bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Diversity and Agronomic Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Cultivars in Benin: Local Cultivars and Lines Introduced From China
Authors: Azon Christel Ferréol , Fassinou Hotegni Nicodème V. , Adjé Charlotte O. , Gnanglè Lewis Spencer , Benjamin Evelyn , Mhuruyengwe Ruvarashe Loveness , Salaou Abdou Mouizz , Houdegbe Aristide Carlos , Sogbohossou Deedi Olga , Sedah Paulin , Dossa Komivi , Agbangla Clément , Quenum Florent J. B. , Achigan‐Dako Enoch G.
Published: December 2024

Sesame cultivation was until recently restricted to the northwestern part of Benin. The yield is relatively low, as there are no improved varieties introduced and widely adopted so far. This study aimed to assess the molecular diversity, genetic differentiation, and the agronomic performance of a collection of local cultivars and introduced lines of sesame from China. The agronomic evaluation was conducted across eight environments during the 2020 cropping season using 14 descriptors on 19 accessions, including 6 introduced lines arranged in a randomized complete bloc design. Twelve simple sequence repeat markers were used to assess the molecular diversity. The analysis of variance showed significant variation among accessions for all the traits, except the number of lodges per capsule. Principal component analysis (PCA) followed by hierarchical clustering indicated that the accessions could be classified into three groups. The first group included accessions from China with the local accession SI09, characterized by early flowering and low seed yields (on average 380.13 kg ha−1). The second group included late flowering accessions and intermediate seed yield (on average 548.68 kg ha−1). The third group included higher yielding accessions (on average 715.7 kg ha−1). The PCA identified key traits such as days to 50% emergence, days to 50% flowering, collar diameter, plant height, number of branches, and seed yield as the most discriminative among accessions for agromorphological characterization. The SSR markers were polymorphic, with polymorphic information content values between 0.17 and 0.92. A total of 62 alleles were detected, with each locus exhibiting 2 to 15 alleles. The gene diversity ranged from 0.18 to 0.92, with an average value of 0.55. Cluster analysis based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean revealed that accessions were grouped in three clusters, with the coefficients of similarity/dissimilarity ranging between 0.60 and 0.92. Most of the Chinese lines were clustered together, except accession Y01. This study provided useful knowledge about local sesame cultivars in Benin and their similarities and differences with the lines introduced from China, therefore contributing to the advancement of the sesame‐breeding program in the country.
CDs/PBAT Nanofiber Films With High Tensile Strength and Flame‐Retardant Property via Microfluidic Technology
Authors: Shi Long , Zhai Jiang , Li Qing , Zhu Liangliang , Zhao Xin , Chen Su , Li Guo‐Xing
Published: December 2024

The poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) nanofiber film prepared by electrospinning method exhibits limited application in many fields due to its poor flame retardancy and machinal property, despite being a biodegradable material with exceptional toughness and ductility properties. In this work, we employed microfluidic technology to continuously produce blue fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) on an aluminum‐based microfluidic chip using citrate and ethanolamine as precursors. Subsequently, utilizing microfluidic electrospinning technology, the CDs/PBAT composite nanofiber films with blue fluorescence were prepared in situ reaction. Interestingly, compared to pure PBAT nanofiber membranes, the CDs/PBAT composite nanofiber membranes exhibit a tensile strength of 4.31 MPa, representing a remarkable increase of 3.24 times, and an elongation at break of 491%, indicating an improvement of 1.62 times. More importantly, it had demonstrated that the incorporation of CDs into PBAT can achieve flame‐retardant effects. We firmly believe that the microfluidic strategy could open up a new idea for the synthesis of CDs and point out the direction for the meaningful fabrication of PBAT nanofiber film with high tensile strength and flame‐retardant property.
In situ characterization of amine‐forming enzymes shows altered oligomeric state
Authors: Caparco Adam A. , Bommarius Bettina R. , Ducrot Laurine , Champion Julie A. , Vergne‐Vaxelaire Carine , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: December 2024

Enzyme stability can be measured in a number of ways, including melting temperature, activity retention, and size analysis. However, these measurements are often conducted in an idealized storage buffer and not in the relevant enzymatic reaction media. Particularly for reactions that occur in alkaline, volatile, and high ionic strength media, typical analyses using differential scanning calorimetry, light scattering, and sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are not satisfactory to track the stability of these enzymes. In this work, we monitor the stability of engineered and native dehydrogenases that require a high amount of ammonia for their reaction to occur. We demonstrate the benefits of analyzing these enzymes in their reaction buffer, uncovering trends that were not observable in the typical phosphate storage buffer. This work provides a framework for analyzing the stability of many other enzymes whose reaction media is not suitable for traditional techniques. We introduce several strategies for measuring the melting temperature, oligomeric state, and activity of these enzymes in their reaction media. Further, we have identified opportunities for integration of computational tools into this workflow to engineer enzymes more effectively for solvent tolerance and improved stability.
First‐principles simulations of the fluorescence modulation of a COX‐2‐specific fluorogenic probe upon protein dimerization for cancer discrimination
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Álex , Curutchet Carles , González‐Lafont Àngels , Lluch José M.
Published: December 2024

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays a crucial role in inflammation and has been implicated in cancer development. Understanding the behavior of COX‐2 in different cellular contexts is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigate the fluorescence spectrum of a fluorogenic probe, NANQ‐IMC6, when bound to the active site of human COX‐2 in both its monomeric and homodimeric forms. We employ a multiscale first‐principles simulation protocol that combines ground state MM‐MD simulations with multiple excited state adiabatic QM/MM Born‐Oppenheimer MD simulations based on linear response TD‐DFT, which allows to account for protein heterogeneity effects on excited‐state properties. Emission is then estimated from polarizable embedding TD‐DFT QM/MMPol calculations. Our findings indicate that the emission shift arises from dimerization of the highly overexpressed COX‐2 in cancer tissues, in contrast to the monomer structure present in inflammatory lesions and in normal cells with constitutive COX‐2. This spectral shift is linked to changes in specific protein–probe interactions upon dimerization due to changes in the environment, whereas steric effects related to modulation of the NANQ geometry by the protein scaffold are found to be minor. This research paves the way for detailed investigations on the impact of environment structural transitions on the spectral properties of fluorogenic probes. Moreover, the fact that COX‐2 exists as homodimer just in cancer tissues, but as monomer elsewhere, gives novel hints for therapeutical avenues to fight cancer and contributes to the development of drugs targeted to COX‐2 dimer in cancer, but without affecting constitutive COX‐2, thus minimizing off‐target effects.
PairK: Pairwise k‐mer alignment for quantifying protein motif conservation in disordered regions
Authors: Halpin Jackson C. , Keating Amy E.
Published: December 2024

Protein–protein interactions are often mediated by a modular peptide recognition domain binding to a short linear motif (SLiM) in the disordered region of another protein. To understand the features of SLiMs that are important for binding and to identify motif instances that are important for biological function, it is useful to examine the evolutionary conservation of motifs across homologous proteins. However, the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in which SLiMs reside evolve rapidly. Consequently, multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of IDRs often misaligns SLiMs and underestimates their conservation. We present PairK (pairwise k‐mer alignment), an MSA‐free method to align and quantify the relative local conservation of subsequences within an IDR. Lacking a ground truth for conservation, we tested PairK on the task of distinguishing biologically important motif instances from background motifs, under the assumption that biologically important motifs are more conserved. The method outperforms both standard MSA‐based conservation scores and a modern LLM‐based conservation score predictor. PairK can quantify conservation over wider phylogenetic distances than MSAs, indicating that some SLiMs are more conserved than MSA‐based metrics imply. PairK is available as an open‐source python package at https://github.com/jacksonh1/pairk. It is designed to be easily adapted for use with other SLiM tools and for diverse applications.
The N‐Acetyltransferase 2 Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Petryszyn Pawel , Zurakowski Grzegorz , Dudkowiak Robert , Machowska Marta , Gruca Agnieszka , Ekk‐Cierniakowski Pawel , Skretkowicz Jadwiga , Poniewierka Elzbieta , Wiela‐Hojenska Anna , Glowacka Krystyna
Published: December 2024

The enzyme N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) plays an important role in metabolism and detoxification of xenobiotics, including carcinogens and medications. We aimed to assess the contribution of the NAT2 polymorphism to susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Polish population. The study involved 101 IBD patients and 100 healthy controls. The NAT2 gene mutations at positions 481T, 803G, 590A, and 857A were identified using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique on peripheral blood DNA samples. Carriers of the NAT2*5 allele had a greater chance of developing Crohn's disease (CD) (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.06–2.83). Also, the NAT2*4/5 genotype was more prevalent in CD patients (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.17–6.57). When compared to the control group, the prevalence of the NAT2*4/6 genotype in the IBD patient population was significantly lower (10.9% vs. 30.0%, p < 0.01). In the Polish population, polymorphism in the NAT2 gene may potentially alter susceptibility to IBD.
Part 1: Evaluation of Pediatric Cannabis–Drug Interaction Reports
Authors: Chapin Maryann R. , Kane‐Gill Sandra L. , Li Xiaotong , Abanyie Kojo , Taneja Sanya B. , Egbert Susan , Paine Mary F. , Boyce Richard D.
Published: December 2024

Data addressing safety concerns related to potential drug interactions between cannabis‐derived products and pharmaceutical medications in the pediatric population are lacking. In this study, we retrieved case reports through a published literature search using PubMed and spontaneous reporting data using the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to identify potential cannabis– and cannabinoid–drug interactions in individuals younger than 18 years old. To evaluate the published case reports, we used the Drug Interaction Probability Scale (DIPS), a 10‐item questionnaire designed to discern the causal relationship between a potential drug interaction and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). FAERS reports were deduplicated and analyzed to gather information regarding patient demographics, associated drugs, nature of the ADRs, outcomes, professions of the reporters, and reporting timelines. Seven published case reports and 9142 FAERS ADRs reports were included in the final analysis. Based on the findings, caution is warranted when cannabis or cannabinoids are used in combination with prescribed medications, including methadone, everolimus, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. Cannabinoids may inhibit drug‐metabolizing enzymes, including several cytochrome P450s, leading to increased drug exposure and potentially, an increased risk for ADRs.
Part 2: Drug Interactions Involving Cannabis Products in Persons Aged 18 and Over: A Summary of Published Case Reports and Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Chapin Maryann R. , Kane‐Gill Sandra L. , Li Xiaotong , Abanyie Kojo , Taneja Sanya B. , Egbert Susan , Paine Mary F. , Boyce Richard D.
Published: December 2024

The increasing utilization of cannabis products combined with lack of data regarding potential cannabis–prescription drug interactions is concerning. This study aimed to review published case reports and FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) spontaneous reports to assess cannabis–drug interactions in persons aged 18 and over. A literature search identified 20 case reports that were each assessed for drug interaction causality using the Drug Interaction Probability Scale. Data collected from the FAERS revealed a greater proportion of reports mentioning serious outcomes, including death, when cannabis was used concomitantly with controlled substances compared to noncontrolled substances. Fisher's exact test showed a statistically significant difference between the controlled and noncontrolled groups (p = 0.043). Overall, these findings emphasize the need for additional research and vigilant monitoring of cannabis use when combined with other medications.
Joint Optimization of Condition‐Based Maintenance and Production Rate Using Reinforcement Learning Algorithms
Authors: Rasay Hasan , Azizi Fariba , Salmani Mehrnaz , Naderkhani Farnoosh
Published: December 2024

Maintenance has always been a crucial aspect of the manufacturing and industrial sectors. There is a recent surge of interest in utilizing advanced machine learning, and reinforcement learning models to enhance maintenance strategies. In this regard, this paper focuses on the development of a joint optimization model of maintenance and production for a special type of production system that has an adjustable production rate, where the system's deterioration is closely related to the production rate. When the production rate is increased, the expected deterioration of the system also increases. To control the deterioration of the system, the paper proposes two main actions or policies: maintenance policy and production policy. These policies involve scheduling and conducting maintenance actions on the system and adjusting the production rate, respectively. To solve the optimization problem of minimizing the expected costs of the system during a finite planning horizon, the paper develops a Markov decision process and employs reinforcement learning algorithms such as Q‐learning and SARSA. The hyperparameters of the algorithms are tuned using a value‐iteration algorithm of dynamic programming. The developed optimal actions given the state of the system ensure efficient management of the production system while controlling the deterioration of the system.
Fatigue Life Prediction and Reliability Assessment of CFRP Adhesively Bonded Joints in Offshore Wind Turbine Blade Applications: A Physics‐Informed Data‐Driven Approach
Authors: Shao Zhenjiang , Liu Zheng , Zhang Yuhao , Zhu Xiaoting
Published: December 2024

Adhesively bonded joints made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) are critical structures of offshore wind turbine blades, yet they are particularly susceptible to fatigue failure influenced by marine environmental factors. Current methodologies for predicting the fatigue life and assessing the reliability of these bonded joints face limitations due to insufficient data, modeling complexities, and inefficiencies. This study introduces a novel, physics‐informed, data‐driven approach to analyze the fatigue performance of CFRP adhesively bonded joints subjected to multi‐environmental stress, thereby improving fatigue life predictions and reliability assessments. Initially, an innovative method that integrates a physics‐informed data‐driven framework for predicting adhesive fatigue life and modeling reliability is proposed, utilizing the cyclic cohesive zone model (CCZM) alongside single‐hidden layer feedforward neural networks (SLFN). Multi‐environmental aging tests were conducted on CFRP‐bonded joints of varying dimensions, leading to the development of a physics‐informed fatigue analysis method based on CCZM. Furthermore, a reliability assessment and sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of uncertainty factors. This research provides significant insights for the structural design and safety analysis of bonded structures in offshore wind turbine blades.
Proposal of SSVEP ratio for efficient ear-EEG SSVEP-BCI development and evaluation
Authors: Kondo Sodai , Harafuji Hideyuki , Tanaka Hisaya
Published: December 2024

Ear electroencephalogram (ear-EEG) records electrical signals around the ear, offering a more casual and user-friendly approach to EEG measurement. Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) are brain responses elicited by gazing at flickering stimuli. Ear-EEG can enhance comfort in SSVEP-based brain–computer interface (SSVEP-BCI), but its performance is typically low behind traditional SSVEP-BCI. Additionally, predicting the performance of ear-EEG SSVEP-BCIs before experimentation is challenging, often increasing design costs. This study proposes the SSVEP ratio as a supplementary index to traditional metrics such as information transfer rate (ITR) and BCI accuracy. Using the SSVEP ratio and the KNN algorithm, we predicted BCI accuracy and ITR, aiming to lower design costs. The developed four-inputs ear-EEG SSVEP-BCI achieved a maximum BCI accuracy of 89.17 ± 3.62% and an ITR of 10.60 ± 0.36 bits/min. Predicted BCI accuracy was 90.21 ± 3.25% and an ITR was 9.43 ± 0.96 bits/min in ear-EEG SSVEP-BCI. Predicted values matched the actual results, demonstrating that the SSVEP ratio can effectively predict BCI accuracy, thereby streamlining the design process for ear-EEG SSVEP-BCI.
Gene flow prevents genetic diversity loss despite small effective population size in fragmented grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations
Authors: Turnock Megan F. , Teisberg Justin E. , Kasworm Wayne F. , Falcy Matthew R. , Proctor Michael F. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: December 2024

Genetic monitoring is important in small, fragmented populations that rely on gene flow to maintain genetic diversity. The Selkirk, Yaak, and Cabinet grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations are among the smallest in North America and are near the southernmost extent of the species’ range. These populations received little to no effective migration for generations but have recently experienced increased gene flow through natural migration and a population augmentation program. A long-term dataset of grizzly bear microsatellite genotypes from 1973 to 2021 presented a unique opportunity to examine genetic trends in these populations over time. We used this dataset of 464 bears to evaluate if gene flow affected observed heterozygosity (HO), expected heterozygosity (HE), allelic richness (AR), and average pairwise relatedness (r) in each of these populations. We also estimated effective population size (Ne) using the temporal and linkage disequilibrium (LD) methods. Post gene flow, AR increased in the Selkirk and Cabinet populations and r decreased in all three populations. We did not observe any significant changes in HE or HO, but HE values in our populations were significantly higher than those estimated using a model without gene flow. Our Ne estimates were consistent between the temporal and LD methods and ranged from 15.2 to 15.8, 15.4–17.5, and 5.6–8.9 for the Selkirk, Yaak, and Cabinet populations, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that gene flow is increasing or maintaining genetic diversity in these populations. However, Ne remains low and additional connectivity or augmentation may be needed, particularly in the Cabinet population.
Lollipop and cubic weight functions for graph pebbling
Authors: Yang Marshall , Yerger Carl , Zhou Runtian
Published: December 2024

Given a configuration of pebbles on the vertices of a graph G, a pebbling move removes two pebbles from a vertex and puts one pebble on an adjacent vertex. The pebbling number of a graph G is the smallest number of pebbles required such that, given an arbitrary initial configuration of pebbles, one pebble can be moved to any vertex of G through some sequence of pebbling moves. Through constructing a non-tree weight function for

$$Q_4$$

Q
4

, we improve the weight function technique, introduced by Hurlbert and extended by Cranston et al., that gives an upper bound for the pebbling number of graphs. Then, we propose a conjecture on weight functions for the n-dimensional cube. We also construct a set of valid weight functions for variations of lollipop graphs, extending previously known constructions.
End behavior of Ramanujan’s Taxicab numbers
Authors: Benfield Brennan , Lippard Oliver , Roy Arindam
Published: December 2024

Generalized taxicab numbers are the smallest positive integers that are the sum of exactly j, positive

$$k^{\textrm{th}}$$

k
th

powers in exactly m distinct ways. This paper considers for which values of m does the smallest such positive integer exist as j gets large. There appear to be only two possible outcomes, leading to curious results, for instance, there is no positive integer that can be expressed as the sum of exactly 10 perfect squares in exactly 3 ways. This paper resolves a number of conjectures found in the OEIS by considering generalized Taxicab numbers in the setting of the theory of partitions.
The unit fractions from a Euclidean domain generate a DVR
Authors: Epstein Neil
Published: December 2024

Let D be a Euclidean domain, with fraction field K. Let R(D) be the subring of K generated by the reciprocals of the nonzero elements of D. The main theorem states that if $$R(D) \ne K$$

R
(
D
)
≠
K

, then R(D) is a rank 1 discrete valuation ring that contains a field consisting of the units of D along with 0. Along the way, it is shown that R(D) contains all fractions of the form a/b, where $$a,b \in D \setminus \{0\}$$

a
,
b
∈
D
\
{
0
}

and a has Euclidean value no larger than that of b. Connections are also made to ideas from medieval Italian mathematics.
Perceptions of Chinese medicine information sharing in electronic health record sharing system (eHRSS) for patients: a mixed-method study
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Sze Chai , Wong Yuet Yan , Mak Fung Yu , Lam Corey , Chung Kam Fung , Lui Luva , Cheung Clement S. K. , Wong Wing Nam , Cheung Ngai Tseung , Wong Martin C. S.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The Stage Two Development of eHRSS intends to expand the breadth of shareable data and increase technical capabilities for sharing Chinese Medicine (CM) information. This study aims to investigate patients' perceptions, perceived benefits and difficulties toward the adoption of EC Connect and eHRSS.

Methods

All patients who are eHRSS users or non-eHRSS users were recruited. Several logistic regression models were conducted with descriptive analysis including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and past medical history. In-depth interviews were conducted among Healthcare Recipients (HCRs) of eHRSS whose information about Chinese Medicine is shared to eHRSS.

Results

A total of 884 respondents were analysable in this study. Older age (50–64, compared to 18–29, aOR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.48–6.17, p = 0.002), participation in eHRSS (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.17–3.27, p = 0.011) and usage of eHealth app (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.19–2.95, p = 0.007) were associated with a higher level of acceptability on the expansion of eHRSS sharing scope to CM. In study 2, users agreed that CM information sharing to eHRSS improved patient management while knowledge of CM information exchange was insufficient. The respondents were supportive towards the expansion of sharing scope which could enhance the intention in joining eHRSS.

Conclusions

We found that patients' western medical records should be reviewed to deliver better patient care. For future development of eHRSS in CM, it was important to increase propaganda among the general population and to improve consistency between Western and Chinese medical systems.
Willingness to Communicate in a Second Language
Authors: Peng Jian-E
Published: December 2024

This Element offers a review of advancements in willingness to communicate (WTC) in a second language (L2) over the past twenty-five years. It begins with the origin of the concept of WTC in first language (L1) communication research and the seminal and novel conceptualizations of WTC in the L2 context. This Element then categorizes six key perspectives that have informed WTC research: social psychological, cultural, dynamic, ecological, multimodal, and digital. By analyzing representative studies, it elucidates insights gained from these perspectives. The Element then discusses key factors associated with WTC, including individual attributes, situational factors, and outcome factors. This is followed by an overview of and critical commentary on methodological approaches in WTC research. Implications for enhancing L2 learners' WTC in in-class, out-of-class, and digital contexts are discussed. The Element concludes by proposing important venues for future WTC research. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Direct arylation of gem-difluorostyrenes using in situ mechanochemically generated calcium-based heavy Grignard reagents
Authors: Wang Xihong , Fukuzawa Yamato , Gao Pan , Jiang Julong , Maeda Satoshi , Kubota Koji , Ito Hajime
Published: December 2024

Calcium-based heavy Grignard reagents, prepared in situ through a mechanochemical method, reacted with gem-difluorostyrenes to afford thermodynamically less favorable (E)-monofluorostilbenes with good to high stereoselectivity.
Full disc [C II] mapping of nearby star-forming galaxies
Authors: Kovačić I. , Barnes A. T. , Bigiel F. , De Looze I. , Madden S. C. , Herrera-Camus R. , Krabbe A. , Baes M. , Beck A. , Bolatto A. D. , Bryant A. , Colditz S. , Fischer C. , Geis N. , Iserlohe C. , Klein R. , Leroy A. , Looney L. W. , Poglitsch A. , Sartorio N. S. , Vacca W. D. , van der Giessen S. , Nersesian A.
Published: December 2024

Context. As a major cooling line of interstellar gas, the far-infrared 158 μm line from singly ionised carbon [C II] is an important tracer of various components of the interstellar medium in galaxies across all spatial and morphological scales. Yet, there is still not a strong constraint on the origins of [C II] emission.

Aims. In this work, we derive the resolved [C II] star formation rate relation and aim to unravel the complexity of the origin of [C II].

Methods. We used the Field-Imaging Far-Infrared Line Spectrometer on board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy to map [C II] in three nearby star-forming galaxies at sub-kiloparsec scales, namely, NGC 3627, NGC 4321, and NGC 6946, and we compared these [C II] observations to the galactic properties derived from complementary data from the literature.

Results. We find that the relationship between the [C II] fine structure line and star formation rate shows variations between the galaxies as well as between different environments within each galaxy.

Conclusions. Our results show that the use of [C II] as a tracer for star formation is much more tangled than has previously been suggested within the extragalactic literature, which typically focuses on small regions of galaxies and/or uses large-aperture sampling of many different physical environments. As found within resolved observations of the Milky Way, the picture obtained from [C II] observations is complicated by its local interstellar medium conditions. Future studies will require a larger sample and additional observational tracers, obtained on spatial scales within galaxies, in order to accurately disentangle the origin of [C II] and calibrate its use as a star formation tracer.
Activation of the Contact System and Intrinsic Pathway in Peripheral and Portal Venous Circulations in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Campello Elena , Zanetto Alberto , Prokopenko Yuriy , Ilich Anton , Moonla Chatphatai , Bulato Cristiana , Toffanin Serena , Shalaby Sarah , Cardin Romilda , Barbiero Giulio , Gavasso Sabrina , Key Nigel S. , Senzolo Marco , Simioni Paolo
Published: December 2024

Background Portal vein system-specific risk factors contributing to portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis are poorly investigated.

Aim This study aimed to quantify contact system and intrinsic pathway activation in the peripheral compared to portal venous blood in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods Adult patients with cirrhosis undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt underwent simultaneous blood sampling from a peripheral vein and the portal vein. Complexes of serine proteases with their respective inhibitors were measured by ELISA to quantify contact system (PKa:C1-INH [plasma kallikrein:C1-esterase inhibitor] and FXIIa:C1-INH) and intrinsic pathway activation (FXIa:C1-INH, FXIa:α1at [α-1 antitrypsin], FXIa:AT [antithrombin], and FIXa:AT).

Results Twenty patients with cirrhosis (mean age 55 ± 7 years, M = 58%, Child–Pugh A/B/C 6/11/3) and 25 healthy controls (mean age 45 ± 12 years, M = 60%) were enrolled. The etiology of cirrhosis was primarily alcohol abuse, followed by chronic viral infection. Log-transformed peripheral levels of all the complexes were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. While levels of PKa:C1-INH, FXIIa:C1-INH, FXIa:C1-INH and FXIa:α1at were similar in peripheral and portal venous blood in cirrhotic patients, FXIa:AT and FIXa:AT levels were significantly higher in portal blood (p = 0.013 and 0.011, respectively). FXIa:C1-INH significantly correlated with both contact system complexes (FXIIa:C1-INH and PKa:C1-INH) and with FIX:AT.

Conclusion Markers of contact system and intrinsic pathway activation in the systemic circulation were significantly higher in cirrhosis versus controls. Complexes of FXIa and FIXa with AT were significantly higher in the portal than in peripheral plasma in cirrhosis, possibly indicating a unique heparin-like effect in portal venous blood.
Association of Community Characteristics as Measured by Social Deprivation Index Score with Prenatal Care and Obstetrical Outcomes
Authors: Sassin Alexa M. , Osterlund Natalie , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh , Aagaard Kjersti
Published: December 2024

Objective We aimed to determine the relationships between socioeconomic disadvantage, as measured by the Social Deprivation Index (SDI), and prenatal care (PNC) utilization, obstetrical outcomes, and neonatal complications.

Study Design All spontaneously conceived singleton deliveries of nulliparous gravida with residence zip code available (n = 4,786) were identified in a population-based database. Deliveries were assigned SDI scores based on preconception zip code. SDI scores (1–100) are a composite measure of seven community demographic characteristics of poverty, education, transportation, employment, and household composition. SDI scores were categorized into quartiles and grouped for analysis (Q1 [n = 1,342], Q2 + 3 [n = 1,752], and Q4 [n = 1,692]) with higher scores indicative of greater disadvantage. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed method.

Results Among our cohort, gravida in the lowest (least-deprived) SDI quartile (Q1) were older, had lower prepregnancy body mass indices, and were more likely to receive PNC from a physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Gravida residing in the highest (most-deprived) SDI quartile (Q4) attended fewer prenatal visits (mean [standard deviation] 11.17 [2.9]) than those living in Q1 (12.04 [2.3], p < 0.0001). Gravida in Q4 were less likely to receive sufficient PNC compared with those in Q1 (52 vs. 64.2%, p < 0.0001) and were more likely to fail to achieve appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) (19.6 in Q4 vs. 15.9% in Q1, p < 0.01). No significant differences in composite maternal (CMM) or neonatal morbidity (CNM) were associated with SDI quartile.

Conclusion Outer quartile social deprivation was associated with higher proportions of primigravida not meeting recommendations for GWG and attending fewer prenatal visits, but it did not affect CMM or CNM. Improving care access and providing nutritional support to all gravida are likely important steps toward health equity.

Key Points
The Impact of Extended Procedure Duration on Nasal Morbidity after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Macroadenomas
Authors: Carey Preston , Kelly Patrick D. , Vinjamuri Shreya , Smit Rupert , Doshi Riyana , Shah Riya , Murayi Roger , Farquhar Douglas , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Rosen Marc R. , Bray David , Evans James J.
Published: December 2024

Objective Nasal mucosa is susceptible to injury during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas. Prolonged operative times may lead to increased instrumentation-induced injury to nasal mucosa. Influence of operative time on sinonasal morbidity has not been reported previously. Our objective is to determine preoperative drivers extending operative time and the impact of prolonged endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection on nasal morbidity as measured by postoperative SNOT-22 questionnaire.

Study Design SNOT-22 scores were collected at each rhinology visit and intraoperative OR start and stop timestamps as recorded by nursing staff were extracted from the record.

Setting Cases of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection at a tertiary care center were identified.

Methods Multivariable regression was done analyzing factors influencing SNOT-22 scores and surgical time.

Results The study included 222 patients. Median preoperative SNOT-22 score was 12.5 (IQR 4.00, 24.25) and median postoperative SNOT-22 score was 9 (IQR 2.00, 19.25), indicating overall improvement at 6 months. Median procedure duration was 200.4 minutes (IQR 164, 249). Multivariable regression of SNOT-22 showed only history of sinus surgery caused increased sinonasal morbidity (p = 0.05). Factors including tumor size (p = 0.01), surgical approach (p = 0.01), and reconstruction technique (p = 0.01) most significantly increased operative time.

Conclusion Only a history of prior sinus surgery was associated with increased nasal morbidity. Tumor size, functional tumors, surgical approach, reconstructive technique, and subtotal resection all prolonged operative time. Surgeons should consider counseling patients meeting these criteria on potential risk of increased morbidity and increased operative time with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection.
Gene Correction of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome iPS Cells Rescues Proplatelet Defects and Improves Platelet Size
Authors: Ingrungruanglert Praewphan , Phodang Sarinya , Amarinthnukrowh Pramuk , Meehart Phattarawan , Pratedrat Pornpitra , Suratannon Narissara , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Israsena Nipan
Published: December 2024

Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a severe X-linked disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the WAS gene, responsible for encoding WAS protein (WASP), a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton in all hematopoietic cells, except red blood cells. The mechanism underlying microthrombocytopenia, a distinctive feature of WAS and a major contributor to mortality, remains not fully elucidated. In this study, using different gene-editing strategies, we corrected mutations in patient-derived WAS-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, generating isogeneic WAS-iPSC lines. These included lines with direct mutation-specific correction and lines incorporating a WASP transgene cassette regulated by the MND or WAS1.6 kb promoter integrated at the safe harbor AAV1 site. Our results demonstrated that direct mutation correction successfully restored WASP levels to the equivalent of the wild-type in iPSC-derived megakaryocytes (MKs). In contrast, the AAV1-targeted strategy using the MND and WAS1.6 promoters yielded a lower level of WASP. Notably, only the mutation-specific correction lines exhibited improvements in proplatelet structures and generated larger-sized platelets. Our findings underscore the crucial roles of WASP during human thrombopoiesis and suggest that therapeutic approaches, such as direct gene correction, which can achieve physiologic levels of WASP in MKs, hold promise for ameliorating platelet defects in individuals with WAS.
Malignant Pilomatricoma with Lung Metastases: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Nae-Ho , Park Jung Kyun , Roh Si-Gyun , Shin Jin Yong , Chung Yoon Kyu , Jang Kyu Yun
Published: December 2024

Malignant pilomatricoma, an extremely rare tumor arising from hair follicles, most commonly occurs on the head, neck, and back. This tumor exhibits several noteworthy characteristics. First, it frequently recurs if it is incompletely excised and can occasionally metastasize to the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. Additionally, it possesses unique histological features that aid in differentiating it from its benign counterpart, including atypical cells, multiple mitoses with ghost cells, nuclear polymorphisms, and necrosis accompanied by serial desmoplasia. While no definitive criteria have been established for the surgical management of this malignant tumor, it is recommended to perform wide local excision with a safety margin of at least ≥5 mm. To the best of our knowledge, very few cases of malignant pilomatricoma with lung metastasis have been reported in Korea. Here we report the case of a patient diagnosed of malignant pilomatricoma with lung metastasis who underwent wide local excision for a lesion on the flank.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair with Intercostal Cryoablation: A Case Report
Authors: Humpfle Luisa , Böning Andreas , Niemann Bernd
Published: December 2024

Background Minimally invasive lateral thoracotomies may cause severe postoperative pain and discomfort. We describe an intraoperative intercostal cryo-neuronal pain block as one possibility for postoperative pain relief.

Case description A 63-year-old male patient underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair. To reduce postoperative pain, an intercostal cryo-neuronal ablation was performed. The consecutive course was pain-free.

Conclusion Intraoperative cryo-neuronal nerve block may be a standard procedure during minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Time Will Tell: A Temporal Analysis of Victim-Survivor’s Formal Support-Seeking for Co-occurring Family Violence and Sexual Harm
Authors: Ridgway Alexandra , Hamilton Gemma , Powell Anastasia , Heydon Georgina
Published: December 2024

Drawing on qualitative interviews with both victim-survivors (n = 11) and specialist service providers (n = 11) in Victoria (Australia), this article analyses formal support-seeking for co-occurring family violence and sexual harm through a temporal lens. Our findings focus on two main themes: (i) victim-survivor readiness and trauma-informed support; and (ii) service readiness, time constraints and delays in providing support. The analysis sheds light on the disconnection between crisis intervention for family violence and long-term therapeutic support for sexual harm. In response, we emphasize the unique contribution of a trauma-informed temporal lens to criminological knowledge and discuss implications for policy and practice.
The Laws of Nature: Rewriting the Myth of Demeter and Persephone in Peter Greenaway’s The Draughtsman’s Contract
Authors: Elliott Tomas
Published: December 2024

This article considers the rewriting of the myth of Demeter and Persephone contained in Peter Greenaway’s 1982 film, The Draughtsman’s Contract. Via a reconsideration of the various versions of the myth present in both the film and its classical sources, the article argues that the film uses the myth to offer a nuanced meditation on the situation of women in both the seventeenth century (when the film is set) and the late twentieth century (when the film was made). Reflecting back across the centuries, the film highlights how interpretations of the myth of Demeter and Persephone have tended to be defined by particular social, legal, and technological formations, rather than by any kind of natural order (for which the myth itself provides a speculative aetiology). In Greenaway’s film, within the limits of their social and material situations, the female characters rewrite the terms of the myth to achieve a qualified autonomy within a deeply patriarchal society.
Crustal deformation shown by high-resolution P-wave velocity structures in the Ordos Block and northeastern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau
Authors: Liu Yaning , Wu Jianping , Cai Yan , Liu Jing , Wang Weilai , Wang Wei , Fan Liping
Published: December 2024

The interior of the Ordos block, located northeast of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, is not entirely stable or homogeneous and may have been subjected to tectonic deformation. However, there has been no definite conclusion regarding the extent and mechanism of this deformation. Here, we obtained a high-resolution P-wave velocity (Vp) model for the northeastern Qinghai–Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau, Ordos block and surrounding areas using traveltime data involving over 1200 stations from a newly deployed dense temporary array and permanent seismic network. Our results showed that the northern part of Ordos has a relatively high Vp with minimal lateral change. In contrast, the Vp structure in the southern Ordos block varied in the lateral direction, with low-velocity anomalies at a depth of 15 km. The lower crust with Vp from 6.8 to 7.3 km s−1 is thicker in the west and gradually thins towards the east. The northern part of the Ordos block is relatively stable, whereas the southern part has undergone crustal deformation. This deformation may be related to the eastward compressive forces from the Longxi block, which could be associated with the change in the Haiyuan fault from thrust to strike-slip. In the Bayan Har block, a thick low-velocity anomaly exists in the middle and upper crusts, whereas the lower crust is relatively thin. The crust in this area likely experienced crustal shortening and delamination. Beneath the Longxi and Alxa blocks, a low-velocity layer appears in the middle crust, which may be related to ductile shear in the crustal brittle–ductile transition zone caused by plateau expansion. The range of this low-velocity layer indicates that the influence of the plateau expansion exceeded that of the Haiyuan–Tianjingshan fault zone.
Pre–Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) α4β7hi CD4+ T Cells and HIV Risk Among Heterosexual Individuals in Africa
Authors: Omole Tosin E , Nguyen Huong Mai , Marcinow Agata , Oo Myo Minn , Jahan Naima , Ssemaganda Aloysious , Severini Giulia , Thomas Katherine K , Celum Connie , Mugo Nelly , Mujugira Andrew , Kublin James , Corey Lawrence , Sivro Aida , Lingappa Jairam R , Gray Glenda , McKinnon Lyle R
Published: December 2024

Background

CD4+ T cells expressing α4β7 are optimal targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, with higher pre-HIV α4β7hi expression linked to increased HIV acquisition and progression in South African women. However, similar associations were not observed in men who have sex with men or people who inject drugs in the Americas, indicating need for further research.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study enrolled heterosexual men and women from South Africa (HIV Vaccine Trials Network [HVTN] 503) and East Africa (Partners Preexposure Prophylaxis/Couples’ Observational Study [PP/COS]), quantifying α4β7 expression on CD4+ T cells as a predictor of subsequent HIV risk using flow cytometry analyses.

Results

Associations between α4β7hi expression and HIV acquisition varied across cohorts. In HVTN 503, women had a higher risk estimate compared to men, but this was not significant. In PP/COS, α4β7hi expression was generally protective, particularly in Ugandans. Additionally, α4β7hi expression inversely correlated with peak viral load in PP/COS but not in HVTN 503; in the latter cohort, α4β7hi expression was inversely correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio and predicted rapid CD4+ T-cell decline, similar to what was observed previously in South Africa.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that α4β7hi expression on CD4+ T cells may not predict HIV acquisition and progression in all contexts, which may be due to cohort effects, modes of transmission, viral clade, or other factors.
The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Claroideoglomus etunicatum (Glomerales: Claroideoglomeraceae) inoculated wheat plants mediated responses of Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to water deficit
Authors: Khoso Abdul Ghaffar , Li Yongqiang , Liu Deguang
Published: December 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may promote growth and stress resilience of plants, particularly under water-deficit conditions. However, interactions among mycorrhizal fungi, wheat plants, and aphids like the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under water-deficit stress are still not well understood. Here, we examined the colonization of the fungus Claroideoglomus etunicatum (Glomerales: Claroideoglomeraceae) on wheat, and its effects on development and behavior of S. avenae under different water regimes. The symbiosis between C. etunicatum and wheat tended to increase the total developmental times of S. avenae nymphs under water deficit, but decreased adult lifespans. Irrespective of water conditions or wheat cultivars (Xinong-979 and Chang-6794), this symbiosis tended to cause higher adult weights and fecundities of S. avenae. These findings suggested that inoculation of this fungus could induce some life history trait trade-offs for S. avenae. Inoculation of C. etunicatum caused significant increases in contents of total amino acids in Xinong-979, and contents of some individual amino acids (e.g., glutamine) in both cultivars. This aphid preferred settling on symbiotic plants, with alate individuals attracted to well-watered Xinong-979 from 4 and Chang-6794 from 24 h postrelease. Increased phloem feeding and reduced pathway phase time for S. avenae were found in symbiotic plants. The fungus C. etunicatum also significantly enhanced wheat growth, especially under water deficit, and increased contents of nonessential and essential amino acids in Xinong-979. Our results highlight complex interactions among fungus symbiosis, wheat cultivars, and water conditions, emphasizing the potential to boost wheat crop resilience in the context of global climate change.