bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver fibrosis is associated with left ventricular remodeling: insight into the liver-heart axis
Authors: Edin Carl , Ekstedt Mattias , Karlsson Markus , Wegmann Bertil , Warntjes Marcel , Swahn Eva , Östgren Carl Johan , Ebbers Tino , Lundberg Peter , Carlhäll Carl-Johan
Published: May 2024

Objective

In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis is the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes. We sought to investigate the relationship between liver fibrosis and cardiac remodeling in participants from the general population using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as explore potential mechanistic pathways by analyzing circulating cardiovascular biomarkers.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively included participants with type 2 diabetes and individually matched controls from the SCAPIS (Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study) cohort in Linköping, Sweden. Between November 2017 and July 2018, participants underwent MRI at 1.5 Tesla for quantification of liver proton density fat fraction (spectroscopy), liver fibrosis (stiffness from elastography), left ventricular (LV) structure and function, as well as myocardial native T1 mapping. We analyzed 278 circulating cardiovascular biomarkers using a Bayesian statistical approach.

Results

In total, 92 participants were enrolled (mean age 59.5 ± 4.6 years, 32 women). The mean liver stiffness was 2.1 ± 0.4 kPa. 53 participants displayed hepatic steatosis. LV concentricity increased across quartiles of liver stiffness. Neither liver fat nor liver stiffness displayed any relationships to myocardial tissue characteristics (native T1). In a regression analysis, liver stiffness was related to increased LV concentricity. This association was independent of diabetes and liver fat (Beta = 0.26, p = 0.0053), but was attenuated (Beta = 0.17, p = 0.077) when also adjusting for circulating levels of interleukin-1 receptor type 2.

Conclusion

MRI reveals that liver fibrosis is associated to structural LV remodeling, in terms of increased concentricity, in participants from the general population. This relationship could involve the interleukin-1 signaling.

Clinical relevance statement

Liver fibrosis may be considered a cardiovascular risk factor in patients without cirrhosis. Further research on the mechanisms that link liver fibrosis to left ventricular concentricity may reveal potential therapeutic targets in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Key Points

Previously, studies on liver fibrosis and cardiac remodeling have focused on advanced stages of liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is associated with left ventricular (LV) concentricity and may relate to interleukin-1 receptor type 2.

Interleukin-1 signaling is a potential mechanistic interlink between early liver fibrosis and LV remodeling.
Pilot study for bladder cancer detection with volatile organic compounds using ion mobility spectrometry: a novel urine-based approach
Authors: Heers Hendrik , Gut Josef Maximilian , Hofmann Rainer , Flegar Luka , Derigs Marcus , Huber Johannes , Baumbach Joerg Ingo , Koczulla Andreas Rembert , Boeselt Tobias
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Despite many efforts, no reliable urinary marker system has so far shown the potential to substitute cystoscopy. Measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from urine is a promising alternative. VOCs are metabolic products which can be measured from the headspace of urine samples. Previous studies confirmed that the urine of bladder tumor patients has a different VOC profile than healthy controls. In this pilot study, the feasibility of discriminating VOCs from urine of bladder cancer patients from that of healthy control subjects was investigated. Aim of this study was to investigate whether VOC-based diagnosis of bladder cancer from urine samples is feasible using multicapillary column ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS) and to identify potential molecular correlates to the relevant analytes.

Methods

Headspace measurements of urine samples of 30 patients with confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and 30 healthy controls were performed using MCC/IMS. In the results of the measurements, peaks showing significant differences between both groups were identified and implemented into a decision tree with respect to achieve group separation. Molecular correlates were predicted using a pre-defined dataset.

Results

Eight peaks with significantly differing intensity were identified, 5 of which were highly significant. Using a six-step decision tree, MCC/IMS showed a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100% in group separation.

Conclusion

VOC-based detection of bladder cancer is feasible. MCC/IMS is a suitable method for urine-based diagnosis and should be further validated. The molecular characteristics and metabolic background of the analytes require further workup.
Erwin Bünning and Wolfgang Engelmann: establishing the involvement of the circadian clock in photoperiodism
Authors: Helfrich-Förster Charlotte
Published: May 2024

In 1936, Erwin Bünning published his groundbreaking work that the endogenous clock is used to measure day length for initiating photoperiodic responses. His publication triggered years of controversial debate until it ultimately became the basic axiom of rhythm research and the theoretical pillar of chronobiology. Bünning’s thesis is frequently quoted in the articles in this special issue on the subject of “A clock for all seasons”. However, nowadays only few people know in detail about Bünning’s experiments and almost nobody knows about the contribution of his former doctoral student, Wolfgang Engelmann, to his theory because most work on this topic is published in German. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the most important experiments at that time, including Wolfgang Engelmann’s doctoral thesis, in which he demonstrated the importance of the circadian clock for photoperiodic flower induction in the Flaming Katy, Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, but not in the Red Morning Glory, Ipomoea coccinea.
On the Characteristic Polynomial of the Eigenvalue Moduli of Random Normal Matrices
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Charlier Christophe
Published: May 2024

We study the characteristic polynomial $$p_{n}(x)=\prod _{j=1}^{n}(|z_{j}|-x)$$

p
n

(
x
)

=

∏

j
=
1

n

(
|

z
j

|
-
x
)

where the $$z_{j}$$

z
j

are drawn from the Mittag–Leffler ensemble, i.e. a two-dimensional determinantal point process which generalizes the Ginibre point process. We obtain precise large n asymptotics for the moment generating function $$\mathbb {E}[e^{\frac{u}{\pi } \, \text {Im\,}\ln p_{n}(r)}e^{a \, \text {Re\,}\ln p_{n}(r)}]$$

E
[

e

u
π

Im\,
ln

p
n

(
r
)

e

a

Re\,
ln

p
n

(
r
)

]

, in the case where r is in the bulk, $$u \in \mathbb {R}$$

u
∈
R

and $$a \in \mathbb {N}$$

a
∈
N

. This expectation involves an $$n \times n$$

n
×
n

determinant whose weight is supported on the whole complex plane, is rotation-invariant, and has both jump- and root-type singularities along the circle centered at 0 of radius r. This “circular" root-type singularity differs from earlier works on Fisher–Hartwig singularities, and surprisingly yields a new kind of ingredient in the asymptotics, the so-called associated Hermite polynomials.
Automated inpainting of Tex Willer comics: adapting manga techniques for western comic transformation
Authors: Marlali Ekin , Balcisoy Selim
Published: May 2024

Comic inpainting is essential for language localization and adapting comics into animations, involving the removal of speech boxes, textboxes, and sound effects while maintaining artistic integrity. This paper introduces an automated approach leveraging the Manga inpainting method by Xie et al., adapted for western comics like Tex Willer. Tex Willer comics, known for their fusion of Italian art and American Western imagery, pose unique challenges due to their distinct styles. Customized Manga Restoration and Structural Line Extraction codes are employed, along with automated mask generation using deep CNN-based speech balloon detection and segmentation. Our contributions include the development of a precise model tailored to Tex Willer Comics, resulting in visually coherent inpainting results. The paper follows a structured format, covering State-of-the-Art, methodology, results, and conclusions, aiming to streamline the process of western comic inpainting for professionals in the comics and animation industries.
Maternal diet quality trajectories from pregnancy to 3.5 years postpartum and associated maternal factors
Authors: Sexton-Dhamu Meaghan J. , Szymlek-Gay Ewa A. , Livingstone Katherine M. , Wen Li Ming , Zheng Miaobing
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examined maternal diet quality trajectories from pregnancy to 3.5 years postpartum and associated maternal factors.

Methods

Data of 473 Australian women from the Healthy Beginnings Trial were used. A food frequency questionnaire collected dietary intake in pregnancy and 1, 2 and 3.5 years postpartum. Diet quality scores were calculated using the 2013 Dietary Guideline Index (DGI-2013) and RESIDential Environments Guideline Index (RDGI). Group-based trajectory modelling identified diet quality trajectories from pregnancy to 3.5 years postpartum. Multivariable logistic regression investigated factors associated with maternal diet quality trajectories.

Results

Two stable trajectories of low or high diet quality were identified for the DGI-2013 and RDGI. Women who smoked had higher odds of following the low versus the high DGI-2013 (OR 1.77; 95%CI 1.15, 2.75) and RDGI (OR 1.80; 95%CI 1.17, 2.78) trajectories, respectively. Women who attended university had lower odds of following the low versus the high DGI-2013 (OR 0.41; 95%CI 0.22, 0.76) and RDGI (OR 0.38; 95%CI 0.21, 0.70) trajectories, respectively. Women who were married had lower odds of following the low versus the high DGI-2013 trajectory (OR 0.39; 95%CI 0.17, 0.89), and women who were unemployed had higher odds of following the low versus the high RDGI trajectory (OR 1.78; 95%CI 1.13, 2.78). Maternal age, country of birth, household composition and pre-pregnancy body mass index were not associated with diet quality trajectories.

Conclusion

Maternal diet quality trajectories remained stable from pregnancy to 3.5 years postpartum. Women who smoked, completed high school or less, were not married or were unemployed tended to follow low, stable diet quality trajectories.
Unraveling the mysteries of silver nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial effects and uptake translocation in plant—a review
Authors: Fares Ahmed , Mahdy Abdou , Ahmed Gamal
Published: May 2024

Main conclusion

The study thoroughly investigates nanosilver production, properties, and interactions, shedding light on its multifaceted applications. It underscores the importance of characterizing nanosilver for predicting its behavior in complex environments. Particularly, it highlights the agricultural and environmental ramifications of nanosilver uptake by plants.

Nowadays, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a very adaptable nanomaterial with many uses, particularly in antibacterial treatments and agricultural operations. Clarification of key elements of nanosilver, such as its synthesis and characterization procedures, antibacterial activity, and intricate interactions with plants, particularly those pertaining to uptake and translocation mechanisms, is the aim of this in-depth investigation. Nanosilver synthesis is a multifaceted process that includes a range of methodologies, including chemical, biological, and sustainable approaches that are also environmentally benign. This section provides a critical evaluation of these methods, considering their impacts on repeatability, scalability, and environmental impact. The physicochemical properties of nanosilver were determined by means of characterization procedures. This review highlights the significance of analytical approaches such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and other state-of the-art methods for fully characterizing nanosilver particles. Although grasp of these properties is necessary in order to predict the behavior and potential impacts of nanosilver in complex biological and environmental systems. The second half of this article delves into the intricate interactions that plants have with nanosilver, emphasizing the mechanisms of absorption and translocation. There are significant ramifications for agricultural and environmental problems from the uptake of nanosilver by plants and its subsequent passage through their tissues. In summary, by summarizing the state-of-the-art information in this field, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the production, characterization, antibacterial capabilities, and interactions of nanosilver with plants. This paper contributes to the ongoing conversation in nanotechnology.

Graphical abstract
Study on carotid artery stenosis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Song JunMei , Lan Luo , Lv YuQing , Wen YaJing , Kang Min , Wang RenSheng
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study investigated carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and associated risk factors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) post-radiotherapy.

Materials and methods

The observation group comprised 86 reexamined patients with NPC, divided into Group 1 and Group 2 based on post-radiotherapy duration, alongside 34 newly diagnosed patients with NPC (Group 0). Carotid artery ultrasonography and chi-square analysis were performed.

Results

Moderate-to-severe vascular abnormalities were exclusively in Group 2. Considering mild vascular abnormalities as the standard, the overall vascular abnormality rates in Group 2 and Group 0 were 65.9% and 41.2%, respectively. In Group 2 and Group 0, the abnormality rates for unilateral carotid artery (UCA), common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and external carotid artery (ECA) were 47.4% and 30.9%, 44.3% and 22.1%, 44.3% and 16.2%, and 39.8% and 5.9%, respectively. Comparing group 1 to group 0, only UCA abnormalities were statistically significant (45.4% vs. 30.9%). Considering moderate-to-severe vascular abnormalities as the standard, Group 2 had higher overall vascular, UCA, CCA, ICA, and ECA abnormality rates compared to Group 0. The age at revisit over 45 years, T stage, and N stage may influence CAS.

Conclusion

Radiation increasing CAS incidence after 3 years. So, regular examinations are recommended to dynamically monitor CAS after 3 years of radiotherapy.
Magma mingling during the 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki, Hawaiʻi
Authors: Marsh Jennifer , Edmonds Marie , Houghton Bruce , Buisman Iris , Herd Richard
Published: May 2024

Magma mingling and mixing are common processes at basaltic volcanoes and play a fundamental role in magma petrogenesis and eruption dynamics. Mingling occurs most commonly when hot primitive magma is introduced into cooler magma. Here, we investigate a scenario whereby cool, partially degassed lava is drained back into a conduit, where it mingles with hotter, less degassed magma. The 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki, Hawaiʻi involved 16 high fountaining episodes. During each episode, fountains fed a lava lake in a pit crater, which then partially drained back into the conduit during and after each episode. We infer highly crystalline tachylite inclusions and streaks in the erupted crystal-poor scoria to be the result of the recycling of this drain-back lava. The crystal phases present are dendrites of plagioclase, augite and magnetite/ilmenite, at sizes of up to 10 µm. Host sideromelane glass contains 7–8 wt% MgO and the tachylite glass (up to 0.5% by area) contains 2.5–6 wt% MgO. The vesicle population in the tachylite is depleted in the smallest size classes (< 0.5 mm) and has overall lower vesicle number densities and a higher degree of vesicle coalescence than the sideromelane component. The tachylite exhibits increasingly complex ‘stretching and folding’ mingling textures through the episodes, with discrete blocky tachylite inclusions in episodes 1 and 3 giving way to complex, folded, thin filaments of tachylite in pyroclasts erupted in episodes 15 and 16. We calculate that a lava lake crust 8–35 cm thick may have formed in the repose times between episodes, and then foundered and been entrained into the conduit during drain-back. The recycled fragments of crust would have been reheated in the conduit, inducing glass devitrification and crystallisation of pyroxene, magnetite and plagioclase dendrites and eventually undergoing ductile flow as the temperature of the fragments approached the host magma temperature. We use simple models of magma mingling to establish that stretching and folding of recycled, ductile lava could involve thinning of the clasts by up to a factor of 10 during the timescale of the eruption, consistent with observations of streaks and filaments of tachylite erupted during episodes 15 and 16, which may have undergone multiple cycles of eruption, drain-back and reheating.
Data transfer within a finite cell remeshing approach applied to large deformation problems
Authors: Sartorti Roman , Düster Alexander
Published: May 2024

The present work is a comparative study of different data transfer techniques in the context of the finite cell method (FCM) in combination with remeshing for hyperelastic problems undergoing large deformations. The FCM is an immersed-boundary method that uses Cartesian grids for the discretization so as to avoid the generation of boundary conforming meshes. To overcome problems with heavily distorted meshes at large deformation states, we apply a remeshing procedure. During the remeshing, the data containing the deformation history has to be transferred between the meshes. In the present study, different methods are considered and compared: radial basis functions without and with polynomial extension, inverse distance weighting, and $$\textit{L}_\text {2}$$

L
2

-projection applying the shape functions used in the FCM for the trial and test functions.
On Orlicz classes defined in terms of associated weight functions
Authors: Schindl Gerhard
Published: May 2024

N-functions and their growth and regularity properties are crucial in order to introduce and study Orlicz classes and Orlicz spaces. We consider N-functions which are given in terms of so-called associated weight functions. These functions are frequently appearing in the theory of ultradifferentiable function classes and in this setting additional information is available since associated weight functions are defined in terms of a given weight sequence. We express and characterize several known properties for N-functions purely in terms of weight sequences which allows to construct (counter-) examples. Moreover, we study how for abstractly given N-functions this framework becomes meaningful and finally we establish a connection between the complementary N-function and the recently introduced notion of the so-called dual sequence.
Obesity and abdominal hernia in ambulatory patients, 2018–2023
Authors: Zelicha H. , Bell D. S. , Chen D. , Chen Y. , Livingston E. H.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To determine the relationship between abdominal hernia and obesity. Although obesity is frequently cited as a risk factor for abdominal hernia, few studies have confirmed this association (Menzo et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis 14:1221–1232. 10.1016/j.soard.2018.07.005, 2018).

Methods

A cross-sectional study of primary care ambulatory patients aged older than 16 years treated at UCLA Health from 01/01/2018 to 06/06/2023. Abdominal hernia was identified by clinic encounter ICD-10 codes (K40–K46).

Results

There were 41,703 hernias identified among 1,362,440 patients (306.1 per10,000) with a mean age of 62.5 ± 16.1 years, and 57.6% were men. Nearly half (44.7%) of all abdominal hernias were diaphragmatic. There was an approximately equal distribution of the ventral (28.7%) and inguinal (24.3%) hernia. Each hernia type had a different relationship with obesity: The odds of having a ventral hernia increased with BMI in both sexes: BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2 odds ratio (OR) = 1.65, (CI 1.56–1.74); BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2 OR = 2.42 (CI 2.29–2.56), BMI 40–49.9 kg/m2 OR = 2.28 (CI 2.05–2.54) and BMI >  = 50 kg/m2 OR = 2.54 (CI 2.03–3.17) all relative to normal BMI. In contrast, the odds of having an inguinal hernia decreased with obesity relative to normal weight [obesity (BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2): OR = 0.60 (CI 0.56–0.65)], morbid obesity (BMI 40–49.9 kg/m2): OR = 0.29 (CI 0.23–0.37). The OR for diaphragmatic hernia peaks with obesity in women and overweight status in men but was found to decrease with morbid obesity [OR = 1.18 (CI 1.07–1.30)]. There was no significant difference between men and women in the prevalence of femoral hernia (men: 0.7/per10,000, women: 0.9/per10,000, p = 0.19).

Conclusions

The relationship between hernia and obesity is complex with some hernias decreasing in prevalence as obesity increases. Further research is needed to better understand this paradoxical relationship.
Metacognition in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): does impulsivity explain unnecessary looks in the tubes task?
Authors: Subias Lorraine , Katsu Noriko , Yamada Kazunori
Published: May 2024

Potential metacognitive abilities, such as monitoring and controlling cognitive processes, have been revealed in some primate species. In the tubes task, apes and macaques showed higher content-checking behavior when unaware of a reward’s location, but they also periodically inspected the tubes when aware, especially when a more appealing reward was involved. Some attribute this to the pleasure of looking at the reward. This study investigates whether the unnecessary tube-checking behavior observed in nine wild Japanese macaques, previously tested for metacognition using the tubes task, can be solely attributed to impulsivity. The macaques’ propensity to look inside a single tube containing food they cannot immediately reach was measured and compared to their behavior in the tubes task. Results indicated that looking inside the baited tube increased as reward quality improved. However, macaques displaying unnecessary tube inspections in metacognitive tests showed less impulsivity to look. This intriguing result counters the notion that excessive looking in the tubes task is solely due to impulsive looking, prompting us to advocate for further research into the relationship between inhibition and metacognitive performance.
Kaczmarz Projection Algorithms with Rank Two Gain Update
Authors: Stotsky Alexander
Published: May 2024

New Kaczmarz algorithms with rank two gain update, extended orthogonality property and forgetting mechanism which includes both exponential and instantaneous forgetting (implemented via a proper choice of the forgetting factor and the window size) are introduced and systematically associated in this paper with well-known Kaczmarz algorithms with rank one update. The parameter convergence was proved using Lyapunov method and convergence of the inverse of the information matrix can be used for further performance improvement. The performance of new algorithms is examined in the problem of estimation of the grid events in the presence of significant harmonic emissions.
Resilient forests for the future
Authors: Perry Annika , Aravanopoulos Filippos A. , Budde Katharina Birgit , Hansen Ole Kim , Rellstab Christian , Schroeder Hilke , Curtu Alexandru Lucian
Published: May 2024

Forest ecosystems are of global importance, ecologically, economically and culturally. However, despite their fundamental role in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, to date there have been surprisingly few resources devoted to defining, conserving and planning resilient forests for the future. Progress in this field of research, which requires international and interdisciplinary cooperation, collaboration and communication, was presented and discussed at the second biannual conference of the European Research Group, Evoltree (https://www.evoltree.eu). Over four days more than 140 scientists met to share developments and to discuss forest ecology, genetics, genomics and evolution with a focus on realising “Resilient Forests for the Future”. From examining evolutionary dynamics and using the past to understand future responses, to evaluating breeding approaches and the sustainable use of forest genetic resources, the conference addressed critical themes with relevance to this topic. The role of genomics in conservation, investigation of biotic interactions and identifying climate resilient forests were also explored. Finally, innovative methods and approaches which promise to increase the scale and speed with which forest evolutionary research can progress were introduced and evaluated. The Evoltree network and conference series provides invaluable opportunities to share knowledge and increase collaboration on forest genetic research, the need for which has never been greater or more urgent.
Systematic underestimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon aqueous concentrations in rivers
Authors: Zoboli Ottavia , Weber Nikolaus , Braun Katharina , Krampe Jörg , Zessner Matthias
Published: May 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a widespread group of organic contaminants whose presence in water bodies is cause of severe concern. With few exceptions, the majority of PAHs is hydrophobic, presents a high adsorption affinity, and is thus primarily transported within river systems during high-flow events together with suspended particulate matter (SPM). Evidence exists of analytical challenges related to the incomplete extraction of PAHs adsorbed to solids and thus to a potential negative bias in the chemical analysis of PAHs in bulk water samples with high SPM content. Despite this, partly due to the elevated efforts required to collect representative samples containing sufficient SPM for the separate PAH analysis in this matrix, several investigations rely on the analysis of aqueous samples. This study tests the hypothesis that surveys based exclusively on bulk water may lead to a systematic underestimation of the real contamination level and transport of PAHs in rivers. Six high-turbidity events were examined in three Austrian rivers applying time-integrated sampling and simultaneously analyzing PAHs in total bulk water, filtered water, SPM, and supernatant. Despite an unavoidable degree of uncertainty in such challenging sampling scheme, the results indicate that measurements performed with best available standard methods in bulk water samples determined in average only about 40% of the theoretically expected total PAHs concentrations derived from the analyses in SPM. Such deviation has important implications for the reliable assessment of the compliance with environmental quality standards as well as for surveys aimed to estimate riverine loads, validate emission models, and understand the transport dynamics of PAHs in rivers. Whereas the first objective, e.g., in European countries, is alternatively achieved via monitoring in biota, the latter ones require efforts directed to complement monitoring campaigns with separate sampling of SPM, with monitoring of suspended solids transport to appropriately select and interpret the results of water samples and to improve the chemical analysis of PAHs in bulk water samples with high solids content.
Parental Migration and Fear of Crime Among Left-Behind Children in Rural China
Authors: Qu Jia , Lin Kai
Published: May 2024

Utilizing a probability sample of 1,985 middle school students from Guizhou Province, China, this study aims to explore the association between different patterns of parental migration and fear of crime among adolescents in rural China. Nested OLS regression analyses revealed that compared to adolescents who live with both parents, adolescents experiencing dual-parent migration reported a heightened fear of crime. However, adolescents with only their mother or father migrating did not exhibit any difference in fear of crime compared to those who lived with their parents. Being female, younger, having experienced crime victimization, perceiving greater family economic pressure, and perceiving greater neighborhood disorder and weaker collective efficacy also elevated crime fear. Findings from this study highlight the acute vulnerability of adolescents experiencing dual-parent migration and urge more targeted social support for this group.
Assessing agricultural adaptation to changing climatic conditions during the English agricultural revolution (1645–1740)
Authors: Martínez-González José Luis
Published: May 2024

This article examines the impact of climatic variability on the English Agricultural Revolution using Allen’s Nitrogen Hypothesis. While half of the variation in yields can be attributed to nitrogen-fixing plants, better cultivation, and improved seeds, the remainder can be attributed to changing climatic conditions during the relatively cold period from c. 1645–1715 and the subsequent warmer phase. The study finds that farmers made even greater efforts than observed yields during the colder and more humid climate of the second half of the seventeenth century and the early eighteenth. Conversely, increasing temperatures in the following period had a positive effect on agricultural productivity, indicating that farmers' role during this phase have been overrated.
The Role of Sleep in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Jaspan Vita N. , Greenberg Garred S. , Parihar Siddhant , Park Christine M. , Somers Virend K. , Shapiro Michael D. , Lavie Carl J. , Virani Salim S. , Slipczuk Leandro
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Sleep is an important component of cardiovascular (CV) health. This review summarizes the complex relationship between sleep and CV disease (CVD). Additionally, we describe the data supporting the treatment of sleep disturbances in preventing and treating CVD.

Recent Findings

Recent guidelines recommend screening for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation. New data continues to demonstrate the importance of sleep quality and duration for CV health.

There is a complex bidirectional relationship between sleep health and CVD. Sleep disturbances have systemic effects that contribute to the development of CVD, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Additionally, CVD contributes to the development of sleep disturbances. However, more data are needed to support the role of screening for and treatment of sleep disorders for the prevention of CVD.
Effect of hafnium and molybdenum addition on inclusion characteristics in Co-based dual-phase high-entropy alloys
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Wei , Park Joo Hyun , Mu Wangzhong
Published: May 2024

Specific grades of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) can provide opportunities for optimizing properties toward high-temperature applications. In this work, the Co-based HEA with a chemical composition of Co47.5Cr30Fe7.5Mn7.5Ni7.5 (at%) was chosen. The refractory metallic elements hafnium (Hf) and molybdenum (Mo) were added in small amounts (1.5at%) because of their well-known positive effects on high-temperature properties. Inclusion characteristics were comprehensively explored by using a two-dimensional cross-sectional method and extracted by using a three-dimensional electrolytic extraction method. The results revealed that the addition of Hf can reduce Al2O3 inclusions and lead to the formation of more stable Hf-rich inclusions as the main phase. Mo addition cannot influence the inclusion type but could influence the inclusion characteristics by affecting the physical parameters of the HEA melt. The calculated coagulation coefficient and collision rate of Al2O3 inclusions were higher than those of HfO2 inclusions, but the inclusion amount played a larger role in the agglomeration behavior of HfO2 and Al2O3 inclusions. The impurity level and active elements in HEAs were the crucial factors affecting inclusion formation.
Advances in the molecular regulation mechanism of tumor dormancy and its therapeutic strategy
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wang Linlin , Wei Yaojun , Wei Chuang , Yang Haohang , Chen Qiurui , Zhang Rongxin , Shen Han
Published: May 2024

Tumor dormancy is a stage in the growth and development of malignant cells and is one of the biological characteristics of malignant cells. Complex transitions involving dormant tumor cells between quiescent and proliferative states pose challenges for tumor eradication. This paper explores the biological features and molecular mechanisms of tumor dormancy and highlights emerging therapies. The strategies discussed promise innovative clinical potential against malignant tumors. Understanding the mechanisms of dormancy can help provide valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors to advance the fight against this world problem.
Unraveling progression subtypes in people with Huntington’s disease
Authors: Raschka Tamara , Li Zexin , Gaßner Heiko , Kohl Zacharias , Jukic Jelena , Marxreiter Franz , Fröhlich Holger
Published: May 2024

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG trinucleotide expansion in the huntingtin gene. The length of the CAG repeat is inversely correlated with disease onset. HD is characterized by hyperkinetic movement disorder, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive deficits, which greatly impact patient’s quality of life. Despite this clear genetic course, high variability of HD patients’ symptoms can be observed. Current clinical diagnosis of HD solely relies on the presence of motor signs, disregarding the other important aspects of the disease. By incorporating a broader approach that encompasses motor as well as non-motor aspects of HD, predictive, preventive, and personalized (3P) medicine can enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient care.

Methods

Multisymptom disease trajectories of HD patients collected from the Enroll-HD study were first aligned on a common disease timescale to account for heterogeneity in disease symptom onset and diagnosis. Following this, the aligned disease trajectories were clustered using the previously published Variational Deep Embedding with Recurrence (VaDER) algorithm and resulting progression subtypes were clinically characterized. Lastly, an AI/ML model was learned to predict the progression subtype from only first visit data or with data from additional follow-up visits.

Results

Results demonstrate two distinct subtypes, one large cluster (n = 7122) showing a relative stable disease progression and a second, smaller cluster (n = 411) showing a dramatically more progressive disease trajectory. Clinical characterization of the two subtypes correlates with CAG repeat length, as well as several neurobehavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive scores. In fact, cognitive impairment was found to be the major difference between the two subtypes. Additionally, a prognostic model shows the ability to predict HD subtypes from patients’ first visit only.

Conclusion

In summary, this study aims towards the paradigm shift from reactive to preventive and personalized medicine by showing that non-motor symptoms are of vital importance for predicting and categorizing each patients’ disease progression pattern, as cognitive decline is oftentimes more reflective of HD progression than its motor aspects. Considering these aspects while counseling and therapy definition will personalize each individuals’ treatment. The ability to provide patients with an objective assessment of their disease progression and thus a perspective for their life with HD is the key to improving their quality of life. By conducting additional analysis on biological data from both subtypes, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of these subtypes and uncover the underlying biological factors of the disease. This greatly aligns with the goal of shifting towards 3P medicine.
Negative regulation of HDAC3 transcription by histone acetyltransferase TIP60 in colon cancer
Authors: Lee Seong Yun , Park Junyoung , Seo Sang Beom
Published: May 2024

Background

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer globally. The expression of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is upregulated, whereas the expression of tat interactive protein, 60 kDa (TIP60) is downregulated in colon cancer. However, the relationship between HDAC3 and TIP60 in colon cancer has not been clearly elucidated.

Objective

We investigated whether TIP60 could regulate the expression of HDAC3 and suppress colon cancer cell proliferation.

Methods

RNA sequencing data (GSE108834) showed that HDAC3 expression was regulated by TIP60. Subsequently, we generated TIP60-knockdown HCT116 cells and examined the expression of HDAC3 by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We examined the expression pattern of HDAC3 in various cancers using publicly available datasets. The promoter activity of HDAC3 was validated using a dual-luciferase assay, and transcription factors binding to HDAC3 were identified using GeneCards and Promo databases, followed by validation using chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using colony formation assays and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of HCT116 cell lines.

Results

In response to TIP60 knockdown, the expression level and promoter activity of HDAC3 increased. Conversely, when HDAC3 was downregulated by overexpression of TIP60, proliferation of HCT116 cells was inhibited and apoptosis was promoted.

Conclusion

TIP60 plays a crucial role in the regulation of HDAC3 transcription, thereby influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis in colon cancer. Consequently, TIP60 may function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting HDAC3 expression in colon cancer cells.
Interacting impacts of hydrological changes and air temperature warming on lake temperatures highlight the potential for adaptive management
Authors: Olsson Freya , Mackay Eleanor B. , Spears Bryan M. , Barker Philip , Jones Ian D.
Published: May 2024

Globally, climate warming is increasing air temperatures and changing river flows, but few studies have explicitly considered the consequences for lake temperatures of these dual effects, or the potential to manage lake inflows to mitigate climate warming impacts. Using a one-dimensional model, we tested the sensitivity of lake temperatures to the separate and interacting effects of changes in air temperature and inflow on a small, short-residence time (annual average ≈ 20 days), temperate lake. Reducing inflow by 70% increased summer lake surface temperatures 1.0–1.2 °C and water column stability by 11–19%, equivalent to the effect of 1.2 °C air temperature warming. Conversely, similar increases in inflow could result in lake summer cooling, sufficient to mitigate 0.75 °C air temperature rise, increasing to more than 1.1 °C if inflow temperature does not rise. We discuss how altering lake inflow volume and temperature could be added to the suite of adaptation measures for lakes.
Revisional surgery for malnutrition after SADI-S: prevalence, indications, techniques and outcomes
Authors: Sánchez-Pernaute Andrés , Lasses Bibiana , Antoñanzas Leyre López , Rubio Miguel Ángel , Marcuello Clara , Ferré Natalia Pérez , Torres Antonio , Pérez-Aguirre Elia
Published: May 2024

Key points

SADIS with short common limb (< 250 cm) is a malabsorptive operation.

Reoperation is advised in patients requiring admission for severe malnutrition.

Elongation of the common channel is the preferred revisional technique

Introduction: Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal bypass with Sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a modification of the duodenal switch. Initial common channel’s length was 200, and after malnutrition was detected in some patients, it was elongated to 250 or 300 cm. The present study analyzes presentation and treatment of malnutrition after SADI-S. Materials: Three hundred and thirty-three consecutive patients undergoing SADI-S between May 2007 and February 2019 were included. The common limb length was 200 cm in 50 cases, 250 cm in 211, 300 in 71 and 350 in 1. Thirty-one patients were admitted for severe hypoalbuminemia and 17 patients were submitted to revisional surgery, and constitute the series of our study. Mean weight before reoperation was 57 kg and mean body mass index (BMI) was 21 kg/m2. Mean number of daily bowel movements was 5,6. Results: Mean time to reoperation was 56 months. The limb was found shorter than expected in 6 cases. Revisional surgery was conversion into a Roux en Y duodenal switch in 3 cases, elongation of the common limb in 11 patients, duodeno-duodenostomy in 1 and duodeno-jejunostomy to the first jejunal loop in 2. Mean weight regain was 14 kg, and mean final BMI 26 kg/m2. Daily bowel movements were reduced to 1,3. Factors related to hypoalbuminemia were hypertension, poor-controlled diabetes, shorter common limb and liver-test alterations. Conclusion: SADI-S is expected to be less malabsorptive than previous biliopancreatic diversions. However, caution must be taken with certain patients to avoid postoperative malnutrition. Adequate follow up with long-term supplementation is required.
A journey through the history of PEGylated drug delivery nanocarriers
Authors: López-Estevez Ana M. , Gref Ruxandra , Alonso Maria J.
Published: May 2024

This note aims to inspire through providing a personal view of the development and potential Drug Delivery Nanocarriers functionalized with polythyleneglycol (PEG). This polymer has been used extensively in Pharmaceutical Technology in a variety of compositions, including polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based surfactants. However, the concept of PEGylation, which started in the 70’s, differs from the functionality of a surfactant, already discloses in the 50’s. Here, we strictly adhere to the biological functionality of PEGylated nanocarriers intended to have a reduced interaction with proteins and, therefore, modify their biodistribution as well as facilitate their diffusion across mucus and other biological barriers. We analyze how this concept has evolved over the years and the benefit obtained so far in terms of marketed nanomedicines and provide the readers with a prospect view of the topic.
Tight Closure, Coherence, and Localization at Single Elements
Authors: Epstein Neil
Published: May 2024

In this note, a condition (open persistence) is presented under which a (pre)closure operation on submodules (resp. ideals) over rings of global sections over a scheme X can be extended to a (pre)closure operation on sheaves of submodules of a coherent $$\mathcal {O}_X$$

O
X

-module (resp. sheaves of ideals in $$\mathcal {O}_X$$

O
X

). A second condition (glueability) is given for such an operation to behave nicely. It is shown that for an operation that satisfies both conditions, the question of whether the operation commutes with localization at single elements is equivalent to the question of whether the new operation preserves quasi-coherence. It is shown that both conditions hold for tight closure and some of its important variants, thus yielding a geometric reframing of the open question of whether tight closure localizes at single elements. A new singularity type (semi F-regularity) arises, which sits between F-regularity and weak F-regularity. The paper ends with (1) a case where semi F-regularity and weak F-regularity coincide, and (2) a case where they cannot coincide without implying a solution to a major conjecture.
Dental treatment outcomes in Thai children treated for severe early-childhood caries under general anaesthesia and non-pharmacological behaviour management: a retrospective study
Authors: Pratyaprateep N. , Jirarattanasopha V. , Smutkeeree A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare dental-treatment outcomes, oral-hygiene improvement, and patient co-operation during follow-up visits between children treated under general anaesthesia (GA) and non-pharmacological behaviour management (NP).

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the dental chart records of healthy patients less than 71-month-old with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) from 2008 to 2020 with at least a 6-month follow-up. The demographical data, dental-treatment outcomes, oral-hygiene status, and patient behaviour at the follow-up visits were analysed by the Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson’s Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon test with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

This study included 210 GA cases and 210 age-matched control NP cases. The GA group had a significantly higher caries experience, lower patient co-operation, poorer oral hygiene, and higher number of complex dental treatment than the NP group at baseline (p < 0.001). The number of children who had incomplete dental treatment under non-pharmacological behaviour management was higher than the GA group. After treatment, the number of new carious teeth in the NP group was significantly higher than in the GA group only at the 6-month follow-up. However, there was no significant difference in treatment failure, oral-hygiene improvement, and patient behaviour between groups.

Conclusion

Although patients in the GA group had higher dental and behaviour problems than the NP group, the overall dental-treatment outcomes, including oral hygiene and behaviour improvement, were not significantly different between groups Therefore, regular follow-up and preventive treatment in the maintenance phase are essential for children with severe early-childhood caries.
Endowments, patience types, and uniqueness in two-good HARA utility economies
Authors: Loi Andrea , Matta Stefano
Published: May 2024

This paper establishes a link between endowments, patience types, and the parameters of the HARA Bernoulli utility function that ensure equilibrium uniqueness in an economy with two goods and two impatience types with additive separable preferences. We provide sufficient conditions that guarantee uniqueness of equilibrium for any possible value of $$\gamma $$
γ
in the HARA utility function $$\frac{\gamma }{1-\gamma }\left( b+\frac{a}{\gamma }x\right) ^{1-\gamma }$$

γ

1
-
γ

b
+

a
γ

x

1
-
γ

. The analysis contributes to the literature on uniqueness in pure exchange economies with two-goods and two agent types and extends the result in Loi and Matta (2022).
Approximate expressions for the capillary force and the surface area of a liquid bridge between identical spheres
Authors: Bagheri Meysam , Roy Sudeshna , Pöschel Thorsten
Published: May 2024

We consider a liquid bridge between identical spheres and present approximate expressions for the capillary force and the exposed surface area of the liquid bridge as functions of the liquid bridge’s total volume and the sphere separation distance. The radius of the spheres and the solid–liquid contact angle are parameters that enter the expressions. These expressions are needed for efficient numerical simulations of drying suspensions and other systems involving liquid bridges whose volume or shape vary in time.
The Need for More Learning Opportunities in Real-Time Ultrasonography for Undergraduate Medical Students: A Call for Pre-clerkship Electives
Authors: Santana Genesys , Bustamante Sergio , Kraenzler Erik
Published: May 2024

Medical education is at a point of transition in which it must reform to meet the demand of healthcare providers competent in ultrasonography. This article recommends the pre-clerkship elective infrastructure as a method for medical schools to begin prototyping content and modes of delivering ultrasound education. Doing so will prepare medical students earlier in their careers to use and build upon their knowledge of ultrasound during clerkships and as residents.