bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis in Israel: Genetic Landscape and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Dori Amir , Chorin Odelia , Ruhrman‐Shahar Noa , Fellner Avi , Alon Tayir , Reznik‐Wolf Haike , Barel Ortal , Fourey Dana , Zadok Osnat Itzhaki Ben , Aviv Yaron , Nikitin Vera , Ben‐David Merav , Shavit‐Stein Efrat , Goldis Rivka , Kaplan Batia , Shapiro Daniela , Pras Elon , Pollak Arthur , Meiner Vardiella , Arad Michael , Greenbaum Lior
Published: January 2025

Background

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare, adult‐onset autosomal‐dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Data about relevant variants in specific populations and typical initial manifestations may facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. We here describe the genetic landscape of ATTRv amyloidosis in Israel.

Methods

Genetic and clinical data of TTR variant carriers and ATTRv amyloidosis patients were collected from a national referral clinic and other subspecialty clinics in Israel. Genotype–phenotype correlations of the detected variants were detailed. In addition, two large Israeli exome sequence (ES) databases were screened for TTR variants.

Results

Seven heterozygous disease‐causing variants in TTR were identified among 95 adults (52 males, 50.7%). The Ser77Tyr variant was found in 68 (71.6%) subjects of Jewish Yemenite ancestry. Val122Ile was found in 9 (9.4%) subjects and was the only variant detected in individuals of Arab ethnicity. Other variants were Thr60Ala, Val30Met, Val32Ala, Ala81Val, and Glu89Val. Thirty‐five individuals were ATTRv amyloidosis patients (25 males, 71.4%), diagnosed at a mean age of 62.5 ± 6.7 years, and 23 (63.7%) were due to Ser77Tyr. Initial symptoms were mostly related to carpal tunnel syndrome, and the sensitivity of scintigraphy was low for Ser77Tyr but high for Thr60Ala and Val32Ala variants. TTR pathogenic variants were detected in 14 of approximately 36,600 subjects who underwent ES, including Val122Ile in 9 subjects of Arab ethnicity.

Conclusions

Most ATTRv amyloidosis cases in Israel are attributable to the Ser77Tyr variant. However, other variants also contribute to disease occurrence, and testing is warranted in clinically suspected patients.
Why regulate? Understanding the role of perceived parental emotion regulation in offspring emotional development
Authors: Seely Hayley D. , Mickelson Kristin D.
Published: January 2025

Objective

The current study aimed to examine the role of perceived parental emotion regulation in adult–offspring internalizing symptoms, investigating emotional intelligence (EI) as a mediator and gender as a moderator.

Background

EI is well researched and associated with numerous benefits including academic achievement, physical and mental health, and success throughout life. While some research suggests EI can be taught, the relationship between perceived parent emotionality and offspring EI has yet to be empirically tested.

Methods

To increase participant diversity, two samples were collected and combined: one from a southwestern university and a second through Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Participants (N = 866) reported their EI and internalizing symptoms along with their perception of parents' emotion regulation during childhood.

Results

Results showed a significant relationship between perceived parental emotion regulation and internalizing symptoms that was mediated by EI, with gender serving as a significant moderator.

Conclusion

Both maternal and paternal regulation play important roles in offspring EI and internalizing symptoms but perceived maternal emotion regulation may be particularly beneficial for women.

Implications

Future research is needed to investigate the intricacies of specific emotions, gender, and culture, as well as the impact of discrepancies in emotionality between parents and frequency of regulation versus dysregulation.
Custody cases involving transgender and gender‐expansive youth: Building toward best practices using interdisciplinary and child‐centered perspectives
Authors: Sloan Stef , Kuvalanka Katherine A. , Johnson Nesta N. , Bellis Cammy , Davis Leah
Published: January 2025

There is an increasing number of high‐conflict custody cases involving transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth within family courts. The current sociopolitical climate, giving rise to an unprecedented amount of anti‐transgender legislation, adds further complexity to decision‐making and creates a contentious and unpredictable climate for TGE youth and affirming parents in family court. Although researchers in health, child development, and well‐being have generated a robust body of evidence supporting the importance of affirming family and community for TGE youth, there remains a disconnect between evidence‐based best practices and actual practice in the family courts. Courts are frequently diverted by the question of whether the child is TGE, or who is “to blame” for the child's TGE identity, rather than seeking to determine which parent is better able to meet the needs of the whole child—including, but not limited to, needs related to the child's gender identity and expression. Contested custody litigation provides an opportunity for family courts to prevent harm and promote the well‐being of TGE youth and families by facilitating access to care, education, and support, which can promote more effective approaches to decision‐making for complex cases involving TGE youth, and better establish post‐separation success for families. This paper proposes a mental map that leverages the body of interdisciplinary research on gender identity development and expression coupled with the use of a child‐centered approach, and provides strategies for applying the mental map, with the goal of improving family court practices for cases involving TGE youth.
Investigations on Fatigue Life of Ball Pin After Laser Shock Peening
Authors: Kaufman Jan , Křivan Miloš , Petrenec Martin , Mrňa Libor , Pathak Sunil , Šmaus Jan , Brajer Jan , Mocek Tomáš
Published: January 2025

In the present work, laser shock peening (LSP) was applied on critical areas of ball pins made of 41CrS4 steel to extend their fatigue life. The treatment introduced compressive residual stresses up to a depth of 1 mm with maximum value of −592 MPa on the ball pin surface. This led to a suppression of fretting fatigue in the conical section of the ball pin under lower stress amplitudes and overall fatigue life improvement by a factor of 2.4. After LSP, the crack propagation speed was slowed down to 0.001 μm/cycle down from 0.1 μm/cycle. At high stress amplitudes, the location of the main fatigue crack shifted into a notched part of the ball pin. The combined effect of high stress amplitude and stress concentration changed the elastic strain dominated high cycle fatigue to plastic strain dominated low cycle fatigue where the LSP treatment had no significant impact on the fatigue life.
Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias) Population Dynamics in the Atlantic Iberian Waters: Use of Long‐Term Regional Data for a Data‐Limited Fishery Scomber colias
Authors: Silva Alexandra A. , Silva Andreia V. , Chaves Corina , Carrera Pablo , Ramos Fernando , Teles‐Machado Ana , Garrido Susana , Nunes Cristina , Mildenberger Tobias
Published: January 2025

The Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) became an important resource in purse‐seine fisheries of the Iberian Peninsula in the mid‐2000s. Being data‐limited at the stock level, 60 years of landings and 40 years of bottom‐trawl survey data were available for part of the area. A biomass model fitted to landings and survey data performed well under the assumption of homogeneous dynamics across the stock area. During 1993–2020, relative stock biomass was above potential reference points with wave‐like variation and peaks in 1995 and 2008. Credible intervals of relative fishing mortality indicated that exploitation may have been unsustainable since 2012. Chub mackerel productivity increased from the 1980s to the 1990s, possibly due to decreased sardine predation and competition and increased larval growth. The approach we used demonstrated how information from a portion of a stock's distribution area can be utilised for stock assessment, to potentially prevent neglect of stock data or alteration of management units.
Leveraging Data From Defunct Gillnet Fisheries to Understand the Distributional Dynamics of a Rare Pelagic Fish, the Louvar (Luvarus imperialis)
Authors: Arostegui Martin C. , Braun Camrin D.
Published: January 2025

The louvar (Luvarus imperialis) is an exceedingly rare circumtropical fish species with a poorly understood ecology. Catch data from defunct drift gillnet fisheries provide an unparalleled way to quantify the distributional dynamics of this species that, as a gelativore, is almost never taken as bycatch on fish‐ or squid‐baited longlines that dominate modern open ocean fisheries. Here, we present the largest observational dataset assembled for louvar, combining > 30 years of observer presence–absence records from two such fisheries spanning a vast expanse of the pelagic North Pacific. We leverage these data to construct a species distribution model that quantifies the species' environmental preferences, enabling us to confront the knowledge gaps on its core distribution and investigate variability among seasons, years, and alternate phases of climate oscillations. We show that this enigmatic species favors waters with positive sea surface height and shallow mixed layer depth, consistent with high, but seasonally variable, model‐predicted suitable habitat in the North Pacific Transition Zone and California Current. In addition, our results suggest that louvar have experienced slight loss of habitat from 1990 to 2023 in response to large‐scale climate oscillations. This study highlights the value of using a species distribution model framework to synthesize diverse datasets, characterize species–environment relationships, and infer basic spatiotemporal dynamics for rare species that cannot be reliably sampled.
Renal and Peripheral Blood Transcriptome Signatures That Predict Treatment Response in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis—A Prospective Study
Authors: Bulusu Sree Nethra , Bavikatte Anitha Nagaraj , Shah Sanket , Murthy Sneha Surya Narayana , Kommoju Vallayyachari , Mariaselvam Christina Mary , Kavadichanda Chengappa , Vembar Shruthi Sridhar , Thabah Molly Mary , Negi Vir Singh
Published: January 2025

Mechanisms contributing to non‐response to treatment in lupus nephritis (LN) are unclear. We characterised the transcriptome of paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and renal tissues in LN before and after cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment and identified markers that predicted treatment response. Total RNA isolated from paired PBMCs (n = 32) and renal tissues (n = 25) of 16 proliferative LN before CYC treatment, 6 months post‐treatment, and during renal flare, was sequenced on Illumina Novaseq‐6000 platform. Post‐treatment, eight patients were clinical responders (CR), of whom four flared (FL), and eight were non‐responders (NR). Comparative transcriptomic analyses before and after treatment within CR, NR, and FL groups was performed using DESeq2. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and ROC analysis was performed to identify and validate hub genes predictive of treatment response. Based on this, we observed that pathways such as degradation of cell cycle proteins, expression of G0 and G1 phase proteins, and apoptosis, were upregulated in CR PBMCs post‐treatment, while IFN‐γ signalling and ECM organisation were downregulated. In NR PBMCs, ECM molecules, neddylation and BCR signalling were upregulated post‐CYC treatment, while in NR renal tissue, TLR, IFN and NF‐κB signalling pathways were upregulated. In FL PBMCs, neutrophil degranulation and ROS and RNS production in phagocytes were downregulated following treatment, whereas, in the corresponding renal tissue, cell‐ECM interactions and ISG15 antiviral mechanism were downregulated. After WGCNA and subsequent ROC analysis, TENM2, NLGN1 and AP005230.1 from PBMCs each predicted NR (AUC‐0.91; p = 0.03), while combined model improved prediction (AUC‐0.94; p = 0.02). AP005230.1 from renal tissue also predicted non‐response (AUC‐0.94; p = 0.01) and AC092436.3 from PBMCs predicted renal flare (AUC‐0.81; p = 0.04). Our study identified significant DEGs/pathways specific to different treatment outcomes and hub genes that predicted non‐response and renal flare.
Expression profiles of NOD1 and NOD2 and pathological changes in gills during Flavobacterium columnare infection in yellow catfish, Tachysurus fulvidraco
Authors: Chen Ran , Shi Zechao , Han Qianxi , Wang Qin , Wang Bingchao , Guo Mengge , Ji Wei , Shen Li
Published: January 2025

NOD‐like receptors are significant contributors to the immune response of fish against different types of pathogen invasion. NOD1 and NOD2 genes of yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco) were identified and characterized in this study. Yellow catfish NOD1 and NOD2 have open reading frames (ORFs) of 2841 and 2949 bp, encoding 946 and 982 amino acids, respectively. Both NOD1 and NOD2 are intracellular proteins lacking transmembrane regions and signal peptides. Sequence homology analysis revealed that the protein sequences of NOD1 and NOD2 of yellow catfish are highly similar to those of channel catfish. Both NOD1 and NOD2 showed high expression in the head kidney, and spleen. Following challenge with Flavobacterium columnare, NOD1 expression obviously increased in the liver, spleen, midgut, and hindgut, whereas NOD2 clearly increased in head kidney, and gut. Microscopic observation of gill tissues revealed evident epithelial hyperplasia in the secondary gill filaments at 3 and 6 hpi, with a notable decrease in the aspect ratio in comparison with the control group, followed by a return to baseline levels. These findings indicate a potential involvement of NOD1 and NOD2 genes in defense against F. columnare invasion. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into NOD1 and NOD2's functions in the innate immune response of yellow catfish and other fish species to bacterial infection.
Updating STEADI for Primary Care: Recommendations From the American Geriatrics Society Workgroup
Authors: Johnson Theodore M. , Vincenzo Jennifer L. , De Lima Bryanna , Casey Colleen M. , Gray Shelly , McMahon Siobhan K. , Phelan Elizabeth A. , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries) toolkit which is based on the 2011 American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatrics Society (AGS/BGS) fall prevention guideline. In 2024, the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), via a Cooperative Award with the CDC of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), invited AGS to recommend updates to STEADI with a focus on falls prevention in primary care. An AGS workgroup reviewed the 2022/2024 publications and held three outreach events with stakeholders (448 participants) to get feedback on current STEADI materials and draft recommendations focused on primary care. Recommendations for improving uptake of STEADI included reframing the why (alignment with ambulation goals) and the how (engage all available interdisciplinary team members) and addressing time limitations by prioritizing STEADI elements that can be done with available time and completing assessments across multiple visits. Screening recommendations included using the Three Key Questions first, and only if positive, asking the remaining Stay Independent questions. Assessment recommendations were to limit the scope of some activities (e.g., consider specifically fall risk‐increasing drugs) while expanding others (e.g., incorporating hearing and bladder health assessments). Where the choice of intervention is obvious from screening (e.g., referral to a physical therapist if screening questions points to a strength, mobility, or gait problem), an in‐office assessment may reasonably be skipped. These recommendations could improve effectiveness and ease of implementation of STEADI in primary care and help primary care teams reframe fall prevention as a chronic condition deserving ongoing engagement, assessment, intervention, and follow‐up.
Cell wall dynamic changes and signaling during plant lateral root development
Authors: Shang Erlei , Tu Qiang , Yu Zipeng , Ding Zhaojun
Published: January 2025

Lateral roots (LRs), are an important component of plant roots, playing a crucial role in anchoring the plant in the soil and facilitating the uptake of water and nutrients. As post‐embryonic organs, LRs originate from the pericycle cells of the primary root, and their formation is characterized by precise regulation of cell division and complex intercellular interactions, both of which are closely tied to cell wall regulation. Considering the rapid advances in molecular techniques over the past three decades, we reframe the understanding of the dynamic change in cell wall during LR development by summarizing the factors that precipitate these changes and their effects, as well as the regulated signals involved. Additionally, we discuss current challenges in this field and propose potential solutions.
A phytocytokine and its derived peptides in the frass of an insect elicit rice defenses
Authors: Chen Shuting , Jing Shiyun , Ye Miaofen , Feng Yubing , Xu Yayun , Lin Na , Kuai Peng , Turlings Ted C. J. , Lou Yonggen
Published: January 2025

Upon recognizing elicitors derived from herbivores, many plants activate specific defenses. Most of the elicitors identified thus far are from the oral secretions and egg‐laying fluids of herbivores; in contrast, herbivore fecal excreta have been sparsely studied in this context. In this study, we identified elicitors in the frass of the striped stem borer (SSB; Chilo suppressalis) larvae using a combination of molecular and chemical analyses, bioactivity tests and insect performance bioassays. Treating rice plants with SSB frass or a solution composed of SSB frass and buffer elicited mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MPK) cascades and the jasmonic acid (JA)‐signaling pathway. Moreover, the treatment induced both the expression of defense‐related genes and the production of defensive compounds, and enhanced the resistance of rice plants to SSB. Heating SSB frass solution did not affect its induction activity, but eliminating proteins and peptides from the solution by adding proteinase K impaired its activity. Additional chemical analyses and bioassays revealed that the rice phytocytokine, immune response peptide 1(IRP1), together with some of its derived peptides in SSB frass, induced the MPK cascades, JA biosynthesis, the expression of defense genes and the production of defensive compounds in rice. These results reveal an important role for the plant‐derived fecal peptide phytocytokine IRP1 and some of its derived peptides in inducing defenses in rice against SSB.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Transgender Adults
Authors: Chiow Jobina , Cicero Ethan C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), self‐reported confusion/memory loss, and an early clinical manifestation of ADRD. While ACEs and SCD have both been individually studied in transgender and nonbinary (TGN) adults, no study has examined the relationship between the two among this population. This study sought to establish the prevalence of ACEs and their association with SCD among TGN adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional, secondary analysis of publicly available data.

Methods

2019–2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, representing 16 US states that assessed ACEs, SCD, and self‐reported gender identity were used to determine the association between ACEs and SCD among TGN adults aged 45+ (N = 206). Pearson's chi‐squared/Fisher's exact tests assessed the association between ACEs (individual, categorical, sum score) and SCD. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the associations between ACEs and SCD.

Results

18% (n = 38) of TGN adults in the sample endorsed SCD, 60% (n = 120) experienced any ACE, 20% (n = 41) 1 ACE, and 18% (n = 37) experienced > 4 ACEs. Nearly 50% experienced childhood abuse (n = 94) or household dysfunction (n = 92). Among those with SCD, 34% (n = 13) reported > 4 ACEs, and 73% (n = 26) reported childhood abuse or household dysfunction (n = 27). Most ACES were associated with and increased the risk of SCD, even after adjusting for BRFSS year, age, race, education, and employment. The odds of SCD increased 40% as the number of ACEs increased (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.6, p < 0.0001). The odds of SCD were higher with childhood abuse (aOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.88–10.02, p < 0.01) or household dysfunction (aOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.00–11.07, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

ACEs increase the risk of SCD among TGN adults. Gender‐affirming and trauma‐informed nursing care are important, and screening and interventions for ACEs and SCD are needed to help reduce the risk of SCD and ADRD.

Clinical Relevance

Examining how adverse childhood experiences impact different aspects of health, including brain health, is important to nursing practice as it can provide clinical care strategies and identify interventions to specifically address ways to improve the health and well‐being of transgender and nonbinary people.
Intraskeletal histovariability and skeletochronology in an ornithopod dinosaur from the Maestrazgo Basin (Teruel, Spain)
Authors: Maíllo Juan , Hidalgo‐Sanz Jerome , Gasca José Manuel , Canudo José Ignacio , Moreno‐Azanza Miguel
Published: January 2025

Ornithopods are an extinct group of dinosaurs that were particularly abundant and diverse in the Cretaceous of the Iberian Peninsula, and whose abundance in the Maestrazgo Basin has allowed numerous taxa to be identified over the last decade. Many of these fossil remains are still taxonomically indeterminate and require a more detailed study on both a macroscopic and microscopic scale. In this contribution, an osteohistological analysis is carried out on a partial skeleton—composed of five incomplete vertebrae, two dorsal ribs, an ischium, a fibula, and a tibia—found in the province of Aliaga (Teruel, NE Spain). We identified a progressive slowdown in tissue apposition and a variation in the type of growth marks generated in every bone, allowing a more precise identification of the ontogenetic stage of the specimen as a subadult individual. The skeletochronological correlation between the different elements also suggests that the specimen reached sexual maturity at around seven years of age and died between nine and twelve years of age. Likewise, the usefulness of the three‐front model is proven for the first time in an ornithopod dinosaur, as a tool for analysing the histology expressed by the different bone elements of a single specimen and inferring their skeletochronological potential. Comparison with other ornithopod taxa reveals the great variability that each bone element shows depending on the taxon analysed, which prevents us from determining a single element suitable for studying the skeletochronology of any ornithopod taxon.
Fracture resistance of analog and CAD‐CAM long‐span fixed provisional restorations: An in vitro experimental study
Authors: Herdocia‐Lluberes Claudia S. , Chardon‐Narvaez Antonio , Jana‐Hernández Zareth , Lopez‐Santiago Jeromi G. , Guo Kai , Blanco‐Plard Arturo , Elias‐Boneta Augusto R.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of long‐span fixed provisional restorations fabricated using milling, three‐dimensional (3D) printing, and conventional methods.

Materials and Methods

Sixty specimens were prepared, divided into four groups of 15 each, corresponding to four fabrication methods: computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) milled provisional resins, 3D‐printed provisional resins, 3D‐printed permanent resins, and conventional bis‐acryl restorations reinforced with wire. The specimens underwent a three‐point bending test using a universal testing machine to measure fracture resistance, quantified as maximum force (in Newtons). Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post‐hoc tests to compare the fracture resistance across the four groups.

Results

Significant differences in fracture resistance were observed among the materials tested (p < 0.001). Both the CAD‐CAM milled and 3D‐printed resins exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than the conventional bis‐acryl method.

Conclusion

The results highlight the mechanical advantages of digital fabrication methods for long‐span provisional applications in prosthodontics. These techniques may provide improved durability and reliability, addressing the mechanical demands of complex restorations.
The impact of customized surface topography and porosity created by additive manufacturing technology on gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Khurana Saumya , Floriani Franciele , Li Yingzi , Liu Xiaohua , Zandinejad Amirali
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze gingival fibroblast proliferation on additively manufactured polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) groups with different surface characteristics namely no treatment group (NTG) and customized 250 µm diameter porosity (AM‐250G) group.

Materials and Methods

3D‐printed NTG was compared for its influence on growth of cells to a additively manufactured surface with porosity (AM‐250G). For each group (NTG, AM‐250G) 20 samples of material were tested. Fibroblast cells, at a concentration of 2.5 × 104 cells/mL, were seeded into 48 plates separately into two groups (NTG, AM‐250G). These were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C and 5% CO2 atmosphere. For cell proliferation MTT assay was conducted at 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell proliferation was quantified through optical density (OD) measurements of the cell supernatant, and surface analysis was conducted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data normality was confirmed by the Shapiro–Wilk test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis was conducted using an independent Student's t‐test at each time point.

Results

A significant difference in cell proliferation was observed at 24 h, with the NTG group showing higher cell numbers compared to AM‐250G group. Qualitative analysis of cell culture was performed using scanning electron microscopy to compare to the NTG and the porosity (AM‐250G) groups after 24, 48, and 72 h of fibroblast tissue attachment. No significant differences were observed between the groups at the 48 and 72‐h intervals.

Conclusions

At 24 h, the NTG surface demonstrated superior cell proliferation compared to the surface with porosity (AM‐250G). However, significant differences in cell growth on both materials at 48 and 72 h, suggesting that both surface types eventually support similar levels of cell proliferation, with an increase of extensive spread and elongation of fibroblasts cells proliferation on the surface with porosity.
Can Intravenous Caffeine Citrate Be Used for Severe Asthma Exacerbation in Children? A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Brooks Rebecca , Babushkin Vladislav , Rekhtman David , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena , Shoseyov David , Shavit Itai
Published: January 2025

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of intravenous caffeine citrate in paediatric asthma exacerbation unresponsive to beta2‐agonists and steroids.

Methods

A 10‐year retrospective cohort study was conducted on asthmatic children unresponsive to beta2‐agonists and steroids, who were treated with either intravenous caffeine citrate or magnesium sulphate. The study outcomes were changes in the Paediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score, duration of oxygen therapy and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length‐of‐stay.

Results

Overall, 296 children were treated in the PICU between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. Fifteen and 26 children unresponsive to beta2‐agonists and steroids (median ages 2.3 [0.7–11] and 3.0 [1.2–8.5] years), respectively, received caffeine citrate and magnesium sulphate. The two groups showed similar demographic characteristics and baseline parameters. At 24 and 48 h, the median (IQR) PRAM scores for the caffeine and magnesium groups were 4 (2–6) and 5 (4–6), respectively (p = 0.27), and 7 (6–8) and 8 (5–9), respectively (p = 0.57). The median (IQR) durations of PICU stay for the caffeine and magnesium groups were 36 (19–46) and 32 (23–45) h, respectively (p = 0.77). The median (IQR) durations of oxygen therapy for the caffeine and magnesium groups were 25 (10–30) and 20 (15–30) h, respectively (p = 0.29). No serious adverse events occurred in the caffeine group. One occurred in the magnesium group.

Conclusions

Caffeine citrate and magnesium sulphate demonstrated comparable effectiveness in treating steroid‐ and beta2‐agonist‐resistant asthma. A multicentre prospective study is needed to validate these results.
Epigenetic state and gene expression remain stable after CRISPR/Cas‐mediated chromosomal inversions
Authors: Khosravi Solmaz , Hinrichs Rebecca , Rönspies Michelle , Haghi Reza , Puchta Holger , Houben Andreas
Published: January 2025

The epigenetic state of chromatin, gene activity and chromosomal positions are interrelated in plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, chromosome arms are DNA‐hypomethylated and enriched with the euchromatin‐specific histone mark H3K4me3, while pericentromeric regions are DNA‐hypermethylated and enriched with the heterochromatin‐specific mark H3K9me2. We aimed to investigate how the chromosomal location affects epigenetic stability and gene expression by chromosome engineering.

Two chromosomal inversions of different sizes were induced using CRISPR/Cas9 to move heterochromatic, pericentric sequences into euchromatic regions. The epigenetic status of these lines was investigated using whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Gene expression changes following the induction of the chromosomal inversions were studied via transcriptome analysis.

Both inversions had a minimal impact on the global distribution of histone marks and DNA methylation patterns, although minor epigenetic changes were observed across the genome. Notably, the inverted chromosomal regions and their borders retained their original epigenetic profiles. Gene expression analysis showed that only 0.5–1% of genes were differentially expressed genome‐wide following the induction of the inversions.

CRISPR/Cas‐induced chromosomal inversions minimally affect epigenetic landscape and gene expression, preserving their profiles in subsequent generations.
Projected changes in moisture sources and sinks affecting the US East Coast and the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Eiras‐Barca Jorge , Fernández‐Alvarez José Carlos , Alvarez‐Socorro Gleisis , Rahimi‐Esfarjani Stefan , Carrasco‐Pena Pedro , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: January 2025

This study uses a combination of the FLEXPART Lagrangian dispersion model with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale Eulerian model (FLEXPART‐WRF) to analyze the expected mid‐ to late‐century changes in the moisture sources and sinks of the North American East Coast (ENA) and the Gulf of Mexico (GM), as well as their most relevant abrupt moisture transport events–atmospheric rivers (ARs) and low‐level jets of the Great Plains (GPLLJ) and the Caribbean (CLLJ). Both the ENA and GM are expected to increase in importance as moisture source regions over the century, both overall and in their contributions to the ARs and both LLJs. A notable increase in the intensity of the GPLLJ and CLLJ moisture sources is also observed. All of these behaviors are neither spatially nor temporally homogeneous and need to be analyzed in a seasonal context. Likewise, the most relevant signs of change are practically all observed by the end of the century. Other noteworthy behaviors are also observed, including an increase in humidity associated with landfalling atmospheric river events in the winter months, or a notable latitudinal shift of the CLLJ's area of influence. These findings are best understood within the context of an observed increase in both continental precipitation and sea surface temperature.
A New Research Agenda for Social Inequalities in Mortality: Challenges and Open Questions
Authors: Sasson Isaac
Published: January 2025

Research on mortality inequalities has proliferated in demography in recent decades, documenting disparities between nations and within them across multiple social dimensions. Yet, this literature remains largely descriptive and atheoretical. In this paper, I identify three open questions in need of theoretical development. First, I identify a general shift from gender (and race) based mortality inequalities to class‐based inequalities across low‐mortality countries. I argue that this shift may be better understood by focusing on the structural determinants of population health, in addition to explanations grounded in individual behavior and risk factors. Second, a growing body of literature has called for moving beyond group differences in life expectancy and adopting the concept of lifespan inequality. However, the drivers of lifespan inequality are not well understood. I argue that a comprehensive framework is needed for clarifying the interplay of nature, nurture, and chance in shaping variability in individual lifespans. Third, I draw attention to the causal role that mortality inequalities may play in driving social change. I argue that differential exposure to death in one's network of social relations may give rise to different modes of thinking, feeling, and acting, and in turn lead to group differences in preferences, actions, and outcomes.
Successful Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis With Apremilast in an Immunosuppressed Pediatric Patient on Concurrent Biologic Therapy
Authors: Rezaei Shawheen J. , Linggonegoro Danny , Admani Shehla
Published: January 2025

Immunosuppressive medication may be indicated in patients with severe psoriasis refractory to other treatment modalities. There is a subset of patients, however, who are immunosuppressed at baseline and are not ideal candidates for these agents. Here we report the case of a 15‐year‐old girl on immunosuppressive medication for preexisting pancolitis and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis who had an excellent response to concurrent apremilast therapy for her previously refractory palmoplantar psoriasis. These findings support the potential role of apremilast in treating pediatric palmoplantar psoriasis and its utility as an adjunctive therapy in immunosuppressed patients with refractory skin disease.
Residential Exposure to PM2.5 Constituents and Fecundability in a Danish Preconception Cohort
Authors: Wesselink Amelia K. , Johannesen Benjamin R. , Wang Tanran R. , Ketzel Matthias , Mikkelsen Ellen M. , Brandt Jørgen , Khan Jibran , Hertel Ole , Laursen Anne Sofie Dam , Willis Mary D. , Levy Jonathan I. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Wise Lauren A. , Hatch Elizabeth E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that ambient concentrations of particulate matter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) are associated with reduced fecundability, the per cycle probability of conception. The specific constituents driving this association are unknown.

Objectives

We examined the association between ambient concentrations of PM2.5 constituents and fecundability in a Danish preconception cohort study.

Methods

During 2007–2018, we enrolled female pregnancy planners in an Internet‐based preconception cohort study. We included the 5905 participants who had been trying to conceive for < 3 cycles at study enrollment. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and follow‐up questionnaires every 8 weeks to update pregnancy status. We geocoded time‐varying residential addresses to estimate ambient concentrations of total PM2.5 and the following PM2.5 constituents: elemental carbon (EC), primary organic aerosol (POA), secondary organic aerosols (SOA), sulfate (SO42−), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), and sea salt. We averaged concentrations of each pollutant across each menstrual cycle at risk. We fit proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for potential confounders and co‐pollutants.

Results

Total PM2.5 concentrations were associated with reduced fecundability (the FR for an IQR increase, corresponding to 3.2 μg/m3, was 0.93 [95% CI 0.87, 0.99]). The association was strongest for POA: the FR for an IQR increase, corresponding to 1.3 μg/m3, was 0.92 (95% CI 0.84, 1.01). The corresponding FRs for the remaining PM2.5 constituents were 0.96 (95% CI 0.87, 1.05) for EC (IQR = 0.5 μg/m3), 0.98 (95% CI 0.91, 1.06) for SOA (IQR = 0.5), 0.97 (95% CI 0.92, 1.02) for SO24− (IQR = 0.4), 0.95 (95% CI 0.91, 1.01) for NH4+ (IQR = 0.5), 0.97 (95% CI 0.93, 1.01) for NO3− (IQR = 1.0), and 1.00 (95% CI 0.95, 1.06) for sea salt (IQR = 0.4).

Conclusions

In this Danish preconception cohort study, PM2.5 constituents derived from biomass and transportation‐related combustion may drive the association between PM2.5 concentrations and fecundability.
Depth and Death: Trade Agreements and Trade Duration
Authors: Besedeš Tibor , Moreno‐Cruz Juan , Nitsch Volker
Published: January 2025

We examine how shallow and deep economic integration agreements affect duration of spells of trade. We build a dynamic model of firm behavior which allows us to characterize duration of trade and the effect of agreements. The model predicts that duration increases in size and length of spells, which is supported by data. The model also predicts that agreements will reduce the hazard of already active spells when an agreement starts, and increase the hazard of spells that start after the agreement. We find empirical support for these predictions as well. Shallow agreements have larger effects than deep agreements.
Taking “Descartes's Myth” seriously: Rethinking the Rylean narrative
Authors: Lenz Martin
Published: January 2025

Social philosophy of mind and epistemology seem to be fairly recent inventions. According to a still widespread picture, early modern philosophers were constrained by an individualistic paradigm that settles epistemological and psychological explanations by considering the minds of single thinkers. This picture is mainly owing to the historiography epitomized in Gilbert Ryle's attack on dualism. However, once we look beyond this picture, we can see that at least some early modern views on the mind can be read as social approaches. Accordingly, a great part of understanding the history and philosophy of early modern social epistemology depends on understanding what the Rylean picture amounts to and how it functions. Drawing mainly on my case study of Spinoza, I shall argue that the Rylean picture needs to be both taken seriously and challenged. I will begin by considering its features as a historiographical narrative and zoom in on the conceptual connection between dualism and individualism to assess its adequacy.
Cultivating space for teacher leadership: Two cases of negotiating and developing identities across systems
Authors: Bolyard Johnna , Campbell Matthew P. , Freeland Sean , Petrone Christina Glance
Published: January 2025

Teacher leadership research often focuses on individuals in formal leadership roles, including administrative roles outside of the classroom, attending to their knowledge, skills, and dispositions, and their impact on instructional improvement. An emerging view of teacher leaders focuses on individuals who take on responsibility for instructional improvement in a school or district absent a particular title‐often while maintaining a primary responsibility as classroom teacher‐and the role that systems play in supporting or constraining teachers' agency and voice in improvement. In this paper, we draw on a networked ecological perspective on teachers' positioning in school systems as well as a dialogical view of identity to present two cases of teacher leaders navigating multiple systems‐school, district, and other collaborations and professional spaces‐as teacher leaders, negotiating their own conceptions of teacher leadership and their identities as teacher leaders. Through these cases, we offer considerations of how professional spaces in and out of schools and districts can potentially influence evolving perspectives on teacher leadership. We also offer consideration of how identity is key to understanding teacher leader practice and development, as well as attending to influences of various systems on teacher leadership, including particular cultural contexts such as rural schools and communities.
Using instructional coaching to support elementary preservice mathematics teachers' development of questioning strategies
Authors: Jones Lianne , Smith Margeaux , Martinez Andrea , Cooper Sandi
Published: January 2025

Teacher questioning is a commonly used pedagogical tool with great impact on student learning. In mathematics classrooms, questioning is also connected to the Mathematics Teaching Practices (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all, NCTM, 2014) of eliciting student thinking, supporting productive struggle, and connecting mathematical representations. Teacher questioning is a complex skill to develop, particularly for preservice teachers, as it requires firm knowledge in content, pedagogy, and student needs. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to examine the impact of questioningfocused, non‐supervisory instructional coaching cycles on elementary preservice teachers’ questioning practices. Findings indicate that coaching cycles resulted in more balanced question usage, increased awareness of questioning practices, and increased confidence in posing purposeful questions. These findings suggest that instructional coaching specific to questioning practices could provide a viable means of authentic support for preservice teachers throughout their clinical experiences.
Target‐site resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides in Stellaria media, Papaver rhoeas, Glebionis segetum and Veronica persica from Ireland
Authors: Alwarnaidu Vijayarajan Vijaya Bhaskar , Torra Joel , Runge Fabian , Nolan Gerard , Hennessy Michael , Dermot Forristal Patrick
Published: January 2025

The increasing reliance on acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides alone has resulted in the evolution of resistance in key broad‐leaf species in cereal farms in Ireland. Our objective was to confirm and characterise the resistance levels and mechanisms in resistance‐suspect populations (R) of Stellaria media (STEME‐R1, STEME‐R2 and STEME‐R3), Papaver rhoeas (PAPRH‐R), Glebionis segetum (GLESE‐R) and Veronica persica (VERPE‐R) to two different ALS‐inhibiting herbicide chemistries, sulfonylurea (SU) and triazolopyrimidine (TP). Following single‐dose testing that confirmed inadequate control of all six R populations, dose–response experiments revealed varying resistance levels to SU and/or TP, which were associated with target‐site resistance mutations. Weed species populations, STEME‐R1 and STEME‐R3 (both Trp‐574‐Leu), and STEME‐R2 (combined Trp‐574‐Leu and Pro‐197‐Ser; first report for this species), and PAPRH‐R (Trp‐574‐Leu, which was detected for the first time in all population plants, combined with Pro‐197‐His or Pro‐197‐Leu) and VERPE‐R (Trp‐574‐Leu; first worldwide case) showed high resistance or cross‐resistance to SU and TP. All herbicide‐surviving plants tested were heterozygous for single or combined mutations. The G. segetum population, GLESE‐R, had multiple substitutions and zygosity (Pro/Leu, Leu, Leu/Gln or Thr/Leu) at Pro‐197, which was identified for the first time for this species conferred SU resistance only. Cytochrome P450 inhibitor studies on selected species did not detect metabolism‐mediated resistance to SU or TP. Alternative herbicide modes of action alone or in co‐formulation with ALS‐TP should be used to manage these resistant populations. This study has added new information to the current knowledge of the resistance spectrum to ALS inhibitors in several broad‐leaved weeds.
Soil pH is an underappreciated influence on germination‐ and microbial‐based methods for reducing weed seedbanks in croplands
Authors: Rashid Abdur , Sanogo Soum , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Beck Leslie , Schutte Brian J.
Published: January 2025

In cropland soils, pH is rapidly or gradually changed by crop production practices including synthetic fertilizer treatments, organic amendments, and leguminous crops. Crop production practices that alter soil pH may also affect germination and microbial decay of weed seeds, thereby impacting the outcomes of management methods that induce germination or microbial decay to reduce reservoirs of weed seeds in soil (i.e., weed seedbanks). To gain insight into putative relationships between soil pH and efficacies of seedbank reduction methods, we evaluated published studies related to the influence of soil pH on weed seed germination and decay. Based on our review, we suggest germination‐based methods for diminishing seedbanks are most effective when implemented in ways that either prevent immediate changes in soil pH or induce transitions to neutral pH. Microbial‐based methods for reducing seedbanks may be most effective if implemented in soil with neutral pH. This is because neutral pH increases availability of mineral nutrients required by microorganisms and minimizes availability of heavy metals that are potentially toxic to soil microorganisms. Although further study is needed, this literature review suggests optimization of germination and microbial methods for weed seedbank reduction involves consideration of crop production practices that cause quick and temporary, or gradual and lasting, changes to soil pH.
On minimal presentations of numerical monoids
Authors: Moscariello Alessio , Sammartano Alessio
Published: January 2025

We consider the classical problem of determining the largest possible cardinality of a minimal presentation of a numerical monoid with given embedding dimension and multiplicity. Very few values of this cardinality are known. In addressing this problem, we apply tools from Hilbert functions and free resolutions of artinian standard graded algebras. This approach allows us to solve the problem in many cases and, at the same time, identify subtle difficulties in the remaining cases. As a by‐product of our analysis, we deduce results for the corresponding problem for the type of a numerical monoid.