bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test–Retest Reliability and Reliable Change on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery
Authors: Karr Justin E , Ingram Eric O , Pinheiro Cristina N , Ali Sheliza , Iverson Grant L
Published: February 2024

Objective

Researchers and practitioners can detect cognitive improvement or decline within a single examinee by applying a reliable change methodology. This study examined reliable change through test–retest data from the English-language National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) normative sample.

Method

Participants included adults (n = 138; age: M ± SD = 54.8 ± 20.0, range: 18–85; 51.4% men; 68.1% White) who completed test–retest assessments about a week apart on five fluid cognition tests, providing raw scores, age-adjusted standard scores (SS), and demographic-adjusted T-scores (T).

Results

The Fluid Cognition Composite (SS: ICC = 0.87; T-score: ICC = 0.84) and the five fluid cognition tests had good test–retest reliability (SS: ICC range = 0.66–0.85; T-score: ICC range = 0.64–0.86). The lower and upper bounds of 70%, 80%, and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated around change scores, which serve as cutoffs for determining reliable change. Using T-scores, 90% CI, and adjustment for practice effects, 32.3% declined on one or more tests, 9.7% declined on two or more tests, 36.6% improved on one or more tests, and 5.4% improved on two or more tests.

Conclusions

It was common for participants to show reliable change on at least one test score, but not two or more test scores. Per an 80% CI, test–retest difference scores beyond these cutoffs would indicate reliable change: Dimensional Change Card Sort (SS ≥ 14/T ≥ 10), Flanker (SS ≥ 12/T ≥ 8), List Sorting (SS ≥ 14/T ≥ 10), Picture Sequence Memory (SS ≥ 19/T ≥ 13), Pattern Comparison (SS ≥ 11/T ≥ 8), and Fluid Cognition Composite (SS ≥ 10/T ≥ 7). The reliable change cutoffs could be applied in research or practice to detect within-person change in fluid cognition at the individual level.
Real-World Patient Experience With PrabotulinumtoxinA in the United Kingdom: A Single-Center Survey and Analysis of 254 Patients
Authors: Taylor-Barnes Kathryn
Published: February 2024

Background

Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injection is the most widely performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United Kingdom. PrabotulinumtoxinA is a new BoNT-A, recently licensed in the United Kingdom, for treating moderate-to-severe glabellar lines in adults under 65. Although clinical trials have established safety and efficacy, real-world data can help clinicians translate study findings into practice and support prabotulinumtoxinA use in a more diverse patient population.

Objectives

To understand the real-world patient experience and patient perceptions of prabotulinumtoxinA performance for treatment of the glabellar region.

Methods

In this single-center survey study, a single injector administered prabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of glabellar lines to real-world patients presenting for BoNT-A treatment. Two weeks later, patients received surveys asking about their experience through email. There were no incentives for participation. Responses returned within 5 weeks of treatment were included.

Results

From February to June 2023, 457 patients received prabotulinumtoxinA injections for glabellar line treatment. Survey response rate was 56% (254/457 patients). For most patients, treatment onset was 2 to 3 days following injection and peak response occurred after 7 to 10 days. Adverse effects were minimal, with 67% of patients experiencing none. Among survey respondents, 83% rated their treatment positively (5-point satisfaction scale), and 72% would choose prabotulinumtoxinA again.

Conclusions

These data support safety and effectiveness of prabotulinumtoxinA in a diverse, real-world population, and confirm patient satisfaction among experienced BoNT-A patients, as well as suggest a rapid time to onset and peak effect.

Level of Evidence: 4
Flight characteristics and phylogeography in three large-bodied diving beetle species: evidence that the species with expanded distribution is an active flier
Authors: Ohba Shin-ya , Suzuki Tomoya , Fukui Mizuki , Hirai Sachiko , Nakashima Karin , Bae Yeon Jae , Tojo Koji
Published: February 2024

Diving beetles play an important role in fishless freshwater communities. The genus Cybister is included in the Japanese Red Data List owing to its diminished population size. The phylogenetic relationships and genetic structures of Cybister chinensis and Cybister brevis, whose populations are declining, and Cybister tripunctatus lateralis, whose population and distribution is increasing, are poorly understood and must be addressed in future conservation efforts. In this study, we investigated the flight behaviour and phylogeography of the three Cybister species. Cybistyer tripunctatus lateralis and C. brevis flew well in the spring, and the proportion of flight in C. tripunctatus lateralis increased again after the reproductive season. However, C. chinensis did not fly. Relatively, among the three species, C. tripunctatus lateralis has the largest forewings. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial DNA revealed that C. chinensis showed genetic differentiation between the eastern and western regions of Japan, whereas C. tripunctatus lateralis showed no regional trends. Furthermore, C. brevis showed an intermediate trend between the two species. These findings suggest that C. tripunctatus lateralis has been expanding the area of its distribution rapidly through flight dispersal in recent years. Cybister chinensis flies infrequently, raising concerns about metapopulation fragmentation.
MRI combined with clinical features to differentiate ovarian thecoma-fibroma with cystic degeneration from ovary adenofibroma
Authors: Bo Juan , Sun Mingjie , Wei Chao , Wei Longyu , Fu Baoyue , Shi Bin , Fang Xin , Dong Jiangning
Published: February 2024

Objective

To explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical features in identifying ovarian thecoma-fibroma (OTF) with cystic degeneration and ovary adenofibroma (OAF).

Methods

A total of 40 patients with OTF (OTF group) and 28 patients with OAF (OAF group) were included in this retrospective study. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed on clinical features and MRI between the two groups, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to estimate the optimal threshold and predictive performance.

Results

The OTF group had smaller cyst degeneration degree (P < .001), fewer black sponge sign (20% vs. 53.6%, P = .004), lower minimum apparent diffusion coefficient value (ADCmin) (0.986 (0.152) vs. 1.255 (0.370), P < .001), higher age (57.4 ± 14.2 vs. 44.1 ± 15.9, P = .001) and more postmenopausal women (72.5% vs. 28.6%, P < .001) than OAF. The area under the curve of MRI, clinical features and MRI combined with clinical features was 0.870, 0.841, and 0.954, respectively, and MRI combined with clinical features was significantly higher than the other two (P < .05).

Conclusion

The cyst degeneration degree, black sponge sign, ADCmin, age and menopause were independent factors in identifying OTF with cystic degeneration and OAF. The combination of MRI and clinical features has a good effect on the identification of the two.

Advances in knowledge

This is the first time to distinguish OTF with cystic degeneration from OAF by combining MRI and clinical features. It shows the diagnostic performance of MRI, clinical features, and combination of the two. This will facilitate the discriminability and awareness of these two diseases among radiologists and gynaecologists.
A Change of Scene: Moving Pedagogical Practice from the Classroom to the Court Room. What Impact Does This Have on Social Work Students’ Feelings of Confidence?
Authors: Martins Lauren
Published: February 2024

How effectively higher education institutes are in preparing future Social Workers for practice has been questioned by literature. This action research study focuses on one university in England and was inspired by previous Social Work students’ law module feedback. It considers interventions that could assist in enhancing student satisfaction, confidence and readiness to practice with a focus on court skills. The study explores the impact of simulated court skills days on students’ confidence in comparison to students who did not receive the intervention. Students completing the postgraduate social work course participated in the intervention alongside their law module teaching whilst undergraduate students received the intervention later in the academic year. Nineteen students completed questionnaires which were conducted before and after the law module. Results indicate that students who participated in three court skills days felt more confident in a range of court tasks and felt more ready for practice in comparison to those who had not received the intervention. The research highlights how combining traditional didactic lectures alongside more creative pedagogical approaches can lead to students’ feeling more prepared, confident and ready for front line practice.
Hybrid and Digitally Mediated Practice in Child and Family Social Work: Impacts on More and Less Experienced Practitioners’ Communication, Relationships, Sense-Making and Experiences of Work
Authors: Jeyasingham Dharman , Devlin Josh
Published: February 2024

Hybrid working, where social workers frequently work from home and use digital technology to communicate with colleagues and people using services, has become common practice in UK social work. This article presents findings from an ethnographic study of child and family social work practice in three local authorities in England. The study involved interviews and observations of practice with twenty-one social workers, over the course of six to twelve months in each site, and focus groups with young people and families who used child protection services. It used a theoretical frame of socio-materiality to examine social workers’ experiences of work and their digitally mediated interactions, sense-making and relationships with colleagues, supervisors, young people and families. The study found hybrid working and digitally mediated practices had significant impacts on social workers’ interactions, relationships and experiences. These impacts were particularly likely to be negative for less experienced practitioners, while some more experienced practitioners had more autonomy over their work and experienced it as more creative and meaningful. The study raises questions about how less experienced social workers can be supported and helped to develop as practitioners, in working environments where they are more often working alone.
Drastic changes in ground-dwelling beetle communities following high-intensity deer culling: insights from an island ecosystem
Authors: Dawson Blake M , Evans Maldwyn J , Barton Philip S , Soga Masashi , Tochigi Kahoko , Koike Shinsuke
Published: February 2024

The overabundance of large herbivores can have detrimental effects on the local environment due to overgrazing. Culling is a common management practice implemented globally that can effectively control herbivore populations and allow vegetation communities to recover. However, the broader indirect effects of culling large herbivores remain relatively unknown, particularly on insect species such as ground-dwelling beetles that perform key ecosystem processes such as decomposition. Here we undertook a preliminary investigation to determine how culling sika deer on an island in North Japan impacted ground-beetle community dynamics. We conducted pitfall trapping in July and September in 2012 (before culling) and again in 2019 (after culling). We compared beetle abundance and community composition within 4 beetle families (Carabidae, Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, and Silphidae), across seasons and culling treatments. We found each family responded differently to deer culling. Scarabaeidae displayed the greatest decline in abundance after culling. Silphidae also had reduced abundance but to a lesser extent compared to Scarabaeidae. Carabidae had both higher and lower abundance after culling, depending on the season. We found beetle community composition differed between culling and season, but seasonal variability was reduced after culling. Overall, the culling of large herbivores resulted in a reduction of ground-dwelling beetle populations, particularly necrophagous species dependent on dung and carrion for survival. Our preliminary research highlights the need for long-term and large-scale experiments to understand the indirect ecological implications of culling programs on ecosystem processes.
Mitral annular disjunction in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation patients: just a bystander or a potential cause?
Authors: Verheul L M , Guglielmo M , Groeneveld S A , Kirkels F P , Scrocco C , Cramer M J , Bootsma M , Kapel G F L , Alings M , Evertz R , Mulder B A , Prakken N H J , Balt J C , Volders P G A , Hirsch A , Yap S C , Postema P G , Nijveldt R , Velthuis B K , Behr E R , Wilde A A M , Hassink R J
Published: February 2024

Aims

Previously, we demonstrated that inferolateral mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is more prevalent in patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) than in healthy controls. In the present study, we advanced the insights into the prevalence and ventricular arrhythmogenicity by inferolateral MAD in an even larger IVF cohort.

Methods and results

This retrospective multi-centre study included 185 IVF patients [median age 39 (27, 52) years, 40% female]. Cardiac magnetic resonance images were analyzed for mitral valve and annular abnormalities and late gadolinium enhancement. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without MAD. MAD in any of the 4 locations was present in 112 (61%) IVF patients and inferolateral MAD was identified in 24 (13%) IVF patients. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was found in 13 (7%) IVF patients. MVP was more prevalent in patients with inferolateral MAD compared with patients without inferolateral MAD (42 vs. 2%, P < 0.001). Pro-arrhythmic characteristics in terms of a high burden of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) were more prevalent in patients with inferolateral MAD compared to patients without inferolateral MAD (67 vs. 23%, P < 0.001 and 63 vs. 41%, P = 0.046, respectively). Appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy during follow-up was comparable for IVF patients with or without inferolateral MAD (13 vs. 18%, P = 0.579).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of inferolateral MAD and MVP is a consistent finding in this large IVF cohort. The presence of inferolateral MAD is associated with a higher PVC burden and non-sustained VTs. Further research is needed to explain this potential interplay.
The RU486-dependent activation of the GeneSwitch system in adult muscles leads to severe adverse effects in Drosophila
Authors: Zappia Maria Paula , Damschroder Deena , Westacott Anton , Wessells Robert J , Frolov Maxim V
Published: February 2024

Robust genetic systems to control the expression of transgenes in a spatial and temporal manner are a valuable asset for researchers. The GeneSwitch system induced by the drug RU486 has gained widespread use in the Drosophila community. However, some concerns were raised as negative effects were seen depending on the stock, transgene, stage, and tissue under study. Here, we characterized the adverse effects triggered by activating the GeneSwitch system in adult muscles using the MHC-GS-GAL4 driver. When a control, mock UAS-RNAi transgene was induced by feeding adult flies with RU486, we found that the overall muscle structure, including myofibrils and mitochondrial shape, was significantly disrupted and led to a significant reduction in the lifespan. Remarkably, lifespan was even shorter when 2 copies of the driver were used even without the mock UAS-RNAi transgene. Thus, researchers should be cautious when interpreting the results given the adverse effects we found when inducing RU486-dependent MHC-GS-GAL4 in adult muscles. To account for the impact of these effects we recommend adjusting the dose of RU486, setting up additional control groups, such as a mock UAS-RNAi transgene, as comparing the phenotypes between RU486-treated and untreated animals could be insufficient.
Seismic cycle controlled by subduction geometry: novel 3-D quasi-dynamic model of Central Chile megathrust
Authors: Herrera Marco T , Crempien Jorge G F , Cembrano José , Moreno Marcos
Published: February 2024

Subduction earthquakes show complex spatial and temporal rupture patterns, exhibiting events of varied sizes, which rupture distinct or overlapping fault segments. Elucidating first-order controlling conditions of rupture segmentation and return periods of large earthquakes is therefore critical for seismic and tsunami hazard estimations. The Chilean subduction zone frequently hosts several Mw > 8 earthquakes, with heterogeneous recurrence rates and locations. Here, we implement 3-D quasi-dynamic rate and state frictional models to investigate the role of plate interface geometry on the distribution of interseismic coupling and coseismic ruptures in Central Chile. First, we develop synthetic-parametric models that show how dip and strike variations may increase the probabilities to produce partial seismic barriers, which tend to avoid the production of large earthquake ruptures and modulate rupture lengths. Then, we simulate the subduction seismic cycle processes on Central Chile (25°S–38°S), imposing depth-dependent frictional properties on a realistic non-planar 3-D subduction interface geometry. Similar to results obtained for synthetic-parametric models, after 5000 yr of simulation, regions with abrupt dip or strike changes increase the probabilities of stopping coseismic propagation of simulated Mw 8.0–9.0 earthquakes. Our simulated earthquake sequences on the Central Chile subduction zone delimit rupture areas that match geometrical interface features and historical earthquakes, results that point to the crucial role of fault interface geometry on seismic cycle segmentation along strike.
The EU Data Act in context: a legal assessment
Authors: Casolari Federico , Buttaboni Carlotta , Floridi Luciano
Published: February 2024

The present article analyses the main legal features of the EU Data Act, identifying some innovative aspects and shortcomings. Moving from the general approach elaborated by the Union towards data governance—a value-based approach flowing from the idea of enforcing the strategic autonomy of the Union—the article considers first the most relevant piece of legislation that complements the DA, that is, the EU Data Governance Act, and then assesses the DA in light of both the original proposal of the European Commission and the position adopted by the two EU co-legislatures—the European Parliament and the Council. An overview of the major competitive legal approaches to the governance of IoT data (namely, the USA and Chinese approaches) is also discussed, stressing possible synergies and conflicts with the EU’s approach.
Heptavalent O-Antigen Bioconjugate Vaccine Exhibiting Differential Functional Antibody Responses Against Diverse Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Wantuch Paeton L , Knoot Cory J , Robinson Lloyd S , Vinogradov Evgeny , Scott Nichollas E , Harding Christian M , Rosen David A
Published: February 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the leading cause of neonatal sepsis and is increasingly difficult to treat owing to antibiotic resistance. Vaccination represents a tractable approach to combat this resistant bacterium; however, there is currently not a licensed vaccine. Surface polysaccharides, including O-antigens of lipopolysaccharide, have long been attractive candidates for vaccine inclusion. Herein we describe the generation of a bioconjugate vaccine targeting 7 predominant O-antigen subtypes in K. pneumoniae. Each bioconjugate was immunogenic in isolation, with limited cross-reactivity among subtypes. Vaccine-induced antibodies demonstrated varying degrees of binding to a wide variety of K. pneumoniae strains. Furthermore, serum from vaccinated mice induced complement-mediated killing of many of these strains. Finally, increased capsule interfered with the ability of O-antigen antibodies to bind and mediate killing of some K. pneumoniae strains. Taken together, these data indicate that this novel heptavalent O-antigen bioconjugate vaccine formulation exhibits limited efficacy against some, but not all, K. pneumoniae isolates.
Different Eco-Friendly Spectrophotometric Approaches Including Direct and Manipulations of Zero and Ratio Spectra for Simultaneous Determination of Novel Nasal Spray Combination Used in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Reda Alaa , Saleh Hanaa , Bahgat Eman A , Fawzy Michael Gamal
Published: February 2024

Background

The presentation of rhinitis has drawn increasing attention in recent years due to the possibility of overlap or confusion between allergic rhinitis symptoms and those of COVID-19. Azelastine hydrochloride (AZH) and mometasone furoate (MOF) are two of the most efficient combinations for enhancing the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Objective

This work concerns applying and validating different accurate and simple spectrophotometric approaches for simultaneous quantification of the binary mixture of AZH and MOF in raw material, laboratory-prepared mixtures, and pharmaceutical preparation. Moreover, assessment of the environmental impact of the applied approaches on the environment was also a key goal of this study.

Methods

AZH was determined using the direct spectrophotometric (D0) method, while four reliable spectrophotometric approaches namely, induced dual wavelength (IDW), ratio subtraction (RS), ratio difference (RD), and ratio derivative (1DD) were used for MOF determination.

Results

The methods were validated in line with the International Conference of Harmonization standards. In the AZH range of (5–56 µg/mL) and MOF range of (2–20 µg/mL), the linearity of the proposed approaches was investigated with high accuracy findings. There were no significant differences between the obtained results and those of the reported method when compared statistically. Furthermore, the applied spectrophotometric methods were deemed to be eco-friendly according to Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical Greenness Calculator (AGREE) assessment metrics.

Conclusions

The applied spectrophotometric methods are simpler, more eco-friendly, and take a shorter time to precisely estimate many measurements compared to the only reported chromatographic analysis.

Highlights

Neither publications of novel spectrophotometric methods nor reported green ones have been available for simultaneous determination of the binary mixture of AZH and MOF, so this work has a great significance and novelty in the area of pharmaceutical analysis.
Two new species of freshwater crabs of the genus Bottapotamon Türkay & Dai, 1997 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from China
Authors: Cheng Ruo-Ying , Lu Yuan-Biao , Zou Jie-Xin
Published: February 2024

We report on two new species of BottapotamonTürkay & Dai, 1997: B. lushanensesp. nov. from Lushan Mountain, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province and B. yongzhouensesp. nov. from Ningyuan County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China. The two new species are morphologically compared with the other eight congeners, and can be distinguished by characters of the carapace and the male first gonopods. A phylogenetic tree was produced based on sequences of partial COX1. The establishment of the two new species was supported by both the results of the molecular analyses and the morphological descriptions,. This study brings the number of Bottapotamon species to ten.
Estimate of the revenue and economic contribution of the professional pest management industry in Georgia, United States
Authors: Winkles Jacob L , Campbell Benjamin L , Forschler Brian T
Published: February 2024

The Professional Pest Management Industry (PPMI) dates back over a century in the United States. Stakeholder calls for economic studies of the PPMI include, in the 1980s, the National Research Council, although there has been little to no progress on that topic. US Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that revenue and employment for the PPMI in Georgia increased 117% from 1997 to 2021. We determined the revenue, employment, and economic contributions for the PPMI in Georgia, United States, using 2 methodologies applied to IMPLAN: primary survey data in combination with an open records request and publicly available Federal Economic data. Estimates of average revenue for the Georgia PPMI in 2021 were $833–$988 million, using the survey/open records and publicly available data, respectively. We utilized an economic modeling program, IMPLAN, to estimate the economic contributions by the Georgia PPMI in 2021 to be between $1.7 and $2.0 billion, with 13,000–14,000 jobs for the 2 respective data sets. We describe the methods and provide tutorials for other states or national organizations to follow to generate justifiable, comparable economic information on the PPMI. In addition, we discuss the unique position of the PPMI as heavily regulated by State Departments of Agriculture to advocate for including the PPMI economic values when reporting agricultural economic contributions.
Efficacy of conventional and organic pesticides following ingestion by Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: Dugger Chloe Denise , Lightle Danielle , Matteson Monte , Rasmussen Ann , Buckland Kristine
Published: February 2024

Cabbage maggot (CM) (Delia radicum L.) is a devastating pest of Brassicaceae crops throughout the world, including the Willamette Valley in western Oregon, USA. Chemical control methods for this pest are limited, with reduction or elimination of chlorpyrifos tolerances and expensive alternative chemistries; therefore, there is an increasing need for novel chemical control options. Adult feeding, a strategy used with insecticide-treated baits for other fly species, has yet to be tested as an option for a chemical control delivery for cabbage maggot. Treated bait can exploit the feeding behavior of CM and expose them to insecticides in a field setting. In this study, the efficacy of 5 organic and 5 conventional insecticides was compared in laboratory bioassays of treated bait stations in Aurora, Oregon, USA. The mortality of adult female cabbage maggot flies was assessed over time following ingestion of insecticides. Among organic insecticides tested, spinosad was highly effective 4 h after exposure, while pyrethrins + azadirachtin was moderately effective following 18 h after exposure. Flies exposed to conventional-use pesticides zeta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin had high mortality 1.75 h after exposure, while spinetoram had moderate efficacy 2 h after exposure. Insecticides identified with high or moderate efficacy may have the potential for use in baits or lure formulations that could be used to augment the control of cabbage maggots in field settings.
Backlash and Beyond: Three Perspectives on the Politics of International Justice
Authors: Bates Genevieve
Published: February 2024

This review essay evaluates three new books on international justice, focusing in particular on cooperation and backlash against the International Criminal Court: Africa and the Backlash Against International Courts by Peter Brett and Line Engbo Gissel, Saving the International Justice Regime by Courtney Hillebrecht, and State Behavior and the International Criminal Court by Franziska Boehme. It provides an overview of the books and explores how each work analyses African state responses to the ICC investigation in Darfur, then assesses the implications of the books for understanding contemporary debates about international justice.
PLK1 phosphorylation of ZW10 guides accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis
Authors: Bellah Sm Faysal , Xiong Fangyuan , Dou Zhen , Yang Fengrui , Liu Xing , Yao Xuebiao , Gao Xinjiao , Zhang Liangyu
Published: February 2024

Stable transmission of genetic information during cell division requires faithful chromosome segregation. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) dynamics at kinetochores control correct kinetochore–microtubule attachments and subsequent silencing of the spindle assembly checkpoint. However, the mechanisms underlying PLK1-mediated silencing of the spindle checkpoint remain elusive. Here, we identified a regulatory mechanism by which PLK1-elicited zeste white 10 (ZW10) phosphorylation regulates spindle checkpoint silencing in mitosis. ZW10 is a cognate substrate of PLK1, and the phosphorylation of ZW10 at Ser12 enables dynamic ZW10–Zwint1 interactions. Inhibition of ZW10 phosphorylation resulted in misaligned chromosomes, while persistent expression of phospho-mimicking ZW10 mutant caused premature anaphase, in which sister chromatids entangled as cells entered anaphase. These findings reveal the previously uncharacterized PLK1–ZW10 interaction through which dynamic phosphorylation of ZW10 fine-tunes accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis.
Finding unveiled: Culex thalassius (Diptera: Culicidae), a new mosquito species emerges in the Cabo Verde archipelago
Authors: Gonçalves Adéritow Augusto Lopes Macedo , Lopes Luís Filipe Vieira da Silva , Monteiro Davidson Daniel Sousa , da Moura Aires Januário Fernandes , Sousa Carla Alexandra Gama Carrilho da Costa , Leal Silvânia da Veiga
Published: February 2024

Mosquito-borne diseases can pose significant burdens. In many countries, they pose a risk to national economies and the well-being of humans and animals. To mitigate this, mosquito surveillance is crucial to assess the real and potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Between 2020 and 2023, mosquito larvae were collected from both indoor and outdoor breeding sites in urban and rural areas of 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands in Cabo Verde. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction-based techniques that targeted the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I sequence. During this period, 6,825 breeding sites were assessed, and of 8,094 mosquito specimens screened, 194 specimens of Culex thalassius were identified for the first time in the country in 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands. This new finding highlights the importance of including entomological surveillance in health systems. Although this species has only been detected on a few islands, it is important to continuously monitor it to determine its distribution, spread/dispersal, density, and potential involvement in pathogen transmission.
Ethnobotanical study of Zhuang medicinal herbs of Ardisia: variety systematization, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, and toxicity
Authors: Tian-Liang  , Xie Qiaohui , Shama Ribu , Yu Jiaoneng , Xi-Gu-Ri-Gan  , Bao Qianhang , Su Hongxin , Liu Bo , Borjigidai Almaz
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to systematize the Zhuang medicinal herbs of Ardisia (ZMHA) in China, to clarify the traditional use in Zhuang medicine and the dynamics of international research on phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, and toxicity.

Key findings

There are 25 species of ZMHA, approximately 938 compounds from the different part, including triterpenoids, phenolics, volatile oils, etc. Pharmacological activity studies have also shown that this genus has anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, etc., and significant effects on respiratory, digestive, urinary, and musculoskeletal system diseases without toxic side effects.

The Ardisia has a medicinal history of nearly a thousand years, mainly for treating diseases of the injuries, musculoskeletal, and symptomatic system in Zhuang medicine. Some plants, such as A. crenata, A. gigantifolia, and A. japonica, are also commonly used in folk Zhuang medicine formulas, to treat musculoskeletal, injury, respiratory, and urinate systems disease. These diseases are related to inflammation. These could provide a new direction for future new drug development research. Therefore, species identification and resource investigation should be strengthened, and conducted in vitro mechanism, in vivo pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and toxicology studies and establish a perfect quality standard system.
Preparation of glycyrrhizic acid-modified BSA-nanoparticles and evaluation of their hepatic cellular distribution
Authors: Tang Hongping , Qiu Xinyu , Chen Yue , Yan Li , Zhao Jie , Cao Bing tao , He Yujing , Hao Jifu
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Orientation to specific cells is an important topic in active targeting strategy for nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. While these administered nanoparticles will be sequestrated within the liver, their cellular distribution behaviors in the liver are not clear. The aim of this study was to fabricate glycyrrhizic acid (GL) modified BSA nanoparticles and evaluate their hepatic cellular distribution.

Methods

GL-modified BSA (GL-BSA) was tailored according to the periodate oxidation method, then GL-BSA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX@GL-BSA NPs) were prepared through self-assembly approach. In vitro cellular uptake was assessed by FITC-labeled BSA nanoparticles and immunofluorescent analysis was performed to track their relative distribution in the liver.

Key findings

The fabricated PTX@GL-BSA NPs were spherical structure with the particle size of 179 nm and a negative potential (−17.3 mV). Flow cytometry (FCM) studies exhibited that the accumulation of GL-BSA nanoparticles was 5.3-fold compared with BSA nanoparticles in HepG2 cells. The Nanoparticles were preferentially accumulated in the sinusoidal endothelial cells rather than the Kupffer cells.

Conclusions

This study provides useful information to understand the distribution of hepatic targeting nanoparticles when using GL-modified BSA nanoparticles, which helps to further use for effective treatment of liver disease.
A case of thoracic central venous obstruction treated by the innominate-to-right-atrial bypass grafting technique under extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Chen Jianfeng
Published: February 2024

A 46-year-old woman with stage 5 chronic kidney disease was unable to undergo hemodialysis treatment due to thoracic central venous obstruction (TCVO) and blockage of the tunneled cuffed catheter. This patient also presented with symptoms of TCVO. When percutaneous procedure was not possible, we resolved the obstruction with the innominate-to-right-atrial bypass grafting technique under extracorporeal circulation. There are few reports on this surgical approach. In terms of patient prognosis, this may be an effective solution to this problem.
R0 resection of linitis plastica of the stomach with synchronous bilateral Krukenberg tumours in a young woman
Authors: Muralidhar Venkiteswaran , Moorthy Pooja E , Krishnan Akshay C K , Manavalan Leo J
Published: February 2024

We report a case of linitis plastica (LP) with synchronous bilateral Krukenberg Tumours in a young woman, which could be resected fully. Such a case is rarely reported because of rarity (LP), dismal prognosis (LP and Krukenberg Tumours), nonresectability due to peritoneal spread at presentation, and lack of clear treatment protocols (LP and Krukenberg Tumours). This case report suggests that LP, with Krukenberg Tumours, can achieve complete resection in a select subset of cases; this may improve survival.
Penetrating injury to the left ventricle caused by attempted suicide—a case report
Authors: Parentic Mara , Podolski Eva , Korda Marin , Katic Borna , Kajs Fran Juraj , Krzelj Kristina , Belina Drazen , Gasparovic Hrvoje , Tokic Tomislav , Duric Zeljko
Published: February 2024

Penetrating cardiac injuries are rare but are one of the most urgent emergencies because they require early intervention in order to prevent death. The mortality rate of such injuries, including pre-hospitalization deaths, goes up to 90%. The most commonly injured heart chamber is the right ventricle since it takes over half of the anterior thoracic wall. The left ventricle is injured less often, but these patients usually have worse prognoses and higher mortality rates because such injuries lead to hemodynamic instability faster. We present a unique case of a suicide attempt in which the patient stabbed himself with a knife, penetrated the left ventricle, and survived even though he transected the second diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery and pulled the knife out of his chest.
Mark’s Demonic Christology: Reevaluating the Daimonic Confessions of Jesus’s Messiahship
Authors: Glover Daniel B
Published: February 2024

Markan scholars have often taken for granted that the daimonic acclamations of Jesus’s messianic identity in Mark’s Gospel present the author’s own Christological perspective. Giving attention to daimonic speech in Mark’s literary context, however, opens up the interpretive possibility that this daimonic speech may serve to mislead rather than teach. By using insights from the rhetorical practice of prosopopoeia (speech-in-character), this article compares the Christology of Mark’s daimones with a) Jesus’s reliable statements about his own messianic identity and b) Mark’s discursive presentation of the messianic role in order to assess whether the daimonic Christology in Mark’s Gospel is trustworthy or misleading.
Ilaria Ramelli’s History of the ‘Apokatastasis Doctrine’: A Critical Assessment of Evidence from before Origen
Authors: Pedersen Nils Arne
Published: February 2024

In this article, the treatment of early Christian literature from before Origen in Ilaria Ramelli’s monographs The Christian Doctrine of Apokatastasis and (co-authored with David Konstan) Terms for Eternity is subject to critique. When Ramelli claims that the early literature shared the idea of temporary punishment after death, thus forming the ‘roots’ of the doctrine of apokatastasis, a clear distinction between early and later concepts and interpretations is missing. The argument that αἰώνιος in eschatological contexts should not mean ‘eternal’, but rather ‘in the world to come’, is untenable, inter alia because this supposed sense of αἰώνιος would duplicate the same information in the phrase ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τῷ ἐρχομένῳ ζωὴν αἰώνιον (Mark 10:30). The article also demonstrates the incorrectness of Ramelli’s arguments that the texts contain contrasting relations between the words αἰώνιος and ἀΐδιος and κόλασις and τιμωρία, respectively, with only ἀΐδιος indicating a strictly eternal future, and κόλασις a purifying temporary chastisement. These arguments contain a number of methodological errors: the meaning of words is not sought in the contexts in which they are used, and the possibility of stylistic variation is not taken into account.
Opportunistic pathogens increased and probiotics or short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria decreased in the intestinal microbiota of pneumonia inpatients during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant epidemic
Authors: Huang Fan , Luo Min , Peng Jun , Liu Shide , He Jinlei
Published: February 2024

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been over four years, and the role of intestinal microbiota in the occurrence and development of COVID-19 needs to be further clarified. During the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in China, we analyzed the intestinal microbiome in fecal samples from inpatients with pneumonia and normal individuals in January 2023. The microbiota composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity, differential microbial community, co-occurrence networks, and functional abundance were analyzed. The results showed significant differences in microbiota composition between the two groups. In pneumonia group, the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Clostridium, and Coprococcus decreased, while the abundance of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Megamonas increased. Through LEfSe analysis, 37 marker microbiota were identified in pneumonia group. Co-occurrence network analysis found that Lachnospiraceae was critical for the interaction of intestinal microbiota, and the anti-inflammatory bacteria Blautia was negatively correlated with the pro-inflammatory bacteria Ruminococcus. Functional prediction found the up-regulation of steroid biosynthesis, geraniol degradation, and mRNA surveillance pathway in pneumonia group. In conclusion, opportunistic pathogens increased and probiotics, or short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, decreased in the intestinal microbiota of pneumonia inpatients during the Omicron epidemic. Blautia could be used as a probiotic in the treatment of pneumonia patients in the future.
Impact of Aspergillus fumigatus inoculation on the composting of wood shaving bedding for horses
Authors: do Nascimento Ana Gabriela Carvalho Rodrigues , de Paula Alessandra Monteiro , Busato Jader Galba , da Rocha Gino Chaves , Perecmanis Simone , da Silva Sâmia Gomes , Neto Antônio Raphael Texeira
Published: February 2024

Equine farming generates a significant amount of waste, prompting the need for effective management. Composting enhanced by filamentous fungi holds promise for this purpose. This study focused on inoculating Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in composting horse bedding made with wood shavings (Pinus elliottii). The experiment lasted 90 days, with two treatment groups, control and inoculated, analyzing temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and nitrogen content, and cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents. Both treatments entered the thermophilic phase by the fourth day, reaching temperatures above 55°C and mesophilic maturation at 35 days (41 ± 0.2°C). The inoculated treatment exhibited higher electrical conductivity after 30 days and a more pronounced reduction in the total carbon content (42.85% vs. 38.29%) compared to the control. While there was no significant nitrogen difference, the inoculated treatment had a sharper reduction in carbon/nitrogen ratio, and cellulose and hemicellulose contents. Both treatments showed low coliform counts, no Salmonella sp., and reduced Strongyloides sp. larvae. Inoculating A. fumigatus in saturated horse bedding made from wood shavings improved compost quality, providing a possibility for sustainable equine farming waste treatment.
Everyday memory: a computational analysis of changing relations between past and present in Dutch newspapers in the 20th century
Authors: Huijnen Pim
Published: February 2024

This article proposes a data-driven approach to memory culture by quantitatively studying the phrase ‘n years ago’ in a set of Dutch newspapers throughout the larger part of the 20th century. In a pipeline consisting of three parts, it looks at (1) the most frequently used time frame (in years and decades) that newspapers use to look back at ‘n years ago’, (2) trends in the use of the most common variants of this phrase through time, and (3) the actual years that are referred to by means of this phrase. By doing so, this article substantiates Aleida Assmann’s claim of an increasing entanglement of past and present after Second World War, while showing that this fundamentally looks like what is here called ‘everyday memory culture’. Rather than the establishment of a canon of landmark years that newspapers increasingly come back to (e.g. 1929, 1940, or 1945), the past that Dutch newspapers invoke on a daily basis is mostly informed by recent and recurrent events in culture, sports, and politics.
G359.13142-0.20005: a steep spectrum radio pulsar candidate with an X-ray counterpart running into the Galactic Centre Snake (G359.1-0.2)
Authors: Yusef-Zadeh F , Zhao Jun-Hui , Arendt R , Wardle M , Heinke C O , Royster M , Lang C , Michail J
Published: February 2024

The Snake is a remarkable Galactic Centre radio filament with a morphology characterized by two kinks along its ∼20 arcmin extent. The major and minor kinks are located where the filament is most distorted from a linear magnetized structure running perpendicular to the Galactic plane. We present Chandra, VLA, and MeerKAT data and report the detection of an X-ray and radio source at the location of the major kink. High-resolution radio images of the major kink reveal a compact source with a steep spectrum with spectral index α ∼ −2.7 surrounded by extended emission. The radio luminosity and steep spectrum of the compact source are consistent with a pulsar. We also show flattening of the spectrum and enhanced synchrotron emissivity away from the position of the major kink along the Snake, which suggests injection of relativistic particles along the Snake. We argue that the major kink is created by a fast-moving (∼500–1000 km s−1) object punching into the Snake, distorting its magnetic structure, and producing X-ray emission. X-ray emission pinpoints an active acceleration site where the interaction is taking place. A secondary kink is argued to be induced by the impact of the high-velocity object producing the major kink.
Statistics of cloud cover above the Ali Observatory, Tibet
Authors: Qian Xuan , Yao Yongqiang , Wang Hongshuai , Yin Jia , Yalin Li
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the statistics of cloud cover at night from 2016 to 2018 above the Ali observatory has been summarized, using the meso-scale numerical model and the cameras (Canon and AllSky-340 Camera). Above the western Tibetan Plateau, in the area of 200 km × 200 km centred at the Ali site, the average cloud cover during night was basically less than 30 per cent in 2016, and the Ali site was located in the zone with small value around 20 per cent; large cloud cover always occurred in summer, with mean value above 50 per cent in most parts of this area; while in winter, the smallest cloud cover was basically below 10 per cent; in other seasons, the cloud cover was mostly less than 30 per cent, and the Ali site located in the zone with cloud cover below 10 per cent in autumn and below 20 per cent in spring. At each monitored field of view from 90° to 45°, the cloud cover varied little; the proportion of clear nights with cloud cover below 10 per cent was close to 60 per cent of total observable nights per year, and the less cloudy nights with cloud cover below 40 per cent accounted for more than 70 per cent, besides, the observable nights with cloud cover below 70 per cent was around 80 per cent every year. Generally, the cloud cover condition at the Ali observatory above the western plateau is excellent, there are always abundant observable nights, while a bit worse just in July and August. Meanwhile, the numerical model has been proved to be a reliable tool to estimate cloud cover conditions above the Tibetan Plateau.
Spectroscopy of a sample of unidentified gamma-ray Fermi sources
Authors: Ulgiati Alberto , Paiano Simona , Treves Aldo , Falomo Renato , Sbarufatti Boris , Pintore Fabio , Russell Thomas D , Cusumano Giancarlo
Published: February 2024

The fourth-DR3 version (4FGL-DR3) of the Fermi-LAT catalogue of γ-ray sources contains ∼1000 objects at a galactic latitude |b| > 10° that are not identified with an optical counterpart. We performed a systematic study of these sources, focusing on 190 objects that have a unique X-ray counterpart in the available Swift/XRT observations. Optical counterparts were then selected, and optical spectra were found in the literature for 33 sources. We found that 21 could be classified as BL Lac objects. Among these, we were able to provide the redshift for eight of them, while for two others we established a lower limit to the redshift by detecting intervening absorption. The other 12 objects display optical spectra with prominent emission lines (0.036 < z < 1.65). These spectra are characterized by both broad and narrow emission lines, with the exception of three sources. One of these displays only broad emission lines, while the other two exclusively exhibit narrow lines. On the basis of the radio/optical flux ratio, all BL Lac objects in this study are radio-loud. Four sources out of the 12 with prominent emission lines can be classified as radio-loud, while at least five of the 12 sources with prominent lines are radio-quiet. This is somewhat unexpected, given the radio-loudness distribution of 4FGL-associated blazars.