bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up-and-coming Radiotracers for Imaging Pain Generators
Authors: van der Heijden Rianne A. , Biswal Sandip
Published: November 2023

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is among the most highly prevalent diseases worldwide. Managing patients with chronic pain remains very challenging because current imaging techniques focus on morphological causes of pain that can be inaccurate and misleading. Moving away from anatomical constructs of disease, molecular imaging has emerged as a method to identify diseases according to their molecular, physiologic, or cellular signatures that can be applied to the variety of biomolecular changes that occur in nociception and pain processing and therefore have tremendous potential for precisely pinpointing the source of a patient's pain. Several molecular imaging approaches to image the painful process are now available, including imaging of voltage-gated sodium channels, calcium channels, hypermetabolic processes, the substance P receptor, the sigma-1 receptor, and imaging of macrophage trafficking. This article provides an overview of promising molecular imaging approaches for the imaging of musculoskeletal pain with a focus on preclinical methods.
Prevalence and patterns of mental and cognitive impairments among missing older adults in China
Authors: Zhang Zhihai , Zhu Fengxia , Zhang Yueyun
Published: November 2023

Missing older adults (MOAs) are older adults whose whereabouts cannot be established at present or at any time previously. The MOAs represent a notable intersection of old age and missingness, given the accelerating population aging and sizable missing persons in many societies. However, the prevalence and patterns of mental and cognitive conditions of MOAs have received little attention. This study aimed to address this gap. This study collected data from the Toutiao Alert, a large missing-person appeal platform in China. The analytical sample included 32885 MOAs (mean age, 73.6 years; female, 40.2%) who were reported missing on the platform between 2017 and 2021. The mental and cognitive impairments and other measures were extracted from the reported information. The results show that the overall levels of mental and cognitive impairments among MOAs were 10.6 and 41.5%, respectively. Moreover, these levels varied by gender, age, and spatiotemporal factors such as the region and year of missingness. Women exhibited higher levels of mental and cognitive impairments. Age was associated with lower levels of mental impairments but higher levels of cognitive impairments. Across regions, MOAs from Northeast China had lower levels of mental and cognitive impairments. From 2017 to 2021, the mental or cognitive impairment levels initially decreased, but then increased until the most recent year. The prevalence and patterns of mental and cognitive impairments revealed in this study contributed to our understanding of the health and well-being of MOAs as one of the distinct groups within the expanding elderly population. Future healthcare policies and services targeting MOAs may benefit from these findings.
Artificial intelligence for early diabetes diagnosis
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: November 2023

Using AI and deep learning algorithms to analyze retinopathy images can help detect early stages of diabetes and enable early intervention.
Simultaneous inclusion of quantum dots in multi-functional layers of thin film organic solar cells
Authors: Oseni Saheed Olanrewaju , Osifeko Olawale Lawrence , Boyo Adenike Omotunde , Mola Genene Tessema
Published: November 2023

The role of quantum dot (QD) decoration in the hole transport buffer layer and the photoactive medium on the photovoltaic parameters of thin film organic solar cells (TFOSCs) was investigated. A cadmium–tellurium-based QD was synthesized successfully and embedded in two of the functional layers of a TFOSC to improve its overall power conversion efficiency. The experimentally determined optimum concentration of the QD was maintained in the interfacial layer to investigate the effect of QD concentration in the active layer. The observed increased short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) are attributable to the enhanced energy level tuning, broadened optical absorption, and charge transport process facilitated by the integration of QDs inside the media. Moreover, an improved device efficiency was obtained when the solvent additive was introduced into the bulk heterojunction photoactive layer films to facilitate QD dispersion and increase the interpenetrating network of the active layer blend that reduces the occurrence of trap sites, which, in turn, limits the Auger recombination rates. The QD-doped TFOSCs catalyzed with solvent additives displayed an enhanced overall photovoltaic parameter, which is quite appreciable in comparison with that of the pristine devices.
Essential requirement for IER3IP1 in B cell development
Authors: Zhong Xue , Moresco James J. , Keller Katie , Lazaro Danielle Renee , Ely Claire , Moresco Eva Marie Y. , Beutler Bruce , Choi Jin Huk
Published: November 2023

In a forward genetic screen of mice withN-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mutations for aberrant immune function, we identified animals with low percentages of B220+cells in the peripheral blood. The causative mutation was inIer3ip1, encoding immediate early response 3 interacting protein 1 (IER3IP1), an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein mutated in an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder termed Microcephaly with simplified gyration, Epilepsy and permanent neonatal Diabetes Syndrome (MEDS) in humans. However, no immune function for IER3IP1 had previously been reported. The viable hypomorphicIer3ip1allele uncovered in this study, identical to a reportedIER3IP1variant in a MEDS patient, reveals an essential hematopoietic-intrinsic role for IER3IP1 in B cell development and function. We show that IER3IP1 forms a complex with the Golgi transmembrane protein 167A and limits activation of the unfolded protein response mediated by inositol-requiring enzyme-1α and X-box binding protein 1 in B cells. Our findings suggest that B cell deficiency may be a feature of MEDS.
Conceptualization ofSar(Head) in Persian figurative expressions
Authors: Ahangari Nahid
Published: November 2023

SinceLakoff and Johnson (1999)proposed ‘Embodiment theory’ in Cognitive Linguistics, the relationship between language and body parts has been a subject of research for many years. This paper examines the conceptualization of body part ‘head’ in 305 Persian figurative expressions and proverbs in two related Iranian dictionaries. Using the ‘Cultural Conceptualization’ model introduced bySharifian (2011), this article demonstrates howsar, the Persian equivalent to ‘head’, is conceptualized to convey various notions such as mental activity, emotions, personality traits, social behavior and state, time, place, death, measurement, leader, and success. The conceptualization of body parts in a language can be bounded to that language and often rooted in some cultural background; however, this topic has received scant attention among scholars of Persian language. Apparently, no comprehensive studies on the conceptualization of head in Persian figurative expressions have been conducted so far, thus this research is an attempt to fill this gap. The analysis of the afore-mentioned word revealed that it can convey several meanings; these include mental activity, emotions, human traits, social action and status, time, location, death, measurement, leadership and success. The variety of meanings stems from contexts within which the word is presented.
ARL6IP1 gene delivery reduces neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative pathology in hereditary spastic paraplegia model
Authors: Lim Jung Hwa , Kang Hyun Mi , Kim Dae Hun , Jeong Bohyeon , Lee Da Yong , Lee Jae-Ran , Baek Jeong Yeob , Cho Hyun-Soo , Son Mi-Young , Kim Dae Soo , Kim Nam-Soon , Jung Cho-Rok
Published: November 2023

ARL6IP1 is implicated in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), but the specific pathogenic mechanism leading to neurodegeneration has not been elucidated. Here, we clarified the molecular mechanism of ARL6IP1 in HSP using in vitro and in vivo models. The Arl6ip1 knockout (KO) mouse model was generated to represent the clinically involved frameshift mutations and mimicked the HSP phenotypes. Notably, in vivo brain histopathological analysis revealed demyelination of the axon and neuroinflammation in the white matter, including the corticospinal tract. In in vitro experiments, ARL6IP1 silencing caused cell death during neuronal differentiation and mitochondrial dysfunction by dysregulated autophagy. ARL6IP1 localized on mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) to maintain endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial homeostasis via direct interaction with LC3B and BCl2L13. ARL6IP1 played a crucial role in connecting the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria as a member of MAMs. ARL6IP1 gene therapy reduced HSP phenotypes and restored pathophysiological changes in the Arl6ip1 KO model. Our results established that ARL6IP1 could be a potential target for HSP gene therapy.
Crystal structure prediction and non-superconductivity of N-doped LuH3 at near ambient pressure
Authors: Hu Kai , Geng Yixing , Yu Jinqing , Gu Yuqiu
Published: November 2023

Lanthanide polyhydrides, which have attracted the attention of researchers, are considered as a potential candidate material for high-temperature superconductivity. Especially, it is reported that N-doped LuH3 exhibits near ambient superconductivity recently. It has attracted attention to room temperature superconductivity of ternary Lu-N-H systems at near ambient pressure. Here, we constructed a LuNH3 (N-doped LuH3) compound to predict the crystal structural at relatively low pressures. We found a stable ternary LuNH3 structure with a tetragonal P4mm phase under 5 GPa. In addition, our

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calculations show that the P4mm LuNH3 structure does not exhibit superconductivity down to 0.3 K at near ambient pressure due to the H atoms hardly contribute to acoustical phonons.
Length – Weight Relationship of Bivalves and Gastropods from Mangrove Forest of Brgy. Nabago, Surigao City, Philippines
Authors: Degamon Louella S. , Eviota Manny P. , Hugo Rosalia L. , Bertulfo Roselle E. , Odtojan Medielyn M. , Buenaflor Gheleene S. , Cuadrado Jerry T.
Published: November 2023

Bivalves and gastropods are among the most important food resource in coastal communities. The destructive ways of harvesting these mangrove associate fauna may cause a threat to the forest and may alter the physiological condition of these organisms. The length-weight relationship of two bivalves (Anodontia edentulaandSaccostrea cuccullata) and 11 gastropods (Littoraria angulifera, Littoraria melanostoma, Littoraria scabra, Chicoreus capunicus, Tenguella musiva, Nerita exuvia, Nerita lineata, Cerithidea decollate, Terebralia palustris, andTerebralia sulcata) species collected from the mangrove forest of Barangay Nabago, Surigao City was assessed in this study.A. edentulaexhibits positive allometry (b=3.7002) whileS. cuccullatashows negative allometry (b=2.6145). The 11 gastropod species demonstrate a negative allometric pattern (b<3). The negative allometric pattern of these species indicates that the length increased faster than the weight, which could be attributed to the different environmental factors in the area. The data obtained in this study is essential for the monitoring of these organisms and management of the entire mangrove ecosystem in the area.
The Use of Fly Ash and Bottom Ash to Reduce COD, TSS, and Color in Textile Industry Wastewater Effluent
Authors: Ayuningsih Barqhadini , Yuniarto Adhi , Zuhri Syaifudin
Published: November 2023

The textile industry wastewater effluent contains some levels of COD, TSS, and color, it must be reprocessed as a tertiary treatment using the filtration method. The goal of this research was to examine the ability of fly ash and bottom ash as filtration media to reduce the pollutant / organic load of COD, TSS, and color in textile industry wastewater effluent. The slow sand filter method was used in this study, and the filter media was derived from coal combustion waste. The variation used in this study is a variation of filter media (fly ash and bottom ash), with fly ash diameters of 0.11 and 0.35 mm, bottom ash diameters of 0.85 - 1.50 mm, and media thickness of 1.50 - 2.00 mm (10 cm and 20 cm). The study’s findings demonstrated that using bottom ash and fly ash media in the filtration process with a slow sand filter system could maximize the efficiency of reducing COD, TSS, and color levels in textile industry wastewater effluent. In fly ash media, it can reduce COD, TSS, and Color by 90.58%, 81.87%, and 100%. Meanwhile, Bottom Ash filter media has an average COD, TSS, and Color reduction of 87.80%, 81.87%, and of 100%.
Subsurface Identification using Resistivity Method for Infrastructure Planning in Benowo Area, Surabaya City
Authors: Utama Widya , Putra Dhea Pratama Novian , Indriani Rista Fitri , Garini Sherly Ardhya
Published: November 2023

Subsurface rock identification in infrastructure construction is important to get the information in planning and monitoring the rock carrying capacity and groundwater systems for infrastructure construction. To get the subsurface condition information that are relatively shallow with detailed results, Resistivity method with Wenner configuration is used. Research is in Benowo area, where dominated by pond area. This research used 5 Resistivity lines, which are divided into 2 locations separated by distance of about 2400 meters as Z1 and Z2 areas. For the subsurface resistivity section at Z1 area there are 2 lines, while at Z2 area there are 3 lines. It is known at Z1 area, top layer is topsoil (2.26-33.00 Ωm) and the bottom layer was identified as clay (0.30-2.26 Ωm). At Z2, top layer being topsoil (0.306-0.708 Ωm), followed by clay layer (0.100-0.306 Ωm), and the sand layer (0.231-0.535 Ωm) in the bottom of resistivity model. Groundwater system shows topsoil acts as a vadose zone, clay layer acts as an aquiclude and the sand layer acts as an unconfined aquifer. Saturated water influences the low resistivity value measurement related to the environmental condition dominated by pond area, beside measurements in rainy season are also suspected to be the cause of low resistivity measured. To be applied infrastructure development in the Benowo area need further treatment activity like soil and/or rock pavement to support infrastructure safety. This research result is related to geotechnical aspects like rock coring, pavement, and optimum architectural design can be an alternative for further research.
Submarine landslide-induced tsunami generation in Makassar strait, Indonesia using Non-hydrostatic wave model
Authors: Gumbira G , Wibowo M , Khoirunnisa H , Karima S , Kongko W , Widagdo A B , Rachman R A , Pasma G R , Suharyanto H H R , Lubis M Z
Published: November 2023

Tsunami modelling of potential landslide-induced tsunami in Makassar Strait is carried out to quantify possible damage to the nearby cities. The numerical model is used to represent the wave generation by using NHWAVE model. The simulations consist of a series of scenarios based on distinct size of the landslide volume. Four landslides with volume 5, 8, 70, and 200 km3 are used as tsunami sources in the initiation stage. The sources are evenly distributed in the strait addressing different landslide location. Maximum wave heights of 1.5 m are found in the area between Palu and Bangkir from case 1 and around Talok from case 2 simulations. The empirical run-up calculation of 7.5 m is estimated at the land for the presented wave height. The value significantly elevates the case 3 and 4 proportional to the volume values. The waves impact more than half of coastline with maximum value found in the Sulawesi side. Interestingly, wide and narrow shelf next to Kalimantan Island plays an important role in reducing the tsunami hazard level.
Protecting the Country from Bio-invasion, a Case Study of Biofouling Management in Indonesia
Authors: Utama I K A P , Hermawan Y A , Ariesta R C , Risdiyanto S , Sitinjak M , Ardhiyanto W
Published: November 2023

The introduction of Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) to new environments by ships has been identified as a major threat to world’s oceans and the conservation of biodiversity. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has international efforts to tackle IAS by taking the transfer of non-indigenous organisms through shipping. In response to global oncerns about risks associated with ship-borne biofouling, the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships Project (GFP) was launched, involving several Lead Partnering Countries (LPC) to conduct national rapid status assessment concerning to the current situation of biofouling in LPC, including Indonesia. This rapid national status assessment in Indonesia is carried out to determine the essential needs for developing a future national biofouling strategy and related initiatives in Indonesia. This study and assessment include the marine sectors may act as pathway for IAS into Indonesia through biofouling, the resource and socio-economic risk from biofouling, the existing policy associated with biofouling management issues, the existing gaps, capacity needs and required reforms to manage biofouling issue in Indonesia. The assessment is carried by using the guidance provided by Glofouling guide.
Complexity of Waste Handling Technology at Final Disposal Site of Bantargebang, Bekasi City
Authors: Ardiatma Dodit , Lestari Puji , Chaerul Mochammad
Published: November 2023

Major problems at final waste processing sites (TPAs) include leachate, groundwater pollution, public health, and social aspects. Landfills are a major contributor to environmental damage in the world with effects on warming, acidification, smog formation, eutrophication, ecotoxicity and cancer to human health and non-cancer categories. Waste management in D.K.I Jakarta Province is currently facing a shortage of Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST) space with waste production reaching 7,000 to 7,500 tons/day. The main challenge in today’s municipal solid waste management is the selection of the most appropriate waste processing scenario, where the chosen method must be efficient and effective in minimizing leaching and emissions and reducing landfill waste, so that the service life of final disposal will be longer. Final disposal Bantargebang is the largest final disposal in Indonesia with an area of 132,5 Ha, where 80% is used for waste management and 20% of the land is used for support facilities. Final disposal Bantargebang implements various technologies in waste management including landfill, PLTSA, composting, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and involves scavengers in waste management at final disposal Bantargebang. The most dominant type of waste is food waste which reaches 39%. Various current technologies are still not effective, the implementation of sanitary landfills in final disposal Bantargebang is still very difficult to meet the planned design criteria, and tends to implement open dumping. This increases the potential for groundwater and surface water pollution and contributes to increased GHGs. Surface water in final disposal Bantargebang is highly polluted with COD and BOD parameters that exceed quality standards. Therefore, the multi-technology applied at final disposal Bantargebang only achieves an efficiency of 8% of incoming waste and the rest is still landfill waste in the landfill zone which is 92%.
Flexible and stretchable synaptic devices for wearable neuromorphic electronics
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Soo , Ro Jun-Seok , Ko Gyu-Min , Park Hea-Lim
Published: November 2023

Wearable neuromorphic devices have gained attention because of the growth in the Internet of Things and the increasing demand for health monitoring. They provide meaningful information and interact with the external environment through physiological signal processing and seamless interaction with the human body. The concept of these devices originated from the development of neuromorphic and flexible/stretchable electronics, which offer a solution to the limitation of conventional rigid devices. They have been developed to mimic synaptic functions and flexibility/stretchability of the biological nervous system. In this study, we described the various synaptic properties that should be implemented in synaptic devices and the operating mechanisms that exhibit these properties with respect to two- and three-terminal devices. Further, we specified comprehensive methods of implementing mechanical flexibility and stretchability in neuromorphic electronics through both structure and material engineering. In addition, we explored various wearable applications of these devices, such as wearable sensors for danger detection, auxiliary equipment for people with sensory disabilities, and neuroprosthetic devices. We expect this review to provide an overall understanding of concepts and trends for flexible and stretchable neuromorphic devices, with potential extensions to state-of-the-art applications such as cybernetics and exoskeleton.
Quantum logical controlled-NOT gate in a lithium niobate-on-insulator photonic quantum walk
Authors: Chapman Robert J , Häusler Samuel , Finco Giovanni , Kaufmann Fabian , Grange Rachel
Published: November 2023

The two-qubit controlled-NOT gate is one of the central entangling operations in quantum information technology. The controlled-NOT gate for single photon qubits is normally realized as a network of five individual beamsplitters on six optical modes. Quantum walks (QWs) are an alternative photonic architecture involving arrays of coupled waveguides, which have been successful for investigating condensed matter physics, however, have not yet been applied to quantum logical operations. Here, we engineer the tight-binding Hamiltonian of an array of lithium niobate-on-insulator waveguides to experimentally demonstrate the two-qubit controlled-NOT gate in a QW. We measure the two-qubit transfer matrix with 0.938 ± 0.003 fidelity, and we use the gate to generate entangled qubits with 0.945 ± 0.002 fidelity by preparing the control photon in a superposition state. Our results highlight a new application for QWs that use a compact multi-mode interaction region to realize large multi-component quantum circuits.
Fc gamma receptors promote antibody-induced LILRB4 internalization and immune regulation of monocytic AML
Authors: Morse Joshua W , Gui Xun , Deng Mi , Huang Ryan , Ye Xiaohua , Zhao Peng , Fan Xuejun , Xiong Wei , Zhang Chengcheng , Zhang Ningyan , An Zhiqiang
Published: November 2023

The immune checkpoint leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is found specifically on the cell surface of acute monocytic leukemia (monocytic AML), an aggressive and common subtype of AML. We have developed a humanized monoclonal IgG1 LILRB4-blocking antibody (h128-3), which improved immune regulation but reduced cell surface expression of LILRB4 in monocytic AML models by 40–60%. Interestingly, most of this effect was neutralized by mutation of the Fc region of the antibody (h128-3/N297A), which prevents interaction with Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). This suggested that there is FcγR-dependent antigenic modulation underlying h128-3’s effects, a mechanism known to alter the function of antibodies targeting B-cell malignancies. We disrupted the Fc-FcγR interaction pharmacologically and with stable CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genetic knockout of FcγRs in monocytic AML cell lines to investigate the role of FcγR-dependent antigenic modulation in the regulation of LILRB4 by h128-3. When FcγRI is inhibited or removed from the surface of monocytic AML cells, h128-3 cannot optimally perform its blocking function, resulting in activation of the LILRB4 inhibitory receptor and leading to a 15–25% decrease in T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. In the absence of FcγRI, scaffolding by FcγRIIa allows h128-3 to maintain LILRB4-blocking function. Here we define a FcγR-dependent antigenic modulation mechanism underlying the function of an immunoreceptor blocking antibody for the first time in myeloid malignancy. This research will facilitate the development of safe, precision-targeted antibody therapeutics in myeloid malignancies with greater potency and efficacy.
The International Recognition of Governments in Practice(s): Creatures, Mirages, and Dilemmas in Post-2011 Libya
Authors: Fernández-Molina Irene
Published: November 2023

The international (non)recognition of governments is a composite macro practice that has grown in visibility in recent years in response to contentious domestic political processes such as coups d’état, revolutions, and civil wars, yet it remains understudied in international relations. Doctrinal debates in international law and foreign policy reveal the normative vacuum and normative competition that have long surrounded this phenomenon, but say little about its specific operation and effects. This article brings together insights from recognition theory and international practice theory, and uses post-2011 Libya as an in-depth case study, drawing on elite interviews with diplomats, international officials, and other practitioners. The aim is to sketch a new research agenda by building a generalizable typology of smaller-scale government recognition micro practices (declaratory, diplomatic, informal engagement, intergovernmental cooperation, and support practices), and uncovering their guiding logics and consequences. I argue that, first, the international (non)recognition of governments is endowed with a distinct generative power, as it produces its own creatures through a range of micro practices that have identity formation and change, material empowerment, political legitimation, and sovereignty line-drawing effects. Secondly, it is geopolitically inevitable, as external actors involved in a country cannot ultimately avoid engaging with territorially grounded domestic political actors. Thirdly, it is not a black-and-white situation, as it involves a broad variety of practices guided by different, often contradictory logics. Finally, international government recognition practices are likely to run into three dilemmas stemming from three tensions: international versus domestic recognition, legitimacy versus effectiveness, and coherence versus inclusivity in conflict mediation.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Trends and Evolution on Inhalation Injury Research
Authors: Huang Shengyu , Miao Yinshui , Wang Yusong , Ma Qimin , Liu Xiaobin , Shen Tuo , Zhu Zhihao , Li Jiaqi , Zhu Feng , Guo Guanghua
Published: November 2023

Inhalation injury is a common complication in burn patients and is also a factor that can affect the multiple prognoses of burn patients. Attention to inhalation injury began early globally, but few articles have systematically analyzed its development. We employed bibliometric methods to analyze articles on inhalation injury published in 3 medical databases. A total of 3056 relevant articles on inhalation injury were included in our analysis and divided into 3 distinct periods based on Price’s law. Notably, a slowdown in publication growth was observed in period III. The majority of these articles were authored by a small group of individuals, with a significant proportion of them being American scholars. In fact, nearly half of the articles were published by American researchers. Applying Bradford’s Law, we identified 4 major output sources in the field, namely Burns, Journal of Burn Care & Research, Journal of Trauma, and Critical Care Medicine. Recent research has focused on the clinical risks and outcomes associated with inhalation injury, while basic research in this area has been relatively neglected over the last decade. In conclusion, the growth of publications on inhalation injuries has largely followed standard scientific growth patterns, with a small number of countries and established research groups contributing the majority of articles. However, the recent slowdown in scientific output is a cause for concern, and the lack of emphasis on basic research and clinical trials in this field raises questions about the foundation for widespread clinical management of inhalation injuries.
GenoPipe: identifying the genotype of origin within (epi)genomic datasets
Authors: Lang Olivia W , Srivastava Divyanshi , Pugh B Franklin , Lai William K M
Published: November 2023

Confidence in experimental results is critical for discovery. As the scale of data generation in genomics has grown exponentially, experimental error has likely kept pace despite the best efforts of many laboratories. Technical mistakes can and do occur at nearly every stage of a genomics assay (i.e. cell line contamination, reagent swapping, tube mislabelling, etc.) and are often difficult to identify post-execution. However, the DNA sequenced in genomic experiments contains certain markers (e.g. indels) encoded within and can often be ascertained forensically from experimental datasets. We developed the Genotype validation Pipeline (GenoPipe), a suite of heuristic tools that operate together directly on raw and aligned sequencing data from individual high-throughput sequencing experiments to characterize the underlying genome of the source material. We demonstrate how GenoPipe validates and rescues erroneously annotated experiments by identifying unique markers inherent to an organism's genome (i.e. epitope insertions, gene deletions and SNPs).
PPGR: a comprehensive perennial plant genomes and regulation database
Authors: Yang Sen , Zong Wenting , Shi Lingling , Li Ruisi , Ma Zhenshu , Ma Shubao , Si Jingna , Wu Zhijing , Zhai Jinglan , Ma Yingke , Fan Zhuojing , Chen Sisi , Huang Huahong , Zhang Deqiang , Bao Yiming , Li Rujiao , Xie Jianbo
Published: November 2023

Perennial woody plants hold vital ecological significance, distinguished by their unique traits. While significant progress has been made in their genomic and functional studies, a major challenge persists: the absence of a comprehensive reference platform for collection, integration and in-depth analysis of the vast amount of data. Here, we present PPGR (Resource for Perennial Plant Genomes and Regulation; https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/ppgr/) to address this critical gap, by collecting, integrating, analyzing and visualizing genomic, gene regulation and functional data of perennial plants. PPGR currently includes 60 species, 847 million protein–protein/TF (transcription factor)-target interactions, 9016 transcriptome samples under various environmental conditions and genetic backgrounds. Noteworthy is the focus on genes that regulate wood production, seasonal dormancy, terpene biosynthesis and leaf senescence representing a wealth of information derived from experimental data, literature mining, public databases and genomic predictions. Furthermore, PPGR incorporates a range of multi-omics search and analysis tools to facilitate browsing and application of these extensive datasets. PPGR represents a comprehensive and high-quality resource for perennial plants, substantiated by an illustrative case study that demonstrates its capacity in unraveling gene functions and shedding light on potential regulatory processes.
Emergency communications after earthquake reveal social network backbone of important ties
Authors: Jia Jayson S , Li Yiwei , Liu Sheng , Christakis Nicholas A , Jia Jianmin
Published: November 2023

Social networks provide a basis for collective resilience to disasters. Combining the quasi-experimental context of a major earthquake in Ya’an, China, with anonymized mobile telecommunications records regarding 91,839 Ya’an residents, we use initial bursts of postdisaster communications (e.g. choice of alter, order of calls, and latency) to reveal the “important ties” that form the social network backbone. We find that only 26.8% of important ties activated during the earthquake were the strongest ties during normal times. Many important ties were hitherto latent and weak, only to become persistent and strong after the earthquake. We show that which ties activated during a sudden disaster are best predicted by the interaction of embeddedness and tie strength. Moreover, a backbone of important ties alone (without the inclusion of weak ties ordinarily seen as important to bridge communities) is sufficient to generate a hierarchical structure of social networks that connect a disaster zone's disparate communities.
Best billiard ball in the 19th century: Composite materials made of celluloid and bone as substitutes for ivory
Authors: Neves Artur , Friedel Robert , Melo Maria J , Callapez Maria Elvira , Vicenzi Edward P , Lam Thomas
Published: November 2023

The demystification of how 19th-century novelly designed materials became significant elements of modern technological, economic, and cultural life requires a complete understanding of the material dimensions of historical artifacts. The objects frequently described as the earliest manufactured plastic products—the billiard balls made by John Wesley Hyatt and his associates from the late 1860s—are examined closely for the first time and are found to be more complex and functionally more successful than has been described. Modern analytical techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope—energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, micro-Fourier transformed infrared, and handheld/micro-Raman spectroscopies were used to reveal the complex composition of the Smithsonian Institution's “original” 1868 celluloid billiard ball. Comparisons with billiard and pool balls commercialized from the 1880s to the 1960s showed an unexpected consistency in material formulations. All specimens were made of an unprecedented composite material prepared with a mixture of cellulose nitrate, camphor, and ground bone; the source of the bone was identified as cattle by peptide mass fingerprint (ZooMS). Patent specifications and contemporary journal descriptions explained how and when these formulations emerged. Combining the technical analyses of compositions with a careful reading of the historical record and contemporary descriptions reveals the key elements of the first successful efforts to substitute materials to assist the survival of endangered animals.
Health of unpaid carers in Wales, UK: a population data linkage study
Authors: Huang Fangzhou , Song Jiao , Davies Alisha R
Published: November 2023

Background

The population of unpaid carers in Wales increased to record. There is no systematic approach to record unpaid caring status, resulting in limited quantitative evidence on unpaid carers’ health. The aim of this study is to: (i) create an e-cohort of unpaid carers by linking routinely collected health and administrative datasets in Wales, UK. (ii) investigate whether long-term health conditions and multimorbidity are more prevalent amongst unpaid carers than non-carers.

Methods

Unpaid carers were identified by linking primary care dataset, National Survey for Wales data with demographic characteristics in the Secure Anonymise Information Linkage Databank. The clinical codes identified in Cambridge Multimorbidity Score were used to explore the prevalence of long-term health conditions.

Results

A total of 91 220 unpaid carers in Wales were identified between 1 January 2010 and 1 March 2022. Unpaid carers were found at higher risk of managing 35 of 37 long-term health conditions and multimorbidity than non-carers, exacerbated amongst younger age groups and deprived communities.

Conclusions

The creation of the first e-cohort of unpaid carers in Wales provides opportunities to perform rapid analysis to systematically understand health needs and evaluate initiatives in future. To better support unpaid carers, flexible approaches focusing on early identification and prevention is crucial.
Increased mortality rate in Takayasu arteritis is largely driven by cardiovascular disease: a cohort study
Authors: Jagtap Swapnil , Mishra Prabhaker , Rathore Upendra , Thakare Darpan R , Singh Kritika , Dixit Juhi , Qamar Tooba , Behera Manas Ranjan , Jain Neeraj , Ora Manish , Bhadauria Dharmendra Singh , Gambhir Sanjay , Kumar Sudeep , Agarwal Vikas , Misra Durga Prasanna
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To analyse the risk, causes and predictors of mortality in Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods

Survival was assessed in a cohort of patients with TAK using Kaplan–Meier curves. Age- and sex-standardized mortality ratio (SMR = observed: expected deaths) for TAK were calculated by applying age- and sex-specific mortality rates for the local population to calculate expected deaths. Hazard ratios (HR with 95%CI) for predictors of mortality based on demographic characteristics, presenting features, baseline angiographic involvement, disease activity, number of immunosuppressive medications used, procedures related to TAK and any serious infection were calculated using Cox regression or exponential parametric regression models.

Results

Among 224 patients with TAK (159 females, mean follow-up duration 44.36 months), survival at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years was 97.34%, 96.05%, 93.93% and 89.23%, respectively. Twelve deaths were observed, most of which were due to cardiovascular disease (heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke). Mortality risk was significantly higher with TAK (SMR 17.29, 95%CI 8.95–30.11) than the general population. Earlier age at disease onset (HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83–0.98; or pediatric-onset vs adult-onset disease, HR 5.51, 95%CI 1.57–19.32), higher disease activity scores (ITAS2010: HR 1.15, 95%CI 1.05–1.25, DEI.TAK: HR 1.18, 95%CI 1.08–1.29), any serious infections (HR 5.43, 95%CI 1.72–17.12), heart failure (HR 7.83, 95%CI 2.17–28.16) or coeliac trunk involvement at baseline (HR 4.01, 95%CI 1.26–12.75) were associated with elevated mortality risk.

Conclusion

Patients with TAK had an elevated risk of mortality as compared with the general population. Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in TAK.
Frontal mechanisms underlying primate calls recognition by humans
Authors: Ceravolo Leonardo , Debracque Coralie , Pool Eva , Gruber Thibaud , Grandjean Didier
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The ability to process verbal language seems unique to humans and relies not only on semantics but on other forms of communication such as affective vocalizations, that we share with other primate species—particularly great apes (Hominidae).

Methods

To better understand these processes at the behavioral and brain level, we asked human participants to categorize vocalizations of four primate species including human, great apes (chimpanzee and bonobo), and monkey (rhesus macaque) during MRI acquisition.

Results

Classification was above chance level for all species but bonobo vocalizations. Imaging analyses were computed using a participant-specific, trial-by-trial fitted probability categorization value in a model-based style of data analysis. Model-based analyses revealed the implication of the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis (IFGtri) respectively correlating and anti-correlating with the fitted probability of accurate species classification. Further conjunction analyses revealed enhanced activity in a sub-area of the left IFGtri specifically for the accurate classification of chimpanzee calls compared to human voices.

Discussion

Our data—that are controlled for acoustic variability between species—therefore reveal distinct frontal mechanisms that shed light on how the human brain evolved to process vocal signals.
The urothelial barrier in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: its form and function, an overview of preclinical models
Authors: van Ginkel Charlotte , Hurst Robert E. , Janssen Dick
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Investigating bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS) preclinically is challenging. Various research models have been used to mimic the urothelial barrier closely and replicate the disease. The aim of this review is to discuss preclinical research related to the urothelial barrier in context of IC/BPS.

Recent findings

In vivo models mimic IC/BPS mainly with toxic substances in the urine, with protaminesulfate and proteoglycan deglycolysation resembling a temporary impaired barrier as seen in IC/BPS. This temporary increased permeability has also been found in vitro models. Glycosaminoglycan replenishment therapy has been described, in vivo and in vitro, to protect and enhance recover properties of the urothelium. The roles of immune and neurogenic factors in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS remains relatively understudied.

Preclinical studies provide opportunities to identify the involvement of specific pathologic pathways in IC/BPS. For further research is warranted to elucidate the primary or secondary role of permeability, together with inflammatory and neurogenic causes of the disease.
Current position of neuromodulation for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis
Authors: Kendall Harry J. , Schrijvers Julia , Heesakkers John P.F.A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review

Despite established effectiveness in overactive bladder and nonobstructive retention, neuromodulation's application in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) remains a topic of ongoing research. The purpose of this article is to review recent developments in neuromodulation as treatment of IC/BPS offering guidance for healthcare practitioners dealing with IC/BPS cases.

Recent findings

Recent research underlines the promising role of sacral, tibial and pudendal neuromodulation in management of IC/BPS symptoms. Studies reveal encouraging outcomes, particularly in alleviating urgency and frequency symptoms. However, while urgency and frequency symptoms tend to improve, comprehensive pain relief remains a challenge. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) stand out due to their minimal invasive nature. Existing literature points to the need for larger prospective studies with extended follow-up periods to validate the efficacy and sustainability of neuromodulation.

Neuromodulation is a promising treatment modality for refractory IC/BPS. Due to the minimal invasive nature, they should be tried before rigorous surgery. However, the limited quantity of available data and the variability in pain relief outcomes necessitate cautious interpretation. The review emphasizes the need for further research.
Efficacy of tafamidis in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sukaina Mahnoor , Rehman Shafi , Waheed Marium , Shehryar Muhammad , Rasool Raffat , Ahmed Nimra , Ochani Sidhant , Hasibuzzaman Md. Al
Published: November 2023

In May 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved tafamidis as the first conservative management of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Our aim in conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of tafamidis on patients with ATTR-CM. For that purpose, we thoroughly searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Clinical trails.gov by using the appropriate search strategy and following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which retrieved 235 articles initially. Of which two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one observational study matched our inclusion criteria. A total of 876 patients are included in this analysis. Based on results, tafamidis significantly reduced cardiovascular (CV) mortality in the ATTR-ACT trial and Ochi et al. (OR 0.58; 95% CI: [0.41–0.83], P=0.003, I
2=87%). A subgroup analysis was conducted for CV mortality due to heart failure (OR 0.89; 95% CI: [0.63–1.25], P=0.50, I
2=93%). The results exhibit that tafamidis reduced all causes of mortality (OR 0.45; 95% CI: [0.32–0.64], P≤0.00001, I
2=22%). Furthermore, mortality remained statistically insignificant in patients with heart transplants (OR 1.18; 95% CI: [0.52–2.70], P=0.70, I
2=0%) and patients with cardiac mechanical assist devices (OR 4.15; 95% CI: [0.48–35.66], P=0.20, I
2=0%). This meta-analysis suggests that tafamidis is a safe and efficient drug to use in patients with ATTR-CM and can possess the potential to be a milestone in enhancing the conservative management of the patients.
FDG PET/CT in Hantavirus Hemorrhagic Fever With Renal Syndrome
Authors: Han Yeon-Hee , Lee Chang-Seop
Published: November 2023

A 58-year-old man with fever, myalgia, and dysuria was admitted to the hospital. Because of prolonged fever, FDG PET/CT was performed. Surprisingly, bilateral kidneys were rapidly enlarged for 5 days with the renal parenchyma showing intense hypermetabolism. FDG PET/CT demonstrated physiology of Hantavirus invading kidneys and causing nephritis. This case illustrates that FDG PET/CT could be the choice of image modality for diagnosis and treatment evaluation of patients suspected of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of FDG PET/CT image for a patient with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
Correlations Between Quantitative EEG Parameters and Cortical Blood Flow in Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With and Without Encephalopathy
Authors: Khan Imad R. , Dar Irfaan A. , Johnson Thomas W. , Loose Emily , Xu Yama Y. , Santiago Esmeralda , Donohue Kelly L. , Marinescu Mark A. , Gosev Igor , Schifitto Giovanni , Maddox Ross K. , Busch David R. , Choe Regine , Selioutski Olga
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The neurologic examination of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is crucial for evaluating irreversible encephalopathy but is often obscured by sedation or neuromuscular blockade. Noninvasive neuromonitoring modalities including diffuse correlation spectroscopy and EEG measure cerebral perfusion and neuronal function, respectively. We hypothesized that encephalopathic ECMO patients with greater degree of irreversible cerebral injury demonstrate less correlation between electrographic activity and cerebral perfusion than those whose encephalopathy is attributable to medications.

Methods:

We performed a prospective observational study of adults undergoing ECMO who underwent simultaneous continuous EEG and diffuse correlation spectroscopy monitoring. (Alpha + beta)/delta ratio and alpha/delta Rartio derived from quantitative EEG analysis were correlated with frontal cortical blood flow index. Patients who awakened and followed commands during sedation pauses were included in group 1, whereas patients who could not follow commands for most neuromonitoring were placed in group 2. (Alpha + beta)/delta ratio–blood flow index and ADR-BFI correlations were compared between the groups.

Results:

Ten patients (five in each group) underwent 39 concomitant continuous EEG and diffuse correlation spectroscopy monitoring sessions. Four patients (80%) in each group received some form of analgosedation during neuromonitoring. (Alpha + beta)/delta ratio–blood flow index correlation was significantly lower in group 2 than group 1 (left: 0.05 vs. 0.52, P = 0.03; right: −0.12 vs. 0.39, P = 0.04). Group 2 ADR-BFI correlation was lower only over the right hemisphere (−0.06 vs. 0.47, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Correlation between (alpha + beta)/delta ratio and blood flow index were decreased in encephalopathic ECMO patients compared with awake ones, regardless of the analgosedation use. The combined use of EEG and diffuse correlation spectroscopy may have utility in monitoring cerebral function in ECMO patients.
Genome-based reclassification of Deinococcus saudiensis Hussain et al. 2016 as a later heterotypic synonym of Deinococcus soli Cha et al. 2014
Authors: Wang Di , Li Mengyuan , Yang Yuxue , Gao Yuxin , Liu Bilin , Wu Weichao , Xu Yunping , Wei Yuli
Published: November 2023

Deinococcus saudiensis

YIM F302T was compared with

Deinococcus soli

N5T to examine the taxonomic relationship between the two type strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of

D. saudiensis

YIM F302T showed high similarity (99.9 %) to that of

D. soli

N5T. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains formed a tight cluster within the genus

Deinococcus

. A draft genomic comparison between the two strains revealed average nucleotide identity values of 96.8–97.9 % and a digital DNA–DNA hybridization estimate of 80.7±1.9 %, strongly indicating that the two strains represented a single species. Based on the combined phylogenetic, genomic and phenotypic characterization presented here, we propose

D. saudiensis

as a later heterotypic synonym of

D. soli

N5T.