bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subacute Cerebral Infarct
Authors: Jain Vaibhav , McIntosh Lacey
Published: July 2024

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT has become an unparalleled modality in the diagnosis of primary and recurrent prostatic adenocarcinoma, often revealing sites of disease that were previously invisible on conventional imaging. In this 78-year-old man with suspected prostate cancer recurrence, PSMA PET/CT revealed focal radiotracer uptake in the brain, which would ordinarily raise suspicion for metastases, but was a false positive in the setting of a recent stroke. Increased PSMA uptake has been reported in subacute infarcts and primary and secondary brain tumors. Careful history and comparison with prior imaging are vital to avoid false-positive diagnosis in such patients.
Quantitative Assessment of Lip Morphology in Patients With and Without Cleft Lip and Palate Using 3-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry
Authors: Neves Maria Carolina , Nogueira Vanessa Ota , Sforza Chiarella , Oliveira Valarelli Thaís Marchini , Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Soares Simone
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess and quantify the morphologic characteristics of the lips and the lower third of the face in cleft and noncleft patients, utilizing three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry. Sixty patients were included in the study, comprising 30 unilateral cleft lip and palate patients (G1, 24 female, 6 male; aged 20 to 60 y, mean age 44.0±12.0 y) and 30 noncleft patients (G2, 23 female, 7 male; aged 20 to 59 y, mean age 43.5±12.0 y). Anthropometric landmarks were identified on the facial surface. Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry was employed to capture images. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the groups, with a significance level set at 0.05. The comparative analysis revealed statistically significant differences in 5 linear and 6 angular measurements. Linear measurements such as philtrum width, upper and lower cutaneous lip height, mandibular ramus length, and midfacial depth exhibited significant differences between cleft and noncleft patients. Similarly, angular measurements, including upper lip angle, Cupid’s bow angle, lower/medium face convexity, lip seal, nasolabial angle, and left gonial angle, displayed statistically significant disparities. These findings underscore the ongoing surgical challenges in the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with clefts, highlighting the critical need for continued advancements in treatment strategies.
Dichotomy between extracellular signatures of active dendritic chemical synapses and gap junctions
Authors: Sirmaur Richa , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: July 2024

Local field potentials (LFPs) are compound signals that represent the dynamic flow of information across the brain, which have been historically associated with chemical synaptic inputs. How do gap junctional inputs onto active compartments shape LFPs? We developed methodology to record extracellular potentials associated with different patterns of gap junctional inputs onto conductance-based models. We found that synchronous inputs through chemical synapses yielded a negative deflection in proximal extracellular electrodes, whereas those onto gap junctions manifested a positive deflection. Importantly, we observed extracellular dipoles only when inputs arrived through chemical synapses, but not with gap junctions. Remarkably, hyperpolarization-activation cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, which typically conduct inward currents, mediated outward currents triggered by the fast voltage transition caused by synchronous inputs. With rhythmic inputs at different frequencies arriving through gap junctions, we found strong suppression of LFP power at higher frequencies as well as frequency-dependent differences in the spike phase associated with the LFP, when compared to respective chemical synaptic counterparts. All observed differences in LFP were mediated by the relative dominance of synaptic currentsvs. voltage-driven transmembrane currents with chemical synapsesvs. gap junctions, respectively. Our analyses unveil a hitherto unknown role for active dendritic gap junctions in shaping extracellular potentials.
Treatment with 2-phospho-L-ascorbic acid mitigates biochemical phenotypes of heme oxygenase 1 deficiency
Authors: Berendes Lea-Sophie , Westhoff Petra Schulze , Tobinski Ann-Marie , Wingert Victoria , Biskup Saskia , Seelhöfer Anja , Marck Veerle Van , Heitplatz Barbara , Wittkowski Helmut , Das Anibh M. , Hannibal Luciana , Nowak Witold N. , Józkowicz Alicja , Klotz Luisa , Varga Georg , Marquardt Thorsten , Park Julien H.
Published: July 2024

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) deficiency is a fatal genetic disorder characterized by impaired heme catabolism, leading to excessive oxidative damage and cell death. Despite evidence from non-human models suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction, the precise pathomechanisms in humans remain unclear, resulting in a lack of effective treatments. Using patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells and HO-1 knockout HEK293T cell models, we demonstrate that HO-1 deficiency is associated with altered mitochondrial morphology and impaired mitochondrial function. Furthermore, it is linked to significant ascorbic acid depletion, accompanied by compensatory upregulation of SVCT2, a key ascorbic acid transporter. Treatment with 2-phospho-L-ascorbic acid, a stable vitamin C analog, restores intracellular ascorbic acid levels and protects cells from hemin-induced cytotoxicity, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for HO-1 deficiency. Our study underscores the critical role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in HO-1 deficiency, paving the way for targeted interventions in this devastating disorder.
Hierarchical structural organization in bioinspired peptide coacervate microdroplets
Authors: Lim Jessica , Gudlur Sushanth , Buchanan Claire , Perrin Quentin Moana , Boyd Hannah , Moulin Martine , Iwase Hiroki , Porcar Lionel , Cárdenas Marité , Miserez Ali , Pervushin Konstantin
Published: July 2024

This study explores the dynamic and hierarchical structural organization of peptide coacervate microdroplets at the meso-to atomic-scale resolution using a combination of Transferred Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (TrNOESY), Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), and confocal microscopy. Dynamic interactions driving the self-association of peptide clusters are revealed, highlighting the critical roles of interacting residues. These phase-separating model peptides form small oligomers at low pH, which aggregate into larger clusters at neutral pH. These clusters organize into a porous network within the droplets, facilitating size-selective cargo sequestration. The findings underscore the significance of the dynamic spatio-temporal properties of peptide-based coacervates, contributing to our understanding of phase separation at the atomic and molecular levels. Critically, this approach enables the investigation of coacervate structures in their native state, offering insights into the physical and dynamic interactions governing droplet formation and cargo encapsulation.

TOC
Robust and fast microwave-driven quantum logic for trapped-ion qubits
Authors: Weber M. A. , Gely M. F. , Hanley R. K. , Harty T. P. , Leu A. D. , Löschnauer C. M. , Nadlinger D. P. , Lucas D. M.
Published: July 2024

Microwave-driven logic is a promising alternative to laser control in scaling trapped-ion based quantum processors. We implement Mølmer-Sørensen two-qubit gates on 43Ca+ hyperfine clock qubits in a cryogenic (≈25 K) surface trap, driven by near-field microwaves. We achieve gate durations of 154 µs [with 1.0(2)% error] and 331 µs [0.5(1)% error], which approaches the performance of typical laser-driven gates. In the 331 µs gate, we demonstrate a Walsh-modulated dynamical decoupling scheme which suppresses errors due to fluctuations in the qubit frequency as well as imperfections in the decoupling drive itself.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Strain-dependent one-dimensional confinement channels in twisted bilayer
1T′−WTe2
Authors: Magorrian S. J. , Hine N. D. M.
Published: July 2024

The low-symmetry and anistropic lattice of 1T′WTe2 is responsible for the existence of parallel one-dimensional channels in the moiré patterns of twisted bilayers. This gives the opportunity to explore moiré physics of a different nature to that widely observed in twisted bilayers of materials with hexagonal symmetries. Here, we combine plane-wave and linear-scaling density functional theory calculations to describe the electronic properties of twisted bilayer 1T′WTe2. We investigate the strain dependence of both aligned bilayer configurations across a range of stacking geometries, and of the twisted bilayer itself. For a small change in the lattice parameters of the constituent 1T′WTe2 monolayers, we find a very substantial increase in the moiré-induced striped electrostatic potential landscape in the twisted bilayer. We measure a peak-to-trough magnitude >200 meV between parallel linear channels, sufficient to induce Luttinger liquid behavior.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Consistency of the pion form factor and unpolarized transverse momentum dependent parton distributions beyond leading twist in the light-front quark model
Authors: Choi Ho-Meoyng , Ji Chueng-Ryong
Published: July 2024

We investigate the interplay among the pion’s form factor, transverse momentum dependent distributions (TMDs), and parton distribution functions (PDFs) extending our light-front quark model (LFQM) computation based on the Bakamjian-Thomas construction for the two-point function [1,2] to the three-point and four-point functions. Ensuring the four-momentum conservation at the meson-quark vertex from the Bakamjian-Thomas construction, the meson mass is taken consistently as the corresponding invariant meson mass both in the matrix element and the Lorentz factor in our LFQM computation. We achieve the current-component independence in the physical observables such as the pion form factor and delve into the derivation of unpolarized TMDs and PDFs associated with the forward matrix element. We address the challenges posed by twist-4 TMDs and exhibit the fulfillment of the sum rule. Effectively, our LFQM successfully handles the light-front zero modes and offers insights for broader three-point and four-point functions and related observables.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Jet suppression and azimuthal anisotropy from RHIC to LHC
Authors: Mehtar-Tani Yacine , Pablos Daniel , Tywoniuk Konrad
Published: July 2024

Azimuthal anisotropies of high-pT particles produced in heavy-ion collisions are understood as an effect of a geometrical selection bias. Particles oriented in the direction in which the QCD medium formed in these collisions is shorter suffer less energy loss, and thus, are over-represented in the final ensemble compared to those oriented in the direction in which the medium is longer. In this work we present the first semianalytical predictions, including propagation through a realistic, hydrodynamical background, of the elliptic azimuthal anisotropy for jets, obtaining a quantitative agreement with available experimental data as a function of the jet pT, its cone size R, and the collisions centrality. Jets are multipartonic, extended objects and their energy loss is sensitive to substructure fluctuations. This sensitivity is determined by the physics of color coherence that relates to the ability of the medium to resolve those partonic fluctuations. Specifically, color dipoles with an angular separation smaller than a critical angle, θc, are not resolved by the medium and they effectively act as a coherent source of energy loss. We find that elliptic jet azimuthal anisotropy has a specially strong dependence on coherence physics due to the marked length dependence of θc. By combining our predictions for the collision systems and center-of-mass energies studied at RHIC and the LHC, covering a wide range of typical values of θc, we show that the relative size of elliptic jet azimuthal anisotropies for jets with different cone sizes R follows a universal trend that indicates a transition from a coherent regime of jet quenching to a decoherent regime. These results suggest a way forward to reveal the role played by the physics of jet color decoherence in probing deconfined QCD matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Are there correlations in the HAWC and IceCube high energy skymaps outside the Galactic plane?
Authors: Kumar Jason , Rott Carsten , Sandick Pearl , Tapia-Arellano Natalia
Published: July 2024

We use publicly available data to perform a search for correlations of high energy neutrino candidate events detected by IceCube and high-energy photons seen by the HAWC Collaboration. Our search is focused on unveiling such correlations outside of the Galactic plane. This search is sensitive to correlations in the neutrino candidate and photon skymaps which would arise from a population of unidentified point sources. We find no evidence for such a correlation, but suggest strategies for improvements with new datasets.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exchange Energy of the Ferromagnetic Electronic Ground State in a Monolayer Semiconductor
Authors: Leisgang Nadine , Miserev Dmitry , Mattiat Hinrich , Schneider Lukas , Sponfeldner Lukas , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Poggio Martino , Warburton Richard J.
Published: July 2024

Mobile electrons in the semiconductor monolayer MoS2 form a ferromagnetic state at low temperature. The Fermi sea consists of two circles: one at the K point, the other at the K˜ point, both with the same spin. Here, we present an optical experiment on gated MoS2 at low electron density in which excitons are injected with known spin and valley quantum numbers. The resulting trions are identified using a model which accounts for the injection process, the formation of antisymmetrized trion states, electron-hole scattering from one valley to the other, and recombination. The results are consistent with a complete spin polarization. From the splittings between different trion states, we measure the exchange energy Σ, the energy required to flip a single spin within the ferromagnetic state, as well as the intervalley Coulomb exchange energy J. We determine

Σ

=

11.2

 

 

meV

and J=5  meV at n=1.5×1012  cm−2 and find that J depends strongly on the electron density n.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Programming education and learner motivation in the age of generative AI: student and educator perspectives
Authors: Boguslawski Samuel , Deer Rowan , Dawson Mark G.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Programming education is being rapidly transformed by generative AI tools and educators must determine how best to support students in this context. This study aims to explore the experiences of programming educators and students to inform future education provision.

Design/methodology/approach

Twelve students and six members of faculty in a small technology-focused university were interviewed. Thematic analysis of the interview data was combined with data collected from a survey of 44 students at the same university. Self-determination theory was applied as an analytical framework.

Findings

Three themes were identified – bespoke learning, affect and support – that significantly impact motivation and learning outcomes in programming education. It was also found that students are already making extensive use of large language models (LLMs). LLMs can significantly improve learner autonomy and sense of competence by improving the options for bespoke learning; fostering emotions that are conducive to engendering and maintaining motivation; and inhibiting the negative affective states that discourage learning. However, current LLMs cannot adequately provide or replace social support, which is still a key factor in learner motivation.

Research limitations/implications

Integrating the use of LLMs into curricula can improve learning motivation and outcomes. It can also free educators from certain tasks, leaving them with more time and capacity to focus their attention on developing social learning opportunities to further enhance learner motivation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to explore the relationship between motivation and LLM use in programming education.
Promoting employee well-being and commitment in communication industries
Authors: Eng Nicholas , Sun Ruoyu , Meng Juan , Neill Marlene S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the well-being initiatives and programs offered to full-time communication employees and identifies antecedents of employee subjective well-being and commitment in the workplace (e.g. organizational attention to mental health in the workplace and perceived organizational support, POS).

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by organizational support theory (OST), we conducted an online survey with 262 full-time communication professionals.

Findings

The data show that a variety of well-being initiatives and programs (e.g. mental health assistance programs and flexible working hours) are offered to communication employees, who receive this information from various sources (e.g. emails and announcements at employee meetings). Additionally, the number of well-being initiatives also positively predicted organizational attitudes and attention to mental health in the workplace. Supporting OST, attitudes and attention to mental health in the workplace positively predicted POS, which subsequently predicted subjective well-being and organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers practical implications around the communication professionals’ experience in employee well-being and culture. Perspectives from internal communication teams will help organizations leverage their efficiency in creating a supportive work culture around mental well-being and contribute to the understanding of well-being in communication industries. Theoretically, we extended the range of OST, by testing the theory in a new context of communication professionals during the pandemic.

Originality/value

Although communication professionals carry a critical internal communication role in actively promoting employee mental health, well-being and healthy organizational cultures, very little research has been dedicated to investigating how they handle these subjects themselves. Therefore, this study provides original value by focusing on the perceptions, knowledge and action taken by communication professionals when responding to organizations’ well-being programs/initiatives offerings during the peak of COVID-19 and the factors that influence communication professionals’ subjective well-being.
Metaverse adoption as a cornerstone for sustainable healthcare firms in the industry 5.0 epoch
Authors: Shehzad Nazia , Ramtiyal Bharti , Jabeen Fauzia , Mangla Sachin K. , Vijayvargy Lokesh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research looks into the revolutionary potential of Industry 5.0, healthcare, sustainability and the metaverse, with a focus on the transformation of healthcare firms through cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). The study emphasizes the significance of sustainability, human-machine collaboration and Industry 5.0 in the development of a technologically advanced, inclusive and immersive healthcare system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 354 medical professionals and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate healthcare sustainability, Industry 5.0 and the metaverse, emphasizing the integration of modern technology while maintaining ethical issues.

Findings

The findings highlight Industry 5.0’s and the metaverse’s transformational potential in healthcare firms. The study finds that human centricity (HC) has only a minor direct impact on healthcare sustainability, whereas intelligent automation (IA) and innovation (INN) play important roles that are regulated by external factors.

Practical implications

Utilizing IA inside healthcare organizations can result in significant industrial advancements. However, these organizations must recognize the importance of moderating factors and attempt to find a balance between INN and thesev restraints.

Originality/value

This study makes a substantial contribution to the field by investigating the potential of Industry 5.0, healthcare, sustainability and the metaverse. It discusses how these advances can transform healthcare firms, with an emphasis on patient-centered treatment, environmental sustainability and data ethics. The study emphasizes the importance of having a thorough awareness of these trends and their implications for healthcare practices.
Small arms procurement and corruption in small NATO countries
Authors: Pernica Bohuslav , Palavenis Donatas , Dvorak Jaroslav
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to assess military procurement strategy in NATO countries labelled as emerging markets (Czechia, Slovakia and Lithuania) and capitalist Norway, which vary in national culture as indicated by the Hofstede Culture Compass.

Design/methodology/approach

This comparative case study analyses the procurement of a simple, mass-produced, off-the-shelf military product (FN Herstal MINIMI gun) in four small but very economically free countries from 2008 to 2023. The study answers the research question of how the unit price of MINIMI guns varies across post-communist and historical NATO countries distinguished by the variables operationalising national culture.

Findings

The general disability of the government to control corruption deviates the strategy of military procurement in post-communist defence institutions from an effective strategy of liberal capitalism, minimising the unit price and risks (Norway), to an odd strategy maximising the unit price and risks by preferring middlemen as agent of hidden agenda (Czechia).

Research limitations/implications

Some defence institutions in post-communist countries may be burdened by legislature capture, and detailed research is needed to determine this.

Practical implications

The authors argue that national culture may contribute to significant goal displacement in the procurement strategy adopted by the government in an economically liberal state.

Social implications

Without perfecting the control of corruption in post-communist defence institutions, the NATO burden-sharing debate on 2% of GDP will remain controversial.

Originality/value

With variables characterising national culture and the government’s ability to control corruption, the study elucidates a slow pace of convergence of post-communist countries to NATÓs values and procedures.
Evaluating the social return on investment of a mental health disorders club: a case study
Authors: Alomoto William , Niñerola Angels , Sánchez-Rebull Maria-Victòria
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The growth of mental disorders and their costs represents a public health challenge. This study aims to explore how a social club can help mitigate its impact through arts and sports workshops.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the social return on investment (SROI) methodology, the impact of the social club is evaluated by identifying stakeholders and quantifying their contributions. In addition, the relationship between patients’ attendance and the reduction of relapses and medication consumption is explored.

Findings

The SROI showed a positive return on investment, €12.12 per euro invested. This ratio indicates that the social club generates social value well above its initial costs. On the other hand, two stakeholders were identified as higher impact generators, and it was confirmed that sports activities generate more social and economic impact than art activities – however, the positive effects of art activities last longer over time. The study revealed a positive relationship between social club attendance and relapse reduction. Almost 90% of the participating users reported no relapses or emergency hospitalizations during the past year of attendance. In addition, a substantial decrease in medication dosage was observed. These results suggest that social clubs help stabilize mental health and reduce the burden on health-care systems.

Originality/value

The case study highlights the vital role of social clubs in supporting people facing mental health issues. Policymakers and health-care providers can use this knowledge to invest in more effective and sustainable mental health support activities.
The supply elasticity and housing price bubbles in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Ding Yi , Liu Xiangling
Published: July 2024

In this study, we use a supply and demand model to estimate housing supply elasticity in New South Wales Australia based on yearly data for the 126 local government areas from 1991 to 2019, and investigate effects of supply elasticity on responses of housing prices and new constructions to housing price bubbles from 2002 to 2004. In particular, when conducting supply elasticity estimation, we use multi‐factor error structures to address cross‐sectional dependence issues, which is ignored by previous studies. We find that the supply elasticity estimates are statistically significant at the state level (0.36), in the regional coastal area (0.97) and in the regional inland area (0.41 but can be inconsistent and inefficient due to cross‐sectional dependence), while perfectly inelastic in the metropolitan area. Effects of supply elasticity on the market responses to bubbles are largely affected by market heterogeneity such as overall supply elasticity levels and demand degrees. The findings may compensate for the limitations of the theory in Glaeser et al. (2008, J Urban Econ, 64:198–217) and offer potential avenues for future development of the theory. Our results implies that bubbles promote development in elastic areas of the metropolitan market and inelastic areas of the regional coastal market, and that balancing urban and regional development is important for dealing with bubble‐related affordability issues.
Field observation and verbal exchange as different peer effects in farmers’ technology adoption decisions
Authors: Massfeller Anna , Storm Hugo
Published: July 2024

Farmers’ adoption of novel technologies is influenced by other farmers’ behavior, a phenomenon known as peer effects. Although such effects have been studied intensively, the literature does not clearly distinguish between those that result (1) from verbal exchanges with other farmers and (2) from field observations, including the application of technology, its outcomes, and field conditions. We extend existing theoretical concepts and hypothesize that verbal information exchanges and field observations are two types of peer effects. Using data from an online survey of German sugar beet farmers’ application of mechanical weeding from early 2022, we find that the likelihood of adopting mechanical weeding increases across all model specifications by around 26%–28% if at least one adopter is known and by approximately 30%–32% if at least one field is observed. The two types of peer effects complement and reinforce each other in explaining adoption decisions. The effects increase with the number of adopters known and fields observed but decrease with larger distances to the observed fields. The findings can support designing extension services and future peer effects research that should consider the distinction between peer effects arising from verbal exchanges and field observations.
Ripe for contracts? Estimating the impact of an avocado producer organization contract farming intervention
Authors: Kollenda Philipp , Brals Daniella , Kabubo‐Mariara Jane , Oostendorp Remco , Pradhan Menno , van Rijn Fedes
Published: July 2024

We evaluate the impact of a producer organization avocado contract farming intervention in Kenya that included (1) an agreement to sell to an avocado exporting company, (2) access to training, and (3) support to gain group‐level Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALG.A.P.) certification as main activities. Using a (nonexperimental) doubly robust difference‐in‐differences design with farm‐level panel data from 2015 and 2017, we show that farmers began selling to the contracted company, were recently trained and received the GLOBALG.A.P. certification. However, the intervention's uptake was less than perfect, especially concerning the procurement aspect of the contract, suggesting widespread side selling. In terms of outcomes, contract farming nevertheless significantly improved sales prices and reported quality, increased direct sales to companies, and led to more planted trees, but also increased total production costs. The effects are driven by the Hass avocado variety, which is in higher demand in export markets and the contracted avocado variety. No significant income and other welfare effects were found.
Development of a novel 3D perfusable vascular graft model to elucidate the mechanisms for congenital heart disorders
Authors: Brimmer Sunita , Ji Pengfei , Heinle Jeffrey S. , Grande‐Allen Jane , Keswani Sundeep G.
Published: July 2024

Pediatric heart transplantation is hampered by a chronic shortage of donor organs. This problem is further confounded by graft rejection. Identification of earlier indicators of pediatric graft rejection and development of subsequent strategies to counteract these effects will increase the longevity of transplanted pediatric hearts. Heart transplant reject is due to a complex series of events, resulting in CAV, which is thought to be mediated through a host immune response. However, the earlier events leading to CAV are not very well known. We hypothesize that early events related to ischemia reperfusion injury during pediatric heart transplantation are responsible for CAV and subsequent graft rejection. Identification of the molecular markers of ischemia reperfusion injury and development of subsequent therapies to block these pathways can potentially lead to a therapeutic strategy to reduce CAV and increase the longevity of the transplanted heart. To accomplish this goal, we have developed a perfusable vascular graft model populated with endothelial cells and demonstrated the feasibility of this model to understand the early events of ischemia reperfusion injury.
Epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation in the beak of tadpoles of Rana dalmatina
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation during formation of the beak in tadpoles of Rana dalmatina. Acta Zoologica (Stockolm). The beak utilized in tadpoles of R. dalmatina for crushing vegetables is formed of cornified cell layers. A row of large wedge‐like cells forms a central pile that produces the sharp corneous lamina of the beak. The labial and oral surfaces of the beaks also accumulate corneous material during proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes from the epidermis to form a sheath around the central corneous cells. Corneocytes are shed during the growth of tadpoles. Electron microscopy reveals that keratin and mucus granules are main components of these keratinocytes. Electron‐dense organelles of unknown composition and with inside lamellae are also present. Using immunohistochemistry after post‐injection of 5BrdU, a marker of cell proliferation, the main timing of formation of the beak has been determined. After 2–5 h from injection, labelled nuclei of keratinocytes are seen in the basal layer, and sparse suprabasal labelled nuclei are detected after 5 h. Labelled keratinocytes are seen in suprabasal layers at 2 days post‐injection. At 5 and 6 days labelled keratinocytes are present in central corneous cells and in the lateral shell of corneocytes forming the labial and oral beak sides. Shedding a complete stratum corneum likely takes more days, but this depends on feeding usage.
Perioperative stroke deteriorates white matter integrity by enhancing cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell activation
Authors: Zhou Yuxi , Wang Xin , Yin Wen , Li Yan , Guo Yunlu , Chen Chen , Boltze Johannes , Liesz Arthur , Sparwasser Tim , Wen Daxiang , Yu Weifeng , Li Peiying
Published: July 2024

Aim

To explore the regulatory mechanisms of microglia‐mediated cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell infiltration in the white matter injury of perioperative stroke (PIS).

Methods

Adult male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to ileocolic bowel resection (ICR) 24 h prior to permanent distant middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) to establish model PIS. White matter injury, functional outcomes, peripheral immune cell infiltration, and microglia phenotype were assessed up to 28 days after dMCAO using behavioral phenotyping, immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy, western blot, and FACS analysis.

Results

We found surgery aggravated white matter injury and deteriorated sensorimotor deficits up to 28 days following PIS. The PIS mice exhibited significantly increased activation of peripheral and central CD8+ T cells, while significantly reduced numbers of mature oligodendrocytes compared to IS mice. Neutralizing CD8+ T cells partly reversed the aggravated demyelination following PIS. Pharmacological blockage or genetic deletion of receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) activity could alleviate CD8+ T‐cell infiltration and demyelination in PIS mice.

Conclusion

Surgery exacerbates demyelination and worsens neurological function by promoting infiltration of CD8+ T cells and microglia necroptosis, suggesting that modulating interactions of CD8+ T cells and microglia could be a novel therapeutic target of long‐term neurological deficits of PIS.
1102. Platanthera chlorantha (Custer) Rchb.
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Bazzicalupo Miriam , Calevo Jacopo
Published: July 2024

Platanthera chlorantha (greater butterfly orchid) is illustrated here (Plate 1102). It is a widespread, temperate European and western Asian species. A detailed description is provided, with notes on habitat. Given its wide distribution and the diverse range of habitats where it occurs, its conservation status is Least Concern in Europe. It is occasionally available for sale, but due to its cultivation requirements it should be regarded as a plant to be grown by specialists.
Cortico‐striatal white‐matter connectivity underlies the ability to exert goal‐directed control
Authors: van Timmeren T. , van de Vijver I. , de Wit S.
Published: July 2024

The balance between goal‐directed and habitual control has been proposed to determine the flexibility of instrumental behaviour, in both humans and animals. This view is supported by neuroscientific studies that have implicated dissociable neural pathways in the ability to flexibly adjust behaviour when outcome values change. A previous Diffusion Tensor Imaging study provided preliminary evidence that flexible instrumental performance depends on the strength of parallel cortico‐striatal white‐matter pathways previously implicated in goal‐directed and habitual control. Specifically, estimated white‐matter strength between caudate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex correlated positively with behavioural flexibility, and posterior putamen–premotor cortex connectivity correlated negatively, in line with the notion that these pathways compete for control. However, the sample size of the original study was limited, and so far, there have been no attempts to replicate these findings. In the present study, we aimed to conceptually replicate these findings by testing a large sample of 205 young adults to relate cortico‐striatal connectivity to performance on the slips‐of‐action task. In short, we found only positive neural correlates of goal‐directed performance, including striatal connectivity (caudate and anterior putamen) with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. However, we failed to provide converging evidence for the existence of a neural habit system that puts limits on the capacity for flexible, goal‐directed action. We discuss the implications of our findings for dual‐process theories of instrumental action.
RUSLE‐based scenarios for sustainable soil management: Case studies from Romanian Subcarpathians
Authors: Vîrghileanu Marina , Săvulescu Ionuț , Mihai Bogdan‐Andrei , Bizdadea Carmen‐Gabriela , Paraschiv Monica‐Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Soil erosion is one of the major threats to soil sustainability and a global environmental issue causing serious losses of the fertile upper layer of soil, affecting land productivity. Among natural processes and human activity factors, the highest sensitivity of soil loss rate is related to climate changes, as well as land cover/land use transformations. The aim of our paper is to assess the efficacy of various land cover and land use management practices under current climate conditions, as a decision‐making indicator in searching for sustainable soil‐use solutions. The approach is focused on two complementary case studies from the non‐arable hilly area of Romanian Subcarpathians and it is based on aggregating and processing Earth Observation (EO) techniques together with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) equation. The workflow follows three stages: (1) the assessment of the present‐day status of soil erosion, as baseline scenario; (2) the analysis of historical soil erosion dynamics within the last 35 years; and (3) the prediction of soil loss rates in different scenarios of changed conditions related to land cover management and support practices against erosion. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of human interventions in soil erosion prevention, mitigation, or conservation. Soil‐improving management through vegetative measures and soil practices, like grazing management and mulching/manure application, together with forest recovery on eroded slopes may reduce soil loss rates by 50%–70%. However, abandoning the land and allowing the environment to change uncontrollably is a regional‐specific strategy that could accelerate soil erosion on the slopes that are already affected, while decelerating on the others by forest and shrubs regrowth. The significance of our research is related to the identification of the optimal soil use strategies that balance the local communities' economic interests with the effectiveness of sustainable soil management practices, thereby assisting in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as indicators for a sustainable future.
The role of interleukin‐6 family cytokines in cancer cachexia
Authors: Agca Samet , Kir Serkan
Published: July 2024

Cachexia is a wasting syndrome that manifests in more than half of all cancer patients. Cancer‐associated cachexia negatively influences the survival of patients and their quality of life. It is characterized by a rapid loss of adipose and skeletal muscle tissues, which is partly mediated by inflammatory cytokines. Here, we explored the crucial roles of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) family cytokines, including IL‐6, leukemia inhibitory factor, and oncostatin M, in the development of cancer cachexia. These cytokines have been shown to exacerbate cachexia by promoting the wasting of adipose and muscle tissues, activating mechanisms that enhance lipolysis and proteolysis. Overlapping effects of the IL‐6 family cytokines depend on janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling. We argue that the blockade of these cytokine pathways individually may fail due to redundancy and future therapeutic approaches should target common downstream elements to yield effective clinical outcomes.
Best practices for achieving consensus in HER2‐low expression in breast cancer: current perspectives from practising pathologists
Authors: Tozbikian Gary , Bui Marilyn M. , Hicks David G , Jaffer Shabnam , Khoury Thaer , Wen Hannah Y , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Wei Shi
Published: July 2024

Aims

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression is an important biomarker in breast cancer (BC). Most BC cases categorised as HER2‐negative (HER2−) express low levels of HER2 [immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or IHC 2+/in‐situ hybridisation not amplified (ISH−)] and represent a clinically relevant therapeutic category that is amenable to targeted therapy using a recently approved HER2‐directed antibody–drug conjugate. A group of practising pathologists, with expertise in breast pathology and BC biomarker testing, outline best practices and guidance for achieving consensus in HER2 IHC scoring for BC.

Methods and results

The authors describe current knowledge and challenges of IHC testing and scoring of HER2‐low expressing BC and provide best practices and guidance for accurate identification of BCs expressing low levels of HER2. These expert pathologists propose an algorithm for assessing HER2 expression with validated IHC assays and incorporate the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologist guideline update. The authors also provide guidance on when to seek consensus for HER2 IHC scoring, how to incorporate HER2‐low into IHC reporting and present examples of HER2 IHC staining, including challenging cases.

Conclusions

Awareness of BC cases that are negative for HER protein overexpression/gene amplification and the related clinical relevance for targeted therapy highlight the importance of accurate HER2 IHC scoring for optimal treatment selection.
DLX6‐AS1 regulates odonto/osteogenic differentiation in dental pulp cells under the control of BMP9 via the miR‐128‐3p/MAPK14 axis: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Liu Liu , Fang Tongfeng , Miao Cheng , Li Xiangfen , Zeng Yanglin , Wang Tianyi , Cao Yubin , Huang Dingming , Song Dongzhe
Published: July 2024

Aim

The regenerative capacity of dental pulp relies on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPCs), but dynamic microenvironmental changes hinder the process. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) promotes differentiation of DPCs towards an odonto/osteogenic lineage, forming dentinal‐like tissue. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its action remains unclear. This study investigates the role of DLX6 antisense RNA 1 (DLX6‐AS1) in odonto/osteogenic differentiation induced by BMP9.

Methodology

Custom RT2 profiler PCR array, quantitative Real‐Time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blots were used to investigate the expression pattern of DLX6‐AS1 and its potential signal axis. Osteogenic ability was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining. Interactions between lncRNA and miRNA, as well as miRNA and mRNA, were predicted through bioinformatic assays, which were subsequently validated via RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assays. Student's t‐test or one‐way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD tests were employed for data analysis, with a p‐value of less than .05 considered statistically significant.

Results

DLX6‐AS1 was upregulated upon BMP9 overexpression in DPCs, thereby promoting odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, miR‐128‐3p participated in BMP9‐induced odonto/osteogenic differentiation by interacting with the downstream signal MAPK14. Modifying the expression of miR‐128‐3p and transfecting pcMAPK14/siMAPK14 had a rescue impact on odonto/osteogenic differentiation downstream of DLX6‐AS1. Lastly, miR‐128‐3p directly interacted with both MAPK14 and DLX6‐AS1.

Conclusions

DLX6‐AS1 could regulate the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPCs under the control of BMP9 through the miR‐128‐3p/MAPK14 axis.
The meaning of seeking help: The effects of ascribed and achieved status of the help‐seeker on observer attributions, expectations, and willingness to offer help
Authors: Halabi Samer , Chernyak‐Hai Lily , Nadler Arie
Published: July 2024

Research indicates that sometimes people rely on limited sources of information when judging a person or group. Unable to see the “whole picture,” they, usually unconsciously, often fill in missing pieces of information themselves. Ascribed and achieved status dimensions assist in the process of social perception. Drawing on recent research on intergroup helping and focusing on evaluations of potential helpers, this research investigates inferences and attributions made by observers and their willingness to offer help while considering the effects of ascribed and achieved status dimensions of the help‐seeker. We conducted a pilot study and two additional studies exploring the implications of this link in real‐life settings. Our findings indicate that seeking help may be viewed as a sign of insufficient effort, particularly for individuals characterized by low ascribed and achieved status dimensions, and, thus, as stigma‐consistent behavior. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
Acceptability and perceived benefits of validated pruritus assessment instruments in the dermatological office and clinic: The perspectives of patients and physicians
Authors: Pereira M. P. , Zeidler C. , Szymczak H. , Bischoff C. , Tsianakas A. , Ständer S. , Apfelbacher C.
Published: July 2024

Background

Several patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed for research to assess the multiple dimensions of chronic pruritus (CP). The acceptability and perceived benefits of their use in clinical practice remain unknown.

Objectives

To assess the acceptability and perceived benefits of validated PROMs from the perspective of patients and physicians in dermatological offices and clinics.

Methods

Patients with CP due to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic prurigo or chronic urticaria were recruited at 10 dermatological offices and two dermatological clinics in Germany. Patients completed a set of validated PROMs on pruritus intensity (numerical rating scale, NRS), symptom control (itch‐controlled days, ItchCD), quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, DLQI; 5‐pruritus life quality, 5PLQ) and general health status (EuroQol, EQ‐VAS). Acceptability (relevance, difficulty of completion, length) and benefits (usefulness, feasibility) of these tools were assessed on a NRS (0–10) by patients and physicians, respectively. Data were analysed descriptively. Linear regression was used to study potential associations between age, sex, occupation, office versus clinic, change of therapy and physician‐reported benefits.

Results

N = 523 patients (46% male, average age: 53.5 years) participated. Acceptability of PROMs by patients was high, indicated by low difficulty (Md = 0, IQR = 0–1 for all PROMs) and high relevance (Md = 8, IQR = 4–10 for all PROMs). Also, most patients (89–95%) rated length of the questionnaires as ‘exactly right’. Physicians rated the NRS as the most beneficial instrument (feasibility: Md = 8, IQR = 6–10; usefulness: Md = 9, IQR = 7–10). Hierarchical linear regression revealed that only recruitment site (dermatological office vs. clinic) was significantly associated with usefulness and feasibility (higher ratings for clinical context; βs = 0.149–0.258, ps <0.05; except feasibility for EQ5d, β = ns).

Conclusions

PROMs are welcomed by patients, while physicians consider instruments measuring pruritus intensity and impairment of quality of life as beneficial for the clinical routine. Widespread implementation of PROMs in daily clinical work is needed to improve care.