bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding engagement in diet and dementia prevention research among British South Asians: a short report of findings from a patient and public involvement group
Authors: Sim Yi J. , Townsend Rebecca F. , Mills Susanna , Stocker Rachel , Stevenson Emma , McEvoy Claire , Fairley Andrea M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Dementia is a global public health challenge. Evidence suggests that individuals from South Asian communities are an at‐risk group for dementia, partly as a result of early and cumulative exposure to known dementia risk factors, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. There needs to be more culturally appropriate community engagement to increase awareness of dementia and identify better strategies to encourage participation in dementia‐related research.

Methods

We aimed to better understand the barriers and facilitators towards engaging with, and participating in, diet and dementia related research among British South Asians. This was achieved using a public and patient involvement (PPI) approach. A community‐based, engagement event involving information sharing from experts and roundtable discussions with South Asian communities (n = 26 contributors) was held in June 2023 in Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, UK. Collaboration from preidentified PPI representatives (n = 3) informed the content and structure of PPI activities, as well as recruitment. Data were synthesised using template analysis, a form of codebook thematic analysis. This involved deductively analysing data using relevant a priori themes, which were expanded upon, or modified, via inductive analysis.

Results

The findings highlighted the importance of trust, representation and appreciation of cultural barriers as facilitators to engagement in diet and dementia risk reduction research. Consideration of language barriers, time constraints, social influences and how to embed community outreach activities were reported as driving factors to maximise participation.

Conclusions

This PPI work will inform the design and co‐creation of a culturally adapted dietary intervention for brain health in accordance with the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research guidance for developing complex interventions.
Accounting for sample overlap in economics meta‐analyses: The generalized‐weights method in practice
Authors: Bom Pedro R. D. , Rachinger Heiko
Published: May 2024

Meta‐analyses in economics frequently exhibit considerable overlap among primary samples. If not addressed, sample overlap leads to efficiency losses and inflated rates of false positives at the meta‐analytical level. In previous work, we proposed a generalized‐weights (GW) approach to handle sample overlap. This approach effectively approximates the correlation structure between primary estimates using information on sample sizes and overlap degrees in the primary studies. This paper demonstrates the application of the GW method to economics meta‐analyses, addressing practical challenges that are likely to be encountered. We account for variations in data aggregation levels, estimation methods, and effect size metrics, among other issues. We derive explicit covariance formulas for different scenarios, evaluate the accuracy of the approximations, and employ Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate how the method enhances efficiency and restores the false positive rate to its nominal level.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting specific mortality risk: A study of competing risk model based on real endometrial cancer patients
Authors: Qi Lin , Zhao Manyin , Li Wenshu , Mu Nan , Yang Yukun , Yang Zhaojie , Lin Aimin
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to construct a competing risk prediction model for predicting specific mortality risks in endometrial cancer patients from the SEER database based on their demographic characteristics and tumor information.

Methods

We collected relevant clinical data on patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer in the SEER database between 2010 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate competing risk models were used to analyze the risk factors for endometrial cancer‐specific death, and a predictive nomogram was constructed. C‐index and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) at different time points were used to verify the accuracy of the constructed nomogram.

Results

There were 26 109 eligible endometrial cancer patients in the training cohort and 11 189 in the validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that Age, Marriage, Grade, Behav, FIGO, Size, Surgery, SurgOth, Radiation, ParaAortic_Nodes, Peritonea, N positive, DX_liver, and DX_lung were independent prognostic factors for specific mortality in endometrial cancer patients. Based on these factors, a nomogram was constructed. Internal validation showed that the nomogram had a good discriminative ability (C‐index = 0.883 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.881–0.884]), and the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year AUC values were 0.901, 0.886 and 0.874, respectively. External validation indicated similar results (C‐index = 0.883 [95%CI: 0.882–0.883]), and the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐ AUC values were 0.908, 0.885 and 0.870, respectively.

Conclusion

We constructed a competing risk model to predict the specific mortality risk among endometrial cancer patients. This model has favorable accuracy and reliability and can provide a reference for the development and update of endometrial cancer prognostic risk assessment tools.
Do we Need a ‘New Strategy Paradigm’? No
Authors: Foss Nicolai J. , Klein Peter G.
Published: May 2024

Bansal et al.'s Point piece, "Strategy's Ecological Fallacy: How strategy scholars have contributed to the ecological crisis and what we can do about it," calls for reforming the strategy field to focus on the natural environment, ecological cycles, and interconnections across natural and social levels, in service of value creation for ‘a defined ecosystem that comprises respect for the natural environment’. We doubt that such new foundations are necessary or useful. We argue that Bansal et al. misconstrue the evolution and content of strategy thinking; downplay the usefulness of existing tools for dealing with their issues of concern; overlook problems of measurement, collective action, government failure, and cronyism encouraged by their preferred policies; embrace an unnecessarily alarmist worldview; and underappreciate the social benefits of the market‐based institutions they criticize. We suggest instead that a market system based on clearly delineated property rights, prices that freely adjust to reflect scarcities, and an institutional environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation remains an underappreciated instrument for protection of the natural environment, one that is superior to centralized and regulatory alternatives.
Parental Knowledge, Beliefs, Practices, and Barriers Related to Children's Bladder Health in the School Environment
Authors: Venkatapuram Pranaya , Angulo‐Lozano Juan C. , Spinzi Stav , Brown‐Johnson Cati , Phord‐Toy Ashley , Kan Kathleen M.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a set of common childhood problems. Community‐level interventions that target behavioral change among children with LUTS can improve symptoms outside of the clinic environment. Parents, navigating the home and school environments, are key in supporting healthy bladder behaviors. Thus, we asked parents about their perceptions and barriers related to pediatric bladder health.

METHODS

English‐speaking parents (n = 30) of children ages 5‐10 years with and without LUTS were interviewed. Transcripts were coded iteratively by two independent coders using deductive and inductive approaches that emphasized consensus coding and peer debriefing.

RESULTS

Ninety‐three percent of participants were women, 50% were 30‐39 years old, and 60% held a graduate degree. Parents identified school‐, classroom‐, and child‐based barriers to bladder health. These included the bathroom environment, restrictive policies for bathroom use, and anxiety on how and when to use the bathroom.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing school‐, classroom‐, and child‐based barriers is necessary to promote healthy bladder habits among children in the school environment and beyond. Recommended school‐based interventions include bathroom use and sanitation policies that support students' voiding needs, teachers' professional development, and school readiness initiatives. Limitations include participation of English‐speaking parents only.
Pubertal retroareolar cysts presenting as bluish lumps: New cases and literature review
Authors: Mioso Guido , Gnesotto Laura , Cutrone Mario , Parlangeli Antonella , Naldi Luigi , Sechi Andrea
Published: May 2024

Retroareolar cysts (RCs) are a benign self‐resolving condition primarily affecting pubertal individuals. However, their presentation as asymptomatic bluish areolar lumps remains underreported in the literature, with only six cases previously documented. This lack of awareness may lead to the oversight of RCs during diagnosis. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using PUBMED, and we further added three more cases. The mean time for clinical resolution was found to be 2.3 years. In light of these findings, we proposed a diagnostic and management algorithm to guide clinicians in their approach to RCs in pediatric patients. The algorithm involves thorough clinical examination, medical history assessment, and echographic investigation with color Doppler analysis. Regular follow‐up visits are recommended until resolution of the lesions. Notably, due to the consistently favorable outcome of RCs, aggressive diagnostic interventions can be avoided, providing reassurance to patients and their families. It is crucial for paediatricians to stay updated on this underreported condition to ensure timely recognition and appropriate management. Dermatologists should be the first specialists to be consulted in cases of suspected RCs. Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals will contribute to improved diagnosis and management of this benign condition. In conclusion, RCs are a benign self‐resolving condition commonly observed during puberty. Their presentation as asymptomatic bluish areolar lumps may often be overlooked. Through this study, we highlighted the importance of early recognition, proposed a diagnostic and management algorithm, and emphasized the favorable prognosis of RCs, which allows for a conservative approach to their management.
The Effect of COVID‐Related Quarantine and Attitudes on Time Conceptualization: Evidence From Temporal Focus and Implicit Space‐Time Mappings
Authors: Athanasopoulos Panos , Su Rui
Published: May 2024

The temporal focus hypothesis (TFH) entails that individuals who value the past tend to conceptualize it in front, whereas individuals who value the future tend to map the future in front instead (de la Fuente et al., 2014). This varies as a function of culture, individual differences, and context. Here, we extend this line of inquiry by testing a contextual variable, namely COVID‐19 quarantine status, and an individual differences variable, namely future precautionary behavior towards COVID‐19. Contrary to what the TFH would predict, we show that participants map the future to a frontal position, regardless of individual attitudes and quarantine status. However, participants who displayed more future precautionary behavior were also more future‐focused than participants who displayed less such behaviour, but this did not predict their front–back mappings of the future. These findings suggest that individual differences may be stronger determinants of temporal focus than contextual variables.
Sensitivity to Subphonemic Differences in First Language Predicts Vocabulary Size in a Foreign Language
Authors: Kapnoula Efthymia C. , Samuel Arthur G.
Published: May 2024

Some listeners exhibit higher sensitivity to subphonemic acoustic differences (i.e., higher speech gradiency). Here, we asked whether higher gradiency in a listener's first language (L1) facilitates foreign language learning and explored the possible sources of individual differences in L1 gradiency. To address these questions, we tested 164 native Spanish speakers with different linguistic profiles. Speech gradiency was assessed via a Visual Analogue Scale task, and foreign language proficiency was assessed via an English vocabulary test. Possible sources of gradiency included domain‐general auditory acuity, overall exposure to spoken language (indexed by age), and exposure to phonological diversity. Control measures were collected to account for variables such as phoneme categorization consistency, working memory, and musical training. The results revealed a positive link between L1 speech gradiency and vocabulary acquisition in a foreign language over and above all other variables. L1 speech gradiency itself was predicted by domain‐general auditory acuity and overall exposure to spoken language.
Cardiac dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation
Authors: Gananandan Kohilan , Wiese Signe , Møller Søren , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P.
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been reported as high as 60%–70% in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with various negative outcomes. There has been a growing understanding of CCM over recent years. Indeed, the development of imaging techniques has enabled new diagnostic criteria to be proposed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium. However, important unanswered questions remain over pathophysiological mechanisms, optimal diagnostic modalities and potential treatment options. While there has been an increasing volume of literature evaluating CCM, there is a lack of clarity on its implications in acute decompensation, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure and following interventions such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion and liver transplantation. This review aims to summarise the literature in these challenging domains and suggest where future research should focus. We conclude that systemic inflammation and structural myocardial changes are likely to be crucial in the pathophysiology of the disease, but the relative contribution of different components remains elusive. Furthermore, future studies need to use standardised diagnostic criteria for CCM as well as incorporate newer imaging techniques assessing both myocardial structure and function. Finally, while specific treatments are currently lacking, therapeutics targeting systemic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis and bacterial translocation are promising targets and warrant further research.
Comparative analysis of gut microbiome of mangrove brachyuran crabs revealed patterns of phylosymbiosis and codiversification
Authors: Tsang Chandlar Tsz To , Hui Tom Kwok Lun , Chung Nga Man , Yuen Wing Tan , Tsang Ling Ming
Published: May 2024

The acquisition of microbial symbionts enables animals to rapidly adapt to and exploit novel ecological niches, thus significantly enhancing the evolutionary fitness and success of their hosts. However, the dynamics of host–microbe interactions and their evolutionary implications remain largely underexplored in marine invertebrates. Crabs of the family Sesarmidae (Crustacea: Brachyura) are dominant inhabitants of mangrove forests and are considered keystone species there. Their rapid diversification, particularly after adopting a plant‐feeding lifestyle, is believed to have been facilitated by symbiotic gut microbes, enabling successful colonization of intertidal and terrestrial environments. To investigate the patterns and mechanisms shaping the microbial communities and the role of microbes in the evolution of Sesarmidae, we characterized and compared the gut microbiome compositions across 43 crab species from Sesarmidae and other mangrove‐associated families using 16S metabarcoding. We found that the gut microbiome assemblages in crabs are primarily determined by host identity, with a secondary influence from environmental factors such as microhabitat and sampling location, and to a lesser extent influenced by biological factors such as sex and gut region. While patterns of phylosymbiosis (i.e. when microbial community relationships recapitulate the phylogeny of their hosts) were consistently observed in all beta‐diversity metrics analysed, the strength of phylosymbiosis varied across crab families. This suggests that the bacterial assemblages in each family were differentially shaped by different degrees of host filtering and/or other evolutionary processes. Notably, Sesarmidae displayed signals of cophylogeny with its core gut bacterial genera, which likely play crucial functional roles in their hosts by providing lignocellulolytic enzymes, essential amino acids, and fatty acids supplementation. Our results support the hypothesis of microbial contribution to herbivory and terrestrialization in mangrove crabs, highlighting the tight association and codiversification of the crab holobiont.
Repairing disrupted care processes as sources of stability, learning and change in a Finnish hospital: An activity‐theoretical study
Authors: Kajamaa Anu , Lahtinen Päivikki , Mattick Karen , Bethune Rob
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In high‐income countries, it is estimated that one in every 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care; 50% of these are preventable. The aim of this study was to deepen our understanding of disruptions of care processes and how the repairing of disruptions can be sources of stability, learning and change in complex health care settings.

Methods

The organisational interactions associated with disruptions in the standard care processes of 15 surgical patients were followed in a public sector hospital in Finland. The patients and medical professionals were interviewed in situ during the observation of the care processes. An activity‐theoretically informed methodological framework was used to identify and analyse disruptions and the associated repair efforts and repair solutions.

Results

Disruptions were frequent and found in all 15 care processes. These related to (1) the patient's worsening physiological state, (2) the equipment used in surgical care, (3) the information flow, (4) delays in the care process and (5) the unclear division of labour within the team. The actors carried out three types of repair efforts (technical, cognitive‐emotional and extended collaborative) to overcome the disrupted processes, which usually led to repair solutions that restored stability.

Discussion

The different repair efforts required different kinds of collaboration and learning. Extended collaborative repair was most demanding, providing challenges and opportunities for practice change and expansive learning.
Nudging intensive care unit personnel towards sustainable behaviour
Authors: Van Der Zee Sophie , Verhoog Tamarah , Post Theo , Garcia‐Gomez Pilar , van Raaij Erik M. , Diehl Jan‐Carel , Hunfeld Nicole
Published: May 2024

Background

The health care sector is among the most carbon‐intensive sectors, contributing to societal problems like climate change. Previous research demonstrated that especially the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., aprons) in critical care contributes to this problem. To reduce personal protective equipment waste, new sustainable policies are needed. Policies are only effective if people comply.

Aim

Our aim is to examine whether compliance with sustainable policies in critical care can be increased through behavioural influencing. Specifically, we examined the effectiveness of two sets of nudges (i.e., a Prime + Visual prompt nudge and a Social norm nudge) on decreasing apron usage in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Study Design

We conducted a field experiment with a pre‐ and post‐intervention measurement. Upon the introduction of the new sustainable policy, apron usage data were collected for 9 days before (132 observations) and 9 days after (114 observations) the nudge interventions were implemented.

Results

Neither the Prime + Visual prompt nudge, nor the Social norm nudge decreased apron usage.

Conclusions

While previous studies have found that primes, visual nudges and social norm nudges can increase sustainable behaviour, we did not find evidence for this in our ICU field experiment. Future research is needed to determine whether this null finding reflects reality, or whether it was due to methodological decisions and limitations of the presented experiment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The presented study highlights the importance of studying behavioural interventions that were previously proven successful in the lab and in other field contexts, in the complex setting of critical care. Results previously found in other contexts may not generalize directly to a critical care context. The unique characteristics of the critical care context also pose methodological challenges that may have affected the outcomes of this experiment.
The well‐being equation: How inner fulfilment drives the impact of older persons on the Ghanaian society
Authors: Oduro Joseph Kojo
Published: May 2024

Background

Understanding and managing the complex processes of ageing is a critical function of gerontological nursing, especially when it comes to older people’s well‐being and their contributions to society. Globally, older persons contribute in many ways to families and communities. However, the relationship between older person’s overall well‐being and their propensity to contribute to society remains an important gap in research.

Objective

The study examined the association between well‐being and the impact of older persons on Ghanaian society.

Methods

A secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data of the 2014/15 Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 2) conducted by the World Health Organization was used. The multilevel logistic regression technique was used to examine four dimensions of well‐being and their associations with high social contribution among older persons. The output was reported as odds ratios (OR).

Results

The results show that older persons who had high physical and psychological well‐being were more likely to contribute to society (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.68), (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.32, 2.33). However, those with high levels of emotional and spiritual well‐being were less likely to make social contributions (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.88), (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.66, 1.18).

Conclusion

This study shows a positive association between well‐being and older persons’ societal impact. Good mental and physical health encourage societal involvement among older persons, while high emotional and spiritual well‐being may lead to less societal contribution.

Implications for practice

These findings are important for nursing policies promoting social contribution and well‐being among older persons 60 years and over in Ghana.
Assessing neophyte response to daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses: A randomised clinical trial investigation over one month
Authors: Garcia‐Queiruga Jacobo , Pena‐Verdeal Hugo , Ferreiro‐Figueiras Dolores , Noya‐Padin Veronica , Giraldez Maria J. , Yebra‐Pimentel Eva
Published: May 2024

Objective

This randomised clinical trial assessed the impact on symptoms, tear film dynamics and ocular surface integrity of daily disposable silicone‐hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) over a month, paying special attention to lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and its implications for CL discomfort.

Methods

Neophyte CL wearers (n = 44, 21.09 ± 5.00 years old) were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 24) or control group (n = 20). Participants assigned to the experimental group were required to wear daily disposable CLs for 1 month for at least 8 h/day and 6 days/week. All participants were healthy subjects (no history of ocular surgery or active ocular disease) with spherical refractive errors between −8.00 and +5.00 D and cylindrical power <0.75 D. At the baseline and 1‐month sessions, the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ‐5) was completed, together with the measurement of tear film osmolarity with the TearLab osmometer, tear meniscus height (TMH) and lipid layer pattern (LLP) using a slit‐lamp with Tearscope Plus attached, fluorescein break‐up time (FBUT), maximum blink interval (MBI), corneal staining with fluorescein under cobalt blue light and LWE with lissamine green under slit lamp and halogen white light.

Results

At the baseline session, LWE showed a negative correlation with DEQ‐5 (r = −0.37, p = 0.02). Significant differences in FBUT and LWE (p = 0.04) and a positive correlation between LWE and DEQ‐5 (r = 0.49, p = 0.007) were observed at 1 month. Intrasession analysis at 1 month showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in DEQ‐5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02). Intersession analysis in the experimental group showed variations in DEQ‐5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02) but no significant variation in the control group (all p ≥ 0.11).

Conclusion

The presence of LWE was significantly correlated with higher symptom values in the DEQ‐5. Also, participants in the experimental group presented higher values of LWE after 1 month of CL wear, in comparison with the control group.
Melatonin promotes the recovery of apple plants after waterlogging by shaping the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbiome
Authors: Cao Yang , Du Peihua , Li Zhongyong , Xu Jizhong , Ma Changqing , Liang Bowen
Published: May 2024

The dynamics of the physiological adaptability of plants and the rhizosphere soil environment after waterlogging remain unclear. Here we investigated the mechanisms regulating plant condition and shaping of the rhizosphere microbiome in a pot experiment. In the experiment, we added melatonin to waterlogged plants, which promoted waterlogging relief. The treatment significantly enhanced photosynthesis and the antioxidant capacity of apple plants, and significantly promoted nitrogen (N) utilization efficiency by upregulating genes related to N transport and metabolism. Multiperiod soil microbiome analysis showed the dynamic effects of melatonin on the diversity of the microbial community during waterlogging recovery. Random forest and linear regression analyses were used to screen for potential beneficial bacteria (e.g., Azoarcus, Pseudomonas and Nocardioides) specifically regulated by melatonin and revealed a positive correlation with soil nutrient levels and plant growth. Furthermore, metagenomic analyses revealed the regulatory effects of melatonin on genes involved in N cycling in soil. Melatonin positively contributed to the accumulation of plant dry weight by upregulating the expression of nifD and nifK (N fixation). In summary, melatonin positively regulates physiological functions in plants and the structure and function of the microbial community; it promoted the recovery of apple plants after waterlogging stress.
Multilayer regulatory landscape and new regulators identification for bud dormancy release and bud break in Populus
Authors: Hu Zhenzhu , Wu Zhihao , Zhu Qiangqiang , Ma Mingru , Li Yue , Dai Xiaokang , Han Shaopeng , Xiang Songzhu , Yang Siting , Luo Jie , Kong Qiusheng , Ding Jihua
Published: May 2024

For trees originating from boreal and temperate regions, the dormancy‐to‐active transition, also known as bud dormancy release and bud break, are crucial processes that allow trees to reactive growth in the spring. The molecular mechanisms underlying these two processes remain poorly understood. Here, through integrative multiomics analysis of the transcriptome, DNA methylome, and proteome, we gained insights into the reprogrammed cellular processes associated with bud dormancy release and bud break. Our findings revealed multilayer regulatory landscapes governing bud dormancy release and bud break regulation, providing a valuable reference framework for future functional studies. Based on the multiomics analysis, we have determined a novel long intergenic noncoding RNA named Phenology Responsive Intergenic lncRNA 1 (PRIR1) plays a role in the activation of bud break. that the molecular mechanism of PRIR1 has been preliminary explored, and it may partially promote bud break by activating its neighbouring gene, EXORDIUM LIKE 5 (PtEXL5), which has also been genetically confirmed as an activator for bud break. This study has revealed a lncRNA‐mediated regulatory mechanism for the control of bud break in Populus, operating independently of known regulatory pathways.
Trichinella spiralis Larval Extract as a Biological Anti‐Tumor Therapy in a Murine Model of Ehrlich Solid Carcinoma
Authors: Younis Salwa S. , Salama Amina M. , Elmehy Dalia A. , Heabah Nehal A. , Rabah Hanem M. , Elakshar Sara H. , Awad Radwa A. , Gamea Ghada A.
Published: May 2024

Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) is an immunomodulating parasite that can adversely affect tumor growth and extend host lifespan. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which T. spiralis larval antigens achieve this effect using Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) murine model. Assessment was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of caspase‐3, TNF‐α, Ki‐67 and CD31. Additionally, Bcl2 and Bcl2‐associated protein X (Bax) relative gene expression was assessed by molecular analysis for studying the effect of T. spiralis crude larval extract (CLE) antigen on tumor necrosis, apoptosis, cell proliferation and angiogenesis. We found that both T. spiralis infection and CLE caused a decrease in the areas of necrosis in ESC. Moreover, they led to increased apoptosis through activation of caspase‐3, up‐regulation of pro‐apoptotic gene, Bax and down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic gene, Bcl2. Also, T. spiralis infection and CLE diminished ESC proliferation, as evidenced by decreasing Ki‐67. T. spiralis infection and CLE were able to suppress the development of ESC by inhibiting tumor proliferation, inducing apoptosis and decreasing tumor necrosis, with subsequent decrease in tumor metastasis. T. spiralis CLE antigen may be considered as a promising complementary immunotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer.
Regulatory T‐cells activated in metastatic draining lymph nodes possibly suppress cancer immunity in cancer tissues of head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: Suzuki Susumu , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Saito Masato , Ishii Toshihiko , Takahara Taishi , Satou Akira , Inukai Daisuke , Yamanaka Shunpei , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Ueda Ryuzo , Ogawa Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment in cancer tissues. However, the mechanisms by which Tregs are activated and suppress cancer immunity remain unclear. To elucidate these mechanisms, we performed a T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire analysis of Tregs and conventional T cells in peripheral blood, draining lymph nodes (DLNs), and cancer tissues of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). We found that the TCR repertoire was skewed in cancer tissue and metastatic DLNs (M‐DLNs) compared with non‐metastatic DLNs, and TCR repertoire similarities in Tregs and CD8+ T cells between M‐DLNs and cancer tissue were high compared with those at other sites. These results suggest that Tregs and CD8+ T cells are activated in M‐DLNs and cancer tissues by cancer antigens, such as neoantigens, and shared antigens and Tregs suppress CD8+ T cell function in a cancer antigen‐specific manner in M‐DLNs and cancer tissue. Moreover, M‐DLNs might be a source of Tregs and CD8+ T cells recruited into the cancer tissue. Therefore, targeting Tregs in M‐DLNs in an antigen‐specific manner is expected to be a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for HNSCCs.
Bacterial blight: Once a menacing disease of cotton in India, now tamed and fading from research spotlight
Authors: Saini Anil Kumar , Saini Shubham , Raj Kushal , Beniwal Jogender , Garima Garima , Desai Savan G. , Singhal Pankhuri , Ramesh Gutha Venkata , Sain Satish Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Anil , Bhambhu Mukul Kumar , Sandipan Prashant B. , Manikandan K. , Kumar Deepak , Bishnoi Ruchi
Published: May 2024

Bacterial blight, incited by Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum (Xcm), is historically one of the most devastating diseases of cotton globally. In India, the initial documentation of the disease dates back to 1918 and it assumed a great magnitude after 1947, primarily triggered by cultivation of tetraploid cotton, as the earlier cultivated indigenous diploid cotton was naturally resistant to the pathogen, and became widespread during the 1970s. Among 20 races of bacterial blight pathogen documented at global level, Race 18 is the most virulent one and prominent in India. The pathogen inflicts damage at all crop stages, beginning with seedlings. The disease caused regular yield losses of 30%–35% in India and had become a formidable adversary to cotton cultivation in the country; however, over the years its appearance diminished. Much larger gains were apparently achieved when disease was managed with a combination of seed treatment, foliar sprays and bio‐agents. Furthermore, extensive breeding programmes led to development of resistant cultivars, which proved instrumental in managing the disease. The disease exhibited a sharp decline from the beginning of the 21st century and is now no longer a chronic problem in India. This comprehensive review attempts to provide insight into the dynamic nature of bacterial blight threatening cotton cultivation in India during the last century and the underpinning multifaceted research efforts that paved the way for countering the disease. An attempt is made to discuss the qualitative and quantitative studies on genetics of bacterial blight for facilitating the breeding programmes.
Effect of cryopreservation on Odc1 and RhoA genes expression in diapausing mouse blastocysts
Authors: Amstislavsky Sergei , Brusentsev Eugeny , Lebedeva Daria , Rozhkova Irina , Rakhmanova Tamara , Okotrub Svetlana , Kozeneva Varvara , Igonina Tatyana , Babochkina Tatyana
Published: May 2024

The possibility of embryo cryopreservation is important for applying the genome resource banking (GRB) concept to those mammalian species that exhibit embryonal diapause in their early development. Odc1 encodes ODC1, which is a key enzyme in polyamine synthesis. RhoA is an essential part of Rho/ROCK system. Both Odc1 and RhoA play an important role in preimplantation embryo development. Studying these systems in mammalian species with obligate or experimentally designed embryonic diapause may provide insight into the molecular machinery underlying embryo dormancy and re‐activation. The effect of cryopreservation procedures on the expression of the Odc1 and RhoA in diapausing embryos has not been properly studied yet. The purpose of this work is to address the possibility of cryopreservation diapausing embryos and to estimate the expression of the Odc1 and RhoA genes in diapausing and non‐diapausing embryos before and after freeze–thaw procedures using ovariectomized progesterone treated mice as a model. Both diapausing and non‐diapausing in vivo‐derived embryos continued their development in vitro after freezing–thawing as evidenced by blastocoel re‐expansion. Although cryopreservation dramatically decreased the expression of the Odc1 and RhoA genes in non‐diapausing embryos, no such effects have been observed in diapausing embryos where these genes were already at the low level before freeze–thaw procedures. Future studies may attempt to facilitate the re‐activation of diapausing embryos, for example frozen–thawed ones, specifically targeting Odc1 or Rho/ROCK system.
Asthma‐COPD overlap and asthma progressing to COPD: Are we using the right diagnostic approaches and pathways?
Authors: Irusen Elvis Malcolm , Meiring Danica , Koegelenberg Coenraad Frederik Nicolaas
Published: May 2024

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Heterogeneity in crowd‐out by risk aversion: Assessing the effect of the ACA Medicaid expansion
Authors: Onal Sezen O.
Published: May 2024

In this study, I estimate the heterogeneity in the crowd‐out of private health insurance by risk aversion with the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, I find that the Medicaid expansion led to a decrease in private coverage among risk‐loving individuals by 5 percentage points. However, the expansion did not lead to any meaningful change in private coverage for risk‐averse individuals. This finding suggests that risk‐averse individuals are willing to keep their private coverage, even though they become eligible for Medicaid. This potentially signals a sorting effect into private insurance. Under the assumption that highly risk‐averse individuals typically display superior health conditions, this preferential behavior could signify a form of advantageous selection into private insurance. Furthermore, the expansion increased Medicaid coverage by 3.4 percentage points for risk‐loving individuals, while not causing any discernible change in coverage among risk‐averse individuals. Such differential responses could potentially influence the risk composition of Medicaid coverage, and subsequently impact the cumulative expenditure associated with it.
Cash holdings and health shocks
Authors: Tian Lin , Guariglia Alessandra , Horsewood Nicholas
Published: May 2024

We are the first to investigate how health shocks relate to cash holdings. Using three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study over the period 2013–2018, we document that, for middle‐aged and elderly people living in rural China, the onset of an acute health condition is associated with a 3.0 percentage point higher probability of holding only cash as a safe asset, and a 2.3 percentage point higher proportion of safe assets held in the form of cash. These results are robust to using different samples and estimation methods. We also find that ex‐post reimbursement of medical expenses and lack of bank accessibility may drive the association between health shocks and cash holdings.
NtG3BPL1 confers resistance to chilli veinal mottle virus through promoting the degradation of 6K2 in tobacco
Authors: Peng Qiding , Jiao Bolei , Cheng Yongchao , Yuan Bowen , Zhou Jingya , Cai Jingliu , Jiang Ning , Lin Honghui , Xi Dehui
Published: May 2024

The RNA regulatory network is a complex and dynamic regulation in plant cells involved in mRNA modification, translation, and degradation. Ras‐GAP SH3 domain‐binding protein (G3BP) is a scaffold protein for the assembly of stress granules (SGs) and is considered an antiviral component in mammals. However, the function of G3BP during virus infection in plants is still largely unknown. In this study, four members of the G3BP‐like proteins (NtG3BPLs) were identified in Nicotiana tabacum and the expression levels of NtG3BPL1 were upregulated during chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) infection. NtG3BPL1 was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, forming cytoplasmic granules under transient high‐temperature treatment, whereas the abundance of cytoplasmic granules was decreased under ChiVMV infection. Overexpression of NtG3BPL1 inhibited ChiVMV infection and delayed the onset of symptoms, whereas knockout of NtG3BPL1 promoted ChiVMV infection. In addition, NtG3BPL1 directly interacted with ChiVMV 6K2 protein, whereas 6K2 protein had no effect on NtG3BPL1‐derived cytoplasmic granules. Further studies revealed that the expression of NtG3BPL1 reduced the chloroplast localization of 6K2‐GFP and the NtG3BPL1‐6K2 interaction complex was localized in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, NtG3BPL1 promoted the degradation of 6K2 through autophagy pathway, and the accumulation of 6K2 and ChiVMV was affected by autophagy activation or inhibition in plants. Taken together, our results demonstrate that NtG3BPL1 plays a positive role in tobacco resistance against ChiVMV infection, revealing a novel mechanism of plant G3BP in antiviral strategy.
Dar o Peixe Ou Ensinar a Pescar: O Falso Impasse Sobre a “Porta De Saída” do Programa Bolsa Família
Authors: Fraga Leurquin Pablo Georges Cícero , Monteiro Seixas Luiz Felipe , Costa dos Anjos Lucas
Published: May 2024

Os críticos de programas de redistribuição de renda como o Bolsa Família costumam construir seus argumentos a partir da suposta oposição entre “dar o peixe” e “ensinar a pescar”. Esse falso impasse tem múltiplos problemas, com destaque para dois. O primeiro diz respeito à perspectiva simplista de que há uma escolha necessária entre retirar a pessoa da pobreza ou da extrema pobreza e viabilizar a sua inserção no mercado de trabalho. O segundo diz respeito à visão preconceituosa, mesmo que velada, de que as pessoas pobres são preguiçosas e que se usufruírem desse tipo de política, não vão querer trabalhar. O presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar como o Bolsa Família, que acaba de completar 20 anos de existência, contribuiu para “porta de saída” do Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) de parte de seus beneficiários. O problema de pesquisa deriva do possível falso impasse sobre o Bolsa Família, apontado pelos seus críticos. A hipótese sustentada é a de que o programa tem estimulado que pessoas beneficiadas saiam do CadÚnico, atuando como instrumento de concretização de direitos socioeconômicos. Para tanto, adotou-se metodologia de natureza teórica, com base em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, fazendo uso de fontes primárias e secundárias, levantando os desdobramentos positivos do programa na redução das desigualdades e na garantia de condições mínimas para o exercício da cidadania política e socioeconômica. Além de textos acadêmicos, também foram apresentados artigos de opinião/jornalísticos e conclusões de estudos empíricos e dados oficiais sobre o programa. Foi possível concluir que o programa obteve êxito na viabilização da “porta de saída”, especialmente quando articulado a outras políticas públicas.
 
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Bolsa Família; PBF; Cadastro Único; Porta de saída; Constituição de 1988; Direitos socioeconômicos.
Trilema das Águas na Experiência Jurídica Brasileira
Authors: Belarmino de Morais Hugo , Coelho Naiara
Published: May 2024

Este artigo busca aprofundar analiticamente algumas inquietações sobre o processo de regulamentação jurídica das águas no Brasil, partindo da existência de um processo contemporâneo de “cercamento das águas”. Este processo passa inexoravelmente pela forma como o Estado brasileiro disciplina a gestão, o uso e a fruição deste bem essencial à reprodução material e simbólica das vidas humanas e não-humanas. Na investigação, valorizamos tanto as chaves teórico-políticas do pensamento latino-americano (em especial da ecologia política e dos estudos comunitários) quanto do materialismo histórico-dialético. A pesquisa é do tipo bibliográfica e documental. Partimos da hipótese de que as águas, mesmo que juridicamente se apresentem pela sua natureza “público-estatal” no Brasil se submetem às determinações mais essenciais da mercadoria, assumindo a forma de um recurso que inverte as prioridades legais: o abastecimento humano, embora deva ser a prioridade da gestão (e em parte das situações efetivamente é), precisa sempre “competir” com a determinação legal sobre os “usos múltiplos”, derivados de um processo de racionalização capitalista, o que dificulta – às vezes inviabiliza – o seu reconhecimento como bem comum. Propomos, pois, a urgência de incorporar outras experiências de disciplinamento, gestão e uso das águas no Brasil pautadas na compreensão crítica sobre os bens comuns não-mercantis, que tenham capacidade analítica de se contrapor ao processo de cercamento.
On the length of nonsolutions to equations with constants in some linear groups
Authors: Bradford Henry , Schneider Jakob , Thom Andreas
Published: May 2024

We show that for any finite‐rank–free group , any word‐equation in one variable of length with constants in fails to be satisfied by some element of of word‐length . By a result of the first author, this logarithmic bound cannot be improved upon for any finitely generated group . Beyond free groups, our method (and the logarithmic bound) applies to a class of groups including for all , and the fundamental groups of all closed hyperbolic surfaces and 3‐manifolds. Finally, using a construction of Nekrashevych, we exhibit a finitely generated group and a sequence of word‐equations  with constants in for which every nonsolution in is of word‐length strictly greater than logarithmic.
Automorphisms of del Pezzo surfaces in odd characteristic
Authors: Dolgachev Igor , Martin Gebhard
Published: May 2024

We complete the classification of automorphism groups of del Pezzo surfaces over algebraically closed fields of odd positive characteristic.
Finite pulse-time effects in long-baseline quantum clock interferometry
Authors: Janson Gregor , Friedrich Alexander , Lopp Richard
Published: May 2024

Quantum-clock interferometry has been suggested as a quantum probe to test the universality of free fall and the universality of gravitational redshift. In typical experimental schemes, it seems advantageous to employ Doppler-free E1–M1 transitions which have so far been investigated in quantum gases at rest. Here, we consider the fully quantized atomic degrees of freedom and study the interplay of the quantum center-of-mass (COM)—that can become delocalized—together with the internal clock transitions. In particular, we derive a model for finite-time E1–M1 transitions with atomic intern–extern coupling and arbitrary position-dependent laser intensities. We further provide generalizations to the ideal expressions for perturbed recoilless clock pulses. Finally, we show, at the example of a Gaussian laser beam, that the proposed quantum-clock interferometers are stable against perturbations from varying optical fields for a sufficiently small quantum delocalization of the atomic COM.
Parylene-C-based flexible organic thin-film transistors and their reliability improvement using SU-8 passivation
Authors: Hong Ah-Hyun , Park Yu Jung , Seo Jung-Hwa , Kim Yoon , Park Dong-Wook
Published: May 2024

Flexible and biocompatible organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) can be well-suited for biological applications due to their compatibility with biomaterials. In this study, flexible OTFTs were fabricated with a Parylene-C substrate and gate dielectric, a material known for its flexibility and biocompatibility. We used poly[2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] as organic channel material. To ensure the longevity and protection of the channel, SU-8, known for its biocompatibility and transparency, effectively safeguarded the OTFT and ensured its sustained operation. Flexible OTFTs were affixed to a curved fixture, referred to as a “curved condition.” The device parameters at −20 V of VD in the curved condition shows an Ion/off ratio of 3.5 × 104, threshold voltage (VTH) of −0.42 V, and mobility of 0.003 cm2/V s. The Parylene-C-based OTFT with SU-8 passivation demonstrated reliability by maintaining performance under curved conditions for 40 days. The results show that the proposed device is suitable for flexible electronics and sensor applications.
ToF-SIMS spectra of historical inorganic pigments: Lead-based pigments in positive polarity
Authors: Bouvier Caroline , Van Nuffel Sebastiaan , Brunelle Alain
Published: May 2024

ToF-SIMS is increasingly used to analyze cultural heritage materials because it can simultaneously detect organic and inorganic materials while mapping them on a surface. The precise identification of a pigment in a specific layer of a painting or of remaining color on a statue can inform about the technique used or the time of manufacture as well as expose possible forgeries when anachronistic ingredients are identified. Reference spectra are required to confidently identify a given pigment using ToF-SIMS. This database focuses on eight lead-based historical inorganic pigments, manufactured following traditional recipes. Lead pigments have been widely used in painting until the late 19th century. Here, the positive polarity ToF-SIMS reference spectra using a Bi3+ primary ion species are presented.