bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of early spermatogenesis in the giant prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii by a GCL homolog
Authors: Molcho Jonathan , Albagly Dana , Levy Tom , Manor Rivka , Aflalo Eliahu D , Alfaro-Montoya Jorge , Sagi Amir 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The germ cell-less gene is crucial for gonad development in various organisms. Early interventions in its expression suggested a regulatory role at the mitotic stages of spermatogenesis, and its early knockout resulted in complete sterility in Drosophila. Genomic and transcriptomic data available for the catadromous giant prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii enabled the identification of a germ cell-less homolog for this species, which we termed MroGCL (mRNA accession number OQ533056). An open reading frame containing 494 amino acids and a typical evolutionarily conserved BTB/POZ domain suggests possible protein–protein interaction functions in keeping with the Drosophila germ cell-less protein. Genomic mapping of MroGCL showed a full length of 120 896 bases. Analysis of the temporal expression of MroGCL showed constant expression in early prawn embryonic and larval stages, but a significant increase 10 days after metamorphosis when crucial sexual differentiation processes occur in prawns. In adult animals, high expression was detected in the gonads compared to the somatic tissues. RNAi-based knock-down experiments showed that both the silenced and control groups reached advanced spermatogenic stages, but that there was a significant decrease in the yield of spermatozoa in about half of the silenced animals. This finding supports our hypothesis that MroGCL is crucial for mitosis during early stage spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of crustacean gonad development and provides a stepping stone in the development of environmentally valuable sterile crustacean populations.
Network-adjusted covariates for community detection
Authors: Hu Y , Wang W 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Community detection is a crucial task in network analysis that can be significantly improved by incorporating subject-level information, ie, covariates. Existing methods have shown the effectiveness of using covariates on the low-degree nodes, but rarely discuss the case where communities have significantly different density levels, ie, multiscale networks. In this paper, we introduce a novel method that addresses this challenge by constructing network-adjusted covariates, which leverage the network connections and covariates with a node-specific weight for each node. This weight can be calculated without tuning parameters. We present novel theoretical results on the strong consistency of our method under degree-corrected stochastic blockmodels with covariates, even in the presence of misspecification and multiple sparse communities. Additionally, we establish a general lower bound for the community detection problem when both the network and covariates are present, and it shows that our method is optimal for connection intensity up to a constant factor. Our method outperforms existing approaches in simulations and a LastFM app user network. We then compare our method with others on a statistics publication citation network where 30% of nodes are isolated, and our method produces reasonable and balanced results. Our method is implemented in the R package NAC.
Intra-patient and inter-observer image quality analysis in liver MRI study with gadoxetic acid using two different multi-arterial phase techniques
Authors: Castagnoli Francesca , Faletti Riccardo , Inchingolo Riccardo , Villanacci Alberta , Ruggeri Valeria , Zacà Domenico , Koh Dow-Mu , Grazioli Luigi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate intra-patient and interobserver agreement in patients who underwent liver MRI with gadoxetic acid using two different multi-arterial phase (AP) techniques.

Methods
A total of 154 prospectively enrolled patients underwent clinical gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI twice within 12 months, using two different multi-arterial algorithms: CAIPIRINHA-VIBE and TWIST-VIBE. For every patient, breath-holding time, body mass index, sex, age were recorded. The phase without contrast media and the APs were independently evaluated by two radiologists who quantified Gibbs artefacts, noise, respiratory motion artefacts, and general image quality. Presence or absence of Gibbs artefacts and noise was compared by the McNemar’s test. Respiratory motion artefacts and image quality scores were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Interobserver agreement was assessed by Cohen kappa statistics.

Results
Compared with TWIST-VIBE, CAIPIRINHA-VIBE images had better scores for every parameter except higher noise score. Triple APs were always acquired with TWIST-VIBE but failed in 37% using CAIPIRINHA-VIBE: 11% have only one AP, 26% have two. Breath-holding time was the only parameter that influenced the success of multi-arterial techniques. TWIST-VIBE images had worst score for Gibbs and respiratory motion artefacts but lower noise score.

Conclusion
CAIPIRINHA-VIBE images were always diagnostic, but with a failure of triple-AP in 37%. TWIST-VIBE was successful in obtaining three APs in all patients. Breath-holding time is the only parameter which can influence the preliminary choice between CAIPIRINHA-VIBE and TWIST-VIBE algorithm.

Advances in knowledge
If the patient is expected to perform good breath-holds, TWIST-VIBE is preferable; otherwise, CAIPIRINHA-VIBE is more appropriate.
The development of inherited cardiac conditions services: current position and future perspectives
Authors: Alway Thomas , Bastiaenen Rachel , Pantazis Antonis , Robert Leema , Akilapa Rhoda , Whitaker John , Page Stephen P , Carr-White Gerald 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Over the last two decades, inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) centres have emerged with the aim of improving outcomes for patients and their families, through early diagnosis, genetic testing, risk assessment and specialist treatment.

Sources of data
A literature search was performed using PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). Commissioned ICC service reviews from NHS England, NHS Improvement and PHG Foundation were evaluated.

Areas of agreement
ICC patient management requires a multi-disciplinary approach. ICC services are predominantly based within tertiary centres. Despite expansion, provision of care remains inadequate to meet rising demands. Access to services is inconsistent, partly due to geographic variation and lack of standardized pathways.

Areas of controversy
The optimal ICC care model remains undecided, although there is growing interest in ‘hub-and-spoke’ networks, which could aid secondary and tertiary service integration and repatriation of care.

Growing points
Genetic mainstreaming is a priority for the Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. The benefits of telehealth and virtual clinics have been validated by their use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other innovations to improve resource efficiency, such as clinical scientist–led and nurse-led clinics, show promise.

Areas timely for developing research
An update for the NHS ICC service specifications is planned that appears well timed given the rapid evolution of the ICC landscape in the decade since last review. This has the potential to address needs including national audit, standardized pathways and ICC networks to improve governance and equity of care. Delegation of commissioning for specialist services to integrated care systems may also provide opportunity for increased regional direction.
RNA methylation-related genes INHBB and SOWAHA are associated with MSI status in colorectal cancer patients and may serve as prognostic markers for predicting immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Yin Yuehan , Yang Shangjiu , Huang Zhijian , Yang Zheng , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The role of RNA methylation is vital in the advancement and spread of tumors. However, its exact role in microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still not fully understood. To address this gap in knowledge, this study investigated the impact of genes associated with RNA methylation on the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in individuals diagnosed with low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) or microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two groups of patients: those with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and those with MSI-L/MSS was thoroughly investigated and compared with aims of exploring the association between them and the 60 RNA methylation regulators. We employed these genes and developed an MSI-RMscore to establish a risk signature capable of forecasting patient outcomes. Furthermore, an investigation of the immunophenotypic traits was conducted encompassing patients categorized as high-risk and low-risk. By combining the MSI-RMscore and clinicopathological features, a predictive nomogram was developed, which was subsequently validated using the GEO database. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was employed to establish the correlation between INHBB and SOWAHA and the MSI status, as well as patient prognosis. Our findings indicated that the high-risk subgroup exhibited unfavorable overall survival rates, reduced responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockers, elevated estimate scores, and increased infiltration of macrophages and fibroblasts. We also confirmed that INHBB and SOWAHA were associated with CRC patient prognosis and MSI status, as well as immunotherapy response. These findings suggest that targeting INHBB and SOWAHA could be a promising strategy to enhance patient responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Efficient conversion of glycerol into 1,2-propanediol over Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared through impregnation assisted with crown ether
Authors: Sasaki Shun , Kurniawan Enggah , Yamada Yasuhiro , Sato Satoshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A highly efficient and stable Cu/SiO2 catalyst was prepared via 12-crown-4-ether (12C4)-assisted impregnation and used in the vapor-phase conversion of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol, PG) via acetol formation in an ambient hydrogen flow. The 12C4-Cu/SiO2 catalyst gave a PG yield of &gt;97% due to a low rate of C–C cleavage to generate ethylene glycol. Under optimum conditions, the high catalytic performance was maintained for 98 h of time on stream.
Odor dilution sorting as a clinical test of olfactory function: normative values and reliability data.
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Wolter Anne , Hähner Antje , Hummel Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractClinical assessment of an individual’s sense of smell has gained prominence, but its resource-intensive nature necessitates the exploration of self-administered methods. In this study, a cohort of 68 patients with olfactory loss and 55 controls were assessed using a recently introduced olfactory test. This test involves sorting 2 odorants (eugenol and phenylethyl alcohol) in 5 dilutions according to odor intensity, with an average application time of 3.5 min. The sorting task score, calculated as the mean of Kendall’s Tau between the assigned and true dilution orders and normalized to [0,1], identified a cutoff for anosmia at a score ≤ 0.7. This cutoff, which marks the 90th percentile of scores obtained with randomly ordered dilutions, had a balanced accuracy of 89% (78% to 97%) for detecting anosmia, comparable to traditional odor threshold assessments. Retest evaluations suggested a score difference of ±0.15 as a cutoff for clinically significant changes in olfactory function. In conclusion, the olfactory sorting test represents a simple, self-administered approach to the detection of anosmia or preserved olfactory function. With balanced accuracy similar to existing brief olfactory tests, this method offers a practical and user-friendly alternative for screening anosmia, addressing the need for resource-efficient assessments in clinical settings.
Saphenous vein to the right coronary system from the right thoracic artery or the aorta. Long-term propensity-matched results of 2 groups
Authors: Prapas Sotirios , Katsavrias Konstantinos , Gaudino Mario , Puskas John D , Di Mauro Michele , Zografos Panayiotis , Guarracini Stefano , Linardakis Ioannis , Panagiotopoulos Ioannis , Di Marco Massimo , Papandreopoulos Styliani , Pomakidou Sofia , Totaro Antonio , Calafiore Antonio M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Since 2000, we anastomosed the saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery system using the stump of the right internal thoracic artery as inflow. The long-term results of patients where the right coronary artery was grafted with the right internal thoracic artery or the ascending aorta as saphenous vein inflow has not been reported.

METHODS
From 2000 to 2018, 699 consecutive patients had right internal thoracic artery elongated with saphenous vein (I-graft group, n = 358, 51.2%) or saphenous vein from the aorta (Ao-graft group, n = 341, 48.8%) on right coronary artery system. Inclusion criteria were age ≤75 years, bilateral internal thoracic arteries as a Y graft on the left system (three-vessel disease, n = 603, 86.3%) or as a left internal thoracic artery on left anterior descending and right internal thoracic artery elongated with saphenous vein on the right coronary artery system (two-vessel disease, n = 96, 13.7%), only 1 saphenous vein per patient. Propensity-matching identified 272 patients per group. One-hundred and twenty-two patients underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography to asses grafts patency after a median follow-up of 88 (65–93) months.

RESULTS
In the paired samples, there was no difference in the early outcome. Ten-year survival and freedom from death, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization were higher in I-graft group: 90.6 [standard error (SE): 2.0] vs 78.2 (SE: 5.3), P = 0.0266, and 85.2 (SE: 2.4) vs 69.9 (SE: 5.3), P = 0.0179. Saphenous vein graft, at a long-time follow-up, showed a higher patency rate (81.6% (SE: 7.0) vs 50.7% (SE: 7.9), P &lt; 0.0001) and a smaller internal lumen diameter (2.7, standard deviation: 0.4 vs 3.4, standard deviation: 0.6 mm, P &lt; 0.0001) when right internal thoracic artery was the inflow.

CONCLUSIONS
Grafting the right coronary artery with saphenous vein may entail higher patency rate and better outcome when the inflow is the right internal thoracic artery than when is the ascending aorta. Prospective randomized data are needed to test this hypothesis.
Extended autologous tracheal replacement by a novel pedicled thoraco-chondro-costal flap: a cadaveric proof of concept
Authors: de Frémicourt Kim , Wurtz Alain , Georgescu Dragos , Sarsam Matthieu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Our aim was to report an anatomic model of an autologous flap based on the internal thoracic blood supply: the pedicled thoraco-chondro-costal flap; and establish the feasibility of various types of extended tracheal replacement with this novel flap, according to a newly proposed topographic classification.

METHODS
In a cadaveric model, a cervicotomy combined with median sternotomy was performed. The incision was extended laterally to expose the chest wall. The internal thoracic pedicle was freed from its origin down to the upper limit of the delineated flap to be elevated. The perichondria and adjacent periostea were incised longitudinally to remove cartilages and adjacent rib segments, preserving perichondria and periostea. A full-thickness quadrangular chest wall flap pedicled on internal thoracic vessels was then elevated and shaped into a neo conduit to replace the trachea with the pleura as an inner lining.

RESULTS
Various types of extended non-circumferential and full-circumferential tracheal replacements were achieved with this composite flap. No anastomosis tension was noticed despite the absence of release manoeuvres.

CONCLUSIONS
This model could represent a suitable autologous tracheal substitute, which is long, longitudinally flexible and eventually transversely rigid. No microsurgical vascular anastomoses are required. The technique is reproducible. The perichondria and periostea would regenerate vascularized neo-cartilaginous rings, potentially decreasing the need for long-term stenting. The inner pleural lining could potentially transform into ciliated epithelium as shown in previous preclinical studies.
Consistency Testing in WTO Law and the Special Case of Moral Regulation
Authors: Czapnik Ben 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
There is a debate in World Trade Organization (WTO) law about whether the right to regulate for public interest purposes is conditioned on a requirement to do so consistently. While the early Appellate Body (AB) jurisprudence eschewed consistency testing under the formal legal test, it refrained from explicitly rejecting the practice. Subsequent AB rulings have seemingly adopted a narrow type of consistency testing through the doctrine of ‘legitimate regulatory distinctions’. A case could also be made that WTO tribunals sometimes embrace consistency testing under Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, although this is not explicitly acknowledged or universally recognized. In Seals, Canada explicitly attacked the European Union’s (EU) seal products ban for its lack of consistency with the EU’s broader animal welfare settings. This dispute provided an opportunity – indeed, an obligation – for the AB to establish a clear doctrine on consistency testing. This article argues that the AB shirked its duty through reasoning techniques that avoided meaningful engagement with the substance of Canada’s argument. The AB did not truly reject consistency testing, but its precise views are hard to glean due to reasoning that is opaque, confused and even contradictory. This article argues that there is a compelling case for consistency testing, at least in certain ‘public morals’ disputes, and that the AB should provide clearer guidance.
One State’s Rebel Is Another State’s Agent
Authors: Nissel Alan Tzvika 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In State Responsibility and Rebels, Kathryn Greenman explores the post-colonial history of state responsibility, the doctrine of international law that determines whether a state has breached its obligations and what, if anything, can be done about it. Today, the doctrine is one of the most frequently referenced ones of international law. Greenman shows that international arbitrators have applied the rules of state responsibility in order to support a global economic order that sustains Western investments and trade. Greenman also highlights the bilateral or transactional nature of the doctrine. The early practice of state responsibility has been a story of political concessions. Western states would often withhold their recognition of governments until the latter agreed to arbitrate international claims such as injuries to aliens during the rebellions. The resulting awards were often inchoate analyses of international law, in which arbitrators would attribute liability to states for conduct that was often out of their control. These findings are as interesting as they are relevant to today’s international practice. Indeed, says Greenman, imposing state responsibility for conduct that is outside of a state’s control is effectively sustaining the legacy of international law’s colonial past.
Factors impacting complementary feeding advice given by paediatricians in Cyprus
Authors: Hileti Dona , Kokkinos Markianos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Complementary feeding has long-term effects on health but there is heterogeneity in recommendations across Europe. Recommendations include responsive feeding practices and nutritional needs but there is a debate in primary paediatricians as to which one should be the main criterion for complementary feeding. This pilot study investigated (i) the factors affecting the recommendations of paediatricians in Cyprus for starting complementary feeding, (ii) whether their main criterion is the developmental readiness or the nutritional needs of the infant and (iii) how this priority influences recommendations.

Methods
The 11-item questionnaire was completed by 73 Cypriot paediatricians.

Results
Approximately 66% of paediatricians recommended starting complementary feeding between 5 and 6 months, 29% between 4 and 5 and 3% between 6 and 7 months. Predefined schemes were recommended by ∼25% of paediatricians, baby-led weaning by 14% and 58% of paediatricians recommended either modality depending on the family circumstances whilst 4% involve the mother in the decision process. Approximately 64% of paediatricians recommended the introduction of parent’s diet after the first year of life. Approximately 55% of paediatricians chose developmental readiness and 45% nutritional needs of the infant as their primary criterion for starting complementary feeding. Paediatricians who prioritized developmental readiness were more likely to be younger, less likely to advice on meat quantity and less likely to follow good nutritional practice.

Conclusions
The younger the paediatrician the more likely they are to prioritize developmental readiness over nutritional needs of the infant for complementary feeding. Paediatricians who prioritized developmental readiness were also less likely to provide nutritional advice.
Engineering of Ogataea polymorpha strains with ability for high-temperature alcoholic fermentation of cellobiose
Authors: Vasylyshyn Roksolana , Dmytruk Olena , Sybirnyy Andriy , Ruchała Justyna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Successful conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels requires organisms capable of efficiently utilizing xylose as well as cellodextrins and glucose. Ogataea (Hansenula) polymorpha is the natural xylose-metabolizing organism and is one of the most thermotolerant yeasts known, with a maximum growth temperature above 50°C. Cellobiose-fermenting strains, derivatives of an improved ethanol producer from xylose O. polymorpha BEP/cat8∆, were constructed in this work by the introduction of heterologous genes encoding cellodextrin transporters (CDTs) and intracellular enzymes (β-glucosidase or cellobiose phosphorylase) that hydrolyze cellobiose. For this purpose, the genes gh1-1 of β-glucosidase, CDT-1m and CDT-2m of cellodextrin transporters from Neurospora crassa and the CBP gene coding for cellobiose phosphorylase from Saccharophagus degradans, were successfully expressed in O. polymorpha. Through metabolic engineering and mutagenesis, strains BEP/cat8∆/gh1-1/CDT-1m and BEP/cat8∆/CBP-1/CDT-2mAM were developed, showing improved parameters for high-temperature alcoholic fermentation of cellobiose. The study highlights the need for further optimization to enhance ethanol yields and elucidate cellobiose metabolism intricacies in O. polymorpha yeast. This is the first report of the successful development of stable methylotrophic thermotolerant strains of O. polymorpha capable of coutilizing cellobiose, glucose, and xylose under high-temperature alcoholic fermentation conditions at 45°C.