bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearing Outcomes After Ossiculoplasty With Bone or Titanium Prostheses—A Nationwide Register‐Based Study
Authors: Olaison Sara , Berglund Malin , Taj Tahir , Knutsson Johan , Westman Eva , Eriksson Per Olof , Bonnard Åsa
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study compares hearing outcomes of two prosthesis materials, bone and titanium, used in ossiculoplasty.

Design

This retrospective nationwide registry‐based study uses data systematically collected by the Swedish Quality Registry for Ear Surgery (SwedEar).

Setting

The data were obtained from clinics in Sweden that perform ossiculoplasty.

Participants

Patients who underwent ossiculoplasty using either bone or titanium prostheses were registered in SwedEar between 2013 and 2019.

Main Outcome Measures

Hearing outcome expressed as air–bone gap (ABG) gain.

Results

The study found no differences between bone and titanium for ABG or air conduction (AC) for either partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP). In a comparison between PORP and TORP for ABG and AC outcomes, regardless of the material used, PORP showed a small advantage, with an additional improvement of 3.3 dB (95% CI [confidence interval], 0.1–4.4) in ABG and 2.2 dB (95% CI, 1.7–4.8) in AC. In secondary surgery using TORP, titanium produced slightly better results for high‐frequency pure tone average. The success rate, a postoperative ABG ≤20 dB, was achieved in 62% of the operations for the whole group.

Conclusion

Both bone and titanium used to reconstruct the ossicular chain produce similar hearing outcomes for both PORP and TORP procedures. However, titanium may be a preferable option for secondary surgeries involving TORP. The success rate, a postoperative ABG ≤20 dB, is consistent with other studies, but there is room for improvement in patient selection criteria and surgical techniques.
The effects of Title IX enforcement on sexual assaults on college campuses
Authors: Reilly Patrick , Williams Kamilah , Das Monica
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the impact of U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigations, prompted by the “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) in 2011, on sexual assaults in educational institutions. While previous research has primarily focused on the effects of OCR investigations on enrollments and reputation, using a potential outcome model (POM) and an event study, we analyze treatment effects across different school types, considering factors like endowments. We find the strongest treatment effect in private baccalaureate schools, underscoring the importance of school‐specific factors in understanding the role played by OCR investigations in addressing sexual assaults on campuses.
Immune responsiveness in stable kidney transplantation patients: Complete inhibition of T‐cell proliferation but residual T‐cell activity during maintenance immunosuppressive treatment
Authors: in ’t Veld Aliede E. , Eveleens Maarse Boukje C. , Juachon Maria J. , Meziyerh Soufian , de Vries Aiko P. J. , van Rijn Aline L. , Feltkamp Mariet C. W. , Moes Dirk Jan A. R. , Burggraaf Jacobus , Moerland Matthijs
Published: June 2024

The recommended immunosuppressive treatment after kidney transplantation consists of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and low‐dose corticosteroids. Drug concentrations are monitored using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which does not necessarily correlate with pharmacodynamic activity. To find the balance between optimal efficacy and minimal toxicity, it might be more informative to monitor patients' immunological status rather than drug concentrations. We selected a panel of T‐cell‐based immune assays, which were used for immunomonitoring of 14 stable kidney transplantation patients. Whole blood was incubated with a T‐cell stimulus, after which T‐cell proliferation, T‐cell activation marker expression and cytokine production were measured to study residual immune activity in vitro (before drug intake; drug added to the incubation) and ex vivo (after drug intake). T‐cell proliferation was completely suppressed in all patients over the full day, while IL‐2, IFN‐γ, CD71, and CD154 showed fluctuations over the day with a strong inhibition (75%–25%) at 2 h post‐dose. The level of inhibition was variable between patients and could not be related to pharmacokinetic parameters or the presence of regulatory or senescence immune cells. Moreover, the level of inhibition did not correlate with the in vitro tacrolimus drug effect as studied by incubating pre‐dose blood samples with additional tacrolimus. Overall, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, CD71, and CD154 seem to be good markers to monitor residual immune activity of transplantation patients. To evaluate the correlation between these pharmacodynamic biomarkers and clinical outcome, prospective observational studies are needed.
Precision medicine in Asia enhanced by next‐generation sequencing: Implications for Thailand through a scoping review and interview study
Authors: Phanthunane Chumut , Pongcharoen Sutatip , Pannarunothai Supasit , Roboon Jureepon , Phanthunane Pudtan , Nontarak Jiraluck
Published: June 2024

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) significantly enhances precision medicine (PM) by offering personalized approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of unmet medical needs. Little is known about the current situation of PM in Asia. Thus, we aimed to conduct an overview of the progress and gaps in PM in Asia and enrich it with in‐depth insight into the possibilities of future PM in Thailand. This scoping review focused on Asian countries starting with non‐cancer studies, including rare and undiagnosed diseases (RUDs), non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases (IDs), and pharmacogenomics, with a focus on NGS. Subsequent in‐depth interviews with experts in Thailand were performed, and a thematic analysis served as the main qualitative methodology. Out of 2898 searched articles, 387 studies were included after the review. Although most of the studies focused on cancer, 89 (23.0%) studies were related to RUDs (17.1%), NCDs (2.8%), IDs (1.8%), and pharmacogenomics (1.3%). Apart from medicine and related sciences, the studies were mostly composed of PM (61.8%), followed by genetics medicine and bioinformatics. Interestingly, 28% of articles were conducted exclusively within the fields of medicine and related sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration. The experts emphasized the need for sustainability‐driven political will, nurturing collaboration, reinforcing computational infrastructure, and expanding the bioinformatic workforce. In Asia, developments of NGS have made remarkable progress in PM. Thailand has extended PM beyond cancer and focused on clinical implementation. We summarized the PM challenges, including equity and efficiency targeting, guided research funding, sufficient sample size, integrated collaboration, computational infrastructure, and sufficient trained human resources.
1099. Neottia ovata (L.) Hartm.
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Raistrick Reinhild , Calevo Jacopo
Published: June 2024

Neottia ovata (twayblade) is illustrated here (t. 1099). It is a widespread, temperate Eurasian species. A detailed description is provided, with notes on cytology and habitat. Given its wide distribution and the diverse range of habitats where it occurs, its conservation status is Least Concern in Europe. Probably as a reflection of its dependence on mycorrhizal fungi for its whole life history, it is not a plant known from cultivation; it should be enjoyed as an intriguing member of our native orchid flora.
Unhealthy food, regulations, and consumer welfare: The US microwaveable popcorn market
Authors: Bauner Christoph , Mohapatra Debi Prasad , Streletskaya Nadia , Wang Emily
Published: June 2024

Due to significant health concerns, governments across the world have taken measures to regulate dietary trans fat, for example, through bans and ad‐valorem taxes. We assess the effectiveness of these two strategies and measure their ensuing welfare implications. We estimate a structural demand and supply model for the microwavable popcorn market using NielsenIQ Homescan data. Applying the recovered consumer preferences and marginal costs, we find a ban and a 35% tax result in similar levels of welfare loss and trans fat reduction. A 10% tax can still significantly reduce trans fat consumption (around 48%), while the associated consumer welfare loss is substantially smaller.
Climate change is aggravating dengue and yellow fever transmission risk
Authors: Aliaga‐Samanez Alisa , Romero David , Murray Kris , Cobos‐Mayo Marina , Segura Marina , Real Raimundo , Olivero Jesús
Published: June 2024

Dengue and yellow fever have complex cycles, involving urban and sylvatic mosquitoes, and non‐human primate hosts. To date, efforts to assess the effect of climate change on these diseases have neglected the combination of such crucial factors. Recent studies only considered urban vectors. This is the first study to include them together with sylvatic vectors and the distribution of primates to analyse the effect of climate change on these diseases. We used previously published models, based on machine learning algorithms and fuzzy logic, to identify areas where climatic favourability for the relevant transmission agents could change: 1) favourable areas for the circulation of the viruses due to the environment and to non‐human primate distributions; 2) the favourability for urban and sylvatic vectors. We obtained projections of future transmission risk for two future periods and for each disease, and implemented uncertainty analyses to test for predictions reliability. Areas currently favourable for both diseases could keep being climatically favourable, while global favourability could increase a 7% for yellow fever and a 10% increase for dengue. Areas likely to be more affected in the future for dengue include West Africa, South Asia, the Gulf of Mexico, Central America and the Amazon basin. A possible spread of dengue could take place into Europe, the Mediterranean basin, the UK and Portugal; and, in Asia, into northern China. For yellow fever, climate could become more favourable in Central and Southeast Africa; India; and in north and southeast South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. In Brazil, favourability for yellow fever will probably increase in the south, the west and the east. Areas where the transmission risk spread is consistent to the dispersal of vectors are highlighted in respect of areas where the expected spread is directly attributable to environmental changes. Both scenarios could involve different prevention strategies.
Size matters: Host‐seeking ectoparasitoid larvae prefer larger hosts, but not the largest
Authors: Zermoglio Paula F. , Crespo José E. , Martínez Gustavo A. , Castelo Marcela Karina
Published: June 2024

Koinobiont parasitoids do not prevent host development immediately after the attack, hence the quality of their resource units may vary over time. Potential advantages exist, though less clear, of choosing a host of better initial nutritional quality. We studied the effect of host nutritional quality on Mallophora ruficauda Wiedemann (Diptera: Asilidae), a solitary, koinobiont ectoparasitoid that preferentially attacks larvae of Cyclocephala signaticollis Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). In the field, lighter hosts were parasitized more often than heavier hosts, but sex did not explain parasitism patterns. Our experiments showed that parasitoid larvae did not differentially attack heavier or lighter hosts in either two‐ or four‐choice selection experiments, but do show differential selection based on the size of the host. Experiments simulating a host patch showed that parasitoid larvae choose larger hosts, but at a finer scale, as the size of the hosts increased, larvae chose the smaller host in a dyad. These results suggest that M. ruficauda larvae may select hosts of higher nutritional quality (i.e., larger hosts) but that there is an upper limit where a trade‐off between nutrient acquisition and survival (related to life expectancy or host defenses) may drive the larval decisions.
Improving Instructional Decision‐Making Using Diagnostic Classification Models
Authors: Thompson W. Jake , Clark Amy K.
Published: June 2024

In recent years, educators, administrators, policymakers, and measurement experts have called for assessments that support educators in making better instructional decisions. One promising approach to measurement to support instructional decision‐making is diagnostic classification models (DCMs). DCMs are flexible psychometric models that facilitate fine‐grained reporting on skills that students have mastered. In this article, we describe how DCMs can be leveraged to support better decision‐making. We first provide a high‐level overview of DCMs. We then describe different methods for reporting results from DCM‐based assessments that support decision‐making for different stakeholder groups. We close with a discussion of considerations for implementing DCMs in an operational setting, including how they can inform decision‐making at state and local levels, and share future directions for research.
Thrombectomy improves functional independence in severe basilar artery occlusion with favorable collateral circulation
Authors: Luo Cong , Tao Chunrong , Li Rui , Nguyen Thanh N. , Jing Xiaozhong , Yuan Shuya , Wang Anmo , Abdalkader Mohamad , Gao Feiyang , Chen Lang , Hao Peng , Cai Ming , Liu Xinfeng , Hu Wei ,   the ATTENTION Investigators
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of collateral circulation on the outcomes of thrombectomy versus medical management alone in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients with varying stroke severities.

Methods

Data from the ATTENTION cohort were used to perform a post‐hoc analysis comparing the outcomes of thrombectomy with medical management in BAO patients with varying degrees of collateral circulation and stroke severity. Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) scores were used to quantify the collateral circulation, and the effect was estimated through a primary outcome of 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, mRS ≤2). Favorable versus unfavorable BATMAN scores were analyzed as both continuous and categorical variables, and an adjusted multivariate regression model was applied.

Results

Among 221 BAO patients, thrombectomy significantly improved functional independence compared to medical management in patients with favorable BATMAN scores (aOR 7.75, 95% CI 2.78–26.1), but not in those with unfavorable BATMAN scores (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 0.28–6.92; pinteraction = 0.028). When treated as a continuous variable, increased BATMAN score was found to be associated with a higher likelihood of functional independence in the thrombectomy group (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.81; pinteraction = 0.053). In severe stroke patients with higher BATMAN scores (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥21), we identified a significant interaction for treatment effect with thrombectomy compared to medical management (pinteraction = 0.042).

Conclusion

An increased BATMAN score was significantly associated with a higher probability of functional independence after thrombectomy than after medical management, particularly in patients with severe BAO.
An experimental investigation on the failure behavior of sandstone with filled fissure under triaxial multilevel cyclic loading
Authors: Li Ke‐Sheng , Luan Yi‐Quan , Yang Sheng‐Qi , Liu Chuan‐Xiao
Published: June 2024

Roadways are common in infrastructure of the underground engineering. The surrounding rocks of these roadways are often allowed to work with flaws and are subjected to cyclic loading with variable magnitude. However, the existing experimental data regarding their behavior are insufficient. This study investigated how confining pressure and the inclination of pre‐existing fissures affect the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of sandstones from the Lu‐Xi coal roadway in Shandong Province. Utilizing triaxial cyclic experiments along with real‐time acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, the findings were presented with respect to the evolution of strength as well as deformation behaviors, failure modes, and AE event frequency. Finally, the impact of the above two factors on damage mechanisms of preflawed sandstone materials were detailed discussed in terms of the fracture mechanics. This study highlights the importance the buried depth and flaws for the rock engineering and the sensitivity of sandstone's mechanical responses in changes in the lateral restriction and fissure angle.
Fatigue strength improvement of aluminum alloy with surface defect by ball burnishing
Authors: Wakamatsu Kohei , Takahashi Koji , Koyama Yuka , Taniguchi Masanori
Published: June 2024

Ball burnishing (BB) is a surface finishing process that involves moving the tool while pressing it against the workpiece under rolling contact. We investigated the effects of BB on the fatigue strength of an aluminum alloy with a semicircular slit simulating an initial surface defect. After performing BB under a typical condition, compressive residual stress was induced to a depth of 0.4 mm, with a reduction in surface roughness by 81%. Consequently, the fatigue strength increased by 22%. BB prevented the fatigue strength reduction caused by the 0.1 mm deep slit. The result indicated that BB could render the below 0.1 mm deep surface defect harmless in terms of fatigue strength. The maximum depth of surface defect that can be rendered harmless is 0.18 mm according to fracture mechanics, which is in agreement with the experimental results.
Immunoinformatics‐Based Designing of Novel and Potent Multi‐Epitope PSA D15 and Cag11 Immunogens for Helicobacter pylori Immunodiagnostic Assay Development
Authors: Moges Eskeziyaw Biniam , Waihenya Rebecca , Maina Naomi , Muuo Nzou Samson
Published: June 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strain is the most genetically diverse pathogenic bacterium and now alarming serious human health concern ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer and human death all over the world. Currently, the majority of commercially available diagnostic assays for H. pylori is a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of virulence factors in various geographical regions. In this concern, designing of universal multi‐epitope immunogenic biomarker targeted for all H. pylori strains would be crucial to successfully immunodiagnosis assay and vaccine development for H. pylori infection. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the potential immunogenic epitopes of PSA D15 and Cag11 proteins of H. pylori, using immunoinformatics web tools in order to design novel immune‐reactive multi‐epitope antigens for enhanced immunodiagnosis in humans. Through an in silico immunoinformatics approach, high‐ranked B‐cell, MHC‐I, and MHC‐II epitopes of PSA D15 and Cag11 proteins were predicted, screened, and selected. Subsequently, a novel multi‐epitope PSA D15 and Cag11 antigens were designed by fused the high‐ranked B‐cell, MHC‐I, and MHC‐II epitopes and 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 adjuvant using linkers. The antigenicity, solubility, physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, 3D model refinement, and validations were carried. Furthermore, the designed multi‐epitope antigens were subjected to codon adaptation and in silico cloning, immune response simulation, and molecular docking with receptor molecules. A novel, stable multi‐epitope PSA D15 and Cag11 H. pylori antigens were developed and immune simulation of the designed antigens showed desirable levels of immunological response. Molecular docking of designed antigens with immune receptors (B‐cell, MHC‐I, MHC‐II, and TLR‐2/4) revealed robust interactions and stable binding affinity to the receptors. The codon optimized and in silico cloned showed that the designed antigens were successfully expressed (CAI value of 0.95 for PSA D15 and 1.0 for Cag11) after inserted into pET‐32ba (+) plasmid of the E. coli K12 strain. In conclusion, this study revealed that the designed multi‐epitope antigens have a huge immunological potential candidate biomarker and useful in developing immunodiagnostic assays and vaccines for H. pylori infection.
The Interplay Between Helicobacter pylori and Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) Molecules in the Development of Gastric Cancer and Induction of Immune Response
Authors: Jafarzadeh Abdollah , Jafarzadeh Zahra , Nemati Maryam , Yoshimura Akihiko
Published: June 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes the stomach and leads to the secretion of a vast range of cytokines by infiltrated leukocytes directing immune/inflammatory response against the bacterium. To regulate immune/inflammatory responses, suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins bind to multiple signaling components located downstream of cytokine receptors, such as Janus kinase (JAK), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT). Dysfunctional SOCS proteins in immune cells may facilitate the immune evasion of H. pylori, allowing the bacteria to induce chronic inflammation. Dysregulation of SOCS expression and function can contribute to the sustained H. pylori‐mediated gastric inflammation which can lead to gastric cancer (GC) development. Among SOCS molecules, dysregulated expression of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, and SOCS6 were indicated in H. pylori‐infected individuals as well as in GC tissues and cells. H. pylori‐induced SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, and SOCS6 dysregulation can contribute to the GC development. The expression of SOCS molecules can be influenced by various factors, such as epigenetic DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, and gene polymorphisms. Modulation of the expression of SOCS molecules in gastric epithelial cells and immune cells can be considered to control gastric carcinogenesis as well as regulate antitumor immune responses, respectively. This review aimed to explain the interplay between H. pylori and SOCS molecules in GC development and immune response induction as well as to provide insights regarding potential therapeutic strategies modulating SOCS molecules.
Different views on collaboration between older persons, informal caregivers and care professionals
Authors: van Muijden Teyler , Gräler Leonoor , van Exel Job , van de Bovenkamp Hester , Petit‐Steeghs Violet
Published: June 2024

Background

Informal care features high on the policy agenda of many countries to deal with workforce shortages. As a consequence, care provision increasingly takes place in the care triad of care recipients, informal caregivers and care professionals. How collaboration between care partners takes shape depends on how the different partners perceive this collaboration. This paper aims to investigate the relative importance of the different aspects of collaboration from the perspectives of care recipients, informal caregivers and care professionals in the context of the care for older persons in The Netherlands.

Methods

Using Q‐methodology, 32 participants ranked 28 statements that reflect different aspects of collaboration in the care triad and explained their ranking during a follow‐up interview. Participants comprised 9 older persons, 10 informal caregivers and 13 care professionals. Data were analysed using by‐person factor analysis to identify common patterns in the rankings of the statements. Emerging patterns were interpreted and described as views on collaboration using aggregated rankings and qualitative data from the interviews.

Results

Five distinct views on collaboration were found: (1) Emphasizing warm collaboration, (2) trusting care professional's expertise, (3) open and compassionate care professionals, (4) responsive decision‐making by autonomous care professionals and (5) prioritizing care recipient's and informal caregiver's interests. Care recipients and/or informal caregivers were associated with views 1, 3 and, 5, whereas care professionals were associated with all five views.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of recognizing the potential diversity of views between and within different partner groups in care triads. Governmental and organizational policy makers, as well as healthcare professionals who aim to increase or support the involvement of informal caregivers, should take this heterogeneity into consideration.

Patient or Public Contribution

An advisory board of older persons (care recipients and informal caregivers) was involved in the recruitment of the participants, the formulation of the statements and the reflection on the findings of the study and potential implications.
A new species of nightjar (Caprimulgus) from Timor and Wetar, Lesser Sunda Islands, Wallacea
Authors: King Ben F. , Sangster George , Trainor Colin R. , Irestedt Martin , Prawiradilaga Dewi M. , Ericson Per G. P.
Published: June 2024

The nightjars of the Caprimulgus macrurus complex are distributed from Pakistan to Australia and comprise six morphologically similar but vocally distinct species. Fieldwork on Timor and Wetar, Lesser Sunda Islands, has resulted in the discovery of a seventh species in the complex, which we describe as a new species. This species has previously been confused with Caprimulgus macrurus, Caprimulgus celebensis and Caprimulgus manillensis but it differs from these and all other species in the complex by at least 13 vocal characters. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified all recordings in the complex to species. Caprimulgus ritae is known from five adult museum specimens, which are the smallest in the complex and which differ from other species in the complex in several morphological characters. A molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. ritae is sister to C. meesi from Flores and Sumba, and that these species together are sister to C. macrurus. C. ritae is a tropical forest specialist occurring from sea level to at least 1500 m (probably mostly below 1000 m). Lowland and montane forests on Timor are threatened. Wetar is one of the least developed islands in Indonesia, and retains >95% natural vegetation, dominated by Eucalyptus woodlands, with tropical forests in river gorges and slopes in upland areas. Pressure for development is accelerating throughout the range of C. ritae, and a detailed assessment of its conservation status is urgently needed.
Penetration of oils into hair
Authors: Marsh Jennifer M. , Whitaker Shane , Felts Tim , Cowans Chris , Gupta Shikhar , Masirevic Srdan , Fang Rui , Simmonds Monique S. J. , Chen Gu , Jiang Haibo
Published: June 2024

Objective

The objective of this work was to understand how triglyceride plant oils can deliver strength and softness benefits to hair by their penetration. These plant oils are complex mixtures of TAGs, so the initial studies performed were with pure TAGs and then these data compared to plant oils and their measured TAG compositions.

Methods

LC–MS was used to identify the di and triglycerides in coconut oil, Camellia oleifera oil and safflower seed oil. Penetration of these plant oils and pure individual triglycerides was measured by a differential extraction method. Cross‐sections of oils treated with 13C‐labelled triolein were studied by NanoSIMS to visualize location of triglyceride inside hair. Fatigue strength was measured using constant stress to generate a survival distribution. Models of the lipid‐rich cell membrane complex (CMC) were created with the equimolar ratio of 18‐methyl‐eicosanoic acid (MEAS), palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1).

Results

Penetration of the individual pure TAGs was confirmed for all chain lengths and degree of unsaturation tested with higher penetration for shorter chain lengths and unsaturated fatty acids. Detailed compositional analysis of selected plant oils showed a wide variety of TAGs and penetration was also demonstrated for these oils. NanoSIMS and modelling confirmed these TAGs are penetrating the lipid‐rich CMC of hair and are interacting with the fatty acids that make up the CMC. All plant oils delivered a fatigue strength improvement by penetration into the CMC and it is proposed that these oils prevent formation and/or propagation of flaws in the CMC network that leads to breakage.

Conclusions

Many plant oils with a wide range of triglyceride compositions can penetrate into hair and NanoSIMS data confirmed these oils partition into the lipid‐rich cell membrane complex. Penetration studies of individual TAGs shown to be present in these oils confirmed TAGs of varying chain length can penetrate and there is a correlation between increased penetration efficacy and shorter chain lengths and presence of unsaturation in the fatty acid chains. All the oils studied delivered single fibre fatigue strength benefits.
Genomic Analysis and Tracking of SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants in Gwangju, South Korea, From 2020 to 2022
Authors: Lee Yeong‐Un , Lee Kwangho , Lee Hongsu , Park Jung Wook , Cho Sun‐Ju , Park Ji‐Su , Mun Jeongeun , Park Sujung , Lee Cheong‐mi , Lee Juhye , Seo Jinjong , Kim Yonghwan , Kim Sun‐Hee , Chung Yoon‐Seok
Published: June 2024

Background

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, it has spread rapidly, and many coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) cases have occurred in Gwangju, South Korea. Viral mutations following the COVID‐19 epidemic have increased interest in the characteristics of epidemics in this region, and pathogen genetic analysis is required for infection control and prevention.

Methods

In this study, SARS‐CoV‐2 whole‐genome analysis was performed on samples from patients with COVID‐19 in Gwangju from 2020 to 2022 to identify the trends in COVID‐19 prevalence and to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of dominant variants. B.41 and B.1.497 prevailed in 2020, the early stage of the COVID‐19 outbreak; then, B.1.619.1 mainly occurred until June 2021. B.1.617.2, classified as sublineages AY.69 and AY.122, occurred continuously from July to December 2021. Since strict measures to strengthen national quarantine management had been implemented in South Korea until this time, the analysis of mutations was also able to infer the epidemiological relationship between infection transmission routes. Since the first identification of the Omicron variant in late December 2021, the spread of infection has been very rapid, and weekly whole‐genome analysis of specimens has enabled us to monitor new Omicron sublineages occurring in Gwangju.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that conducting regional surveillance in addition to nation‐level genomic surveillance will enable more rapid and detailed variant surveillance, which will be helpful in the overall prevention and management of infectious diseases.
Severe Preharvest Drought Elevates Respiration and Storage Rot in Postharvest Sugarbeet Roots
Authors: Lafta Abbas M. , Eide John D. , Khan Mohamed F. R. , Finger Fernando L. , Fugate Karen K.
Published: June 2024

Sugarbeets are largely produced without irrigation, making drought stress inevitable when rainfall is insufficient. Whether drought stress impacts root storage, however, is currently unknown. Research was conducted to determine the effect of preharvest water stress on postharvest sugarbeet root respiration rate and susceptibility to storage rots as these traits are the primary determinants for sucrose loss and quality deterioration. Greenhouse‐grown plants were subjected to four levels of water deficit by discontinuing watering for 0, 7, 14 or 21 days prior to harvest. Plants receiving water‐restrictive treatments displayed physiological stress by leaf epinasty, reductions in net photosynthetic rate and leaf relative water content and increases in leaf temperature, whereas the water content of roots harvested from these plants progressively decreased with the severity of the preharvest water‐deficit treatment. Harvested roots from all watering treatments were stored at 10°C and 95% relative humidity for up to 12 weeks and evaluated for respiration rate and susceptibility to storage rot. Root respiration rate during storage was inversely related to root water content at harvest by second‐order equations, such that respiration was not significantly affected by minor reductions in root water content but increased exponentially for roots obtained from severely drought‐stressed plants with water contents at harvest of ≤75%. Similarly, roots with water contents ≤75% had elevated levels of electrolyte leakage, a measure of cellular membrane damage, and were more susceptible to dehydration and fungal infection during storage. In separate experiments, roots harvested from water‐stressed plants were inoculated with Botrytis cinerea or Penicillium vulpinum, two causal agents for storage rots. In these experiments, preharvest water stress quantitatively increased root rot and qualitatively altered symptoms of their infection. Overall, these results demonstrate that severe preharvest drought stress is likely to significantly increase sugarbeet root storage losses caused by root respiration and storage rots and that storage losses are likely to accelerate with time in storage. However, mild‐to‐moderate drought conditions prior to harvest are expected to have no or minimal effect on storage losses from root respiration or storage rots.
The Epistemology of Corporate Power: The Limits of the Firm–State Analogy
Authors: Kwok Chi
Published: June 2024

Political theorists frequently utilize the ‘firm–state analogy’ (FSA) to support the arguments for democratic governance in firms. This article presents the FSA as an analogy with both justificatory and epistemic functions. Its justificatory function provides valid justificatory strategies for workplace democracy, while its epistemic function offers models that shape the understanding of corporate power. In this article, four limitations of the justificatory function of the FSA are identified: (i) the problem of ambiguity, (ii) the boundary problem, (iii) the issue of normative redundancy, and (iv) the universality problem. Furthermore, the article argues that the epistemic function of the FSA fails to adequately address some of the most concerning forms of corporate power wielded by large, particularly multinational, corporations in the realm of international trade. As a result, the FSA misses crucial reasons for the normative desirability of democracy in corporate governance.
Consistency of ablations with trainee and increasing independence during fellowship training—Analysis of ablation data by CARTONET
Authors: Whitaker John , Hunter Tina D. , Carsey Jane , Thatcher William H. , Yungher Don , Goldberg Stanislav , Kaneko Christina , Amit Mati , Kreidieh Omar , Thurber Clinton , Steiger Nathaniel , Chang David , Batnyam Uyanga , Sharma Esseim , McClennen Seth , Kapur Sunil , Tadros Thomas , Sauer William H. , Koplan Bruce , Tedrow Usha , Zei Paul C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology (CCEP) involves the development of catheter handling skills to safely deliver effective treatment. Objective data from analysis of ablation data for evaluating trainee of CCEP procedures has not previously been possible. Using the artificial intelligence cloud‐based system (CARTONET), we assessed the impact of trainee progress through ablation procedural quality.

Methods

Lesion‐ and procedure‐level data from all de novo atrial fibrillation (AF) and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablations involving first‐year (Y1) or second‐year (Y2) fellows across a full year of fellowship was curated within Cartonet. Lesions were automatically assigned to anatomic locations.

Results

Lesion characteristics, including contact force, catheter stability, impedance drop, ablation index value, and interlesion time/distance were similar over each training year. Anatomic location and supervising operator significantly affected catheter stability. The proportion of lesion sets delivered independently and of lesions delivered by the trainee increased steadily from the first quartile of Y1 to the last quartile of Y2. Trainee perception of difficult regions did not correspond to objective measures.

Conclusion

Objective ablation data from Cartonet showed that the progression of trainees through CCEP training does not impact lesion‐level measures of treatment efficacy (i.e., catheter stability, impedance drop). Data demonstrates increasing independence over a training fellowship. Analyses like these could be useful to inform individualized training programs and to track trainee's progress. It may also be a useful quality assurance tool for ensuring ongoing consistency of treatment delivered within training institutions.
ARMC10 regulates mitochondrial dynamics and affects mitochondrial function via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway involved in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Huang Yanyang , Zhang Zhaojing , Xu Yatian , Peng Yue , Xu Ruochen , Luan Yingying , Bie Xiaoshuai , Jia Jing , Zhang Chi , Han Tianyi , Zhou Baixue , Li Zhihao , Zheng Hong , Yang Dongzhi , He Ying
Published: June 2024

Mitochondrial dynamics has emerged as an important target for neuronal protection after cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which ARMC10 regulation of mitochondrial dynamics affects mitochondrial function involved in ischaemic stroke (IS). Mitochondrial morphology was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations were detected by electron microscopy. The expression of mitochondrial dynamics‐related genes Drp1, Mfn1, Mfn2, Fis1, OPA1 and ARMC10 and downstream target genes c‐Myc, CyclinD1 and AXIN2 was detected by RT‐qPCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of β‐catenin, GSK‐3β, p‐GSK‐3β, Bcl‐2 and Bax. DCFH‐DA fluorescent probe was to detect the effect of ARMC10 on mitochondrial ROS level, Annexin V‐FITC fluorescent probe was to detect the effect of ARMC10 on apoptosis, and ATP assay kit was to detect the effect of ARMC10 on ATP production. Mitochondrial dynamics was dysregulated in clinical IS samples and in the OGD/R cell model, and the relative expression of ARMC10 gene was significantly decreased in IS group (p < 0.05). Knockdown and overexpression of ARMC10 could affect mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial function and neuronal apoptosis. Agonist and inhibitor affected mitochondrial function and neuronal apoptosis by targeting Wnt/β‐Catenin signal pathway. In the OGD/R model, ARMC10 affected mitochondrial function and neuronal apoptosis through the mechanism that regulates Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. ARMC10 regulates mitochondrial dynamics and protects mitochondrial function by activating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, to exert neuroprotective effects.
Effect of intermittent fasting 16:8 and 14:10 compared with control‐group on weight reduction and metabolic outcomes in obesity with type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sukkriang Naparat , Buranapin Supawan
Published: June 2024

Aims/Introduction

To compare the percent weight change and metabolic outcomes among diabetic participants with obesity on intermittent fasting (IF) 16:8, IF 14:10, or normal controlled diets.

Materials and Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to randomize participants into three groups. Each group followed IF 16:8, IF 14:10, according to the protocol 3 days/week for 3 months or a control group.

Results

A total of 99 participants completed the study. The percentage weight change from baseline was −4.02% (95% CI, −4.40 to −3.64) in IF 16:8, −3.15% (95% CI, −3.41 to −2.89) in IF 14:10, and −0.55% (95% CI, −1.05 to −0.05) in the control group. The percentage weight loss from baseline was significantly more in both IF groups (P < 0.001, both) when compared with the control group. Weight loss was significantly more in the IF 16:8 group than in that of the IF 14:10 group (P < 0.001). Metabolic outcomes (decrease in FBS and HbA1C, and improvement in lipid profiles) were significantly improved from baseline in both IF groups in comparison with the control group.

Conclusions

Either IF 16:8 or 14:10 had a benefit in the percentage weight change, glucose and lipid profiles in obese diabetic patients compared with the control group when consumed for 3 days a week for 3 months.
Assimilating water level observations with the ensemble optimal interpolation scheme into a rainfall‐runoff‐inundation model: A repository‐based dynamic covariance matrix generation approach
Authors: Khaniya Manoj , Tachikawa Yasuto , Sayama Takahiro
Published: June 2024

Although conceptually attractive, the use of ensemble data assimilation methods, such as the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), can be constrained by intensive computational requirements. In such cases, the ensemble optimal interpolation scheme (EnOI), which works on a single model run instead of ensemble evolution, may offer a sub‐optimal alternative. This study explores different approaches of dynamic covariance matrix generation from predefined state vector repositories for assimilating synthetic water level observations with the EnOI scheme into a distributed rainfall‐runoff‐inundation model. Repositories are first created by storing open loop state vectors from the simulation of past flood events. The vectors are later sampled during the assimilation step, based on their closeness to the model forecast (calculated using vector norm). Results suggest that the dynamic EnOI scheme is inferior to the EnKF, but can improve upon the deterministic simulation depending on the sampling approach and the repository used. Observations can also be used for sampling to increase the background spread when the system noise is large. A richer repository is required to reduce analysis degradation, but increases the computation cost. This can be resolved by using a sliced repository consisting of only the vectors with norm close to the model forecast.
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Alves Barbara da Silva , Schimith Lucia Emanueli , da Cunha André Brito , Dora Cristiana Lima , Hort Mariana Appel
Published: June 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The primary pathological features of PD include the presence of α‐synuclein aggregates and Lewy bodies, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Recently, omega‐3 fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFAs) have been under investigation as a preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for PD, primarily owing to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature, focusing on studies that assessed the effects of ω‐3 PUFAs in rodent models mimicking human PD. The search was performed using the terms “Parkinson's disease,” “fish oil,” “omega 3,” “docosahexaenoic acid,” and “eicosapentaenoic acid” across databases PUBMED, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar. Following analysis based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 studies were included. Considering behavioral parameters, pathological markers of the disease, quantification of ω‐3 PUFAs in the brain, as well as anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐apoptotic effects, it can be observed that ω‐3 PUFAs exhibit a potential neuroprotective effect in PD. In summary, this systematic review presents significant scientific evidence regarding the effects and mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of ω‐3 PUFAs, offering valuable insights for the development of future clinical investigations.

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Did Banks Pay Fair Returns to Taxpayers on TARP?
Authors: FLANAGAN THOMAS , PURNANANDAM AMIYATOSH
Published: June 2024

Financial institutions received investments under the Troubled Asset Relief Program in a bad state of the world but repaid them in a relatively good state. We show that the recipients paid considerably lower returns to taxpayers compared to private‐market securities with similar risk over the same investment horizon, resulting in a subsidy of over $50 billion on the preferred equity investment by the government. Ex‐post renegotiation of contract terms limited the upside gains received by taxpayers in good times and contributed to the subsidy. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of future bailouts. Our simple methodology for calculating the subsidy can be applied to evaluate the financial costs of other bailouts.
Making our groups better? The roles of moral disengagement and group identification in the learning of pro‐group unethical behaviour
Authors: Zhu Julie N. Y. , Lam Long W. , Li Yolanda Na , Shao Maggie Q.
Published: June 2024

Pro‐group unethical behaviour (PGUB) refers to a set of behaviours that conflict with moral standards but are beneficial to the interests of an actor's workgroup. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this research investigates whether, how, and when perceived co‐worker PGUB leads employees to engage in the same unethical behaviour. We propose that moral disengagement is a crucial mechanism through which PGUB is transmitted from co‐workers to employees and that this relationship is further amplified by employees' group identification. The results of three field studies featuring different samples consistently highlight the mediating role of moral disengagement in the relationship between perceived co‐worker PGUB and employee PGUB. Furthermore, employees who identify strongly with their workgroup are more likely to exhibit moral disengagement and learn their co‐workers' PGUB than are employees with low group identification. The findings of this research provide insights for both theory and practice.
The co‐occurrence of two powdery mildew species on Cannabis sativa in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mieslerová Barbora , Kitner Miloslav , Šenkyřík Josef Baltazar , Křivánková Tereza , Sedlářová Michaela , Braun Uwe , Lebeda Aleš
Published: June 2024

In late summer 2022 and 2023, powdery mildew symptoms were found on female plants of hemp (Cannabis sativa) growing in a private garden in Hradec nad Moravicí (Silesia, Czech Republic). On the upper sides of the leaves, white powdery colonies were observed which coalesced and finally covered the whole leaf surface. The stems and flowers were not affected. Microscopic examination revealed the formation of asexual (anamorphic) states characterized by conidiophores forming catenescent conidia (Euoidium type), but with two types of conidia, viz., ellipsoid to ovoid or doliiform conidia with fibrosin bodies (resembling conidia of Podosphaera spp.), and ellipsoid to doliiform conidia without fibrosin bodies (resembling conidia of Golovinomyces spp.). Molecular genetic analyses confirmed co‐infections in the studied hemp samples by two powdery mildew species, viz., Podosphaera macularis and Golovinomyces ambrosiae, which represent first records from the Czech Republic, as well as Europe and in the world. The authors discuss the latest information and ideas regarding this pathosystem.