported on the benefits of social support for health behaviour, including risky sex. Social support may thus be an important resource for promoting individual health and well-being, particularly in regions where HIV rates are high and healthcare resources are scarce. However, prior research on the implications of social support for the health behaviour of young women has yielded mixed and inconclusive findings. Using prospective data from young women in South Africa, this study examines the associations of social support with subsequent sexual practices, health behaviour, and health outcomes.

Method

We used two rounds of longitudinal data from a sample of n = 1446 HIV-negative emerging adult women, aged 18 to 29 years, who participated in a population-based HIV study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Applying the analytic template for outcome-wide longitudinal designs, we estimated the associations between combinations of social support (i.e. tangible, educational, emotional) and ten HIV risk–related outcomes.

Results

Combinations of tangible, educational, and emotional support, as well as tangible support by itself, were associated with lower risk for several outcomes, whereas educational and emotional support, by themselves or together, showed little evidence of association with the outcomes.

Conclusion

This study highlights the protective role of tangible support in an environment of widespread poverty, and the additional effect of combining tangible support with non-tangible support. The findings strengthen recent evidence on the benefits of combining support in the form of cash and food with psychosocial care in mitigating risk behaviours associated with HIV and negative health outcomes among young women.
Sedimentary facies analysis, seismic interpretation, and reservoir rock typing of the syn-rift Middle Jurassic reservoirs in Meleiha concession, north Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Hassan Ahmed Rezk , Radwan Ahmed A. , Mahfouz Kamel H. , Leila Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

The Middle Jurassic syn-rift sediments of the Khatatba Formation contain not only the principle source rock organofacies in the north Western Desert (NWD), but also several potential sandstone reservoir targets. However, controls on the reservoir quality of the Khatatba facies and spatiotemporal evolution of the reservoir rock types (RRTs) are still blurred. This study integrates seismic, wireline logs, and conventional core data from some wells in the Meleiha development lease in the NWD to investigate the petrophysical characteristics of the Khatatba reservoir facies, and determine the different RRTs. On seismic, Khatatba Formation consists of high reflectivity, continuous reflections displaying an upward decrease in seismic amplitude corresponding to a fining-upward clastic succession of fluvial–tidal facies. These facies display a large-scale pore system heterogeneity, thereby comprising three different RRTs. RRTI and RRTII rocks have a well-connected pore network dominated by capillary and super-capillary pores (> 10 µm), whereas sub-capillary pores (< 10 µm) are more common in RRTIII sediments. RRTI rocks consist of quartzose sandstones with a clean pore network (cement < 20%). The open pore system of RRTI allows a displacement of more than 80% of the pore water at entry pressure levels < 500 psi. Carbonate and clay components are more common in RRTIII rocks (average = 5.6% and 13%, respectively). These components adversely impact the pore system connectivity of RRTIII sediments. Fluvial channel sandstones host the principal fluid flow conduits where RRTI sandstones account for more than 95% of the reservoir flow capacity. The present study provides the first reservoir rock typing for the Khatatba clastic reservoir facies and highlights the link between depositional, compositional attributes and the spatial distribution of the different RRTs.
Nonparametric Conditional Risk Mapping Under Heteroscedasticity
Authors: Fernández-Casal Rubén , Castillo-Páez Sergio , Francisco-Fernández Mario
Published: July 2023

A nonparametric procedure to estimate the conditional probability that a nonstationary geostatistical process exceeds a certain threshold value is proposed. The method consists of a bootstrap algorithm that combines conditional simulation techniques with nonparametric estimations of the trend and the variability. The nonparametric local linear estimator, considering a bandwidth matrix selected by a method that takes the spatial dependence into account, is used to estimate the trend. The variability is modeled estimating the conditional variance and the variogram from corrected residuals to avoid the biasses. The proposed method allows to obtain estimates of the conditional exceedance risk in non-observed spatial locations. The performance of the approach is analyzed by simulation and illustrated with the application to a real data set of precipitations in the USA.Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
MAP-box: a novel, low-cost and easy-to-fabricate 3D-printed box for the storage and transportation of dissolving microneedle array patches
Authors: Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Cárcamo-Martínez Álvaro , Wardoyo Luki Ahmadi Hari , Moreno-Castellanos Natalia , Sabri Akmal Hidayat Bin , Larrañeta Eneko , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: July 2023

Research on the use of microarray patches (MAPs) has progressed at an unprecedented rate over the years, leading to the development of many novel drug delivery systems. As the technology approaches patients, there are several key aspects that ought to be addressed in order to facilitate the smooth translation of MAPs from bench to bedside. One integral factor includes the choice of devices and packaging for the storage of MAPs. In the current work, a slide-and-seal box, MAP-box, was developed for the storage of dissolving MAPs, using fused-deposition modelling. The device has been designed to act as a pill-box for MAPs not only to provide protection for MAPs from the environment, but also to improve patient’s adherence to treatment. The overall design of the MAP-box was simple, yet offers the capability of sealing and protecting dissolving MAPs up to 30 days. Donepezil HCl was formulated into a dissolvable MAP, which was used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. This compound was used as a model formulation to evaluate the utility of the 3D printed MAP-box when placed under three storage conditions: 5 °C and ambient humidity, 25 °C and 65% relative humidity and 40 °C and 75% relative humidity. It was shown that the slide-and-seal box was able to confer protection to MAPs for up to 30 days under accelerated stability study conditions as the drug loading, mechanical properties and insertion properties of MAPs remained unaffected when compared to the unpackaged MAPs stored under these same parameters. These preliminary data provide evidence that the MAP-box prototype may be of great utility for the storage of single or multiple MAPs. Nevertheless, future work will be needed to evaluate their patient usability and its application to different types of MAP systems to fully validate the overall robustness of the prototype.

Graphical Abstract
Suppressing the formation of N-heteroaromatics during hydrothermal liquefaction of proteinaceous model feedstock
Authors: Zimmermann Joscha , Raffelt Klaus , Dahmen Nicolaus
Published: July 2023

Hydrothermal liquefaction was applied to model mixtures containing lard oil (lipid), cellulose (carbohydrate), and bovine serum albumin (protein), representing biogenic organic waste feedstocks. The content of protein was kept constant for every experiment, while the lipid and cellulose content was changed, which is expressed by the lipid to protein (LtoP) or cellulose to protein (CtoP) ratio. The reactions were conducted at 350 °C with a residence time of 20 min in 25 ml micro autoclaves. Afterwards, the lumped recovery of carbon and nitrogen into the different product phases was investigated and representative compounds were identified to get an overview of the composition on a molecular level. A high LtoP ratio results in an increased biocrude yield and eventually higher carbon recovery, while the nitrogen recovery is slightly lowered. The formation of nitrogen containing heteroaromatic species could be suppressed by the addition of lipids from 6.10 to 0.03% for pyrazines and 2.69 to 0.43% for indoles. Consequently, the formation and nitrogen recovery by heteroaliphatic amide species increased from 0.00 to 8.77%. Different reaction pathways for the formation of the different species are proposed. It turned out that reactive amine from protein degradation can be “trapped” in stable amides, preventing the formation of nitrogen heteroaromatics with oxygenated from carbohydrates.

Graphical abstract
Relationships between wildlife value orientations and social identity
Authors: Liordos Vasilios , Kontsiotis Vasileios J. , Telidis Stylianos , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Triantafyllidis Archimidis
Published: July 2023

Wildlife value orientations (WVOs) and social identity are important elements in the wildlife domain and can predict attitudes toward wildlife and wildlife-management-related issues. Therefore, understanding the interrelations of WVOs and social identities is critical to successful wildlife conservation and management. We carried out on-site face-to-face surveys with representatives of four public groups with particular social identities in Greece—the general public (n = 2392), farmers (n = 405), hunters (n = 124) and farmers-hunters (n = 158)—to study variations in WVO types determined based on two basic WVOs, domination and mutualism: traditionalist (high domination, low mutualism), mutualist (low domination, high mutualism), pluralist (high domination and mutualism) and distanced (low domination and mutualism). The general public and farmers were more mutualist and distanced and less traditionalist and pluralist than hunters and farmers-hunters. Female members of the general public and farmers were more mutualist and less traditionalist than males. Younger members of the general public were more mutualist and less traditionalist than older members. WVO types did not significantly vary with residence (rural or urban) in any social identity group. Females, males and all age categories of the general public and farmers were more mutualist and distanced than traditionalist and pluralist. Our findings revealed similarities and differences in WVOs among key social identity groups, suggesting underlying differences in attitudes, and as such should be valuable for reaching consensus in critical but controversial wildlife conservation and management issues.