bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermomagnetic effects on light pseudoscalar meson masses within the SU(3) Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Coppola Máximo , Tavares William R. , Avancini Sidney S. , Sodré Joana C. , Scoccola Norberto N.
Published: December 2024

We calculate the screening masses of pseudoscalar mesons in a hot and strongly magnetized medium within the framework of the SU(3) Nambu-Jona–Lasinio model, using a magnetic field-independent regularization scheme. Inverse magnetic catalysis (IMC) is implemented through the use of a magnetic field-dependent coupling G(B), fitted to reproduce lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) results for the pseudocritical chiral transition temperature TcB. For the external homogeneous magnetic field considered, neutral screening masses separate in two types: perpendicular and parallel to the direction of the field, while for charged mesons only parallel energies can be defined for each Landau level. We obtain mscr,⊥>mscr,||, as expected from causality. Thermally, all screening energies are almost constant until some critical temperature, whose behavior is correlated with TcB. They rapidly increase around this value, keeping a steady enhancement afterward due to thermal excitation. Magnetically, neutral parallel masses are enhanced (suppressed) at high temperatures when considering G(B) (G). Perpendicular ones display a nonmonotonic magnetic behavior for G (due to increasing TcB) when T≲500  MeV, but become magnetically enhanced when T≳500  MeV. For G(B) they always increase with B. Charged parallel energies are always magnetically enhanced, for both couplings. In the high-temperature limit, we show that both neutral and charged screening energies converge to 2πT. At B=0 the model overestimates the remaining quark interaction in this regime. At B≠0 we find that, when IMC is accounted for, the interaction is suppressed as B increases, a fact that appears to be at odds with currently available lattice QCD results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How large could the
CP
violation in neutral
B
-meson mixing be? Implications for baryogenesis and upcoming searches
Authors: Miró Carlos , Escudero Miguel , Nebot Miguel
Published: December 2024

CP violation in neutral B meson oscillations is an experimental observable that could be directly related to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe through the B-mesogenesis mechanism. As this phenomenon is highly suppressed in the Standard Model, it could also be a sensitive probe for many new physics scenarios that modify neutral meson mixing. Motivated by these facts, and the timely B physics program at the LHC and Belle II, we analyze how large CP violation in the mixing of neutral Bd and Bs meson systems could be. We answer this question, in light of current experimental data, within three different scenarios, namely: (i) generic heavy new physics only affecting the mass mixing M12q, (ii) vectorlike quark extensions that introduce deviations of 3×3 CKM unitarity, and (iii) light new physics modifying the decay mixing Γ12q. We find that enhancements of the semileptonic asymmetries, that measure the amount of CP violation in mixing, at the level of 10−3 for the Bd system and 10−4 for the Bs system can be achieved within scenarios (i) and (ii), while they are much more suppressed in realistic UV completions triggering scenario (iii). With respect to cosmology, the difficulty of finding large CP asymmetries in our analysis puts the B-mesogenesis mechanism in tension. Finally, we conclude that upcoming experimental searches for CP violation in B meson mixing at LHCb and Belle II are unlikely to detect a new physics signal for the most generic models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring the synergy of kinematics and dynamics for collider physics
Authors: Ban Kayoung , Kong Kyoungchul , Park Myeonghun , Park Seong Chan
Published: December 2024

In collider experiments, an event is characterized by two distinct yet mutually complementary features: the “global features” and the “local features.” Kinematic information such as the event topology of a hard process, masses, and spins of particles comprises global features spanning the entire phase space. This global feature can be inferred from reconstructed objects. In contrast, representations of particles in gauge groups, such as quantum chromodynamics (QCD), offer localized features revealing the dynamics of an underlying theory. These local features, particularly observed in the patterns of radiation as raw data in various detector components, complement the global kinematic features. We propose a simple but effective neural network architecture that seamlessly integrates information from both kinematics and QCD to enhance the signal sensitivity at colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probing self-interacting ultrahigh-energy neutrinos with the cosmic 21-cm signal
Authors: Dhuria Mansi , Gupta Teli Bishnu
Published: December 2024

In this study, we investigate the constraints on secret self-interactions of neutrinos by examining the impact of radiative scattering of ultrahigh-energy neutrinos. These neutrinos are produced from the decay of superheavy dark matter and interact with the cosmic neutrino background. We explore how these interactions influence the 21-cm hydrogen signal during the cosmic dark ages and cosmic dawn, periods relatively free from astrophysical uncertainties, providing a clearer signal for studying nonstandard neutrino interactions. By analyzing the global brightness temperature measurements, we constrain the scattering cross section of ultrahigh-energy self-interacting neutrinos, determining the coupling constant g to be within ∼10−4 to ∼10−3 for neutrino energies in the PeV to EeV range. Interestingly, these constraints are more competitive than those from existing astrophysical and collider experiments. As future 21-cm experiments focus on measuring brightness temperature across a wide range of redshifts from the cosmic dark ages to reionization, using the epoch of 21-cm to probe neutrino properties could provide crucial insights into dark matter and neutrino physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probing AGN jet precession with LISA
Authors: Steinle Nathan , Gerosa Davide , Krause Martin G. H.
Published: December 2024

The precession of astrophysical jets produced by active-galactic nuclei is likely related to the dynamics of the accretion disks surrounding the central supermassive black holes (BHs) from which jets are launched. Two main mechanisms that can drive jet precession arise from Lense-Thirring precession and tidal torquing. These can explain direct and indirect observations of precessing jets; however, such explanations often utilize crude approximations of the disk evolution and observing jet precession can be challenging with electromagnetic facilities. Simultaneously, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is expected to measure gravitational waves from the mergers of massive binary BHs with high accuracy and probe their progenitor evolution. In this paper, we connect the LISA detectability of binary BH mergers to the possible jet precession during their progenitor evolution. We make use of a semianalytic model that self-consistently treats disk-driven BH alignment and binary inspiral and includes the possibility of disk breaking. We find that tidal torquing of the accretion disk provides a wide range of jet precession timescales depending on the binary separation and the spin direction of the BH from which the jet is launched. Efficient disk-driven BH alignment results in shorter timescales of ∼1  yr which are correlated with higher LISA signal-to-noise ratios. Disk breaking results in the longest possible times of ∼107  yrs, suggesting a deep interplay between the disk critical obliquity (i.e., where the disk breaks) and jet precession. Studies such as ours will help to reveal the cosmic population of precessing jets that are detectable with gravitational waves.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Molecular Stokes-Einstein and Stokes-Einstein-Debye relations for water including viscosity-dependent slip and hydrodynamic radius
Authors: Zendehroud Sina , Daldrop Jan O. , von Hansen Yann , Kiefer Henrik , Netz Roland R.
Published: December 2024

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of liquid water at different temperatures and calculate the water viscosity, the translational and rotational water diffusivities in the laboratory frame as well as in the comoving molecular frame. Instead of interpreting the results as deviations from the Stokes-Einstein and Stokes-Einstein-Debye relations, we describe the translational and rotational diffusivities of water molecules by three models of increasing complexity that take the structural anisotropy of water into account on different levels. We first compare simulation results to analytical predictions for a no-slip sphere and a no-slip ellipsoid. We show that the no-slip sphere can approximate laboratory-frame isotropic translational and rotational diffusivities but fails to describe the anisotropic molecular-frame diffusivities. The no-slip ellipsoid can describe the translational anisotropic molecular-frame diffusivities exactly but fails to describe the translational and rotational anisotropic molecular-frame diffusivities simultaneously. Since an ellipsoidal model with slip boundary conditions is not analytically tractable, we define a heuristic spherical model with tensorial slip lengths and tensorial hydrodynamic radii. We show that this model simultaneously describes the laboratory-frame isotropic translational and rotational diffusivities, as well as, in a restricted viscosity range, the anisotropic molecular-frame diffusivities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heavy Neutral Leptons via Axionlike Particles at Neutrino Facilities
Authors: Abdullahi Asli M. , de Gouvêa André , Dutta Bhaskar , Shoemaker Ian M. , Tabrizi Zahra
Published: December 2024

Heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) are often among the hypothetical ingredients behind nonzero neutrino masses. If sufficiently light, they can be produced and detected in fixed-target-like experiments. We show that if the HNLs belong to a richer—but rather generic—dark sector, their production mechanism can deviate dramatically from expectations associated with the standard-model weak interactions. In more detail, we postulate that the dark sector contains an axionlike particle (ALP) that naturally decays into HNLs. Since ALPs mix with the pseudoscalar hadrons, the HNL flux might be predominantly associated with the production of neutral mesons (e.g., π0, η) as opposed to charge hadrons (e.g., π±, K±). In this case, the physics responsible for HNL production and decay are not directly related and experiments like DUNE might be sensitive to HNLs that are too weakly coupled to the standard model to be produced via weak interactions, as is generically the case of HNLs that play a direct role in the type-I seesaw mechanism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Integrating fundamental concepts with practical skills: consolidating small-molecule crystallography education
Authors: Zheng Shao-Liang , Litak Nicholas P. , Campbell Michael G. , Handford Rex C. , Dogutan Dilek K. , Carsch Kurtis M. , Betley Theodore A.
Published: December 2024

A comprehensive educational strategy designed to make small-molecule crystallography more accessible for students at various academic levels is described. By integrating hands-on laboratory visits, structured courses and advanced application training, we cultivate a deep understanding of fundamental crystallographic concepts while fostering practical skills. This strategy also aims to inspire novice learners, building their confidence and interest in structural science. Our approach demystifies complex concepts through real-world examples and interactive case-learning modules, enabling students to proficiently apply crystallography in their research. The resulting educational impact is evident in numerous publications from undergraduates, scholarship awards to graduates and successful independent research projects, highlighting the effectiveness of our programme in inspiring the next generation of chemical crystallographers.
Small-angle X-ray scattering of engineered antigen-binding fragments: the case of glycosylated Fab from the Mannitou IgM antibody
Authors: Semwal Shubham , Karamolegkou Maria , Flament Stéphanie , Raouraoua Nessim , Verstraete Kenneth , Thureau Aurélien , Wien Frank , Bray Fabrice , Savvides Savvas N. , Bouckaert Julie
Published: December 2024

Monoclonal antibodies recognizing nonprotein antigens remain largely underrepresented in our understanding of the molecular repertoire of innate and adaptive immunity. One such antibody is Mannitou, a murine IgM that recognizes paucimannosidic glycans. In this work, we report the production and purification of the recombinant antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of Mannitou IgM (Mannitou Fab) and employ a combination of biochemical and biophysical approaches to obtain its initial structural characterization. To this end, recombinant Mannitou Fab comprising the light chain (VL-CL) and heavy chain (VH-Cμ1) was produced in HEK293 FreeStyle cells and purified by cobalt-affinity chromatography followed by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), which revealed two distinct oligomeric states consistent with a predominant monomeric form and a minor dimeric form. We employed SEC inline with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and SEC coupled to small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) to establish that Mannitou Fab indeed adopts monomeric and dimeric forms in solution. Interestingly, Mannitou Fab is N-glycosylated at Asn164 of the heavy chain via HexNAc(5)Hex(6)Fuc(1–3) as revealed by mass spectrometry. We leveraged this information in conjunction with predicted structures of Mannitou Fab to facilitate the interpretation and modelling of SAXS data, leading to a plausible model for glycosylated Mannitou Fab. Analysis of the two chromatographically isolatable forms of Mannitou Fab using synchrotron-radiation circular dichroism revealed that the heat-denaturated Mannitou Fab monomer shares similar secondary-structural elements with the Mannitou Fab dimer, indicating that the latter may be misfolded. Collectively, the findings of this study will set the stage for future structural studies of Mannitou Fab and contribute to our understanding of possible side products due to misfolding during the production of recombinant Fabs, highlighting the importance of glycosylation in obtaining stable and monodisperse monomeric forms of recombinant Fabs.
Useful experimental aspects of small-wedge synchrotron crystallography for accurate structure analysis of protein molecules
Authors: Hirata Kunio
Published: December 2024

Recent advances in low-emittance synchrotron X-ray technology and highly sensitive photon-counting detectors have revolutionized protein micro-crystallography in structural biology. These developments and improvements to sample-exchange robots and beamline control have paved the way for automated and efficient unattended data collection. This study analyzed protein crystal structures such as type 2 angiotensin II receptor, CNNM/CorC membrane proteins and polyhedral protein crystals using small-wedge synchrotron crystallography (SWSX), which dramatically improves measurement efficiency through automated measurement. We evaluated the data quality using SWSX, focusing on `massive data collection'. In this context, `massive' refers to data sets with a multiplicity exceeding 100. The findings could potentially lead to the development of more efficient experimental conditions, such as obtaining high-resolution data using a smaller number of crystals. We have demonstrated that the application of machine learning, a modern key component of data science, to classify data groups is an integral part of the analysis process and may play a crucial role in improving data quality. These results indicate that SWSX is one of the essential candidates for crystal structure analysis methods for difficult-to-analyze samples: it can enable diverse and complex protein functional analysis.
The nature and relevance of team grit
Authors: Buchel Paula Audrey , Lew Charlene
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the nature of the team grit construct as distinct from individual grit and determines its relevance within a net of team constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a new, validated and invariant team grit scale, the study confirmed the factor structure of a scale in a United Kingdom sample (n = 228), tested the discriminant nature of individual and team grit and examined relationships between proposed antecedents and outcomes of team grit in a United States sample (n = 269). This paper applied structural equation modeling to analyze the data.

Findings

Results of this paper revealed the relevance of this goal-focused team construct. It showed that team grit is distinct from individual grit and preceded by team psychological safety and team goal commitment, and predicts team innovation, and team work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The team grit scale used in this study provides new opportunities to understand team grit in organizational settings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research offers the first empirical investigation of the relationships of team grit in organizations with other team constructs.
Understanding citizen adoption of smart governance: integrating technology acceptance and readiness theories
Authors: Dash Ajitabh
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the key factors influencing citizens’ intention to use smart governance services using the amalgamation of the technology acceptance model (TAM) with the theory of technology readiness (TR).

Design/methodology/approach

The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 260 respondents residing in Indore, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal and Nashik smart cities of India using a questionnaire survey method. The data collected for this study were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4.0.8.9.

Findings

The study’s findings revealed that citizens' discomfort with smart governance services negatively impacts their perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Insecurity also reduces perceived ease of use and usefulness. On the other hand, innovativeness associated with these services positively affects perceived ease of use and usefulness. Optimism does not significantly influence these perceptions. It was also revealed that perceived ease of use associated with smart governance services positively impacts perceived usefulness. Finally, perceived ease of use and usefulness significantly affect citizens’ intentions to use these services.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates the TAM with the TR to examine the adoption of smart governance in smart cities in India. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the roles of discomfort, insecurity, innovativeness and optimism in influencing citizens’ perceptions and usage intentions.
Does consumerism increase subjective well-being? The case of Egyptian millennials
Authors: Yassin Donia , Ghoneim Hebatallah
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the relationship between consumerism and Subjective Well-being (SWB), exploring to what extent the acquisition of goods contributes to personal happiness and satisfaction. Additionally, it examines the influence of diverse factors like religiosity, marital status, education, age, gender and home ownership, shedding light on their roles in shaping SWB.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey data from a sample of the millennial segment in Egypt and employs regression analysis to examine the relationship between consumerism and subjective well-being. To ensure a robust analysis, the researchers categorized SWB into six different categories, and regression analysis was used to test its relation with consumerism and socioeconomic factors.

Findings

The analysis shows a consistent positive correlation between consumerism and SWB. Religiosity and marital status significantly impact SWB, while other socioeconomic factors showed mixed or insignificant effects. This highlights the complex link between materialism, societal values and happiness, suggesting policy opportunities to enhance millennial well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The findings raise ideas for sustainable consumption practices to enhance SWB, urging collaborative efforts from institutions and policymakers. The study contributes to understanding SWB through Sen’s Capability Approach, emphasizing the importance of freedoms and capabilities beyond material wealth. It provides empirical insights relevant to shaping policy, education and business practices toward enhancing holistic well-being.

Originality/value

Research in the field has rarely investigated the determinants of SWB, especially in a developing country like Egypt. This study has incorporated six different methods to estimate SWB.
Investigation of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol and glycidyl ester levels in French fries obtained after frying process using palm olein oil with artificial and natural antioxidants
Authors: Yıldız Kıvılcım , İyilikeden Elif , Yıldız Orçun , Günç Ergönül Pelin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

3-MCPD (3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol) and glycidyl esters (GE) are process contaminants generated during thermal processing, associated with adverse health effects, including carcinogenicity and genotoxicity. This study aims to investigate the impact of the use of artificial [butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)] and natural (nettle and olive leaf) antioxidants in palm olein oil during deep-fat frying on the levels of 3-Monochloropropan-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and GE in French fries samples.

Design/methodology/approach

Artificial antioxidants BHT and BHA, along with natural antioxidants from nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and olive leaf (Olea europaea L. folium) extracts, were incorporated into palm olein oil during deep frying. Frying was conducted repeatedly over a period of three days. The 3-MCPD and GE contents of the oils collected from the French fries during the frying process were quantified using the AOCS analytical method.

Findings

The finding indicated that the levels of 3-MCPD and GE in the french fry samples from groups with both artificial and natural antioxidants were reduced compared to the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively). Upon examination of all data, Nettle extract exhibited the highest level of 3-MCPD ester (1.66 ± 0.01 ppm); whereas the BHT+BHA group demonstrated the lowest level (0.52 ± 0.01 ppm). The analysis of GE levels revealed a maximum of 1.59 ± 0.01 ppm in the control group and a minimum of 1.22 ± 0.34 ppm in the group treated with Nettle extract.

Originality/value

This study assessed the levels of 3-MCPD and GE in repeated deep-frying with palm olein supplemented with olive leaf and nettle extract, a novel investigation to date.
Essentialising teachers' education for inclusive education: The forms, characteristics, and synergies that support capacity building for sustainable inclusive practice
Authors: Ackah‐Jnr Francis R. , Abedi Emmanuel A. , Udah Hyacinth , Ackah Mercy J.
Published: December 2024

How teachers are trained and professionally developed for inclusive education is an important focus of policy, research, and practice. Such preparation arguably affects their knowledge, skills, beliefs, attitudes, and motivation to improve student learning outcomes and transform practice. However, the context and approach to teachers' education for inclusion vary across countries and educational institutions and searching for its effective features remains an unending goal. To capture holistic perspectives on preparing teachers for inclusive education from a non‐Western, developing context, we used a multi‐site case study approach and conducted interviews with headteachers and teachers of early childhood settings and schools. Findings indicate inclusive education‐based training and learning programmes with practical, authentic, and blended characterisations support development of teachers' core knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions. This article also reveals essential synergies among the education programmes that are all requisites enhancing teacher preparedness, currency, and professionalism. The study suggests pre‐service training programmes essentially leverage new learning, knowledge, and capacity acquisition. In concluding, this article calls for rethinking inclusive teacher preparation as continuing synergistic and to attend to contextual influences on it.
What do students with special needs think about their educational environment in Türkiye?
Authors: Ünay Ebru , Erdem Raziye
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to explore the opinions and preferences of students with special needs who receive resource room services. The participants included 113 students aged between 7 and 13 years, and data were collected through a questionnaire that focused on the students' experiences in the resource room. The findings indicate that students require support in academic areas, particularly in Mathematics and Turkish. Additionally, students expressed positive feelings towards studying in the resource room and showed a preference for studying academic subjects in that setting. Overall, this study provides insights into the perspectives of students with special needs who benefit from resource room services. It is crucial to provide flexible opportunities that align with students' preferences, whether it be resource room or general education classes, to develop effective programs for students with special needs. By incorporating students' perspectives and preferences, educational stakeholders can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the specific needs of students with special needs. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field and can inform educational policies and practices aimed at supporting students with special needs.
Associations of clinical parameter‐based accelerated aging, genetic predisposition with risk of chronic kidney disease and associated life expectancy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Gang , Chang Qing , Zhang Yixiao , Liu Yashu , Ji Chao , Yang Honghao , Chen Liangkai , Xia Yang , Zhao Yuhong
Published: December 2024

Little evidence exists regarding the associations between clinical parameter‐based biological aging and the incidence and outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, we aimed to assess the associations between biological aging, genetic risk, and the risk of CKD, as well as investigate the impact of accelerated biological aging on life expectancy. 281,363 participants free of kidney diseases from the UK Biobank were included in this prospective study. Biological age was measured from clinical traits using the KDM‐BA and PhenoAge algorithms, and the discrepancies from chronological age were defined as biological age accelerations. A polygenic score was calculated to indicate the genetic predisposition of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A cause‐specific competing risk model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) of incident CKD. We found that individuals with more pronounced accelerations in biological age exhibited an elevated risk of developing CKD (HRQuartile 4 vs. Quartile 1, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.77–2.05 for KDM‐BA acceleration and HRQuartile 4 vs. Quartile 1, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.58–3.01 for PhenoAge acceleration), with nonlinear relationships. Notably, there were positive additive interactions between biological aging and genetic risk on CKD risk. Among the CKD population, accelerated biological aging was associated with a further decline in life expectancy. Advanced biological aging may potentially increase the vulnerability to developing CKD in individuals aged midlife and beyond, particularly among those with high genetic risk for abnormal kidney function, and could reduce the life expectancy of CKD patients.
Means Restriction for Suicide Prevention: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Nevarez‐Flores Adriana G. , Pandey Vandana , Angelucci Adriana Perez , Neil Amanda L. , McDermott Brett , Castle David
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this umbrella review is to summarise existing international evidence on means restriction activities for the prevention of suicide, and provide evidence of their success or lack thereof. The consolidated and integrated information can help inform potential public health interventions.

Methods

An overview of published systematic reviews in English was undertaken. There were no time restrictions. Six major repositories of systematic reviews databases were searched for relevant studies and the reference lists of all selected systematic reviews searched for identifying reviews not retrieved within the database searches. Included studies needed to be Cochrane or non‐Cochrane systematic reviews (with or without meta‐analyses) that explored means restriction activities for suicide prevention.

Results

A total of 670 records were identified across the searches; 11 reviews were eligible for inclusion. Three further reviews were identified through list searches with one eligible for inclusion. Thus, 12 systematic reviews were included in this umbrella review. Activities undertaken around the world were implemented for the prevention of suicide by firearms, jumping from heights and in front of a moving object, and suicide by hazardous agents. A variety of factors associated with the success and/or failure of mean restriction activities were identified, including the prevalence of method and presence or lack of a substitution effect. Most reviews found means restriction activities successful in the prevention of suicide.

Conclusions

Means restriction is an empirically proven strategy that should be considered for the prevention of suicide. Priority should be given to the most prevalent methods of suicide and implementation of locally relevant solutions, including the cultural context of the targeted population. Other important factors such as minimisation of any substitution effect need to be considered when implementing means restriction activities for suicide prevention.
Single‐step genome‐wide association study reveals candidate genes for body mass index trait in Yunong‐black pigs
Authors: Wu Ziyi , Dou Tengfei , Wu Jiahao , Bai Liyao , Zhang Yongqian , Zan Shengyuan , Yang Songbai , Zhou Hao , Han Jinyi , Han Xuelei , Qiao Ruimin , Wang Kejun , Yang Feng , Li Xin‐Jian , Li Xiu‐Ling
Published: December 2024

Body mass index (BMI) can serve as a reasonable indicator of overall body fat content in pigs. This study aimed to identify underlying variants and candidate genes associated with BMI in Yunong‐black pigs. A single‐step genome‐wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed on 1405 BMI records and 924 Yunong‐black pigs genotyped using a 50 K SNP Chip. De‐regressed estimated breeding values were taken as the response variable in the GWAS. The estimated heritability for BMI was 0.157. Nine significant regions were associated with BMI, accounting for 12.828% of genetic variance, with the highest region explaining 1.969% of the genetic variance. Linkage disequilibrium analysis of the nine significant regions revealed that SNPs in six single‐step GWAS‐identified genomic regions were all located in the linkage disequilibrium blocks. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of the 29 protein‐coding genes annotated to these regions revealed that FABP2, a key gene associated with BMI in human, was enriched in the fatty acid binding term and the fat digestion and absorption pathway. This study provides a better insight into the genetic architecture of the BMI trait, and offers potential molecular markers for the breeding of Yunong‐black pigs.
CXCL10 Promotes Spinal Macrophage Recruitment via the JAK/STAT3 Pathway to Induce Pain in Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Ziqi , Chen Jia , Du Hexi , Chen Xianguo , Chen Jing , Wang Hui , Liang Chaozhao
Published: December 2024

The aim is to explore the mechanisms underlying pain development in chronic prostatitis and identify therapeutic targets for pain management in patients with chronic prostatitis. RNA sequence of the spinal cord dorsal horns and proteomic analysis of spinal macrophages of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) mice were conducted to identify pain‐related genes, proteins and signalling pathways. The clodronate liposome, CXCR3 and P‐STAT3 inhibitors, NGF antibody and cromolyn sodium were used to investigate the roles of the CXCL10/CXCR3, JAK/STAT3 and NGF/TrKA pathways in spinal macrophage recruitment and pain response. Finally, prostate tissues from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients were collected to validate the aforementioned results. Neuron and astrocyte‐derived CXCL10 was associated with spinal macrophage recruitment, and CXCL10/CXCR3 axis could regulate the chemotaxis of macrophage to the spinal cord in EAP mice. Results of proteomic analysis found that CXCL10 could regulate the JAK/STAT3 pathway to mediate neuroinflammation in EAP, which was validated in vivo and in vitro experiments. The number of mast cells and expressions of NGF, TrKA and PGP9.5 increased in the prostates of EAP mice and BPH patients, and targeting NGF could reduce spinal macrophage recruitment and pain response. NGF was the triggering factor to induce chemotaxis of spinal macrophages and neuroinflammation, and the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis and JAK/STAT3 pathway was involved in spinal macrophage recruitment and infiltration, which provided therapeutic targets for pain management.
“Being With” as the Center and Circumference of Teaching
Authors: Hansen David T.
Published: December 2024

In this article, David Hansen works with two conceptions of “being with.” The first is Jean‐Luc Nancy's ontological version as found in his Being Singular Plural (1999). The second is Hansen's ontic formulation as expressed in his recent book, Reimagining the Call to Teach: A Witness to Teachers and Teaching (2021). Nancy's notion is ethical as well as ontological. It constitutes a vision of human being qua being and is formulated in critical juxtaposition with the viewpoints on ethics and being of Martin Heidegger and other recent thinkers. Hansen's conception is not ontological, as such, but is ethical in the sense of presuming that teaching is a practice with built‐in terms of relationship between teachers, students, and the subject matter of education, where “education” differs from socialization and enculturation. “Being with” constitutes a term of art for the priority in teaching of attunement, responsiveness, and receptivity — both to students and to subject matter — over formal processes of teacher reflection. The latter are indispensable, but they take their identity and their warrant from the fundamental ethical terms of the practice that are rooted in being with. Here, Hansen seeks to show how Nancy's conception of being with enriches the pedagogical idea of being with as the center and circumference of teaching.
Effects of physical therapy on health‐related quality of life in patients with haemophilia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Chien‐Min , Liu Shang‐Lin , Shie Mu‐Ching
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Physical therapy benefits patients with haemophilia (PWH), but its impact on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) remains unclear.

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the association of physical therapy, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and physical agent modality, with HRQOL improvement in PWH.

Methods

Databases PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched from inception until April 2024. This review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compare the HRQOL between the physical therapy and control groups. Relevant data and outcome values of included study were collected. Cochrane collaboration's tool and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation approach were used for risk of bias (ROB) and evidence‐level assessment, individually.

Results

The systematic review included eight RCTs that involved 298 male PWH. The meta‐analysis for HRQOL improvement revealed a significant difference in favour of physical therapy (standardised mean difference [SMD] = .92; 95% confidence interval [CI]:.50–1.33; p < .001). Therapeutic exercise exhibited more benefits in HRQOL improvement than the control groups (SMD = 1.02; 95% CI:.49–1.55; p < .001). Physical therapy effectively improved HRQOL in PWH with better joint status (SMD = 1.74; 95% CI:.97–2.51; p < .001). Of the eight RCTs, six were rated as high ROB. The comparisons revealed a moderate certainty of evidence.

Conclusions

Physical therapy, especially therapeutic exercise, effectively improved the HRQOL of PWH. Maintaining better joint status and timely physical therapy intervention is crucial for HRQOL improvements in PWH. Cautious interpretation is required due to evidence limitations.
Cosmetic emulsions containing innovative complex coacervates: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Adeline Delaporte , Michel Grisel , Ecaterina Gore
Published: December 2024

Objective

Vitamin E, in the form of α‐tocopherol (TOCO), is an essential lipophilic antioxidant widely used in topical formulations. However, incorporating pure TOCO into skincare products poses significant challenges due to its limited solubility and high sensitivity to heat, light and oxidation. The present cross‐sectional study aimed to innovate by encapsulating TOCO using non‐animal sustainable biopolymers through complex coacervation and to investigate the interaction of these coacervates with cosmetic emulsions, focusing on their impact on the emulsions' physicochemical properties and stability.

Methods

TOCO was encapsulated using the complex coacervation technique by combining two biopolymers: fungal chitosan and gum Arabic. The designed microcapsules were incorporated into oil‐in‐water emulsions containing natural ingredients, and the physicochemical properties as well as the stability of the formulations were evaluated and compared to those of non‐encapsulated TOCO emulsions.

Results

Innovative coacervates of the non‐animal TOCO complex of 86.8 ± 3.5 μm were developed, achieving a high encapsulation efficiency and loading of 87.0% and 27.2%, respectively. The microcapsules exhibited thermal stability up to a temperature of 220°C and showed improved storage stability of the active ingredient when encapsulated. In particular, 63% of TOCO was retained over 2 months at a temperature of 40°C. Emulsions containing microcapsules showed increased particle size distribution, higher viscosity, and enhanced viscoelastic properties, in accordance with their textural properties. Both emulsions remained stable for a 1‐month storage period at a temperature of 40°C, and no noticeable effect of coacervates on the stability of TOCO in the emulsions was observed.

Conclusion

This study emphasises the potential of fungal chitosan‐gum Arabic coacervates as a sustainable substitute for animal‐derived coacervates, demonstrating promising outcomes for the encapsulation of lipophilic actives. When incorporated into cosmetic emulsions, these coacervates enhanced the textural and rheological properties while preserving the TOCO stability over time. These findings suggest that the developed microcapsules offer considerable potential for the development of future skin‐care products with enhanced functional properties.
Urinary continence outcomes after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Significance of anterior reconstruction
Authors: Funajima Keisuke , Naito Sei , Fukai Atsushi , Narisawa Takafumi , Fukuhara Hiroki , Suenaga Shinta , Takai Yuki , Takai Satoshi , Yagi Mayu , Kanno Hidenori , Yamagishi Atsushi , Nishida Hayato , Tsuchiya Norihiko
Published: December 2024

Objective

Urinary continence after radical prostatectomy is a crucial aspect of patient quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing urinary continence after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, focusing on the role of anterior reconstruction.

Methods

We collected clinical data from 375 patients at a single institution. Logistic regression analyses for urinary continence rate at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were performed on the entire patient population to determine the influencing factors. Anterior and posterior reconstruction was performed until August 2017, transitioning to posterior reconstruction only. The impact of anterior reconstruction on postoperative urinary continence was evaluated using logistic regression model adjusted by inverse‐probability treatment weighting in nerve‐sparing and non‐nerve‐sparing subgroups, respectively.

Results

For the entire cohort, the urinary continence rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 34.7%, 57.6%, 73.1%, and 83.5%, respectively. Anterior reconstruction significantly influenced early urinary continence recovery, and membrane urethral length correlated with continence rates at all postoperative time points. After adjustment using the IPTW method, the chronological trend of urinary continence recovery rate in relation to anterior reconstruction was similar between patients with and without nerve sparing.

Conclusions

Anterior reconstruction contributes to early recovery from urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. However, the impact for continence rate 12 months after surgery is limited.
Impact of the Individual Operator Experience and Learning Curve of a Novel Size Adjustable Cryoballoon
Authors: Hayashi Yosuke , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Nitta Junichi , Inaba Osamu , Sagawa Yuichiro , Iwai Shinsuke , Sekiguchi Yukio , Inamura Yukihiro , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Goto Kentaro , Nishimura Takuro , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: December 2024

Background

Cryoballoon ablation is less operator‐dependent than radiofrequency ablation. Recently, size‐adjustable cryoballoons (SA‐CBs) have become available. We sought to analyze the individual baseline operator experience's impact on procedural results.

Methods

This multicenter observational study included atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using SA‐CBs capable of 28‐mm or 31‐mm balloon sizes. Experienced (E‐group) or less experienced (LE‐group) operators were defined as experiencing > 100 or ≤ 100 cryoballoon procedures, respectively.

Results

Among 510 patients (67 ± 11 years, 355 men, 325 paroxysmal AF [PAF]) who underwent an SA‐CB ablation, 240 and 270 were in the E‐group and LE‐group, respectively. All cryoballoon parameters were similar between the groups, except for a significantly higher 31‐mm balloon isolation rate in the E‐group than LE‐group, especially for right superior PVs. Cryoballoon‐related phrenic nerve injury occurred in 34 (6.7%) patients and tended to be higher in the LE‐group than E‐group (8.1% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.16). The AF freedom was comparable between the groups for both PAF and non‐PAF patients. A total of 36(7.1%) patients underwent re‐do procedures at 5.2 ± 2.6 months post‐index procedure. The PV reconnection rate was significantly higher in the LE‐group than E‐group (27.1% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.01), and this trend was more pronounced for right PVs than left PVs.

Conclusions

In AF ablation using SA‐CBs, the overall procedural efficacy and safety were comparable between the E‐group and LE‐group. However, 100 CB procedures seemed to still be in the middle of a learning curve for selecting the balloon size and balloon position, especially for right PVs.
Impact of Anemia on Clinical Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Oral Anticoagulants: A Prognostic Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Amin Ahmed Mazen , Elbenawi Hossam , Odat Ramez M. , Elgebaly Mohamed , Al‐shammari Ali Saad , Manasrah AlMothana , Nakhla Michael , Ayman Dina , Ali Mohamed Ahmed , Helmi Ahmed , Abuelazm Mohamed , Ternes Caique M. P. , Abdelazeem Basel , Zeb Irfan , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , DeSimone Christopher V. , d'Avila Andre
Published: December 2024

Background

Anemia is frequently observed as a comorbidity in atrial fibrillation (AF), especially in elderly patients and in those on anticoagulation. This has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. We aim to investigate the impact of anemia on clinical outcomes in patients with AF on oral anticoagulation.

Methods

We comprehensively searched PubMed, WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and CENTRAL through March 2024 and conducted a prognostic systematic review and meta‐analysis. All analyses were performed using R V. 4.3.1. This meta‐analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42024556023).

Results

We included 23 studies comprising 286,781 patients for analysis. Anemia had a significant association with an 84% increase in risk of major bleeding (HR: 1.84 with 95% CI [1.59, 2.13], p < 0.01), a 32% increase in the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (HR: 1.32 with 95% CI [1.10, 1.58], p < 0.01), a 98% increase in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (HR: 1.98 with 95% CI [1.67, 2.35], p < 0.01), and a 91% increase in the risk of all‐cause mortality (HR: 1.91 with 95% CI [1.46, 2.51], p < 0.01). However, the impact of anemia did not significantly affect the risk of stroke, transient ischemic stroke (TIA), or systemic embolism (HR: 1.07 with 95% CI [0.93, 1.22], p = 0.36).

Conclusion

Anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and all‐cause mortality. However, anemia did not significantly impact stroke, TIA, or systemic embolism.
Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Left Anterior Fascicular Ventricular Arrhythmias: Predicting Origin Sites via Mapping and Electrocardiography
Authors: Zhou Zhi‐Xiang , Hu Wu‐Ming , Yu Jia‐Sheng , Hong Ze‐Chao , Yan Yu , Shen Yu , Li Jin , Lin Jia‐Xuan , Chen Yi‐Fan , D'Angelo Lucia , James Shea Michaela , Gao Mei‐ling , Lin Jia‐Feng , Zheng Cheng
Published: December 2024

Background

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left anterior fascicle (LAF) are uncommonly seen, and their characteristics still need to be sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to conclude these VAs' characteristics and explore efficient ablation strategies.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 118 patients undergoing successful catheter ablation for LAF VAs. Patients were divided into three groups based on target sites in LAF: proximal‐LAF group (n = 30, from the common trunk of the left bundle branch to the LAF below the right coronary cusp (RCC), middle‐LAF group (n = 35, the LAF below the RCC and left coronary cusp (LCC), distal‐LAF group (n = 53, the LAF below LCC to the LAF terminal).

Results

From proximal‐ to distal‐LAF, VAs showed a gradually decreased Purkinje‐ventricular (PV) and His‐ventricular (HV) interval. For proximal‐LAF VAs, a distance from the sites recorded with the earliest Purkinje potential to RCC of 4.08 ± 1.03 mm predicted successful ablation in RCC. There are significant differences among the three groups in QRS duration, R/S ratio in V6, and Lead I. Using these three ECG characteristics as a panel to predict the origin of LAF VAs, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.96% and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.916–1.0 in the proximal‐ and middle‐LAF group, the AUC was 0.998 and 95% CI was 0.994–1.0 in the middle‐ and distal‐LAF group.

Conclusion

When LAF is anatomically divided into proximal, middle, and distal segments, QRS duration and R/S ratio in Leads V6 and I are available to predict the origin and promote a successful catheter ablation. In addition, combining these three ECG characteristics as a panel can better facilitate the prediction of LAF‐VA origin.