bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of attack angle on the electromagnetic wave transmission characteristics in the hypersonic plasma sheath of a re-entry vehicle
Authors: AI 艾 Xin 昕 , NIE 聂 Qiuyue 秋月 , ZHANG 张 Zhonglin 仲麟 , CHEN 陈 Peiqi 培奇 , ZHENG 郑 Shulei 树磊 , YAN 闫 Changshi 昌时 , (魏国强) Guoqiang WEI
Published: September 2024

The attack angle may greatly affect the hypersonic plasma sheaths around the re-entry vehicle, thereby affecting the transmission characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves in the sheaths. In this paper, we propose an integrated three-dimensional (3D) model with various attack angles and realistic flying conditions of radio attenuation measurement C-II (RAM C-II) re-entry tasks for analyzing the effect of the attack angle on the transmission characteristics of EM waves in the sheaths. It is shown that the electron density and collision frequency of the sheath on the windward side can be increased by an order of magnitude with the increase of the attack angle. Meanwhile, the thickness of the sheath on the leeward side is increased where the electron density and collision frequency are reduced. The EM waves are mainly reflected on the windward plasma sheath due to the cutoff effect, and the radio-frequency (RF) blackout is mitigated if the antenna is positioned on the leeward side. Thus, by planning the trajectory properly and installing the antenna accordingly during the re-entry, it is possible to provide an approach for mitigation of the RF blackout problem to an extent.
Hochschild homology of mod-𝑝 motivic cohomology over algebraically closed fields
Authors: Dundas Bjørn , Hill Michael , Ormsby Kyle , Østvær Paul
Published: September 2024

We perform Hochschild homology calculations in the algebro-geometric setting of motives over algebraically closed fields. The homotopy ring of motivic Hochschild homology contains torsion classes that arise from the mod-

p
p

motivic Steenrod algebra and generating functions defined on the natural numbers with finite non-empty support. Under Betti realization, we recover Bökstedt’s calculation of the topological Hochschild homology of finite prime fields.
A generalization of Darboux-Froda theorem and its applications
Authors: Chen Jing , Yi Taishan , Zou Xingfu
Published: September 2024

In real analysis, the Darboux-Froda theorem states that all discontinuities of a real-valued monotone functions of a real variable are at most countable. In this paper, we extend this theorem to a family of monotone real vector-valued functions of a real variable arising from dynamical systems. To this end, we explore some essential characteristics of countable and uncountable sets by the notions of strong cluster points, upper and lower strong cluster points, and establish the existence of strong cluster point sets, upper and lower strong cluster point sets for an uncountable set. With the help of these strong cluster point sets, we establish a jump lemma that helps characterize the discontinuities of the family of monotone vector-functions. Then we introduce the notion of distinction set and prove the existence of a distinction set. Making use of the upper and lower strong cluster points of the distinction set and the jump lemma, we prove the Darboux-Froda extension theorem. Moreover, we also present two applications of the generalized Darboux-Froda theorem.
Rice transcription factor DPF regulates stress-induced biosynthesis of diterpenoid phytoalexins
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuki , Yamamura Chihiro , Miyamoto Koji , Kanda Yasukazu , Inoue Haruhiko , Okada Kazunori , Kamakura Takashi , Mori Masaki
Published: September 2024

Diterpenoid Phytoalexin Factor (DPF) is a key transcription factor involved in diterpenoid phytoalexin (DP) biosynthesis under non-stressed conditions in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9, DPF knockout rice lines were generated. Treatments with abiotic stresses (copper chloride, ultraviolet light, and jasmonic acid) and biotic stress (blast fungus infection) to the knockout lines revealed that the DPF positively regulates stress-induced DP biosynthesis.
Bilateral connections from the amygdala to extrastriate visual cortex in the marmoset monkey
Authors: Teymornejad Sadaf , Majka Piotr , Worthy Katrina H , Atapour Nafiseh , Rosa Marcello G P
Published: September 2024

It is known that the primate amygdala forms projections to many areas of the ipsilateral cortex, but the extent to which it forms connections with the contralateral visual cortex remains less understood. Based on retrograde tracer injections in marmoset monkeys, we report that the amygdala forms widespread projections to the ipsilateral extrastriate cortex, including V1 and areas in both the dorsal (MT, V4T, V3a, 19M, and PG/PFG) and the ventral (VLP and TEO) streams. In addition, contralateral projections were found to target each of the extrastriate areas, but not V1. In both hemispheres, the tracer-labeled neurons were exclusively located in the basolateral nuclear complex. The number of labeled neurons in the contralateral amygdala was small relative to the ipsilateral connection (1.2% to 5.8%). The percentage of contralateral connections increased progressively with hierarchical level. An injection in the corpus callosum demonstrated that at least some of the amygdalo–cortical connections cross through this fiber tract, in addition to the previously documented path through the anterior commissure. Our results expand knowledge of the amygdalofugal projections to the extrastriate cortex, while also revealing pathways through which visual stimuli conveying affective content can directly influence early stages of neural processing in the contralateral visual field.
Comparing simultaneous hybrid ablation with stand-alone thoracoscopic surgical ablation for the treatment of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Yao Yan , Li Haojie , Yu Chunyu , Zheng Lihui , Ding Ligang , Wu Lingmin , Chen Sipeng , Lin Hengqiang , Meng Ying
Published: September 2024

Aims

Advanced atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently a dilemma for electrophysiologists when choosing a minimally invasive treatment strategy. Previous studies have demonstrated the outcome of either catheter ablation or thoracoscopic surgical ablation (SA) is unsatisfactory in these patients. Whether hybrid ablation (HA) could improve outcomes in these patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of HA for the treatment of advanced AF.

Methods and results

A randomized controlled trial was designed to enrol patients with persistent AF (PerAF) and enlarged left atrium or long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF) who were randomized to HA or thoracoscopic SA at a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was freedom from any recurrence of AF off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) 12 months after operation. The primary endpoint was monitored by 7-day electrocardiogram monitoring devices. One hundred patients were enrolled. The mean age was 58.5 ± 7.6 years, and the mean left atrial diameter (LAD) was 50.1 ± 6.1 mm. At 12 months, freedom from AF off AADs was recorded in 71.4% (35/49) of patients in HA group and 45.8% (22/48) in SA group [odds ratio 2.955, 95% confidence interval (1.275–6.848), P = 0.014]. HA significantly reduced patients’ AF burden (30.2% in SA group and 14.8% in HA group, P = 0.048) and the LAD (mean differences: −5.53 ± 4.97 mm in HA group and −3.27 ± 5.20 mm in SA group, P = 0.037) at 12 months after operation.

Conclusion

In patients with PerAF and enlarged left atrium or LSPAF, HA achieved better freedom from AF after 1 year of follow-up compared with thoracoscopic SA.
Phytosanitary cold treatment of cherry tomatoes infested with Bactrocera dorsalis, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, and Zeugodacus tau (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Regmi Prakriti , Lin Kao-Wei , Chuang Yi-Yuan , Yeh Wen-Bin
Published: September 2024

Fruit flies attack numerous crops, including cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). The potential presence of the immature stages of fruit fly species inside tomatoes during export hinders their international market access. Therefore, phytosanitary treatment must be performed before export to prevent fruit fly species from entering countries where they are not naturally found. We developed a phytosanitary cold disinfestation treatment protocol to eliminate oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel), melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett), and pumpkin fruit fly (Zeugodacus tau Walker) concealed inside cherry tomatoes without causing critical damage to the fruit. We determined that the third instar of Z. cucurbitae exhibited the highest cold tolerance among the various development stages of the three fruit fly species. Thus, we performed a small-scale disinfestation test on Z. cucurbitae in two cultivars of tomato. We achieved complete disinfestation after 15 days of cold treatment at 1°C–1.5°C. The confirmatory test revealed the elimination of more than 80,000 treated third instar of Z. cucurbitae in each tomato variety. The developed phytosanitary cold treatment allows the tomatoes to retain their commercial value. This study provides a standard phytosanitary cold treatment protocol for cherry tomatoes, ensuring the disinfestation of fruit flies before their export to international markets.
(Mis)Adapting Domestic Law to Meet New International Environmental and Trade Rules: How Peru Changed Its Environmental and Land Use Rights Laws in Response to the European Union Deforestation Regulation
Authors: Peña Alegría Pablo Guillermo
Published: September 2024

International and domestic laws are being enacted or adjusted to implement climate goals, such as to fight deforestation—a key source of carbon emissions in tropical countries like Peru. These laws are increasingly connecting trade and the environment and becoming more intertwined at the national and international levels. This analysis reviews Peru’s recent change of its domestic environmental and land tenure laws partially in response to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as one recent example of the complexities involved in this interaction. Promoters of this legislative change in Peru frame it as a necessary alignment with the EUDR, but environmentalists argue that it is an excuse to weaken domestic forest protection rules, contrary to the intentions of the EUDR. This case study shows the importance of understanding the specific context of each of the countries targeted by new international zero-deforestation rules and highlights the tensions these new policies can encourage.
Contagious Vibrations: Sympathetic Resonance as a Model for Disease Transmission in the Writings of Ficino, Fracastoro, and Cardano
Authors: Chiu Remi
Published: September 2024

Contagious diseases were among the most vexing problems in ancient theories of health, which could not easily account for how a corruption of one person’s humors could cause a similar corruption in another’s. One useful explanatory concept for Renaissance doctors tackling this theoretical gap was the phenomenon of resonance or “sympathetic vibration” — where one stationary string begins to vibrate spontaneously when a similarly tuned string is plucked nearby — as both resonance and contagion involved some mysterious, insensible action at a distance between an agent and a patient. Tracing the writings of Marsilio Ficino, Girolamo Fracastoro, and Girolamo Cardano, this essay explores the relationships between the writers’ accounts of sympathetic vibrations and their contagion theories. It argues that different conceptions of the acoustic phenomenon — either as a manifestation of a Neo-Platonic World-Soul that underpinned the universe or else as a physical effect — revealed the writers’ cosmological views that, in turn, informed their accounts of the human body and disease.
Development of lactic acid production from coffee grounds hydrolysate by fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Wysocki Łukasz , Adamczuk Patrycja , Bardadyn Paula , Gabor Anna , Jelonek Karolina , Kudelska Monika , Kukuć Maksymilian , Piasek Adrianna , Pietras Marta , Słomka Monika , Trojan Zoja , Tybulczuk Wiktoria , Sobiepanek Anna , Żylińska-Urban Joanna , Cieśla Joanna
Published: September 2024

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are commercial waste that are still rich in numerous valuable ingredients and can be further processed into useful products such as coffee oil, antioxidant extract, lactic acid, and lignin. The challenge and innovation is to develop the SCG processing technology, maximizing the use of raw material and minimizing the use of other resources within the sequential process. The presented research is focused on the aspect of biotechnological production of lactic acid from SCG by using the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain isolated from the environment. Thanks to the optimization of the processes of acid hydrolysis, neutralization, enzymatic hydrolysis of SCG, and fermentation, the obtained concentration of lactic acid was increased after 72 hr of culture from the initial 4.60 g/l to 48.6 g/l. In addition, the whole process has been improved, taking into account the dependence on other processes within the complete SCG biorefinery, economy, energy, and waste aspects. Costly enzymatic hydrolysis was completely eliminated, and it was proven that supplementation of SCG hydrolysate with expensive yeast extract can be replaced by cheap waste from the agri-food industry.

One-Sentence Summary

A process for efficient lactic acid production from spent coffee grounds using the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain was developed and optimized, including nutrient solution preparation, supplementation and fermentation.
Eccentric signatures of stellar-mass binary black holes with circumbinary discs in LISA
Authors: Romero-Shaw Isobel M , Goorachurn Samir , Siwek Magdalena , Moore Christopher J
Published: September 2024

Stellar-mass binary black holes may have circumbinary discs if formed through common-envelope evolution or within gaseous environments. Discs can drive binaries into wider and more eccentric orbits, while gravitational waves harden and circularize them. We combine cutting-edge evolution prescriptions for disc-driven binaries with well-known equations for gravitational-wave-driven evolution, and study the evolution of stellar-mass binary black holes. We find that binaries are driven by their disc to an equilibrium eccentricity, $0.2\lesssim e_\mathrm{eq}~\lesssim 0.5$, that dominates their evolution. Once they transition to the GW-dominated regime their eccentricity decreases rapidly; we find that stellar-mass binary black holes with long-lived discs will likely be observed in LISA with detectable eccentricities ${\sim} 10^{-2}$ at 0.01 Hz, with the precise value closely correlating with the binary’s initial mass ratio. This may lead stellar-mass binary black holes with CBDs observed in LISA to be confused with dynamically-formed binary black holes.
Reused Protein Segments Linked to Functional Dynamics
Authors: Kutlu Yiğit , Axel Gabriel , Kolodny Rachel , Ben-Tal Nir , Haliloglu Turkan
Published: September 2024

Protein space is characterized by extensive recurrence, or “reuse,” of parts, suggesting that new proteins and domains can evolve by mixing-and-matching of existing segments. From an evolutionary perspective, for a given combination to persist, the protein segments should presumably not only match geometrically but also dynamically communicate with each other to allow concerted motions that are key to function. Evidence from protein space supports the premise that domains indeed combine in this manner; we explore whether a similar phenomenon can be observed at the sub-domain level. To this end, we use Gaussian Network Models (GNMs) to calculate the so-called soft modes, or low-frequency modes of motion for a dataset of 150 protein domains. Modes of motion can be used to decompose a domain into segments of consecutive amino acids that we call “dynamic elements”, each of which belongs to one of two parts that move in opposite senses. We find that, in many cases, the dynamic elements, detected based on GNM analysis, correspond to established “themes”: Sub-domain-level segments that have been shown to recur in protein space, and which were detected in previous research using sequence similarity alone (i.e. completely independently of the GNM analysis). This statistically significant correlation hints at the importance of dynamics in evolution. Overall, the results are consistent with an evolutionary scenario where proteins have emerged from themes that need to match each other both geometrically and dynamically, e.g. to facilitate allosteric regulation.
YELLOW, SERRATED LEAF is essential for cotyledon vein patterning in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yetao , Zheng Yutong , Shi Yafei , Jiang Deyuan , Kuang Qi , Ke Xiangsheng , Li Ming , Wang Yukun , Yue Xiaohong , Lu Qin , Hou Xin
Published: September 2024

Venation develops complex patterns within the leaves of angiosperms, and the mechanism of leaf vein patterning remains poorly understood. Here, we report a spontaneous mutant that exhibits yellow serrated leaves and defective cotyledon vein patterning. We mapped and cloned the relevant gene YELLOW, SERRATED LEAF (YSL), a previously unreported gene in plants. YSL interacts with VH1-interacting kinase (VIK), a protein that functions in cotyledon venation development. VIK is a vascular-specific adaptor protein kinase that interacts with another vascular developmental protein, VASCULAR HIGHWAY1 (VH1)/BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-LIKE 2 (BRL2), which is a receptor-like kinase of the BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) family. Mutation of YSL affects the auxin response and the expression of auxin-related genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Our results reveal that YSL affects cotyledon vein patterning by interacting with VIK in Arabidopsis.
A combined tropical medicine and psychiatry approach to patients with possible delusional infestation
Authors: Squire S B , Taegtmeyer M , Javed Q , O'Dempsey T , Kullu C , Lepping P
Published: September 2024

Background

Delusional infestation (DI) is a well-recognized delusional disorder presenting as the persisting belief of being infested. Combined clinics have been run by dermatology and psychiatry in a small number of centres. In this article we focus on our Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust clinic hosted at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, where we run a specialist clinic for DI.

Methods

We describe the specific set-up and approach of our clinic as a guide for clinicians working in specialties likely to see patients with DI (including tropical medicine, infectious diseases and dermatology) who may either want to set up similar clinics or be better equipped to manage DI patients promptly within existing practice.

Results

We describe the details of the clinic's approach. Between 2018 and 2023, the service saw 208 patients, of which 82.7% could be assessed and 55.7% had DI. The female:male ratio was 2:1.

Conclusion

Interdisciplinary combined clinics with medical and psychiatry consultants working together offer an approach to managing this rare, challenging and high-consequence condition.
Increased Change in Cervical Lordosis is Associated With Decreased Rate of Recovery in Patients With C5 Palsy
Authors: Frazzetta Joseph N. , Pecoraro Nathan , Jusue-Torres Ignacio , Arnold Paul M. , Hofler Ryan , Jones G. Alexander , Nockels Russ
Published: September 2024

Study Design:

A retrospective chart review.

Objective:

The authors aim to investigate the role of clinical and radiographic parameters in patients who underwent posterior cervical surgery, and their association with C5 palsy severity and time to recovery.

Background:

Postoperative C5 palsy affects 1%–30% of patients undergoing posterior decompression, with or without fusion. Causation and avoidance of this complication remain widely debated.

Materials and Methods:

A single institution review of patients who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery was focused on using specific Common Procedural Technology codes associated with the patient population of interest. Patients were excluded if they had inadequate pre and postoperative imaging, as well as a history of prior cervical spine surgery, concurrent anterior surgery, intradural pathology, spinal tumor, or spinal trauma. Radiographic measurements of the pre and postoperative images were completed with subsequent intraclass correlation coefficient analysis to confirm the precision of measurements.

Results:

Out of 105 total patients, 35 (33%) patients developed a C5 palsy. Twenty-four (69%) of those palsies completely resolved, with a median time to recovery of 8 months. Preoperative demographics and radiographic parameters demonstrated heterogeneity among those patients who did and did not have a resolution of palsy. Patients with increased change in C2–C7 lordosis (P = 0.011) after surgery were associated with decreased likelihood of recovery. Patients without a smoking history (P = 0.009) had an increased likelihood of recovering from C5 palsy.

Conclusions:

The degree of increased lordosis in the treatment of degenerative cervical disease plays a role in the rate of recovery from C5 palsy. This should be considered during preoperative planning in determining the amount of lordosis desired. In addition, patients without a smoking history were associated with a higher rate of recovery.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence-based Pedicle Screw Trajectory Planning in Patients With Different Levels of Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Xiong Xu , Liu Jia-Ming , Lu William Weijia , Yang Ke-Di , Qi Huan , Liu Zhi-Li , Zhang Ning , Huang Shan-Hu
Published: September 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of pedicle screw trajectory planning based on artificial intelligence (AI) software in patients with different levels of bone mineral density (BMD).

Summary of Background Data:

AI-based pedicle screw trajectory planning has potential to improve pullout force (POF) of screws. However, there is currently no literature investigating the efficacy of AI-based pedicle screw trajectory planning in patients with different levels of BMD.

Methods:

The patients were divided into 5 groups (group A–E) according to their BMD. The AI software utilizes lumbar spine CT data to perform screw trajectory planning and simulate AO screw trajectories for bilateral L3-5 vertebral bodies. Both screw trajectories were subdivided into unicortical and bicortical modes. The AI software automatically calculating the POF and pullout risk of every screw trajectory. The POF and risk of screw pullout for AI-planned screw trajectories and AO standard trajectories were compared and analyzed.

Results:

Forty-three patients were included. For the screw sizes, AI-planned screws were greater in diameter and length than those of AO screws (P<0.05). In groups B–E, the AI unicortical trajectories had a POF of over 200N higher than that of AO unicortical trajectories. POF was higher in all groups for the AI bicortical screw trajectories compared with the AO bicortical screw trajectories (P<0.05). AI unicortical trajectories in groups B–E had a lower risk of screw pullout compared with that of AO unicortical trajectories (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

AI unicortical screw trajectory planning for lumbar surgery in patients with BMD of 40–120 mg/cm3 can significantly improve screw POF and reduce the risk of screw pullout.
Effective Treatment of an Aggressive Chest Wall Keloid in a Woman Using Deprodone Propionate Plaster without Surgery, Radiotherapy, or Injection
Authors: Ogawa Rei , Quong Whitney Laurel
Published: September 2024

Treatment with steroid tape is the standard of care for keloid and hypertrophic scars in Japan. In this article, we present a woman with an aggressive and progressive keloid of the anterior chest wall. At the time of presentation, the keloid had been present for 40 years, and was continuing to worsen and expand. Initially, it was believed that a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery and radiation, would be necessary to achieve an acceptable scar outcome. However, we successfully treated her keloid using only steroid tape (deprodone propionate plaster), and no other treatment modality. The case therefore supports the effectiveness of deprodone propionate plaster, and emphasizes its potential for wider future use. With the paucity of experience reported in the literature on steroid tape for scars, more reports are useful to inform plastic surgeons and dermatologists worldwide about this therapeutic option.
Vastus Lateralis Transfer for Reconstruction of Hip Abduction following Superior Gluteal Nerve Injury
Authors: Schuster Vanessa , Lauer Henrik , Hurth Helene , Heinzel Johannes C. , Herath Steven C. , Daigeler Adrien , Kolbenschlag Jonas
Published: September 2024

A 71-year-old man who had hip abductor insufficiency due to a chronic injury to the right superior gluteal nerve injury after lipoma resection presented to our outpatient clinic 1.5 years postoperatively with persistent pain, atrophy of the gluteus medius muscle, and Trendelenburg sign with a corresponding limp. A magnetic resonance imaging scan and neurophysiological diagnostics confirmed a chronic lesion of the superior gluteal nerve with completed reinnervation and absent pathological spontaneous activity, excluding neurosurgical options to restore hip abduction. Following interdisciplinary evaluation of the patient’s case, we performed a vastus lateralis transfer in May 2023 to stabilize the right hip joint. The entire vastus lateralis muscle was carefully freed from the surrounding tissue, and its attachment to the quadriceps tendon was separated. The proximal section of the lateral vastus was then fixed to the ilium and greater trochanter, while the muscle’s distal portion was sutured to a more proximal part of the quadriceps muscle. The postoperative course was without any complications, and the patient left the hospital with an abduction splint 10 days after surgery. When he presented to our outpatient clinic 10 weeks after surgery, he reported a significantly improved gait and reduction of pain. Trendelenburg sign was now absent, but right knee function was not impaired and the patient was able to ambulate without the regular need for an orthosis. A transfer of the vastus lateralis muscle is therefore a valuable option to restore hip abductor function in cases of chronic nerve lesions which exclude neurosurgical options.
Performance of Sexually Transmitted Disease Laboratories for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Detection in Southern China From 2020 Through 2022
Authors: Qin Xiao-Lin , Chen Yang , Du Hua-Long-Yue , Chen Wen-Tao , Yin Xiao-Na , Zhou Han , Zhang Zi-Yan , Wu Xing-Zhong , Xue Yao-Hua , Lan Yin-Yuan , Tang San-Mei , Huang Jin-Mei , Zheng He-Ping
Published: September 2024

The rising incidence of gonorrhea presents a global public health challenge, emphasizing the importance of accurate Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection for effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention. This study assessed the performance of sexually transmitted disease laboratories for N. gonorrhoeae detection in Guangdong, southern China. A questionnaire about N. gonorrhoeae detection and external quality assessments (EQAs) with five samples for culture and five for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) were conducted annually from 2020 through 2022. The questionnaire was responded to by 1047 laboratories, with the results showing that Gram staining and culture were most commonly used by 44.3% and 40.4% of the laboratories, respectively, whereas NAATs were adopted by only 11.7%. The number of clinical samples tested for N. gonorrhoeae increased from 536,369 in 363 laboratories in 2020 to 1,093,147 in 582 laboratories in 2022 (P > 0.05), with an overall male-to-female testing ratio of 1:3.4 and a positive ratio of 3.6:1. The EQA results revealed a concordance rate of 90.8% for gonococcal culture and 93.1% for NAATs. NAATs demonstrated a decreasing detection rate (from 100.0% to 84.5%) with reducing gonococcal DNA copies and 89.0% specificity with the interference-negative sample. The overall concordance rates of four widely used commercial NAAT kits ranged from 95.7% to 88.5%. Gram staining and culture were widely used to detect N. gonorrhoeae in Guangdong. NAAT has long been recognized as a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting gonorrhea and should be more widely implemented in China.
High-grade Endometrial Carcinoma With Serous and Colorectal Carcinoma-like Components: Unique Morphology in Correlation With Immunohistochemical and Molecular Findings
Authors: Smithgall Marie C. , Yemelyanova Anna , Solomon James , Chapman-Davis Eloise , Schatz-Siemers Nina
Published: September 2024

Endometrial carcinoma with intestinal differentiation/colorectal carcinoma-like (CRC-like) features is rare with few cases reported to date. Those described are mainly endometrioid carcinomas with intestinal differentiation. We report a case of high-grade endometrial carcinoma with serous and intestinal/CRC-like components. The gross, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features are described for both components of the tumor in the initial diagnostic biopsy and subsequent resection specimen. The diagnosis of primary endometrial carcinoma with serous and CRC-like components is supported by immunohistochemical and molecular findings, as well as clinical workup. The rarity of this phenomenon poses diagnostic challenges. In addition, the literature is reviewed with specific emphasis on the molecular and pathologic features of mixed endometrial carcinomas, including those with intestinal/CRC-like features.
Changes in Self-Reported Mask Use After the Lifting of State-Issued Mask Mandates in 20 US States, February–June 2021
Authors: Ajiboye Aderonke S. , Dunphy Christopher , Vo Linda , Howard-Williams Mara , Ladva Chandresh N. , Robinson Susan J. , McCord Russell , Gakh Maxim , Weber Regen , Sunshine Gregory
Published: September 2024

Objective:

In April 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended community masking to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Since then, a total of 39 US states and DC issued mask mandates. Despite CDC recommendations and supporting evidence that masking reduces COVID-19 community transmission, from January to June 20, 2021 states lifted their mask mandates for all individuals. This study examined the association between lifting state-issued mask mandates and mask-wearing behavior in 2021.

Design:

We estimated a difference-in-difference model, comparing changes in the likelihood for individuals to wear a mask in states that lifted their mask mandate relative to states that kept their mandates in place between February and June of 2021.

Setting:

Individuals were surveyed from across the United States.

Participants:

We used masking behavior data collected by the Porter Novelli View 360 + national surveys (N = 3459), and data from state-issued mask mandates obtained by CDC and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Main Outcomes:

The outcome variable of interest was self-reported mask use during the 30 days prior to the survey data collection.

Results:

In the overall population, lifting mask mandates did not significantly influence mask-wearing behavior. Mask wearing did significantly decrease in response to the lifting of mask mandates among individuals living in rural counties and individuals who had not yet decided whether they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion:

Policies around COVID-19 behavioral mitigation, specifically amongst those unsure about vaccination and in rural areas, may help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
Patient-derived Organoid Pharmacotyping As A Predictive Tool for Therapeutic Selection in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nicolson Norman G. , Tandurella Joseph A. , Wu Lawrence W. , Patel Jignasha , Morris Eli , Seppälä Toni T. , Guinn Samantha , Zlomke Haley , Shubert Christopher R. , Lafaro Kelly J. , Burns William R. , Cameron John L. , He Jin , Fertig Elana J. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Zimmerman Jacquelyn W. , Burkhart Richard A.
Published: September 2024

Objective:

We integrate a new approach to chemosensitivity data for clinically-relevant regimen matching, and demonstrate the relationship with clinical outcomes in a large PDO biobank.

Summary Background Data:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) usually recurs following potentially curative resection. Prior studies related patient-derived organoid (PDO) chemosensitivity with clinical responses.

Methods:

PDOs were established from pre-treatment biopsies in a multi-institution clinical trial (n=21) and clinical specimens at a high-volume pancreatectomy center (n=74, of which 48 were pre-treated). PDO in vitro chemosensitivities to standard-of-care chemotherapeutics (pharmacotypes) were matched to potential clinically-relevant regimens by a weighted nearest-neighbors analysis. Clinical outcomes were then compared for patients who had well-matched versus poorly-matched treatment according to this metric.

Results:

Our function matched 91% of PDOs to a standard-of-care regimen (9% pan-resistant). PDOs poorly-matched to the neoadjuvant regimen received would have matched to an alternative in 34% of cases. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy well-matched to their pharmacotype experienced improved CA 19-9 response (60% decreased to normal when well-matched, 29% when poorly-matched, P<0.05) and lymph node down-staging (33% N0 after poorly-matched, 69% after well-matched, P<0.05). Patients receiving both well-matched neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy experienced improved recurrence-free- and overall survival (median RFS 8.5 mo poorly-matched, 15.9 mo well-matched, P<0.05; median OS 19.5 vs. 30.3 mo, P<0.05).

Conclusion:

In vitro PDO pharmacotyping can inform PDAC therapy selection. We demonstrate improved outcomes including survival for patients treated with regimens well-matched to their PDO chemosensitivities. A subsequent prospective study using PDO pharmacotype matching could improve oncologic outcomes and improve quality of life by avoiding therapies not expected to be effective.
Fully Covered Self-expandable Metallic Stents for Refractory Benign Pancreatic Duct Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Rodge Gajanan , Giri Suprabhat , Kolhe Kailash , Afzalpurkar Shivaraj , Harindranath Sidharth , Sundaram Sridhar , Kale Aditya
Published: September 2024

Background:

Endoscopic treatment of refractory pancreatic duct (PD) strictures includes the placement of multiple plastic stents. Recent studies have shown the benefit of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS). This systematic review analyzes the efficacy and safety of FCSEMS in PD strictures.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of all suitable studies was conducted using the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to November 2022. The outcomes assessed were efficacy and safety of FCSEMS in PD strictures. Using a random-effects inverse-variance model, the pooled proportions were calculated.

Results:

A total of 22 studies with 439 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled stricture resolution rate was 91.6% (95% CI: 87.4-95.7), while the pooled pain resolution rate was 84.9% (95% CI: 77.7-92.1). The pooled incidences of stent-related adverse events, including acute pancreatitis, pain requiring stent removal, and de novo stricture, were 3.9% (95% CI: 1.2-6.7), 0.8% (95% CI: 0.0-2.1), and 3.3% (95% CI: 0.7-5.8). The pooled incidence of stent migration, stricture recurrence, and the need for restenting were 12.9% (95% CI: 6.7-19.1), 9.3% (95% CI: 4.7-13.8), and 12.3% (95% CI: 6.9-17.8), respectively.

Conclusions:

FCSEMSs can be considered in carefully selected patients with benign PD strictures with high resolution rate and acceptable adverse event rate. De-novo structure formation appears to be a significant problem. Further studies may help to decide the role of FCSEMS in the algorithm.
Beyond the here and now: hunter–gatherer socio-spatial complexity and the evolution of language
Authors: Wood Brian M. , Raichlen David A. , Pontzer Herman , Harris Jacob A. , Sayre M. Katherine , Paolo Bunga , Anyawire Mariamu , Mabulla Audax Z. P.
Published: September 2024

Human evolutionary ecology stands to benefit by integrating theory and methods developed in movement ecology, and in turn, to make contributions to the broader field of movement ecology by leveraging our species’ distinct attributes. In this paper, we review data and evolutionary models suggesting that major changes in socio-spatial behaviour accompanied the evolution of language. To illustrate and explore these issues, we present a comparison of GPS measures of the socio-spatial behaviour of Hadza hunter–gatherers of northern Tanzania to those of olive baboons (
Papio anubis
), a comparatively small-brained primate that is also savanna-adapted. While standard spatial metrics show modest differences, measures of spatial diversity, landscape exploration and spatiotemporal displacement between individuals differ markedly. Groups of Hadza foragers rapidly accumulate a vast, diverse knowledge pool about places and things over the horizon, contrasting with the baboon’s narrower and more homogeneous pool of ecological information. The larger and more complex socio-spatial world illustrated by the Hadza is one where heightened cognitive abilities for spatial and episodic memory, navigation, perspective taking and communication about things beyond the here and now all have clear value.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
The contribution of movement to social network structure and spreading dynamics under simple and complex transmission
Authors: Chimento Michael , Farine Damien R.
Published: September 2024

The structure of social networks fundamentally influences spreading dynamics. In general, the more contact between individuals, the more opportunity there is for the transmission of information or disease to take place. Yet, contact between individuals, and any resulting transmission events, are determined by a combination of spatial (where individuals choose to move) and social rules (who they choose to interact with or learn from). Here, we examine the effect of the social–spatial interface on spreading dynamics using a simulation model. We quantify the relative effects of different movement rules (localized, semi-localized, nomadic and resource-based movement) and social transmission rules (simple transmission, anti-conformity, proportional, conformity and threshold rules) to both the structure of social networks and spread of a novel behaviour. Localized movement created weakly connected sparse networks, nomadic movement created weakly connected dense networks, and resource-based movement generated strongly connected modular networks. The resulting rate of spreading varied with different combinations of movement and transmission rules, but—importantly—the relative rankings of transmission rules changed when running simulations on static versus dynamic representations of networks. Our results emphasize that individual-level social and spatial behaviours influence emergent network structure, and are of particular consequence for the spread of information under complex transmission rules.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
Spatial–social familiarity complements the spatial–social interface: evidence from Yellowstone bison
Authors: Merkle Jerod A. , Poulin Marie-Pier , Caldwell Molly R. , Laforge Michel P. , Scholle Anne E. , Verzuh Tana L. , Geremia Chris
Published: September 2024

Social animals make behavioural decisions based on local habitat and conspecifics, as well as memorized past experience (i.e. ‘familiarity’) with habitat and conspecifics. Here, we develop a conceptual and empirical understanding of how spatial and social familiarity fit within the spatial–social interface—a novel framework integrating the spatial and social components of animal behaviour. We conducted a multi-scale analysis of the movements of GPS-collared plains bison (
Bison bison
,
n
= 66) residing in and around Yellowstone National Park, USA. We found that both spatial and social familiarity mediate how individuals respond to their spatial and social environments. For instance, individuals with high spatial familiarity rely on their own knowledge as opposed to their conspecifics, and individuals with high social familiarity rely more strongly on the movement of conspecifics to guide their own movement. We also found that fine-scale spatial and social phenotypes often scale up to broad-scale phenotypes. For instance, bison that select more strongly to align with their nearest neighbour have larger home ranges. By integrating spatial and social familiarity into the spatial–social interface, we demonstrate the utility of the interface for testing hypotheses, while also highlighting the pervasive importance of cognitive mechanisms in animal behaviour.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
The influence of social and spatial processes on the epidemiology of environmentally transmitted pathogens in wildlife: implications for management
Authors: Pandey Aakash , Wojan Chris , Feuka Abigail , Craft Meggan E. , Manlove Kezia , Pepin Kim M.
Published: September 2024

Social and spatial structures of host populations play important roles in pathogen transmission. For environmentally transmitted pathogens, the host space use interacts with both the host social structure and the pathogen’s environmental persistence (which determines the time-lag across which two hosts can transmit). Together, these factors shape the epidemiological dynamics of environmentally transmitted pathogens. While the importance of both social and spatial structures and environmental pathogen persistence has long been recognized in epidemiology, they are often considered separately. A better understanding of how these factors interact to determine disease dynamics is required for developing robust surveillance and management strategies. Here, we use a simple agent-based model where we vary host mobility (spatial), host gregariousness (social) and pathogen decay (environmental persistence), each from low to high levels to uncover how they affect epidemiological dynamics. By comparing epidemic peak, time to epidemic peak and final epidemic size, we show that longer infectious periods, higher group mobility, larger group size and longer pathogen persistence lead to larger, faster growing outbreaks, and explore how these processes interact to determine epidemiological outcomes such as the epidemic peak and the final epidemic size. We identify general principles that can be used for planning surveillance and control for wildlife host–pathogen systems with environmental transmission across a range of spatial behaviour, social structure and pathogen decay rates.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
Movement decisions driving metapopulation connectivity respond to social resources in a long-lived ungulate, bighorn sheep (
Ovis canadensis
)
Authors: Ricci Lauren E. , Cox Mike , Manlove Kezia R.
Published: September 2024

The spatial availability of social resources is speculated to structure animal movement decisions, but the effects of social resources on animal movements are difficult to identify because social resources are rarely measured. Here, we assessed whether varying availability of a key social resource—access to receptive mates—produces predictable changes in movement decisions among bighorn sheep in Nevada, the United States. We compared the probability that males made long-distance ‘foray’ movements, a critical driver of connectivity, across three ecoregions with varying temporal duration of a socially mediated factor, breeding season. We used a hidden Markov model to identify foray events and then quantified the effects of social covariates on the probability of foray using a discrete choice model. We found that males engaged in forays at higher rates when the breeding season was short, suggesting that males were most responsive to the social resource when its existence was short lived. During the breeding season, males altered their response to social covariates, relative to the non-breeding season, though patterns varied, and age was associated with increased foray probability. Our results suggest that animals respond to the temporal availability of social resources when making the long-distance movements that drive connectivity.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
Expanding theory, methodology and empirical systems at the spatial–social interface
Authors: Albery Gregory F. , Webber Quinn M. R. , Farine Damien , Picardi Simona , Vander Wal Eric , Manlove Kezia R.
Published: September 2024

All animals exhibit some combination of spatial and social behaviours. A diversity of interactions occurs between such behaviours, producing emergent phenomena at
the spatial–social interface
. Untangling and interrogating these complex, intertwined processes can be vital for identifying the mechanisms, causes and consequences of behavioural variation in animal ecology. Nevertheless, the integrated study of the interactions between spatial and social phenotypes and environments (at the spatial–social interface) is in its relative infancy. In this theme issue, we present a collection of papers chosen to expand the spatial–social interface along several theoretical, methodological and empirical dimensions. They detail new perspectives, methods, study systems and more, as well as offering roadmaps for applied outputs and detailing exciting new directions for the field to move in the future. In this Introduction, we outline the contents of these papers, placing them in the context of what comes before, and we synthesize a number of takeaways and future directions for the spatial–social interface.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration’.
Life Expectancy Exploration of Heart Failure Patients Presenting with Diabetes
Authors: Narh Prosper , Ofosu Michael Asante , Addo Elliot Owusu , Preko Daniel Wiafe , Bart-Plange Grace Aba , Acquah Roselyn Oforiwaa
Published: September 2024

Background

Diabetes is a serious medical condition marked by high blood sugar levels, leading to complications in organs like the kidney, liver, and heart. Previous research has identified diabetes as a primary risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition where stiffened heart muscles hinder oxygenated blood circulation. Despite its severity, few studies have examined CHF prognosis in diabetic patients. This study aims to provide survival estimates and provide their comparisons among predictors, assess mortality risks based on specific variables, and reveal patient outcome patterns.

Methods

We analyzed data from a 2015 study at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology and Allied Hospital (FICAH), Pakistan, focusing on 125 diabetic patients with Class III or IV heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Kaplan-Meier estimates provided survival rates, log-rank tests compared survival across variables, Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios, and cluster analysis grouped patients by characteristics and survival rates.

Results

The study examined 125 diabetic heart failure patients. Of these, 40(32%) were censored and the remaining 85(68%) died. The total follow-up period was 278 days, on the 120thday, 0.752[95% CI = 0.678,0,883] of the patients survived after initial diagnosis. Log-rank tests showed survival differences linked to high blood pressure, anemia and smoking. Cox regression identified age, smoking and hypertension as major mortality risk factors. Cluster analysis revealed the risk factors associated with middle aged and the older patients.

Conclusion

The overall prognosis of heart failure patients with diabetes was poor with high mortality rates, implying effective treatment and management.