bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor exosomal RNPEP promotes lung metastasis of liver cancer via inducing cancer‐associated fibroblast activation
Authors: Chen Yuankun , Pan Gaofeng , Yang Yijun , Wu Haifeng , Weng Minhua , Wu Qiuping , Gao Yufeng , Li Wenting
Published: December 2024

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are essential players in the tumor microenvironment (TME) due to their roles in facilitating tumor progression and metastasis. It is worth noting that the high‐metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell‐derived exosomes have exhibited the ability to transform normal fibroblasts into CAFs, which further fosters the lung metastasis of low‐metastatic HCC cells. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this tumor exosome‐induced metastatic niche formation are poorly explored. In this study, the secreted protein arginyl aminopeptidase (RNPEP) was highly expressed in the plasma of patients with HCC. In addition, high‐metastatic HCC cells showed augmented RNPEP expression levels in their exosomes. These exosomes induced obvious CAF‐like properties in the human fibroblast cell line MRC‐5, as evidenced by the increased CAF marker expression, and enhanced migratory ability. More strikingly, the secretions from high‐metastatic tumor exosome‐educated MRC‐5 cells increased tumor stemness and promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MHCC‐97L cells, a low‐metastatic HCC cell line. However, the knockdown of RNPEP in exosomes from high‐metastatic HCC cells abated the changes described above. Animal studies in vivo highlighted the pro‐tumor and pro‐metastatic effects of exosomal RNPEP on MHCC‐97L cells by inducing CAF activation. Furthermore, tumor‐derived exosomal RNPEP induced the activation of NF‐κB signaling in MRC‐5 cells, a critical pathway associated with CAF activation. Collectively, these results provide novel insight into tumor‐derived exosomal RNPEP for its crosstalk with CAFs during HCC lung metastasis.
Use of Freestyle Libre 2.0 in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and elevated HbA1c: Extension phase results after a 12‐week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Yongwen , Wheeler Benjamin J. , Boucsein Alisa , Styles Sara E. , Chamberlain Bronte , Michaels Venus R. , Crockett Hamish R. , Lala Anita , Cunningham Vicki , Wiltshire Esko J. , Serlachius Anna S. , Jefferies Craig
Published: December 2024

Aim

To investigate extension phase outcomes with intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM 2.0) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and elevated HbA1c (7.5–12.2% [58–110 mmol/mol]).

Methods

One hundred children with T1DM aged 4–13 years were initially in a 12‐week randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing glycaemic outcomes with isCGM 2.0 (intervention group, n = 49) with self‐monitored blood glucose (Control group, n = 51). After the 12‐week RCT both groups were offered an extension phase with isCGM 2.0 for another 12 weeks. HbA1c, CGM metrics, psychological outcomes and device utilization attitudes were measured.

Results

After the initial 12‐week RCT, 66 participants completed this 12‐week extension: 36/49 (73%) and 30/51 (58.8%) from the isCGM/isCGM and Control/isCGM groups, respectively. In the isCGM/isCGM group, time below range 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) (TBR70) reduced from 10.7 ± 11.3% at baseline to 2.8 ± 2.8% and 2.1 ± 2.4% at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (p < 0.01 for both 12 and 24 weeks). Glucose test frequency increased from 4.7 (2.7) at baseline to 10.7 (4.6) and 9.2 (4.7) at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (p < 0.01 for both 12 and 24 weeks). The Control/isCGM group decreased TBR70 from 10.7 ± 7.4% at 12 weeks to 2.9 ± 2.8% at 24 weeks and increased daily glucose test frequency from 3.2 (1.6) to 10.7 (5.4) from 12 to 24 weeks (both p < 0.01). However, HbA1c and time in range (TIR) were non‐significant at 24 weeks in both groups.

Conclusions

Extension phase outcomes with intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM 2.0) in children with T1DM and elevated HbA1c showed a sustained reduction in hypoglycaemia and increased testing frequency at 24 weeks.
Differentiating the Role of Growth Language Mindsets in Feedback‐Seeking Behaviour in L2 Writing through Perspective‐Taking: A Mixed‐Method Study
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Yabing , Peng Bo
Published: December 2024

The differential impact of growth language mindsets on second or foreign (L2) writing feedback‐seeking behaviour (FSB) is an important yet underexplored area of research. How perspective‐taking, a less‐researched construct in L2 writing, directly predicts FSB or mediates the paths between growth language mindsets and FSB remains unknown, either. Therefore, the present mixed‐method study seeks to explore the impacts of growth language mindsets—specifically related to intelligence, aptitude and age sensitivity—perspective‐taking on FSB, and particularly examines whether perspective‐taking mediates the relationship between growth language mindsets and FSB. A battery of questionnaires were administered to 571 Chinese learners of English at the tertiary level, of whom six L2 learners were interviewed. Quantitative results showed that growth mindsets on language aptitude and age sensitivity as well as perspective‐taking positively predicted both feedback monitoring and feedback inquiry; growth mindsets on language intelligence only predicted feedback inquiry. Perspective‐taking mediated the relationship between growth mindsets on language aptitude and both feedback monitoring and feedback inquiry. The qualitative findings highlighted the influences of growth language mindsets and perspective‐taking on FSB, with the latter moderated by learning goals and types of writing tasks. This study provides implications for improving L2 learners' growth language mindsets and perspective‐taking abilities.
Villin‐1 regulates ferroptosis in colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Hu Bangli , Yin Yixin , Zhang Birong , Li Siqi , Li Kezhi , Zhou You , Huang Qinghua
Published: December 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Despite extensive research, the mechanistic underpinnings driving CRC progression remain largely unknown. As a fundamental component of the brush border cytoskeleton, villin‐1 (VIL1) acts as a marker for intestinal cell differentiation and maturation. Through a comprehensive transcriptomics analysis of eight studies (total sample: n = 1952), we consistently observed significant upregulation of VIL1 expression in CRC tumors compared with adjacent normal tissue. In our independent cohort, this notable upregulation has been further validated at both mRNA and protein levels in colon tumor tissues, relative not only to adjacent normal tissue but also to normal controls. Our data show that VIL1 promotes proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. Conversely, knockout of VIL1 suppresses proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, we reveal that knocking out VIL1 activates ferroptosis and inhibits the migration of CRC cells, while overexpressing VIL1 yields the opposite effects, and vice versa. Additionally, VIL1 binds to Nuclear factor NF‐kappa‐B p105 subunit (NF‐κB) and controls NF‐κB expression. In vivo, overexpressing VIL1 inhibits ferroptosis, and induces the expression of NF‐κB and lipocalin 2 (LCN2), thereby promoting CRC tumor growth. Thus, we have identified the VIL1/NF‐κB axis as a pivotal regulator of CRC progression through ferroptosis modulation, unveiling VIL1 as a promising therapeutic target for CRC treatment via ferroptosis. Our study offers novel avenues for exploring the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis in CRC management, emphasizing the high potential of VIL1 in regulating colorectal tumorigenesis.
Protein import into bacterial endosymbionts and evolving organelles
Authors: Sørensen Megan E. S. , Stiller Mygg L. , Kröninger Lena , Nowack Eva C. M.
Published: December 2024

Bacterial endosymbionts are common throughout the eukaryotic tree of life and provide a range of essential functions. The intricate integration of bacterial endosymbionts into a host led to the formation of the energy‐converting organelles, mitochondria and plastids, that have shaped eukaryotic evolution. Protein import from the host has been regarded as one of the distinguishing features of organelles as compared to endosymbionts. In recent years, research has delved deeper into a diverse range of endosymbioses and discovered evidence for ‘exceptional’ instances of protein import outside of the canonical organelles. Here we review the current evidence for protein import into bacterial endosymbionts. We cover both ‘recently evolved’ organelles, where there is evidence for hundreds of imported proteins, and endosymbiotic systems where currently only single protein import candidates are described. We discuss the challenges of establishing protein import machineries and the diversity of mechanisms that have independently evolved to solve them. Understanding these systems and the different independent mechanisms, they have evolved is critical to elucidate how cellular integration arises and deepens at the endosymbiont to organelle interface. We finish by suggesting approaches that could be used in the future to address the open questions. Overall, we believe that the evidence now suggests that protein import into bacterial endosymbionts is more common than generally realized, and thus that there is an increasing number of partnerships that blur the distinction between endosymbiont and organelle.
Media coverage and the cost of equity capital around the world
Authors: Gao Xin , Li Donghui , Xing Lu , Xu Weidong
Published: December 2024

Using a sample of 38 countries, our study is the first to show on a global scale that the relation between media coverage and implied cost of equity capital (ICOC) is negative and both statistically and economically significant. On average, a one‐unit increase in media coverage (approximately two news articles) leads to a 0.38% decrease in ICOC. This effect hinges on the degree of press freedom in the reporting country and the credibility of specific media outlets. The effect is more pronounced in countries with less developed capital markets but greater US media penetration. Furthermore, firms with higher information asymmetry or weaker corporate governance experience a stronger impact of media coverage on ICOC. Positive news coverage encourages firms to invest more and use less debt, while negative news coverage has opposite influences. Finally, the release of media news is associated with reduced option‐implied volatility.
Nutrition, Chewing Ability and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Implant Overdentures: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Küçük Ceren , Sabuncular Güleren , Bayram Ferit , Aktaç Şule , Evren Buket , Güneş Fatma Esra
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the changes in nutritional status, chewing ability and oral health‐related quality of life in edentulous individuals who have initially been rehabilitated with immediate complete dentures (CD) which are then transformed to implant‐supported overdentures (IOD) after a period of osseointegration.

Background

Compared to those with conventional dentures, individuals with IODs exhibit improved patient‐reported outcomes, chewing capacity and biting force. While prior research highlights differences in nutritional markers between these groups, there is limited investigation into intra‐individual changes in nutritional status, chewing ability and oral health‐related quality of life during the transition from CDs to IODs.

Materials and Methods

Edentulous individuals aged 50 years or older and needing oral rehabilitation with IODs were eligible for this prospective study. The primary outcome measure was the nutritional status as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaire and chewing ability questionnaire represented secondary outcome measures. These measures were assessed at baseline (T0), 3‐month follow‐up after application of the CD (T1), and 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up after the CD had been transformed to IOD (T2 and T3). Statistical analyses used repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test for OHIP‐14 and MNA scores, with logistic regression used for malnutrition risk.

Results

Thirty‐five participants were included in the final analysis. MNA scores significantly worsened from the baseline to the 3‐month follow‐up after the application of the CD. There was no significant change in nutritional status between baseline and the IOD 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up appointment. IODs led to significant improvements in the OHIP total score at both the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups (p < 0.001, W = 0.60) with a strong effect size. Difficulty in chewing decreased significantly, affecting 91.4% of participants at baseline, which reduced to 51.4% (18/35) by the 6th month.

Conclusion

Implant‐supported overdentures do not influence nutritional status, but they improve chewing ability and oral–health related quality of life in older adults.
Modeling the Influence of Coastal Site Characteristics on PFAS in Situ Remediation
Authors: Carey Grant R. , Danko Anthony , Pham Anh Le‐Tuan , Soderberg Keir , Hoagland Beth , Sleep Brent
Published: December 2024

The potential performance of a hypothetical colloidal‐activated carbon (CAC) in situ remedy for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in groundwater in coastal zones was evaluated using estimated hydrogeologic and geochemical parameters for a coastal site in the United States. With these parameters, a reactive transport model (ISR‐MT3DMS) was used to assess the effects of tidal fluctuations and near‐shore geochemistry on CAC performance. The average near‐shore ionic strength of 84 mM at the site was conservatively estimated to result in an increase in the adsorption of PFOA to CAC by about 50% relative to non‐coastal sites with ionic strength <10 mM. The modeling also confirmed the hypothesis that tidally induced groundwater flow reversals near the shore would result in the accumulation of PFOA at the downgradient edge of the CAC zone. Slow desorption of PFOA from this downgradient CAC boundary may sustain downgradient plume concentrations above a strict cleanup criterion (e.g., USEPA MCL of 0.004 μg/L), for decades; however, there was still a large PFOA mass flux reduction (>99.9%) achieved after several decades at the shore. CAC longevity was substantially greater for PFOS with a similar source concentration; however, the higher PFOS distribution coefficient (Kd) in soil downgradient from the CAC zone resulted in substantially longer flushing times. It is recommended that short‐term remedial action objectives for CAC remedies at coastal sites be based on mass flux reduction targets over a period of several decades, given the demonstrated challenges in trying to achieve very low cleanup criteria downgradient of a CAC zone in the short term.
Involving Patients in Hospital‐Based Health Technology Assessment of Innovative Medical Devices: Adapting to a Specific Local Context and Lessons Learned From the Assessment of an Ex Vivo Perfusion System of Human Donor Hearts
Authors: Atfeh Jamal , Guerre Pascale , Berkesse Alexandre , Thual Gwenaëlle , Pozzi Matteo , Huot Laure
Published: December 2024

Introduction

A demand from the cardiac surgery and heart transplantation department of a French (Lyon) university hospital to adopt an ex‐vivo perfusion system of human donor hearts was a chance to actively involve patients in our hospital‐based health technology assessment (HB‐HTA) process.

Material and Methods

We selected an existing framework for patient involvement in HB‐HTA and involved patients at two stages of the HB‐HTA process: evaluation and dissemination. Firstly, we conducted a consultation‐oriented workshop to gather patient perspectives on the introduction of the technology in our hospital, based on their significant experience of healthcare. Secondly, we organized an information‐oriented workshop to communicate the HB‐HTA results to the patients consulted, after the decision had been taken.

Results

We modified the framework for patient involvement to suit the local decision‐making context, the HB‐HTA methodology, and the type of technologies assessed in our institution. Patients perceived the ex‐vivo perfusion system as a promising technology to facilitate access to heart transplantation. They emphasized the importance of a tailored information provided to patients about the potential use of the technology in their healthcare trajectories, and suggested involvement of patients to facilitate its implementation in hospitals.

Discussion

Modifying existing frameworks for patient involvement to fit specific local contexts should be encouraged, and has to address the need of timely information for decision‐makers and patient recruitment issues. Decision to incorporate patient perspectives and experiences should be made on a project‐by‐project basis, and focus on innovative medical devices with expected significant impact on patient quality of life. Effective and transparent communication and prospective feedbacks from HB‐HTA producers to patients are essential for a successful process.

Patient or Public Contribution

Three patients with a lived experience of heart transplantation, or another transplant procedure, or more broadly procedures involving innovative medical devices (specialists) and two patients recruited for societal issues and legitimacy of a collective voice were involved (generalists).
Side Effects of Psychotropic Medications Experienced by a Community Sample of People Living With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
Authors: Collins Jack C. , Wheeler Amanda J. , McMillan Sara S. , Hu Jie , El‐Den Sarira , Roennfeldt Helena , O'Reilly Claire L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Psychotropic medications are a common treatment modality for people living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). While effective in reducing relapse and hospitalisation, psychotropic medications cause numerous side effects, varying in nature and severity. Identification and management of side effects is crucial in the ongoing management of SPMI.

Objective

To characterise the side effects of psychotropic medications, experienced by a sample of consumers living with SPMI, using a validated tool.

Setting and Participants

Consumers with SPMI living in the community were recruited from all 25 community pharmacies across four Australian regions, which were allocated to the intervention arm of the Bridging the Gap between Physical and Mental Illness (PharMIbridge) randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Main Outcome Measures

Responses to the My Medicines & Me Questionnaire (M3Q).

Results

Consumers (n = 156) most frequently reported side effects in the categories of sleep‐related side effects (80.8%, n = 126), mood‐related side effects (75.6%, n = 118) and weight and appetite changes (60.3%, n = 107). Daytime somnolence was the most reported individual side effect (68.6%, n = 107). Mood‐related side effects were ranked as the most bothersome, followed by sleep‐related side effects and weight and appetite changes. More than one‐quarter (29.5%, n = 46) of consumers reported choosing not to take their medications due to side effects. Consumers more frequently told family and friends about the side effects rather than healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

An overwhelming majority of consumers experienced at least one side effect attributed to their psychotropic medication, with many experiencing multiple. These findings highlight the critical need to regularly engage with consumers to discuss, identify and manage side effects to treatment burden, reduce risk of non‐adherence and improve their treatment experience.

Patient or Public Contribution

The PharMIbridge RCT included a training programme and intervention service that was co‐designed and co‐delivered with people with lived experience of mental illness. The research team, expert advisory panel and mentors who supported the delivery and implementation of the training and intervention included participants who have lived experience of mental illness or caring for someone with mental illness.

Trial Registration

ANZCTR12620000577910.
Thrombin Generation Assay to Support Hematologists in the Era of New Hemophilia Therapies
Authors: Josset Laurie , Rezigue Hamdi , Dargaud Yesim
Published: December 2024

Hematology laboratories have traditionally monitored hemophilia replacement therapy by measuring coagulation factors before and after infusion. However, new drugs that do not rely on the replacement of the deficient factor require new approaches to laboratory monitoring, as factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX) assays are no longer adequate. Non‐factor therapies come in many different forms, that have one thing in common: they all increase thrombin generation. Their main adverse effect is thrombosis which may occur when too much thrombin is formed. This is the perfect mirror image of anticoagulant treatment, which always diminishes the amount of thrombin formed and has bleeding as its main adverse effect. Thrombin‐forming capacity is decreased in congenital bleeding disorders and increased in prothrombotic conditions, indicating it governs bleeding and thrombosis. Therefore, the thrombin generation assay (TGA) is a logical tool for monitoring non‐factor therapies, offering a comprehensive assessment of hemostatic balance. TGA identifies patients with severe bleeding, helps to optimize bypassing therapy, and detects hypercoagulability, making it ideal for guiding and monitoring hemophilia treatment with non‐factor therapies. It also assesses the efficacy and safety of combined therapies, including non‐factor therapies with bypassing agents or FVIII/FIX concentrates. The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of knowledge regarding the use of TGA to monitor novel hemophilia therapies. It will address controversies, limitations, and knowledge gaps related to the integration of TGA into personalized medicine in routine clinical practice.
Do Unexpected Earnings of Industry Leaders Affect the Discretionary Reporting Behavior of Followers? Evidence From China
Authors: Cong Huiyun , Li Dan , Li Xiao , Xie Yuan , Yuan Chun
Published: December 2024

This study examines how the unexpected earnings of industry leaders influence the discretionary reporting behavior of industry followers. Chinese firms are required to disclose their annual earnings announcement (EA) dates before the fiscal year ends. Leveraging this unique setting, we demonstrate that followers delay their EAs in response to earnings surprises reported by industry leaders. This effect is more pronounced for followers who face lower costs of delaying (i.e., those with weak corporate governance and who face no penalties for delaying EAs) and those who receive greater benefits from delaying (i.e., those in more competitive industries and in industries where leaders meet or beat market expectations). We also find that, compared with other followers, those that delay EAs are more likely to engage in last‐minute earnings management by reducing their effective tax rates. Furthermore, our findings suggest that when industry leaders report good news, followers who delay EAs are more likely to do the same. However, we find no positive market reaction to these delayed EAs. Overall, this study provides new evidence that industry leaders’ earnings surprises significantly impact their followers’ decisions about discretionary financial reporting, including the delay of EAs and last‐minute earnings management.
The theragnostic advances of exosomes in managing leukaemia
Authors: Ghosh Subhrojyoti , Dey Anuvab , Chakrabarti Aneshwa , Bhuniya Tiyasa , Indu Neelparna , Hait Anirban , Chowdhury Ankita , Paul Aritra , Mahajan Atharva A. , Papadakis Marios , Alexiou Athanasios , Jha Saurabh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Leukaemia, a group of haematological malignancies, presents ongoing diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment challenges. A major obstacle in treating this disease is the development of drug resistance. Overcoming drug resistance poses a significant barrier to effective leukaemia treatment. The emergence of exosome research has unveiled new insights into the probable theragnostic implementations in leukaemia. Various research has exhibited the diagnostic possibilities of exosomes in identifying leukaemia‐specific biomarkers, including genetic mutations and fusion transcripts. Additionally, exosomes have been implicated in disease progression and treatment response, rendering them appealing targets for therapeutics. Exosomes, originating from diverse cell types, are instrumental in intercellular communication as they participate in the functional transportation of molecules like proteins, nucleic acids and lipids across space. Exosomes have a dual role in immune regulation, mediating immune suppression and modulating anti‐leukaemia immune responses. Interestingly, exosomes can even act as drug transport vehicles. This review delves into the intricate process of exosome biogenesis, shedding light on their formation and release from donor cells. The key mechanisms engaged in exosome biogenesis, for instance, the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery and ESCRT‐independent pathways, are thoroughly discussed. Looking ahead, future approaches that leverage innovative technologies hold the promise of revolutionizing disease management and improving patient outcomes.
Matching Versus Raffles as a Fund‐Raising Device
Authors: Pecorino Paul
Published: December 2024

Matching is a commonly used fund‐raising tactic, whereby small donors have their donation to a charity matched via a fund established by large donors. I developed a model in which a single large donor decides whether to establish a matching fund or contribute to the public good via the voluntary contributions mechanism (VCM). The credibility of the matching fund is an endogenous component of the model. For a match to be credible, the organizer must have a credible promise not to top up the contributions of the small donors. If the number of small donors is sufficiently large, there always exists a matching fund that is both credible and leads to a Pareto improvement relative to the VCM. When the matching fund needs to satisfy an endogenous credibility constraint, all of the outcomes that are eliminated due to this constraint are outcomes under which small donors are worse off relative to the VCM. The matching fund is also compared with a raffle mechanism. As the number of small donors grows large, public good provision under the two mechanisms converges. However, the matching function outperforms the raffle when there is a finite number of small donors.
Impact of the visceral adipose tissue on bone quality in patients with untreated mild‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Sartori Giulia , Bertoldo Francesco , Gretter Andrea , Lovati Federica Margherita , Caprino Rosaria , Viterale Giovanni , Crisafulli Ernesto
Published: December 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) predominantly affects patients who are obese and causes systemic organ damage. Little is known about the relationship between fat distribution and bone impairment in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on the bone quality of patients with OSA. In our prospective study, 49 untreated patients with mild‐to‐severe OSA underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Polygraphy data were also collected. According to the recent reference values for European adults, patients were divided by the sex‐related threshold of the VAT index into two categories: VAT index within limits (normal VAT [nVAT]) and increased VAT (iVAT). In all, 63% of the patients were in the iVAT category. Compared to patients with nVAT, those with iVAT had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (52% versus 22%) and diabetes (32% versus 6%), and higher values of mean nocturnal desaturation. Patients with iVAT had, in comparison to those with nVAT, lower values of the lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS; mean 1.24 versus 1.39; p < 0.001), TBS T‐score (mean −1.82 versus −0.52; p < 0.001) and TBS Z‐score (mean −0.35 versus 0.75; p = 0.002). Moreover, a close association was present between the VAT index and TBS lumbar spine L1–L4 (r2 linear 0.573; p < 0.001), and altered values of the TBS Z‐score were associated with the severity of vertebral fractures. Finally, in a linear regression‐adjusted model, the VAT index predicted TBS lumbar spine L1–L4 (β −0.323; p < 0.001). In patients with OSA VAT impacts bone quality. In these patients, the role of VAT as a metabolically active tissue should be considered.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of carnivore guild related to their prey in a Mediterranean landscape
Authors: Peris A. , Mampel T. , Vilella M. , Pons D. , Real J. , Puig‐Gironès R.
Published: December 2024

Small mammal populations fluctuate significantly in abundance over time, affecting the entire food web. However, changes in their occupancy across a landscape receive less attention. While habitat features are relevant for some predators, diet specialization and prey distribution and abundance might play an important role in shaping predator populations. Using a multi‐season occupancy analysis, we examined the spatio‐temporal patterns of Mediterranean mesocarnivores—common genet, stone marten and red fox—focusing on the factors that influence their occupancy dynamics, particularly small mammal occupancy as a prey resource. Data was collected from December 2020 to May 2021 in the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park using a camera‐trap grid. We analysed small mammal occupancy dynamics and used these as covariates in predator occupancy models to explore predator–prey relationships. Additionally, we included the occurrence of each carnivore as a predictor for interspecific analysis, and kernel density functions were used to assess daily activity overlaps. Results showed that interspecific competition significantly affected mesocarnivore occupancy, as genet occupancy was negatively correlated with the red fox occupancy. Although prey occurrence did not influence mesocarnivore occupancy, it did affect detectability, with genet and stone marten detectability being positively related to small mammal presence and high daily activity overlap between predators and prey. This suggests that mesopredators respond rapidly to prey abundance, highlighting the intricate temporal dependence between predator activity and prey occupancy. Dynamic occupancy and activity models provide a deeper understanding of predator–prey relationships at the local scale.
Natural variation in root exudate composition in the genetically structured Arabidopsis thaliana in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Subrahmaniam Harihar Jaishree , Picó F. Xavier , Bataillon Thomas , Salomonsen Camilla Lind , Glasius Marianne , Ehlers Bodil K.
Published: December 2024

Plant root exudates are involved in nutrient acquisition, microbial partnerships, and inter‐organism signaling. Yet, little is known about the genetic and environmental drivers of root exudate variation at large geographical scales, which may help understand the evolutionary trajectories of plants in heterogeneous environments.

We quantified natural variation in the chemical composition of Arabidopsis thaliana root exudates in 105 Iberian accessions. We identified up to 373 putative compounds using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We estimated the broad‐sense heritability of compounds and conducted a genome‐wide association (GWA) study. We associated variation in root exudates to variation in geographic, environmental, life history, and genetic attributes of Iberian accessions.

Only 25 of 373 compounds exhibited broad‐sense heritability values significantly different from zero. GWA analysis identified polymorphisms associated with 12 root exudate compounds and 26 known genes involved in metabolism, defense, signaling, and nutrient transport. The genetic structure influenced root exudate composition involving terpenoids. We detected five terpenoids related to plant defense significantly varying in mean abundances in two genetic clusters.

Our study provides first insights into the extent of root exudate natural variation at a regional scale depicting a diversified evolutionary trajectory among A. thaliana genetic clusters chiefly mediated by terpenoid composition.
Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention: A Study on University Students in the Context of Social Support and Disaster Risk
Authors: Erdoğan Eylül Gülnur , Duru Pınar
Published: December 2024

Objective

Factors such as the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, global health crises, and disasters are among the major health and security challenges facing societies. Informed protective measures and effective risk awareness are necessary to cope with these challenges. As young adults, university students represent a significant segment of society, making studies conducted on this group critical for implementing effective measures against infectious disease risks. This study aimed to investigate university students' awareness and prevention behaviors regarding communicable diseases, their perception of disaster risk, and the role of social support networks.

Method

The descriptive study was conducted with a total of 372 undergraduate students studying at a university in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention Scale, the Disaster Risk Perception Scale for University Students, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, employing independent sample t‐tests, one‐way ANOVA tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean age of the university students participating in the study was 21.19 ± 2.08 years (min. 18.00–max. 32.00), with 64.5% (n = 240) being female. Participants generally exhibited high levels of awareness and preventive behaviors regarding communicable diseases. Significant contributors to awareness included gender (β = 9.51, p < 0.05), increased disaster risk perception (β = 8.80, p < 0.01), obtaining information from health organization websites (β = 7.90, p < 0.01), preparing an emergency kit (β = 5.56, p < 0.05), and obtaining information from news websites (β = 4.81, p < 0.05). It was found that an increase in perceived social support positively impacted students' awareness and prevention levels (β = 0.48, p < 0.01). Additionally, an increase in disaster risk perception was positively correlated with communicable disease risk awareness (β = 0.01, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study concludes that robust social support networks enhance students' health awareness and protective health behaviors. Universities should organize educational programs and drills to increase student disaster awareness and preparedness. Such training will help students better prepare for and effectively cope with disaster situations.
Optical histopathology based on the nonlabeling analysis with multiphoton excitation imaging
Authors: Matsui Takahiro
Published: December 2024

Histopathological diagnosis is the definitive method for the evaluation of disease status; however, some problems need to be solved, such as invasiveness, time consumption, and difficulty in three‐dimensional observation. To overcome these problems, a novel observation method, distinct from conventional histology, using tissue sections and glass slides is desirable. Fluorescence imaging of human tissues with multiphoton excitation imaging (MpEI), which was originally used for intravital imaging in biological research, is a promising method. Label‐free MpEI, which requires only near‐infrared excitation, can construct images with autofluorescent signals from fresh tissues, as well as nonlinear optical phenomena. It is possible to perform real‐time three‐dimensional imaging of human tissues without any tissue removal, fixation, or staining. This method has been reported to be useful for histopathological classification in multiple organs and tissues. Moreover, it is very compatible with quantitative image analyses, including artificial intelligence. Based on these characteristics, label‐free MpEI has sufficient potential for clinical applications such as in endoscopy and intraoperative rapid diagnosis. The clinical application of label‐free MpEI will bring changes not only to histopathology examination but also the clinical bedside and will contribute to the further development of histopathology.
The Survey of Neonates in Pomerania: Design, Recruitment and Follow‐Up of the Second Cohort, 2013–2017
Authors: Heckmann Matthias , Bruer Felicitas , Allenberg Heike , Göpel Wolfgang , Zygmunt Marek , Ittermann Till , Lange Anja
Published: December 2024

Background

The Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP) is a birth cohort study conducted in Western Pomerania, Germany. SNiP‐I recruited participants at birth between the years 2002 and 2008 (5801 inclusions). Since SNiP‐I, population sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of early exposures, including overweight and gestational diabetes (GDM), have changed.

Objectives

To establish a second birth cohort (SNiP‐II) in the same study area as the first population sample (SNiP‐I) a decade later to investigate changes to early life exposures.

Population: Mothers with registered principal residence in the defined study area.

Design

Prospective, population‐based, birth cohort study.

Methods

The baseline survey of SNiP‐II was conducted at birth between 2013 and 2017. The SNiP‐I data set, on medical, epidemiological and socioeconomic data, associated health risk factors and the living conditions of newborns and their parents, and collection and storage of biomaterials, was improved and supplemented with additional data, including fetal growth parameters, urine samples, and maternal DNA. A follow‐up survey of SNiP‐II of children and their parents was conducted using questionnaires at 5–6 years of age. In a subgroup, an additional 2‐h follow‐up with clinical testing was performed by the German Neonatal Network (GNN).

Preliminary Results

The baseline survey database includes 3502 mother–infant pairs, and 1194 (34%) participated in the SNiP‐II follow‐up study, with 401 in the clinical sub‐study by GNN. Mothers in SNiP‐II were older, more likely to have GDM and to be overweight, had better SES and smoked less during pregnancy than mothers in SNiP‐I. Newborns in SNiP‐II were less likely to be hospitalised than those in SNiP‐I.

Conclusions

Compared with SNiP‐I, SNiP‐II documents changes in the prevalence of early exposures during the prenatal and perinatal period. Using data from these prospective birth cohorts provides an opportunity to address research questions on how changes in exposures during pregnancy affect maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Renegotiating domesticity in the making of homestays in Atauro, Timor‐Leste
Authors: Silva Kelly , Pedrosa Maria Luiza Vietes
Published: December 2024

This paper explores emerging domesticities in Atauro, Timor‐Leste, in relation to efforts to make homestays available for potential tourists. In exploring these new domesticities, we elucidate the ‘civilising process’ that is happening in terms of the ways in which people consider hygiene, diet, and their relationship with non‐human animals. In addition, the advent of potential tourism engenders the emergence of a new trend in domestic architecture. At the same time, this raising of homestays has intensified the workload of especially younger women, preventing them from taking part in collective activities and agriculture, which makes them more dependent on the market economy. Our analysis of these processes points to the heuristic potential of intersectional analysis to better understand development dynamics in contemporary Timor‐Leste.
Desafíos de la escritura académica en jóvenes investigadores indígenas
Authors: Franco Jésica
Published: December 2024

Los discursos y las actuales políticas educativas de inclusión en Latinoamérica siguen alineándose con la visión hegemónica que ha predominado en los estudios lingüísticos y que, desde una perspectiva cognitiva, perciben la lectura y la escritura como técnicas o procesos neutros y descontextualizados. En este sentido, la emergencia de indagaciones críticas pone de relieve la necesidad de reestructurar y descolonizar los marcos teóricos y metodológicos que han prevalecido en las indagaciones sobre literacidades académicas. Consecuentemente, la presente investigación busca conocer los desafíos en las experiencias de apropiación de la escritura académica entre jóvenes investigadores de comunidades indígenas, desde una perspectiva que articula los estudios críticos de literacidades académicas y los estudios interculturales. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad con tres jóvenes indígenas mexicanos que se desempeñan como investigadores en el ámbito de la educación. Las narrativas se analizaron considerando sus trayectorias familiares, académicas y de investigación en relación con sus experiencias de escritura académica. Los resultados subrayan que su identidad cultural influye en la construcción de su identidad académica, lo cual les permite reflexionar y comprender la escritura dentro de las dinámicas de poder y los compromisos ético-políticos inherentes a su labor en los espacios académicos.
“Me sentía doble analfabeta”. Trayectorias letradas digitales de estudiantes indígenas
Authors: López-Gil Karen
Published: December 2024

Desde perspectivas críticas de la literacidad, la universidad está en la obligación de cuestionar las relaciones de poder, las desigualdades y tensiones que experimentan los estudiantes tradicionalmente excluidos en las prácticas discursivas académicas. La omnipresencia de las TIC, en un escenario pospandemia, lleva a preguntarse por el papel de lo digital en la configuración de las prácticas letradas de grupos minoritarios. Esta investigación buscó identificar los vínculos y tensiones entre las trayectorias letradas digitales y la apropiación de prácticas de literacidad académica de estudiantes indígenas universitarios. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un diseño etnográfico, apoyado en la indagación narrativa, con cuatro estudiantes de un programa de formación docente en lenguaje. La información se recolectó mediante tecnobiografías, entrevistas en profundidad y observación participante. Se encontró que las participantes tenían un acercamiento incipiente a las tecnologías digitales y que percibían como muy distantes las dinámicas de lectura y escritura en línea. Los apoyos institucionales establecen pocos diálogos entre las trayectorias y las exigencias académicas, promoviendo un “ajuste” unidireccional. Se identifica así una doble deuda educativa, escritural y tecnológica, por lo que es urgente revisar las políticas institucionales desde una mirada intercultural, y reconceptualizar las literacidades académicas en el giro digital.
Circuit models for thermoviscous acoustics in waveguides of various cross sections via continued fractions
Authors: Christensen René
Published: December 2024

Thermal and viscous losses are crucial for accurate representation of wave propagation in small conduits. Analytical expressions exist for the series and shunt immitances representing the transmission line characteristics of thermoviscous acoustics in one-dimensional tubes of certain cross sections, and for a subset of these cases, circuit models with constant and positive component values can approximate these generally nonrational solutions. A continued fraction approach introduced previously for the circular cross section has been applied, here, to the slit and equilateral triangular cross-section cases with the same canonical forms and constant and positive component values for the series and shunt immitances. The resulting networks can be used for steady-state and time-dependent calculations due to their passivity and rational nature and are easily expanded to cover any desired frequency range.
Redeveloping Expertise in the Transition From Coach to Coach Education Tutor
Authors: Stephens David , Stodter Anna , Timmis Matthew
Published: December 2024

The role of the tutor in delivering formal coach education is critical in understanding the professional preparation of sport coaches. The recruitment, development, and retention of tutors with expertise is crucial to organisational success and has personal and professional implications for career transitions in coaching. This study focuses on teaching and learning experiences during the initial tutor training of novice coach education tutors from a national sport governing body in the United Kingdom. Grenier and Kehrhahn’s Model of Expertise Redevelopment is utilised as a theoretical tool to aid understanding of the transition from coaching to tutoring. Data were collected through document analysis, observations during and after initial tutor training and subsequent live delivery of courses, and follow-up semistructured interviews with nine tutors. The themes highlighted the need to acquire specific knowledge of the content, the role of others in the development of expertise, the use of situated learning as a catalyst for redevelopment, and the eagerness to establish their future learning pathway. The findings suggest that each territory of expertise (i.e., content, constituency and environment) did not remain stable when transitioning to the new domain of coach education tutoring and implications for future tutor training are provided.
A quantitative PCR to detect non-toxigenic
Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Begum Khurshida , Chua Hubert C. , Alam M. Jahangir , Garey Kevin W. , Jo Jinhee
Published: December 2024

Clostridioides difficile
species lacking toxin genes (non-toxigenic
C. difficile
or NTCD) may confer protection against CDI. However, current diagnostic tests detect either toxin proteins or toxin genes and cannot detect NTCD. This study developed a molecular testing method that uniquely identified NTCD and assessed its prevalence in a clinical cohort. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed and validated using reference strains. Analytic sensitivity was determined using DNA from reference NTCD strains, and qPCR efficiency was assessed using the slope of the standard curves of DNA dilutions. A random selection of 95 clinical stool samples, tested using the GDH enzyme and toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA), was used to evaluate the prevalence of NTCD in hospitalized patients tested for CDI. The KB-1/KB-2 primers and probe designed were specific for NTCD strains and did not amplify with toxigenic
C. difficile
or other related strains. The NTCD qPCR assay analytical sensitivity was linear between 3 × 10
1
and 3 × 10
6
gDNA (
R
2
= 0.999;
P
< 0.0001). No NTCD was found in 25 GDH-EIA –/– samples compared to 5 of 25 (20%) GDH-EIA +/– samples and 2 of 23 (8.7%) GDH-EIA +/+ samples. Of samples detected with NTCD, median NTCD DNA was 33,039 (IQR: 22.449–45.688) in GDH-EIA +/– samples and 370 [IQR: 159–583] in GDH-EIA +/+ samples. The new qPCR NTCD assay identified NTCD colonization in 7% of hospitalized patients tested for CDI. This NTCD assay may have important implications for diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship as colonization with NTCD strains may offer protection against CDI.

IMPORTANCE

Current diagnostic strategies do not detect non-toxigenic
Clostridioides difficile
(NTCD) strains, which may provide protection against
C. difficile
infection (CDI). Detecting these strains is critical as it underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic treatment in patients colonized with NTCD. To better guide clinical decisions and enhance the understanding of NTCD epidemiology, molecular assays that specifically target non-coding regions unique to NTCD strains are needed. In this study, we developed and validated a qPCR assay capable of uniquely identifying NTCD strains. This innovative assay holds significant potential for applications in public health, infection control, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies related to CDI.