bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevational range sizes of woody plants increase with climate variability in the Tropical Andes
Authors: Montaño‐Centellas Flavia , Fuentes Alfredo F. , Cayola Leslie , Macía Manuel J. , Arellano Gabriel , Loza M. Isabel , Nieto‐Ariza Beatriz , Tello J. Sebastián
Published: December 2023

Aim

The climate variability hypothesis proposes that species subjected to wide variation in climatic conditions will evolve wider niches, resulting in larger distributions. We test this hypothesis in tropical plants across a broad elevational gradient; specifically, we use a species‐level approach to evaluate whether elevational range sizes are explained by the levels of thermal variability experienced by species.

Location

Central Andes.

Time Period

Present day.

Taxon

Woody plants.

Methods

Combining data from 479 forest plots, we determined the elevational distributions of nearly 2300 species along an elevational gradient (~209–3800 m). For each species, we calculated the maximum annual variation in temperature experienced across its elevational distribution. We used phylogenetic generalized least square models to evaluate the effect of thermal variability on range size. Our models included additional covariates that might affect range size: body size, local abundance, mean temperature and total precipitation. We also considered interactions between thermal variability and mean temperature or precipitation. To account for geometric constraints, we repeated our analyses with a standardized measure of range size, calculated by comparing observed range sizes with values obtained from a null model.

Results

Our results supported the main prediction of the climate variability hypothesis. Thermal variability had a strong positive effect on the range size, with species exposed to higher thermal variability having broader elevational distributions. Body size and local abundance also had positive, yet weak effects, on elevational range size. Furthermore, there was a strong positive interaction between thermal variability and mean annual temperature.

Main Conclusions

Thermal variability had an overriding importance in driving elevational range sizes of woody plants in the Central Andes. Moreover, the relationship between thermal variability and range size might be even stronger in warmer regions, underlining the potential vulnerability of tropical montane floras to the effects of global warming.
Effects of resistance training on alleviating hypoxia‐induced muscle atrophy: Focus on acetylation of FoxO1
Authors: Fu Pengyu , Zhu Rongxin , Gao Weiyang , Gong Lijing
Published: December 2023

This study aims to explore the role of FoxO1 and its acetylation in the alleviation of hypoxia‐induced muscle atrophy by resistance training. Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normoxic control group (C), normoxic resistance training group (R), hypoxic control group (H) and hypoxic resistance training group (HR). Rats in R and HR groups were trained on an incremental weight‐bearing ladder every other day, while those in H and HR groups were kept in an environment containing 12.4% O2. After 4 weeks, muscles were collected for analysis. Differentiated L6 myoblasts were analysed in vitro after hypoxia exposure and plasmids transfection (alteration in FoxO1 acetylation). The lean body mass loss, wet weight and fibre cross‐sectional area of extensor digitorum longus of rats were decreased after 4 weeks hypoxia, and the adverse reactions above was reversed by resistance training. At the same time, the increase in hypoxia‐induced autophagy was suppressed, which was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of nuclear FoxO1 and cytoplasmic Ac‐FoxO1 by resistance training. The L6 myotube diameter increased and the expression of autophagic proteins were inhibited under hypoxia via intervening by FoxO1 deacetylation. Overall, resistance training alleviates hypoxia‐induced muscle atrophy by inhibiting nuclear FoxO1 and cytoplasmic Ac‐FoxO1‐mediated autophagy.
Intestinal injury in paracetamol overdose (ATOM‐8)
Authors: Perananthan Varan , Shihana Fathima , Chiew Angela L , George Jacob , Dawson Andrew , Buckley Nicholas A
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Paracetamol, a widely used medication, is known for its delayed hepatotoxicity in cases of overdose. However, the potential for intestinal toxicity resulting from very high paracetamol concentrations during absorption is not well explored. This study aims to investigate the presence of intestinal toxicity and its correlation with observations in early and late paracetamol toxicity.

Methods

Serial samples of 30 patients with acute paracetamol overdose (> 10 g or 200 mg/kg) were prospectively tested. Markers of enterocyte damage, including plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) and selected gut‐related microRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐122, miR‐194, and miR‐215), were analyzed. Sub‐analysis was performed on patients presenting with hyperlactatemia defined as a lactate greater than 2 mmol/L within 12 h post ingestion.

Results

In paracetamol overdose patients, median plasma IFABP was significantly elevated compared with healthy controls (720 μg/L [interquartile range, IQR, 533–1644] vs 270 μg/L [IQR 153–558], P < 0.001). Four patients had early hyperlactatemia and had significantly higher median plasma IFABP compared with those without early hyperlactatemia (3028 μg/L [IQR 1399–3556] vs 574 μg/L [IQR 526–943], P = 0.007). Furthermore, two microRNAs (miR‐122 and miR‐215) were downregulated in early hyperlactatemia (P = 0.019 and P = 0.006, respectively). Plasma IFABP concentrations correlated with paracetamol concentration (Spearman's r = 0.55) and lactate (r = 0.60).

Conclusions

Paracetamol overdose causes concentration‐related intestinal toxicity, and this is a possible explanation for the early hyperlactatemia syndrome. Intestinal toxicity has potential impacts on pharmacokinetics of other agents ingested and on the evolution of hepatotoxicity. Further studies are required to explore the mechanisms and prognostic implications of intestinal toxicity.
A novel low‐power pure‐cut hot snare polypectomy for 10–14 mm colorectal adenomas: An ex vivo and a clinical prospective feasibility study (SHARP trial)
Authors: Imai Kenichiro , Hotta Kinichi , Ito Sayo , Kishida Yoshihiro , Takada Kazunori , Suwa Tetsuya , Ashizawa Hiroshi , Minamide Tatsunori , Yamamoto Yoichi , Yoshida Masao , Maeda Yuki , Kawata Noboru , Sato Junya , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Oishi Takuma , Sugino Takashi , Mori Keita , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Hot snare polypectomy using blend or coagulation current is widely used; however, it causes deeper tissue heat injury, leading to adverse events. We hypothesized that hot polypectomy using low‐power pure cut current (PureCut, effect 1 10 W) could reduce deeper tissue heat injury. We conducted animal experiments to evaluate the deeper tissue heat injury and conducted a prospective clinical study to examine its cutting ability.

Methods

In a porcine rectum, hot polypectomy using Blend current (EndoCut, effect 3 40 W) and low‐power pure cut current was performed. The deepest part of heat destruction and thickness of the non‐burned submucosal layer were evaluated histologically. Based on the results, we performed low‐power pure cut current hot polypectomy for 10–14 mm adenoma. The primary endpoint was complete resection defined as one‐piece resection with negative for adenoma in quadrant biopsies from the defect margin.

Results

In experiments, all low‐power pure‐cut resections were limited within the submucosal layer whereas blend current resections coagulated the muscular layer in 13% (3/23). The remaining submucosal layer was thicker in low‐power pure cut current than in blend current resections. In the clinical study, low‐power pure‐cut hot polypectomy removed all 100 enrolled polyps. For 98 pathologically neoplastic polyps, complete resection was achieved in 84 (85.7%, 95% confidence interval, 77–92%). The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was not more than 15% below the pre‐defined threshold of 86.6%. No severe adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

A novel low‐power pure‐cut hot polypectomy may be feasible for adenoma measuring 10–14 mm. (UMIN000037678).
Visualisation of microalgal lipid bodies through electron microscopy
Authors: Verwee Ellen , Van de Walle Davy , De Bruyne Michiel , Mienis Esther , Sekulic Mirna , Chaerle Peter , Vyverman Wim , Foubert Imogen , Dewettinck Koen
Published: December 2023

In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) were evaluated for their ability to detect lipid bodies in microalgae. To do so, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Nannochloropsis oculata cells were harvested in both the mid‐exponential and early stationary growth phase. Two different cryo‐SEM cutting methods were compared: cryo‐planing and freeze‐fracturing. The results showed that, despite the longer preparation time, TEM visualisation preceded by cryo‐immobilisation allows a clear detection of lipid bodies and is preferable to cryo‐SEM. Using freeze‐fracturing, lipid bodies were rarely detected. This was only feasible if crystalline layers in the internal structure, most likely related to sterol esters or di‐saturated triacylglycerols, were revealed. Furthermore, lipid bodies could not be detected using cryo‐planing. Cryo‐SEM is also not the preferred technique to recognise other organelles besides lipid bodies, yet it did reveal chloroplasts in both species and filament‐containing organelles in cryo‐planed Nannochloropsis oculata samples.
Lived experience of critical care nurses serving in a war zone: A phenomenological study
Authors: Muhammad Gooshi , Zohre Vafadar , Hamid Peyrovi , Soleyman Heydari , Morteza Khaghanizade
Published: December 2023

Background

War has always been a part of human life, and nurses are among the first people to attend to the battlefield alongside the soldiers. Nurses' experiences of being in war zones have long been of interest to researchers. In the conflicts in Syria, Iranian nurses have played a crucial role in saving the lives of many people.

Aim

This qualitative study aims to explore the lived experience of Iranian critical care nurses deployed to battlefields in Syria between 2014 and 2020.

Study Design

This qualitative study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenology approach using Van Manen's methodology. The data was obtained through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 15 nurses who experienced war zones. Purposive sampling was used and interviews with the participants were conducted at the agreed place. Interviews were recorded, wrote verbatim and analysed with MAXQDA10 software. COREQ, a 32‐item checklist, guided method selection, data analysis and the findings' presentation.

Results

The four main themes that emerged include ‘blossoming of talents on the battlefield’, ‘capable nurses at war’, ‘nursing jihad’ and ‘mental preoccupations’. These themes include 12 subthemes and 32 primary subthemes that explain the meaning of Iranian nurses being in war zones in Syria.

Conclusions

Nurses in the war zones of Syria gained valuable experiences of the blossoming of talents in themselves and others. The lived experiences of the nurses revealed that working in the war zones of Syria is a concept of nurses' capabilities. They considered being in the war zones of Syria as a form of nursing jihad. In spite of the many positive aspects of their experience, the nurses expressed their mental preoccupations during their deployment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nursing care in a war zone for the critically wounded is a unique experience. The experience and ongoing impact of those experiences offer invaluable information for nursing and health policy stakeholders who are planning future deployments.
Considerations for liver transplantation in deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Duong Jennifer T. , Pacheco M. Cristina , Hsu Evelyn , Blondet Niviann
Published: December 2023

Background

Deoxyguanosine kinase (DGUOK) deficiency is a rare mitochondrial disorder characterized by early onset liver failure and varying degrees of neurologic dysfunction. Patients typically present during infancy with progressive hepatic dysfunction leading to liver failure, which can precede neurologic deterioration. Outcomes posttransplantation are historically worse than average and the role of liver transplantation remains controversial. These factors, in combination with the increasing number of patients being diagnosed via molecular genetic testing, may impede waitlist access.

Methods

We report our single‐center experience with three patients with DGUOK deficiency, all of whom were considered for transplant. We review the current literature regarding management and discuss the role of liver transplantation in DGUOK deficiency‐associated liver failure.

Results

Two patients presented with hypoglycemia, conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, and lactic acidosis within the first week of life, were diagnosed with DGUOK deficiency prior to 2 months of age and had severe neurologic involvement. The third patient presented in later infancy was diagnosed with DGUOK deficiency at 18 months of age and had minimal neurologic involvement. All three patients were considered for transplant, though only two patients were listed. All three died from complications of end‐stage liver failure prior to liver transplantation between the ages of 5–20 months.

Conclusion

Selection for liver transplantation in DGUOK deficiency is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach. Recent data suggest that liver transplantation can be successful in select patients with absent or mild neurologic manifestations. National databases reporting long‐term outcomes posttransplantation are needed.
Changes in graft outcomes in recipients <10 kg over 25 years of pediatric kidney transplantation in the United States
Authors: Kilduff Stella , Steinman Benjamin , Hayde Nicole
Published: December 2023

Background

Kidney transplant (KT) was initially associated with poor outcomes, especially in smaller recipients. However, pediatric transplantation has evolved considerably over time. We investigated the impact of weight at the time of transplant and whether outcomes changed over 25 years for <10 kg recipients.

Methods

Using the UNOS database, pediatric recipient outcomes were analyzed between 1/1/99 and 12/31/14. KT weight was stratified: <8.6 kg (mean weight of recipients <10 kg), 8.6–9.9 kg, 10–14.9 kg, 15–29.9 kg, and ≥30 kg. Outcomes in recipients <10 kg were then compared between 1990–1999 and 2000–2014.

Results

17 314 pediatric KT recipients were included; 518 (3%) had a transplant weight <10 kg. The highest rates of allograft loss and death were in recipients <8.6 kg and ≥30 kg. Recipients <8.6 kg also had higher rates of delayed graft function, rejection, and longer hospital length of stay. In the multivariable Cox regression model, transplant weight was not a predictor of allograft loss. When compared with recipients <8.6 kg, patient survival hazard ratios associated with recipient weight of 10–14.9 kg, 15–29.9 kg, and ≥30 kg were 0.61 (95%CI: 0.4, 1), 0.42 (95%CI: 0.3, 0.7) and 0.32 (95%CI: 0.2, 0.6), respectively. In the later era of transplant, recipients <10 kg had improved outcomes on univariate analysis; however, the era of transplantation was not an independent predictor of allograft loss or patient survival in Cox regression models.

Conclusions

Outcomes in children weighing 8.6–9.9 kg at the time of KT were similar to higher weight groups and improved over time; however, special precautions should be taken for recipients <8.6 kg at the time of transplant.
Historic redlining and health outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Kraus Noa T. , Connor Sarah , Shoda Krista , Moore Scott Emory , Irani Elliane
Published: December 2023

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature on the associations between historic redlining and modern‐day health outcomes across the lifespan.

Method

This review searched PubMed and CINAHL for peer‐reviewed, data‐based articles examining the relationship between historic redlining and any health outcome. Articles were appraised using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. The results were synthesized using a narrative summary approach.

Results

Thirty‐six articles were included and focused on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular outcomes, breast cancer incidence and mortality, firearm injury or death, birth‐related outcomes, and asthma outcomes. Most of the included articles (n = 31; 86%) found significant associations between historic redlining and adverse health outcomes such as increased cardiovascular disease, higher rates of preterm births, increased cancer incidence, reduced survival time after breast cancer diagnosis, and increased firearm injury incidence.

Discussion

This review demonstrates the persistent effect of historic redlining on individuals’ health. Public health nurses should recognize redlining as a form of structural racism when caring for affected communities and should advocate for policies and programs that advance health equity. Nurse researchers should develop and test multilevel interventions to address systemic racism and improve health outcomes in communities affected by redlining.
Natural rock roughness as a key parameter for optimizing seedling adhesion and restoration of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in its native environment
Authors: Zenone Arturo , Kovalev Alexander , Badalamenti Fabio , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: December 2023

Seagrasses provide various ecosystem functions in coastal areas of the world. In the Mediterranean Sea, Posidonia oceanica is an endemic species threatened by several activities despite being protected by national and international laws. Currently, several transplanting initiatives have been carried out using different methods, among which those including seeds and seedlings are considered the most ecological and low‐cost ones. Beach‐cast fruits and seeds can be found in spring and their appearance can easily be reported, through a citizen science approach, by the community. One of the obstacles in using these methods is identifying the best substrate in which to place P. oceanica seeds to facilitate root adhesion of the seedlings prior to their transplantation into the sea. In the present study, we analyzed, using a 3D surface optical microscope, the roughness of natural rocks to identify the availability of specific roughness ranges suitable for adhesion and root anchoring of P. oceanica seedlings. Conventional roughness parameters and roughness power spectral density were calculated for the inner and outer surfaces of 9 different rock samples. Among the rock samples examined, the calcarenitic ones and in particular marsala calcarenite, due to the presence of the “ideal roughness for seedlings” can be considered one of the best consolidated substrates to be used for the construction of ad hoc devices on which plantlet of P. oceanica can grow for the purpose of restoration.
A MAP kinase cascade broadly regulates the lifestyle of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and can be targeted by HIGS for disease control
Authors: Tian Lei , Li Josh , Xu Yan , Qiu Yilan , Zhang Yuelin , Li Xin
Published: December 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes white mold or stem rot in a wide range of economically important plants, bringing significant yield losses worldwide. Control of this pathogen is difficult as its resting structure sclerotia can survive in soil for years, and no Resistance genes have been identified in S. sclerotiorum hosts. Host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) has shown promising effects in controlling many fungal pathogens, including S. sclerotiorum. However, better molecular genetic understanding of signaling pathways involved in its development and pathogenicity is needed to provide effective HIGS gene targets. Here, by employing a forward genetic screen, we characterized an evolutionarily conserved mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in S. sclerotiorum, consisting of SsSte50‐SsSte11‐SsSte7‐Smk1, which controls mycelial growth, sclerotia development, compound appressoria formation, virulence, and hyphal fusion. Moreover, disruption of the putative downstream transcription factor SsSte12 led to normal sclerotia but deformed appressoria and attenuated host penetration, as well as impaired apothecia formation, suggestive of diverged regulation downstream of the MAPK cascade. Most importantly, targeting SsSte50 using host‐expressed double‐stranded RNA resulted in largely reduced virulence of S. sclerotiorum on both Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Therefore, this MAPK signaling cascade is generally needed for its growth, development, and pathogenesis and can serve as ideal HIGS targets for mitigating economic damages caused by S. sclerotiorum infection.
Profiling of RNA editing events in plant organellar transcriptomes with high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Liu Kejia , Xie Bin , Peng Leilei , Wu Qijia , Hu Jun
Published: December 2023

RNA editing is a crucial post‐transcriptional modification process in plant organellar RNA metabolism. rRNA removal‐based total RNA‐seq is one of the most common methods to study this event. However, the lack of commercial kits to remove rRNAs limits the usage of this method, especially for non‐model plant species. DSN‐seq is a transcriptome sequencing method utilizing duplex‐specific nuclease (DSN) to degrade highly abundant cDNA species especially those from rRNAs while keeping the robustness of transcript levels of the majority of other mRNAs, and has not been applied to study RNA editing in plants before. In this study, we evaluated the capability of DSN‐seq to reduce rRNA content and profile organellar RNA editing events in plants, as well we used commercial Ribo‐off‐seq and standard mRNA‐seq as comparisons. Our results demonstrated that DSN‐seq efficiently reduced rRNA content and enriched organellar transcriptomes in rice. With high sensitivity to RNA editing events, DSN‐seq and Ribo‐off‐seq provided a more complete and accurate RNA editing profile of rice, which was further validated by Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, DSN‐seq also demonstrated efficient organellar transcriptome enrichment and high sensitivity for profiling RNA editing events in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our study highlights the capability of rRNA removal‐based total RNA‐seq for profiling RNA editing events in plant organellar transcriptomes and also suggests DSN‐seq as a widely accessible RNA editing profiling method for various plant species.
Characterisation of the pruritus responses and pruritic behaviours in an interleukin 31‐induced canine model of pruritus
Authors: Pearson Jason , Denley Tara , Blubaugh Amanda , Kim Sujung Jun , Fogle Jonathan E. , Leon Renato , Goss Caleb , Banovic Frane
Published: December 2023

Background

Intravenous administration of interleukin (IL)‐31 in healthy dogs has been used as a model to assess antipruritic drugs. However, there is no known in‐depth characterisation of pruritic behaviours, and the repeatability of the IL‐31‐induced pruritus in the individual dogs is currently unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the immediate/delayed pruritus responses and the pruritic behaviours observed in the IL‐31‐induced pruritic model in healthy dogs after repeated IL‐31 injections.

Animals

Fifteen healthy laboratory beagles.

Methods

All dogs were video‐recorded for 270 min after two intravenous recombinant IL‐31 injections (1.75 μg/kg) and vehicle (phosphate‐buffered saline, control) injections, respectively; interventions were randomised and performed with a 2 week wash‐out period. Two blinded investigators reviewed the pruritic behaviours of all video recordings.

Results

Both canine IL‐31 (IL‐31_01, IL‐31_02) injections significantly increased pruritic seconds and categorical minutes (‘YES’/‘NO’ behaviour per discrete 1 min interval) in healthy dogs compared with both vehicle groups (Vehicle_01, Vehicle_02). The second intravenous canine IL‐31 (IL‐31_02) administered 14 days after the first IL‐31 injection induced a significant increase in pruritic seconds (p = 0.021) and not pruritic categorical minutes (p = 0.231). An increase in pruritic seconds was observed in both IL‐31 groups in the first 30 min post‐administration, while there was no significant difference between IL‐31 and vehicle groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

In conclusion, intravenous IL‐31 reproducibly induces itch responses in dogs. Future evaluations of the canine IL‐31 pruritic model should assess total pruritic behaviours in seconds rather than using a biased ‘YES/NO’ behaviour per 1 min scoring system.
Mather's regions of instability for annulus diffeomorphisms
Authors: Addas‐Zanata Salvador , Tal Fábio Armando
Published: December 2023

Let be a diffeomorphism of the closed annulus that preserves orientation and the boundary components, and be a lift of to its universal covering space. Assume that is a Birkhoff region of instability for , and the rotation set of is a nondegenerate interval. Then there exists an open ‐invariant essential annulus whose frontier intersects both boundary components of , and points and in , such that the positive (resp., negative) orbit of converges to a set contained in the upper (resp., lower) boundary component of and the positive (resp., negative) orbit of converges to a set contained in the lower (resp., upper) boundary component of . This extends a celebrated result originally proved by Mather in the context of area‐preserving twist diffeomorphisms.
The physiology of coordination: self‐resolving diverse affinities via the sparse order in relevant noise
Authors: Bacigalupi J. Augustus , Favareau Donald
Published: December 2023

Living systems at any given moment enact a very constrained set of end‐directed and contextually appropriate actions that are self‐initiated from among innumerable possible alternatives. However, these constrained actions are not necessarily because the system has reduced its sensitivities to themselves and their surroundings. Quite the contrary, living systems are continually open to novel and unanticipated stimulations that require a physiology of coordination. To address these competing demands, this paper offers a novel heuristic model informed by neuroscience, systems theory, biology and sign study to explain how organisms situated in diverse, complex and ever‐changing environments might draw upon the sparse order made available by ‘relevant noise’. This emergent order facilitates coordination, habituation and, ultimately, understanding of the world and its relevant affordances. Inspired by the burgeoning field of coordination dynamics and physiologist Denis Noble's concept of ‘biological relativity’, this model proposes a view of coordination on the neuronal level that is neither sequential nor stochastic, but instead implements a causal logic of phasic alignment, such that an organism's learned and inherited sets of diverse biological affinities and sympathies can be resolved into a continuous and complex range of patterns that will implement the kind of novel orientations and radical generativity required of such organisms to adaptively explore their environments and to learn from their experiences.

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Umbilical artery aneurysm at 35 weeks of gestation
Authors: Yu Zhen , Qin Qianyu , Tang Ying
Published: December 2023

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Influence of titanium and zirconia substrates on the synthesis of inflammatory mediators
Authors: Moura Neto João , Cardoso Lais Medeiros , Pansani Taisa Nogueira , Raucci Larissa M. S. C. , de Souza Costa Carlos Alberto , Basso Fernanda G.
Published: December 2023

The repair and homeostasis of peri-implant tissues depend on several factors such as the local presence of pathogenic bacteria and their products. Among other events, peri-implant tissue response is also related to the implant material used, which interferes with cells and extracellular matrix interactions, affecting the osseointegration process. In this study, the influence of zirconia (Zr) and titanium (Ti) substrates on the response of preosteoblasts (MC3T3) and murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, P. gingivalis) was evaluated. Zr and Ti disks were obtained and subjected to surface roughness standardization, which was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The cells were subsequently cultured on Zr and Ti surfaces in AlphaMEM culture medium for 24 h, followed by LPS stimulus for 4 h. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and gene expression of inflammatory markers were determined. SEM images showed that Ti disks exhibited higher surface roughness than that of Zr disks. Cells that seeded onto Ti and Zr had increased expression of inflammatory mediators and ROS production in the presence of LPS; however, such cell responses were more evident for Ti disks. These data indicate that contact of cells with Zr surfaces may lead to a lower inflammatory potential than Ti surfaces. Elucidation of the inflammatory response triggered by LPS for cells in contact with titanium and zirconia may contribute to the selection of materials for installation of osseointegrated implants.
fosA11
, a novel chromosomal-encoded fosfomycin resistance gene identified in
Providencia rettgeri
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhou Shihan , Ma Xueli , Xu Nuo , Liu Dongxin , Zhang Keqing , Zheng Yongke , Wu Shenghai
Published: December 2023

This study investigated resistance genes corresponding to the fosfomycin resistance phenotype in clinical isolate
Providencia rettgeri
W986, as well as characterizing the enzymatic activity of FosA11 and the genetic environment. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the agar microdilution method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The whole genomic sequence of
Providencia rettgeri
W986 was obtained using Illumina sequencing and the PacBio platform. The
fosA-11
gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into the pUCP20 vector. The recombinant strain pCold1-
fosA11
-BL21 was expressed to extract the target protein, and absorbance photometry was applied for enzymatic parameter determination. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests showed that W986 conferred fosfomycin resistance and was inhibited by phosphonoformate, thereby indicating the presence of a FosA protein. A novel resistance gene designated as
fosA11
was identified by whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and it shared 54.41%–64.23% amino acid identity with known FosA proteins. Cloning
fosA11
into
Escherichia coli
obtained a significant increase (32-fold) in the MIC with fosfomycin. Determination of the enzyme kinetics showed that FosA11 had a high catalytic effect on fosfomycin, with

K
m

= 18 ± 4 and
K
cat
= 56.1 ± 3.2. We also found that
fosA11
was located on the chromosome, but the difference in the GC content between the chromosome and
fosA11
was dubious, and thus further investigation is required. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel fosfomycin inactivation enzyme called FosA11. The origin and prevalence of the
fosA11
gene in other bacteria require further investigation.

IMPORTANCE

Fosfomycin is an effective antimicrobial agent against Enterobacterales strains. However, the resistance rate of fosfomycin is increasing year by year. Therefore, it is necessary to study the deep molecular mechanism of bacterial resistance to fosfomycin. We identified a novel chromosomal fosfomycin glutathione S-transferase, FosA11 from
Providencia rettgeri
, which shares a very low identity (54.41%–64.23%) with the previously known FosA and exhibits highly efficient catalytic ability against fosfomycin. Analysis of the genetic context and origin of
fosA11
displays that the gene and its surrounding environments are widely conserved in
Providencia
and no mobile elements are discovered, implying that FosA11 may be broadly important in the natural resistance to fosfomycin of
Providencia
species.
Hypereosinophilia as a presenting sign of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a rare, severe presentation
Authors: Cohen Ethan M , Russeth Tyler E , Thati Neelima
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is the third most lethal malignancy worldwide with only a 7.7% 5-year survival rate. Prognosis is poor with more than 50% of patients presenting with stage IV disease. Despite focused attention on early detection and treatment, pathogenesis and early symptomatology are not well described. In addition to prodromal symptoms, hypereosinophilia has been identified as a marker of malignancy in both PA and other solid tumour and haematological malignancies. Peripheral hypereosinophilia (PH) secondary to solid organ tumours, however, is rare, with only four cases of PA reported to date. We present a case of advanced PA with associated severe PH in a man in his early 50s. Time from diagnosis to death in this patient was only 6 weeks, emphasising the need to consider malignancy in the differential diagnosis for a patient that presents with a severe PH of unknown origin.
Yoga therapy on elderly patients with fear of fall: an open-label randomised controlled trial (YOFEAR trial)
Authors: Kashyap Kritartha , Dhar Minakshi , Bisht Khushboo , Bahurupi Yogesh , Pathania Monika
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Fear of fall is experienced by the elderly irrespective of the presence or absence of history of fall. Falls contribute to injuries that culminate in hospitalisation that incur unwarranted medical expenses. Yoga is unique to Indian cultural practices, with a potential to enhance proprioception. It increases self-body awareness, ultimately improving the balancing capacity of older adults. Thus, the objective of this study is to compare the effect of yoga therapy in the study and control groups at 12 weeks from the baseline.

Methods and analysis

This study is designed as an open-label, randomised controlled trial (1:1) with a sample size of 62 elderly patients more than or equal to 60 years of age. Participation of either sex, male or female with a fear of fall will be considered. Two randomised groups of 31 participants each will receive standard therapy for their primary diseases as per the local, national or international guidelines. However, participants in the intervention arm will receive additional structured yoga therapy sessions. The primary objective of this study is to assess and compare the change in fear of fall score of participants in each group using Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at 12 weeks versus baseline. The secondary endpoint will assess the change in the quality of life of participants at 3 months compared with the baseline.

Data will be gathered, entered into Microsoft Excel and further analysed by R software (V.4.3.0). Changes in FES-Intervention and BBS of two groups will be compared either by Student’s t-test for parametric data or Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data. Statistical significance will be considered if p<0.05 at 95% confidence level.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study protocol (version 1.0, 22 April 2022) was obtained from the institute ethics committee (AIIMS/IEC/22/195).

Trial registration number

CTRI/2022/06/043287.
One continuous parameter family of Dirac–Lorentz scalar potentials associated with exceptional orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Banerjee Suman , Yadav Rajesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

We extend our recent works [Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 38, 2350069 (2023)] and obtain one-parameter [Formula: see text] family of rationally extended Dirac–Lorentz scalar potentials with their explicit solutions in terms of [Formula: see text] exceptional orthogonal polynomials. We further show that as the parameter [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], we get the corresponding rationally extended Pursey and the rationally extended Abraham–Moses-type of scalar potentials, respectively, which have one bound state less than the starting scalar potentials.
Cosmological model in Barrow holographic dark energy with Granda–Oliveros cut-off
Authors: Pankaj  , Remya A. , Sharma Umesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on the cosmological evolution of Barrow holographic dark energy (BHDE) in a flat FLRW-universe. We take into account a time-dependent scale factor [Formula: see text], where k and n are positive values, to find the solutions to field equations. This scale factor results in a smooth transition of the universe from its previous decelerating stage to its most recent accelerating stage. Using the Granda–Oliveros cut-off, we examine the chronology of the deceleration parameter, equation of state parameter, and density parameter, and we analyze the positive aspects of the BHDE model. Negative pressure values in this model suggest dark energy dominance, resulting in the universe’s acceleration. We use the statefinder parameters ([Formula: see text]) to improve the accuracy of the results of the dark energy model that is similar to the [Formula: see text]-CDM model.
One-loop effective action in chiral Einstein–Cartan gravity
Authors: Chattopadhyay Pratik
Published: December 2023

In chiral Einstein–Cartan gravity, a new gauge fixing procedure is implemented recently, leading to a very economical perturbation expansion of the action. Using this formulation and the relevant gauge fixing, we develop the ghost Lagrangian on an arbitrary Einstein background using the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) formalism. The novelty is the appearance of a new term quadratic in the tetrad field. We next compute the heat kernel coefficients and understand the divergences arising in the gravitational one-loop effective action. In our computation, the arising heat kernel coefficients depend only on the self-dual part of the Weyl curvature. We make a comparison between our results and what has been obtained for metric general relativity.
Speaker Emotion Recognition System Using Artificial Neural Network Classification Method for Brain-Inspired Application
Authors: Singh Mahesh K.
Published: December 2023

New advancements in deep learning issues, motivated by real-world use cases, frequently contribute to this growth. Still, it’s not easy to recognize the speaker’s emotions from what they want to say. The proposed technique combines a deep learning-based brain-inspired prediction-making artificial neural network (ANN) through social ski-driver (SSD) optimization techniques. When assessing speaker emotion recognition (SER), the recognition results are compared with the existing convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM)-based emotion recognition methods. The proposed method for classification based on ANN decreases the computational costs. The SER algorithm allows for a more in-depth classification of different emotions because of its relationship to ANN and LSTM. The SER model is based on ANN and the recognition impact of the feature reduction. The SER in this proposed research work is based on the ANN emotion classification system. Speaker recognition accuracy values of 96.46%, recall values of 95.39%, precision values of 95.21%, and F-Score values of 96.10% are obtained in this proposed result, which is higher than the existing result. The average accuracy results by using the proposed ANN classification technique are 4.38% and 2.89%, better than the existing CNN and LSTM techniques, respectively. The average precision results by using the proposed ANN classification technique are 4.67% and 2.49%, better than the existing CNN and LSTM techniques, respectively. The average recall results by using the proposed ANN classification technique are 2.90% and 1.42%, better than the existing CNN and LSTM techniques, respectively. The average precision results using the proposed ANN classification technique are 3.80% and 3.10%, better than the existing CNN and LSTM techniques, respectively.
On the graded-Gelfand commutative rings
Authors: Aqalmoun Mohamed
Published: December 2023

This paper deals with the graded commutative rings in which every graded prime ideal is contained in a unique graded-maximal ideal called graded-Gelfand ring. The purpose is to establish some topological and algebraic characterizations of these rings, one of which is the algebraic analogue of Urysohn’s lemma. Finally, we look at a special class of those graded rings called graded-ordered rings which can be viewed as graded rings with a Gelfand strong property.
Distributed robust regression with correntropy losses and regularization kernel networks
Authors: Hu Ting , Guo Renjie
Published: December 2023

Distributed learning has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its power to deal with big data in various science and engineering problems. Based on a divide-and-conquer strategy, this paper studies the distributed robust regression algorithm associated with correntropy losses and coefficient regularization in the scheme of kernel networks, where the kernel functions are not required to be symmetric or positive semi-definite. We establish explicit convergence results of such distributed algorithm depending on the number of data partitions, robustness and regularization parameters. We show that with suitable parameter choices the distributed robust algorithm can obtain the optimal convergence rate in the minimax sense, and simultaneously reduce the computational complexity and memory requirement in the standard (non-distributed) algorithms.
A Liouville theorem and radial symmetry for dual fractional parabolic equations
Authors: Guo Yahong , Ma Lingwei , Zhang Zhenqiu
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we first study the dual fractional parabolic equation [Formula: see text] subjected to the vanishing exterior condition. We show that for each [Formula: see text], the positive bounded solution [Formula: see text] must be radially symmetric and strictly decreasing about the origin in the unit ball in [Formula: see text]. To overcome the challenges caused by the dual nonlocality of the operator [Formula: see text], some novel techniques were introduced.

Then we establish the Liouville theorem for the homogeneous equation in the whole space [Formula: see text] We first prove a maximum principle in unbounded domains for antisymmetric functions to deduce that [Formula: see text] must be constant with respect to [Formula: see text] Then it suffices for us to establish the Liouville theorem for the Marchaud fractional equation [Formula: see text] To circumvent the difficulties arising from the nonlocal and one-sided nature of the operator [Formula: see text], we bring in some new ideas and simpler approaches. Instead of disturbing the antisymmetric function, we employ a perturbation technique directly on the solution [Formula: see text] itself. This method provides a more concise and intuitive way to establish the Liouville theorem for one-sided operators [Formula: see text], including even more general Marchaud time derivatives.
Optical redox imaging of ANT1-deficient muscles
Authors: Xu He N. , Morrow Ryan M. , Feng Min , Zhao Huaqing , Wallace Douglas , Li Lin Z.
Published: December 2023

Adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) is a mitochondrial protein involved in the exchange of ADP and ATP across the mitochondrial inner membrane. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism by facilitating the transport of ATP synthesized within the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. The isoform ANT1 predominately expresses in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Mutations or dysregulation in ANT1 have been implicated in various mitochondrial disorders and neuromuscular diseases. We aimed to examine whether ANT1 deletion may affect mitochondrial redox state in our established ANT1-deficient mice. Hearts and quadriceps resected from age-matched wild type (WT) and ANT1-deficient mice were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. The Chance redox scanner was utilized to perform 3D optical redox imaging. Each sample underwent scanning across 3–5 sections. Global averaging analysis showed no significant differences in the redox indices (NADH, flavin adenine dinucleotide containing-flavoproteins Fp, and the redox ratio Fp/(NADH+Fp) between WT and ANT1-deficient groups. However, quadriceps had higher Fp than hearts in both groups ([Formula: see text] and 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the quadriceps were also more oxidized (a higher redox ratio) than hearts in WT group ([Formula: see text]). NADH levels were similar in all cases. Our data suggest that under non-stressful physical condition, the ANT1-deficient muscle cells were in the same mitochondrial state as WT ones and that the significant difference in the mitochondrial redox state between quadriceps and hearts found in WT might be diminished in ANT1-deficient ones. Redox imaging of muscles under physical stress can be conducted in future.
Microstructure and dielectric properties of low-temperature sintered MgO-based ceramics at millimeter wave and terahertz frequencies
Authors: Liu Haotian , Liang Zheng , Liu Chang , Liu Cheng , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: December 2023

Low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) applied in millimeter/microwave and terahertz frequencies (5G/6G) have attracted a lot of attention recently. In this study, MgO-based dielectric ceramics were successfully sintered at 950°C with the sintering aids: x wt.% of LiF fluoride ([Formula: see text], 4, 6, 8, 10) and 0.5[Formula: see text]wt.% of BBSZ (Bi2O3–B2O3–SiO2–ZnO) glass. BBSZ glass was introduced as another sintering aid to facilitate the sintering and densification. Crystalline structure and micro-morphology were investigated and analyzed. Dielectric properties ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) at millimeter/microwave and terahertz wave frequencies were also studied. The ionic characteristics of Mg–O bond ([Formula: see text]), the lattice energy (U) and the bond energy (E) were calculated and analyzed. It is suggested that the optimal [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GHz (@12[Formula: see text]GHz) and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ppm/°C at millimeter/microwave range. When the frequency was up to terahertz (1.0[Formula: see text]THz), the [Formula: see text] values were 8.8–9.35 and the tan[Formula: see text] were [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]. The experimental results indicated that the low-temperature sintered MgO-based ceramics have potential for millimeter/microwave and terahertz communication applications.
Overview of the PANDA detector design at FAIR
Authors: Belias A.
Published: December 2023

PANDA (antiProton ANihilation at DArmstadt) is the central experiment to fully exploit the physics research potential of antiproton beams at the international accelerator Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research in Europe (FAIR), currently under construction at GSI. Phase-space cooled high intensity antiproton beams up to 15 GeV/c will be provided by the High Energy Storage Ring (HESR) at FAIR to interact with PANDA internal proton or nuclear targets enabling a broad range of exciting studies in Particle and Nuclear Physics. The PANDA detector features two spectrometers, the Target Spectrometer with a superconducting solenoid magnet of 2 T around the interaction region with hermetic coverage and the Forward Spectrometer with a 2 Tm dipole magnet for coverage of the forward boosted particles. Several modern particle detector systems are employed in PANDA to provide excellent charged particle tracking, particle identification, calorimetry and muon detection, over the full momentum range in both spectrometers throughout the lifetime of the experiment. Focusing on the various PANDA detector systems we present an overview of recent developments, the detector construction progress and conclude with an outline for a phased deployment of PANDA at FAIR.
Rare nuclear processes in Hf isotopes
Authors: Caracciolo V. , Belli P. , Bernabei R. , Cerulli R. , Leoncini A. , Merlo V. , Cappella F. , Incicchitti A. , Laubenstein M. , Nisi S. , Nagorny S. S. , Wang P.
Published: December 2023

Recently, efforts on the building of Hf-based crystal scintillators have been performed. The so-called “source = detector” approach has been implemented to study rare nuclear processes in Hf isotopes with higher efficiency with respect to the HP-Ge spectrometry. In this work, a review of recent studies concerning rare nuclear processes in Hf isotopes are presented.