bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BCAT1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Zhenying , Li Ming , Tang Zhangui
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To analyze the expression, biological function of branched chain amino‐acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of BCAT1 protein in OSCC and normal oral tissues. Based on the clinicopathological information of patients, the relationship between the expression of BCAT1 protein and other clinicopathological factors was analyzed. Real‐time PCR and western blot assays were used to analyze the expression of BCAT1 gene and protein in normal human oral keratinocytes (HOK) and human OSCC cells, respectively. After BCAT1 overexpression or knockdown, the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of human OSCC cells were analyzed by CCK8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays, respectively. After adding the BCAT1 inhibitor EGR240 to OSCC cells, the changes in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in OSCC cells were analyzed. Based on the TCGA database, the involved signal pathway in BCAT1‐related and BCAT1‐binding genes was obtained for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, verified by western blot assays. After inhibiting PI3K, the effect of BCAT1 on the expression of the downstream phosphorylated protein of the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway was analyzed by western blot assays. The relationship between the expression of BCAT1 and EMT‐related protein of OSCC cells was also analyzed.

Results

The expression of BCAT1 gene and protein were upregulated in OSCC tissue, which positively correlated with the pathological grade of patients with OSCC. Compared with normal oral keratinocytes, BCAT1 gene and protein were upregulated in OSCC cells. BCAT1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. BCAT1 knockdown or inhibition could reduce the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OSCC cells. The results of bioinformatics analysis and Western bolt showed that BCAT1 could regulate the activation of PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and promote epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OSCC cells.

Conclusions

BCAT1 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells via PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, which is a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Effect of toxins from different periodontitis‐associated bacteria on human platelet function
Authors: Kobsar Anna , Wiebecke Sophie , Weber Katja , Koessler Angela , Kuhn Sabine , Boeck Markus , Zeller‐Hahn Julia , Koessler Juergen
Published: July 2024

Background

Periodontitis is caused by a dysbiosis of oral bacteria resulting in alveolar bone destruction and teeth loss. The role of platelets in pathogenesis of periodontitis is a subject of research. The release of toxins from periodontitis‐associated bacteria may influence platelet function and contribute to the modulation of hemostatic or inflammatory responses. Therefore, we explored platelet function upon exposure to defined toxins: leukotoxin A from Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (LtxA), a synthetic version of the C14‐Tri‐LAN‐Gly peptide from Fusobacterium nucleatum (C14), and lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (LPS).

Methods

Light transmission aggregometry was performed after the addition of toxins to platelet‐rich plasma in different doses. Flow cytometry was used to identify inhibitory effects of toxins by measuring phosphorylation of the vaso‐dilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein or to identify activating effects by the detection of CD62P expression. The release of chemokines derived from washed platelets was determined by immunoassays.

Results

Collagen‐induced threshold aggregation values were diminished upon incubation with LtxA and C14, accompanied with an increase of vaso‐dilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation, indicating platelet inhibition. In contrast, LPS did not affect aggregation but slightly enhanced CD62P expression under co‐stimulation with low‐dose thrombin pointing to slight platelet activation. The three toxins did not relevantly influence the secretion of chemokines.

Conclusions

Although weak, the investigated toxins differently influenced human platelet function. LtxA and C14 mediated inhibitory effects, whereas LPS contributed to a slight activation of platelets. Further analysis of specific cellular responses mediated by bacterial toxins may render novel targets and suggestions for the treatment of periodontitis.
Voices Unheard: A Reflective Lifeworld Research Study of Older Arabic‐Speaking Female Migrants and Their Experience of Existential Loneliness
Authors: Olofsson Jonas , Sjögren‐Forss Katarina , Bramhagen Ann‐Cathrine , Rämgård Margareta
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Existential loneliness (EL) is an unavoidable, deeper sense of loneliness. EL has been described as disconnection from life and the universe, experienced even in the presence of family and friends. Meaninglessness, loss of health and significant others seem to trigger older persons EL. Older Arabic‐speaking women are a large migrant group in Sweden and there is a lack in knowledge about their experience of EL. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the phenomenon of EL as experienced by older Arabic‐speaking female migrants.

Methods

This study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Ten older migrated Arabic‐speaking women were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling.

Results

This study shows that EL is experienced when there is a lack of attachment to place and people. EL is experienced more distinctively in the beginning of the migration process. It was difficult sharing feelings of EL with anyone. Feelings of meaninglessness occurred when entering a new lifeworld and triggered EL. EL was however attenuated when being able to practise their religion.

Conclusion

Lack of attachment to place and people as well as feelings of meaninglessness brought existential loneliness to the fore for the older Arabic‐speaking female migrants. There was a collision of lifeworlds not at least by the fact moving as a Muslim woman to one of the most secular countries in the world. Practising their religion attenuated their EL. To promote better health for this group of women, it is of importance to be aware of EL and its mode of expression.

Implications for Practice

It is crucial to let the voice of older Arabic‐speaking female migrants be heard and to be aware of their experience of EL and its mode of expression in order to promote better health. Further, educational training for nursing professionals and nursing students needs to be provided to develop skills how to be aware of and address EL.
Varicella‐Zoster Virus Pretransplant Vaccination and Posttransplant Infections Among Pediatric Solid Organ Recipients in the Two‐Dose Varicella Era: A Single‐Center, Multi‐Organ Retrospective Study
Authors: Espinoza‐Candelaria Gabriela J. , Albert Jonathan , Sojati Jorna , Martin Judith M. , Michaels Marian G. , Green Michael
Published: July 2024

Background

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) pretransplant immunization rates, exposures, and posttransplant disease are poorly characterized among pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in the two‐dose varicella vaccine era.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the electronic health records among children <18 years old who received SOT from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2021, was performed at a single center to assess for missed pretransplant varicella vaccination opportunities, characterize VZV exposures, and describe posttransplant disease.

Results

Among 525 children, 444 were ≥6 months old (m.o.) at SOT with a documented VZV vaccine status. Eighty‐five (19%) did not receive VZV Dose One; 30 out of 85 (35%) could have been immunized. Infants 6–11 m.o. accounted for 14 out of 30 (47%) missed opportunities. Among children ≥12 m.o. with documented Dose Two status (n = 383), 72 had missed vaccination opportunities; 57 out of 72 (79%) were children 1–4 years old. Most children had unclassifiable pre‐SOT serostatus as varicella serology was either not obtained/documented (n = 171) or the possibility of passive antibodies was not excluded (n = 137). Of those with classified serology (n = 188), 69 were seroimmune. Forty‐seven of 525 (9%) children had recorded VZV exposures; two developed varicella—neither had documented pre‐SOT seroimmunity nor had received post‐exposure prophylaxis. Nine additional children had medically attended disease: four primary varicella and five zoster. Of the 11 cases, 10 had cutaneous lesions without invasive disease; one had multi‐dermatomal zoster with transaminitis. Seven (64%) received treatment exclusively outpatient.

Conclusions

VZV exposure and disease still occur. Optimizing immunization among eligible candidates and ensuring patients have a defined VZV serostatus pretransplantation remain goals of care.
Chloroplast‐localized PvBASS2 regulates salt tolerance in the C4 plant seashore paspalum
Authors: Huang Risheng , Dai Mengtong , Jiang Shouzhen , Guo Zhenfei , Shi Haifan
Published: July 2024

BILE ACID: SODIUM SYMPORTER FAMILY PROTEIN 2 (BASS2) is localized within chloroplast membranes, facilitating the translocation of pyruvate and Na+ from the cytosol to the plastid, where pyruvate supports isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) synthesis via the methylerythritol phosphate pathway in C3 plants. Nevertheless, the biological function of BASS2 in C4 plants has not been well defined. This study unveils a previously unidentified role of PvBASS2 in Na+ and pyruvate transport in seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), a halophytic C4 grass, indicating a specific cellular function within this plant species. Data showed that overexpression of PvBASS2 in seashore paspalum attenuated salt tolerance, whereas its RNAi lines exhibited enhanced salt resistance compared to wild‐type plants, suggesting a negative regulatory role of PvBASS2 in seashore paspalum salt tolerance. The constitutive overexpression of PvBASS2 was also found to reduce salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Further study revealed that PvBASS2 negatively regulates seashore paspalum salt tolerance, possibly due to elevated Na+/K+ ratio, disrupted chloroplast structure, and reduced photosynthetic efficiency following exposure to salinity. Importantly, our subsequent investigations revealed that modulation of PvBASS2 expression in seashore paspalum influenced carbon dioxide assimilation, intermediary metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and enzymatic activities under salinity treatment, which in turn led to alterations in free amino acid concentrations. Thus, this study reveals a role for BASS2 in the C4 plant seashore paspalum and enhances our comprehension of salt stress responses in C4 plants.
Intra‐African trade and corruption: Evidence from sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Boungou Whelsy , Osei‐Tutu Francis , Zongo Amara
Published: July 2024

Cross‐border trade is critical to livelihoods and food security in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), but bribery remains one of the main barriers to economic growth in the region. Does corruption affect intra‐African trade? We address this issue by considering the bilateral trade among 48 sub‐Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2018, which are subject to a high level of corruption. Using a gravity model, the results show that corruption has a positive impact on exports and a negative impact on imports of global, primary, and manufactured goods. However, the difference in the level of corruption between country pairs is negatively and significantly associated with intra‐African trade in manufactured goods. Therefore, to promote the corruption‐free environment needed to facilitate the African Free Trade Agreement, it is essential for policymakers in sub‐Saharan African countries to combat corruption to boost intra‐African trade.
Experiences of accessing mental health services for women living on a low income in Canada: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Vanderlee Emma , Abate Addisu Taye , Godfrey Christina , Duhn Lenora , Camargo-Plazas Pilar
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze qualitative evidence on the experiences of Canadian women aged 18 years or older living on a low income. The review will examine the intersectionality of their identities and privileges when accessing mental health services, with the aim of informing targeted interventions and policy improvements.

Introduction:

Despite the growing body of research on mental health disparities and a call for improved mental health care, both globally and in Canada, there is a need to identify recommendations for system enhancement and to improve gender equality by understanding the nuanced experiences of accessing mental health care for Canadian women living on a low income.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include qualitative studies conducted within the past decade about women of diverse backgrounds aged 18 years or older who identify as living on a low income and who have resided in Canada for 6 months or longer. Studies using any qualitative methodology will be included.

Methods:

The following databases will be searched for published studies: MEDLINE and PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL and Pre-CINAHL (EBSCOhost), LiSSa, and Google Scholar. Searches for unpublished studies will include the Primo Central Index, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and the Canadian Women’s Foundation Studies. The review will include studies published in English and French in Canada, from 2013 to the present. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence will be followed, informing study selection, critical appraisal, extraction, synthesis, and assessment of confidence, which will be conducted by 2 reviewers independently.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023430100
Downdraft Gasification for Biogas Production: The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Upreti Kamal , Natarajan Arul Kumar , Jain Nishi , Kumar Sanjay , Bara Anant Rajee , Kumari Sushma
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help improve many areas of waste management and biogas generation. The world has reached a state where waste generation is increasing daily, while an effective waste management system is essential for the sustainable development of a country. AI could be of great use in optimizing the waste management scheme by technical differentiation of all sorts and recycling techniques. AI can contribute to the improvement of waste segmentation, recycling, and disposal. Thus, by assessing availability and composition, AI can easily contribute to the selection of the most suitable feedstock for biogas generation. This paper will discuss the optimization of gasifier design, an important part of biogas production, to enhance gasification efficiency for more efficient syngas production. Several gains accrue from AI applications, and among them is the selection of feedstocks and gasifiers optimal for more efficient and sustainable waste management and use in the production of biogas systems. This review paper identifies the potential application areas in either waste management practices or biogas production and puts forward ways in which AI can be used in these areas.
Causes of extreme events revealed by Rényi information transfer
Authors: Paluš Milan , Chvosteková Martina , Manshour Pouya
Published: July 2024

Information-theoretic generalization of Granger causality principle, based on evaluation of conditional mutual information, also known as transfer entropy (CMI/TE), is redefined in the framework of Rényi entropy (RCMI/RTE). Using numerically generated data with a defined causal structure and examples of real data from the climate system, it is demonstrated that RCMI/RTE is able to identify the cause variable responsible for the occurrence of extreme values in an effect variable. In the presented example, the Siberian High was identified as the cause responsible for the increased probability of cold extremes in the winter and spring surface air temperature in Europe, while the North Atlantic Oscillation and blocking events can induce shifts of the whole temperature probability distribution.
Timing and location dictate monocyte fate and their transition to tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Dunsmore Garett , Guo Wei , Li Ziyi , Bejarano David Alejandro , Pai Rhea , Yang Katharine , Kwok Immanuel , Tan Leonard , Ng Melissa , De La Calle Fabregat Carlos , Yatim Aline , Bougouin Antoine , Mulder Kevin , Thomas Jake , Villar Javiera , Bied Mathilde , Kloeckner Benoit , Dutertre Charles-Antoine , Gessain Grégoire , Chakarov Svetoslav , Liu Zhaoyuan , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Lennon-Dumenil Ana-Maria , Marichal Thomas , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Fridman Wolf Herman , Sharma Ankur , Su Bing , Schlitzer Andreas , Ng Lai Guan , Blériot Camille , Ginhoux Florent
Published: July 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a heterogeneous population of cells whose phenotypes and functions are shaped by factors that are incompletely understood. Herein, we asked when and where TAMs arise from blood monocytes and how they evolve during tumor development. We initiated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in inducible monocyte fate-mapping mice and combined single-cell transcriptomics and high-dimensional flow cytometry to profile the monocyte-to-TAM transition. We revealed that monocytes differentiate first into a transient intermediate population of TAMs that generates two longer-lived lineages of terminally differentiated TAMs with distinct gene expression profiles, phenotypes, and intratumoral localization. Transcriptome datasets and tumor samples from patients with PDAC evidenced parallel TAM populations in humans and their prognostic associations. These insights will support the design of new therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs in PDAC.
First-in-human, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single and multiple ascending doses clinical study to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of cipargamin administered intravenously in healthy adults
Authors: Venishetty Vinay Kumar , Lecot Jean , Nguyen Amanda , Zhang Jie , Prince William T.
Published: July 2024

This first-in-human study assessed safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of cipargamin (intravenous) in healthy adults. It included part 1, single ascending dose [SAD: 10.5 mg–210 mg;
n
= 8 (active: 6, placebo: 2)], and part 2, multiple ascending dose [MAD: 60 and 120 mg daily for 5 days;
n
= 9 (active: 6, placebo: 3)]. Last dose follow-ups were on days 3, 4, and 6 for SAD and 7, 8, and 10 for MAD. Safety and PK review was done at completion of each cohort. We explored the cipargamin use for clinical development in patients with severe malaria. In SAD part, systemic exposure (maximum measured concentration and area under the curve) increased with increasing dose (10.5 mg–210 mg) following single intravenous dose. Cipargamin was eliminated with a mean
T
1/2
of 21.9–38.9 h. Volume of distribution (92.9 L–154 L) and clearance (2.43 L/h–4.33 L/h) was moderate and low, respectively, across the dose range. In MAD part, the mean accumulation ratio was 1.51 (60 mg) and 2.43 (120 mg) after once-daily cipargamin administration for 5 days. After day 5, the mean
T
1/2
was 35.5 (60 mg) and 31.9 h (120 mg) with twofold dose increase (60–120 mg) resulting in ~2-fold increased exposure. Cipargamin was well tolerated with commonly reported mild gastrointestinal, neurological, and genitourinary events. Increasing exposure to cipargamin showed higher baseline-corrected QTcF, and model-predicted ΔΔQTcF indicated that an effect on ΔΔQTcF ≥10 ms can be excluded up to 6470 ng/mL. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to inadequate Fridericia’s QT correction.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with

ClinicalTrials.gov
as
NCT04321252

.
Preclinical activity of allogeneic SLAMF7-specific CAR T-cells (UCARTCS1) in multiple myeloma
Authors: Korst Charlotte L B M , O’Neill Chloe , Bruins Wassilis S C , Cosovic Meliha , Twickler Inoka , Verkleij Christie P M , Le Clerre Diane , Themeli Maria , Chion-Sotinel Isabelle , Zweegman Sonja , Galetto Roman , Mutis Tuna , van de Donk Niels W C J
Published: July 2024

Background

Autologous BCMA-specific CAR T-cell therapies have substantial activity in multiple myeloma (MM). However, due to logistical limitations and BCMAlowrelapses, there is a need for alternatives. UCARTCS1 cells are ‘off-the-shelf’ allogeneic CAR T-cells derived from healthy donors targeting SLAMF7 (CS1), which is highly expressed in MM cells. In this study, we evaluated the preclinical activity of UCARTCS1 in MM cell lines, in bone marrow (BM) samples obtained from MM patients and in an MM mouse model.

Methods

Luciferase-transduced MM cell lines were incubated with UCARTCS1 cells or control (non-transduced, SLAMF7/TCRαβ double knock-out) T-cells at different effector to target ratios for 24 hours. MM cell lysis was assessed by bioluminescence. Anti-MM activity of UCARTCS1 was also evaluated in 29 BM samples obtained from newly diagnosed patients (n=10), daratumumab-naïve relapsed/refractory patients (n=10) and daratumumab-refractory patients (n=9) in 24-hour flow cytometry-based cytotoxicity assays. Finally, UCARTCS1 activity was assessed in mouse xenograft models.

Results

UCARTCS1 cells induced potent CAR-mediated, and dose-dependent lysis of both MM cell lines and primary MM cells. There was no difference in ex vivo activity of UCARTCS1 between heavily pretreated and newly diagnosed patients. In addition, efficacy of UCARTCS1 was not affected by SLAMF7 expression level on MM cells, proportion of tumor cells, or frequency of regulatory T-cells in BM samples obtained from MM patients. UCARTCS1 treatment eliminated SLAMF7+non-malignant immune cells in a dose-dependent manner, however lysis of normal cells was less pronounced compared to that of MM cells. Additionally, durable anti-MM responses were observed with UCARTCS1 in an MM xenograft model.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that UCARTCS1 has potent anti-MM activity against MM cell lines and primary MM cells, as well as in an MM xenograft model and support the evaluation of UCARTCS1 in patients with advanced MM.
Targeting a STING agonist to perivascular macrophages in prostate tumors delays resistance to androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Al-janabi Haider , Moyes Katy , Allen Richard , Fisher Matthew , Crespo Mateus , Gurel Bora , Rescigno Pasquale , de Bono Johann , Nunns Harry , Bailey Christopher , Junker-Jensen Anna , Muthana Munitta , Phillips Wayne A , Pearson Helen B , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Brown Janet E , Lewis Claire E
Published: July 2024

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a front-line treatment for prostate cancer. In some men, their tumors can become refractory leading to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This causes tumors to regrow and metastasize, despite ongoing treatment, and impacts negatively on patient survival. ADT is known to stimulate the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells like protumoral tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in prostate tumors, as well as hypofunctional T cells. Protumoral TAMs have been shown to accumulate around tumor blood vessels during chemotherapy and radiotherapy in other forms of cancer, where they drive tumor relapse. Our aim was to see whether such perivascular (PV) TAMs also accumulate in ADT-treated prostate tumors prior to CRPC, and, if so, whether selectively inducing them to express a potent immunostimulant, interferon beta (IFNβ), would stimulate antitumor immunity and delay CRPC.

Methods

We used multiplex immunofluorescence to assess the effects of ADT on the distribution and activation status of TAMs, CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells and NK cells in mouse and/or human prostate tumors. We then used antibody-coated, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to selectively target a STING agonist, 2′3′-cGAMP (cGAMP), to PV TAMs in mouse prostate tumors during ADT.

Results

TAMs accumulated at high density around blood vessels in response to ADT and expressed markers of a protumoral phenotype including folate receptor-beta (FR-β), MRC1 (CD206), CD169 and VISTA. Additionally, higher numbers of inactive (PD-1-) CD8+T cells and reduced numbers of active (CD69+) NK cells were present in these PV tumor areas. LNPs coated with an antibody to FR-β selectively delivered cGAMP to PV TAMs in ADT-treated tumors, where they activated STING and upregulated the expression of IFNβ. This resulted in a marked increase in the density of active CD8+T cells (along with CD4+T cells and NK cells) in PV tumor areas, and significantly delayed the onset of CRPC. Antibody depletion of CD8+T cells during LNP administration demonstrated the essential role of these cells in delay in CRPC induced by LNPs.

Conclusion

Together, our data indicate that targeting a STING agonist to PV TAMs could be used to extend the treatment window for ADT in prostate cancer.
Beriberi following sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Liem Bernard , Tai Xin You , Begeti Faye , Fathima Farheen Fazal , Hofer Monika , Matthews Lucy , Rinaldi Simon , Bennett David L H , Turner Martin R
Published: July 2024

Bariatric surgery is being undertaken more frequently in response to rising levels of obesity but is increasingly also requested as a cosmetic choice. Nutritional deficiencies are a recognised consequence of gastrectomy, with potentially severe and permanent neurological sequelae. We present two cases of acute, severe polyneuropathy following sleeve gastrectomy. Severe thiamine deficiency was considered in both cases but with delayed proof and a significant initial differential diagnosis. Neurologists must have a high index of suspicion for the peripheral as well as central presentations of thiamine deficiency to avoid permanent disability. We also call for explicit information resources warning of the risk and signs of thiamine deficiency to be provided routinely to patients after gastrectomy.
Step-by-step roadmap to building a robotic acute care surgery program (RACSP) in a level I trauma center: outcomes and lessons learned after 1-year implementation
Authors: Jose Anna Mary , Rafieezadeh Aryan , Zangbar Bardiya , Klein Joshua , Kirsch Jordan , Shnaydman Ilya , Bronstein Mathew , Con Jorge , Policastro Anthony , Prabhakaran Kartik
Published: July 2024

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have demonstrated superior outcomes across various elective procedures. Laparoscopic surgery (LS) is established in general surgery with laparoscopic operations for acute appendicitis and cholecystitis being the standard of care. Robotic surgery (RS) has been associated with equivalent or improved postoperative outcomes compared with LS. This increasing uptake of RS in emergency general surgery has encouraged the adoption of robotic acute care programs across the world. The key elements required to build a sustainable RS program are an enthusiastic surgical team, intensive training, resources and marketing. This review is a comprehensive layout elaborating the step-by-step process that has helped our high-volume level I trauma center in establishing a successful robotic acute care surgery program.
Development of a scaling function to estimate unsaturated mechanical soil behavior from a soil-water characteristic curve
Authors: Acheampong Lucas , Bryson L. Sebastian
Published: July 2024

The small-strain shear modulus and shear strength are mechanical parameters crucial in the design of geotechnical structures and in the analyses of soil-structure interactions. This paper proposes a new approach for estimating these mechanical parameters. The proposed approach is predicated on the proportional inverse relationship of mechanical soil properties to the soil-water characteristic curve. The proposed equations supporting the approach incorporate a scaling function, alongside the initial saturated mechanical property. The performance of the proposed equations was demonstrated across a variety of soil textures, utilizing literature soils subjected to varying net normal stresses, and across a wide range of matric suction up to the residual suction zone. It was established that a correlation existed between the scaling function and air-entry value for both small-strain shear modulus and shear strength of unsaturated soils. In addition, the behavior of the scaling function under potential hysteretic effects was demonstrated and recommendations were provided on how to apply the proposed model under such conditions. Finally, the modified equations including the correlation for the scaling function were used to predict additional literature soils.
Calibration HPGe detector using IAEA-U source for CBRNe
Authors: Siqueira Nascimento Debora , Chierici Andrea , Ciolini Riccardo , Chiappini Stefano , d’Errico Francesco , Chiappini Massimo
Published: July 2024

Detecting and preventing the illicit movement of radioactive materials within a country is crucial, requiring the identification of radiologic anomalies against the normal radiation background. High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors, known for their precision and sensitivity, have become popular for analyzing radioactive materials in CBRNe scenarios. This study focused on calibrating an HPGe detector for CBRNe applications, using gamma-ray spectra from an IAEA-U reference source. Energy calibration involved identifying peaks in the spectra and creating a calibration curve for energy and channel number data. Efficiency calibration, determined using the known activity of the source, revealed a linear relationship between energy and detector response. Over four years, systematic efficiency calibrations showed a deviation of only 3% well below the recommended limit of 5%. These findings underscore the reliability of the system as a reference spectrometry method for accurate detection of radioactive materials.

Graphical abstract
Murmurations of Mestre–Nagao sums
Authors: Bujanović Zvonimir , Kazalicki Matija , Novak Lukas
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the detection of the rank of elliptic curves with ranks 0 and 1, employing a heuristic known as the Mestre–Nagao sum [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text] for an elliptic curve [Formula: see text] with good reduction at prime [Formula: see text]. This approach is inspired by the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer (BSD) conjecture.

Our observations reveal an oscillatory behavior in the sums, closely associated with the recently discovered phenomena of murmurations of elliptic curves [Y.-H. He, K.-H. Lee, T. Oliver and A. Pozdnyakov, Murmurations of elliptic curves, preprint (2022), arXiv:2204.10140.]. Surprisingly, this suggests that in some cases, opting for a smaller value of [Formula: see text] yields a more accurate classification than choosing a larger one. For instance, when considering elliptic curves with conductors within the range of [Formula: see text], the rank classification based on [Formula: see text]’s with [Formula: see text] produces better results compared to using [Formula: see text]. This phenomenon finds partial explanation in the recent work of Zubrilina [Murmurations (2023)].
Metamorphic and chronological records of early Permian continental collision in Beni Bousera granulites (Internal Rif belt): implications for the tectonic evolution of northern Morocco during Pangea construction
Authors: El Bakili Asmae , Corsini Michel , Bosse Valérie , Lardeaux Jean-Marc
Published: July 2024

This work presents petrological data obtained from shielded mineral inclusions within large garnets from the Beni Bousera metamorphic unit (internal Rif belt, northern Morocco) combined with
in situ
U‒Th‒Pb dating of monazite inclusions. In the considered Beni Bousera metapelites, the occurrence of mineral inclusions of kyanite + rutile + plagioclase + K-feldspar + quartz ± graphite trapped in garnet cores is diagnostic of high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism. Geothermobarometry combined with thermodynamic modelling yields minimal
P
‒
T
conditions of approximately 1.37–1.5 GPa and 780–795°C, consistent with the development of palaeogradients during crustal thickening in collision belts. A concordant U/Pb age of 281 ± 3 Ma is obtained from associated monazite inclusions in the same garnet cores. These new petrochronological data attest to the early Permian continental collision in northern Morocco. The obtained dataset is constrained with petrological and geochronological parameters available on other neighbouring segments of the Variscan belt. Within the framework of recently unified full plate reconstruction models, the presented tectonic scenario suggests that all these orogenic segments were built during the late Carboniferous–early Permian crustal thickening at the northwestern Gondwana margin in response to the convergence of Laurentia and Gondwana during the late stages of Pangaea construction.
Adaptive Semantic Information Extraction of Tibetan Opera Mask with Recall Loss
Authors: wen yao , li jie , cai donghong , Dong Zhicheng , cai fangkai , lan ping , zhou quan
Published: July 2024

With the development of artificial intelligence, natural language processing enables us to better understand and utilize semantic information. However, traditional object detection algorithms cannot get an effective performance, when dealed with Tibetan opera mask datasets which have the properties of limited samples, symmetrical patterns and high inter-class distances. In order to solve this issue, we propose a novel feature representation model with recall loss function for detecting different marks. In the model, we develop an adaptive feature extraction network with fused layers to extract features. Furthermore, a lightweight efficient attention mechanism is designed to enhance the significance of key features. Additionally, a recall loss function is proposed to increase the differences among classes. Finally, experimental results on the dataset of Tibetan opera mask demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms compared models.
Transformation of the Rural Nonfarm Economy During Rapid Urbanization and Structural Transformation in Developing Regions
Authors: Hazell Peter , Haggblade Steven , Reardon Thomas
Published: July 2024

This article reviews the past 25 years of empirical research on the rural nonfarm economy (RNFE) in developing countries; that literature has evolved in ways that track and mirror the rural transformation itself. Since 2000, rapid urbanization, structural transformation, and a sharp series of economic, climate, and disease shocks have influenced trajectories in the RNFE. It has grown to become, on average, the predominant source of income for rural households in developing countries. Both segments of the RNFE—activities linked to agricultural value chains as well as those unrelated to the agricultural sector—have grown. Understanding how each component of the RNFE influences rural incomes, employment, resilience, women, youth, and farming and natural resource management practices is, therefore, more important than ever.
Sex differences in sympathetic transduction in black and white adults: implications for racial disparities in hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Young Benjamin E. , Kissell Claire E. , Vranish Jennifer R. , Stephens Brandi Y. , Holwerda Seth W. , Fadel Paul J.
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of hypertension in non-Hispanic black (BL) individuals is the greatest of any racial/ethnic group. Whereas women generally display lower rates of hypertension than men of the same background, BL women display a similar if not greater burden of hypertension compared with BL men. The risk for cardiovascular disease and related events is also highest in BL individuals. Given the importance of the sympathetic nervous system for the regulation of the cardiovascular system, a growing body of literature has investigated sympathetic function in BL and non-Hispanic white (WH) individuals. Here, we are focused on emerging evidence indicating that sympathetic function may be altered in BL individuals, with particular emphasis on the process by which bursts of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) are transduced into vasoconstriction and increases in blood pressure (sympathetic vascular transduction). To synthesize this growing body of literature we discuss sex and race differences in 1) sympathetic outflow, 2) sympathetic vascular transduction, and 3) adrenergic receptor sensitivity. Sex differences are discussed foremost, to set the stage for new data indicating a sex dimorphism in sympathetic regulation in BL individuals. Specifically, we highlight evidence for a potential neurogenic phenotype including greater adiposity-independent sympathetic outflow and enhanced sympathetic vascular transduction in BL men that is not observed in BL women. The implications of these findings for the greater hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk in BL adults are discussed along with areas that require further investigation.
Innovative ICG Application in Benign Gynaecological Surgery: Enhancing Safety and Precision
Authors: Menezes Summer Deah , Rao Tanushree
Published: July 2024

In the context of increased adoption of minimally invasive surgery for benign gynaecological conditions, this study underscores the paramount importance of patient safety. We explored the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG), a fluorescent dye, in enhancing the visualisation of critical anatomical structures during complex laparoscopic procedures. Our methods involved the direct administration of ICG into the ureters for precise identification and dissection, as well as an innovative vaginal application to delineate the rectovaginal plane in cases with distorted pelvic anatomy. The study presented two cases: a laparoscopic hysterectomy for a multifibroid uterus and a case of advanced endometriosis with rectal involvement. Results indicated that ICG use significantly improved real‐time visualisation of the ureters and the rectovaginal plane, which facilitated the surgeries and reduced the cognitive load on surgeons. There were no intraoperative complications, and the postoperative phase showed positive patient outcomes. In conclusion, the application of ICG in these laparoscopic surgeries proved to be a beneficial adjunct, suggesting its potential for broader application in benign gynaecological surgeries. Future research is warranted to explore additional uses of ICG, with a focus on enhancing patient safety and surgical efficacy.
Dose‐Dependent Prophylactic Efficacy of Filarial Antigens Glutathione‐S‐Transferase and Abundant Larval Transcript‐2 against Brugia malayi Challenge in Mastomys
Authors: Nakhale Mohini Rambhau , Bhoj Priyanka , Togre Namdev , Khatri Vishal , Batra Lalit , Padigel Udaikumar , Goswami Kalyan
Published: July 2024

Objective. To identify the most effective dose of filarial rBmALT‐2 and rWbGST alone or in combination against B. malayi infection in vitro and in vivo. Methods. Mastomys (n = 5–7/group) received intramuscular (i.m.) injection with three different doses (25, 50, and 100 μg) of rBmALT‐2 or rWbGST, either alone or in combination with alum as the adjuvant. Protective immunity was studied by in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity assay. To evaluate the cellular immune response, splenocyte proliferation and cytokine profile were assessed. Results. Serological results revealed a substantial (p < 0.005) induction of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3 responses in vaccinated Mastomys. Mastomys immunized with 50 μg rBmALT‐2 + alum induced 79–81% killing against the L3 larvae challenge in vivo and in vitro ADCC assay (p < 0.005); whereas rWbGST + alum alone or in combination with rBmALT‐2 + alum induced 63–68% killing (p < 0.005) in vivo and in vitro. Antigen‐specific cytokine profiles of Mastomys vaccinated with either BmALT‐2, WbGST or a combination showed elevated IL‐10, IL‐4, and IFN‐γ levels, signifying both Th1 and Th2 immune response. Conclusions. These findings suggest that immunization of Mastomys with a 50 μg/dose of rBmALT‐2 + alum four times at a 4‐week interval demonstrated considerable protection against B. malayi infection.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of a Highly Virulent Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Strain
Authors: Zhao Dun , Hu Yuli , Wu Haichao , Feng Zhao , Hu Chengcai , Hu Huican , Liu Yang , Sun Wen , Yu Xinglong
Published: July 2024

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is responsible for erysipelas infection in pigs. Outbreaks of E. rhusiopathiae have increased in several countries, including China, over the past two decades. An E. rhusiopathiae strain (ML101) was isolated and characterized from dead pig tissue sample collected from a farm experiencing an outbreak of E. rhusiopathiae, which was responsible for the deaths of 146 sows and 308 fattening pigs within a week. Spleen swelling, gastric and bladder mucosa bleeding, and submandibular lymph node swelling and bleeding were observed through necropsy. ML101 was identified as serotype 1a via molecular analysis and immunological assays. Studies in mice demonstrated that the minimal lethal dose per animal was less than 10 colony‐forming units (CFU). Notably, the minimal lethal dose in piglets was also less than 10 CFU, which is lower than that of any E. rhusiopathiae strain reported to date. The challenged piglets showed typical acute erysipelas symptoms, such as pyrexia, hemorrhage, depression, complete inappetence, reddening, and purpling skin on the buttock. Evidence of efficient horizontal transmission was observed, as healthy pigs were infected and died when cohoused with challenged piglets. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed that ML101 contained a 77 kb genomic island (GI), carrying a Tn916 transposon and a multidrug resistance gene cluster (aadE-apt-spw-lsa(E)‐lnu(B)‐aadE-sat4–aphA3). A retrospective analysis of E. rhusiopathiae isolates via PCR indicated that the GI has been widely distributed since 2010, when outbreaks were more frequently reported in China. This study demonstrated that the highly virulent E. rhusiopathiae is responsible for the erysipelas outbreak and indicates that relevant genes located within the transmissible genetic elements may play roles in virulence. Therefore, epidemiological monitoring needs to be emphasized to better prevent and control erysipelas in the swine industry, and live attenuated vaccines should be used with caution.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations on an Asynchronized Parallel Double‐Stage Viscous Fluid Damper
Authors: Yang Cantian , Wang Haoxiang , Xie Linlin , Li Aiqun , Wang Xinyu
Published: July 2024

The parameters of most conventional passive dampers are constant, which may not sufficiently satisfy the different energy dissipation capacity demands of the structure under different load conditions. The development of passive dampers with variable performances has become an emerging and vital trend in energy dissipation technologies and smart structures. This study proposes a novel passive viscous fluid damper with variable performance under different deformation levels called an asynchronized parallel double‐stage viscous fluid damper (APDVFD). It is expected to exhibit an asynchronized double‐stage working mechanism based on a variable annular gap. In the first stage, only the primary piston provides the damping force. When the deformation reaches a preset value, the primary and second pistons work in parallel, providing a damping force concurrently. Circular orifices are adopted for the piston head to provide a sufficient damping force. The double‐stage operating mechanism and fatigue performance of the APDVFD were validated and investigated through a full‐scale experiment with 46 load cases. Based on these, a theoretical model capable of predicting the hysteretic behavior of the APDVFD was developed and validated against test data.
Fast Visual Tracking with Enhanced and Gradient‐Guide Network
Authors: Cao Dun , Dai Renhua
Published: July 2024

The existing Siamese trackers express visual tracking through the cross‐correlation operation between two neural networks. Although they dominated the tracking field, their adopted pattern caused two main problems. One is the adoption of the deep architecture that drives the Siamese tracker to sacrifice speed for performance, and the other is that the template is fixed to the initial features; namely, the template cannot be updated timely, making performance entirely dependent on the Siamese network’s matching ability. In this work, we propose a tracker called SiamMLG. Firstly, we adopt the lightweight ResNet‐34 as the backbone to improve the proposed tracker’s speed by reducing the computational complexity, and then, to compensate for the performance loss caused by the lightweight backbone, we embed the SKNet from the attention mechanism to filter out the valueless features, and finally, we utilize the gradient‐guide strategy to update the template timely. Extensive experiments on four large tracking datasets, including VOT‐2016, OTB100, GOT‐10k, and UAV123, confirming SiamMLG satisfactorily balance performance and efficiency, where it scores 0.515 on GOT‐10k while running at 55 frames per second, which is nearly 3.6 times that of the state‐of‐the‐art method.
Supplementary Figure 4 from Epigenetic Induction of Cancer-Testis Antigens and Endogenous Retroviruses at Single-Cell Level Enhances Immune Recognition and Response in Glioma
Authors: Lai Thomas J. , Sun Lu , Li Kevin , Prins Terry J. , Treger Janet , Li Tie , Sun Matthew Z. , Nathanson David A. , Liau Linda M. , Lai Albert , Prins Robert M. , Everson Richard G.
Published: July 2024

Fig S4 A-C
Supplementary Figure 2 from Epigenetic Induction of Cancer-Testis Antigens and Endogenous Retroviruses at Single-Cell Level Enhances Immune Recognition and Response in Glioma
Authors: Lai Thomas J. , Sun Lu , Li Kevin , Prins Terry J. , Treger Janet , Li Tie , Sun Matthew Z. , Nathanson David A. , Liau Linda M. , Lai Albert , Prins Robert M. , Everson Richard G.
Published: July 2024

Fig S2 A-C
Residual dizziness characteristics of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Yang Jing , Xiong Gaoyun , Lu Hongyi , Luo Xiandan , Xie Xiaoxing , Shao Aoling
Published: July 2024

Objective: This study analyzed the characteristics of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(ISSNHL) accompanied by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) and the impact of residual dizziness on their lives.

Design: Retrospective observational study

Setting: Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province between January 2023 and January 2024.

Patients: A total of 54 adult inpatients with ISSNHL and BPPV were included in this study.

Interventions: All patients received 50 mg of intravenous prednisolone daily for five consecutive days and hemodilution agents for ten days. Concurrently, BPPV was treated with repositioning maneuvers by the same therapist using the SRM-IV vertigo diagnostic and treatment system. Different repositioning methods were used for different types of otolithiasis. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of residual dizziness upon resolution of nystagmus at discharge.

Main outcome measures: Pure tone audiometry, dizziness handicap inventory, and Hamilton anxiety scale assessments were performed before and after treatment.

Results: .A total of 54 subjects were evaluated. The residual symptom group comprised 24 subjects (58.3% female, mean age 46.75±13.8 years). The non-residual group included 30 subjects (56.7% female, mean age 45.77±11.86 years)。 There were no significant differences between the two groups in pre-treatment hearing status and DHI scores. However, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores before treatment showed a significant statistical difference.