bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spleen‐dedicated stiffness measurement performed well to rule out high‐risk varices in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Tang Yujun , He Qinjun , Song Jiankang , Wang Kunyuan , Li Hui , Huang Jing , Wang Weibin , Li Junying , Wang Haiyu , Tu Minghan , Chen Jinzhang , Yuan Guosheng , Kang Shuai , Liu Hongyan , Zhang Xiaoyong , Luo Wenfan , Ji Yali , Lan Xiaoqin , Zhou Ling , Lai Qintao , Luo Xiaoqin , Wu Qiaoping , Zhou Damei , Tan Yingqi , Chen Jinjun , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2023

Background

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is required to screen for high‐risk varices (HRV) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially since overall survival rates have dramatically improved with new systemic therapies.

Aim

To assess the Baveno VI and Baveno VII algorithms' ability to rule out HRV in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related HCC

Methods

We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with HBV related, compensated cirrhosis and newly diagnosed HCC who underwent liver stiffness measurement, spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) using a 100‐Hz shear wave frequency, and EGD.

Results

From September 2021 to August 2023, we enrolled 219 patients with HCC, with 107 (48.9%) Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) A, 28 (12.8%) BCLC B and 84 (38.3%) BCLC C, respectively. HRV prevalence was 28.8% (63/219). Baveno VI criteria safely (HRV missing rate, 3.2%) avoided 27.4% unnecessary EGDs, while the Baveno VII algorithm avoided 49.3% with HRV missing rate at 7.9% (5/63). The SSM ≤40 kPa avoided 47.5% of EGDs safely (HRV missing rate, 4.8%), significantly better than the Baveno VI criteria (p < 0.001) and comparable to the Baveno VII algorithm (p = 0.390). The SSM ≤40 kPa safely avoided EGDs in patient subgroups within Milan criteria, with portal vein tumour thrombosis or BCLC B/C or candidates for systemic therapy.

Conclusions

We validated that the SSM ≤40 kPa using a 100‐Hz probe could safely eliminate more unnecessary EGDs than the Baveno VI criteria in patients with HBV‐related HCC. However, the efficacy of the Baveno VII algorithm in patients with HCC requires further investigation.
The work effectiveness and its influencing factors of child directors in China
Authors: Guan Qiujie , Zhang Shu , Zhao Fang
Published: December 2023

Implementing the child director policy is an innovation in China's child protection practice, and the work of child directors aims to provide care and protection services for vulnerable children in communities and villages. According to the person–environment fit theory (i.e., needs–supplies fit), this study evaluated the work effectiveness of child directors and its influencing factors from environmental and personal perspectives. The results revealed that the supportive work environment (i.e., management, training, and supervision) and personal factors (i.e., professional competency and career identity) positively influenced the work effectiveness of child directors, and professional competency and career identity mediated the relationship between the supportive work environment and the work effectiveness. The findings provided evidence for improving the implementation of child director policy in the future.
Cardiovascular diseases after high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant for lymphoma: A Danish population‐based study
Authors: Baech Joachim , Husby Simon , Trab Trine , Kragholm Kristian , Brown Peter , Gørløv Jette S. , Jørgensen Judit M. , Gudbrandsdottir Sif , Severinsen Marianne Tang , Grønbæk Kirsten , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Wästerlid Tove , Eloranta Sandra , Smeland Knut B. , Jakobsen Lasse Hjort , El‐Galaly Tarec C.
Published: December 2023

Cardiovascular diseases, especially congestive heart failure (CHF), are known complications of anthracyclines, but the risk for patients undergoing high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (HDT‐ASCT) is not well established. With T‐cell therapies emerging as alternatives, studies of long‐term complications after HDT‐ASCT are warranted. Danish patients treated with HDT‐ASCT for aggressive lymphoma between 2001 and 2017 were matched 1:5 on sex, birth year and Charlson comorbidity score to the general population. Events were captured using nationwide registers. A total of 787 patients treated with HDT‐ASCT were identified. Median follow‐up was 7.6 years. The risk of CHF was significantly increased in the HDT‐ASCT population compared to matched comparators with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 5.5 (3.8–8.1). The 10‐year cumulative incidence of CHF was 8.0% versus 2.0% (p < 0.001). Male sex, ≥2 lines of therapy, hypertension and cumulative anthracycline dose (≥300 mg/m2) were risk factors for CHF. In a separate cohort of 4089 lymphoma patients, HDT‐ASCT was also significantly associated with increased risk of CHF (adjusted HR of 2.6 [1.8–3.8]) when analysed as a time‐dependent exposure. HDT‐ASCT also increased the risk of other cardiac diseases. These findings are applicable for the benefit/risk assessment of HDT‐ASCT versus novel therapies.
Best practices, errors, and perspectives of half a century of plant translocation in Italy
Authors: D'Agostino Martina , Cao Pinna Luigi , Carboni Marta , Assini Silvia , Bacchetta Gianluigi , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Brancaleoni Lisa , Buldrini Fabrizio , Carta Angelino , Cerabolini Bruno , Ceriani Roberta Maria , Clementi Umberto , Cogoni Donatella , Conti Fabio , Crosti Roberto , Cuena‐Lombraña Alba , De Vitis Marcello , Di Giustino Attilio , Fabrini Giuseppe , Farris Emanuele , Fenu Giuseppe , Fiorentin Roberto , Foggi Bruno , Forte Luigi , Garfì Giuseppe , Gentili Rodolfo , Giusso Del Galdo Gian Pietro , Martinelli Valentino , Medagli Pietro , Nonis Domitilla , Orsenigo Simone , Paoli Luca , Pierce Simon , Pinna Maria Silvia , Rainini Franco , Ravera Sonia , Rossi Graziano , Schettino Aldo , Schicchi Rosario , Troìa Angelo , Varone Laura , Zappa Elena , Abeli Thomas
Published: December 2023

Conservation translocations are becoming common conservation practice, so there is an increasing need to understand the drivers of plant translocation performance through reviews of cases at global and regional levels. The establishment of the Italian Database of Plant Translocation (IDPlanT) provides the opportunity to review the techniques used in 186 plant translocation cases performed in the last 50 years in the heart of the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. We described techniques and information available in IDPlanT and used these data to identify drivers of translocation outcomes. We tested the effect of 15 variables on survival of translocated propagules as of the last monitoring date with binomial logistic mixed‐effect models. Eleven variables significantly affected survival of transplants: life form, site protection, material source, number of source populations, propagation methods, propagule life stage, planting methods, habitat suitability assessment, site preparation, aftercare, and costs. The integration of vegetation studies in the selection of suitable planting sites significantly increased the success of translocation efforts. Although posttranslocation watering had a generally positive effect on translocation outcome, other aftercare techniques did not always increase transplant survival. Finally, we found that how funds were spent appeared to be more important than the actual amount spent. Plant translocations in Italy and in the Mediterranean area should account for the complexity of speciation, gene flow, and plant migrations that has led to local adaptations and has important implications for the choice and constitution of source material.
Problems, causes, and reflections on exhibitions of document collection institutions in China: Triangulation of literature analysis and empirical study
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Mao Ruohan , Huang Tingting
Published: December 2023

Exhibitions have become a major highlight of information communication and innovative services in Chinese libraries, archives, and local chronicles museums in recent years. However, many of these exhibitions have been hindered in “dialogue” with their audiences, leading to a limited impact. Hence, this study employed a triangulation approach, combining literature analysis and empirical study, to identify the existing problems of libraries, archives, and local chronicles exhibitions. On the one hand, perspectives were refined from previous studies through literature analysis to establish a research foundation for exhibition issues. On the other hand, nine institutions were selected for empirical study through importance‐performance analysis (IPA) in east, central, and west China, integrating audience perspectives into problematic space. Based on the triangulation evidence, the problems mainly focus on three aspects: architectural planning, exhibition business, and public services, whereas the causes of the problems include stereotypes, late start points, and so on. The root causes appear to lie in the failure to transform from the document center to the public center, and the imbalance of curatorial theory research as a constraint bottleneck. These findings are expected to be utilized to enhance the specialization of Chinese documentary exhibitions, which attempt to overcome the difficulties of audience understanding and realize the real value of documents and the communication function of the media, thus promoting an effective dialogue between exhibitions and audiences.
Experiences of telehealth among people receiving alcohol and other drug treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Implications for future telehealth delivery
Authors: Woolley Jaimie , Savic Michael , Garfield Joshua B. B. , Petukhova Rachel , Manning Victoria , Lubman Dan I. , Barnett Anthony
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic necessitated the rapid uptake of telehealth to deliver treatment for alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns. However, little is known about how the move from in‐person to telehealth delivery impacted clients' experience of care. This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences of telehealth among people receiving alcohol and other drug treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and their preferences regarding future telehealth care.

Methods

Participants were aged 34–66 years (M = 44 years, 60% male) and were recruited from Victorian AOD treatment services and consumer networks. A total of 20 semi‐structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: (i) experiences of the practical impacts of telehealth; (ii) experiences of telehealth interactions; and (iii) preferences for future telehealth. Contextual factors, including location and socioeconomic status, were found to impact clients' ability to access reliable telehealth with sufficient privacy. While telehealth was generally associated with increased treatment engagement (for a typically stigmatised population), participants noted varying effects on the therapeutic alliance. Although in‐person treatment was generally favoured, participants often valued telehealth as a modality to provide empathic care during the pandemic. Participants expressed a preference for a hybrid treatment model in the future, in which they could choose a combination of telehealth and in‐person services.

Conclusion

Client and clinician information and training are vital to improve the future delivery of telehealth for AOD treatment.
Outcomes in Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus ‐associated primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a safety‐net hospital system
Authors: Lopez Melanie , Kainthla Radhika , Lazarte Susana , Chen Weina , Nijhawan Ank E. , Knights Sheena
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe cases of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV)‐associated multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) in patients with HIV from a large, safety‐net hospital system in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with HIV‐associated PEL and/or MCD.

Results

Twelve patients with PEL and 10 patients with MCD were identified. All patients were male and 17 of 20 were men who have sex with men; 66.7% of PEL patients and 50% of MCD patients had concurrent KS at the time of diagnosis; 42% of patients with PEL and 20% of patients with MCD died during the follow‐up period. We noted improved survival in our cohort compared to previous studies, particularly in our PEL patients with a median survival of 11.4 months compared to 3–6‐month median survival historically. Median follow‐up time for MCD patients was 17.5 months. This improved survival is despite suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence at diagnosis, with only 50% of patients on ART at the time of MCD/PEL diagnosis.

Conclusion

These data highlight the importance of early recognition of PEL and MCD, and the larger‐scale efforts needed to better understand the pathogenetic drivers of clinical outcomes in patients affected by KSHV‐related diseases.
Predicting microbial adaptability to climate change in the Anthropocene
Authors: Qian Haifeng , Wang Yan
Published: December 2023

River microbiome influenced by increasing extreme events in the Anthropocene. Ensemble model predicts adaptation type of microbiome under heatwave.
Abdominal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour: Clinicopathological and molecular analysis of 20 cases, highlighting potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Vernemmen Astrid I P , Samarska Iryna V , Speel Ernst‐Jan M , Riedl Robert G , Goudkade Danny , de Bruïne Adriaan P , Wouda Siep , van Marion Arienne M , Verlinden Ivana V , van Lijnschoten Ineke , Friederich Pieter , Winnepenninckx Véronique J L , zur Hausen Axel , Sciot Raf M E , van den Hout Mari F C M
Published: December 2023

Aims

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm of intermediate malignant potential, occurring at any age and at multiple sites. Epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS) is an aggressive subtype of IMT, typically involving the abdomen. Most IMTs harbour kinase gene fusions, especially involving ALK and ROS1, but 20–30% of IMTs show no detectable translocations. The aim of this study is to further delineate clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of abdominal IMT and discover potential new therapeutic targets.

Methods and results

In 20 IMTs, including four EIMS, RNA fusion analysis was performed, followed by multiplex DNA analysis if no ALK or ROS1 fusion was detected. Fourteen IMTs (70.0%) had an ALK translocation and the fusion partner was identified in 11, including a RRBP1::ALK fusion, not previously described in classical (non‐EIMS) IMT. RANBP2::ALK fusion was demonstrated in all EIMS. One IMT had a ROS1 fusion. In all ALK/ROS1 translocation‐negative IMTs mutations or fusions – as yet unreported in primary IMT – were found in genes related to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/PI3K/AKT pathway. Three of four patients with EIMS died of disease [mean survival 8 months (4–15 months)], whereas only one of 14 classical IMT patients succumbed to disease [mean follow‐up time 52 months (2–204 months); P < 0.01].

Conclusion

This study shows the wide clinical spectrum of abdominal IMTs and affirms the poor prognosis of EIMS, raising discussion about its status as IMT subtype. Furthermore, the newly detected alterations of the RTK/PI3K/AKT pathway expand the molecular landscape of IMTs and provide potential therapeutic targets.
Treating symmetric buyers asymmetrically
Authors: Banerjee Shraman
Published: December 2023

We investigate a finite‐horizon dynamic pricing problem of a seller under limited commitment. Even when the buyers are ex ante symmetric to the seller, the seller can charge different prices to different buyers. We show that under the class of posted‐price mechanisms this asymmetric treatment of symmetric buyers strictly revenue‐dominates symmetric treatment. The seller implements this by using a priority‐based deterministic tie‐breaking rule instead of using a random tie‐breaking rule. The effect of asymmetric treatment on revenue increment increases monotonically as we increase the time horizon of the game.
Using museum collections to explore predator–prey relationships in snail‐eating beetles (Carabidae: Cychrini)
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Davidson Robert , Pearce Timothy A.
Published: December 2023

The vast majority of species interactions in nature go unnoticed because they occur under circumstances unamenable to observation. This is unfortunate, as our understanding of trophic ecology is predicated on our ability to quantify the nature and magnitude of species interactions. Here, we use specimens from museums and private collections to estimate prey breadth and morphological patterns between predator and prey pairs of the malacophagous Cychrini beetles collected alongside their snail prey. We identified each pair, measured a series of morphological traits on each, and tested for relationships between the morphological characteristics of beetles and the snails they were found eating. Of 38 specimen pairs, we identified 12 species of Cychrini beetles from two genera (Scaphinotus and Cychrus) eating 22 species of snail prey from 12 genera and ranging from 1 to 9 species of snail prey per beetle species. We found 29 unique predator–prey species pairs. Irrespective of species identity, we found that female beetles were discovered eating larger snails compared to male beetles. We detected two trends in which larger beetles were found eating snails with relatively larger aperture openings, and beetles with more slender body shapes (longer, thinner mandibles, heads, and pronota) were found eating snails whose shells had relatively smaller aperture openings. This suggests that, even within the carabid tribe Cychrini, variation in the cychrine body form may influence prey availability. This study provides the most comprehensive list to date of predator–prey pairs in this understudied group of beetles and also demonstrates the utility of museum collections for documenting cryptic species interactions.
Identification of eight genomic protective alleles for mitochondrial diabetes by Kinship‐graph convolutional network
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Yan Dandan , Cui Haoyue , Zhang Rong , Ma Xiaojing , Chen Luonan , Hu Cheng , Wu Jiarui
Published: December 2023

Aims

Nearly 85% of maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) are caused by the m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial DNA. However, the clinical phenotypes of MIDD may also be influenced by the nuclear genome, this study aimed to investigate nuclear genome variants that influence clinical phenotypes associated with m.3243A>G mutation in MIDD based on whole‐genome sequencing of the patients belonging to pedigrees.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed a whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) dataset from blood samples of 38 MIDD patients with the m.3243A > G mutation belonging to 10 pedigrees, by developing a Kinship‐graph convolutional network approach, called Ki‐GCN, integrated with the conventional genome‐wide association study (GWAS) methods.

Results

We identified eight protective alleles in the nuclear genome that have protective effects against the onset of MIDD, related deafness, and also type 2 diabetes. Based on these eight protective alleles, we constructed an effective logistic regression model to predict the early or late onset of MIDD patients.

Conclusions

There are protective alleles in the nuclear genome that are associated with the onset‐age of MIDD patients and might also provide protective effects on the deafness derived from MIDD patients.
Interventions to promote the implementation of pressure injury prevention measures in nursing homes: A scoping review
Authors: Yang L. F. , Mu J. X. , Zhang J. , Zang S. , Zhang L. , Qi J. H. , Ni C. P. , Liu Y.
Published: December 2023

Aims

To identify studies and the content of the interventions that have facilitated the implementation of pressure injury (PI) prevention measures in nursing home settings.

Design and Method

A scoping review methodology was employed. The author has carried out the following steps successively: Identified this scoping review's questions, retrieved potentially relevant studies, selected relevant studies, charted the data, summarised the results, and consulted with stakeholders from nursing homes in China.

Data Sources

Six electronic databases and three resources of grey literature—PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Psych INFO, Open Grey, MedNar, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Full Texts were searched from January 2002 through May 2022.

Results

Forty articles were included, among which the primary interventions were quality improvement, training and education, evidence‐based practice, device‐assisted PI prophylaxis, nursing protocols, and clinical decision support systems. Twenty‐three outcome indicators were summarised in 40 articles, which included 10 outcome indicators, seven process indicators, and six structural indicators. Furthermore, only five articles reported barriers in the process of implementing interventions.

Conclusion

The common interventions to promote the implementation of PI prevention measures in nursing homes are quality improvement, training, and education. Relatively limited research has been conducted on evidence‐based practice, clinical decision support systems, device‐assisted PI prophylaxis, and nursing protocols. In addition, there is a paucity of studies examining the impediments to implementing these measures and devising targeted solutions. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies include analysis and reporting of barriers and facilitators as part of the article to improve the sustainability of the intervention.

Impact

This article reminds nursing home managers that they should realise the importance of implementation strategies between the best evidence of PI prevention and clinical practice. Also, this review provides the types, contents, and outcome indicators of these strategies for managers of nursing homes to consider what types of interventions to implement in their organisations.

TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

The protocol of this scoping review was published as an open‐access article in June 2022 (Yang et al., 2022).
Oral manifestations of amyloidosis and the diagnostic applicability of oral tissue biopsy
Authors: Tavares Thalita Soares , da Costa Adriana Aparecida Silva , Araújo Anna Luíza Damaceno , de Souza Lucas Lacerda , Pascoaloti Maria Inês Mantuani , Bernardes Vanessa Fátima , Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Lopes Marcio Ajudarte , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , da Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Caldeira Patrícia Carlos
Published: December 2023

Background

Amyloidosis exhibits a variable spectrum of systemic signs and oral manifestations that can be difficult to diagnose. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, demographic, and microscopic features of amyloidosis in the oral cavity.

Methods

This collaborative study involved three Brazilian oral pathology centers and described cases with a confirmed diagnosis of amyloidosis on available oral tissue biopsies. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. H&E, Congo‐red, and immunohistochemically stained slides were analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐six oral biopsies from 23 individuals (65.2% males; mean age: 59.6 years) were included. Oral involvement was the first sign of the disease in 67.0% of cases. Two patients had no clinical manifestation in the oral mucosa, although the histological analysis confirmed amyloid deposition. Amyloid deposits were distributed in perivascular (88.0%), periacinar and periductal (80.0%), perineurial (80.0%), endoneurial (33.3%), perimuscular (88.2%), intramuscular (94.1%), and subepithelial (35.3%) sites as well as around fat cells (100.0%). Mild/moderate inflammation was found in 65.4% of cases and 23.1% had giant cells.

Conclusions

Amyloid deposits were consistently found in oral tissues, exhibiting distinct deposition patterns. Oral biopsy is less invasive than internal organ biopsy and enables the reliable identification of amyloid deposits even in the absence of oral manifestations. These findings corroborate the relevance of oral biopsy for the diagnosis of amyloidosis.
Presence of esophageal contractility after achalasia treatment is associated with improved esophageal emptying
Authors: Vespa Edoardo , Farina Domenico A. , Pandolfino John E. , Kahrilas Peter J. , Koop Andree H. , Carlson Dustin A.
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Some achalasia patients exhibit esophageal contractile activity on follow‐up after treatment, yet its importance remains unclear. We aimed to identify factors associated with presence of contractility after treatment and to assess its impact on timed barium esophagram (TBE) and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with type I or II achalasia on baseline high‐resolution manometry (HRM) who completed HRM, TBE, and functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) after treatment were retrospectively identified. Contractility was defined on post‐treatment HRM as presence of at least 1 supine swallow with DCI ≥100 mmHg s cm.

Key Results

One hundred twenty‐two patients were included (mean age 48 ± 17 years, 50% female). At follow‐up evaluation after treatment (54% peroral endoscopic myotomy, 24% pneumatic dilation, 22% laparoscopic Heller myotomy), 61 (50%) patients had contractility on HRM. Patients with contractility (compared to those without) more frequently had type II achalasia (84% vs 57%, p = 0.001) and a post‐treatment normal EGJ opening classification on FLIP (69% vs 49%; p < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients with post‐treatment integrated relaxation pressure <15 mmHg and normal EGJ opening on FLIP (n = 53), those with contractility had a lower median column height on TBE at 1 min (4 vs 7 cm, p = 0.002) and 5 min (0 vs 5 cm, p = 0.001). In patients with “abnormal” EGJ metrics, patients with contractility showed lower symptom scores (median Eckardt score 2 vs 3, p = 0.03).

Conclusions & Inferences

Occurring more frequently in type II achalasia, and if adequate EGJ opening is achieved after treatment, esophageal contractility may contribute to improved esophageal emptying and improved symptoms in non‐spastic achalasia. Preservation of esophageal body muscle could improve outcomes in these patients.
The misapplication dilemma
Authors: Webber Daniel
Published: December 2023

When policymakers craft rules for use by the general public, they must take into account the ways in which their rules are likely to be misapplied. Should contractualists and rule consequentialists do the same when they search for rules whose general acceptance would be non‐rejectable or ideal? I argue that these theorists face a dilemma. If they ignore the possibility of misapplication, they end up with an unrealistic view that rejects rules designed to protect us from others’ mistakes. On the other hand, if they take misapplication into account, they end up rejecting rules that appeal to what really matters morally in favor of easier‐to‐apply proxies for these rules. This leaves them unable to say why certain wrong acts are wrong, which in turn may lead them to mistaken verdicts about moral worth and wronging. I show how this misapplication dilemma applies to standard contractualist and rule consequentialist theories, but also suggest how it might generalize to other two‐level theories, including those designed to avoid the ideal world objection.
Prenatal ultrasound detection of collodion membrane in association with an autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis due to transglutaminase 1 deficiency
Authors: Cordisco Adalgisa , Lozza Virginia , Di Marco Chiara , Cecconi Antonella , Pisaneschi Elisa , Berti Samantha Federica , Adamo Laura , Lori Ilaria , Belli Gilda , Gambi Beatrice
Published: December 2023

We describe a case of collodion baby diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound. Classic signs (ectropion, flattened nose, and eclabion) were detected on routine ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation. At birth, the presence of collodion membrane was confirmed and subsequently, the diagnosis of an autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis due to compound heterozygosity of the TGM1 gene was made.
GABA in plants: developmental and stress resilience perspective
Authors: Gahlowt Priya , Tripathi Durgesh Kumar , Singh Surendra Pratap , Gupta Ravi , Singh Vijay Pratap
Published: December 2023

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), a ubiquitously present non‐proteinogenic amino acid, has recently emerged as a key regulator of growth and development in plants during normal as well as challenging environmental conditions. GABA biosynthesis has been reported at multiple stages of plant development, particularly during vegetative and reproductive stages and in response to stress conditions. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the crucial roles of various cell cycle regulators such as type‐D cyclins and CDK;A1, transcription factors such as E2Fa, as well as Ca2+/Calmodulin proteins in GABA biosynthesis in plants. GABA is known to improve stress tolerance by improving photosynthetic activity, C/N metabolism, stomatal conductance, and stress‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification. Here, we have reviewed recent studies that have explored the novel roles of GABA in plants with a focus on plant development and stress resilience.
Bioinformatic and Expression Analyses of the Wall‐Associated Kinase Genes Under High‐Temperature Stress in Sorghum
Authors: Whyte Terik Djabeng , Sipahi Hulya
Published: December 2023

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is the world's fifth most‐produced cereal. The wall‐associated kinases (WAKs) gene family plays a crucial regulatory role in various aspects of plant biology, including the response to environmental stress and pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the members of the WAK gene family in sorghum using bioinformatics tools and to determine their functional roles in heat stress by detecting transcript levels using RT‐qPCR. A total of 98 SbWAK/SbWAKL proteins were identified and classified into six phylogenetic groups. The SbWAKs/SbWAKL genes were unevenly distributed across ten chromosomes, and 33 duplications were observed on nine chromosomes. The number of amino acids and molecular weight of SbWAKs/SbWAKLs ranged from 496 to 1149 aa and 55.38 to 124.89 kDa, respectively. Forty‐eight SbWAK/SbWAKL were unstable, with an instability index greater than 40. The synteny analyses revealed sixteen SbWAK/SbWAKL genes similar in foxtail millet, thirteen in maize, and seven in the rice genome. Additionally, 107 miRNAs, including cell wall‐related miRNAs, targeted 85 SbWAK/SbWAKL genes. The cis‐acting elements in SbWAK/SbWAKL genes pointed out that these genes may be associated with light, hormone, development, and environmental stress responses. RT‐qPCR analysis of 13 SbWAK/SbWAKL genes revealed a relatively high transcript fold change in 6 SbWAK/SbWAKL under high‐temperature conditions. In conclusion, cis‐acting elements, protein–protein and miRNA interactions, and higher gene expression levels at high temperatures may indicate the existence of candidate SbWAKs/SbWAKLs genes with functions in abiotic and biotic stress response and their usage in future gene editing for breeding purposes.
Genetic diversity of predatory mite Typhlodromus bagdasarjani (Acari: Phytoseiidae) populations based on molecular markers
Authors: Hosseinia Asghar , Khanjani Mohammad , Asadi Mahdieh , Soltani Jalal
Published: December 2023

N/A
Effect of He diluted plasma on the deposition of flexible low-temperature polycrystalline silicon thin film
Authors: Liu Jia , Wang Longgang , Tang Chunjuan , Liu Chuanwei , Shan Feng , Sun Ruirui , Guo Guanglei
Published: December 2023

The growth of a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin film on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate under the assistance of helium plasma has been examined in detail in this study. By utilizing the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method, LTPS thin films are directly deposited on a PET substrate at a relatively low temperature (80 °C), and the variations in the morphology, structure, and electrical property of the samples with He flow are systematically characterized by performing a series of tests. The results show that the purely helium-diluted silane plasma has the function of inducing crystallization and fabricating the c-Si network. After optimizing the He flow rate to 600 SCCM, the LTPS thin film with the largest average grain size of ∼204.7 nm can be obtained, while the maximum dark conductivity (4.16 × 10−5 S/cm) is also achieved. Finally, a detailed discussion is presented to illustrate the growth mechanism of the LTPS thin film in He plasma.
Filtered Lebedev quadrature method for robust and efficient beam shape coefficient estimation in acoustic tweezers calibration
Authors: Vincent Sarah , Marchiano Régis , Thomas Jean-Louis
Published: December 2023

Acoustic tweezers offer a contactless, three-dimensional, and selective approach to trapping objects by harnessing the acoustic radiation force. Precise control of this technique requires accurate calibration of the force, which depends on the object's properties and the spherical harmonics expansion of the incident field through the beam shape coefficients. Previous studies showed that these coefficients can be determined using either the Lebedev quadrature or the angular spectrum methods. However, the former is highly susceptible to noise, while the latter demands extensive implementation time due to the number of required measurement points. A filtered method with a reduced number of points is introduced to address these limitations. Initially, we emphasize the implicit filtering in the angular spectrum method, allowing relative noise insensitivity. Subsequently, we present its unfiltered version, enabling force estimation of a standing field. Finally, we develop a filtered method based on the Lebedev quadrature, requiring fewer points, and apply it to focused vortex beams. Numerical evaluation of the radiation force demonstrates the method's resilience to noise and a reduced need for points compared to previous methods. The filtered Lebedev method paves the way for characterizing high-frequency acoustic tweezers, where measurement constraints necessitate rapid and robust beam shape coefficient estimation techniques.
Modeling Residents’ Mega Sport Event Social Value: Integrating Social and Economic Mechanisms
Authors: Bakhsh Jordan T. , Taks Marijke , Parent Milena M.
Published: December 2023

Social value is the difference between monetized social impacts and related economic investments. Stimulating positive social value is a leading concern and focus for sport event stakeholders. However, insights on this socioeconomic phenomenon have concentrated on social or economic mechanisms, not both, and are siloed to host city residents, largely overlooking nonhost city residents central to events. Thus, we integrated social and economic mechanisms to examine host city and nonhost city residents’ mega sport event social value. Data from 1,880 Canadians revealed varying social values (Vancouver and Provincial = negative; Venue-City = neutral; National = positive). Applying a reverse contingent valuation method, findings confirmed the need to integrate (monetized) social and economic mechanisms to calculate social value. Testing an augmented social exchange theory model, findings highlight residents’ perceptual ambivalence to social impacts and the importance of income to estimate social value. Stakeholders should effectively leverage events for social impacts and reconsider event public funding allocation policies.
An Oldest Record of the Shark Cosmopolitodus planus (Lamnidae) from the Lower Miocene of the Sakhalin, Russia
Authors: Malyshkina T. P. , Nazarkin M. V. , Solovyow A. V.
Published: December 2023

An isolate tooth of a rare extinct hook-toothed mako Cosmopolitodus planus (Agassiz, 1856), discovered in the Lower Miocene deposits of the Chekhov Formation of Sakhalin Island is described. This extinct species was distributed exceptionally in the Pacific basin, and is known mainly from the deposits of the Middle and Upper Miocene. Thus, the described tooth is, probably, the oldest record of this species. The geographic and stratigraphic distribution of this species, as well as the validity of the genus Cosmopolitodus Glickman, 1964, are discussed.
Biophysical Insights into Drug Discovery: Leveraging Phase Transitions and Protein Behavior for Therapeutic Innovation
Authors: Uzorka Afam , Kibirige David , Makumbi David
Published: December 2023

In the search for novel treatments for various diseases, the nexus of biophysics and drug discovery represents a dynamic and transformational paradigm. A new age in pharmaceutical research has begun thanks to biophysics and its thorough grasp of the structural and physical characteristics of biological molecules. This study explores how advances in biophysical approaches, including allosteric modulation, intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), and protein phase transitions, have transformed the drug development process. Protein phase transitions, supported by the biophysical principles, have provided crucial insights into disorders like ALS and Alzheimer’s, opening up new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Targeting IDPs and their role in liquid–liquid phase separation has produced creative approaches to diseases that were formerly thought to be resistant to therapy. In order to reduce the complexity of complicated diseases, the concept of allosteric modulation, made possible by biophysical understanding, offers a precise and selective approach to medication creation. This review highlights the significant influence of biophysics on the development of therapeutics and the discovery of new drugs. Biophysics is advancing the discipline toward the creation of more precise, efficient, and tailored medications by illuminating the biophysical properties of proteins, the complexities of phase transitions, and the dynamics of drug interactions. Biophysical insights are poised to alter healthcare by bringing together several fields and sustained innovation, giving people dealing with a variety of ailments fresh hope.
Interaction between price discovery, market liquidity and arbitrage activity: International evidence
Authors: Gabsi Hayfa , Bouzgarrou Houssam , Ghadhab Imen
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic of price discovery for cross-listed stocks using high-frequency intraday data. We show that the local market leads price discovery process with a significant contribution of the foreign US market. Moreover, we find that arbitrage opportunities enhance market liquidity of cross-listed firms, and vice versa. A higher US market contribution to price discovery provides an increase in the local trading volume as well as in arbitrage opportunities frequency. This latter leads to greater local market contribution to price discovery confirming the information-based transactions in the domestic markets of US cross-listed firms.
Exploring the Distributed Knowledge Congruence in Proxy-data-free Federated Distillation
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Sun Sheng , Wang Yuwei , Liu Min , Pan Quyang , Zhang Junbo , Li Zeju , Liu Qingxiang
Published: December 2023

Federated learning (FL) is a privacy-preserving machine learning paradigm in which the server periodically aggregates local model parameters from cli ents without assembling their private data. Constrained communication and personalization requirements pose severe challenges to FL. Federated distillation (FD) is proposed to simultaneously address the above two problems, which exchanges knowledge between the server and clients, supporting heterogeneous local models while significantly reducing communication overhead. However, most existing FD methods require a proxy dataset, which is often unavailable in reality. A few recent proxy-data-free FD approaches can eliminate the need for additional public data, but suffer from remarkable discrepancy among local knowledge due to client-side model heterogeneity, leading to ambiguous representation on the server and inevitable accuracy degradation. To tackle this issue, we propose a proxy-data-free FD algorithm based on distributed knowledge congruence (FedDKC). FedDKC leverages well-designed refinement strategies to narrow local knowledge differences into an acceptable upper bound, so as to mitigate the negative effects of knowledge incongruence. Specifically, from perspectives of peak probability and Shannon entropy of local knowledge, we design kernel-based knowledge refinement (KKR) and searching-based knowledge refinement (SKR) respectively, and theoretically guarantee that the refined-local knowledge can satisfy an approximately-similar distribution and be regarded as congruent. Extensive experiments conducted on three common datasets demonstrate that our proposed FedDKC significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art on various heterogeneous settings while evidently improving the convergence speed.
Preparation of Pb-Ca Master Alloy by Molten Salt Electrolysis
Authors: Wu Yongxin , Cai Muya , Wang Hongya , Hu Zuojun , Pang Fangzhao , Chen Xiang , Zhao Meiyu , Wang Bingbing , Zhang Xiong , Liu Xiaowei , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: December 2023

Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are commonly utilized in various applications such as electric motorcycles, uninterruptible power systems, and stationary energy storage devices. Calcium (Ca) is an essential element being added to Pb grid alloys to increase their mechanical strength. In this paper, molten salt electrolysis is used to prepare Pb-Ca master alloy in molten CaCl2-NaCl at 700 °C. The Ca concentration reaches 2.51 wt%, and the current efficiency reaches 85.0% for the 1 A-scale electrolyzer and 75.8% for the 50 A-scale cell. Compared with the traditional physical mixing ways, Ca is selectively and gradually deposited in the liquid Pb cathode without worrying about the immense heat generated by mixing Ca and Pb. In addition, molten salt serves as a media to avoid the oxidation of Ca. Through thermodynamic calculations and electrochemical measurements, the Pb-Ca formation prefers to happen rather than Pb-Na alloy in molten CaCl2-NaCl because of the stronger interaction of Ca and Pb than Na and Pb. Overall, this paper provides a straightforward strategy to prepare Pb-Ca master alloys, which can be expanded to prepare various liquid semimetal alloys containing reactive metals.
Soil Properties, Crop Yield, and Economic Return in Response to Lime Application on Acidic Nitisols of Southern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Getahun , Berihun Habtamu , Abera Helina , Agegnehu Getachew , Lemenih Mulugeta
Published: December 2023

Soil acidity is one of the major crop production constraints in the highlands of Ethiopia. Liming is becoming a common practice to amend soil acidity, but its effects on soil properties, crop yield, and farm income are not well studied. In this study, an on-farm liming experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2020-2021) on acidic Nitisols (pH < 5.5) in Southern Ethiopia. The experiment consisted of six liming rates (control, 2.74, 4.11, 5.48, 6.85, and 8.22 t·ha−1) laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil, agronomic, and economic data were collected in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons and analyzed. The application of lime in the ranges of 2.74–8.22 t·ha−1 increased soil pH by 0.46–1.25 units and reduced exchangeable acidity by 2.02–3.17 units. Higher lime rates of 6.85–8.22 t·ha−1 increased soil pH sharply from 5.22 to 5.99 and 6.46, respectively, but such a rise in soil pH was not proportionally reflected in the yield increment. Higher available phosphorus contents of 7.16 and 6.01 mg·kg−1 were measured at the liming rates of 4.11 and 5.48 t·ha−1, respectively. Combined over the two years, 5.45 t·ha−1 lime application yielded the highest barley total biomass of 19,199 kg·ha−1 and a grain yield of 4,328 kg·ha−1, which are 46% and 30% higher than those of the control, respectively. It also yielded the highest marginal rate of return of 477% and a gross margin of 192,857.3 ETB1·ha−1, which is 53% higher than the control. Based on our results, 5.45 t·ha−1 of lime appears to have the optimal rate for economically viable barley production in the study area or similar environments.
Psychosocial Experiences in an Australian Rural Cancer Service: Mixed-Method Insights into Psychological Distress and Psychosocial Service Barriers
Authors: Barnes Marisa , Rice Kylie , Usher Kim , Thorsteinsson Einar B. , Murray Clara V. , Ord Fiona
Published: December 2023

Purpose. To examine psychosocial and well-being concerns throughout the cancer experience, from prediagnosis to survivorship. Whilst most oncology research focuses on patients, the role and experiences of families and caregivers are increasingly recognised as a core component of health service delivery. Moreover, research suggests that geography is an important consideration, with evidence of rural inequities in health service provision and access. Aims. (i) To examine the unique patient and caregiver experiences of rural people in three rural cancer treatment centres in New South Wales (NSW) and (ii) to examine the barriers to rural patients and caregivers accessing psycho-oncological support in NSW. Methods. A convergent parallel mixed-method evaluation of the psychosocial experiences of rural patients and caregivers accessing cancer services through three health services in rural NSW was undertaken (N = 125). Measures of psychological distress as well as quantitative and qualitative barriers data were collected. Results. Approximately, one-third of the participants reported moderate to severe distress. Patients and caregivers reported systemic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and pandemic-specific barriers in accessing quality psychosocial healthcare. Conclusions. These results suggest that cancer patients and caregivers in rural NSW may experience elevated levels of psychological distress and barriers in accessing psychosocial care. The combination of high psychological need for patients and caregivers with reduced availability of psychosocial support services has substantial implications for psychological wellbeing and service provision. Underdetection of psychosocial need and a lack of support services pose a significant challenge for rural people with cancer and for those who care for them; this must be an urgent priority for quality improvement and equitable healthcare provision.
On the Expected Discounted Penalty Function Using Physics-Informed Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Wang Houchun
Published: December 2023

We study the expected discounted penalty at ruin under a stochastic discount rate for the compound Poisson risk model with a threshold dividend strategy. The discount rate is modeled by a Poisson process and a standard Brownian motion. By applying the differentiation method and total expectation formula, we obtain an integrodifferential equation for the expected discounted penalty function. From this integrodifferential equation, a renewal equation and an asymptotic formula satisfied by the expected discounted penalty function are derived. In order to solve the integrodifferential equation, we use a physics-informed neural network (PINN) for the first time in risk theory and obtain the numerical solutions of the expected discounted penalty function in some special cases of the penalty at ruin.
Supplementary Table 3 from Pilot Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Locoregionally Advanced, Resectable Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Ferrarotto Renata , Amit Moran , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Rubin M. Laura , Yuan Ying , Bell Diana , El-Naggar Adel K. , Johnson Jason M. , Morrison William H. , Rosenthal David I. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Johnson Faye M. , Lu Charles , Mott Frank E. , Esmaeli Bita , Diaz Eduardo M. , Gidley Paul W. , Goepfert Ryan P. , Lewis Carol M. , Weber Randal S. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Basu Sreyashi , Duan Fei , Yadav Shalini S. , Sharma Padmanee , Allison James P. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Gross Neil D.
Published: December 2023

This table details the imaging responses observed in study patients.