bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The frequency and sizes of inner bars and nuclear rings in barred galaxies and their dependence on galaxy properties
Authors: Erwin Peter 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Using a volume- and mass-limited (D &lt; 30 Mpc, $\log \, (M_{\star }/M_{\odot })\ge 9.75$) sample of 155 barred S0–Sd galaxies, I determine the fraction with secondary structures within their bars. Some 20 ± 3 per cent have a separate inner bar, making them double-barred; an identical fraction have nuclear rings, with $11^{+3}_{-2}$ per cent hosting both. The inner-bar frequency is a strong, monotonic function of stellar mass: only $4^{+3}_{-2}$ per cent of barred galaxies with $\log \, (M_{\star }/M_{\odot })= 9.75$–10.25 are double-barred, while 47 ± 8 per cent of those with $\log \, (M_{\star }/M_{\odot })\gt 10.5$ are. The nuclear-ring frequency is a strong function of absolute bar size: only $1^{+2}_{-1}$ per cent of bars with semimajor axes &lt;2 kpc have nuclear rings, while $39^{+6}_{-5}$ per cent of larger bars do. Both inner bars and nuclear rings are absent in very late-type (Scd–Sd) galaxies. Inner bar size correlates with galaxy stellar mass, but is clearly offset to smaller sizes from the main population of bars. This makes it possible to define ‘nuclear bars’ in a consistent fashion, based on stellar mass. There are eight single-barred galaxies where the bars are nuclear-bar-sized; some of these may be systems where an outer bar failed to form, or previously double-barred galaxies where the outer bar has dissolved. Inner bar size is even more tightly correlated with host bar size, which is likely the primary driver. In contrast, nuclear ring size is only weakly correlated with galaxy mass or bar size, with more scatter in size than is true of inner bars.
Fracture and relaxation in dense cornstarch suspensions
Authors: Lilin Paul , Elkhoury Jean E , Peters Ivo R , Bischofberger Irmgard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Dense suspensions exhibit the remarkable ability to switch dynamically and reversibly from a fluid-like to a solid-like, shear-jammed (SJ) state. Here, we show how this transition has important implications for the propensity for forming fractures. We inject air into bulk dense cornstarch suspensions and visualize the air invasion into the opaque material using time-resolved X-ray radiography. For suspensions with cornstarch mass fractions high enough to exhibit discontinuous shear thickening and shear jamming, we show that air injection leads to fractures in the material. For high mass fractions, these fractures grow quasistatically as rough cavities with fractured interfaces. For lower mass fractions, remarkably, the fractures can relax to smooth bubbles that then rise under buoyancy. We show that the onset of the relaxation occurs as the shear rate induced by the air cavity growth decreases below the critical shear rate denoting the onset of discontinuous shear thickening, which reveals a structural signature of the SJ state.
Mechanisms for cardiac calcium pump activation by its substrate and a synthetic allosteric modulator using fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Šeflová Jaroslava , Cruz-Cortés Carlos , Guerrero-Serna Guadalupe , Robia Seth L , Espinoza-Fonseca L Michel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The discovery of allosteric modulators is an emerging paradigm in drug discovery, and signal transduction is a subtle and dynamic process that is challenging to characterize. We developed a time-correlated single photon-counting imaging approach to investigate the structural mechanisms for small-molecule activation of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, a pharmacologically important pump that transports Ca2+ at the expense of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. We first tested whether the dissociation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase from its regulatory protein phospholamban is required for small-molecule activation. We found that CDN1163, a validated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activator, does not have significant effects on the stability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase–phospholamban complex. Time-correlated single photon-counting imaging experiments using the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog β,γ-Methyleneadenosine 5′-triphosphate (AMP-PCP) showed ATP is an allosteric modulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, increasing the fraction of catalytically competent structures at physiologically relevant Ca2+ concentrations. Unlike ATP, CDN1163 alone has no significant effects on the Ca2+-dependent shifts in the structural populations of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, and it does not increase the pump's affinity for Ca2+ ions. However, we found that CDN1163 enhances the ATP-mediated modulatory effects to increase the population of catalytically competent sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase structures. Importantly, this structural shift occurs within the physiological window of Ca2+ concentrations at which sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase operates. We demonstrated that ATP is both a substrate and modulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and showed that CDN1163 and ATP act synergistically to populate sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase structures that are primed for phosphorylation. This study provides novel insights into the structural mechanisms for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activation by its substrate and a synthetic allosteric modulator.
Evolution of hierarchy and irreversibility in theoretical cell differentiation model
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiyuki T , Himeoka Yusuke , Saito Nen , Furusawa Chikara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The process of cell differentiation in multicellular organisms is characterized by hierarchy and irreversibility in many cases. However, the conditions and selection pressures that give rise to these characteristics remain poorly understood. By using a mathematical model, here we show that the network of differentiation potency (differentiation diagram) becomes necessarily hierarchical and irreversible by increasing the number of terminally differentiated states under certain conditions. The mechanisms generating these characteristics are clarified using geometry in the cell state space. The results demonstrate that the hierarchical organization and irreversibility can manifest independently of direct selection pressures associated with these characteristics, instead they appear to evolve as byproducts of selective forces favoring a diversity of differentiated cell types. The study also provides a new perspective on the structure of gene regulatory networks that produce hierarchical and irreversible differentiation diagrams. These results indicate some constraints on cell differentiation, which are expected to provide a starting point for theoretical discussion of the implicit limits and directions of evolution in multicellular organisms.
Utilizing a cell-free protein synthesis platform for the biosynthesis of a natural product, caffeine
Authors: Ditzel Alexander , Zhao Fanglong , Gao Xue , Phillips George N 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Natural products are a valuable source of pharmaceuticals, providing a majority of the small-molecule drugs in use today. However, their production through organic synthesis or in heterologous hosts can be difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, to allow for easier screening and production of natural products, we demonstrated the use of a cell-free protein synthesis system to partially assemble natural products in vitro using S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase enzyme reactions. The tea caffeine synthase, TCS1, was utilized to synthesize caffeine within a cell-free protein synthesis system. Cell-free systems also provide the benefit of allowing the use of substrates that would normally be toxic in a cellular environment to synthesize novel products. However, TCS1 is unable to utilize a compound like S-adenosyl ethionine as a cofactor to create ethylated caffeine analogs. The automation and reduced metabolic engineering requirements of cell-free protein synthesis systems, in combination with other synthesis methods, may enable the more efficient generation of new compounds.
Graphical Abstract
Characterization of T-Helper Immune Phenotype in Symmetrical Drug-Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthema (SDRIFE) Endorses a Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reaction
Authors: Chaudet Kristine M. , Russell-Goldman Eleanor , Horn Thomas D. , Schuler Amy M. , Chan May P. , Nazarian Rosalynn M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) is a cutaneous drug eruption with a characteristic distribution of erythema on the gluteal/inguinal region and intertriginous areas with unclear pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to characterize the T-helper immune phenotype in SDRIFE in comparison with psoriasis and eczema to further the understanding of the pathophysiology and immune response of this rare disorder. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 9 skin biopsies each from SDRIFE, psoriasis, and eczema using immunohistochemistry for CD3 and dual CD4/T-bet, CD4/GATA3, and CD4/RORC to quantify the percentage of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, respectively. A significant difference was detected in the average percentage of Th1 between all 3 groups with the highest percentage of Th1 cells seen in psoriasis, followed by SDRIFE and eczema. SDRIFE showed significantly lower Th2 expression as compared to both psoriasis and eczema. There was a trend towards a higher average percentage of Th17 in psoriasis and SDRIFE, and the ratio of Th17:Th2 was significantly higher in samples of SDRIFE compared with both eczema and psoriasis. The findings characterize SDRIFE as a Th1 and possibly Th17-driven process, which could inform future therapeutic options and substantiate the model of SDRIFE as a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction.
Practice Profile of Practicing Plastic Surgeons: A 20-year Review of Plastic Surgery Statistics
Authors: Gutowski Kristof S. , Chwa Emily S. , Weissman Joshua P. , Garg Stuti P. , Simmons Christopher J. , Brandt Keith E. , Gosain Arun K. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Evaluation of practice patterns by American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) diplomates allows for a greater understanding as to how the field is progressing. Understanding evolving procedural trends can give insight into plastic surgeons’ subspecialty focus and influence resident training to prepare them for future practice.

Methods:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons member only projections for aesthetic and reconstructive procedures were reviewed from 1999 to 2018 in 5-year increments to identify shifts in frequency between the beginning (1999–2003) and end (2014–2018) of the timeframe. Tracer utilization for all four ABPS modules were also examined between 2014 and 2018. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify significant changes (P < 0.05) in subspecialty focus and procedure trends.

Results:
Annual procedure incidence between 2014 and 2018 was compared with that between 1999 and 2003. The annual number of procedures more than doubled from 3,244,084 to 6,628,082. Among reconstructive procedures, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of breast reconstruction, breast implant removal, and maxillofacial surgery procedures, and a statistically significant decrease in the number of procedures focused on reconstruction of birth defects, burn injuries, and hand anomalies. In aesthetic surgery, significant increases were seen in the number of augmentation mammoplasty, abdominoplasty, and mastopexy procedures, with significant decreases in the number of blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty procedures.

Conclusions:
Understanding the changing practice patterns of ABPS diplomates is essential to define the direction that our specialty is taking over time, and to guide program directors in plastic surgery on areas of focus for appropriate training of plastic surgeons.
Increased Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile Infection Among Pediatric Oncology Patients: Risk Factors for Infection and Complications
Authors: Murphy Brianna R. , Dailey Garnes Natalie J. , Hwang Hyunsoo , Peterson Christine B. , Garey Kevin W. , Okhuysen Pablo 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Pediatric oncology patients, who are typically immunosuppressed, exposed to medications associated with increased Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) risk and hospitalized, are expected to be at substantial risk for infection and complications. Although certain C. difficile ribotypes have been associated with more severe infection in adults, such an association has not been described in children.

Methods:
To characterize CDI epidemiology, including risk factors and complications among pediatric oncology patients, we retrospectively reviewed charts of patients 1–18 years old treated at a designated cancer center during 2000–2017. We used fluorescence-based polymerase chain reaction to identify ribotypes causing disease at our institution.

Results:
In 11,366 total patients, we identified 207 CDI cases during the study period. CDI prevalence in our pediatric oncology population was 18 cases per 1000 patients. CDI was highest among patients with acute myeloid leukemia, neuroblastoma, and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (105, 66 and 111 cases per 1000 patients, respectively; P < 0.01). Fever, leukocytosis, elevated creatinine and abdominal radiation and fluoroquinolone exposure concurrent with treatment of CDI were associated with complications. Patients with severe CDI experienced increased mortality. Ribotypes previously associated with severe infection were observed infrequently and were not associated with mortality.

Conclusions:
This is the largest study of CDI in pediatric oncology patients to date. The study identifies specific oncologic diagnoses with increased CDI risk and factors predictive of poor outcomes. As CDI treatment guidelines are developed for this population, these data will be useful for risk stratification of patients in need of early, aggressive treatment.
The diagnosis and treatment for primary cardiac angiosarcoma with N-ras gene mutation and MSI-L: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sun Jiachun , Wei Tingting , Sun Bo , Su Jingxiang , Liu Hongyan , Wang Dengkui , Li Xinyang 
Published: December 2023

Rationale:
Primary cardiac angiosarcomas (PCA) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Currently, there is no standard treatment protocol for the PCA. We report a case of PCA in a 51-year-old woman.

Patient concerns:
A 51-year-old woman initially presented with unexplained palpitations and chest tightness accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which worsened after activity and improved after rest. After symptomatic treatment, the symptoms improved, and the above symptoms recurred 8 months later.

Diagnoses:
Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed multiple lung nodules of varying sizes, some of which exhibited increased glucose metabolism. Furthermore, a soft tissue mass protruding into the pericardial cavity and involving the adjacent right atrium was observed in the right pericardium. The mass exhibited increased glucose metabolism, suggestive of a pericardial tumor with multiple lung metastases. Finally, histopathologic diagnosis of metastatic angiosarcoma was done by computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung and mediastinal biopsy.

Interventions:
The patient was treated with palliative chemotherapy for the primary cardiac angiosarcomas and hematogenous lung metastasis. One cycle later, the result of Next-Generation Sequencing showed that the microsatellite instability status was determined to be low-level. Based on this result, tislelizumab was added to the original chemotherapy regimen.

Outcomes:
Unfortunately, the patient with PCA passed away after only 2 cycles of chemotherapy, and the cause of death remained unknown.

Lessons:
This case report well demonstrates typical imaging findings of a rare cardiac angiosarcomas and emphasizes importance of early investigation for accurate diagnosis and proper management of the cardiac angiosarcomas.
Thromboelastography characteristics in critically ill patients with liver disease
Authors: Bajwa Ramanpreet K. , Kleb Cerise , Faisal Muhammad Salman , Khan Muhammad Zarrar , Khan Afshin , Lyu Ruishen , Angelini Dana , Sims Omar T. , Modaresi Esfeh Jamak 
Published: December 2023

Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine how thromboelastography (TEG) parameters differ by various clinical conditions that commonly occur in patients with cirrhosis, including sepsis, acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

Background
TEG, a whole blood assay, is used to assess several parameters of coagulation and is becoming increasingly used in clinical practice.

Study
This study was a retrospective chart review of 155 patients admitted to the ICU with decompensated cirrhosis from 2017 to 2019.

Results
The R time was significantly shorter in patients when they were septic compared to when they were not and longer in patients with vs. without ACLF grade 3. Alpha angle and maximum amplitude was decreased in patients with severe AAH compared to those without severe AAH; and maximum amplitude was increased in patients with acute PVT compared to those with chronic PVT. R time was positively correlated with Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Organ Failure and Chronic Liver Failure Consortium ACLF scores (rho = 0.22, P = 0.020), while alpha angle and maximum amplitude were negatively correlated with MELD-NA.

Conclusion
Findings suggest TEG parameters vary in several clinical conditions in patients with decompensated cirrhosis who are admitted to the ICU. Prospective research is needed to confirm our findings and to determine how this knowledge can be used to guide clinical practice, as well as blood product transfusions in the setting of bleeding or prior to invasive procedures.
Basal cortisol levels do not predict adrenal responsiveness in acute decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Wentworth Brian J. , Schliep Matthew , Novicoff Wendy M. , Henry Zachary H. , Siragy Helmy M. 
Published: December 2023

Objective
Morning total cortisol (TC) levels have been shown to predict adrenal dysfunction (AD) in the general population, but their utility in cirrhosis is unknown.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed including all noncritically ill patients at our institution between 2011 and 2022 admitted with acute decompensated cirrhosis who underwent standard-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing. Adrenal dysfunction was defined as an increase in TC (delta TC) level <9 µg/dl 60 minutes after ACTH dosing. Spearman correlation was utilized to assess the relationship between binding globulins and cortisol levels. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine if basal TC level or common clinical parameters were predictive of AD.

Results
One hundred and nineteen patients were included, with a median model for end-stage liver disease score of 18. Albumin levels did not correlate with basal TC levels (ρ = 0.127; P = 0.169); basal TC did not correlate with delta TC (ρ = 0.050; P = 0.591). The degree of hypoalbuminemia did not alter these relationships. On multivariate regression, only albumin level [odds ratio (OR) = 0.418; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.196–0.890; P = 0.024] and MELD score (OR, 1.094; 95% CI, 1.019–1.174; P = 0.014) were predictive of AD. Basal TC levels were not predictive of AD (OR = 0.991; 95% CI, 0.903–1.088; P = 0.855) or delta TC (β = 0.000; 95% CI −0.147 to 0.147; P = 0.999).

Conclusion
Baseline TC levels do not predict ACTH stimulation testing response in patients with acute decompensated cirrhosis. Clinicians should avoid utilizing an isolated morning cortisol result as a screening method for AD in this population.
Evaluation of surveillance system changes to improve detection of disseminated gonococcal infections in Virginia, 2018-2021
Authors: Pugsley River A. , Gadju Gracia , Young Kaylah , Rose Cameron , Haugan Nan , Vasiliu Oana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDisseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), a complication of untreated gonorrhea, is rarely reported through routine surveillance. We sought to improve local surveillance system capacity to estimate and monitor the incidence of DGI in Virginia.MethodsWe modified surveillance protocols to identify possible DGI cases using information extracted from gonorrhea case reports and performed provider follow-up using standardized case report forms to confirm DGI diagnosis and collect clinical information. Suspect cases included those with a laboratory report indicating sterile site of specimen collection (e.g. blood, synovial fluid) and/or intravenous (IV) treatment. We performed descriptive analyses to summarize characteristics of suspect and confirmed DGIs and estimated incidence.ResultsAfter piloting protocols in 2018-2019, we identified 405 suspect DGI cases from 29,294 gonorrhea cases reported in 2020-21 (1.4%). We initiated investigations for 298 (73.6%) of the suspect cases, received provider responses for 105 (25.9%), and confirmed 19 (4.7%) DGI cases. Positive laboratory reports from non-mucosal sites were the most reliable predictor of confirmed DGI status, but most were not confirmed as DGI even when provider follow-up was successful. The confirmed and estimated incidence of DGI was 0.06% and 0.22% respectively. Sixteen (84%) of the confirmed cases were over 25 years of age, 3 (16%) were HIV-positive, and approximately half were male and non-Hispanic black. The majority (15, 74%) were hospitalized, and common manifestations included septic arthritis and bacteremia.ConclusionsWe improved surveillance for DGI in Virginia while incurring minor programmatic costs. Additional efforts to improve the completeness and quality of surveillance data for DGI are needed.
Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic-assisted Distal Gastrectomy Versus Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy Billroth I for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Motamiez Ahmed , Maximous Doaa , Salem Ahmed A.S. , Ahmed Badawy M. , Kong Seong-Ho , Park Do Joong , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Yang Han-Kwang 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
The present study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy versus totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) Billroth I (BI) for gastric cancer and to assess the impact of the initial introduction phase of TLDG BI anastomosis.

Patients and Methods:
The study analyzed the prospectively collected data of patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy BI from 2014 to 2021 at Seoul National University Hospital.

Results:
Among 1116 patients, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy BI was performed in 566 patients and TLDG BI was performed in 550 patients. The total laparoscopic arm had a faster mean operative time (190 vs 208 min; P < 0.001) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (7.4 vs 7.9 d; P < 0.001). Local complications were higher in the total laparoscopic group (17.6% vs 9.9%; P = 0.008) during the early introduction phase.

Conclusion:
The total laparoscopic approach for BI reconstruction is safe and effective with faster operative time, shorter hospital stays, and less wound infection, but it may be associated with an increase in postoperative surgical complications and hospital stay in the early introduction phase.