bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concluding Thoughts
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: August 2024

This chapter summarises the book’s key arguments about the nature of concepts and their role in human cognition. It emphasises that concepts act as an interface between domain-general, logical reasoning and content-specific computations in special-purpose systems. Conceptual thought orchestrates inferences across these systems to construct rich, multi-modal and amodal informational models. Deliberation involves manipulating these models to anticipate outcomes and make choices, going beyond merely reacting to stimuli. Concepts enable flexible recombination of representations while retaining connections to experience-based knowledge. This hybrid system allows humans to engage in sophisticated planning and inference. The power of human cognition emerges from the interaction between conceptual thought and special-purpose systems. Concepts are central to unlocking the special power of human cognition.
Expansion and Restriction: Divergent Paths Towards Modernizing Family Laws in Japan and China, 1868–1930
Authors: Xiao Weilin
Published: August 2024

Before their encounters with Western powers in the nineteenth century, Chinese and Japanese societies were deeply embedded in traditional family systems that formed the backbone of their social structures. However, with the onset of legal modernization, these nations adopted nearly diametrically opposed strategies for reforming their customary family laws. Primarily, Japanese legal reformers under the Meiji regime bolstered the family’s authority and emphasized its political role. In stark contrast, the Chinese legal reformers during the late Qing and Republican periods curtailed family authority and diminished its significance. While the modernization of family laws in Japan and China has been the subject of scholarly research, the differences between the two countries and the reasons behind their distinct approaches have not been adequately explored. This Article seeks to fill this gap.

Through a comparative analysis of the legislative histories of both countries, this Article argues that their divergent paths stemmed from differences in the historical functions of family systems and the modern political contexts encountered by legal reformers during the period of legal modernization. In Japan, the family system was historically politically connected with the state, and the Meiji regime solidified its control over this system through modern codification efforts. Consequently, Meiji political elites saw the integration of the populace into the new absolutist imperial regime as advantageous, leveraging the political loyalty of families to achieve this. In contrast, the Chinese family system had become politically disconnected from the state by the late imperial era. In the aftermath of the Republican Revolution, the Guomindang regime navigated a landscape of rival political forces that significantly challenged its authority. Political elites aimed to dismantle customary family laws to weaken the traditional family system, which they viewed as a threat to governmental centralization and societal unity. They also sought to project a modern, liberal image to garner wider political support.
Prognostic significance of invasive cribriform gland size and percentage in Gleason score 7 prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tekin Emel , Şeker Nazlı Sena , Özen Ata , Açıkalın Mustafa Fuat , Can Cavit , Çolak Ertuğrul
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Cribriform glands are linked to poorer outcomes in prostate adenocarcinoma. We aimed to assess the prognostic role of the percentage of cribriform glands and the size of the largest invasive cribriform gland in Gleason score 7 prostate adenocarcinomas.

Methods

The presence, percentage, and size of the invasive cribriform glands were investigated and their association with prognostic factors were assessed in 177 Grade Groups 2 and 3 prostate adenocarcinomas.

Results

Biochemical recurrence-free survival was statistically significantly lower in cases with a cribriform gland percentage greater than 10% (P < .001) and in cases where the largest invasive cribriform gland size was greater than 0.5 mm (P < .001). Mean largest cribriform gland size and percentage were statistically significant associated with more advanced pT status, lymph node metastasis, biochemical recurrence, and higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen values.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the presence of a cribriform pattern, increases in the percentage of such patterns, and increases in the size of the largest cribriform gland within a given tumor are associated with poor prognosis. We suggest that a more aggressive clinical approach may be needed in Grade Group 2 and 3 cases with invasive cribriform glands larger than 0.5 mm and a cribriform gland percentage greater than 10%, especially in prostate needle biopsy specimens.
A data harmonization project of 3 large prospective cardiovascular health-focused cohorts
Authors: Scarpaci Matthew M , Park Jee Won , Dionne Laura , Needham Belinda L , Sims Mario , Kanaya Alka M , Kandula Namratha R , Fava Joseph L , Eaton Charles B , Howe Chanelle J , Dulin Akilah J
Published: August 2024

Few prospective studies examine multilevel resilience resources and psychosocial factors in relation to cardiovascular health and disease. Recent research indicates that resilience resources are associated with a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease-related events, but few studies have examined this relationship across different racial/ethnic populations or in large cohorts. Harmonization may address these limitations because it allows data from several cohorts to be analyzed together, potentially increasing sample size and in turn power overall and in minority populations. This article describes the process involved in combining 3 cardiovascular health-focused cohorts: Jackson Heart Study, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America Study. Using a systematic process, we identified appropriate data harmonization techniques to use in harmonizing variables across cohorts. Variables included exposures (eg, resilience resources), outcomes (eg, American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7), and covariates (eg, race and ethnicity). Post-harmonization examinations included psychometric analyses of the harmonized variables. A total of 13 284 participants were included in the final harmonized data set. This project provides opportunities for future research in resilience resources and informs future studies that need to harmonize data. Results based on the harmonized data set could inform interventions and policies.
Prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and sex-specific estimated fetal size
Authors: Medley Eleanor A , Trasande Leonardo , Naidu Mrudula , Wang Yuyan , Ghassabian Akhgar , Kahn Linda G , Long Sara , Afanasyeva Yelena , Liu Mengling , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Mehta-Lee Shilpi S , Cowell Whitney
Published: August 2024

Prenatal organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure may be associated with reduced fetal growth, although studies are limited and have mixed results. We investigated associations between prenatal OP pesticide exposure and fetal size and modification by fetal sex. Maternal urinary concentrations of dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites were measured at 3 time points. Fetal biometrics were obtained from ultrasounds in the second (n = 773) and third (n = 535) trimesters. Associations between pregnancy-averaged ΣDAP and fetal biometry z scores were determined through multiple linear regression. Modification by sex was investigated through stratification and interaction. In the second trimester, one ln-unit increase in ΣDAP was associated with lower estimated fetal weight (–0.15 SD; 95% CI, –0.29 to –0.01), head circumference (–0.11 SD; CI, –0.22 to 0.01), biparietal diameter (–0.14 SD; CI, –0.27 to –0.01), and abdominal circumference (–0.12 SD; CI, –0.26 to 0.01) in females. In the third trimester, one ln-unit increase in ΣDAP was associated with lower head circumference (–0.14 SD; CI, –0.28 to 0.00) and biparietal diameter (–0.12 SD; CI, –0.26 to 0.03) in males. Our results suggest that prenatal OP pesticide exposure is negatively associated with fetal growth in a sex-specific manner, with associations present for females in mid-gestation and males in late gestation.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Strategies of resource sharing in clonal plants: a conceptual model and an example of contrasting strategies in two closely related species
Authors: Duchoslavová Jana , Jansa Jan
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Clonal growth is widespread among herbaceous plants, and helps them to cope with environmental heterogeneity through resource integration via connecting clonal organs. Such integration is considered to balance heterogeneity by translocation of resources from rich to poor patches. However, such an ‘equalization’ strategy is only one of several possible strategies. Under certain conditions, a strategy emphasizing acropetal movement and exploration of new areas or a strategy of accumulating resources in older ramets may be preferred. The optimal strategy may be determined by environmental conditions, such as resource availability and level of light competition. We aimed to summarize possible translocation strategies in a conceptual analysis and to examine translocation in two species from different habitats.

Methods

Resource translocation was compared between two closely related species from different habitats with contrasting productivity. The study examined the bidirectional translocation of carbon and nitrogen in pairs of mother and daughter ramets grown under light heterogeneity (one ramet shaded) at two developmental stages using stable-isotope labelling.

Key Results

At the early developmental stage, both species translocated resources towards daughters and the translocation was modified by shading. Later, the species of low-productivity habitats, Fragaria viridis, translocated carbon to shaded ramets (both mother and daughter), according to the ‘equalization’ strategy. In contrast, the species of high-productivity habitats, Potentilla reptans, did not support shaded mother ramets. Nitrogen translocation remained mainly acropetal in both species.

Conclusions

The two studied species exhibited different translocation strategies, which may be linked to the habitat conditions experienced by each species. The results indicate that we need to consider different possible strategies. We emphasize the importance of bidirectional tracing in translocation studies and the need for further studies to investigate the translocation patterns in species from contrasting habitats using a comparative approach.
xSiGra: explainable model for single-cell spatial data elucidation
Authors: Budhkar Aishwarya , Tang Ziyang , Liu Xiang , Zhang Xuhong , Su Jing , Song Qianqian
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in spatial imaging technologies have revolutionized the acquisition of high-resolution multichannel images, gene expressions, and spatial locations at the single-cell level. Our study introduces xSiGra, an interpretable graph-based AI model, designed to elucidate interpretable features of identified spatial cell types, by harnessing multimodal features from spatial imaging technologies. By constructing a spatial cellular graph with immunohistology images and gene expression as node attributes, xSiGra employs hybrid graph transformer models to delineate spatial cell types. Additionally, xSiGra integrates a novel variant of gradient-weighted class activation mapping component to uncover interpretable features, including pivotal genes and cells for various cell types, thereby facilitating deeper biological insights from spatial data. Through rigorous benchmarking against existing methods, xSiGra demonstrates superior performance across diverse spatial imaging datasets. Application of xSiGra on a lung tumor slice unveils the importance score of cells, illustrating that cellular activity is not solely determined by itself but also impacted by neighboring cells. Moreover, leveraging the identified interpretable genes, xSiGra reveals endothelial cell subset interacting with tumor cells, indicating its heterogeneous underlying mechanisms within complex cellular interactions.
TransTEx: novel tissue-specificity scoring method for grouping human transcriptome into different expression groups
Authors: Surana Pallavi , Dutta Pratik , Davuluri Ramana V
Published: August 2024

Motivation

Although human tissues carry out common molecular processes, gene expression patterns can distinguish different tissues. Traditional informatics methods, primarily at the gene level, overlook the complexity of alternative transcript variants and protein isoforms produced by most genes, changes in which are linked to disease prognosis and drug resistance.

Results

We developed TransTEx (Transcript-level Tissue Expression), a novel tissue-specificity scoring method, for grouping transcripts into four expression groups. TransTEx applies sequential cut-offs to tissue-wise transcript probability estimates, subsampling-based P-values and fold-change estimates. Application of TransTEx on GTEx mRNA-seq data divided 199 166 human transcripts into different groups as 17 999 tissue-specific (TSp), 7436 tissue-enhanced, 36 783 widely expressed (Wide), 79 191 lowly expressed (Low), and 57 757 no expression (Null) transcripts. Testis has the most (13 466) TSp isoforms followed by liver (890), brain (701), pituitary (435), and muscle (420). We found that the tissue specificity of alternative transcripts of a gene is predominantly influenced by alternate promoter usage. By overlapping brain-specific transcripts with the cell-type gene-markers in scBrainMap database, we found that 63% of the brain-specific transcripts were enriched in nonneuronal cell types, predominantly astrocytes followed by endothelial cells and oligodendrocytes. In addition, we found 61 brain cell-type marker genes encoding a total of 176 alternative transcripts as brain-specific and 22 alternative transcripts as testis-specific, highlighting the complex TSp and cell-type specific gene regulation and expression at isoform-level. TransTEx can be adopted to the analysis of bulk RNA-seq or scRNA-seq datasets to find tissue- and/or cell-type specific isoform-level gene markers.

Availability and implementation

TransTEx database: https://bmi.cewit.stonybrook.edu/transtexdb/ and the R package is available via GitHub: https://github.com/pallavisurana1/TransTEx.
‘Seeing Like a Cop’: Police Perception in Spaces of Gender and Racial Criminalization
Authors: Russell Emma K
Published: August 2024

Building on conceptions of policing as a colonial project, this article contributes to spatial and sensory understandings of policing by examining everyday practices of gender and racial criminalization. I argue that criminalization results from ‘seeing like a cop’ (Guenther 2019), and reordering and securing spaces accordingly. I explore the logics, practices and effects of this regime of visuality and spatial governance, drawing upon research on the criminalization of women who experience interpersonal, state and structural violence in Melbourne, Australia. For these women, police visions of danger, disorder and disposability pre-empt their displacement and punishment. The perceptual practices of police forge carceral continuums that connect the gentrifying streetscape and the home, producing both as sites of racial surveillance and gender entrapment. The article highlights the capacity for sensory analysis to deepen understandings of the violence work of policing.
Evaluation of clinical outcome and predictors of mortality in patients undergoing antegrade transvenous variceal embolization in adjunct to salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for active uncontrolled gastric variceal bleeding
Authors: Patidar Yashwant , Chatterjee Navojit , Mukund Amar , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is indicated in patients with active endoscopically uncontrollable variceal bleeding. TIPS alone is not effective in the management of gastric varices, and balloon occluded transvenous obliteration (BRTO) requires favourable variceal anatomy. Concomitant placement of a TIPS stent with antegrade variceal embolization leads to control of gastric variceal bleeding with no significant increase in portal pressure.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective observational study in which patients with active uncontrollable gastric variceal bleeding were included. Technical success of the procedure, 5-day rebleeding, 6-week, and 6-month survival, as well as other additional outcomes, were evaluated.

Results

A total of 18 patients were included in the study. Technical success was 100% and significant non-target embolization was seen in 0% of patients. The 6-week and 6-month survival rates were 66.67%, with an overall survival of 108.786 days (censored at 180 days). The 5-day rebleed rate was 11.1%. A significant difference in Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (P = .03), model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD–Na) score (P = .022), requirement of intubation (P = .038), haemoglobin (Hb) levels (P = .042), haematocrit value (P = .018), packed red blood cell infusion required prior to and after the procedure (P = .045, .044), and presence of refractory shock (P = .013) was observed between the survival and the mortality groups. Post-variceal bleeding Hb levels, mean arterial pressure, and MELD-Na scores were significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

TIPS in adjunct to antegrade transvenous embolization is a safe and effective modality for the management of active uncontrolled gastric variceal bleeding in patients with variceal anatomy unfavourable for performing retrograde obliteration.

Advances in knowledge

(1) TIPS alone may not be effective in the management of gastric varices. BRTO requires favourable variceal anatomy and may lead to catastrophic oesophageal variceal haemorrhage. Concomitant placement of a TIPS stent with antegrade variceal embolization leads to control of gastric variceal bleeding with no significant increase in portal pressure. (2) TIPS, in conjunction with antegrade transvenous embolization, requires proper knowledge of variceal anatomy and the embolizing agent. Post-variceal bleeding Hb levels, mean arterial pressure, and MELD-Na scores were significant predictors of mortality.
Anatomical conservatism in the wood and bark of the species-rich Byrsonimoid clade (Malpighiaceae)
Authors: Bueno Luís Henrique , Hernández-Hernández Brenda , Francener Augusto , Amorim André M , Pace Marcelo R
Published: August 2024

The byrsonimoids include approximately 152 species of trees and shrubs native to the Neotropical region. The clade is monophyletic and consists of three genera: Byrsonima, Blepharandra, and Diacidia. Byrsonima woods are among the most well-known within the Malpighiaceae due to their economic importance. Nonetheless, here for the first time we explore the interspecific stem anatomical diversity of Byrsonima, its similarities and differences to Blepharandra and Diacidia, and how the previously proposed taxonomic circumscriptions for the genus Byrsonima are reflected or not in their wood and bark anatomy. Using a newly reconstructed phylogeny for the Malpighiaceae focusing on the clade Byrsonimoid and a broad selection of species, we conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses to determine how wood and bark traits have evolved across evolutionary time. Our results indicate stem anatomical homogeneity within the clade, particularly in wood traits. On one hand, the presence of septate fibres and prismatic crystals in the rays distinguishes Byrsonima from other members of the clade, but on the other hand, wood and bark traits do not support the classical infrageneric classifications for the genus. The bark in byrsonimoids displays the entire range of variation known for sclerenchyma in this tissue, from cells that can be considered true fibres to fibre-sclereids and typical true sclereids. Ancestral character state reconstructions revealed that radial arrangement, septate fibres, thin heterocellular rays, marginal parenchyma, and prismatic crystals are ancestral traits within the clade, with homoplasy common within the group. These observations demonstrate anatomical conservatism within the Byrsonimoid clade, which might be either related to their proposed recent diversification or a highly effective set of positively selected features.
Unexplained fever with consumptive syndrome in the elderly: two cases of VEXAS syndrome with inflammasome dysregulation
Authors: Mendonça Leonardo Oliveira , Leal Vinicius N C , Roa Mariela E G V , Barros Samar Freschi , Kalil Jorge , Pontillo Alessandra
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the inflammasome dysregulation in peripheral blood leukocytes of VEXAS patients. The constitutive and in vitro triggered activation of inflammasome in PBMC and neutrophils was analyzed in two Brazilian patients with typical UBA1 mutations, and compared with healthy donors. Our findings highlight the constitutive activation of caspase-1 in VEXAS leukocytes, accompanied by increased plasma levels of IL-18. Furthermore, upon stimulation of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils, we observed not only the exhaustion of NLRP3 and NLRP1/CARD8 pathways in VEXAS PBMC but also a significant increase in NLRP3-mediated NETs release in VEXAS neutrophils. These findings support previous studies on the contribution of the inflammasome to VEXAS pathogenesis, identifying at least two profoundly affected pathways (NLRP3 and NLRP1/CARD8) in VEXAS peripheral blood.
Multi-dimensional analysis of B cells reveals the expansion of memory and regulatory B-cell clusters in humans living in rural tropical areas
Authors: Chayé Mathilde A M , van Hengel Oscar R J , Voskamp Astrid L , Ozir-Fazalalikhan Arifa , König Marion H , Stam Koen A , Manurung Mikhael D , Mouwenda Yoanne D , Aryeetey Yvonne A , Kurniawan Agnes , Kruize Yvonne C M , Sartono Erliyani , Buisman Anne-Marie , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Tak Tamar , Smits Hermelijn H
Published: August 2024

B-cells play a critical role in the formation of immune responses against pathogens by acting as antigen-presenting cells, by modulating immune responses, and by generating immune memory and antibody responses. Here, we studied B-cell subset distributions between regions with higher and lower microbial exposure, i.e. by comparing peripheral blood B-cells from people living in Indonesia or Ghana to those from healthy Dutch residents using a 36-marker mass cytometry panel. By applying an unbiased multidimensional approach, we observed differences in the balance between the naïve and memory compartments, with higher CD11c+ and double negative (DN-IgDnegCD27neg) memory (M)B-cells in individuals from rural tropical areas, and conversely lower naïve B-cells compared to residents from an area with less pathogen exposure. Furthermore, characterization of total B-cell populations, CD11c+, DN, and Breg cells showed the emergence of specific memory clusters in individuals living in rural tropical areas. Some of these differences were more pronounced in children compared to adults and suggest that a higher microbial exposure accelerates memory B-cell formation, which “normalizes” with age.
Diagnosing Myocardial Injury in an Acute Chest Pain Cohort; Long-Term Prognostic Implications of Cardiac Troponin T and I
Authors: Saeed Nasir , Steiro Ole-Thomas , Langørgen Jørund , Tjora Hilde L , Bjørneklett Rune O , Skadberg Øyvind , Bonarjee Vernon V S , Mjelva Øistein R , Norekvål Tone M , Steinsvik Trude , Vikenes Kjell , Omland Torbjørn , Aakre Kristin M
Published: August 2024

Background

There are limited data regarding the utility of follow-up cardiac troponin (cTn) measurements after admission for acute chest pain and how long-term stability of myocardial injury and prognostic value differ when using cardiac troponin T (cTnT) or I (cTnI).

Methods

We measured high-sensitivity (hs)-cTnT (Roche Diagnostics) and hs-cTnI (Siemens Healthineers) during hospitalization for acute chest pain and after 3 months. Acute myocardial injury was defined as concentrations > sex-specific upper reference limit (URL) during hospitalization and ≤URL at 3-months. Chronic myocardial injury (CMI) was defined as concentrations > URL at both time points. Patients were followed from the 3-month sampling point for a median of 1586 (IQR 1161–1786) days for a primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, and heart failure, and a secondary endpoint of all-cause mortality.

Results

Among 754 patients, 33.8% (hs-cTnT) and 19.2% (hs-cTnI) had myocardial injury during hospitalization. The rate of CMI was 5 times higher by hs-cTnT (20%) assay than hs-cTnI (4%), while acute myocardial injury was equally common; 14% (hs-cTnT) and 15% (hs-cTnI), respectively (6% and 5% when excluding index non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). For hs-cTnT, peak index concentration, 3-month concentration and classification of CMI predicted the primary endpoint; hazard ratios (HRs) 1.38 (95% CI 1.20–1.58), 2.34 (1.70–3.20), and 2.31 (1.30–4.12), respectively. For hs-cTnI, peak index concentration predicted the primary endpoint; HR 1.14 (1.03–1.25). This association was nonsignificant after excluding index NSTEMI.

Conclusions

Acute myocardial injury is equally frequent, whereas CMI is more prevalent using hs-cTnT assay than hs-cTnI. Measuring hs-cTnT 3 months after an acute chest pain episode could assist in further long-term risk assessment.

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02620202
Right coronary ischaemia caused by a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm improved by releasing mechanical stretch: a case report
Authors: Yamazaki Sachiko , Okawa Kazunari , Shunto Keisuke , Ito Daisuke , Takahashi Akiyuki
Published: August 2024

Background

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm involving a single cusp is a rare condition, and coronary computed tomography angiography with fractional flow reserve-computed tomography helps evaluate not only the anatomical aspects of the aneurysm and coronary artery but also the physiological details of coronary artery disease.

Case summary

A 71-year-old woman presented with exertional chest pain and dyspnoea. Enhanced computed tomography revealed an aneurysmal change in the right sinus of Valsalva, and coronary computed tomography angiography revealed diffuse narrowing of the proximal segment of right coronary artery due to mechanical stretching by the large Valsalva aneurysm. Fractional flow reserve-computed tomography revealed a significantly low fractional flow reserve (0.50 in the distal right coronary artery). A modified Bentall procedure was performed with a 21 mm bioprosthetic valve and a 24 mm Valsalva graft conduit for the aortic root aneurysm; mitral valve annuloplasty was performed for mitral valve regurgitation. Post-operative coronary computed tomography angiography revealed no significant stenosis in the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. Furthermore, fractional flow reserve-computed tomography revealed a normalized fractional flow reserve in the distal right coronary artery. The patient experienced relief from chest pain and was discharged 19 days after the surgery.

Discussion

A right coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, which caused right coronary artery ischaemia, was successfully treated using a modified Bentall procedure. Coronary computed tomography angiography and fractional flow reserve-computed tomography revealed anatomical and functional improvements in the right coronary artery ischaemia post-operatively.
ST-elevation myocardial infarction from septic embolism secondary to prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Rohla Miklos , Philip Legate , Wolf Janina , Jaffer Farouc A , Räber Lorenz
Published: August 2024

Background

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a cardiac emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. We describe a challenging and complex case of managing acute STEMI in a patient with severe anaemia, deranged clotting profile, and infective prodrome.

Case summary

A 54-year-old Caucasian gentleman was referred by his general practitioner as an emergency after presenting with acute onset of chest pain. His electrocardiogram revealed anterior ST elevation. His past medical history includes a mechanical aortic valve, requiring anticoagulation, and a recent gastrointestinal bleed secondary to type C gastritis. His initial presentation was further complicated by severe anaemia, deranged clotting profile, and elevated infective markers. He required a prompt transfer to the catheterization laboratory to assess and stabilize the situation. We discuss the emerging challenges during treatment, particularly as the diagnosis of septic embolism from infective prosthetic valve endocarditis was unfolding, requiring urgent cardiac surgery.

Discussion

Acute coronary vessel closure leading to STEMI from septic embolism secondary to prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis is very rare. It is essential to consider the whole picture of the presentation for timely diagnosis and tailored treatment.
Sleeve lobectomy versus pneumonectomy following neoadjuvant therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Teng Meixin , Yi Chengxiang , Yang Weiguang , Zhang Jing , Yao Wangchao , Hu Shiqi , Qing Yang , Ji Shuyu , Shen Ziyun , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant therapy has gained widespread acceptance as the standard modality for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, the clinical benefit of sleeve lobectomy (SL) or pneumonectomy (PN) following neoadjuvant therapy remains controversial.

METHODS

The clinical and pathological characteristics of non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent SL or PN after neoadjuvant therapy at a high-volume single centre between December 2019 and March 2023 were retrospectively collected. The SL group was matched 4:1 with the PN group by propensity score matching. The surgical outcomes were systematically collected and analysed.

RESULTS

During a 5-year study period, the majority of patients (175 of 215, 81.4%) underwent the SL procedure, while 40 patients (18.6%) underwent PN. Following propensity score matching, the SL group exhibited lower postoperative arrythmia (4.8% vs 26.9%, P < 0.001), lower 30-day mortality (1.0% vs 7.7%, P = 0.046) and a shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (6.0 days vs 10.0 days, P < 0.001), compared with the PN group. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of disease-free survival or overall survival (P = 0.977 and P = 0.913, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

SL stands as a safe and feasible option for patients with centrally located non-small-cell lung cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy, in comparison to PN. This finding suggests that SL remains the preferable choice when feasible in the context of the widespread utilization of neoadjuvant therapy.
Left ventricular stent-graft implantation for severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after transcatheter mitral valve implantation
Authors: Ruge Hendrik , Krane Markus
Published: August 2024

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a rare complication following transcatheter mitral valve implantation. Diagnosing the underlying cause is mandatory to select from different treatment options. We report a case of stent-graft implantation into the left ventricular outflow tract for dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet (SAM).
The effect of early childhood non-nutritive sucking behavior including pacifiers on malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arpalahti Irma , Hänninen Krista , Tolvanen Mimmi , Varrela Juha , Rice David P
Published: August 2024

Background/rationale

Systematic reviews on the effects of pacifiers on occlusion have highlighted the need for quality RCTs.

Trial design

Single region, three parallel-armed, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

To investigate the correlations between early childhood non-nutritive sucking habits and malocclusion. Specifically to test whether the use of a study pacifier has differing effects compared to other pacifiers and control, and whether the duration of pacifier use or digit sucking influence the occlusion.

Participants

The subjects were firstborn children, born in 2008 in Vantaa, Finland.

Intervention

One-third of participants were offered study pacifiers, free of charge, from birth up to 2 years of age. The history of the subjects’ sucking habits, including pacifier use was screened in a questionnaire at the age of 2 years, and clinical examinations were performed at the age of 7 years. In addition, the subjects were divided into groups that were equally matched regarding their mother’s level of education.

Outcomes

Posterior crossbite, anterior crossbite, overjet, deep bite, open bite, and crowding.

Randomization method

Three districts were randomly allocated to three study groups by drawing lots.

Blinding

It was not possible to blind the clinicians or parents from the intervention. Blinding during data analysis was performed.

Results

From the original cohort of 2715 children born in the town of Vantaa, 1911 were excluded and 353 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 451 children were divided into three groups according to the use of pacifiers. The prevalence of posterior crossbite at the age of 7 years was higher if a non-study pacifier had been used (P = .005) even when matched for the mother’s level of education (P = .029). The prevalence of posterior crossbite was higher if the pacifier habit had continued for 12 months or more compared to 11 months or less, 7% and 1%, respectively, (P = .003). Digit sucking for 12 months or more was associated with crowding (P = .016). The prevalence of crossbite in the study pacifier group was less than in control pacifiers.

Harms

No adverse harms were reported other than effects on the dentition.

Conclusion

The use of pacifiers is associated with the posterior crossbite, especially if their use continues for a year or more. Parents/guardians should be advised to stop the use or reduce the use of pacifiers to a minimum after their child’s first birthday.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01854502.
Blood pressure response to graded bicycle exercise in males and females across the age and fitness spectrum
Authors: Janssens Kristel , Foulkes Stephen J , Mitchell Amy M , Dausin Christophe , Van Soest Sofie , Spencer Luke , Rowe Stephanie J , D’Ambrosio Paolo , Elliott Adrian D , Van Puyvelde Tim , Parr Evelyn B , Willems Rik , Heidbuchel Hein , Claessen Guido , La Gerche Andre
Published: August 2024

Aims

Blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise are frequently measured, with the concern that greater increases are a marker of disease. We sought to characterize the normal exercise BP response in healthy adults and its relationships with age, sex, and fitness.

Methods and results

Five hundred and eighty-nine participants [median age 46 (interquartile range 24–56) years, 81% male] underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with repeated, automated BP measures. An exaggerated maximal systolic BP (SBPmax) was defined from current guidelines as ≥210 mmHg in males and ≥190 mmHg in females. Individual linear regression analyses defined the relationship between BP and workload (W; SBP/W-slope and DBP/W-slope). Participants with or without an exaggerated SBPmax and above- or below-median SBP/W-slope were compared. An exaggerated SBPmax was found in 51% of males and 64% of females and was more prevalent in endurance-trained athletes (males 58%, females 72%, P < 0.001). The mean SBP/W-slope was lower in males (0.24 ± 0.10 mmHg/W) than females (0.27 ± 0.12 mmHg/W, P = 0.031). In both sexes, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was inversely correlated with SBP/W-slope (P < 0.01). Those with an exaggerated SBPmax and below-median SBP/W-slope were 10 years younger and had a 20% higher VO2peak, on average (P < 0.001). A non-exaggerated SBPmax and above-median SBP/W-slope was observed in older individuals with the lowest VO2peak.

Conclusion

In a large cohort of healthy individuals, an exaggerated SBPmax was common and associated with higher fitness. In contrast, higher SBP indexed to W was associated with older age, lower fitness, and female sex. Thus, sex, age, and fitness should be considered when evaluating BP response to exercise.

Registration

Pro@Heart: NCT05164328, ACTRN12618000716268; ProAFHeart: ACTRN12618000711213; Master@Heart: NCT03711539
Exploring modes of microbial interactions with implications for methane cycling
Authors: Brenzinger Kristof , Glatter Timo , Hakobyan Anna , Meima-Franke Marion , Zweers Hans , Liesack Werner , Bodelier Paul L E
Published: August 2024

Methanotrophs are the sole biological sink of methane. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by heterotrophic bacteria have been demonstrated to be a potential modulating factor of methane consumption. Here, we identify and disentangle the impact of the volatolome of heterotrophic bacteria on the methanotroph activity and proteome, using Methylomonas as model organism. Our study unambiguously shows how methanotrophy can be influenced by other organisms without direct physical contact. This influence is mediated by VOCs (e.g. dimethyl-polysulphides) or/and CO2 emitted during respiration, which can inhibit growth and methane uptake of the methanotroph, while other VOCs had a stimulating effect on methanotroph activity. Depending on whether the methanotroph was exposed to the volatolome of the heterotroph or to CO2, proteomics revealed differential protein expression patterns with the soluble methane monooxygenase being the most affected enzyme. The interaction between methanotrophs and heterotrophs can have strong positive or negative effects on methane consumption, depending on the species interacting with the methanotroph. We identified potential VOCs involved in the inhibition while positive effects may be triggered by CO2 released by heterotrophic respiration. Our experimental proof of methanotroph–heterotroph interactions clearly calls for detailed research into strategies on how to mitigate methane emissions.
Analysis of transcriptional response in haploid and diploid Schizosaccharomyces pombe under genotoxic stress
Authors: Park Joshua M , Forsburg Susan L
Published: August 2024

Whole genome duplications are implicated in genome instability and tumorigenesis. Human and yeast polyploids exhibit increased replication stress and chromosomal instability, both hallmarks of cancer. In this study, we investigate the transcriptional response of Schizosaccharomyces pombe to increased ploidy generally, and in response to treatment with the genotoxin methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). We find that treatment of MMS induces upregulation of genes involved in general response to genotoxins, in addition to cell cycle regulatory genes. Downregulated genes are enriched in transport and sexual reproductive pathways. We find that the diploid response to MMS is muted compared to the haploid response, although the enriched pathways remain largely the same. Overall, our data suggests that the global S. pombe transcriptome doubles in response to increased ploidy but undergoes modest transcriptional changes in both unperturbed and genotoxic stress conditions.
Reduction of ribosomal expansion segments in yeast species of the Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete clade
Authors: Brázdovič Filip , Brejová Broňa , Siváková Barbara , Baráth Peter , Kerák Filip , Hodorová Viktória , Vinař Tomáš , Tomáška Ľubomír , Nosek Jozef
Published: August 2024

Ribosomes are ribonucleoprotein complexes highly conserved across all domains of life. The size differences of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) can be mainly attributed to variable regions termed expansion segments (ESs) protruding out from the ribosomal surface. The ESs were found to be involved in a range of processes including ribosome biogenesis and maturation, translation, and co-translational protein modification. Here, we analyze the rRNAs of the yeasts from the Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete clade belonging to the basal lineages of the subphylum Saccharomycotina. We find that these yeasts are missing more than 400 nt from the 25S rRNA and 150 nt from the 18S rRNAs when compared to their canonical counterparts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The missing regions mostly map to ESs, thus representing a shift toward a minimal rRNA structure. Despite the structural changes in rRNAs, we did not identify dramatic alterations of the ribosomal protein inventories. We also show that the size-reduced rRNAs are not limited to the species of the Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete clade, indicating that the shortening of ESs happened independently in several other lineages of the subphylum Saccharomycotina.
Revisiting Martian seismicity with deep learning-based denoising
Authors: Dahmen Nikolaj , Clinton John , Stähler Simon , Meier Men-Andrin , Ceylan Savas , Euchner Fabian , Kim Doyeon , Horleston Anna , Durán Cecilia , Zenhäusern Géraldine , Charalambous Constantinos , Kawamura Taichi , Giardini Domenico
Published: August 2024

The analysis of seismic events recorded by NASA’s InSight seismometer remains challenging, given their commonly low magnitudes and large epicentral distances, and concurrently, strongly varying background noise. These factors collectively result in low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) across most event recordings. We use a deep learning denoising approach to mitigate the noise contamination, aiming to enhance the data analysis and the seismic event catalogue. Our systematic tests demonstrate that denoising performs comparable to fine-tuned bandpass filtering at high SNRs, but clearly outperforms it at low SNRs with respect to accurate waveform and amplitude retrieval, as well as onset picking. We review the denoised waveform data of all 98 low-frequency events in the Marsquake Service catalogue version 14, and improve their location when possible through the identification of phase picks and backazimuths, while ensuring consistency with the raw data. We demonstrate that several event waveforms can be explained by marsquake doublets—two similarly strong quakes in spatio-temporal proximity that result in overlapping waveforms at InSight—and we locate them in Cerberus Fossae (CF). Additionally, we identify and investigate aftershocks and an event sequence consisting of numerous relatively high magnitude marsquakes occurring within hours at epicentral distances beyond CF. As a result of this review and interpretation, we extend the catalogue in event numbers ($+$8 per cent), in events with epicentral distances and magnitudes ($+$50 per cent), and events with backazimuths and a resulting full locations ($+$46 per cent), leading to a more comprehensive description of Martian seismicity.
Populism, Research Integrity, and Trust. How Science-Related Populist Beliefs Shape the Relationship Between Ethical Conduct and Trust in Scientists
Authors: Zillich Arne Freya , Schlütz Daniela , Roehse Eva-Maria , Möhring Wiebke , Link Elena
Published: August 2024

Science-related populism is often used to undermine public trust in science. Good scientific practice contributes to public trust in science, whereas misconduct promotes public skepticism. Since research ethics are a vital part of research integrity, we argue that ethical misconduct potentially undermines trust in scientists, particularly among people with populist beliefs. Drawing on a quota sample of German citizens (N = 1,321), the experimental study examines the influence of ethical conduct on trust in scientists, moderated by science-related populist beliefs. More specifically, we tested the influence of experimental deception (with and without debriefing) using a vignette design. The results of our study showed that ethical misconduct is negatively associated with trust in scientists. In addition, the relationship between ethical misconduct and trust in scientists was influenced by both science-related populist beliefs and science literacy. Although people with high science-related populist beliefs generally placed less trust in scientists, the negative effect was even more pronounced for people with low science-related populist beliefs. Our findings further revealed that ethical misconduct reduces trust in science among people with both low and high science literacy. This demonstrates the importance of researchers transparently discussing and reflecting on ethical research conduct to promote trust in scientists.
Insurance Voting in the Centre: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Fredén Annika , Bruinsma Bastiaan , Theorin Nora , Oscarsson Henrik
Published: August 2024

Recent research suggests that to help their preferred coalition win an election, voters are willing to vote for a political party other than their preferred choice. In this field, voting for smaller parties under proportional representation is an under-studied feature. A crucial factor to estimate the chances for smaller parties is polls. In this study, we analyze the influence of opinion polls on switching vote choice to a smaller party when the party polls are at different levels. Building on an original survey experiment, we elaborate the potential differences in impact on insurance voting for a small party with looser or stronger association with a government alternative. The focus is the 2022 Swedish general election and the three smallest parties in parliament: the Green Party (center-left), the Christian Democrats (right), and the Liberals (center-right). The experiment had nine different conditions where each of these parties was placed at different levels of opinion: below, at, and above the parliamentary threshold, while holding all other factors constant. We find that poll-induced insurance voting is most prevalent for the party with the strongest preference for a government alternative (the Christian Democrats) and least prevalent for the party with a more issue-focused stance (the Greens).
Plasmid-mediated azithromycin resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella recovered from human infections
Authors: Zhang Xi-Wei , Song Jing-Jie , Zeng Shi-Han , Huang Yu-Lan , Luo Jia-Jun , Guo Wei-Long , Li Xiao-Yan
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Mechanisms of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) resistance to azithromycin have rarely been reported. Here we investigate the epidemiology and genetic features of 10 azithromycin-resistant NTS isolates.

Methods

A total of 457 NTS isolates were collected from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou. We performed antimicrobial susceptibility tests, conjugation experiments, efflux pump expression tests, whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to conduct the study.

Results

The results showed that 10 NTS isolates (2.8%) were resistant to azithromycin with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 128 to 512 mg/L and exhibited multidrug resistance. The phylogenetic tree revealed that 5 S. London isolates (AR1–AR5) recognized at different times and departments were closely related [3–74 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] and 2 S. Typhimurium isolates (AR7 and AR8) were clones (<3 SNPs) at 3-month intervals. The azithromycin resistance was conferred by mph(A) gene found on different plasmids, including IncFIB, IncHI2, InFII, IncC and IncI plasmids. Among them, IncFIB, InFII and IncHI2 plasmids carried different IS26-class 1 integron (intI1) arrangement patterns that mediated multidrug resistance transmission. Conjugative IncC plasmid encoded resistance to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that mph(A)-positive plasmids closely related to 10 plasmids in this study were mainly discovered from NTS, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterobacter hormaechei. The genetic environment of mph(A) in 10 NTS isolates was IS26-mph(A)-mrx(A)-mphR(A)-IS6100/IS26 that co-arranged with intI1 harbour multidrug-resistant (MDR) gene cassettes on diverse plasmids.

Conclusions

These findings highlighted that the dissemination of these plasmids carrying mph(A) and various intI1 MDR gene cassettes would seriously restrict the availability of essential antimicrobial agents for treating NTS infections.