bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sigmoid sinus diverticulum without pulsatile tinnitus occurring concurrently with chronic otitis media mucosal type
Authors: Kuotsu Ruuzeno , Mallick Ajay , Roy Manaswita , Mukherjee Arundhati
Published: July 2024

Sigmoid sinus diverticulum is a rare vascular anomaly often associated with pulsatile tinnitus. It can occur in cases of chronic otitis media squamous type (unsafe type) due to dehiscence of the sigmoid sinus plate caused by cholesteatoma. The presentation of which is that of pulsatile tinnitus. However, we present an unusual case of sigmoid sinus diverticulum occurring concurrently with chronic otitis media mucosal type (safe type) but in the absence of pulsatile tinnitus. This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges and management of this rare clinical scenario.
Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with congenital afibrinogenaemia reversed after orthotopic liver transplant
Authors: Nikam Vinayak G , Dhakre Vijay Waman , Motwani Kanchan , Chattopadhyay Somnath
Published: July 2024

A woman in her mid-20s, a known case of congenital afibrinogenaemia, presented with abdominal pain and distension. She was diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to Budd-Chiari syndrome. She underwent deceased donor liver transplantation. Preoperatively, her serum fibrinogen level was undetectable and prothrombin time and international normalised ratio (INR) were unrecordable. Intraoperatively, she was given thromboelastography-guided human fibrinogen concentrate. Postoperatively, her fibrinogen, prothrombin time and INR normalised rapidly. This report summarises the rare occurrence of a complication of hypercoagulability (Budd-Chiari syndrome) in the setting of congenital hypocoagulability (congenital afibrinogenaemia). In this report, we discuss the simultaneous management of these two clinical problems and the curative role of liver transplantation.
Factor X deficiency and pregnancy
Authors: Chigateri Seema , Jain Apoorva , Oli Ajay Kumar , Katti Sathyasheelappa Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2024

Factor X (FX) is a vitamin K-dependent enzyme, which acts as an important coagulation factor of coagulation cascade. FX deficiency is an autosomal recessive inherited disease and is often demonstrated in families with consanguity. Pregnancy in women with congenital FX deficiency has been associated with adverse fetal outcomes. We report a case of pregnancy in women with FX deficiency. The patient needed an immediate caesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation because of severe oligohydramnios and fetal distress. FX deficiency during pregnancy was effectively managed, leading to a positive outcome through the optimal utilisation of available resources.
Acute idiopathic mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus managed laparoscopically
Authors: Hare Maia , Salas-Parra Ruben , Neal Jasmin , Patel Vihas
Published: July 2024

Gastric volvulus is an uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction that occurs when the stomach twists along its vertical (organoaxial) or horizontal (mesenteroaxial) axis. Its rarity combined with its non-specific presentation makes gastric volvulus a diagnostic challenge, especially when the volvulus occurs without underlying structural abnormality such as hiatal hernia. The organoaxial type comprises most cases of this rare diagnosis. Few cases of mesenteroaxial volvulus have been reported in children and even fewer in adults. Here, we present a rare case of acute, idiopathic mesenteroaxial volvulus in a patient in his 70s, that was successfully managed laparoscopically.
Unwarranted intrusion of odontogenic cyst into the maxillary antrum
Authors: Giri Umamaheswari , Kuppusami Bhuvanesh , Arumugam Santha Devy , Nagaraj Vezhavendhan
Published: July 2024

During the early growth phase, every individual is involved in a prolonged series of developmental processes in the maxillofacial region. Formation of cysts associated with such three-dimensional growth of the maxillofacial skeleton as well as deciduous and permanent tooth development. The origin of cystic jaw lesions may be odontogenic or non-odontogenic, developmental, or inflammatory and they are epithelial-lined or non-epithelial-lined cysts in nature. These cysts are considered to be aggressive cysts when they tend to grow rapidly and can cause significant damage to the surrounding bone and tissues if left untreated. Aggressive cystic lesion of the jaw needs special attention in order to prevent recurrences or even worsen and widespread disease. The management of the maxillary sinus requires individualisation based on its clinical and histopathological characteristics. Here, we report a case of an aggressive odontogenic cyst in a 30s-aged female patient in the left maxillary sinus with the literature review.
Effects of almond consumption compared with the consumption of traditional isocaloric cereal/pulse-based snacks on glycaemic control and gut health in adults with pre-diabetes in rural India: protocol for a 16-week, parallel-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ruchi Vaidya , Nayanjeet Chaudhury , Kalra Pramila , Nair N Sreekumaran , Prabhakar Bellur
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Almonds have prebiotic potential to maintain gut health and regulate glycaemia. Western studies have shown their positive effects on preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a lack of research involving Asian Indians, who have a higher predisposition to diabetes due to their unique ‘Asian phenotype’. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of almond supplementation on glycaemic control and gut health in adults with pre-diabetes in rural India through a randomised clinical trial.

Methods and analysis

A parallel cluster randomised controlled trial with 178 participants with pre-diabetes (assigned 1:1) aged 20–50 years, of both genders, with a body mass index of 18.9–25 kg/m2, will be conducted in rural areas ofChikkaballapur,KolarandRural Bangaloredistricts in India. The intervention group will receive 56 g of almonds as mid-morning snacks for 16 weeks, while the control group will receive cereal/pulse-based traditional isocaloric snacks under the closed supervision of the study investigators. The primary outcome of the study is HbA1c measured at the 16th week. The secondary outcomes—anthropometry, clinical and other biochemical parameters—will be measured at 0th, 8th and 16th weeks, and a subgroup of 120 participants will undergo gut health analysis. Glucagon-like peptide 1 analysis will be conducted on 30 participants at 0th and 16th weeks. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS for Windows V.27.0, and both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee at Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India (DRPEFP7672021). We will obtain the informed written consent of the participants prior to screening and enrolling them in the study. Results from this trial will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and scientific gatherings.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/03/050421).
Intervention fidelity and factors affecting the process of implementing a mobile phone text messaging intervention among adolescents living with HIV: a convergent mixed-methods study in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tunje Abayneh , Persson Helene Åvik , Jerene Degu , Hallstrom Inger
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess the intervention fidelity and explore contextual factors affecting the process of implementing a mobile phone text messaging intervention in improving adherence to and retention in care among adolescents living with HIV, their families and their healthcare providers in southern Ethiopia.

Design

A convergent mixed-methods design guided by the process evaluation theoretical framework and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework was used alongside a randomised controlled trial to examine the fidelity and explore the experiences of participants in the intervention.

Setting

Six hospitals and five health centres provide HIV treatment and care to adolescents in five zones in southern Ethiopia.

Participants

Adolescents (aged 10–19), their families and their healthcare providers.

Intervention

Mobile phone text messages daily for 6 months or standard care (control).

Results

153 participants were enrolled in the process evaluation. Among the 153 enrolled in the intervention arm, 78 (49.02%) were male and 75 (43.8%) were female, respectively. The mean and SD age of the participants is 15 (0.21). The overall experiences of implementing the text messages reminder intervention were described as helpful in terms of treatment support for adherence but had room for improvement. During the study, 30 700 text messages were sent, and fidelity was high, with 99.4% successfully delivered text messages during the intervention. Barriers such as failed text messages delivery, limitations in phone ownership and technical limitations affected fidelity. Technical challenges can hinder maintenance, but a belief in the future of digital communication permeates the experiences of the text message reminders.

Conclusions

Overall fidelity was high, and participants’ overall experiences of mobile phone text messages were expressed as helpful. Contextual factors, such as local telecommunications networks and local electric power, as well as technical and individual factors must be considered when planning future interventions.

Trial registration number

PACTR202107638293593.
Registry cost description of carpal tunnel release in Finland in 2011–2015
Authors: Lampainen Kaisa , Hannula Aarni , Miettinen Laura , Ryhänen Jorma , Torkki Paulus , Hulkkonen Sina
Published: July 2024

Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the amount of public funds spent on the operative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in Finland in 2011–2015.

Design

A registry-based cost burden study.

Setting

The data were collected in primary and secondary care in both private and public hospitals, covering the whole population of Finland.

Participants

We collected the total number of patients with new CTS diagnoses and the total number of patients undergoing surgery from the Care Register for Health Care, Finland’s national register.

Interventions

Open carpal tunnel release (OCTR).

Outcome measures

We collected the costs of the OCTR procedure from diagnosis-related group prices. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland provided the total amount of euros reimbursed for sick leaves. We then combined the average amount of reimbursed sick leave with our estimated cost of the treatment chain to approximate the average cost per patient.

Results

The average amount of public funds used for diagnosing and surgically treating new CTS in 2011–2015 in Finland, including reimbursements for sick leaves, was €2759 per patient in 2015 currency. The average direct procedure cost was €1020. We found no clear trend in total cost per patient, but the proportion of surgically treated patients rose from 63.14% to 73.09%. The total annual cost of these treatments was between €18 128 420 and €22 569 973.

Conclusions

The average amount of public funds used to surgically treat one patient with new CTS in 2011–2015 in Finland was €2759, making the total annual burden €20.7 million.
Effects of changing criteria on improving interRAI assessment for elder abuse: analysis of a national dataset from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Turner Robin , Glue Paul , Barak Yoram
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Globally, one in six older adults in the community will be a victim of abuse (elder abuse; EA). Despite these horrific statistics, EA remains largely undetected and under-reported. Available screening methods and tools fail to accurately identify the phenomenon’s true prevalence. We aimed to test assessment capture rates by altering the criteria for suspicion of EA in the interRAI-HC (International Resident Assessment Instrument–Home Care) in a large national dataset.

Design

We employed secondary analyses of existing data to test a methodology to improve the detection of older adults at risk of EA using the interRAI-HC, which currently underestimates the extent of abuse.

Setting

The interRAI is a suite of clinical assessment instruments. In Aotearoa New Zealand, interRAI is mandatory in aged residential care and home and community services for older people living in the community. They are designed to show the assessor opportunities for improvement and any risks to the person’s health.

Outcome measure

Capture rates of individuals at risk of EA when the interRAI Abuse-Clinical Assessment Protocol (A-CAP) is changed to include the unable to determine abuse (UDA) group shown in a pilot study to increase capture rates of individuals at risk of EA.

Results

Analysis of 9 years of interRAI-HC data (July 2013–June 2022) was undertaken, encompassing 186 713 individual assessments consisting of 108 992 women (58.4%) and 77 469 men (41.5%). The mean age was 82.1 years (range: 65–109); the majority 161 378 were European New Zealanders (86.4%) and the most common minority ethnicity was Māori (6.1%). Those at high risk of abuse (A-CAP) tended to be male (2402; 51.0%), were 79.2 years old on average (range 65–105), with 49.6% (2335) living alone, 39.4% (1858) suffering from depression and a majority were assessed as not having independent decision making (2942; 62.5%). In comparison, the UDA group showed similar characteristics to the A-CAP group on some measures. They were slightly younger than the general sample, with a mean age 80.1 years (range 65–107), they had higher rates of depression (2123; 33.5%) compared with the general sample (25 936; 14.8%) and a majority were assessed as not having independent decision-making (3855; 60.9%). The UDA group is distinct from the general sample and the UDA group broadly has similar but less extreme characteristics to the A-CAP group. Through altering the criteria for suspicion of EA, capture rates of at-risk individuals could be more than doubled from 2.5% to 5.9%.

Conclusions

We propose that via adapting the interRAI-HC criteria to include the UDA category, the identification of older adults at risk of EA could be substantially improved, facilitating enhanced protection of this vulnerable population.
Rectal versus vaginal progesterone administration for luteal phase support in the hormone replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET) cycle: protocol for a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alsbjerg Birgit , Humaidan Peter
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study compares rectal administration with vaginal administration of progesterone as luteal phase support in hormone replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET) cycles. The reason for comparing the two routes of administration is that rectal administration has been suggested to be more patient friendly.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised controlled trial comparing the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) at week 12 in HRT-FET cycles after rectal administered progesterone as the only administered progesterone compared with a vaginal luteal phase support regimen. All patients are enrolled from a Danish public fertility clinic and randomised to one of two groups, with 305 patients receiving embryo transfer assigned to each group. Endometrial preparation includes 6 mg oestradiol daily. The intervention group receives rectally administered progesterone (400 mg/12 hours) and the control group receives vaginally administered progesterone (400 mg/12 hours). If P4 is <35 nmol/L on blastocyst transfer day an additional rectal luteal phase rescue regimen is started (control group). Thawing and transferring of a single autologous vitrified blastocyst is scheduled on the sixth day of progesterone administration in both groups. The power calculation is based on a non-inferiority analysis with an expected OPR in both groups of 44% and the upper limit of a one-sided 95% CI will exclude a difference in favour of the control group of more than 10.0%. An interim analysis will be conducted once half of the study population has been enrolled.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved on 21 November 2023 by the Danish National Ethical Committee and the Danish Medicines Agency and is authorised by the Clinical Trials Information System (EUCT number 2023-504616-15-02). All patients will provide informed consent before being enrolled in the study. The results will be published in an international journal.

Trial registration number

EUCT number: 2023-504616-15-02.
Predictive value of the dynamics of absolute lymphocyte counts for 90-day mortality in ICU sepsis patients: a retrospective big data study
Authors: Chen Daonan , Zhou Kun , Tian Rui , Wang Ruilan , Zhou Zhigang
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The objective of the study was to assess the clinical predictive value of the dynamics of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) for 90-day all-cause mortality in sepsis patients in intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

Retrospective cohort study using big data.

Setting

This study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database V.2.0 database.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality.

Participants

Patients were included if they were diagnosed with sepsis on the first day of ICU admission. Exclusion criteria were ICU stay under 24 hours; the absence of lymphocyte count on the first day; extremely high lymphocyte count (>10×109/L); history of haematolymphatic tumours, bone marrow or solid organ transplants; survival time under 72 hours and previous ICU admissions. The analysis ultimately included 17 329 sepsis patients.

Results

The ALC in the non-survivors group was lower on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after admission (p<0.001). The ALC on day 7 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) value for predicting 90-day mortality. The cut-off value of ALC on day 7 was 1.0×109/L. In the restricted cubic spline plot, after multivariate adjustments, patients with higher lymphocyte counts had a better prognosis. After correction, in the subgroups with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥6 or age ≥60 years, ALC on day 7 had the lowest HR value (0.79 and 0.81, respectively). On the training and testing set, adding the ALC on day 7 improved all prediction models’ AUC and average precision values.

Conclusions

Dynamic changes of ALC are closely associated with 90-day all-cause mortality in sepsis patients. Furthermore, the ALC on day 7 after admission is a better independent predictor of 90-day mortality in sepsis patients, especially in severely ill or young sepsis patients.
Evolution of structure and anisotropic shear stiffness of compacted loess during compression
Authors: Dai Bao-Lin , Zhou Chao , Mu Qing-Yi , Peng Jian-Bin
Published: July 2024

Different compaction conditions (water content and density) may induce various soil structures. The influence of these structures on small strain shear stiffness G seems contradictory and is not understood (e.g., denser specimens may have larger or smaller G than looser specimens after compression). Furthermore, the influence of compaction condition on stiffness anisotropy remains unclear. This study investigated the evolution of structure and anisotropic stiffness of saturated and compacted loess during isotropic compression. Specimens compacted at different water contents and densities were explored. The measured G was normalised by a void ratio function ( f ( e)) to eliminate density effects. Before yielding, G/ f ( e) increases with decreasing compaction water content and increasing density. These two trends are reversed at large stresses (2 to 3 times yield stress), implying that an initially softer structure becomes stiffer. Based on mercury intrusion porosimetry, stereomicroscope, and scanning electron microscope results, the trend reversal is likely because interparticle contacts are more strengthened and pores are more compressed in the initially softer specimens. Furthermore, the stiffness anisotropy becomes more significant with decreasing compaction water content and increasing density because of more orientated fabrics, as evidenced by the particle/aggregate directional distribution results.
On b-symbol distance, Hamming distance and RT distance of Type 1 λ-constacyclic codes of length 8ps over 𝔽pm[u]/〈uk〉
Authors: Rani Saroj , Dinh Hai Q.
Published: July 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a Type 1 unit in [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an odd prime, [Formula: see text] is a positive integer and [Formula: see text] In this paper, we give the complete structure of all Type 1 [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes and their duals of length [Formula: see text] over the finite commutative chain ring [Formula: see text] in terms of their generator polynomials. Using this structure, we determine the Hamming distance and the Rosenbloom–Tsfasman (RT) distance of all Type 1 [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes. For [Formula: see text] and a unit [Formula: see text] we determine the [Formula: see text] -symbol distances of all [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] As illustrations, we provide several [Formula: see text]-constacyclic codes with new parameters with respect to Hamming, RT and [Formula: see text]-symbol metrics. MDS codes are widely recognized for their optimal error-correction capability, and MDS [Formula: see text]-symbol codes are generalization of MDS codes. We found some MDS [Formula: see text]-symbol constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] Additionally, for [Formula: see text] we provide a decoding algorithm for Type 1 constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] with respect to the Hamming, RT and [Formula: see text]-symbol metrics.
Phishing detection tool for financial emails
Authors: Chowdhary Sunil Kumar , Kumar Pratikshit , Mittal Rohan , Gumber Ishika , Jangra Vivek , Srivastava Priyank
Published: July 2024

Phishing attacks have emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat, especially within the financial domain, where email serves as a prevalent vector for malicious activities. This project report outlines the development and evaluation of a Chrome browser extension tailored to bolster email security, specifically focusing on detecting and mitigating phishing attempts in financial communications. The study begins with a thorough examination of the techniques and tactics used by phishing attackers in financial email campaigns. A sophisticated awareness of the changing landscape of phishing assaults is required to develop successful defences. The key contribution of this work is the development of a powerful Chrome browser extension that easily integrates with common email services in the financial sector. This extension harnesses a blend of machine learning algorithms, URL analysis, and user-friendly interfaces to identify potentially malicious financial emails. It rigorously scans email content, scrutinizing hyperlinks and attachments for signs of phishing. The extension evaluates URL reputations, checks for typical phishing indicators, and examines email headers. In case any suspicious elements are identified, users receive real-time alerts, enabling them to make informed decisions about the safety of financial emails. To ensure the extension’s accuracy and effectiveness within the financial context, an extensive dataset of real-world phishing emails and legitimate financial messages is employed for training and testing. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the extension’s performance, emphasizing its capability to detect and prevent phishing attempts in financial emails while minimizing false positives. In addition to its detection capabilities, the extension actively promotes user awareness and education regarding phishing threats within the financial sector. It provides guidance on recognizing phishing red flags and offers educational resources to enhance user security practices. This work concludes with an evaluation of the extension’s usability and its potential impact on enhancing email security within the financial domain. It underscores the critical role of proactive measures, such as this extension, in addressing the evolving threat landscape of phishing attacks in the digital age, particularly within financial communications.
Detecting element migration from ore systems: an LA-ICP-MS method for the
in situ
measurement of element contents and
207
Pb/
206
Pb values on rough fracture coatings
Authors: Pilsworth Collette , Layton-Matthews Daniel , Leybourne Matthew I. , Voinot Alexandre , Chipley Donald
Published: July 2024

In situ
elemental content and
207
Pb/
206
Pb values in three rough fracture coatings within drill cores from the McArthur River unconformity-related uranium deposit, Athabasca Basin, Canada, were measured using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) image mapping. Fracture-coating samples were located proximal and distal to the ore deposit. Samples required minimal preparation in this method, with areas (
c
. 500 × 500 

μ

m) targeted in a cell-spaced grid pattern using a 50 

μ

m spot, spaced 200 

μ

m on the
x
-axis with an offset of 100 

μ

m on the
y
-axis, to overcome sample surface topography. A 5 s acquisition time was applied to elemental content measurements and a 2 s acquisition time was applied to
207
Pb/
206
Pb measurements. These parameters increased the spatial resolution and analytical sensitivity and minimized the contribution of the host rock underlying the fracture surface to the geochemical signal in comparison to extended acquisition times. In addition, laser ablation temporal profiles allow for the interpretation of the timing of element/isotope migration and fixation on the rough fracture coating.

Rasterized maps generated in Iolite™ v.4 demonstrate the chemical distribution of elements and
207
Pb/
206
Pb values on the rough fracture coatings, allowing for the identification of mineral phases hosting pathfinder elements, pathfinder element associations and the generation of bulk
in situ
or specific mineralogy geochemical values. Bulk
in situ
values calculated using an integration of the 2D image data and targeting the
c
. 500 × 500 

μ

m surface of the fracture coating compared to previous bulk geochemical methods obtained by sampling the fracture coating with a microdrill (i.e. modified aqua regia (HCl: HNO
3
: H
2
O) and weak acid leach (2% HNO
3
)) highlights that
in situ
analysis greatly improved detection of pathfinder elements on the fracture surface. This study is the first application of
in situ
LA-ICP-MS for measuring element contents and
207
Pb/
206
Pb values on rough fracture coatings and demonstrates its importance as a new geochemical tool to the mining industry for future mineral exploration.
Petroleum source-rock characterization and the depositional environment of Kimmeridgian–Tithonian sequences, Jaisalmer Basin, western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Ravi , Maurya Abhayanand Singh , Pandey Rajesh
Published: July 2024

In hydrocarbon exploration, total organic carbon (TOC) content and Rock-Eval pyrolysis are commonly employed geochemical techniques that offer concise insights into kerogen type, effective source-rock identification and thermal maturity. In the current study, the data obtained from Rock-Eval pyrolysis has been used to define the source-rock quality, generative potential, kerogen type, maturity of the source sediments and kerogen kinetics of the Baisakhi–Bhadesar Formation of Kimmeridgian–Tithonian (154.7–145.6 Ma) age. Basinal level hydrogen index (HI), TOC content, source-rock maturity, transformation ratio and heat-flow maps have been generated by integrating the data from pyrolysis with previously available data from wells drilled in the basin. The TOC content of the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian sequence ranges from 0.03 to 12.71% in the studied samples, with an average TOC content of 1.28%, indicating good source-rock quality. The HI, in collaboration with
T
max
and vitrinite reflectance (VR
o
) data, demonstrates that the Baisakhi–Bhadesar Formation is characterized by type II, a mixture of type II/III and type III kerogen facies and exhibits good source-rock quality and poor to good generative potential in the basin. The studied samples are marginally mature to mature in nature (
T
max
, 430–450°C; VR
o
, 0.52–0.72%). A maturity analysis of the basin suggests that during the Late Jurassic most areas were under the oil window zone, except for the Bhakhari Tibba and Miajlar areas. The transformation ratio overlay for the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian source sequences shows better transformations of the source rock in the area of the Shagarh Sub-basin. Kerogen kinetics of the studied Baisakhi–Bhadesar Formation demonstrate that the activation energy ranges between 46 and 74 kcal mol
−1
with the significant distribution of activation energy being 54 kcal mol
−1
(42.07%), representing a strong heterogeneous type of organic matter in the sediments. Based on lithological, palaeontological and electrolog studies, a shallow-marine to nearshore environment of deposition with a sediment-input direction from the SE has been inferred for the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian sequences. The results of this study quantitatively establish the role of the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian sequence as a source rock, ultimately contributing to the generation of hydrocarbons in the basin along with spatial changes in the quality of source sediments in different parts of the basin.
Insufficient Plasma Melatonin and Its Association With Neuropsychiatric Impairments in Patients With T2DM
Authors: He Shuai , Yu Yue , Chen Peng-quan , Sun Hui-min , Gao Xin-ran , Sun Huai-zhi , Ge Jin-fang
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with multiple neuropsychiatric impairments, including cognitive dysfunction, and melatonin (MLT) plays a crucial role in maintaining normal neuropsychiatric functions. This study is aimed at investigating the change in plasma MLT levels and its association with neuropsychiatric impairments in T2DM patients.

Methods: One hundred twenty‐six T2DM patients were recruited, and their demographics and clinical data were collected. Apart from the plasma glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and other routine metabolic indicators, the plasma concentrations of MLT, C‐reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL‐6), soluble myeloid triggered receptor 1 (sTREM 1), and receptor 2 (sTREM 2) were measured. Moreover, the executive function and depressive tendency were evaluated via the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Adult Version (BRIEF‐A) and the Epidemiological Research Center Depression Scale (CES‐D), respectively.

Result: Compared with the low HbA1c group, the T2DM patients in the high HbA1c group presented lower plasma MLT levels but higher plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarker levels, together with higher scores in the BRIEF‐A and CES‐D scales. Moreover, results of the Pearson correlation test showed that the plasma MLT levels were negatively correlated with the BRIEF‐A and CES‐D scores, as well as plasma concentrations of HbA1c and inflammatory indications, indicating that MLT may mediate their neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric impairments. Furthermore, the ROC curve results indicated that plasma MLT levels have a predictive effect on executive impairment and depressive status in T2DM patients.

Conclusion: MLT levels decreased in patients with T2DM and were associated with neuropsychiatric impairments and inflammatory status, and MLT might be developed as a therapeutic agent and predictive indicator for T2DM‐associated executive impairment and depression status.
Constitutive Modelling of the Cyclic Response of Unsaturated Soils: A Discussion of the State‐of‐Art
Authors: Perez Rodrigo , Fierro Tony , Santucci de Magistris Filippo
Published: July 2024

Site response analysis (SRA) is an important aspect of seismic design that considers the impact of local site conditions on the ground response during earthquakes and plays a key role in the design of structures that interact or are made with soil. Although previous studies have demonstrated that factors such as the degree of saturation influence the site response, incorporating partial saturation into analysis has not been widely practiced. Numerical analysis tools exist; however, they are often unable to directly assess the influence of partial saturation, especially under seismic conditions. This is often caused by the missing implementation of constitutive models and finite elements able to account for partial saturation of soils under cyclic conditions. For this reason, a review of the most common constitutive models developed with a view to describing unsaturated soil behaviour subjected to cyclic loads is presented, followed by a critical discussion on their applicability to finite element frameworks, with the aim of providing a wide panorama of the available constitutive platforms suitable for implementation in numerical codes. Therefore, we present and discuss the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the constitutive models that can be applied to the analysis of boundary value problems, and specifically for SRA, focusing on partially saturated soils under cyclic loading conditions. It was observed that many constitutive model frameworks for cyclic loadings are based on the bounding surface or two‐surface theories, and some of them are coupled with hydraulic behaviour through the Soil Water Retention Curve (SWRC) or its variations. Two main approaches were identified based on the mechanical features, while regarding the hydraulic behaviour, the main distinction lies in the selected SWRC. Furthermore, certain constitutive models have been implemented in finite element software for numerical analysis of geotechnical earthquake engineering problems.
E-Cadherin Induces Serine Synthesis to Support Progression and Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Geonhui , Wong Claudia , Cho Anna , West Junior J. , Crawford Ashleigh J. , Russo Gabriella C. , Si Bishwa R. , Kim Jungwoo , Hoffner Lauren , Jang Cholsoon , Jung Moonjung , Leone Robert D. , Konstantopoulos Konstantinos , Ewald Andrew J. , Wirtz Denis , Jeong Sangmoo
Published: July 2024

The loss of E-cadherin, an epithelial cell adhesion molecule, has been implicated in metastasis by mediating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which promotes invasion and migration of cancer cells. However, recent studies have demonstrated that E-cadherin supports the survival and proliferation of metastatic cancer cells. Here, we identified a metabolic role for E-cadherin in breast cancer by upregulating the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP). The upregulated SSP provided metabolic precursors for biosynthesis and resistance to oxidative stress, enabling E-cadherin+ breast cancer cells to achieve faster tumor growth and enhanced metastases. Inhibition of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the SSP, significantly and specifically hampered proliferation of E-cadherin+ breast cancer cells and rendered them vulnerable to oxidative stress, inhibiting their metastatic potential. These findings reveal that E-cadherin reprograms cellular metabolism, promoting tumor growth and metastasis of breast cancers.

Significance: E-Cadherin promotes the progression and metastasis of breast cancer by upregulating the de novo serine synthesis pathway, offering promising targets for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in E-cadherin–expressing tumors.
Single-Cell View of Tumor Microenvironment Gradients in Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Giotti Bruno , Dolasia Komal , Zhao William , Cai Peiwen , Sweeney Robert , Merritt Elliot , Kiner Evgeny , Kim Grace S. , Bhagwat Atharva , Nguyen Thinh , Hegde Samarth , Fitzgerald Bailey G. , Shroff Sanjana , Dawson Travis , Garcia-Barros Monica , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid , Chen Rachel , Gnjatic Sacha , Soto Alan , Brody Rachel , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Chen Zhihong , Beaumont Kristin G. , Merad Miriam , Flores Raja M. , Sebra Robert P. , Horowitz Amir , Marron Thomas U. , Tocheva Anna , Wolf Andrea , Tsankov Alexander M.
Published: July 2024

Immunotherapies have shown great promise in pleural mesothelioma (PM), yet most patients still do not achieve significant clinical response, highlighting the importance of improving the understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we utilized high-throughput, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to de novo identify 54 expression programs and construct a comprehensive cellular catalog of the PM TME. We found four cancer-intrinsic programs associated with poor disease outcome and a novel fetal-like, endothelial cell population that likely responds to VEGF signaling and promotes angiogenesis. Across cellular compartments, we observe substantial difference in the TME associated with a cancer-intrinsic sarcomatoid signature, including enrichment in fetal-like endothelial cells, CXCL9+ macrophages, and cytotoxic, exhausted, and regulatory T cells, which we validated using imaging and bulk deconvolution analyses on independent cohorts. Finally, we show, both computationally and experimentally, that NKG2A:HLA-E interaction between NK and tumor cells represents an important new therapeutic axis in PM, especially for epithelioid cases.

Significance: This manuscript presents the first single-cell RNA sequencing atlas of PM tumor microenvironment. Findings of translational relevance, validated experimentally and using independent bulk cohorts, include identification of gene programs predictive of survival, a fetal-like endothelial cell population, and NKG2A blockade as a promising new immunotherapeutic intervention in PM.
Table 1 from The Effect of Exposure to Neighborhood Violence on Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Lung Tumors
Authors: Heath Hannah , Yoo Jin Y. , Akter Sabrina , Jain Atharva , Sharma Vani , McGee Hannah , Soliman Aiman , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Matthews Alicia K. , Winn Robert A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kim Sage J.
Published: July 2024

Patient demographics
Supplementary Table S7 from The Effect of Exposure to Neighborhood Violence on Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Lung Tumors
Authors: Heath Hannah , Yoo Jin Y. , Akter Sabrina , Jain Atharva , Sharma Vani , McGee Hannah , Soliman Aiman , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Matthews Alicia K. , Winn Robert A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kim Sage J.
Published: July 2024

Pathway analysis results of cluster 6 genes from Supplementary Figure 4C.
Supplementary Table S2 from The Effect of Exposure to Neighborhood Violence on Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Lung Tumors
Authors: Heath Hannah , Yoo Jin Y. , Akter Sabrina , Jain Atharva , Sharma Vani , McGee Hannah , Soliman Aiman , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Matthews Alicia K. , Winn Robert A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kim Sage J.
Published: July 2024

Total binding site number in tumor and normal tissue samples.
Supplementary Figure S4 from The Effect of Exposure to Neighborhood Violence on Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Lung Tumors
Authors: Heath Hannah , Yoo Jin Y. , Akter Sabrina , Jain Atharva , Sharma Vani , McGee Hannah , Soliman Aiman , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Matthews Alicia K. , Winn Robert A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kim Sage J.
Published: July 2024

Comparison of magnitude of GR binding sites in tumor vs. normal samples in high violence vs. low violence samples.
Figure 3 from The Effect of Exposure to Neighborhood Violence on Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Lung Tumors
Authors: Heath Hannah , Yoo Jin Y. , Akter Sabrina , Jain Atharva , Sharma Vani , McGee Hannah , Soliman Aiman , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Matthews Alicia K. , Winn Robert A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kim Sage J.
Published: July 2024

Distinct pathways altered within the GR cistrome in response to violent crime. A, Binding site distribution of GR in tumor samples and healthy tissue samples by low, mid, and high exposure to violence. Bam files for individual samples were merged by exposure to violence grouping. Merged tumor and merged normal bed files were generated relative to merged input files. Binding site distribution from these merged bed files was generated using ChIPSeeker. B, Comparison of enriched GR binding sites in tumor compared to healthy tissue samples. For each sample, tumor and healthy tissue bed files were generated by filtering out binding sites observed in the input. For each patient, the top 10% of enriched binding sites for tumor and healthy tissue were plotted and compared using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A cutoff of 10% was selected to ensure a high confidence level in GR binding sites, as the top 10% of binding sites exhibited a high magnitude of GR binding. C, Comparison of the magnitude of GR binding sites from high-violence tumor samples in tumor vs. normal samples in high-violence vs. low-violence samples. BAM files for individual samples were merged by exposure to violence grouping. A merged bed file of high-violence tumor sample binding sites was generated relative to input binding sites. Merged sBAM files were generated using merged BAM files and the merged bed file. Heatmaps visualizing the magnitude of GR recruitment to chromatin were generated using Deeptools, and clusters were generated using the kmeans clustering algorithm. Darker shading indicates an increased magnitude of GR binding. D, Motif analysis of binding sites in clusters 1 to 5 and cluster 6 from (C). Motif analysis was performed using Homer. E, Pathway analysis of annotated genes from clusters 6 and 7 visualized in (C). Genes were annotated using GREAT analysis, and pathway analysis was performed in DAVID using Biocarta, Kegg, and Wikipathways analysis. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.0001; ****, P < 0.000001. Abbreviations. T, tumor; N, normal; Low, low exposure to violence; Mid, mid exposure to violence; High, high exposure to violence.
Data from The Effect of Exposure to Neighborhood Violence on Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Lung Tumors
Authors: Heath Hannah , Yoo Jin Y. , Akter Sabrina , Jain Atharva , Sharma Vani , McGee Hannah , Soliman Aiman , Mahmoud Abeer M. , Matthews Alicia K. , Winn Robert A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Kim Sage J.
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Despite lower rates and intensity of smoking, Black men experience a higher incidence of lung cancer compared to white men. The racial disparity in lung cancer is particularly pronounced in Chicago, a highly segregated urban city. Neighborhood conditions, particularly social stress, may play a role in lung tumorigenesis. Preliminary studies indicate that Black men residing in neighborhoods with higher rates of violent crime have significantly higher levels of hair cortisol, an indicator of stress response. To examine the relationship between social stress exposure and gene expression in lung tumors, we investigated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding in 15 lung tumor samples in relation to GR target gene expression levels and zip code level residential violent crime rates. Spatial transcriptomics and a version of ChIP sequencing known as CUT&RUN were used. Heatmap of genes, pathway analysis, and motif analysis were conducted at the statistical significance of P < 0.05. GR recruitment to chromatin was correlated with zip code level residential violent crime rate and overall GR binding increased with higher violent crime rates. Our findings suggest that exposure to residential violent crime may influence tumor biology via reprogramming GR recruitment. Prioritizing lung cancer screening in neighborhoods with increased social stress, such as high levels of violent crime, may reduce racial disparities in lung cancer.
Significance:
Exposure to neighborhood violent crime is correlated with glucocorticoid signaling and lung tumor gene expression changes associated with increased tumor aggressiveness, suggesting social conditions have downstream biophysical consequences that contribute to lung cancer disparities.
A Case Report of Trueperella bernardiae Pelvic Osteomyelitis and Sepsis: Literature Review of Trueperella bernardiae Infections
Authors: Saleem Saliha , Roland William , Lodhi Abdullah
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Trueperella bernardiae is a gram-negative coccobacilli that was initially categorized as coryneform bacteria, and thus frequently, it was not further investigated as a pathogenic organism. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) has revolutionized the identification of bacteria, including T. bernardiae. Now case reports for T. bernardiae infections are starting to be reported, but it remains a rare pathogen for infections. Case Presentation: Here we are reporting a rare case of T. bernardiae bacteremia, presenting with sepsis and imaging finding showing pelvic septic arthritis, micro-abscesses, and osteomyelitis. It would have likely started as urinary tract infection, followed by osteomyelitis and bacteremia. The patient was managed with intravenous vancomycin. The follow-up clinic visit showed clinical improvement. This article also provides a brief literature review of T. bernardiae infections. Conclusion: T. bernardiae infections are rare but have clinical significance. This case adds another case to the literature regarding T. bernardiae infections and especially highlights the point that they can present with a more serious presentation like sepsis. MALDI-TOF helps in the identification of these rare pathogens.
Cavβ3 Contributes to the Maintenance of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Alleviates Symptoms of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Martus Damian , Williams Sarah K. , Pichi Kira , Mannebach-Götz Stefanie , Kaiser Nicolas , Wardas Barbara , Fecher-Trost Claudia , Meyer Markus R. , Schmitz Frank , Beck Andreas , Fairless Richard , Diem Ricarda , Flockerzi Veit , Belkacemi Anouar
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Tight control of cytoplasmic Ca
2+
concentration in endothelial cells is essential for the regulation of endothelial barrier function. Here, we investigated the role of Cavβ3, a subunit of voltage-gated Ca
2+
(Cav) channels, in modulating Ca
2+
signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and how this contributes to the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

METHODS:

We investigated the function of Cavβ3 in BMECs by Ca
2+
imaging and Western blot, examined the endothelial barrier function in vitro and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier in vivo, and evaluated disease course after induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice using Cavβ3
−/−
(Cavβ3-deficient) mice as controls.

RESULTS:

We identified Cavβ3 protein in BMECs, but electrophysiological recordings did not reveal significant Cav channel activity. In vivo, blood-brain barrier integrity was reduced in the absence of Cavβ3. After induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Cavβ3
−/−
mice showed earlier disease onset with exacerbated clinical disability and increased T-cell infiltration. In vitro, the transendothelial resistance of Cavβ3
−/−
BMEC monolayers was lower than that of wild-type BMEC monolayers, and the organization of the junctional protein ZO-1 (zona occludens-1) was impaired. Thrombin stimulates inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate–dependent Ca
2+
release, which facilitates cell contraction and enhances endothelial barrier permeability via Ca
2+
-dependent phosphorylation of MLC (myosin light chain). These effects were more pronounced in Cavβ3
−/−
than in wild-type BMECs, whereas the differences were abolished in the presence of the MLCK (MLC kinase) inhibitor ML-7. Expression of
Cacnb3
cDNA in Cavβ3
−/−
BMECs restored the wild-type phenotype. Coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry demonstrated the association of Cavβ3 with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor proteins.

CONCLUSIONS:

Independent of its function as a subunit of Cav channels, Cavβ3 interacts with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and is involved in the tight control of cytoplasmic Ca
2+
concentration and Ca
2+
-dependent MLC phosphorylation in BMECs, and this role of Cavβ3 in BMECs contributes to blood-brain barrier integrity and attenuates the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis disease.