bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic characterization of adult rhesus monkey spermatogonial stem cells identifies key regulators of stem cell homeostasis
Authors: Bi Rui , Pan Lin-Nuo , Dai Hao , Sun Chunli , Li Cong , Lin Hui-Juan , Xie Lan-Ping , Ma Huai-Xiao , Li Lin , Xie Heng , Guo Kun , Hou Chun-Hui , Yao Yong-Gang , Chen Luo-Nan , Zheng Ping
Published: November 2024

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) play crucial roles in the preservation of male fertility. However, successful ex vivo expansion of authentic human SSCs remains elusive due to the inadequate understanding of SSC homeostasis regulation. Using rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) as a representative model, we characterized SSCs and progenitor subsets through single-cell RNA sequencing using a cell-specific network approach. We also profiled chromatin status and major histone modifications (H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H3K27me3 and H3K9me3), and subsequently mapped promoters and active enhancers in TSPAN33+ putative SSCs. Comparing the epigenetic changes between fresh TSPAN33+ cells and cultured TSPAN33+ cells (resembling progenitors), we identified the regulatory elements with higher activity in SSCs, and the potential transcription factors and signaling pathways implicated in SSC regulation. Specifically, TGF-β signaling is activated in monkey putative SSCs. We provided evidence supporting its role in promoting self-renewal of monkey SSCs in culture. Overall, this study outlines the epigenetic landscapes of monkey SSCs and provides clues for optimization of the culture condition for primate SSCs expansion.
Enhancing disease risk gene discovery by integrating transcription factor-linked trans-variants into transcriptome-wide association analyses
Authors: He Jingni , Perera Deshan , Wen Wanqing , Ping Jie , Li Qing , Lyu Linshuoshuo , Chen Zhishan , Shu Xiang , Long Jirong , Cai Qiuyin , Shu Xiao-Ou , Yin Zhijun , Zheng Wei , Long Quan , Guo Xingyi
Published: November 2024

Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) have been successful in identifying disease susceptibility genes by integrating cis-variants predicted gene expression with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. However, trans-variants for predicting gene expression remain largely unexplored. Here, we introduce transTF-TWAS, which incorporates transcription factor (TF)-linked trans-variants to enhance model building for TF downstream target genes. Using data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project, we predict gene expression and alternative splicing and applied these prediction models to large GWAS datasets for breast, prostate, lung cancers and other diseases. We demonstrate that transTF-TWAS outperforms other existing TWAS approaches in both constructing gene expression prediction models and identifying disease-associated genes, as shown by simulations and real data analysis. Our transTF-TWAS approach significantly contributes to the discovery of disease risk genes. Findings from this study shed new light on several genetically driven key TF regulators and their associated TF–gene regulatory networks underlying disease susceptibility.
Les objectifs des échanges sur les soins et de la planification préalable des soins chez les patients d’âge pédiatrique atteints d’une maladie grave
Authors: Rapoport Adam
Published: November 2024

Les échanges sur les soins et la planification préalable des soins visent à faire concorder les valeurs et les désirs des patients et de leur famille avec les soins qu’ils reçoivent. Tous les professionnels de la santé qui soignent des fœtus, des nourrissons, des enfants ou des adolescents atteints de maladies graves ont la responsabilité éthique de s’éduquer à l’égard de ces aspects des soins. Le présent document de principes aide les professionnels de la santé à entamer ces discussions importantes. Des communications efficaces sont essentielles pour clarifier les objectifs des soins et s’entendre sur les traitements adaptés à la réalisation de ces objectifs, y compris les mesures de réanimation et les mesures palliatives.
Contrasting copepod community composition in two Greenland fjords with different glacier types
Authors: Stuart-Lee Alice , Møller Eva Friis , Winding Mie , van Oevelen Dick , Hendry Katharine R , Meire Lorenz
Published: November 2024

Greenland's fjord ecosystems are strongly influenced by meltwater discharge from glaciers. Marine-terminating glaciers can significantly enhance primary production during the melt season (compared to land-terminating glaciers), but their impact on secondary producers is not well understood. Here, we study seasonal changes in the zooplankton community (>50 μm) and grazing rates along two fjord transects in southwest Greenland influenced by different glacier types. Zooplankton biomass was comparable between the fjords, but community composition differed during summer. Nuup Kangerlua, a predominantly marine-terminating system, was characterized by large, herbivorous copepods and a longer summer grazing period in connection with the summer bloom. Ameralik, influenced by a land-terminating glacier, was characterized by small, omnivorous copepods, particularly Microsetella norvegica and Oncaea spp., and indicated a faster post-bloom transition towards regenerated production. Local hydrographic conditions also impact copepod biomass. A station with high biomass was found in Ameralik, potentially linked to a frontal zone where fjord water masses meet, providing favorable grazing conditions. We hypothesize that a future transformation from marine- to land-terminating glaciers could result in an increased abundance of smaller copepods, as observed in Ameralik. Such a community would constitute a less lipid-rich food source for higher trophic levels.
Competition and Innovation Revisited: A Project-Level View
Authors: Garfinkel Jon A , Hammoudeh Mosab
Published: November 2024

We offer new evidence on the relationship between competition and innovation that overcomes two measurement difficulties compromising the extant literature: aggregation at either firm level (or higher) of innovative activity, and the mediating influence of distance-to-technological-frontier. FDA awards of Breakthrough Therapy Designations (BTDs) on specific drugs, instrument stochastic unleveling of therapeutic (ie, product) markets. Rivals’ innovative responses generally show an inverted-U pattern in ex ante competitiveness of the shocked market. However, the shape of the relation changes with distance to technological frontier in that market, proxied by whether the rival project uses one of the technologies embedded in the BTD-awarded drug.
Transient Ischemic Attack and Mild Stroke Participant Perspectives on Barriers and Enablers to Participation in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Authors: Walton Lucy , De Mendonca Juliana , Preston Elisabeth , Davey Rachel , Flynn Allyson , Freene Nicole
Published: November 2024

Background

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces the risk factors and recurrence of cardiovascular disease in patients with coronary heart disease. Despite similar risk factors, people with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and mild stroke do not attend cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR), including TIA, stroke, and coronary heart disease, could be a solution for increasing participation. Perspectives from TIA and stroke survivors on barriers and enablers to participation in CVR are limited, and implementation strategies for CVR are currently unknown.

Objectives

We sought to determine (1) What were the perspectives of participants with TIA and mild stroke on barriers and enablers to uptake, engagement, and participation in CVR? and (2) What implementation strategies may influence people with TIA and mild stroke to participate in CVR?

Methods

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with CVR participants. Inductive thematic analysis was completed before deductively mapping themes to implementation frameworks, the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior Model and Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Twenty participants aged 73 ± 11 years were interviewed. Most were men, stroke survivors, tertiary educated, and retired. Six themes were generated to explain the barriers and enablers to CVR participation. Themes and subthemes mapped to 8 Theoretical Domains Framework domains and 5 Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior constructs. Prioritizing participants' physical and social opportunities, reflective motivation, and physical and psychological capabilities may improve their participation in CVR.

Conclusions

Barriers and enablers to CVR participation were similar to those in the coronary heart disease population. Increasing access and availability of CVR for people with TIA and mild stroke should be prioritized for future implementation.
Nonfinancial Barriers to Prosthetic Use Following Upper-Limb Amputation: A Prospective Observational Study in India
Authors: Saini Uttam Chand , Soni Sushant , Jayant Udit K. , Mehra Aseem , Kiran Tanvi , Mahajan Rahul , Bhayana Himanshu
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Upper-limb traumatic amputation is a common and poorly managed situation. Despite the huge burden, no study from the developing countries has evaluated rates of prosthesis acceptance and reasons for rejecting prostheses.

Materials and Methods

This was a longitudinal prospective observational study with a consecutive sampling technique. Participants were assessed after a period of 6 months of isolated upper-limb amputation. Patients were evaluated for reasons of nonfitment of upper-limb prosthesis despite their willingness to be fitted with an appropriate prosthesis. We conducted semistructured interviews to identify the potential hindrances.

Results

A total of 44 patients were recruited, out of which 38 did not get the prosthesis. A total of 57.8% reported a nonfinancial reason for prosthesis nonfitment. Nonfinancial is further classified into medical and nonmedical categories as per verbatim remarks by the patient. Among the nonmedical reasons, the most common reason was apprehension toward the use of the prosthesis, followed by satisfaction without the prosthesis and the weight of the prosthesis. In terms of medical reasons, the most common reason was persistent phantom limb pain, followed by residual limb infection.

Conclusions

Identification of “potentially correctable” hindrances to prosthesis acceptance is an essential step in the rehabilitation of persons with limb loss. All efforts should be made toward these hindrances so that persons with limb difference can be better rehabilitated.

Clinical Relevance

Given that some persons with limb difference need to be fitted with prostheses for optimal rehabilitation and to return as an able contributor to society, the identification of hindrances to prosthesis fitting is imperative to make further inroads toward improving prosthesis acceptance rate.
Crossing-Borders: Experiences With International Transports on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Special Considerations and Challenges
Authors: Mesas Burgos Carmen , Frenckner Björn , Broman Lars Mikael
Published: November 2024

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a crucial support for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure, but its availability is limited, often requiring patient transport to specialized centers. Only a few centers provide mobile ECMO services, and international ECMO transports are rare. This study reviews a department’s experience with international ECMO transports from 1998 to 2022. Out of 1,277 ECMO transports, 357 (28%) were international. Most of these (52%) were directed to ECMO Center Karolinska, whereas others involved transfers due to a lack of beds or between foreign centers. The majority (79%) of patients were cannulated at the referring hospital, with 63% supported by venoarterial ECMO. Transport distances averaged 1,200 km, using fixed-wing aircraft 89% of the time. Hospital survival for those transported to Karolinska was 82%, and 36% of transports experienced complications, though no deaths occurred during transport. This study highlights the safety and effectiveness of international ECMO transport with highly trained teams.
Giant Complex Odontoma Occurring Independently Within the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Suk Ji Won , Kim Bong Chul , Lee Jun , Lim Hun Jun
Published: November 2024

Previous reports on complex odontomas in the maxillary sinus describe cases that are associated with the alveolar process and extend into the maxillary sinus. This report presents a rare case of giant complex odontoma in the maxillary sinus, arising entirely within the maxillary sinus and unassociated with the alveolar process. In this case, the lesion was surgically removed through Caldwell-Luc operation. under general anesthesia, and the bony window was closed with titanium mesh.
Evaluation of the Awareness and Knowledge Levels of Dentists Regarding Bisphosphonates and Bisphosphonate-Related Jaw Necrosis
Authors: Guler Ridvan , Yalcin Emine
Published: November 2024

Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, bone metastases, and metabolic bone diseases. Long-term use of bisphosphonates increases the risk of osteonecrosis in patients undergoing dental surgery. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge about bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and their treatment approaches in patients using oral and intravenous bisphosphonates. In this study, a 25-question questionnaire was applied to dentists working in different institutions regarding their knowledge and experience about bisphosphonates and BRONJ, and treatment approaches for different surgical procedures in patients using bisphosphonates. The obtained data were statistically analyzed and evaluated. In total, 90.5% of the dentists identified osteoporosis, 79.8% identified bone metastases, 52.4% identified osteitis deformans, and 39.3% identified multiple myeloma as conditions in which bisphosphonates are used, thus answering correctly in a significant proportion. When participants were asked about treatment options according to the stages of BRONJ, participation in the “I’m not sure” option increased as the stages progressed, indicating that dentists were not sufficiently familiar with the treatments for different stages of BRONJ. In total, 88.5% of the participants stated that when they see an exposed bone area in patients they examine, they consider bisphosphonate use as a possible cause. There was a statistically significant difference between dentists with and without prior BRONJ experience regarding their ages (P=0.039) and years of practice (P=0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between dentists with and without BRONJ experience regarding whether they inquired about bisphosphonate use (P=0.001). It was found that dentists have serious deficiencies in knowledge regarding bisphosphonates, their side effects, and treatment approaches for patients using bisphosphonates. Increasing dentists’ knowledge and awareness of this issue would help reduce the risk of developing BRONJ.
Comparative Study of Craniofacial Injuries in Skiing Versus Snowboarding: A NEISS Database Study
Authors: Bitner Benjamin F. , Kafle Samipya , Abello Eric H. , Muhonen Ethan G. , Torabi Sina J. , Chen Theodore , Eriksen Niklaus V. , Tjoa Tjoson
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports which are rising in popularity. There is a lack of detailed data in the literature regarding skiing and snowboarding head and neck injuries, especially the rate of concussions with helmet use.

Methods:

The authors queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to characterize patient demographics, injury types, subsite injured, and ED disposition associated with skiing and snowboarding-related head and neck injuries between 2009 and 2020 in the US.

Results:

An estimated 87,994 head and neck-related ski and snowboarding injuries were reported from 2011 to 2020 nationally. Ski-related and snowboard-related injuries comprised 51.9% and 48.1% of injuries, respectively. Ski-related injuries accounted for the majority of admissions (69.2%). Head injuries were the most common (68.3%), followed by injuries to the face (15.3%) and neck (12.2%). Concussions (57.7%) were the most common overall injury type and comprised 49.2% of admissions. Concussions were more common in snowboarding injuries (65.6% versus 50.3%, P<0.001), whereas lacerations (11.1% versus 14.4%), contusion/abrasions (6.7% versus 11.1%), and fractures (2.9% versus 7.0%) were more common in ski-related injuries. Cases with negative helmet status were associated with a greater proportion of concussion injuries (79.8% versus 70.9%, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients presenting with skiing or snowboarding injuries require a thorough head and neck examination. A comprehensive history and physical should be performed with a focus on helmet use and evaluation for concussion, lacerations, and fractures. Helmet use is strongly recommended to prevent the risk of head injury.

Level of Evidence:

IV.
Nasal Fiber-optic Intubation Training for Nurse Anesthesia Students Incorporating Deliberate Practice and Summative Assessment
Authors: Tangpaisarn Thanat , O'Donnell John M. , Goode Joseph S. , Scott Paul Wesley , Phrampus Paul E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Managing difficult airways and adverse respiratory events is critical for anesthesia providers. Fiber-optic intubation (FOI) is a strategic management approach in difficult airway situations. Clinical exposure to FOI can be limited, posing challenges for skill development. Simulation-based medical education offers a safe alternative for training. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation-based FOI training program for student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) in an educational context.

Methods

A repeated measure study was conducted during the Pediatric Anesthesia Simulation for Student Nurse Anesthetists course at the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research. One hundred twenty-three SRNAs participated in the FOI simulation program. For the analysis, students were stratified into 2 groups based on their performance in the summative testing of nasal FOI time. Baseline characteristics and the students' performance during the simulation were analyzed.

Results

Among the participants, 58 were categorized as “above median time” (AMT) and 65 as “below median time” (BMT) for FOI testing. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics. The AMT group exhibited longer mean times for summative testing FOI (50 vs. 26 seconds), first FOI attempt (97 vs. 78 seconds), and subsequent sets (third: 374 vs. 325 seconds, fourth: 323 vs. 268 seconds). Both groups showed performance improvement across training sets with reduced variability.

Conclusions

The simulation-based FOI training program effectively enhanced SRNA skill, with performance improvement during the training period. This study underscores the importance of simulation in anesthesia education, offering a safe and structured environment for skill development in FOI.
Content Validity for a 3D-Printed Model for Simulation-Based Training of Basic Epistaxis Management
Authors: Jacobsen Sarah Forslund , Svendsen Morten Bo Søndergaard , Melchiors Jacob , Andersen Steven Arild Wuyts
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Hands-on training of basic epistaxis management is often minimal during pregraduate medical training. The objective was to develop and gather structured content validity evidence for a 3D-printed model for simulation-based training and assessment of technical skills in basic epistaxis management.

Methods

A simulator for epistaxis management training was built based on publicly available 3D-print files with addition of tubing to mimic anterior bleeding. Ten otorhinolaryngologists evaluated the model after performing nasal cavity inspection and insertion and insufflation of a nasal tamponade device. Content validity evidence was collected following Messick's framework.

Results

Two content experts contributed to define features in the iterative building process. In the structured evaluation of the model, experienced clinicians found the appearance of the outer nose and the resistance when insufflating a nasal tamponade device into the nasal cavity satisfying (mean score of 3.9 and 4.7 out of 5, respectively), whereas the nasal cavity was found to be a bit too spacious compared with typical real-life conditions.

Conclusions

A 3D-printed simulator for simulation-based training of basic epistaxis management was successfully built. Content validity was gathered, and overall, content experts found the model to adequately represent the technical skills challenges for training novices such as medical students and junior doctors.
Guided wave tomography for quantitative thickness mapping using non-dispersive SH0 mode through geometrical full waveform inversion (GFWI)
Authors: Zuo Peng , Huthwaite Peter
Published: November 2024

Guided wave tomography plays a significantly important role in quantitatively mapping thickness variations in plate-like structures and pipelines in the petrochemical industry for accurate measurement of corrosion, as guided waves enable rapid screening of large areas without needing direct access. Several inverse algorithms have been implemented in guided wave tomography; however, almost all of them use a primary assumption: the three-dimensional (3D) guided wave thickness reconstruction is simplified as a two-dimensional (2D) acoustic wave velocity inversion, which is then mapped to thickness variation using the dispersive nature of guided waves. Although this assumption simplifies the inverse procedure, it makes it impossible to use non-dispersive modes in reconstructions. Geometrical full waveform inversion (GFWI) is promising to overcome this limitation since it can reconstruct corrosion profiles through geometry optimization using a data-fitting procedure, where velocity-to-thickness mapping is not needed. In this work, GFWI-based guided wave tomography is developed in plate-like structures, and is applied to reconstruct thickness maps in a series of corrosion defects using the non-dispersive SH0 mode, demonstrating high performance and achieving an improved reconstruction resolution.
No one-size-fits-all: Multi-actor perspectives on public participation and digital participatory platforms
Authors: Gonçalves J. E. , Ioannou I. , Verma T.
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the perspectives of different urban actors regarding public participation in the context of the increasing incorporation of digital technologies and urban platforms. The study is based on three workshops with local governance actors, six semi-structured interviews with academics in the fields of public participation and digital technologies and a citizen survey with 260 respondents. The results provide multi-perspective insights into the challenges of participatory processes and are synthesized into three contributions: (i) guidelines for effective public participation, including factors that encourage or discourage citizen engagement; (ii) guidelines for designing participatory platforms, highlighting specific features that promote digital engagement (i.e. social media, gamification and user-friendly interfaces), and (iii) a typology of digital participation platforms to connect the diverse needs of actor groups with the various possibilities provided by new technologies. The guidelines provide concrete recommendations to support both urban practitioners and interface designers in designing participatory strategies and platforms, respectively. Recognizing that there is no-one-size-fits-all platform, the typology provides a framework for the assessment and further development of digital platforms for public participation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance’.
Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance
Authors: Helbing Dirk , Mahajan Sachit , Carpentras Dino , Menendez Monica , Pournaras Evangelos , Thurner Stefan , Verma Trivik , Arcaute Elsa , Batty Michael , Bettencourt Luis M. A.
Published: November 2024

The digital revolution, fuelled by advancements in social media, Big Data, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, is reshaping our urban landscapes into ‘participatory cities’. These cities leverage digital technologies to foster citizen engagement, collaborative decision-making and community-driven urban development, thus unlocking new potentials while confronting emerging threats. Such technologies are empowering individuals and organizations in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. They do, however, introduce new risks and vulnerabilities that must be carefully managed. Hence, socio-technical innovation is urgently needed. In this connection, open-source technologies, participatory approaches and new forms of governance are becoming more popular and relevant. This theme issue looks into the tangible impacts of these technological advancements, with a focus on participatory cities. It aims to explain how digital tools are used in cities to tackle urban challenges, improve governance and promote sustainability. Through a collection of in-depth analyses, case studies and real-world examples, this issue seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the digital governance frameworks underpinning participatory cities. By offering a platform for multidisciplinary discourse, this theme issue endeavours to contribute to the broader narrative of shaping a more resilient, sustainable and democratic urban future in the digital age.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance’.
Implementation and results of active vaccine safety monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Wong Jenny , Donegan Katherine , Harrison Kendal , Jan Tahira , Cave Alison , Tregunno Phil
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Yellow Card Vaccine Monitor (YCVM) was established by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to facilitate active monitoring of adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination and further characterise safety in populations under-represented in clinical trials.

Methods

Randomly selected individuals were invited to register and actively contacted to seek further information on the vaccines received and adverse events they experienced. Demographics of patients recruited, and summaries of reported data, are presented alongside detailed analyses of the sub-cohort of pregnant and breast-feeding patients and analyses conducted to support regulatory assessment of two safety signals, menstrual disorders, and tinnitus.

Results

36,604 individuals registered, with 30,281 reporting vaccination. Median [IQR] follow-up was 184 days [14-367]. Demographics of the recruited cohort reflected the vaccinated population and timing of invitations. 15,764 (52.1%) of those reporting vaccination, reported experiencing at least one adverse reaction. However, nearly all were expected acute reactions and only 4,134 (13.7%) reported an event considered medically serious. The data raised no safety concerns in pregnant and breast-feeding patients. Reporting of menstrual disorders appeared stimulated by media interest, as seen in spontaneous reporting systems. Data on the incidence of tinnitus were used to support regulatory action on this signal.

Discussion

Active surveillance provided a complimentary data source for monitoring the safety of COVID- 19 vaccines. However, further efforts are needed to recruit ethnic minorities. The technology developed has enhanced regulatory vigilance options and could be valuable in the future for actively monitoring the safety of innovative products used in small populations.
C3aR1 on β cells enhances β cell function and survival
Authors: de Lima Renan Pereira , Li Ang , Gilani Ankit , Lo James C
Published: November 2024

Pancreatic β cell dysfunction is critical to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We show that the complement receptor C3aR1 on β cells plays an essential role in maintaining β cell homeostasis, especially under the metabolic duress of obesity and T2D. Mice with β cell specific deletion ofC3ar1have worse glucose tolerance, lower insulin levels, and decreased β cell mass. Islets from β cell specificC3ar1knockout (β-C3aR1 KO) mice demonstrate impaired insulin secretion. Disruption ofC3ar1on β cells ablates the insulin secretory response to C3a, establishing a signaling axis between C3a and β cell-derived C3aR1. Markers of β cell identity were decreased while stress markers were increased in β-C3aR1 KO mice. Islets from β-C3aR1 KO also exhibit increased β cell death to lipotoxicity. Finally, we show thatC3AR1is positively correlated with insulin secretion in human islets. These findings indicate that C3aR1 expression on β cells is necessary to maintain optimal β cell function and preserve β cell mass in T2D.
Chronic variable mild stress alters the transcriptome and signaling properties of the anterodorsal bed nuceleus of the stria terminalis in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Degroat Thomas J , Paladino Sarah , Samuels Benjamin A , Roepke Troy A
Published: November 2024

Chronic stress is a physiological state marked by dysregulation of the hypo-pituitary-adrenal axis and high circulating levels of stress hormones, such as corticosterone in mice or cortisol in humans. This dysregulated state may result in the development of mood disorders but the process by which this occurs is still unknown. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) serves as an integration center for stress signaling and is therefore likely an important area for the development of mood disorders. This project utilized a chronic variable mild stress (CVMS) paradigm to persistently stress mice for 6 weeks followed by RNA-Sequencing of the anterodorsal (ad) BNST and electrophysiology of corticotropin releasing hormone-expressing cells in the adBNST. Our results show significant sex-biases in the transcriptome of the adBNST as well as effects of CVMS on the transcriptome of the adBNST specifically in males. Female biased genes are related to synaptic transmission while male biased genes are related to RNA processing. Stress sensitive genes in males are related to synaptic transmission and synapse formation. Additionally, electrophysiology data showed that CVMS suppressed the M-current in males but not females. However, CVMS increased the strength of excitatory post-synaptic currents in females but not males. This suggests significant differences in how males and females process chronic stress. It also suggests that the BNST is more sensitive to chronic stress in males than in females.
Modeling the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic and the Efficacy of Different Vaccines Across Different Network Structures
Authors: Hartvigsen Gregg , Dimitroff Yannis
Published: November 2024

1

We developed a network-based SEIRV model to test different vaccine efficacies on SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in a naive population of 25,000 susceptible adults. Different vaccine efficacies, derived from data, were administered at different rates across a range of different Watts-Strogatz network structures. The model suggests that differences among vaccines were of minor importance compared to vaccination rates and network structure. Additionally, we tested the effect of strain differences in transmissibility (R0values of 2.5 and 5.0) and found that this was the most important factor influencing the number of individuals ultimately infected. However, network structure was most important in affecting the maximum number of individuals that were infectious during the epidemic peak. The interaction of network structure, vaccination effort, and difference in strain transmissibility was highly significant for all epidemic metrics. The model suggests that differences in vaccine efficacy are not as important as vaccination rate in reducing epidemic sizes. Further, the importance of the evolution of viral transmission rates and our ability to develop effective vaccines to combat these strains will be of primary concern for our ability to control future disease epidemics.
Semaglutide as an Adjunctive Therapy to Standard Management for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Real-World Data-Based Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Azzam Ahmed Y. , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Vaishnav Dhrumil , Azab Mohammed A. , Morsy Mahmoud M. , Elamin Osman , Al Zomia Ahmed Saad , Alotaibi Hammam A. , Alamoud Ahmed , Mohamed Adham A. , Ahmed Omar S. , Elswedy Adam , Atallah Oday , Abukhadijah Hana J. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Altschul David J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, predominantly affecting young women with obesity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of semaglutide as an adjunctive therapy to standard IIH management using real-world data.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis comparing IIH patients receiving semaglutide plus standard therapy versus standard therapy alone. After propensity score matching, we analyzed 635 patients in each cohort. Primary outcomes included papilledema, headache manifestations, visual disturbances, and refractory disease status at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months, and 24-months. Secondary outcomes included BMI changes.

Result

Semaglutide demonstrated significant improvements across all outcomes. At three months, the treatment group showed reduced risks of visual disturbances (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.179-0.440, p=0.0001), papilledema (RR 0.366, 95% CI 0.260-0.515, p=0.0001), and headache (RR 0.578, 95% CI 0.502-0.665, p=0.0001). These benefits persisted through 24 months. Refractory disease risk was reduced by 40% at three months (RR 0.6, 95% CI 0.520-0.692, p=0.0001). The semaglutide group showed progressive BMI reduction, with a baseline-adjusted difference of -1.38 kg/m2(95% CI [-1.671, -1.089], p<0.0001) at 24 months.

Conclusions

Semaglutide as an adjunctive therapy demonstrates significant and sustained improvements in IIH-related outcomes, including visual disturbances, papilledema, and headache symptoms. These findings suggest semaglutide may be a valuable addition to standard IIH management protocols, particularly for patients with refractory disease.
Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An International Matched-Cohort Study
Authors: Azzam Ahmed Y. , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Vaishnav Dhrumil , Morsy Mahmoud M. , Elamin Osman , Al Zomia Ahmed Saad , Alotaibi Hammam A. , Alamoud Ahmed , Mohamed Adham A. , Ahmed Omar S. , Elswedy Adam , Abukhadijah Hana J. , Atallah Oday , Dmytriw Adam A. , Altschul David J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been traditionally viewed as a neuro-ophthalmic disorder, yet emerging evidence suggests broader systemic implications. Our study investigates the cardiometabolic outcomes associated with IIH through a comprehensive matched-cohort analysis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from 2009 to 2024. We compared IIH patients with matched controls using propensity score matching based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and baseline BMI. Cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes were assessed over a ten-year follow-up period, with additional stratified analyses comparing obese and non-obese subgroups.

Results

IIH patients demonstrated significantly increased risks of ischemic stroke/TIA (RR 2.515, 95% CI 2.250-2.812) and non-traumatic hemorrhagic stroke (RR 7.744, 95% CI 6.118-9.801). Notable metabolic findings included elevated risks of insulin resistance (RR 1.470, 95% CI 1.258-1.717) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (RR 1.210, 95% CI 1.171-1.250). These associations persisted in non-obese IIH patients, suggesting pathogenic mechanisms independent of adiposity. Additionally, IIH patients showed increased prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (RR 1.470, 95% CI 1.258-1.717) and metabolic syndrome (RR 1.125, 95% CI 1.045-1.205).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight IIH as a complex multisystem disorder with significant cardiometabolic implications beyond its traditional neuro-ophthalmic presentation. The findings suggest the need for comprehensive cardiovascular and metabolic screening in IIH patients, regardless of BMI status, and indicate potential novel therapeutic targets for investigation.
Exploration of novel biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases using proteomic analysis and ligand-binding assays
Authors: Kenzelmann Annalena , Boch Christina , Schmidt Ronny , Richter Mario , Schulz Michael
Published: November 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide, and their public health burden continues to increase. There is an urgent need to develop reliable and sensitive biomarkers to aid the timely diagnosis, disease progression monitoring, and therapeutic development for neurodegenerative disorders. Proteomic screening strategies, including antibody microarrays, are a powerful tool for biomarker discovery, but their findings should be confirmed using quantitative assays. The current study explored the feasibility of combining an exploratory proteomic strategy and confirmatory ligand-binding assays to screen for and validate biomarker candidates for neurodegenerative disorders. It analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. The screening antibody microarray identified differentially expressed proteins between patients with neurodegenerative diseases and healthy controls. Quantitative ligand-binding assays confirmed that cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) levels were elevated in CSF of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, whereas osteopontin levels were increased in CSF of patients with Parkinson’s disease. The current study demonstrated the utility of combining an exploratory proteomic approach and quantitative ligandbinding assays to identify biomarker candidates for neurodegenerative disorders. To further validate and expand these findings, large-scale analyses using well characterized samples should be conducted.
Quantum wires with local particle loss: Transport manifestations of fluctuation-induced effects
Authors: Gievers Marcel , Müller Thomas , Fröml Heinrich , Diehl Sebastian , Chiocchetta Alessio
Published: November 2024

We investigate the transport properties of a quantum wire of weakly interacting fermions in the presence of local particle loss. We calculate current and conductance in this system due to applied external chemical potential bias that can be measured in experimental realizations of ultracold fermions in quasi one-dimensional traps. Using a Keldysh field theory approach based on the Lindblad equation, we establish a perturbative scheme to study the effect of imbalanced reservoirs. Logarithmically divergent terms are resummed using a renormalization group method, and a novel powerlaw behavior for the conductance as a function of the potential bias across the wire is found. In contrast to the equilibrium case of a potential barrier in a Luttinger liquid, the conductance exhibits a scaling behavior, which depends on the interaction strength and on the loss probability. Repulsive interactions reduce the conductance of the wire while attractive interactions enhance it. However, perfect reflectivity and transparency are only reached in the absence of particle loss.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Complexity measure diagnostics of ergodic to many-body localization transition
Authors: Cohen Khen , Oz Yaron , Zhong De-liang
Published: November 2024

We introduce diagnostics of the transition between the ergodic and many-body localization phases, which are based on complexity measures defined via the probability distribution function of the Lanczos coefficients of the tridiagonalized Hamiltonian. We use these complexity measures to analyze the power-law random banded matrix model as a function of the correlation strength and show that the moments and the entropy of the distribution diagnose the ergodic to many-body transition, as well as the distinctive feature of the phases concerning the memory of the initial conditions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coulomb confinement in the Hamiltonian limit
Authors: Dawid Sebastian M. , Smith Wyatt A. , Rodas Arkaitz , Perry Robert J. , Fernández-Ramírez César , Swanson Eric S. , Szczepaniak Adam P.
Published: November 2024

The Gribov-Zwanziger scenario attributes the phenomenon of confinement to the instantaneous interaction term in the QCD Hamiltonian in the Coulomb gauge. For a static quark-antiquark pair, it leads to a potential energy that increases linearly with the distance between them. Lattice studies of the SU(2) Yang-Mills theory determined the corresponding (Coulomb) string tension for sources in the fundamental representation, σC, to be about 3 times larger than the Wilson loop string tension, σF. It is far above the Zwanziger variational bound, σC≥σF. We argue that the value often reported in the literature is artificially inflated. We examine the lattice definition of the instantaneous potential, find the source of the string tension’s enhancement, and perform its improved determination in SU(2) lattice gauge theory. We report our conservative estimate for the value of the Coulomb string tension as σC/σF=2.0±0.4 and discuss its phenomenological implications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
QCD phase diagram in the
T–eB
plane for varying pion mass
Authors: Ali Mahammad Sabir , Islam Chowdhury Aminul , Sharma Rishi
Published: November 2024

We study the effect of a varying pion mass on the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phase diagram in the presence of an external magnetic field, aiming to understand it, for the first time, using Nambu–Jona-Lasinio like effective models. We compare results from both its local and nonlocal versions. In both cases, we find that the inverse magnetic catalysis (IMC) near the crossover is eliminated with increasing pion mass, while the decreasing trend of crossover temperature with increasing magnetic field persists for pion mass values at least up to 440 MeV. Thus, the models are capable of capturing qualitatively the results found by lattice QCD (LQCD) for heavy (unphysical) pions. The key feature in the models is the incorporation of the effect of a reduction in the coupling constant with increasing energy. Along with reproducing the IMC effect, it enables models to describe the effects of heavier current quark masses without introducing additional parameters. For the local NJL model, this agreement depends on how the parameters of the model are fit at the physical point. In this respect, the nonlocal version, which, due to its formulation, automatically exhibits the IMC effect around the crossover region, captures the physics more naturally. We further use the nonlocal framework to determine the pion mass beyond which the IMC effect around the transition region does not exist anymore.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonperturbative phase boundaries in the Gross-Neveu model from a stability analysis
Authors: Thies Michael
Published: November 2024

Two out of three phase boundaries of the 1+1-dimensional Gross-Neveu model in the chiral limit can be obtained from a standard, perturbative stability analysis of the homogeneous phases. The third one separating the massive homogeneous phase from the kink crystal is nonperturbative and could so far only be inferred from the full solution of the model. We show that this phase boundary can also be obtained via a modified stability analysis, based on the thermodynamic potential of a single kink or baryon. The same method works for the massive Gross-Neveu model, so that all phase boundaries of the Gross-Neveu model could have been predicted quantitatively without prior knowledge of the full crystal solution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Field-theory action for the constructive standard model
Authors: Christensen Neil
Published: November 2024

We introduce a field-theory framework in which fields transform under the little group, rather than the Lorentz group, specific to each particle type. By utilizing these fields, along with spinor products and the x factor, we construct a field-theory action that naturally reproduces the vertices of the constructive standard model (CSM). This approach eliminates unphysical components, significantly reduces the degrees of freedom compared to traditional field theory, and offers deeper insights into the power of constructive amplitudes. Our action is momentum-conserving, Lorentz-invariant, Hermitian, and nonlocal. We also discuss this as a framework for developing new constructive field theories, discussing their essential properties and potential applicability in renormalization theory and nonperturbative calculations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
COVID-19 as a driver for e-participation: insights from participatory budgeting in Poland
Authors: Roztocki Narcyz , Strzelczyk Wojciech , Weistroffer Heinz Roland
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper explores how COVID-19 has impacted the shift from public participation by conventional means to e-participation. Specifically, we investigated to what extent COVID-19 has been a driver for electronic participation in community participatory budgeting, which is a kind of residents’ consultation on how to spend part of a budget on local projects. We expounded on the concept of e-participation and its sub-concepts and investigated how these were applicable to participatory budgeting.

Design/methodology/approach

We interviewed 34 leading managers in five City Halls in Poland regarding their views and experiences with moving public interactions related to participatory budgeting online during COVID-19.

Findings

The findings indicated that COVID-19 has accelerated the digitalization of the participatory budgeting processes and, to some extent, may have increased community participation in general. We observed increased e-participation in the forms of e-consultation, e-deliberation, e-lobbying and e-voting.

Originality/value

Mainly, this study contributed to the field by providing empirical evidence that COVID-19 increased various forms of e-participation as related to participatory budgeting. Moreover, we delineated various forms of e-participation and mapped them to activities in participatory budgeting.