bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of nutrient omission on grain and biomass yield of irrigated wheat (triticum aestivum) in Sekota district, Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebnie Workat , Melak Ewunetie , Lamesgn Haymanot
Published: November 2024

The Ethiopian government has recently imported and distributed multi-nutrient fertilizers for farmers’ use without sufficient research findings. Hence, selecting the appropriate fertilizers based on the actual limiting plant nutrients is crucial for providing timely policy direction to import only fertilizers that could limit crop yield. A field study was carried out to identify the yield-limiting plant nutrients for wheat under irrigation at two farmer’s fields in the Woleh irrigation scheme of the Amhara region of Ethiopia in the 2022 irrigation season. A total of nine treatments, including control, NPSKZnB (all), NPSKZn (all-B), NPSKB (all-Zn), NPKZnB (all-S), NPSZnB (all-K), NKSZnB (all-P), PKSZnB (all-N), and RNP (all-KSZnB), were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCRD) with three replications. The Kekeba wheat variety was used as a test crop. The collected grain and biomass yield data were analyzed using R software, following the procedure. The results showed that fertilizer application significantly affected wheat grain yield. The highest grain yield (4443.5 kg ha−1) was obtained from NPKZnB (All-S) treatment, though this was not statistically different from the yield achieved with the recommended NP treatment. While the lowest grain yield was obtained from the control and nitrogen omitted treatment. There was no significant difference between and among the treatments except control, all-N, and all-P. The grain yield was reduced by 3181.6 kg ha−1 when N was omitted and 1817.8 kg ha−1 when P was omitted over all-S (NPKZnB). This showed that nitrogen and phosphorous are yield-limiting plant nutrients for wheat under irrigation in the study area. Therefore, the government should give emphasis to nitrogen- and phosphorous-containing fertilizers to increase wheat yield.
Cepstrum-driven modulated empirical wavelet transform and its application in bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Zhenming , Lu Shaohua , Dai Bing
Published: November 2024

Empirical wavelet transform (EWT) has a complete theoretical support and can adaptively separate modes with different characteristics from the frequency domain. Signal decomposition and mode extraction based on the empirical wavelet transform can obtain more accurate components. This paper proposes a modulated empirical wavelet transform driven by cepstrum under the basic framework of traditional EWT method. The most innovative point of this paper is to use the characteristics of cepstrum to update the waveform of trend spectrum and realize the function of separating different modes. The filtering process constructs filter banks covering the entire frequency band based on scaling functions and empirical wavelets. In order to enhance the fault characteristics from the filtering components, the amplitude of its spectrum was modulated based on the Fourier transform characteristics. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by using simulation signals and experimental signals provided by Case Western Reserve University.
Diffusion
Authors: Ballesteros Bernardo
Published: November 2024

The chapter concludes the first part of the book by asking what the historical relation is between Babylonian and Greek divine assemblies. It discusses potential receptions of Near Eastern divine assemblies in Greek epic, arguing that the indigenous context is sufficient to account for parallels in poetic technique (§1). To strengthen the possibility of polygenesis, the chapter turns to divine assemblies in distant traditions (§2), within both Indo-European (Old Norse, Sanskrit) and unrelated areas (Polynesian, Aztec). By returning to the Near East, and specifically to Anatolia and the Levant, including Ugarit and the Hebrew Bible (§3), the chapter aims at a synthesis between polygenesis and diffusion informed by a large-scale consideration of mythographic and historico-literary evidence. Greek speakers are unlikely to have inherited the divine assembly from the Near East, but one can posit a long-term process of oral contact and communication fostered by common poetic structures and religious affinities.
Cosmic Order
Authors: Ballesteros Bernardo
Published: November 2024

The chapter studies the power of Zeus in the divine assemblies of the Iliad (§1) and the Odyssey (§2), and offers a comparative synthesis between early Greek and Sumero-Akkadian concepts of divine rule, reciprocity and fixed destiny (§3). Homer’s divine assemblies offer a coherent and sometimes underappreciated picture of Zeus’ rule. Through cunning and force, Zeus is ultimately successful in governing a complex system of prerogatives and honours, both in the turbulent Iliadic context, and in the relatively tranquil divine universe of the Odyssey. The picture confirms the essentially relational (as opposed to metaphysical) nature of divine power emerging from Greek epos, which comparison with the Mesopotamian corpus started to throw into relief in previous chapters. The higher degree of institutionalization of the Babylonian divine assembly, whose ruler is comparatively weak, contrasts with the more fluid divine politics of Greek epos, which Zeus alone can stabilize.
Divine Counsel
Authors: Ballesteros Bernardo
Published: November 2024

The final chapter seeks to connect concepts about the gods to socio-political discourses concerning the human realm. It argues that Zeus’ rule is construed in ideal opposition to the political instability permeating the heroic world of Greek epos. This contrasts with Mesopotamian conceptions, where the mythological weakness of the divine ruler corresponds to a strongly centralized kingship institution in the historical record (§1). To explain these refractions, the chapter explores Mesopotamian intellectual discourses on power in connection to mythological poetry. It discusses limits encountered in historicizing Babylonian narrative poetry (§2); theologies of Enki/Ea, the god of wisdom and craft, and the divine adviser, who represents the linchpin between intellectual discourse and mythological poetry (§3); Ea in relation to intellectuals, poets and human advisers throughout Mesopotamian history (§4). The chapter concludes with a recapitulation of significant similarities and differences in the two corpora regarding divine power and poetics (§5).
Thediscidium-cycle
Authors: Franklinos T E
Published: November 2024

This chapter treats what one might call the discidium-cycle (3.15–25). Here Propertius, as poeta–amator, elaborates on the seafaring metaphor seen earlier in the book with a view to breaking free from his relationship with his beloved Cynthia and from the confines of amatory elegy (notably in 3.21), but he remains bound up in the amorous discourse and repetitive poetics that he has fashioned for himself in his poems; indeed, the elegist seems trapped by the language and themes that constitute the sphere from which he repeatedly fails to escape. In 3.24–5, Propertius acknowledges that his beloved is a construct and that he wishes to escape from their relationship and thus from the amatory elegy that she has embodied. His attempts at beginning a new relationship (3.20) and of undermining the premises of his and Cynthia’s one (3.15, 3.23) are unable to succeed until the book’s end.
Crowdsourced Assessment of Aesthetic Outcomes of Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty
Authors: Alford Jake A , McCleary Sean , Roostaeian Jason
Published: November 2024

Background

The inherent subjectivity in aesthetic outcomes presents a unique challenge in assessing rhinoplasty. Crowdsourcing has provided a new metric for objective analysis. The authors designed a retrospective study to compare the aesthetic outcomes of dorsal preservation rhinoplasty vs structural rhinoplasty.

Objectives

We aimed to objectively quantify the relative aesthetic advantages of performing a dorsal preservation technique. Additionally, we aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of crowdsourcing as an efficient and reliable method for evaluating any plastic surgery aesthetic outcome.

Methods

Patients’ preoperative and postoperative photographs were divided into 2 cohorts. Photographs were evaluated by crowdworkers on a secure online rating platform based on the overall nasal appearance, dorsal profile, dorsal aesthetic line symmetry, and dorsal contour, and rated their confidence about whether a patient had undergone surgery. A delta was calculated by comparing preoperative to postoperative states to represent an absolute value of improvement after surgery. Each cohort was compared with non-paired t tests.

Results

The structural rhinoplasty cohort included 34 patients. The dorsal preservation cohort included 30 patients. Both cohorts demonstrated improved aesthetic outcomes (dorsal preservation 0.300, 95% CI 0.047; structural 0.377, 95% CI 0.055). When raters were asked to predict whether a patient had surgery, the correlation coefficient of the structural cohort (0.74) suggested that a crowdworker was better able to identify whether a patient had surgery in those patients. The correlation coefficient in the dorsal preservation cohort (−0.0554) suggested that the raters were unable to identify which patients had surgery.

Conclusions

We found significant improvements in overall aesthetic outcomes with both techniques, although a more natural “unoperated” outcome was achieved when performing a dorsal preservation technique. We also provide evidence of the efficacy of crowdsourcing as an efficient and reliable method for evaluating aesthetic outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
Insight into the post-translational modifications in pregnancy and related complications
Authors: Yin Yangxue , Liao Lingyun , Xu Qin , Xie Shuangshuang , Yuan Liming , Zhou Rong
Published: November 2024

Successful pregnancy is dependent on a number of essential events, including embryo implantation, decidualization, and placentation. Failure of the above process may lead to pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction, may affect 15% of pregnancies, and lead to increased mortality and morbidity of pregnant women and perinatal infants, as well as the occurrence of short-term and long-term diseases. These complications have distinct etiology and pathogenesis, and the present comprehension is still lacking. Post-translational modifications are important events in epigenetics, altering the properties of proteins through protein hydrolysis or the addition of modification groups to one or more amino acids, with different modification states regulating subcellular localization, protein degradation, protein–protein interaction, signal transduction, and gene transcription. In this review, we focus on the impact of various post-translational modifications on the progress of embryo and placenta development and pregnancy-related complications, which will provide important experimental bases for exploring new insights into the physiology of pregnancy and pathogenesis associated with pregnancy complications.
List of critical drugs in dermatology: results of a Delphi consensus in France
Authors: Chaby Guillaume , Barbarot Sébastien , Corgibet Florence , Dauendorffer Jean Noel , Jouan Nicole , Reverte Marc , Honoré Stéphane , Quereux Gaëlle , Chosidow Olivier ,   the Centre of Evidence of the French Society of Dermatology, Adamski Henri , Amici Jean-Michel , Bataille Mathieu , Bernier Claire , Barry Marie Beylot , Lallement Priscille Carvalho , Caucanas Marie , Caux Frédéric , Chosidow Olivier , Cinotti Elisa , Cordel Nadège , Crepin Jean-Charles , Davaine Anne-Céline , Duong Tu Anh , Dutriaux Caroline , Fauconneau Antoine , Gourhant Jean-Yves , Huet Pascale , Jegou Marie Hélène , Jullien Denis , Le Duff Florence , Lenormand Cédric , Lok Catherine , Roy Elisabeth Lorier , Ly Sandra , Bonnet Josefina Marco , Maruani Annabel , Milpied Brigitte , Misery Laurent , Nicolas Christèle , Ollivier Isabelle , Oro Saskia , Pannequin Catherine , Pepin Eve , Petit Antoine , Roland Antoinette Petit , Plantier Daniel , Quereux Gaëlle , Richard Marie-Aleth , Samimi Mahtab , Schollhammer Martine , Sei Jean-François , Staumont Delphine , Beauger Davy , Felker Gwendoline , Albaladejo Pierre
Published: November 2024

Drug shortages have increased in recent years, and every country worldwide has been affected. The French Ministry of Health asked various scientific societies to establish a list of ‘critical’ drugs for each specialty. The aim of this list is to enable the public authorities to control the chain of production and guarantee the availability of drugs. We present the list of critical dermatological drugs, which is the result of a strong consensus between all representative entities of the French Society of Dermatology.
Basal cell carcinoma of the neophallus: an emerging complication of gender-affirming surgery
Authors: Altayeb Alla , Nielsen-Scott Anna , Chandler David
Published: November 2024

This article discussed basal cell carcinoma of the neophallus (neopenis) as an emerging complication of gender-affirming surgery.
Human FCHO1 deficiency: review of the literature and additional two cases
Authors: Özdemiral Cansu , Yaz Ismail , Esenboga Saliha , Nabiyeva Cevik Nadira , Bildik Hacer Neslihan , Kilic Mehmet , Tezcan Ilhan , Cagdas Deniz
Published: November 2024

F-BAR domain only protein 1 (FCHO1) contributes as a critical component to an essential cellular process, clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis involves cellular membrane invagination followed by cargo protein recruitment and adaptor protein assembly to form endocytic vesicles and maintains several cellular functions, such as signaling, differentiation, nutrition, absorption, and secretion. We aimed to determine the clinical/immunological findings of FCHO1 deficiency to generate an appropriate medical approach. We present clinical/immunological/genetic findings of two FCHO1 deficiency patients together with recently reported 17 patients. We found two different variants in the patients, one previously defined and one novel homozygous mutation [c.306C > A (p.Tyr102Ter)]. Recurrent sinopulmonary infections occurred in all patients, with viral (63.1%) and fungal (52.6%) infections frequently reported. Lymphopenia and CD4 + T cell lymphopenia are present in 77.7% (14/18) and 100% of patients, respectively. CD8+ T cell number is low in half. Hypogammaglobulinemia and low IgM are present in 83.3% (15/18) and 61.1% (11/18) of patients, respectively. Neurological disorders (Guillian–Barre Syndrome, Moya-Moya disease, encephalitis, and cranial infarction) are common [n = 6 (31.5%)]. Malignancy is present in four (21%) patients, three suffered from diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and one developed Hodgkin lymphoma. Additional clinical and laboratory results from more patients helped to define the characteristics of FCHO1 deficiency. The early application of molecular genetic analysis in CID patients is crucial. Since all transplanted patients were alive, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation emerged as a potential curative therapy.
The B-cells paradigm in systemic sclerosis: an update on pathophysiology and B-cell-targeted therapies
Authors: Scaletti Cristina , Pratesi Sara , Bellando Randone Silvia , Di Pietro Linda , Campochiaro Corrado , Annunziato Francesco , Matucci Cerinic Marco
Published: November 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is considered a rare autoimmune disease in which there are alterations of both the innate and adaptive immune response resulting in the production of autoantibodies. Abnormalities of the immune system compromise the normal function of blood vessels leading to a vasculopathy manifested by Raynaud’s phenomenon, an early sign of SSc . As a consequence of this reactive picture, the disease can evolve leading to tissue fibrosis. Several SSc-specific autoantibodies are currently known and are associated with specific clinical manifestations and prognosis. Although the pathogenetic role of these autoantibodies is still unclear, their production by B cells and plasma cells suggests the importance of these cells in the development of SSc. This review narratively examines B-cell dysfunctions and their role in the pathogenesis of SSc and discusses B-cell-targeted therapies currently used or potentially useful for the management of end-organ complications.
New workflow for the structure elucidation of trace amount natural products with microgram-scale crystalline sponge method: a scaled-down genome-mining study
Authors: Park Chieon , Mitsuhashi Takaaki , Wada Naoki , Kikuchi Takashi , Fujita Makoto
Published: November 2024

Genome mining, an effective approach to natural product discovery, often requires large-scale cultivation (several to dozens of liters). Here, we demonstrate that the crystalline sponge method significantly reduces the cultivation scale as the method requires only a microgram quantity of an analyte. Prior to the NMR study, we directly addressed the X-ray structure of a natural product from a terpene synthase, which was heterologously expressed by only a 25-mL scale cultivation.
Pre-emptive use of glucose 5% as the standard drug solvent reduces hypernatremia in critically ill patients
Authors: Hardenberg Jan-Hendrik B , Kunz Julius Valentin , Rubarth Kerstin , Mittermaier Mirja , Pigorsch Mareen , Balzer Felix , Witzenrath Martin , Hinz Ricarda Merle , Körner Roland , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Knauf Felix , Hinrichs Carl , Enghard Philipp
Published: November 2024

Background

Hypernatremia presents a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, associated with increased mortality and length of stay. This study investigates the effect of sodium chloride 0.9% compared with glucose 5% solution as the standard intravenous drug diluent on the prevalence of hypernatremia in a medical ICU.

Methods

This is a retrospective before-and-after study comparing two consecutive patient groups before and after the standard drug solvent was changed from sodium chloride 0.9% to glucose 5% solution for compatible medications. A total of 265 adult COVID-19 patients admitted between October 2020 and March 2021 to the study ICU were included, with 161 patients in the timeframe when sodium chloride 0.9% was employed as the standard drug solvent and 104 patients when glucose 5% was used. Routine sodium measurements from arterial and venous blood gases, along with heparinized lithium plasma, were analyzed. The daily sodium concentrations and the prevalence of severe hypernatremia (>150 mmol/l) were assessed during the first 8 days after ICU admission.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The cumulative volume of intravenous drug diluents was comparable. In the glucose 5% group, about half of the total drug diluent volume was glucose 5% [mean (SD): 2251.6 (2355.4) ml], compared to 135.0 (746.9) ml (P < .001) in the control group. Average sodium concentrations diverged after day two, with the glucose 5% group consistently showing lower sodium levels (mean difference of ∼2.5 mmol/l). Severe hypernatremia occurred less frequently in the glucose 5% group (6.6% vs. 20%).

Conclusion

Glucose 5% solution as the standard intravenous drug solvent significantly reduced sodium concentrations and the occurrence of severe hypernatremia. This simple modification in solvent choice may serve as a preventive strategy against hypernatremia in the ICU. Further prospective research is necessary to determine associated clinical outcomes.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00031877).
Neuroimmune cross-talk in heart failure
Authors: Montuoro Sabrina , Gentile Francesco , Giannoni Alberto
Published: November 2024

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance and low-grade chronic inflammation. The bidirectional relationship between the ANS and immune system (IS) is named ‘neuroimmune cross-talk’ (NICT) and is based on common signaling molecules, receptors, and pathways. NICT may be altered in HF, and neuroinflammation seems to be a main driver of HF progression.

In HF, heightened sympathetic nerve activity triggers inflammatory cascades that lead to cardiomyocyte death and myocardial interstitial fibrosis. Concurrently, parasympathetic withdrawal may impair the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, with a less effective immune response to infections or inflammatory events. Additionally, microglial activation and inflammatory molecules contribute to autonomic imbalance by acting on central nuclei and peripheral visceral feedbacks, which in turn promote adverse cardiac remodeling, HF decompensation, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, neuroinflammation has been identified as a potential target for treatment.

Pharmacological antagonism of the neurohormonal system remains the cornerstone of chronic HF therapy. While some drugs used in HF management may have additional benefits due to their anti-inflammatory properties, clinical trials targeting inflammation in patients with HF have so far produced inconclusive results. Nevertheless, considering the pathophysiological relevance of NICT, its modulation seems an appealing strategy to optimize HF management. Current research is therefore investigating novel pharmacological targets for anti-inflammatory drugs, and the immunomodulatory properties of denervation approaches and bioelectronic medicine devices targeting NICT and neuroinflammation in HF.

A deeper understanding of the complex relationship between the ANS and IS, as outlined in this review, could therefore facilitate the design of future studies aimed at improving outcomes by targeting NICT in patients with HF.
Factors influencing the cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus with low-grade dysplasia in Australia
Authors: Caush Lauren , Church Jody , Goodall Stephen , Lord Reginald V
Published: November 2024

Endoscopic eradication therapy using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered an acceptable alternative to surveillance monitoring for Barrett’s esophagus with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). This study aimed to estimate whether RFA for LGD is cost-effective and to determine which factors influence cost-effectiveness. A Markov model was developed to estimate the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for RFA compared with endoscopic surveillance. An Australian longitudinal cohort study (PROBE-NET) provides the basis of the model. Replacing surveillance with RFA yields 10 fewer cases of HGD and 9 fewer esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)-related deaths per 1000 patients’ treatment, given on average 0.192 QALYs at an additional cost of AU$9211 (€5689; US$6262) per patient (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio AU$47,815 per QALY). The model is sensitive to the rate of EAC from LGD health state, the utility values, and the number of RFA sessions. Hence, the incremental benefit ranges from 0.080 QALYs to 0.198 QALYs leading to uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness estimates. When the cancerous progression rate of LGD falls <0.47% per annum, the cost-effectiveness of RFA becomes questionable. RFA treatment of LGD provides significantly better clinical outcomes than surveillance. The additional cost of RFA is acceptable if the LGD to EAC rate is >0.47% per annum and no more than three RFA treatment sessions are provided. Accurate estimates of the risk of developing EAC in patients with LGD are needed to validate the analyses.
Labor Market Participation and Income in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Onset Before Young Adulthood—The Role of Disease Severity and Mental Health
Authors: Rasmussen Julie , Nørgård Bente Mertz , Bøggild Henrik , Qvist Niels , Everhov Åsa H , Malmborg Petter , Nielsen Rasmus Gaardskær , Brund René Børge Korsgaard , Fonager Kirsten
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Only few studies have examined the socioeconomic consequences of being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in childhood or youth. Disease severity has been linked to lower earnings, but little attention has been paid to comorbid mental health conditions. The aim is to examine labor market participation (LMP) and income in patients with IBD onset in childhood or youth and examine how disease severity and mental health conditions affect LMP.

Methods

In this register-based cohort study, we included patients with IBD onset before 25 years of age and matched comparators. We estimated the relative risk (RR) of having low LMP and the median yearly income from ages 26 to 30. RR of low LMP was also assessed in subgroups of patients based on disease severity (severe/nonsevere) and mental health conditions (yes/no).

Results

A total of 3398 patients with IBD and 28 207 comparators were included. Overall, patients with IBD more often had low LMP (16.4% vs 14.4% in comparators), but slightly higher income (median yearly income difference at age 30: 1141 Euro [95% CI, 483-1798]). In subgroup analyses, only patients with severe IBD had a higher risk of low LMP (RR: 1.46 [95% CI, 1.23-1.72]), whereas patients with nonsevere IBD did not. Among patients with severe disease and mental health conditions, 46% had low LMP (RR: 5.03 [95% CI, 4.38-5.78]).

Conclusions

Patients with IBD more often had low LMP, but their income was not affected. The subgroup of patients with severe disease and mental health conditions had the highest risk of low LMP.
Takotsubo syndrome induced by de novo left bundle branch area pacing: a case report
Authors: Thaitirarot Chokanan , Sze Shirley , Hafez Ahmed , Rajendra Raj , Ibrahim Mokhtar
Published: November 2024

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TS), traditionally associated with emotional or physical stressors, manifests as transient left ventricular (LV) abnormalities mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Surgical procedures, such as pacemaker implantation, have emerged as potential TS triggers. Conduction system pacing (CSP), including His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), is a novel technique utilizing the heart's intrinsic conduction system. Despite documented cases of TS post-pacemaker implantation, the literature exploring the association between CSP and TS remains sparse.

Case summary

In a case involving a 62-year-old woman with 2:1 atrioventricular block, an uncomplicated de novo LBBAP procedure was followed by post-procedural dizziness and dyspnoea. An initial transthoracic echocardiography revealed moderate–severe LV dysfunction, accompanied by elevated troponin levels. Coronary angiography showed unobstructed coronary arteries, while left ventriculography exhibited a classic apical ballooning. The patient had a favourable recovery, with LV function improvement noted before discharge.

Discussion

Takotsubo syndrome may be triggered by other non-traditional physical stressors including traditional RV pacing and LBBAP. Clinicians should be aware of this potential, albeit rare, complication of LBBAP to ensure timely recognition and management. Increased awareness is vital for optimizing patient care during CSP procedures.
Subaortic pannus causing complete outlet obstruction after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement in a patient with left ventricular assist device: a case report
Authors: Krishnaswamy Rohan Joshua , Sivasubramaniam Vanathi , Robson Desiree , Hayward Christopher Simon , Muthiah Kavitha
Published: November 2024

Background

Subaortic pannus formation complicates bioprosthetic aortic valve (AV) replacement. We report an extreme case in a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patient.

Case summary

A 49-year-old Caucasian female with dilated cardiomyopathy was bridged to transplant with a HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (Medtronic). Duration of support was prolonged, 6 years & 7 months, due to allosensitization requiring desensitization. Pump thrombosis occurred 2 years & 4 months post-LVAD requiring alteplase thrombolysis. The patient underwent bioprosthetic AV replacement 3 years & 10 months post-LVAD for symptomatic aortic incompetence. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed 1 year and 2 years post-bioprosthetic AV replacement repeatedly demonstrated an AV closed during all cardiac cycles without incompetence and nil flow through the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Following transplant, analysis of explanted heart revealed a fused AV. A pannus adherent to the underside of the AV had formed across the entire AV outlet, with complete obliteration of LVOT. This subaortic pannus was not visualized on previous TTE. Histologically, the pannus consisted of hypocellular fibrous tissue with chronic inflammatory cells, spindle histiocytes, and myofibroblasts scattered throughout the loose fibromyxoid stroma, the latter highlighted on CD68 immunohistochemical stain (IHC). Partial endothelialization on the pannus surface was highlighted on ERG and CD31 IHC. Neither calcification nor signs of acute inflammation were noted. In contrast to previous cases, there was no evidence of associated thrombus macroscopically or microscopically.

Discussion

Prolonged LVAD support may facilitate subaortic pannus following bioprosthetic AV replacement due to AV closure and altered transvalvular flow. Due to the parallel LVAD circulation, subaortic pannus may develop asymptomatically, without haemodynamic compromise, allowing progression to total LVOT obstruction. This requires consideration prior to LVAD explantation in bridge-to-recovery patients.
Constraint on the background stress in the source region of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence based on temporal changes in elastic strain energies and coseismic stress rotation
Authors: Terakawa Toshiko , Asano Kimiyuki , Urata Yumi
Published: November 2024

We investigated the deviatoric stress magnitude of the background stress fields before the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence in Japan based on temporal changes in elastic strain energies caused by the mainshock and coseismic stress rotation. We modelled the six components of background stress fields from stress orientations together with the parameter of effective friction coefficients (μ’ = 0.3, 0.15, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.03) using the 3-D Mohr diagram. We computed the absolute stress fields immediately following the primary events (the largest foreshock and mainshock) of the earthquake sequence by combining coseismic stress change fields with background stress fields. The total amount of elastic strain energy released by the mainshock increased with the effective friction coefficient. Considering the energy balance in which some part of the released energy must be consumed as radiated energy, we understood that the model with μ’ = 0.03 was unrealistic. We also examined the dependence of coseismic stress rotation on the effective friction coefficient. Furthermore, we applied a stress inversion method to moment tensor data of earthquakes to directly estimate coseismic stress rotation. Comparing the theoretical and estimated coseismic stress rotations, we concluded that the models with μ’ = 0.3 and 0.15 were more consistent with the observations than those with μ’ < 0.1. In the reasonable models, the deviatoric stress magnitudes were 37–65 and 39−70 MPa at a depth of 10 km on the northern and southern source faults, respectively.
Chern Numbers of Terminal Threefolds
Authors: Cascini Paolo , Chen Hsin-Ku
Published: November 2024

Let $X$ be a smooth complex projective threefold. We show that if $X_{i}\dashrightarrow X_{i+1}$ is a flip which appears in the $K_{X}$-MMP, then $c_{1}(X_{i})^{3}-c_{1}(X_{i+1})^{3}$ is bounded by a constant depending only on $b_{2}(X)$.
Network dynamics investigation of omics-data-driven circadian-hypoxia crosstalk logical model in gallbladder cancer reveals key therapeutic target combinations
Authors: Singh Aakansha , Dwivedi Anjana
Published: November 2024

Recent findings in cancer research have pointed towards the bidirectional interaction between circadian and hypoxia pathways. However, little is known about their crosstalk mechanism. In this work, we aimed to investigate this crosstalk at a network level utilizing the omics information of gallbladder cancer. Differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis were used for selecting the crucial genes from both the pathways, followed by the construction of a logical crosstalk model using GINsim. Functional circuit identification and node perturbations were then performed. Significant node combinations were used to investigate the temporal behavior of the network through MaBoSS. Lastly, the model was validated using published in vitro experimentations. Four new positive circuits and a new axis viz. BMAL1/ HIF1αβ/ NANOG, responsible for stemness were identified. Through triple node perturbations viz.a. BMAL:CLOCK (KO or E1) + P53 (E1) + HIF1α (KO); b. P53 (E1) + HIF1α (KO) + MYC (E1); and c. HIF1α (KO) + MYC (E1) + EGFR (KO), the model was able to inhibit cancer growth and maintain a homeostatic condition. This work provides an architecture for drug simulation analysis to entrainment circadian rhythm and in vitro experiments for chronotherapy-related studies.

Insight Box. Circadian rhythm and hypoxia are the key dysregulated processes which fuels-up the cancer growth. In the present work we have developed a gallbladder cancer (GBC) specific Boolean model, utilizing the RNASeq data from GBC dataset and tissue specific interactions. This work adequately models the bidirectional nature of interactions previously illustrated in experimental papers showing the effect of hypoxia on dysregulation of circadian rhythm and the influence of this disruption on progression towards metastasis. Through the dynamical study of the model and its response to different perturbations, we report novel triple node combinations that can be targeted to efficiently reduce GBC growth. This network can be used as a generalized framework to investigate different crosstalk pathways linked with cancer progression.
Lived experience and lessons learned from the support of two secondary eye care units to improve cataract surgery and refractive services in two regions of Ethiopia: health system-strengthening support
Authors: Alemu Tsegaye , Seyum Dawit , Tesfaye Samson , Sisay Alemayehu , Wardle Andrew , Sorato Mende Mensa
Published: November 2024

Background

Blindness and poor eyesight are significant public health issues globally and specifically in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, there is limited access to cataract surgery and refractive error treatment centers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of health system support in improving access to eye care services, particularly cataract surgery and refractive error treatment services in two secondary eye care units (SECUs).

Methods

A parallel mixed-lived experience study was conducted in two SECUs. A desk review of relevant project documents and health facility activity reports was performed for quantitative data. The study was conducted from 12 December 2022 to 30 January 2023. A total of 21 in-depth interview participants were included.

Results

Overall, 14 106 cataract surgeries were performed during the pilot project implementation period. Assela Teaching and Referral Hospital Eye Care Unit performed cataract surgery 20–30 times per week. Similarly, Debre Tabor Comprehensive Hospital performed cataract surgery 18–24 times per week. The refractive service of the two SECUs was planned to range from 15–30 to 60 per week, and the refractive services were increased from 50–60 per week in both eye care units.

Conclusions

This project has significantly helped the existing health system achieve the 2030 global target and has improved access to eye care services in selected SECUs. The use of cataract surgery and refractive error performance markedly increased from 0 to 100%.
Innovative perspectives on bacteriocins: advances in classification, synthesis, mode of action, and food industry applications
Authors: Bahrami Sara , Andishmand Hashem , Pilevar Zahra , Hashempour-baltork Fataneh , Torbati Mohammadali , Dadgarnejad Manouchehr , Rastegar Hossein , Mohammadi Seyed Ali , Azadmard-Damirchi Sodeif
Published: November 2024

Bacteriocins, natural antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria, present eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional chemical antimicrobial agents in the food industry. This review provides a comprehensive update on the classification of bacteriocins in food preservation. It highlights the significant industrial potential of pediocin-like and two-peptide bacteriocins, emphasizing chemical synthesis methods like Fmoc-SPPS to meet the demand for bioactive bacteriocins. The review details the mode of action, focusing on mechanisms such as transmembrane potential disruption and pH-dependent effects. Furthermore, it addresses the limitations of bacteriocins in food preservation and explores the potential of nanotechnology-based encapsulation to enhance their antimicrobial efficacy. The benefits of nanoencapsulation, including improved stability, extended antimicrobial spectrum, and enhanced functionality, are underscored. This understanding is crucial for advancing the application of bacteriocins to ensure food safety and quality.
Applying a computer model to evaluate the evolution of resistance by western corn rootworm to multiple Bt traits in transgenic maize
Authors: McCulloch John B , Gassmann Aaron J
Published: November 2024

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of maize in the United States. Transgenic maize producing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been used to manage this pest since 2003. Refuges of non-Bt maize have been used to delay resistance to Bt maize by western corn rootworm, and are planted in conjunction with maize producing single or multiple (i.e., pyramids) Bt toxins. Two Bt toxins, Cry3Bb1 and Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1, were used individually before being combined as a pyramid, at which point resistance had already evolved to Cry3Bb1. Pyramids targeting western corn rootworm therefore contained at least one toxin to which resistance had evolved. Western corn rootworm has now evolved resistance to all four commercially available Bt toxins used for rootworm management. We used laboratory and field-generated data to parameterize a deterministic model to simulate the effectiveness of refuges and Bt pyramids to delay resistance to Bt maize in western corn rootworm. Resistance to the pyramid of Cry3Bb1 with Gpp34/Tpp35Ab1 evolved more rapidly when resistance to Cry3Bb1 was already present. This effect arose when model conditions affecting initial resistance allele frequency, inheritance of resistance, and fitness costs were varied. Generally, resistance evolved faster when initial resistance allele frequencies were higher, inheritance of resistance was nonrecessive, and fitness costs were absent, which is consistent with previous models that simulated resistance evolution. We conclude that new transgenic pyramids should pair novel, independently acting toxins with abundant refuges to minimize the risk of rapid resistance evolution.
The role of external-beam radiotherapy for differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Shikama Naoto , Nakamura Naoki , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: November 2024

The treatment options for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are surgery, thyroid stimulating hormone suppression, radioactive iodine, and multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The role of external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for DTC is controversial because of the lack of randomized controlled trials, but prospective single-arm studies and propensity score matching analyses have shown its efficacy and safety. This review discusses the role of EBRT after resection of gross disease, when there is a high risk of locoregional failure, as well as its role for locoregionally gross recurrent and unresectable disease. As in other tumor sites, EBRT has an important role in the palliative management and local control of patients with metastatic DTC, especially with bone and brain metastases.
Deliberation in online political talk: exploring interactivity, diversity, rationality, and incivility in the public spheres surrounding news vs. satire
Authors: Boukes Mark
Published: November 2024

Political satire is often believed to enrich the public sphere in ways distinct from traditional journalism. This study examines whether deliberative qualities of online political talk in response to satire differ from those in response to regular news or partisan news. The analysis focuses on four normative standards: interactivity, diversity, rationality, and civility. A manual content analysis of YouTube comments (n = 2,447) reveals that the public sphere surrounding political satire shows a notable strength: Less incivility, both in terms of impoliteness and intolerance. Surprisingly, aside from this, satire’s public sphere did not differ much from that of regular news. Comments on partisan news were more opinionated and ideologically diverse. These findings suggest that online political talk prompted by satire is not inferior to that of traditional news. Additionally, this study highlights how the presence of different normative standards is often interconnected.
On the ubiquity of extreme baryon concentrations in the early Universe
Authors: Renzini Alvio
Published: November 2024

Early JWST observations have revealed the ubiquitous presence in the early Universe, up to $z\sim \! 16$, of extreme baryon concentrations, namely forming globular clusters, extremely dense galaxies that may or may not be UV bright, and supermassive black holes in relatively low-mass galaxies. This paper is trying to pinpoint which physical conditions may have favoured the formation of such concentrations, that appear to be very common at high redshifts while their formation being progressively more and more rare at lower redshifts. Building on local globular cluster evidence, it is argued that such conditions can consist in a combination of a ${\sim} \! 10$ Myr extended feedback free time, coupled to low angular-momentum densities in deep local minima of the ISM vorticity field, where baryon concentrations are more likely to form. It is argued that the former condition would follow from more massive stars failing to explode as supernovae, and the latter one from low vorticity prevailing in the early Universe, in contrast to later times with their secular increase of the angular momentum density due to the cumulative effect of tidal interactions.
Integrating Contact Tracing Data to Enhance Outbreak Phylodynamic Inference: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Xie Ruopeng , Adam Dillon C , Hu Shu , Cowling Benjamin J , Gascuel Olivier , Zhukova Anna , Dhanasekaran Vijaykrishna
Published: November 2024

Phylodynamics is central to understanding infectious disease dynamics through the integration of genomic and epidemiological data. Despite advancements, including the application of deep learning to overcome computational limitations, significant challenges persist due to data inadequacies and statistical unidentifiability of key parameters. These issues are particularly pronounced in poorly resolved phylogenies, commonly observed in outbreaks such as SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we conducted a thorough evaluation of PhyloDeep, a deep learning inference tool for phylodynamics, assessing its performance on poorly resolved phylogenies. Our findings reveal the limited predictive accuracy of PhyloDeep (and other state-of-the-art approaches) in these scenarios. However, models trained on poorly resolved, realistically simulated trees demonstrate improved predictive power, despite not being infallible, especially in scenarios with superspreading dynamics, whose parameters are challenging to capture accurately. Notably, we observe markedly improved performance through the integration of minimal contact tracing data, which refines poorly resolved trees. Applying this approach to a sample of SARS-CoV-2 sequences partially matched to contact tracing from Hong Kong yields informative estimates of superspreading potential, extending beyond the scope of contact tracing data alone. Our findings demonstrate the potential for enhancing phylodynamic analysis through complementary data integration, ultimately increasing the precision of epidemiological predictions crucial for public health decision-making and outbreak control.
Direct testing of natural twister ribozymes from over a thousand organisms reveals a broad tolerance for structural imperfections
Authors: McKinley Lauren N , Meyer McCauley O , Sebastian Aswathy , Chang Benjamin K , Messina Kyle J , Albert Istvan , Bevilacqua Philip C
Published: November 2024

Twister ribozymes are an extensively studied class of nucleolytic RNAs. Thousands of natural twisters have been proposed using sequence homology and structural descriptors. Yet, most of these candidates have not been validated experimentally. To address this gap, we developed Cleavage High-Throughput Assay (CHiTA), a high-throughput pipeline utilizing massively parallel oligonucleotide synthesis and next-generation sequencing to test putative ribozymes en masse in a scarless fashion. As proof of principle, we applied CHiTA to a small set of known active and mutant ribozymes. We then used CHiTA to test two large sets of naturally occurring twister ribozymes: over 1600 previously reported putative twisters and ∼1000 new candidate twisters. The new candidates were identified computationally in ∼1000 organisms, representing a massive increase in the number of ribozyme-harboring organisms. Approximately 94% of the twisters we tested were active and cleaved site-specifically. Analysis of their structural features revealed that many substitutions and helical imperfections can be tolerated. We repeated our computational search with structural descriptors updated from this analysis, whereupon we identified and confirmed the first intrinsically active twister ribozyme in mammals. CHiTA broadly expands the number of active twister ribozymes found in nature and provides a powerful method for functional analyses of other RNAs.
EXPRESSO: a multi-omics database to explore multi-layered 3D genomic organization
Authors: Cai Liuyang , Qiao Jun , Zhou Ruixin , Wang Xinyi , Li Yelan , Jiang Lei , Zhou Qiangwei , Li Guoliang , Xu Tao , Feng Yuliang
Published: November 2024

The three-dimensional (3D) organization of the human genome plays a crucial role in gene regulation. EXPloration of Regulatory Epigenome with Spatial and Sequence Observations (EXPRESSO) is a novel multi-omics database for exploration and visualization of multi-layered 3D genomic features across 46 different human tissues. Integrating 1360 3D genomic datasets (Hi-C, HiChIP, ChIA-PET) and 842 1D genomic and transcriptomic datasets (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq) from the same biosample, EXPRESSO provides a comprehensive resource for studying the interplay between 3D genome architecture and transcription regulation. This database offers diverse 3D genomic feature types (compartments, contact matrix, contact domains, stripes as diagonal lines extending from a genomic locus in contact matrix, chromatin loops, etc.) and user-friendly interface for both data exploration and download. Other key features include REpresentational State Transfer application programming interfaces for programmatic access, advanced visualization tools for 3D genomic features and web-based applications that correlate 3D genomic features with gene expression and epigenomic modifications. By providing extensive datasets and tools, EXPRESSO aims to deepen our understanding of 3D genomic architecture and its implications for human health and disease, serving as a vital resource for the research community. EXPRESSO is freely available at https://expresso.sustech.edu.cn.