bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation study on the evolutionary law of energy zones in deep-buried roadway excavation surrounding rock
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhang Dongxiao , Guo Weiyao , Ding Ke , Xiong Feng , Zhang Ruijie
Published: November 2024

Rockburst disasters in deep-buried roadways significantly threaten mine safety. To uncover the evolutionary laws of energy zoning, this paper employs analytical theory and numerical modeling to investigate the static distribution characteristics and dynamic energy evolution in deep-buried roadway surrounding rock. The near-field energy storage model for roadways is established, and the large-diameter drillhole pressure relief measures based on energy zoning is designed. The results are as follows: (i) after the formation of deep-buried roadways, the roof on both sides and the coal mass of the elastic zone in the deep region became energy storage zones, while the coal mass in the shallow plastic area became energy-release zones. Rockbursts release stored elastic energy, causing crack propagation and kinetic energy transfer. (ii) The surrounding rock was divided into release, transitional, and energy storage zones during roadway excavation. Exceeding energy storage limits triggered the instantaneous release of elastic energy, leading to rockbursts. (iii) The large-diameter pressure relief drillhole parameters designed based on the energy zoning range of roadway surrounding rock can effectively destroy the energy storage zone of roadway surrounding rock, improve the safety of working face mining, and have important engineering guiding significance for rock burst prevention.
The link between changing news use and trust: longitudinal analysis of 46 countries
Authors: Fletcher Richard , Andı Simge , Badrinathan Sumitra , Eddy Kirsten A , Kalogeropoulos Antonis , Mont'Alverne Camila , Robertson Craig T , Ross Arguedas Amy , Schulz Anne , Toff Benjamin , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: November 2024

Changing levels of public trust in the news are of deep concern to both researchers and practitioners. We use data from 2015 to 2023 in 46 countries to explore how trust in news has changed, while also exploring the links with sociodemographic variables, differences by media system, and changing patterns of news use. We find that (a) there has been a small overall decline in trust in news since 2015, but also that (b) there are different trends in different countries. More specifically, trust has declined more in media environments that have become less structured by television news use, and increasingly structured by social media news use. Our findings underscore how changing structures of media use may be central to explaining trust dynamics in recent years, which suggests new avenues for restoring trust where it has eroded.
Cultural evolution via iterated learning and communication explains efficient color naming systems
Authors: Carlsson Emil , Dubhashi Devdatt , Regier Terry
Published: November 2024

It has been argued that semantic systems reflect pressure for efficiency, and a current debate concerns the cultural evolutionary process that produces this pattern. We consider efficiency as instantiated in the Information Bottleneck (IB) principle, and a model of cultural evolution that combines iterated learning and communication. We show that this model, instantiated in neural networks, converges to color naming systems that are efficient in the IB sense and similar to human color naming systems. We also show that some other proposals such as iterated learning alone, communication alone, or the greater learnability of convex categories, do not yield the same outcome as clearly. We conclude that the combination of iterated learning and communication provides a plausible means by which human semantic systems become efficient.
Worldwide study reveals fluid sexual preferences in females and no association between gynephilia and non-heterosexuality
Authors: Camperio Ciani Andrea S , Colledani Daiana
Published: November 2024

Background

Social factors and a lack of clearself-awareness may prevent women from explicitly reporting their non-heterosexuality, and implicit measures could provide more reliable data.

Aim

This study examined non-heterosexuality and gynephilia in a large, global sample of women using implicit and explicit methods.

Methods

A sample of 491 women participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed a biographical questionnaire, the Autobiographical-Implicit Association Test, the Sexual Preference-Implicit Association Test (SP-IAT), and an explicit measure of sexual orientation. In a follow-up study, 263 participants were recontacted and completed the Autobiographical Sexual Orientation IAT and answered additional questions about their sexual behavior and preferences related to the stimuli on the SP-IAT.

Outcomes

The main outcome measures were D-scores on implicit association tests and scores on explicit measures of sexual orientation and behaviors.

Results

Implicit measures showed a higher rate of gynephilia (67.8%) than explicit non-heterosexuality (19.6%), with consistent results across continents. The findings suggest that women may be attracted to other women without necessarily desiring sexual encounters with them. Furthermore, the results suggest a degree of fluidity in sexual preferences in the female population.

Clinical Implications

Studying the prevalence of gynephilia and non-heterosexuality in adult women can inform the development of health promotion programs tailored to women's diverse sexual experiences and preferences.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths include the global sample and the use of both implicit and explicit measures. Limitations involve the cross-sectional web-based design, potential sample biases, and aspects related to the validity of the SP-IAT.

Conclusion

Implicit measures of non-heterosexuality appear to be less tied to social factors than explicit assessments. In women, gynephilia may not necessarily serve as a proxy for non-heterosexuality. Moreover, women seem to exhibit greater fluidity in sexual preferences and behaviors than men.
Photoperiodic control of growth and reproduction in non-flowering plants
Authors: Biswal Durga Prasad , Panigrahi Kishore Chandra Sekhar
Published: November 2024

Photoperiodic responses shape plant fitness to the changing environment and are important regulators of growth, development, and productivity. Photoperiod sensing is one of the most important cues to track seasonal variations. It is also a major cue for reproductive success. The photoperiodic information conveyed through the combined action of photoreceptors and the circadian clock orchestrates an output response in plants. Multiple responses such as hypocotyl elongation, induction of dormancy, and flowering are photoperiodically regulated in seed plants (eg. angiosperms). Flowering plants such as Arabidopsis or rice have served as important model systems to understand the molecular players involved in photoperiodic signalling. However, photoperiodic responses in non-angiosperm plants have not been investigated and documented in detail. Genomic and transcriptomic studies have provided evidence on the conserved and distinct molecular mechanisms across the plant kingdom. In this review, we have attempted to compile and compare photoperiodic responses in the plant kingdom with a special focus on non-angiosperms.
The PIWI-interacting protein Gtsf1 controls the selective degradation of small RNAs in Paramecium
Authors: Charmant Olivia , Gruchota Julita , Arnaiz Olivier , Nowak Katarzyna P , Moisan Nicolas , Zangarelli Coralie , Bétermier Mireille , Anielska-Mazur Anna , Legros Véronique , Chevreux Guillaume , Nowak Jacek K , Duharcourt Sandra
Published: November 2024

Ciliates undergo developmentally programmed genome elimination, in which small RNAs direct the removal of transposable elements (TEs) during the development of the somatic nucleus. Twenty-five nucleotide scanRNAs (scnRNAs) are produced from the entire germline genome and transported to the maternal somatic nucleus, where selection of scnRNAs corresponding to germline-specific sequences is thought to take place. Selected scnRNAs then guide the elimination of TEs in the developing somatic nucleus. How germline-specific scnRNAs are selected remains to be determined. Here, we provide important mechanistic insights into the scnRNA selection pathway by identifying a Paramecium homolog of Gtsf1 as essential for the selective degradation of scnRNAs corresponding to retained somatic sequences. Consistently, we also show that Gtsf1 is localized in the maternal somatic nucleus where it associates with the scnRNA-binding protein Ptiwi09. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the scnRNA selection process is critical for genome elimination. We propose that Gtsf1 is required for the coordinated degradation of Ptiwi09-scnRNA complexes that pair with target RNA via the ubiquitin pathway, similarly to the mechanism suggested for microRNA target-directed degradation in metazoans.
BFVD—a large repository of predicted viral protein structures
Authors: Kim Rachel Seongeun , Levy Karin Eli , Mirdita Milot , Chikhi Rayan , Steinegger Martin
Published: November 2024

The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database (AFDB) is the largest repository of accurately predicted structures with taxonomic labels. Despite providing predictions for over 214 million UniProt entries, the AFDB does not cover viral sequences, severely limiting their study. To address this, we created the Big Fantastic Virus Database (BFVD), a repository of 351 242 protein structures predicted by applying ColabFold to the viral sequence representatives of the UniRef30 clusters. By utilizing homology searches across two petabases of assembled sequencing data, we improved 36% of these structure predictions beyond ColabFold’s initial results. BFVD holds a unique repertoire of protein structures as over 62% of its entries show no or low structural similarity to existing repositories. We demonstrate how a substantial fraction of bacteriophage proteins, which remained unannotated based on their sequences, can be matched with similar structures from BFVD. In that, BFVD is on par with the AFDB, while holding nearly three orders of magnitude fewer structures. BFVD is an important virus-specific expansion to protein structure repositories, offering new opportunities to advance viral research. BFVD can be freely downloaded at bfvd.steineggerlab.workers.dev and queried using Foldseek and UniProt labels at bfvd.foldseek.com.
Identifying key underlying regulatory networks and predicting targets of orphan C/D box SNORD116 snoRNAs in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Gilmore Rachel B , Liu Yaling , Stoddard Christopher E , Chung Michael S , Carmichael Gordon G , Cotney Justin
Published: November 2024

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by neonatal hypotonia, followed by hyperphagia and obesity. Most PWS cases exhibit megabase-scale deletions of paternally imprinted 15q11-q13 locus. However, several PWS patients have been identified harboring much smaller deletions encompassing the SNORD116 gene cluster, suggesting these genes are direct drivers of PWS phenotypes. This cluster contains 30 copies of individual SNORD116 C/D box small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Many C/D box snoRNAs have been shown to guide chemical modifications of RNA molecules, often ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Conversely, SNORD116 snoRNAs show no significant complementarity to rRNA and their targets are unknown. Since many reported PWS cases lack their expression, it is crucial to identify the targets and functions of SNORD116. To address this we modeled PWS in two distinct human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines with two different sized deletions, differentiated each into neurons, and compared differential gene expression. This analysis identified a novel set of 42 consistently dysregulated genes. These genes were significantly enriched for predicted SNORD116 targeting and we demonstrated impacts on FGF13 protein levels. Our results demonstrate the need for isogenic background comparisons and indicate a novel gene regulatory network controlled by SNORD116 is likely perturbed in PWS patients.
Inhibition of mitochondrial bioenergetics and hypoxia to radiosensitize diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Shen Han , Mudassar Faiqa , Ma Shiyong , Wang Xingyu , Nguyen Sandy , Bal Neha , Huynh Quy-Susan , Wang Dongwei , Chang Cecilia , Ing Prunella , Varikatt Winny , Lai Joey , Gloss Brian , Holst Jeff , O’Neill Geraldine M , Gee Harriet , Cook Kristina M , Hau Eric
Published: November 2024

Background

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) and other H3K27M-mutated diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are brain tumors that primarily affect children. Radiotherapy is the standard of care but only provides only temporary symptomatic relief due to radioresistance. Although hypoxia is a major driver of radioresistance in other tumors, there is no definitive evidence that DIPGs are hypoxic. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas often contain histone mutations, which alter tumor metabolism and are also associated with radioresistance. Our objective was to identify the metabolic profiles of DIPG cells, detect hypoxia signatures, and uncover metabolism-linked mechanisms of radioresistance to improve tumor radiosensitivity.

Methods

Using DIPG models combined with clinical datasets, we examined mitochondrial metabolism and signatures of hypoxia. We explored DIPG reliance on mitochondrial metabolism using extracellular flux assays and targeted metabolomics. In vitro and in vivo models were used to explore the mechanisms of targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics and hypoxia for radiosensitization. Treatment-induced transcriptomics and metabolomics were also investigated.

Results

Comprehensive analyses of DIPG cells show signatures of enhanced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). We also identified increased expression of specific OXPHOS-related genes and signatures of hypoxia gene expression in datasets obtained from DIPG patients. We found the presence of hypoxia in orthotopic mouse models bearing DIPG tumors. These findings enabled us to develop a proof-of-concept treatment strategy to enhance radiosensitivity of DIPGs in vitro and in animal models.

Conclusions

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cells rely on mitochondrial metabolism for growth, and targeting mitochondria disrupts bioenergetics, alleviates hypoxia, and enhances radiosensitivity. These findings warrant further exploration of OXPHOS inhibition as a radiosensitizing strategy for DIPG treatment.
Phase 1b/2 study of orally administered pexidartinib in combination with radiation therapy and temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Mendez Joe S , Cohen Adam L , Eckenstein Midori , Jensen Randy L , Burt Lindsay M , Salzman Karen L , Chamberlain Marc , Hsu Henry H , Hutchinson Marguerite , Iwamoto Fabio , Ligon Keith L , Mrugala Maciej M , Pelayo Michael , Plotkin Scott R , Puduvalli Vinay K , Raizer Jeffrey , Reardon David A , Sterba Michael , Walbert Tobias , West Brian L , Wong Eric T , Zhang Chao , Colman Howard
Published: November 2024

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) has a median survival of <2 years. Pexidartinib (PLX3397) is a small-molecule inhibitor of CSF1R, KIT, and oncogenic FTL3, which are implicated in GBM treatment resistance. Results from glioma models indicate that combining radiation therapy (RT) and pexidartinib reduces radiation resistance. We added pexidartinib to standard-of-care RT/temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with newly diagnosed GBM to assess the therapeutic benefit of altering the tumor microenvironment with pexidartinib.

Methods

In this open-label, dose-escalation, multicenter, Phase 1b/2 trial, pexidartinib was administered in combination with RT/TMZ followed by adjuvant pexidartinib + TMZ. During Phase 1b, pexidartinib was given 5 or 7 days/week at multiple dosing levels. The primary Phase 1b endpoint was the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Phase 2 patients received the RP2D with the primary endpoint of median progression-free survival (mPFS). Secondary objectives were median overall survival (mOS), pharmacokinetics, and safety.

Results

The RP2D of pexidartinib was 800 mg/day for 5 days/week during RT/TMZ, followed by 800 mg/day for 7 days/week with adjuvant TMZ. mPFS was 6.7 months (90% CI: 4.5, 11.5) for the modified intention-to-treat population. The actual mOS was 13.1 months (90% CI: 11.5, 24.5), and the mOS corrected for comparison with matched historical controls was 18.8 months (95% CI: 12.6, 28.0).

Conclusions

This trial established the RP2D of pexidartinib in combination with RT/TMZ and adjuvant TMZ. Pexidartinib was generally safe and well tolerated. Although the study regimen with pexidartinib was not efficacious, pharmacodynamic studies showed modulation of systemic markers that could lead to alteration of the tumor microenvironment.
GmERFVII transcription factors upregulate PATHOGENESIS-RELATED10 and contribute to soybean cyst nematode resistance
Authors: Deng Miaomiao , Zhang Lei , Yang Chao , Zeng Qian , Zhong Linlin , Guo Xiaoli
Published: November 2024

Low oxygen availability within plant cells arises during plant development but is exacerbated under environmental stress conditions. The group VII ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERFVII) transcription factors have been identified as pivotal regulators in the hypoxia response to abiotic stress. However, their roles in transcriptional regulation during biotic stresses remain less defined. In this study, we investigated the biological function and regulatory mechanism of soybean (Glycine max) ERFVII transcription factors during soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) infection. We provide evidence that soybean cyst nematode infection induces responses at the infection sites similar to those induced by hypoxia, characterized by the stabilization of ERFVII proteins and increased expression of hypoxia-responsive genes. Hypoxia pretreatment of soybeans enhances their resistance to nematode infection. We demonstrate that ERFVII members GmRAP2.12 and GmRAP2.3 act as transcriptional activators to drive the expression of GmPR10-09g, a member of the PR10 gene family highly induced by soybean cyst nematode and positively impacting nematode resistance. Transgenic hairy root analysis of nematode infection for either GmRAP2.12 or N-end rule pathway components (GmATE or GmPRT6) indicates a positive role of ERFVIIs in soybean defense responses against cyst nematode. The results of our study emphasize the important functions of GmERFVIIs in strengthening soybean’s immune responses against cyst nematode by transcriptional activation of GmPR10.
Protoplast transient transformation facilitates subcellular localization and functional analysis of walnut proteins
Authors: Gao Yanli , Tang Tianyu , Cao Wenhan , Ali Muhammad , Zhou Qirong , Zhu Dongmei , Ma Xiaohui , Cai Yi , Zhang Qixiang , Wang Zhengjia , Pei Dong , Huang Jianqin , Shen Jinbo
Published: November 2024

Walnut (Juglans regia L.), an important contributor to oil production among woody plants, encounters research constraints due to difficulties in the subcellular localization and functional analysis of its proteins. These limitations arise from the protracted fruiting cycle and the absence of a reliable transient gene transformation system and organelle markers. In this study, we established a transient expression system using walnut protoplasts and generated fluorescent-tagged organelle markers, whose localization was validated against Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) organelle markers. The versatility of this system was demonstrated through pharmaceutical treatments, confirming its ability to determine the subcellular localization of endogenous proteins. We determined the subcellular localization of walnut oleosin proteins and explored protein–protein interactions through bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. We also explored the effects of abscisic acid signaling on oil body morphology and the regulation of walnut WRINKLED1 (JrWRI1) in lipid biosynthesis. Overall, this stable and versatile protoplast-based transient expression system, integrated with walnut organelle markers, enhances the subcellular localization and functional studies of uncharacterized walnut proteins. This advancement accelerates research into walnut gene function and streamlines molecular breeding processes with high-throughput efficiency.
Continuous Quasi-Attractors dissolve with too much – or too little – variability
Authors: Schönsberg Francesca , Monasson Rémi , Treves Alessandro
Published: November 2024

Recent research involving bats flying in long tunnels has confirmed that hippocampal place cells can be active at multiple locations, with considerable variability in place field size and peak rate. With self-organizing recurrent networks, variability implies inhomogeneity in the synaptic weights, impeding the establishment of a continuous manifold of fixed points. Are continuous attractor neural networks still valid models for understanding spatial memory in the hippocampus, given such variability? Here, we ask what are the noise limits, in terms of an experimentally inspired parametrization of the irregularity of a single map, beyond which the notion of continuous attractor is no longer relevant. Through numerical simulations we show that (i) a continuous attractor can be approximated even when neural dynamics ultimately converge onto very few fixed points, since a quasi-attractive continuous manifold supports dynamically localized activity; (ii) excess irregularity in field size however disrupts the continuity of the manifold, while too little irregularity, with multiple fields, surprisingly prevents localized activity; and (iii) the boundaries in parameter space among these three regimes, extracted from simulations, are well matched by analytical estimates. These results lead to predict that there will be a maximum size of a 1D environment which can be retained in memory, and that the replay of spatial activity during sleep or quiet wakefulness will be for short segments of the environment.
Sanctioning political speech on social media is driven by partisan norms and identity signaling
Authors: Ahn Chloe , Lelkes Yphtach , Levendusky Matthew
Published: November 2024

Social media is marked by online firestorms where people pile-on and shame those who say things perceived to be offensive, especially about politically relevant topics. What explains why individuals engage in this sort of sanctioning behavior? We show that two key factors help to explain this pattern. First, on these topics, both offensive speech and subsequent sanctioning are seen as informative about partisanship: people assume that those who say offensive things are out-partisans, and those who criticize them are co-partisans. Second, individuals perceive that such sanctioning is an injunctive norm and believe that their fellow co-partisans approve of it—sanctioning someone allows them to signal their partisanship by adhering to that norm. Using three original experiments, we show strong support for this argument. Sanctioning this type of offensive speech is as informative about perceived partisanship as explicit partisan electioneering. Further, people perceive that a wide variety of sanctioning behaviors are (partisan) group norms. We also show that while people are reluctant to be the first to criticize someone online, they are quite willing to pile-on to others’ criticisms, which helps to explain why this behavior spreads so rapidly in online firestorms. Our results have implications for online social dynamics, as well as partisanship and partisan animosity more broadly.
A Cognitive View of Policing
Authors: Dube Oeindrila , MacArthur Sandy Jo , Shah Anuj K
Published: November 2024

What causes adverse policing outcomes, such as excessive uses of force and unnecessary arrests? Prevailing explanations focus on problematic officers or deficient regulations and oversight. We introduce an overlooked perspective. We suggest that the cognitive demands inherent in policing can undermine officer decision making. Unless officers are prepared for these demands, they may jump to conclusions too quickly without fully considering alternative ways of seeing a situation. This can lead to adverse policing outcomes. To test this perspective, we created a new training that teaches officers to consider different ways of interpreting the situations they encounter. We evaluated this training using a randomized controlled trial with 2,070 officers from the Chicago Police Department. In a series of lab assessments, we find that treated officers were significantly more likely to consider a wider range of evidence and develop more explanations for subjects’ actions. Critically, we also find that training affected officer performance in the field, leading to reductions in uses of force, discretionary arrests, and arrests of Black civilians. Meanwhile, officer activity levels remained unchanged, and trained officers were less likely to be injured on duty. Our results highlight the value of considering the cognitive aspects of policing and demonstrate the power of using behaviorally informed approaches to improve officer decision making and policing outcomes.
Engineered bio-functional material-based nerve guide conduits for optic nerve regeneration: a view from the cellular perspective, challenges and the future outlook
Authors: Obeng Enoch , Shen Baoguo , Wang Wei , Xie Zhenyuan , Zhang Wenyi , Li Zhixing , Yao Qinqin , Wu Wencan
Published: November 2024

Nerve injuries can be tantamount to severe impairment, standard treatment such as the use of autograft or surgery comes with complications and confers a shortened relief. The mechanism relevant to the regeneration of the optic nerve seems yet to be fully uncovered. The prevailing rate of vision loss as a result of direct or indirect insult on the optic nerve is alarming. Currently, the use of nerve guide conduits (NGC) to some extent has proven reliable especially in rodents and among the peripheral nervous system, a promising ground for regeneration and functional recovery, however in the optic nerve, this NGC function seems quite unfamous. The insufficient NGC application and the unabridged regeneration of the optic nerve could be a result of the limited information on cellular and molecular activities. This review seeks to tackle two major factors (i) the cellular and molecular activity involved in traumatic optic neuropathy and (ii) the NGC application for the optic nerve regeneration. The understanding of cellular and molecular concepts encompassed, ocular inflammation, extrinsic signaling and intrinsic signaling for axon growth, mobile zinc role, Ca2+ factor associated with the optic nerve, alternative therapies from nanotechnology based on the molecular information and finally the nanotechnological outlook encompassing applicable biomaterials and the use of NGC for regeneration. The challenges and future outlook regarding optic nerve regenerations are also discussed. Upon the many approaches used, the comprehensive role of the cellular and molecular mechanism may set grounds for the efficient application of the NGC for optic nerve regeneration.
A mobile app to support self-management and remotely monitor disease impact in rheumatoid arthritis: the randomized controlled AEGORA trial
Authors: Doumen Michaël , De Meyst Elias , Bertrand Delphine , Pazmino Sofia , Piessens Marine , Joly Johan , Devinck Mieke , Westhovens René , Verschueren Patrick
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The aim of this work was to determine whether smartphone applications could support the self-management of RA and to investigate engagement and potential negative psychological effects with app-use.

Methods

App-based Education and GOal-setting in RA (AEGORA) was a multicentre randomized controlled trial with 2:1:1 allocation to usual care or two versions of an app-based self-management intervention for RA. The 16-week programme involved patient education, goal-setting and remote monitoring of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) instrument, either weekly or monthly depending on randomization. The primary end point was improvement in the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) after 16 weeks. Secondary endpoints included non-inferiority regarding the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and superiority regarding patient-reported physical activity, sleep quality and RAID. App engagement and RAID scores were analysed descriptively.

Results

Overall, 122 patients were included: mean (s.d.) disease duration 12 (9) years, age 58 (11), 68% female, DAS28-CRP 2.4 (0.9). The intervention did not improve the ASES score over usual care (β 0.44, P = 0.87). Non-inferiority was established for the PCS (β −0.95 [95% CI −3.30, +1.40] favouring the intervention). Other predefined outcomes did not differ. App retention steadily declined to 43% by 16 weeks. Although the RAID remained stable over time overall, 35% of app users reported ≥1 episode of clinically relevant worsening over 16 weeks.

Conclusion

This app-based self-management intervention was not superior to usual care regarding self-efficacy improvement. However, remote symptom monitoring provided valuable insight and did not increase pain catastrophizing, alleviating concerns regarding the psychological impact of remote monitoring with apps.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05888181.
Mechanistic insights into leaf senescence regulation in woody plants: a molecular perspective
Authors: Zhang Ruxue , Zhang Murao , Tan Shuya , Li Zhonghai
Published: November 2024

Leaves, the primary carbon fixers in autotrophic plants, undergo a complex senescence process, which is critical for the redistribution of nutrients and supports ongoing growth and development. This natural aging phenomenon, often triggered at the end of a plant’s life cycle or during the autumn season in perennial species, is finely regulated at multiple levels. Premature senescence can disrupt normal plant development, while the timing and pace of senescence significantly impact crop yield and quality. Notably, accelerated senescence under stress conditions may enhance the survival of future generations, suggesting an evolutionary strategy for plants to cope with harsh environments. Our review focuses on the molecular regulation of leaf senescence in woody plants, emphasizing the intricate determinants and regulatory mechanisms involved, including the role of phytohormones, environmental cues and genetic factors. We highlight recent advances in understanding the regulation of leaf senescence in woody plants, integrating insights from multidisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technologies.
The influence of the Unidroit Principles on the contract book of the Chinese Civil Code: process and examples
Authors: Ji Wenhua
Published: November 2024

One of the main purposes of the Unidroit Principles of International Commercial Contracts (UPICC) is to serve as a source of inspiration and legal reference for domestic legislators. The evolution of China’s contract law system has been a gradual process, shaped by local characteristics and informed by the experiences of other legal systems. In this process, the UPICC have always been an important source of reference. This article introduces the stages of development of China’s contract law system after the reform and opening-up and shows the impact of the UPICC according to Chinese contact law’s developments over different time periods. It also illustrates examples in the latest Contract Book of the Civil Code that refers to, and incorporates, the rules of the UPICC and cases where the Contract Book to some extent still differs from the relevant provisions of the UPICC, which shows that China’s references to the UPICC are more in the form of consistency with basic concepts and similarities to some specific provisions but that it has not yet shown a systematic and large-scale incorporation or transplantation.
Rapid modulation of interscapular brown adipose tissue mitochondrial activity by ketosis induced by 1,3‐butanediol administration to rats
Authors: Venditti Paola , Pinto Gabriella , Migliaccio Vincenzo , Panico Giuliana , Fasciolo Gianluca , De Matteis Rita , Lionetti Lillà , de Lange Pieter , Serpico Stefania , Napolitano Gaetana , Agnisola Claudio , Amoresano Angela , Lombardi Assunta
Published: November 2024

Some studies indicate that brown adipose tissue (BAT) represents a promising target in the fight against dysmetabolic diseases, with indications suggesting it as a potential target for the effects of ketone bodies. We investigate whether the elevation of plasma levels of the ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate, achieved through the in vivo administration of its precursor 1,3‐butanediol (BD) to rats, could impact interscapular BAT (iBAT) mitochondrial biochemistry and functionality. We examined the effects induced by BD within 3 h and after 2 weeks of treatment. A large‐scale quantitative proteomics approach, coupling liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis, and Western blot associated with functional studies by respirometry allowed us to evaluate the changes in iBAT mitochondrial protein expression and bioenergetics induced by BD. BD administration increased β‐hydroxybutyrate plasma levels, which correlated with an enhancement in iBAT mitochondrial respiration rate, likely due to the activation of the respiratory chain and uncoupling protein‐1. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that BD influenced the mitochondrial levels of specific subunits belonging to the five respiratory complexes, uncoupling protein‐1, and proteins involved in propanoate metabolism. BD administration also induced lysine β‐hydroxybutyrylation of mitochondrial proteins, including specific subunits of the respiratory chain complexes and uncoupling protein‐1. Most of the BD‐induced effects were observed within 3 h of its administration and persisted/increased after 2 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, by using BD to increase β‐hydroxybutyrate levels, we provide evidence supporting the role of β‐hydroxybutyrate as a signaling molecule capable of rapidly modulating BAT physiology by acting at the mitochondrial level.
Retrograde Intramedullary Pinning of Metacarpal Fractures Through the Collateral Recess
Authors: Keck Kendall , Dogaroiu Anca , Aribert Marion , Awaida Cyril , Odobescu Andrei
Published: November 2024

There are several common types of fixations for metacarpal fractures: pins, plates, lag, and intramedullary (IM) screws. The advantages of pins are that they are ubiquitous, cost-effective, have shorter operative times, and preserve soft tissues, thereby minimizing adhesions. In this article, we describe metacarpal fracture fixation utilizing the technique of retrograde IM pinning through collateral recess access. We present the postoperative outcomes of our patients who underwent metacarpal fracture fixation utilizing this technique. Details of the fractures, patient comorbidities, demographics, and postoperative outcomes were gathered. Primary outcomes investigated were nonunion, malunion, need for revision, and range of motion (ROM). A total of 29 fractures in 14 patients were included, with multiple fractures present in 8 patients. The fractures were open in 8 cases. The orientation of the fracture was transverse in 22 cases and oblique in 7 with comminution noted in 13 fractures. Full ROM was obtained in 15 digits with 6 digits noted to have a good ROM and 6 digits still undergoing therapy. There were no nonunions noted and only one malunion. In conclusion, retrograde, double IM pinning through collateral recess access represents a reliable, cost-effective, and minimally traumatic method of metacarpal fixation, including carpometacarpal fracture dislocations.
Burden of alopecia areata in China, 1990–2021: Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Li Xiangqian , Liu Huixin , Ren Wenhui , Zhu Qijiong , Yin Peng , Wang Lijun , Zhang Jianzhong , Qi Jinlei , Zhou Cheng
Published: November 2024

Background:

Research has indicated that the disease burden of alopecia areata (AA) in China exceeds the global average. Therefore, accurate and updated epidemiological information is crucial for policymakers. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the disease burden of AA in China.

Methods:

The following four key indicators were utilized: the prevalence of cases; disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs); the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR); and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of AA according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. We analyzed the epidemiological burden of AA in China during 2021, examined changes between 1990 and 2021, and performed a Bayesian age–period–cohort analysis to predict trends over the course of the next decade (2022–2030). Additionally, a Gaussian process regression model was applied to estimate the relationship between the gross domestic product (GDP) and the ASPR and ASDR of AA at the provincial level between 1992 and 2021.

Results:

In 2021, the estimated number of patients with AA in China was approximately 3.49 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.37–3.62 million); of these patients, 1.20 million (1.16–1.25 million) were male and 2.29 million (95% UI, 2.20–2.37 million) were female. This large number of patients with AA resulted in a total of 114,431.25 DALYs (95% UI, 74,780.27–160,318.96 DALYs). Additionally, the ASPR and ASDR were 224.61 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 216.73–232.65 per 100,000 population) and 7.41 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 4.85–10.44 per 100,000 population), respectively; both of these rates were higher than the global averages. The most affected demographic groups were young and female individuals 25–39 years of age. Slight regional disparities were observed, with the northern and central regions of China bearing comparatively higher burdens. Between 1990 and 2021, the health loss and disease burden caused by AA in China remained relatively stable. The ASPR and ASDR of AA increased with the GDP when the annual GDP was less than 2 trillion yuan; however, a downward trend was observed as the GDP surpassed 2 trillion yuan. A slight upward trend in the disease burden of AA in China is predicted to occur over the next decade.

Conclusions:

AA continues to be a public health concern in China that shows no signs of declining. Targeted efforts for young individuals and females are necessary because they experience a disproportionately high burden of AA.
Imaging of the Placenta
Authors: Turan Ozhan M. , Bozkurt Suleyman , Turan Shifa
Published: November 2024

Placental imaging is crucial in prenatal care, offering insights into both normal and abnormal pregnancies. Traditional methods like grayscale ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging evaluate placental anatomy, whereas Doppler ultrasound is used for functional assessment. Recent advancements include functional magnetic resonance imaging and advanced Doppler software for demonstrating placental density and visualizing spiral arteries. B-flow and spatio-temporal image correlation are pivotal, sensitive tools for quantifying spiral artery distensibility and volume flow in early pregnancy. These techniques enhance our understanding of placental vascular architecture and promise early diagnosis and intervention for pregnancies at risk. This paper emphasizes the importance of advanced imaging in prenatal care.
Advancements in Serum Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Prognostic Assessment of Aortic Dissection
Authors: Muzammil Muhammad Ali , Chaudhary Neeru , Abbas Syed Muhammad , Ahmad Owais , Nasir Aqsa , Baig Eesha , Fariha Fnu , Afridi Azra Khan , Zaveri Sahil
Published: November 2024

Aortic dissection (AD) is a potentially fatal cardiovascular issue that needs to be diagnosed and treated very away. Although early detection is essential for bettering patient outcomes, there are substantial obstacles with the diagnostic techniques used today. Promising pathways for improving AD prognosis evaluation and early detection are presented by recent developments in serum biomarkers. The most recent research on serum biomarkers for AD is reviewed here, with an emphasis on the prognostic and diagnostic utility of these indicators. A number of biomarkers, including as matrix metalloproteinases, soluble elastin fragments, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, and D-dimer, have been identified as putative markers of AD. These indicators are indicative of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms associated with AD, including inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and vascular damage. Research has indicated that they are useful in differentiating AD from other acute cardiovascular diseases, facilitating prompt diagnosis and risk assessment.
Door-to-Diuretic Time and Short-term Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Ali , Malik Minhail Khalid , Khalid Zoha , Asrar Aeman
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a leading cause of unplanned hospitalization, often associated with poor outcomes. Decongestion with intravenous loop diuretics is the mainstay of treatment. Metrics such as door-to-diuretic time, the time between presentation of AHF to the hospital, and administration of intravenous diuretics, may play an important role in faster decongestion and thereby reduce mortality. We sought to investigate whether early diuretic administration [door-to-diuretic (D2D) time 60 ≤mins] was associated with improved outcomes among hospitalized heart failure patients.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed from inception until June 2023. The primary endpoints were all-cause in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were the length of hospital stay and heart failure readmission. We used a random-effects model to calculate odds ratios (OR) for binary outcomes and mean differences for continuous data.

Results:

Our meta-analysis included 6 observational studies involving 19,916 patients. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between shorter D2D and delayed D2D time with respect to in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.35-1.09), 30-day mortality (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.51-1.33; P = 0.44), length of hospital stay (MD, −0.02; 95% CI, −0.26 to 0.22) and heart failure readmission (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.86-1.20).

Conclusions:

Evidence from existing literature, which is largely limited to observational comparisons, highlights comparable outcomes between the 2 treatment strategies. Early diuretic administration, particularly within 60 minutes of hospital presentation, does not demonstrate any prognostic benefits.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Echocardiographic Findings in a Predominantly Black Population With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Failure
Authors: Hasan Abida , Zaidi Seyed M. , Zaveri Sahil , Taklalsingh Nicholas , Zonnoor Seyedeh L. , Casillas-Gonzalez Joseph , Chandrakumar Harshith , Tadayoni Ashkan , Sharif Sara , Connelly Courtney , Soleiman Aron , Sezhian Thiagarajan , Sreedhara Karthik , Tsui Cindy L. , Prysyazhnyuk Yelyzaveta , Gruenstein Diana , Melamed Adiell , Oleszak Filip , Axman Rachel , Beltre Daniel , Kazi Anan , Patwari Fahmida , Tsai Andrew , Freilich Michael , Corominas Anny , Koci Kristaq , Siddique Omar , Marder Ryan , Kirou Raphael , McFarlane Isabel M.
Published: November 2024

Among white rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohorts, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is the most prevalent type of heart failure (HF). We aimed to assess the type of HF affecting Black RA patients. A total of 64 patients with RA-HF were compared with age-, sex-, and race-matched RA patients without HF. Left ventricular ejection fraction, wall motion abnormalities, left ventricle (LV) mass, and wall thickness were reviewed. About 87.3% were Black and 84.4% were women, with a mean age of 69.6 ± 1.38 (± SEM) and body mass index (kg/m2) of 29.6 ± 1.07. RA-HF patients had higher rates of hypertension (HTN), chronic kidney disease, and atrial fibrillation. However, 66.7% had ≥3 cardiovascular risk factors compared with RA patients without HF. 2D echocardiograms of RA-HF revealed that 62.3% had left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, 37% had diastolic dysfunction, and 43.1% had wall motion abnormalities. LV mass and relative wall thickness measurements indicated LV eccentric remodeling. The odds ratio for HF was 4.7 (CI, 1.5–14.53), P < 0.01, among the RA-HTN group and 3.5 (CI, 1.091–11.7) P < 0.01 among smokers. In our predominantly Black RA-HF patients, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was the most common type of HF. HTN was associated with the highest OR for HF. Eccentric hypertrophic remodeling, a known poor prognostic indicator for cardiovascular events, was found. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.
Low-Power Long-Duration Versus High-Power Short-Duration Radiofrequency Ablation of the Atrioventricular Node
Authors: Zaveri Sahil , Alsaiqali Mahmoud , Yu Howard , Ahmed Rafsan , Jallad Ahmad , Budzikowski Adam S.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Atrioventricular node (AVN) radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a highly effective treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias that are resistant to other management modalities. To date, there is limited research that compares the properties of different RF ablation catheters. The current study aims to compare the effectiveness of several types of RF catheters in AVN ablation.

Methods:

A total of 66 patients, with a mean age of 73.27 years, underwent AVN RF ablation. The catheters used were categorized as unirrigated (UI), externally irrigated, and contact force sensing with 10 to 20 g of force. Externally-irrigated catheters were divided into 2 different settings: low-power long-duration (LPLD) (30 W, 45°C, and 60 seconds) and high-power short-duration (HPSD) (50 W, 43°C, and 12 seconds). We compared the success rate of the different RF catheters using logistic regression and lesion times using linear regression.

Results:

The distribution of the types of catheters used is UI in 48%, LPLD in 16%, and HPSD in 36% of patients. All ablation procedures were successful, with no immediate postprocedure complications. HPSD had a significantly shorter lesion time than UI catheters by 403.42 seconds (−631.67 to −175.17).

Conclusions:

UI catheters, LPLD, and HPSD were equally safe and effective in ablation procedures. The HPSD catheter had a significantly shorter lesion time and, thus, overall decreased procedure time.