bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tubular biomarkers and histology in lupus nephritis
Authors: Carbayo Javier , Verdalles Úrsula , Díaz‐Crespo Francisco , Lázaro Alberto , González‐Nicolás Marian , Arroyo David , Blanco David , Redondo Victor Cristobal , García‐Gámiz Mercedes , Goicoechea Marian
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The relevance of tubulo‐interstitial involvement for kidney prognosis has recently been emphasized, but validated biomarkers for predicting histology are still lacking. The aim of our study was to evaluate different serum and urinary markers of tubular damage in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and to correlate them with kidney histopathology.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2021. Serum and urine samples were collected on the same day of kidney biopsy and correlated with histologic data from a cohort of 15 LN patients. We analyzed the following urinary markers, adjusted for urine creatinine: beta 2‐microglobulin, alpha 1‐microglobulin, NGAL, uKIM‐1, MCP‐1, uDKK‐3, and uUMOD. The serum markers sKIM‐1 and sUMOD were also analyzed.

Results

A positive and strong correlation was observed between the degree of interstitial fibrosis (rho = 0.785, p = .001) and tubular atrophy (rho = 0.781, p = .001) and the levels of uDKK3. uUMOD also showed an inverse and moderate correlation with interstitial fibrosis (rho = −0.562, p = .037) and tubular atrophy (rho = −0.694, p = .006). Patients with >10% cortical interstitial inflammation had higher levels of uKIM‐1 [4.9 (3.9, 5.5) vs. 0.8 (0.6, 1.5) mcg/mg, p = .001], MCP‐1 [3.8 (2. 3, 4.2) vs. 0.7 (0.3, 1.2) mcg/mg, p = .001], sKIM‐1 [9.2 (5.9, 32.7) vs. 1.4 (0, 3.5) pg/mL, p = .001], and lower sUMOD [8.7 (0, 39.7) vs. 46.1 (35.7, 53) ng/mL, p = .028].

Conclusion

The use of specific urinary and serum biomarkers of tubular dysfunction or injury may help to predict certain histologic parameters in LN patients.
The causal associations of inflammatory cytokines with obesity and systemic lupus erythematosus: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang An‐Fang , Zhou Ling , Xu Wang‐Dong
Published: June 2024

Objective

Previous studies have partly discussed the roles of inflammatory cytokines in obesity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the causal relationship among inflammatory cytokines, obesity, and SLE is unclear. It is challenging to comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between these variables. This study aimed to investigate the role of cytokines as intermediates between obesity and SLE.

Methods

The inverse‐variance weighted method (IVW) of mendelian randomization (MR) is mainly used to explore the causal relationship between exposure and outcome by using the genetic variation of the open large genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), namely single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to obesity (more than 600 000 participants), inflammatory cytokines (8293 healthy participants) and SLE (7219 cases). Methods such as weighted median, MR‐Egger are used to evaluate the reliability of causality. Reverse analysis is performed for each MR analysis to avoid reverse causality. Cochran's Q statistic and funnel chart are used to detect heterogeneity, MR‐Egger intercept test and leave‐one‐out sensitivity analyses evaluated pleiotropy.

Results

Obesity was associated with 25 cytokines, and 3 cytokines were associated with SLE, including CTACK (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.33, p = .002), IL‐18 (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.26, p = .027), SCGFb (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.99, p = .044). In the opposite direction, SLE was associated with 18 cytokines, and 2 cytokines were associated with obesity, including IP‐10 (βIVW = −.03, 95% CI: −0.05, −0.01, p = .002), MIP‐1B (βIVW = −.03, 95% CI: −0.05, −0.01, p = .004).

Conclusion

Our MR study suggested that CTACK, IL‐18 and SCGFb may play an intermediary role in obesity to SLE, while IP‐10 and MIP‐1B may play an intermediary role in SLE to obesity.
A novel senolytic drug for pulmonary fibrosis: BTSA1 targets apoptosis of senescent myofibroblasts by activating BAX
Authors: Shen Mengxia , Fu Jiafeng , Zhang Yunna , Chang Yanfen , Li Xiaohong , Cheng Haipeng , Qiu Yujia , Shao Min , Han Yang , Zhou Yan , Luo Ziqiang
Published: June 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and age‐related disease that results from impaired lung repair following injury. Targeting senescent myofibroblasts with senolytic drugs attenuates pulmonary fibrosis, revealing a detrimental role of these cells in pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the occurrence and persistence of senescent myofibroblasts in fibrotic lung tissue require further clarification. In this study, we demonstrated that senescent myofibroblasts are resistant to apoptosis by upregulating the proapoptotic protein BAX and antiapoptotic protein BCL‐2 and BCL‐XL, leading to BAX inactivation. We further showed that high levels of inactive BAX‐mediated minority mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (minority MOMP) promoted DNA damage and myofibroblasts senescence after insult by a sublethal stimulus. Intervention of minority MOMP via the inhibition of caspase activity by quinolyl‐valyl‐O‐methylaspartyl‐[2,6‐difluorophenoxy]‐methyl ketone (QVD‐OPH) or BAX knockdown significantly reduced DNA damage and ultimately delayed the progression of senescence. Moreover, the BAX activator BTSA1 selectively promoted the apoptosis of senescent myofibroblasts, as BTSA1‐activated BAX converted minority MOMP to complete MOMP while not injuring other cells with low levels of BAX. Furthermore, therapeutic activation of BAX with BTSA1 effectively reduced the number of senescent myofibroblasts in the lung tissue and alleviated both reversible and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. These findings advance the understanding of apoptosis resistance and cellular senescence mechanisms in senescent myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis and demonstrate a novel senolytic drug for pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
The relative importance of precipitation change and temperature sensitivity in determining the population viability of a threatened sub‐tropical rainforest endemic plant Triunia robusta (Proteaceae)
Authors: Shimizu Yoko , Accad Arnon , Shapcott Alison
Published: June 2024

Threatened species in rainforests may be vulnerable to climate change, because of their potentially narrow thermal tolerances, small population sizes, restricted distributions and limited dispersal. We investigated the relative influence of potential climate change on the population viability of Triunia robusta (Proteaceae), an endangered rainforest shrub endemic to southeast Queensland, Australia. A spatially explicit, stochastic population model with seven stage classes was developed and linked with the species distribution model (SDM) to explore a variety of hypothetical climate change simulations over a 90‐year period from 2010 to 2100: (1) constant population dynamics, (2) changes in habitat distributions as trend in carrying capacity and (3) changes in habitat distributions, precipitation and temperature regime as relative change in seedling survival and fecundity. The results revealed high vulnerability of small populations to local extinction regardless of geographical location or climatic stressors, while some larger populations located in the southern end of the species distribution range showed persistence in‐situ. Triunia robusta was found to be sensitive to reduced precipitation and increased temperature, limiting the species reproductive activities and seedling establishment and reducing the overall abundance consequently. Integration of population models and SDM allowed for the evaluation of multiple climatic stressors that may affect habitat distributions and population dynamics of T. robusta and ultimately suggest potential implications for future conservation and management planning with respect to climate change.
The termitaria terminator: Can Actinobolus beetles affect the relationships between termitaria and related fauna in the Brazilian Cerrado?
Authors: de Lima Luis Felipe Carvalho , Brandão Reuber Albuquerque
Published: June 2024

Termites are key components of tropical ecosystems, particularly in the Cerrado biome, where they dominate animal biomass and play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil formation. Their abundance and nutritional value make them primary food sources for various Cerrado animals, influencing predator diversity and several ecological interactions. Additionally, termite mounds serve as essential shelters for a wide range of fauna, aiding in thermoregulation and providing refuge from harsh environmental conditions, including wildfires. In this scenario, termitaria survival, diversity, and availability have several effects on the Cerrado fauna ecology. We present novel insights into the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termite mounds in the Cerrado. Our field observations revealed Actinobolus beetles utilizing termite mounds for feeding and reproduction in several localities of Cerrado. These beetles access the inner portion of the termitaria, where the colony nest is located and protected by the termitaria's harder external layer and their larvae consume the termite nest structure. Actinobolus attack leads to partial or complete destruction of the colony and the creation of large hollows inside the mounds, causing deep changes in its structure. Despite the defensive mechanisms of termites, Actinobolus larvae thrive within the nest and likely ingest termites’ eggs, nymphae and adults. Furthermore, we found that the Actinobolus capsule are made of faecal pellets, instead of termitaria debris. We suggest that the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termitaria impacts the role of termitaria in providing microclimate regulation, food and shelter for Cerrado fauna, likely having poorly understood effects on the conservation and management of Cerrado ecosystems.
Testicular histomorphometric patterns and spermatogenesis dynamics of Oecomys bicolor tomes, 1860 (Rodentia: Cricetidae)
Authors: Martins Ana Luiza Pereira , Dias Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro , Oliveira Elizabeth Lopes , Rodrigues Grasielle Avelar Vieira , de Avelar Gleide Fernandes , de Melo Fabiana Cristina Silveira Alves , Costa Kyvia Lugate Cardoso , da Matta Sérgio Luis Pinto
Published: June 2024

Although the order Rodentia does not present a high risk of extinction compared to mammals as a whole, several families demonstrate high levels of threat and/or data deficiency, therefore highlighting the need for targeted research and the application of ecological and reproductive data to the development of conservation actions. The order Rodentia, the largest among mammals, includes 9 families, and the family Cricetidae is the most diverse of the Brazilian rodents. In Brazil, 12 of the 16 genera of Oecomys are found. Oecomys bicolor is known in Brazil as the ‘arboreal rat’ and is, found in dry, deciduous and tropical forests. The mean body weight of Oecomys bicolor was 35.8 g and the gonadal, tubular and epithelial somatic indexes were, 0.53%, 0.47% and 0.37%, respectively. Seminiferous tubules volume density was 89.72% and the mitotic and meiotic indexes corresponded to 8.59 and 2.45 cells, respectively, and the yield of spermatogenesis was 23.83 cells. The intertubular compartment represented 10.28% of the testis parenchyma and around 5% of the interstitial space was occupied by Leydig cells, whose number per gram of testis was 11.10 × 107 cells. By evaluating the biometric and histomorphometric characteristics of the testis, there is evidence that this species has a high investment in reproduction. Due to the high contribution of the seminiferous epithelium and the intertubular compartment in this species, compared to the others of the same family, it is possible to infer that the species Oecomys bicolor has a promiscuous reproductive behaviour.
Histology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of cornea of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus)
Authors: Barhaiya Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Pawan
Published: June 2024

A comprehensive light and ultrastructural examination of the cornea in Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) revealed four distinct layers: the anterior epithelium, corneal stroma, Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Although Bowman's layer was not distinctly identified through histology, histochemical analysis indicated the presence of a rudimentary Bowman's layer, possibly vestigial from evolution. Scanning electron microscopy of the outer corneal surface unveiled two cell types, characterized by micro‐projections, with light cells exhibiting shorter, thicker projections compared to dark cells. Examination of the inner surface via scanning electron microscopy demonstrated an endothelial layer devoid of cilia and microvilli, yet faint round to oval elevations were observed, potentially representing cell nuclei. Transmission electron microscopy unveiled that basal cells of the anterior epithelium closely adhered to the basement membrane, featuring half desmosomes along the basal surface. These basal cells extensively interconnected through interdigitations and a few desmosomes. The superficial cell layer consisted of a few rows of closely attached flat cells, forming a leak‐proof layer with zona occludens. The outermost cells of this layer displayed fine projections to enhance the surface area, facilitating tear film distribution. At lower magnification, Transmission electron microscopy of the corneal stroma revealed alternating light and dark bands, with light bands representing transverse sections of collagen fibril lamellae and dark bands corresponding to longitudinal or oblique sections. Spindle‐shaped keratocytes (fibroblasts) were identified as the primary stromal cells, intermingled between the lamellae, and featured long processes in close contact with neighbouring keratocytes. Overall, the histomorphology of the pig cornea resembles that of the human cornea except indistinct Bowman's membrane. This detailed understanding of the normal corneal structure in pigs hold great significance for biomedical research, providing a valuable reference for studies involving this animal model.
Noradrenaline‐induced changes in cerebral blood flow in health, traumatic brain injury and critical illness: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Meng Lingzhong , Sun Yanhua , Zhao Xu , Rasmussen Mads , Al‐Tarshan Yazan , Meng Deyi M. , Liu Ziyue , Adams David C. , McDonagh David L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Noradrenaline is a standard treatment for hypotension in acute care. The precise effects of noradrenaline on cerebral blood flow in health and disease remain unclear.

Methods

We systematically reviewed and synthesised data from studies examining changes in cerebral blood flow in healthy participants and patients with traumatic brain injury and critical illness.

Results

Twenty‐eight eligible studies were included. In healthy subjects and patients without critical illness or traumatic brain injury, noradrenaline did not significantly change cerebral blood flow velocity (‐1.7%, 95%CI ‐4.7–1.3%) despite a 24.1% (95%CI 19.4–28.7%) increase in mean arterial pressure. In patients with traumatic brain injury, noradrenaline significantly increased cerebral blood flow velocity (21.5%, 95%CI 11.0–32.0%), along with a 33.8% (95%CI 14.7–52.9%) increase in mean arterial pressure. In patients who were critically ill, noradrenaline significantly increased cerebral blood flow velocity (20.0%, 95%CI 9.7–30.3%), along with a 32.4% (95%CI 25.0–39.9%) increase in mean arterial pressure. Our analyses suggest intact cerebral autoregulation in healthy subjects and patients without critical illness or traumatic brain injury., and impaired cerebral autoregulation in patients with traumatic brain injury and who were critically ill. The extent of mean arterial pressure changes and the pre‐treatment blood pressure levels may affect the magnitude of cerebral blood flow changes. Studies assessing cerebral blood flow using non‐transcranial Doppler methods were inadequate and heterogeneous in enabling meaningful meta‐analysis.

Conclusions

Noradrenaline significantly increases cerebral blood flow in humans with impaired, not intact, cerebral autoregulation, with the extent of changes related to the severity of functional impairment, the extent of mean arterial pressure changes and pre‐treatment blood pressure levels.
A pharmacovigilance study of drug‐reduced male semen quality based on the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system database
Authors: Tan Haowen , Luo Luping , Li Wenjun , Lan Weiwei , Chen Ying , Huang Guili , Yang Jia , Xi Xin
Published: June 2024

Background

Real‐world big data studies on drug‐reduced male semen quality are few and far between, with most studies based on animal trials, small scale retrospective studies, or a limited number of pre‐market clinical trials.

Methods

This study aimed to identify culprit drugs that reduced male semen quality based on the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities preferred terms and standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities queries were used to define reduced male semen quality. Adverse events related to drug‐reduced male semen quality were then analyzed by disproportionality analysis using the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system data between 2004 and 2023.

Results

At the preferred term level, 59 drugs with risk signals were detected to be associated with drug‐reduced male semen quality, with the three most frequently reported second‐level Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical groups being antineoplastic agents (n = 16, 27.12%), psychoanaleptics (n = 9, 15.25%), and psycholeptics (n = 6, 10.17%). At the standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities queries level, the five drugs with the greatest number of cases were finasteride (845 cases, IC025 = 7.72), dutasteride (163 cases, IC025 = 7.22), tamsulosin (148 cases, IC025 = 5.99), testosterone (101 cases, IC025 = 4.08), and valproic acid (54 cases, IC025 = 2.44). Additionally, clinical information about drug‐reduced male semen quality is absent from the Summary of Product Characteristics of 41 drugs in our study.

Conclusions

Using the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system database, we offer a list of drugs with risk signals for reducing male semen quality. In the future, there is still a need for more studies on drugs whose effects on male semen quality are not fully understood.
Enriching Carbon: Surplus Value Creation and Capture on the Voluntary Carbon Markets
Authors: Lock Will
Published: June 2024

This article examines the creation and capture of surplus value in the voluntary carbon markets to show the importance of narratives and networks in justifying price. Rather than a push towards commensurability in carbon markets, it points to the emergence of profitable business models based on the enrichment of credits. Enrichment focuses not on processes of standardisation associated with commodity production, but on the creation of difference, uniqueness, and provenance. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and the marketing of a REDD+ project in San Martín, Peru, the article argues that the creation of surplus value in the voluntary market lies chiefly in the ability of vendors to create, manage, and sell narratives. A focus on the enrichment of carbon‐as‐an‐asset thus shows that narratives and networks go beyond performativity but are central to value construction, privileging certain actors and forms of labour and highlighting emerging forms of exploitation in green markets.
The early and rapid response to daratumumab in children with chronic refractory immune thrombocytopenia from a referral single centre of China
Authors: Hu Yu , Wang Zhifa , Ma Jingyao , Wang Nan , Meng Jinxi , Dong Shuyue , Chen Zhenping , Cheng Xiaoling , Wu Runhui
Published: June 2024

Chronic refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia (CRITP) is currently defined as refractory to multiple therapeutic of second‐line agents with or without splenectomy, faced with the threat of severe bleeding and challenging to obtain effective treatment. Although stable and effective drug therapy is needed, it is tough to find one. Daratumumab (Dara), an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody presented the target cloned plasma cells in multiple myeloma, has also been reported to be effective in refractory autoimmune cytopenia in some case or series reports and ongoing clinical trials for adult patients with CRITP. Here, we report the early and durable response of Dara combination with avatrombopag in three CRITP patients (2 male and 1 female aged 12, 5 and 7 years, respectively) in our centre, with a follow‐up period of more than 25 weeks. Before Dara, the duration of immune thrombocytopenia was 9, 1.4 and 4 years, respectively, a baseline platelet count of 4, 6, 9 × 109/L, the bleeding score was all above level 2 and the number of previous drugs was >3. The time to response (R: Plt ≥30 × 109/L with at least a twofold increase in the baseline count) of Dara was on Day 45, 6 and 4 and achieved complete response (CR: Plt ≥100 × 109/L) on Day 51, 6 and 8, the sustained response (SR: Plt >30 × 109/L following Dara at ≥75% of the platelet count assessment at follow‐up end‐point since the patient achieved response) was 48, 175 and 204 days with the follow‐up time of 39.1, 25.9 and 29.7 weeks. The bleeding score decreased from grade 3 to grade 0 during follow‐up. No significant treatment‐related adverse events were found during follow‐up. Dara combination with avatrombopag may be a safe and efficacious therapy for children with CRITP, but it needs to be further explored.
Peripheral Autonomy in a Multipolar Order: Latin American Reactions to the War in Ukraine
Authors: Castro Alegría Rafael F. , García Pinzón Viviana
Published: June 2024

The heterogeneity of Latin American stands regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has puzzled observers in Europe and the United States. Different explanations have been offered to account for the seemingly paradoxical willingness of Latin Americans to oppose the invasion when voting for United Nations resolutions, but then to refrain from condemning it discursively and to directly refuse requests to supply arms to Ukraine. This article aims to document the response of Latin American countries to the war and to assess the factors underpinning it. We show how predominant explanations fell short of providing an adequate account and argue that the region's reaction to the war can be better understood as a pursuit of peripheral autonomy. Our study is structured as a congruence analysis, based on an eclectic array of theoretical and conceptual explanations and a corpus of qualitative and quantitative information.
Prestoea palm flower visitors and potential pollinators in the Andean–Amazonian Piedmont Forest of Ecuador
Authors: Ayala González Jholaus , de Medeiros Bruno A. S. , Peñuela Mora María Cristina
Published: June 2024

The palms Prestoea acuminata and P. schultzeana are found at altitudes between 800 and 2600 m asl. and 200 and 1300 m asl., respectively. Although they are important components in the dynamics of the Andean–Amazon transition forest, and are used by local communities, there is not enough biological information that explain their strategies for reproductive dynamics and its conservation. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of these species we studied the diversity of flower visitors and pollinators of each one, the differences between the pistillate and staminate phases and the species shared between them. The study was carried out in the Piedmont evergreen forest and the Napo low evergreen forest of Ecuador. We collected 15 inflorescences of P. acuminata and 9 of P. schultzeana. We then divided the flower visitors into morphospecies and counted, photographed and identified them to the best possible taxonomic level. We counted 10,123 flower visitors from 82 morphospecies in P. acuminata and 1192 from 42 morphospecies in P. schultzeana. Based on abundance and frequency of morphospecies, and observations of pollen in the pistillate phase, we found six potential pollinators in P. acuminata, all Coleoptera, and five in P. schultzeana, three Coleoptera and two Diptera, suggesting the cantharophily syndrome of the former and the myophily of the latter. The palm species shared only one morphospecies of Aleocharinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), showing that flower visitors are very specific to each palm and their importance in maintaining insect diversity in these forests.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
MicroRNA‐3061 downregulates the expression of PAX7/Wnt/Ca2+ signalling axis genes to induce premature ovarian failure in mice
Authors: Liu Te , Wen Yichao , Cui Zeyu , Chen Haiyang , Lin Jiajia , Xu Jianghong , Chen Danping , Zhu Ying , Yu Zhihua , Wang Chunxia , Zhang Bimeng
Published: June 2024

The in‐depth mechanisms of microRNA regulation of premature ovarian failure (POF) remain unclear. Crispr‐cas9 technology was used to construct transgenic mice. The qPCR and Western blot was used to detect the expression level of genes. H&E staining were used to detect ovarian pathological phenotypes. We found that the expression levels of microRNA‐3061 were significantly higher in ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) of POF mouse models than in controls. The miR‐3061+/−/AMH‐Cre+/− transgenic mice manifested symptoms of POF. RNA‐Seq and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the PAX7 was one of the target genes negatively regulated by microRNA‐3061 (miR‐3061–5p). Moreover, PAX7 mediated the expression of non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signalling pathway by binding to the motifs of promoters to stimulate the transcriptional activation of Wnt5a and CamK2a. In contrast, specific knock‐in of microRNA‐3061 in OGCs significantly downregulated the expression levels of PAX7 and inhibited the expression of downstream Wnt/Ca2+ signalling pathway. We also discerned a correlation between the expression levels of mRNAs of the Wnt/Ca2+ signalling pathway and the levels of E2 and FSH in POF patients by examining gene expression in the follicular fluid‐derived exosomes of women. We confirmed that overexpression of microRNA‐3061 induced proliferative inhibition of OGCs and ultimately induced POF in mice by suppressing the transcription factor PAX7 and downregulating expression levels of its downstream Wnt/Ca2+ signalling pathway genes.
A case of diagnostic uncertainty: High‐grade melanocytoma versus balloon cell melanoma in a pediatric patient
Authors: Shimshak Serena , Sokumbi Olayemi , Guo Ruifeng , Davis Dawn Marie R. , Geiersbach Katherine B. , Comfere Nneka I.
Published: June 2024

An 11‐year‐old female was referred from an outside institution after a diagnostic biopsy and subsequent excision of a progressively enlarging reddish‐brown nodule demonstrated features concerning for a balloon cell nevus with severe atypia versus a high‐grade melanocytoma. Upon review of the initial biopsy specimen and molecular data, we favored the diagnosis to be consistent with a high‐grade melanocytoma with balloon cell changes while considering the possibility of balloon cell melanoma due to concerning histopathologic and genetic abnormalities. In this case study, we discuss critical diagnostic considerations in this rare pediatric case and highlight important pathologic and clinical features of melanocytomas and balloon cell melanoma.
Simple and rapid flow cytometry assay for the detection of malignant epithelial cells in body fluids
Authors: Ramalingam Thulasi Raman , Mani Sandeep , Narla Swetha , Lakshmanan Archana , Muthu Anurekha , Nk Harsha Rasheed , Mohanraj Selvaraj , Ramachandran Ellapan Dharma , Subramanyam Annapurneswari , Vaidhyanathan Lakshman
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Morphology is routinely used for detecting malignant cells in body fluids, but it has limitations. Recently, flow cytometry (FCM) is used as an effective tool for studying non‐haematological malignancies. The main objective of this study is to standardize a simple and rapid FCM test for the detection of malignant epithelial cells in body fluids.

Materials and Methods

Body fluids that had been processed for cytology/cytology and FCM were enrolled in this prospective study. We developed a fluorescent‐labelled, monoclonal antibody panel composed of cell surface markers for this FCM assay. We compared the results of cytology/cell block and FCM.

Results

A total of 121 fluid samples were studied. Comparing the diagnostic performance of cytology/cell block and FCM, 52 (43%) cases were positive and 60 (49.5%) cases were negative for carcinoma cells by both techniques. Nine cases showed discordant results between the two techniques. Six cases were cytology+ but FCM‐ and three cases were FCM+ cytology‐. Clustered Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM)‐positive events with high scatter properties were definitive for positive diagnosis by FCM. We studied PD‐L1 expression in 13 cases by FCM. Six cases were reported as false negative by this FCM assay due to hypocellularity and lack of EpCAM expression in malignant cells.

Conclusions

This FCM assay is simple, easier and cost‐effective yielding sensitive results with no inter‐observer variability. FCM would become a valuable tool to complement routine diagnostic cytology and reduces misdiagnosis.
A positive yet complicated case of gender‐based violence coordination: a qualitative study of Lebanon's protracted humanitarian emergency, 2012–22
Authors: Raftery Philomena , Usta Jinan , Hossain Mazeda , Palmer Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Gender‐based violence (GBV), a global health and human rights concern, often intensifies during emergencies. This paper explores the evolution of GBV coordination in Lebanon's protracted Syrian refugee crisis from 2012–22. Utilising 38 in‐depth interviews and a document review, the findings were analysed using the framework for effective GBV coordination. Lebanon provides a positive yet complicated example of GBV coordination. Initially established to address the refugee crisis, it matured into a collaborative national coordination mechanism, fostering trust and advancing localisation amidst sectarian complexities. However, the volatile, restrictive policy context hindered government co‐leadership and engagement with refugee‐led organisations. While essential GBV response services were expanded nationwide, lack of an interagency strategy on GBV risk mitigation and prevention compromised lasting change. The paper emphasises the importance of dedicated GBV coordinators, multi‐year funding, and increased attention to GBV prevention. The findings underscore the transformative potential of humanitarian responses and advocate for enhanced engagement with national stakeholders to promote sustainability in protracted crises.
Macroecological patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity vary between ground and arboreal assemblages in Neotropical savanna ants
Authors: Neves Karen C. , Andersen Alan N. , Schultz Ted R. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: June 2024

Macroscale environmental gradients can have contrasting effects on organisms that occupy different vertical niches, but we have little understanding of how this might result in different macroscale diversity patterns in ground and arboreal communities. We also have little understanding of how different dimensions of diversity, such as functional and phylogenetic diversity, vary along macroscale environmental gradients. Here we examine latitudinal and elevational patterns of different dimensions of diversity for both ground and arboreal assemblages in Neotropical savanna ants. The study was based on ant species occurring at 32 sites covering a 22° range of latitude and > 1000 m range in elevation in Brazil. Functional and phylogenetic richness were positively correlated with species richness, all increasing with latitude. However, the greater phylogenetic richness on the ground than in trees did not simply reflect differences in species richness. The mean functional and phylogenetic divergence among species was also greater on the ground than in trees, indicating a stronger role of competition. Both mean functional and phylogenetic divergence showed negative correlations with elevation in trees but not on the ground. In trees, the standardized effect size (taking into account differences in species richness) of mean functional divergence was negatively related to elevation and mean phylogenetic divergence was negatively related to both latitude and elevation. These findings suggest that as temperature decreases the relative importance of environmental filtering in arboreal but not ground communities increases (and that of competition and niche partitioning decreases). Overall, we show that the macroecological patterns of ant species richness that have previously been reported for Brazilian savannas do not adequately represent other dimensions of diversity, and that the representativeness differs between vertical strata. Macroecological patterns of functional and phylogenetic divergence indicate that the relative importance of competition and environmental filtering also differs between vertical strata.
Excess prevalence of preexisting chronic conditions in older adults with incident epilepsy
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. , Fein Hannah L. , Vu Long , Bensken Wyatt P. , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Sajatovic Martha , Ghearing Gena R. , Warner David F.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Prior studies have examined chronic conditions in older adults with prevalent epilepsy, but rarely among those with incident epilepsy. Identifying the chronic conditions with which older adults present at epilepsy incidence assists with the evaluation of disease burden in this patient population and informs coordinated care development. The aim of this study was to identify preexisting chronic conditions with excess prevalence in older adults with incident epilepsy compared to those without.

Methods

Using a random sample of 4 999 999 fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries aged >65 years, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of epilepsy incidence in 2019. Non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic beneficiaries were oversampled. We identified preexisting chronic conditions from the 2016–2018 Medicare Beneficiary Summary Files and compared chronic condition prevalence between Medicare beneficiaries with and without incident epilepsy in 2019. We characterized variations in preexisting excess chronic condition prevalence by age, sex, and race/ethnicity, adjusting for the racial/ethnic oversampling.

Results

We observed excess prevalence of most preexisting chronic conditions in beneficiaries with incident epilepsy (n = 20 545, weighted n = 19 631). For stroke, for example, the adjusted prevalence rate ratio (APRR) was 4.82 (99% CI:4.60, 5.04), meaning that, compared to those without epilepsy, beneficiaries with incident epilepsy in 2019 had 4.82 times the stroke prevalence. Similarly, beneficiaries with incident epilepsy had a higher prevalence rate for preexisting neurological conditions (APRR = 3.17, 99% CI = 3.08–3.27), substance use disorders (APRR = 3.00, 99% CI = 2.81–3.19), and psychiatric disorders (APRR = 1.98, 99% CI = 1.94–2.01). For most documented chronic conditions, excess prevalence among beneficiaries with incident epilepsy in 2019 was larger for younger age groups compared to older age groups, and for Hispanic beneficiaries compared to both non‐Hispanic White and non‐Hispanic Black beneficiaries.

Significance

Compared to epilepsy‐free Medicare beneficiaries, those with incident epilepsy in 2019 had a higher prevalence of most preexisting chronic conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of health promotion and prevention, multidisciplinary care, and elucidating shared pathophysiology to identify opportunities for prevention.
Review on machine learning techniques for the assessment of the fatigue response of additively manufactured metal parts
Authors: Centola Alessio , Tridello Andrea , Ciampaglia Alberto , Berto Filippo , Paolino Davide Salvatore
Published: June 2024

The present review paper addresses the increasing interest in the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms in the assessment of the fatigue response of additively manufactured (AM) metal alloys. This review aims to systematically collect, categorize, and analyze relevant research papers in this domain. The most commonly used ML algorithms are presented, discussing their specific relevance to the fatigue modeling of AM metal alloys. A detailed analysis of the most relevant input features used in the literature to predict the main parameters related to the fatigue response is provided. Each work has been analyzed to highlight its strengths and peculiarities, thereby offering insights into novel methodologies and approaches for addressing critical challenges within this field. Particular attention is dedicated to the role of defects and the related size‐effect, as they strongly influence the fatigue response. In conclusion, this review not only synthesizes existing knowledge but also offers forward‐looking recommendations for future research directions, providing a valuable resource for researchers in the domain of ML‐assisted fatigue assessment for AM metal alloys.
The impact of aragonite saturation variability on shelled pteropods: An attribution study in the California Current System
Authors: Hofmann Elizondo Urs , Vogt Meike , Bednaršek Nina , Münnich Matthias , Gruber Nicolas
Published: June 2024

Observations from the California Current System (CalCS) indicate that the long‐term trend in ocean acidification (OA) and the naturally occurring corrosive conditions for the CaCO3 mineral aragonite (saturation state Ω < 1) have a damaging effect on shelled pteropods, a keystone group of calcifying organisms in the CalCS. Concern is heightened by recent findings suggesting that shell formation and developmental progress are already impacted when Ω falls below 1.5. Here, we quantify the impact of low Ω conditions on pteropods using an individual‐based model (IBM) with life‐stage‐specific mortality, growth, and behavior in a high‐resolution regional hindcast simulation of the CalCS between 1984 and 2019. Special attention is paid to attributing this impact to different processes that lead to such low Ω conditions, namely natural variability, long‐term trend, and extreme events. We find that much of the observed damage in the CalCS, and specifically >70% of the shell CaCO3 loss, is due to the pteropods' exposure to naturally occurring low Ω conditions as a result of their diel vertical migration (DVM). Over the hindcast period, their exposure to damaging waters (Ω < 1.5) increases from 9% to 49%, doubling their shell CaCO3 loss, and increasing their mortality by ~40%. Most of this increased exposure is due to the shoaling of low Ω waters driven by the long‐term trend in OA. Extreme OA events amplify this increase by ~40%. Our approach can quantify the health of pteropod populations under shifting environmental conditions, and attribute changes in fitness or population structure to changes in the stressor landscape across hierarchical time scales.
(UN)EINIG? GENERATIONEN VON SCHRIFTSTELLERINNEN IM DIALOG ÜBER DIE EMANZIPATION VON FRAUEN: HELMINA VON CHÉZY, AMALIA SCHOPPE UND AMALIE STRUVE*
Authors: Kita‐Huber Jadwiga
Published: June 2024

In addition to her literary activities, the writer Helmina von Chézy (1783–1856) was committed to the emancipation of women throughout her life. She took a public stand on women's literary activity, participated in anthology and journal projects and wrote portraits of women in various genres. Among her correspondents was Amalie Struve (1824–62), a writer of the 1848/49 revolution who was two generations younger and who came into contact with the women's rights movement in America during her exile. The article explores the extent to which Chézy's Nachlass in the Varnhagen Collection provides new insights into the emancipation of women before and immediately after the revolution. Chézy's previously unpublished portrait of Amalia Schoppe (1783–1858), who also belonged to her network, is examined more closely. To what extent can conclusions be drawn from these texts about the state of the public debate on women writers in Germany? What is innovative about their contribution? The second part deals with Amalie Struve's letters to Chézy from the time of her move to the USA. To what extent do they shed new light on Chézy as a writer of radical change as well as on Struve's emancipatory commitment? To what extent does a generational transition become clear here?
Cluster heterogeneity and efficiency of innovation network—Evidence from Shanghai and Taizhou in China
Authors: Yan Guodong , Zou Lin
Published: June 2024

There are debates about cluster heterogeneity, network structures, and innovations. The difference in the degree to which firms joined in the internal and external networks of heterogeneous clusters can affect innovation performance. There is still a lack of empirical evidence on how networks or spatial factors can differentially affect innovation efficiency due to cluster heterogeneity. China has endogenous clusters formed by small and medium‐sized firms and numerous clusters mainly based on government planning instrument, such as industrial zones and high‐tech parks. There are controversies over these planned cluster, such as insufficient firm connections and weak innovation effectiveness.Cluster innovation is a complex socio‐economic process that combines endogenous context, exogenous factors and interacts with multi‐spatial relationships. This perspective may explain the differences in which heterogeneous clusters improve efficiency. This paper draws on first‐hand data obtained from 188 questionnaires. The Lingang Equipment Manufacturing Cluster in Shanghai and the Taizhou Machine Tool Manufacturing Cluster in Zhejiang serve as examples of heterogeneous clusters. We combine the cluster's endogenous and exogenous characteristics, network size and strength of network ties, and local and non‐local innovation spaces to discuss the impact on innovation efficiency. Expecting to provide a reference for improving the innovation efficiency of heterogeneous clusters in developing economies. The results suggest that regardless of local or non‐local scales, exogenous clusters have a more pronounced effect of local network size and non‐local tie strength on innovation performance based on demand for proximity to customers and suppliers.
Minoritized mother politicians in Ireland: Subjectivities and subjectivation in the political workplace
Authors: Cullen Pauline
Published: June 2024

Minoritized mother politicians that include ethnic racialized minority Traveller (an Irish indigenous community), racialized ethnic minority women, and migrant women face considerable disadvantages as workers arising from the intersection of their maternal status, gender, racialized or migrant and class position. The experiences of minoritized mother candidates and politicians in Ireland are viewed through the lens of subjectivities providing insight into how these mother‐workers mediate identities and status positions that place them outside of, or in tension with, a predominantly white masculinist workplace. Empirical data analysis reveals how minoritized mother candidates and politicians respond in strategic ways to forces of subjectivation that may risk affirming idealized motherhood, while obscuring gendered and racialized inequalities in the political workplace. Paradoxically, motherhood seeds political ambition while acting as a material, temporal, and affective constraint, a source of invisible labor and violence in gendered and racialized ways. However, minoritized mothers' presence and representations also offer an important challenge to this white masculinist workplace.
The instrumental academic: Collegiality and the value of academic citizenship in contemporary higher education
Authors: Smith Susan , Walker David
Published: June 2024

Collegiality and the contribution to the sustenance of the academy through academic citizenship are central to commonly held conceptions of what it is to be a university. This study investigates the articulation and recognition of academic citizenship through institutional promotion criteria, including both traditional research and teaching‐focussed career pathways. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and examines promotion criteria from a sample of 55 mid‐sized universities in the UK. Findings point to a progressive shift in formal recognition of service activities associated with citizenship as part of the core academic workload. Institutional service is pervasive across all academic roles and levels, student service is largely invisible, and activities associated with public service are most notably acknowledged in traditional academic roles at the professorial level. The evolving nature of expectations of citizenship necessitates a more nuanced consideration of the core dimensions of an academic role and citizenship activities to ensure equity and inclusivity in career progression.
Brazilian undergraduates' and dentists' knowledge on preventing, diagnosing and managing dentin hypersensitivity: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Mosquim Victor , Zabeu Giovanna Speranza , Jacomine Juliana Carvalho , Santin Daniella Cristo , Honório Heitor Marques , Wang Linda
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To analyse the knowledge of dental undergraduates and dentists on the prevention, diagnosis and management of dentin hypersensitivity (DH); to compare their knowledge scores; and to understand the related variables using a regression model.

Methods

An original online questionnaire investigated the attitudes, self‐reported knowledge (‘how much they thought they knew’) and real knowledge (‘how much they really knew’) of 132 students and 338 dentists. Data were analysed descriptively, both knowledge scores were compared using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and data were subjected to two multiple linear regression analyses considering real knowledge scores as the dependent variable (α < 0.05).

Results

The self‐reported knowledge on DH was higher than the real knowledge for both students and dentists, but dentists presented the highest scores. Gingival recession and acidic diet were reported as the main predisposing factors for DH by undergraduates and dentists. Students normally managed DH with dietary and hygiene instructions followed by a desensitizing agent application, while dentists managed with occlusal adjustments. The mechanism of glutaraldehyde/HEMA and bioactive fillers on DH is widely unknown by students and dentists. The majority of the questioned individuals cannot differentiate DH from sensitivity of caries or molar‐incisor hypomineralization.

Conclusion

Both students and dentists overestimate their knowledge of DH, revealing deficiencies in prevention, diagnosis and management. Students' knowledge improves towards the end of the Dentistry course, while younger dentists and PhD holders are more knowledgeable. Institutions should implement ongoing DH education for undergraduates and conduct interventions for experienced professionals, especially older ones.