bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Mediators of a School-Based Digital Intervention Targeting Six Lifestyle Risk Behaviours in a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial of Australian Adolescents
Authors: O’Dean Siobhan M. , Sunderland Matthew , Smout Scarlett , Slade Tim , Chapman Cath , Gardner Lauren A. , Thornton Louise , Newton Nicola C. , Teesson Maree , Champion Katrina E.
Published: December 2023

Lifestyle risk behaviours—physical inactivity, poor diet, poor sleep, recreational screen time, and alcohol and tobacco use—collectively known as the “Big 6” emerge during adolescence and significantly contribute to chronic disease development into adulthood. To address this issue, the Health4Life program targeted the Big 6 risk behaviours simultaneously via a co-designed eHealth school-based multiple health behaviour change (MHBC) intervention. This study used multiple causal mediation analysis to investigate some potential mediators of Health4Life’s effects on the Big 6 primary outcomes from a cluster randomised controlled trial of Health4Life among Australian school children. Mediators of knowledge, behavioural intentions, self-efficacy, and self-control were assessed. The results revealed a complex pattern of mediation effects across different outcomes. Whilst there was a direct effect of the intervention on reducing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity risk, the impact on sleep duration appeared to occur indirectly through the hypothesised mediators. Conversely, for alcohol and tobacco use, both direct and indirect effects were observed in opposite directions cancelling out the total effect (competitive partial mediation). The intervention’s effects on alcohol and tobacco use highlighted complexities, suggesting the involvement of additional undetected mediators. However, little evidence supported mediation for screen time and sugar-sweetened beverage intake risk. These findings emphasise the need for tailored approaches when addressing different risk behaviours and designing effective interventions to target multiple health risk behaviours. The trial was pre-registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619000431123.
Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of Onosma riedliana: Phenolic Compounds and Their Biological Activities
Authors: Ćavar Zeljkovıć Sanja , Sahinler Saliha Seyma , Sarikurkcu Cengiz , Kirkan Bulent , Binzet Riza , Tarkowski Petr
Published: December 2023

Onosma riedliana Binzet & Orcan, a traditionally used plant species, has been explored for its therapeutic potential in this study. The work presented here is the first report on the phenolic profile and biological activity of this species. Three extracts of varying polarity were prepared, with the methanolic extract containing the highest phenolic content (97.62 ± 0.20 mgGAE/g). Key phenolic compounds identified included pinoresinol, hesperidin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and p-coumaric acid. The methanolic extract exhibited exceptional antioxidant properties, rivaling Trolox as a positive control, primarily attributed to hesperidin and luteolin. Moreover, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated remarkable inhibition of cholinesterase and tyrosinase enzymes, while the methanolic extract displayed potent activity against carbohydrate hydrolytic enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Again, phenolic compounds were shown to be responsible for the inhibition of cholinesterases and tyrosinase, but not for α-amylase and α-glucosidase. These findings underscore Onosma riedliana’s potential for incorporation into diverse pharmaceutical formulations, given its multifaceted bioactivity.
The promise of supersymmetry
Authors: Fischer Enno
Published: December 2023

Supersymmetry (SUSY) has long been considered an exceptionally promising theory. A central role for the promise has been played by naturalness arguments. Yet, given the absence of experimental findings it is questionable whether the promise will ever be fulfilled. Here, I provide an analysis of the promises associated with SUSY, employing a concept of pursuitworthiness. A research program like SUSY is pursuitworthy if (1) it has the plausible potential to provide high epistemic gain and (2) that gain can be achieved with manageable research efforts. Naturalness arguments have been employed to support both conditions (1) and (2). First, SUSY has been motivated by way of analogy: the proposed symmetry between fermions and bosons is supposed to ‘protect’ the small Higgs mass from large quantum corrections just as the electron mass is protected through the chiral symmetry. Thus, SUSY held the promise of solving a major problem of the Standard Model of particle physics. Second, naturalness arguments have been employed to indicate that such gain is achievable at relatively low cost: SUSY discoveries seemed to be well in reach of upcoming high-energy experiments. While the first part of the naturalness argument may have the right form to facilitate considerations of pursuitworthiness, the second part of the argument has been problematically overstated.
The roles of pyroptosis in genitourinary diseases
Authors: Liu Haopeng , Liu Haoran , Huang Guoshuai , Yuan Hexing , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: December 2023

Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis and necrosis, is thought to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of diseases. Recently, the association between pyroptosis and urinary diseases has attracted considerable attention, and a comprehensive review focusing on this issue is not available. In this study, we reviewed the role of pyroptosis in the development and progression of benign urinary diseases and urinary malignancies. Based on this, pyroptosis has been implicated in the development of urinary diseases. In summary, this review sheds light on future research directions and provides novel ideas for using pyroptosis as a powerful tool to fight urinary diseases.
Association between ambient particulate matters and anhedonia among patients with depression
Authors: Xie Tianqin , Zhang Yu , Kong Hui , Guan Lianzi , Zhang Lei , Yu Jiakuai , Zhu Peng , Ma Shuangshuang , Zhu Dao-min
Published: December 2023

Recent studies have linked ambient air pollution to depression. Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression which severely impacts on prognosis. The present study aims to investigate the association of PM2.5 and PM10 exposure with anhedonia in depressed patients. A total of 538 patients with depression who were hospitalized at the Fourth People’s Hospital of Hefei between June 2017 and December 2021 were included. We estimated ambient particulate matters exposure, including PM2.5 and PM10, using a satellite-based spatiotemporal model at a resolution of 1 km2. The revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS) and the revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) were evaluated. The association of ambient particulate matters and anhedonia was examined using multiple linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. We observed that exposure to PM2.5 were significantly associated with increased RSAS score and RPAS score, with the major effect in the 12-month exposure window (β = 1.238; 95%CI, 0.353, 2.123) and 18-month exposure window (β = 1.888; 95%CI, 0.699, 3.078), respectively. Meanwhile, PM10 levels were also significantly associated with increased RSAS score and RPAS score, with the major effect in the 18-month exposure window (β = 1.220; 95%CI, 0.439, 2) and 3-month exposure window (β = 1.602; 95%CI, 0.062, 3.143), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that both PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly associated with anhedonia in females, patients < 40 years old, low family income group, and those who had a higher educational level. Our study suggests that long-term PM2.5 and PM10 exposure are associated with more severe anhedonia in patients with depression. These associations were different in subgroup by age, gender, family income, and educational level.
Development of EN AW-6082 Metal Foams and Stochastic Foam Modeling for the Individualization of Extruded Profiles
Authors: Schäfke Florian Patrick , Timmann Frederic , Klose Christian , Hürkamp André , Dröder Klaus , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: December 2023

Lightweight design and hybrid components enable innovative and new component concepts, especially when combining structurally reliable metal components with individualized polymer components. In this research, a process for additive manufacturing polymers on the surface of extruded aluminum profiles is examined. The extrusion process is adapted to produce foamable aluminum profiles, which can be utilized to enable a form fit between the two materials and ensures sufficient bond strength. For this purpose, a novel aluminum block material based on the standard wrought alloy EN AW-6082 was developed. It consists of a solid EN AW-6082 core and powder metallurgically produced outer layer, which allows local foaming of the aluminum profile surface. The main objective of this study was to optimize the bond strength of the hybrid aluminum-polymer components. The methods employed include fabricating aluminum test specimens, performing mechanical tests, x-ray microscopy to analyze the pore structure and evaluating the 3D pore distribution and the wall thickness. Virtual foam models were created to numerically investigate suitable pore sizes and foam geometries for form-fit with the polymer. The porosity achieved as a function of the processing of the components are discussed and a comparison is made between the real and virtual pore structures.
Communication-robust multi-agent learning by adaptable auxiliary multi-agent adversary generation
Authors: Yuan Lei , Chen Feng , Zhang Zongzhang , Yu Yang
Published: December 2023

Communication can promote coordination in cooperative Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL). Nowadays, existing works mainly focus on improving the communication efficiency of agents, neglecting that real-world communication is much more challenging as there may exist noise or potential attackers. Thus the robustness of the communication-based policies becomes an emergent and severe issue that needs more exploration. In this paper, we posit that the ego system1) trained with auxiliary adversaries may handle this limitation and propose an adaptable method of Multi-Agent Auxiliary Adversaries Generation for robust Communication, dubbed MA3C, to obtain a robust communication-based policy. In specific, we introduce a novel message-attacking approach that models the learning of the auxiliary attacker as a cooperative problem under a shared goal to minimize the coordination ability of the ego system, with which every information channel may suffer from distinct message attacks. Furthermore, as naive adversarial training may impede the generalization ability of the ego system, we design an attacker population generation approach based on evolutionary learning. Finally, the ego system is paired with an attacker population and then alternatively trained against the continuously evolving attackers to improve its robustness, meaning that both the ego system and the attackers are adaptable. Extensive experiments on multiple benchmarks indicate that our proposed MA3C provides comparable or better robustness and generalization ability than other baselines.
A process-reliable tailoring of subsurface properties during cryogenic turning using dynamic process control
Authors: Denkena Berend , Breidenstein Bernd , Maier Hans Jürgen , Prasanthan Vannila , Fricke Lara Vivian , Zender Felix , Nguyen Hai Nam , Zwoch Stefan , Wichmann Marcel , Barton Sebastian
Published: December 2023

Considering the current demands for resource conservation and energy efficiency, innovative machining concepts and increased process reliability have a significant role to play. A combination of martensitic hardening of the subsurface and near-net-shape manufacturing represent a great potential to produce components with wear-resistant subsurfaces in an energy- and time-saving way. Within the scope of the present study, the influence of cryogenic machining of metastable austenitic steel on the martensitic transformation and surface quality was investigated. Different cooling strategies were used. A soft sensor based on eddy current in-process measurements was used to determine and subsequently affect the martensitic transformation of the subsurface. The feed rate and component temperature were identified as significant factors influencing the martensitic transformation. However, a high feed rate leads to an increase in surface roughness, and thus to a reduction in component quality. For this reason, a roughing process for achieving maximum martensitic transformation was carried out first in the present study and then a reduction in the surface roughness by maintaining the martensitic subsurface content was aimed for by a subsequent finishing process. With the knowledge generated, a dynamic process control was finally set up for designing the turning process of a required subsurface condition and surface quality.
Hepatotoxicity in Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Gene Therapy
Authors: Jagadisan Barath , Dhawan Anil
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is the commonest viral vector used in gene therapies. With the increase in the number of such therapies being employed in human clinical trials and approved clinical use, the associated adverse events are increasingly observed. Hepatotoxicity is the most common adverse event.

Recent Findings

Although mild in most, hepatotoxicity may affect gene therapy efficacy, lead to acute liver failure, death and persisting hepatitis necessitating prolonged use of immunosuppressants. There has been an increase in the referrals of such cases to hepatologists.

There is a lack of good quality evidence on the use of reactive immunosuppressants. There is a need to devise empiric protocols to diagnose and treat hepatotoxicity based on the side-effect profile of individual gene therapy, the present understanding of immunological basis of hepatotoxicity, the experience with various immunosuppressants in other disorders and the unique challenges and requirements of gene therapy.
Combination of Styrylbenzoazole Compound and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Enhances Therapeutic Effect in Prion-Infected Mice
Authors: Teruya Kenta , Oguma Ayumi , Iwabuchi Sara , Nishizawa Keiko , Doh-ura Katsumi
Published: December 2023

Prion diseases are fatal transmissible neurodegenerative disorders. Tremendous efforts have been made for prion diseases; however, no effective treatment is available. Several anti-prion compounds have a preference for which prion strains or prion-infected animal models to target. Styrylbenzoazole compound called cpd-B is effective in RML prion-infected mice but less so in 263K prion-infected mice, whereas hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is effective in 263K prion-infected mice but less so in RML prion-infected mice. In the present study, we developed a combination therapy of cpd-B and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose expecting synergistic effects in both RML prion-infected mice and 263K prion-infected mice. A single subcutaneous administration of this combination had substantially a synergistic effect in RML prion-infected mice but had no additive effect in 263K prion-infected mice. These results showed that the effect of cpd-B was enhanced by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The complementary nature of the two compounds in efficacy against prion strains, chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and physical properties appears to have contributed to the effective combination therapy. Our results pave the way for the strategy of new anti-prion agents.
Unveiling the tapestry of teacher belief research: tracing the present and forging the future through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Gao Yang , Sun Fei , Wang Qikai
Published: December 2023

Research on teacher beliefs has gained significant attention from scholars, resulting in a vast body of literature. To understand the current trends, themes, key contributors, and emerging areas in this domain, we utilized CiteSpace to review 1,731 teacher beliefs publications from 1951 to 2023 through the WOS database. The findings indicate that:1) Over recent decades, there has been a consistent increase in publications concerning teacher beliefs, which is still promising in recent years. 2) The research themes can be divided into professional development, teaching practices, self-efficacy, theoretical orientation, and student performance. 3) There is a noticeable lack of collaboration both across academic institutions and among different authors in the field of teacher beliefs research. 4) In terms of research hotspots, it can be roughly divided into the external environment, the belief ontology, and teaching practices. 5) In terms of research frontiers, four main research frontiers were identified in different periods: epistemological belief, implementation, inclusive education, and English. This study contributes to researchers’ understanding of the developmental trajectory of teacher beliefs research, thus providing references and guidance for future research endeavors.
Comparison of Tactile and Optical Measurement Methods Using Precise Geometrical Shape
Authors: Vozár Marek , Pätoprstý Boris , Hrušecký Róbert
Published: December 2023

The presented article deals with the comparison of accuracy different measuring methods, in order to determine the achievable level of measurement accuracy as well as to evaluate deviations that may occur when measuring the identical component on different machine. The measured component was cemented carbide rod of 10 mm diameter manufactured by the company Ceratizit. Two measurement systems with various degrees of reported accuracy were utilized—coordinate measurement machine Zeiss Prismo Ultra and optical microscope Zoller Genius 3 s. Data obtained by the measurement were evaluated and compared. The experiment was carried out so that appropriate measuring system can be chosen when measuring cutting tools based on the various specific requirements depending on the currently conducted experiments, reducing the time it takes to have the tools measured as well as the load on measuring machines operators. Another reason for the experiment was to determine whether used measurement systems are capable of measuring micro-geometry of the cutting tools, which turned out to be not possible due to the technical limitations of both methods. Comparing the values of deviations between the measuring devices used in the experiment it can be concluded that the accuracy of optical measurement method is sufficient for use in other ongoing experiments when measuring basic tool geometry.
Decomposition of an integrally convex set into a Minkowski sum of bounded and conic integrally convex sets
Authors: Murota Kazuo , Tamura Akihisa
Published: December 2023

Every polyhedron can be decomposed into a Minkowski sum (or vector sum) of a bounded polyhedron and a polyhedral cone. This paper establishes similar statements for some classes of discrete sets in discrete convex analysis, such as integrally convex sets, $$\hbox {L}^{\natural }$$

L
♮

-convex sets, and $$\hbox {M}^{\natural }$$

M
♮

-convex sets.
Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes After Surgery and Anesthesia: What We Find Depends on Where We Look
Authors: Joo Hyundeok , Li Laura Y. , Whitlock Elizabeth L.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of Review

To review how anecdote and narrative medicine, primary cohort studies, epidemiological studies, and the dementia literature can be bridged to understand long-term postoperative cognitive decline.

Recent Findings

Primary cohort studies have measured recoverable declines in memory and executive function after major surgery, but less-appreciated sources also offer critical insights. Anecdote reveals that functionally impactful cognitive decline may persist after physical recovery in some patients despite modern medications and monitoring and that physicians are unprepared to address patients’ cognitive concerns. However, epidemiological studies reproducibly demonstrate that elective surgery has no, or a negligible, average impact on cognition in older patients. Cognitively provocative factors — like medical hospital admissions or health factors like diabetes and smoking — are common in late life, and surgery likely contributes minimally to long-term cognitive change for most patients.

Patients should be reassured that, while anecdotes of durable cognitive change after surgery are easily accessible, most patients experience cognitive recovery after major surgery. However, those who do not recover deserve characterization of their symptoms and investigation of modifiable causes to facilitate cognitive recovery.
Re-imagining Independence in Contemporary Greek Theatre and Performance
Authors: Hager Philip
Published: December 2023

This Element examines practices that occurred since the beginning of the Greek crisis and revisits the mnemonic canon of the Greek War of Independence. By focusing on the institution of the mnemonic canon of independence, and subsequently on its contemporary re-imaginings, this Element interrogates performance work vis-à-vis Greece's histories of colonial dependencies – histories that are integral to the institution of modern Greece. As such, the examples discussed here rehearse independence against and beyond national(ist) fantasies and, in so doing, attest to an emerging desire for decolonisation.
Paris
Authors: Lefèvre Christian
Published: December 2023

Alongside New York and London, Paris is one of the world's earliest megacities. Its growth and character have been fashioned by a distinctive mix of policies that separate it from other long-time megacities as well as the fast-growing urban centres of the Global South.

Christian Lefèvre examines the social and economic forces that have shaped Paris and which have made it the city it is today. He charts the impact of global trends, such as the shift from industry to service and information sectors, as well as regional factors, especially those arising from Paris's unique system of governance. The book examines the central role the national government has played in policies affecting the city and explores how the shift towards political decentralization and localism has contributed to a system increasingly incapable of taking collective action. This tension is shown to have impacted the city's provision of services, particularly housing, and promoted inequalities within the city and its region. Paris's unrivalled national dominance is also examined alongside its weaker position as a global city.

The book is an authoritative analysis of the evolution of modern Paris and the challenges that face its governance and future development.
Social Movements in Latin America
Authors: Munck Ronaldo
Published: December 2023

Social movements play a significant role in the political and social landscape of Latin America. They emanate from different sections of society and are motivated by many different concerns, including workers' rights, agrarian and land reform, the rights of indigenous peoples, gender inequality and the fight against environmental degradation.

Ronaldo Munck explores the mosaic of interlocking and connected issues that make up the complex map of social movements in Latin America and shows why, despite being a fragmented political force, these movements are at the centre of any future progressive politics in the region. As such they require careful understanding and, he suggests, a more nuanced theoretical approach than previous studies have offered.

Combining insights from Latin American approaches to social movement theory and detailed empirical case studies, the book provides readers with an understanding of the vital role social activism plays in the region and offers students the methodological tools to develop their own research agendas.
Economic Anthropology
Authors: Carrier James G.
Published: December 2023

Conventional economic thought sees the economy as the sum of market transactions carried out by rational individuals deciding how to allocate their resources among the various things on offer that would satisfy their desires. Economic anthropologists see things differently. For them, the focus is the activities, relationships and systems through which objects are produced, circulate among people and ultimately are consumed, which take different forms in different societies and even in different parts of the same society. In this way, economic anthropology takes the rational market actors of conventional economic thought and places them in the world of people, relationships, systems, beliefs and values that begins with production and ends with consumption. This accessible and authoritative introduction to the field of economic anthropology offers students a fresh and fascinating way of looking at the economic world.
British Business Banking
Authors: Lloyd Michael
Published: December 2023

Why are British banks so risk averse when it comes to providing long-term loan finance to businesses? In Europe the dominance of bank lending in the financing of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is well-observed. Yet in the UK exactly the opposite is the case, where most SME funding is via bank overdrafts and credit cards.

The roots of this significant difference lie partly in the historical, institutional, political and cultural structure of the British banking system, and in parallel explanatory factors in the UK SME population, but the real mystery is why, in the twentieth century, there appears to have been no significant change in the attitudes of British banks towards providing long-term loan finance to SMEs. Indeed, this risk aversion might have been expected to alter during the postwar period and the substantial expansion of consumer demand and expanded commodity production, but it did not.

This book explores not only how the historical formation of British banking structures produced such a relatively risk-averse arrangement compared to other European countries and the United States, but also why this banking attitude has persisted to the present day. The book concludes with a suite of recommendations necessary for British banks to provide a more balanced mix of financial provision to SMEs.
The Price of Football
Authors: Maguire Kieran
Published: December 2023

The first edition of The Price of Football quickly established itself as the go-to guide to understanding football club finance for the serious fan. Kieran Maguire, one of the UK's top football finance analysts, shows how professional clubs operate as businesses and explains, in non-technical language, how to read, understand and interrogate club accounts.

As a clear-headed analysis and presentation of the financial imperatives and challenges facing football clubs across the English and Scottish Leagues, it has become a welcome resource not only for students of the industry, but by a wider constituency of supporters looking to understand their club's latest transfer deal, or season ticket price.

This fully revised and updated edition includes analysis of the most recent club accounts, the latest legal rulings on club affairs, as well as the impact of Covid-19 on the game's finances.
Multivariate study of lice (Insecta: Psocodea: Phthiraptera) assemblages hosted by hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae)
Authors: Sychra Oldřich , Rózsa Lajos , Podani János , Sychra Vojtěch , Literák Ivan , Capek Miroslav
Published: December 2023

Lice were collected from 579 hummingbirds, representing 49 species, in 19 locations in Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru, at elevations 0–3000 m above sea level. The following variables were included in an ecological analysis (1) host species' mean body mass, sexual size dimorphism, sexual dichromatism, migratory behaviour and dominance behaviour; (2) mean elevation, mean and predictability of temperature, mean and predictability of precipitation of the host species' geographic area; (3) prevalence and mean abundance of species of lice as measures of infestation. Ordination methods were applied to evaluate data structure. Since the traits are expressed at different scales (nominal, interval and ratio), a principal component analysis based on d-correlations for the traits and a principal coordinates analysis based on the Gower index for species were applied. Lice or louse eggs were found on 80 (13.8%) birds of 22 species. A total of 267 lice of 4 genera, Trochiloecetes, Trochiliphagus, Myrsidea and Leremenopon, were collected, with a total mean intensity of 4.6. There were positive interactions between migration behaviour and infestation indices, with elevational migrants having a higher prevalence and abundance of lice than resident birds. Further, we found weak negative correlations between host body mass and infestation indices and positive correlations between mean elevation and prevalence and abundance of Trochiliphagus. Thus, formerly unknown differences in the ecological characteristics and infestation measures of Trochiliphagus and Trochiloecetes lice were revealed, which allows a better understanding of these associations and their potential impacts on hummingbirds.
Postfire Debris Flows Strike in a Puzzling Pattern
Authors: Ramos Eli
Published: December 2023

California geologists are improving their understanding and forecasting of which slopes in wildfire-burned areas might fail during heavy rainstorms.
Discrete Aurora at Mars: Insights Into the Role of Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Johnston B. J. , Schneider N. M. , Jain S. K. , Milby Z. , Deighan J. , Bowers C. F. , DiBraccio G. A. , Gérard J.‐C. , Soret L. , Girazian Z. , Brain D. A. , Ruhunusiri S. , Curry S.
Published: December 2023

Discrete aurora are sporadic emissions of light originating in Mars upper atmosphere. We report nadir imaging observations from MAVEN's Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph which identify the conditions which trigger electron precipitation causing these events. Prior studies have shown that discrete aurora events in the strong crustal magnetic field region in the southern hemisphere are the brightest and most repeatable compared to events occurring outside the region. Our new data set offers a more complete and accurate characterization of aurora in this area. The region of strongest crustal fields is composed of two distinct magnetic regions, with magnetic fields in opposite directions; discrete aurora events trigger in one region after dusk and in the other before dawn. Magnetic reconnection in these two adjacent regions with the draped interplanetary field may open the crustal fields in these regions during opposing local times. Particle precipitation can then cause discrete aurora at the observed times and locations.
Statistical Characteristics of Chorus Second Harmonic Waves in the Earth's Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Deng Dan , Yuan Zhigang , Xue Zuxiang , Huang Shiyong , Huang Zheng , Yu Xiongdong
Published: December 2023

Recently, lower‐band chorus waves have been determined to cause diffuse auroral precipitation by exciting their second harmonics when the preferred excitation condition is satisfied. In this paper, with observations from the Van Allen Probe mission, we find that chorus second harmonic waves typically occur at L ∼ 4.5–6.5, particularly in the night‐dawn‐noon sector, which is consistent with the distribution of electron diffuse aurora. This observation suggests that chorus second harmonics play a potential role in the generation of diffuse aurora. Additionally, although most second harmonic events of chorus waves are found near the preferred excitation condition under the cold plasma assumption, in our survey, a secondary group is found away from the preferred excitation condition. The deviation is attributed to the significant alteration of the dispersion curve by the contribution from thermal electrons. Our results are helpful for understanding the excitation of chorus second harmonics and their roles in the magnetosphere.
Source Profiles of Particle‐Bound Phenolic Compounds and Aromatic Acids From Fresh and Aged Solid Fuel Combustion: Implication for the Aging Mechanism and Newly Proposed Source Tracers
Authors: Zhang Bin , Shen Zhenxing , He Kun , Zhang Leiming , Huang Shasha , Sun Jian , Xu Hongmei , Li Jianjun , Yang Liu , Cao Junji
Published: December 2023

Phenolic compounds and aromatic acids, as oxygenated aromatic compounds, can participate in photochemical reactions to form secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), and thus strongly impact climate and human health. In the present study, on‐site combustion experiments were conducted to determine primary emissions and secondary formation of phenolic compounds and aromatic acids released from burning of a variety of solid fuels using a potential aerosol mass‐oxidation flow reactor (PAM‐OFR). Emission factors (EFs) of phenolic compounds and aromatic acids from aged samples were 1.04 to 4.04 and 0.90 to 2.80 times those in the fresh PM2.5, respectively, implying significant amounts of these compounds produced from atmospheric aging processes. Substantially different emission profiles of phenolic compounds were observed between coal and biomass burning, with coal combustion mainly released single‐ring species (82%–86% in primary and 86%–89% in secondary emissions), while biomass burning released more two‐, three‐, and four‐ring species (59%–69% in primary and 50%–58% in secondary emissions). Aromatic acids emission profiles from coal and biomass burning also differed considerably, with biomass burning producing significantly higher (>2 times) abundance of dibasic acids than coal combustion, suggesting higher potential of producing additional ‐COOH group from biomass burning. Benzenediol, cresol, dimethylphenol, 1‐pyrenol, phenanthrenol, and hydroxylbenzonic acid were identified as SOA as they were mainly formed during simulated aging processes. Benzenediol acid/phenanthrenol was much lower from biomass (3.70 ± 1.29) than coal (62.7 ± 9.61), and these values remained stable after aging, suggesting this ratio being suitable as tracer for distinguishing different fuels combustion in source apportionment analysis.
Effect of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation in unmedicated adults with major depressive disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial and induced current flow pattern
Authors: Romo-Nava Francisco , Awosika Oluwole O. , Basu Ishita , Blom Thomas J. , Welge Jeffrey , Datta Abhishek , Guillen Alexander , Guerdjikova Anna I. , Fleck David E. , Georgiev Georgi , Mori Nicole , Patino Luis R. , DelBello Melissa P. , McNamara Robert K. , Buijs Ruud M. , Frye Mark A. , McElroy Susan L.
Published: December 2023

Converging theoretical frameworks suggest a role and a therapeutic potential for spinal interoceptive pathways in major depressive disorder (MDD). Here, we aimed to evaluate the antidepressant effects and tolerability of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) in MDD. This was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, parallel group, pilot clinical trial in unmedicated adults with moderate MDD. Twenty participants were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to receive “active” 2.5 mA or “sham” anodal tsDCS sessions with a thoracic (anode; T10)/right shoulder (cathode) electrode montage 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Change in depression severity (MADRS) scores (prespecified primary outcome) and secondary clinical outcomes were analyzed with ANOVA models. An E-Field model was generated using the active tsDCS parameters. Compared to sham (n = 9), the active tsDCS group (n = 10) showed a greater baseline to endpoint decrease in MADRS score with a large effect size (−14.6 ± 2.5 vs. −21.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.040, d = 0.86). Additionally, compared to sham, active tsDCS induced a greater decrease in MADRS “reported sadness” item (−1.8 ± 0.4 vs. −3.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.012), and a greater cumulative decrease in pre/post tsDCS session diastolic blood pressure change from baseline to endpoint (group difference: 7.9 ± 3.7 mmHg, p = 0.039). Statistical trends in the same direction were observed for MADRS “pessimistic thoughts” item and week-8 CGI-I scores. No group differences were observed in adverse events (AEs) and no serious AEs occurred. The current flow simulation showed electric field at strength within the neuromodulation range (max. ~0.45 V/m) reaching the thoracic spinal gray matter. The results from this pilot study suggest that tsDCS is feasible, well-tolerated, and shows therapeutic potential in MDD. This work also provides the initial framework for the cautious exploration of non-invasive spinal cord neuromodulation in the context of mental health research and therapeutics. The underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT03433339 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03433339.
Disrupted extracellular matrix and cell cycle genes in autism-associated Shank3 deficiency are targeted by lithium
Authors: Ioannidis Valentin , Pandey Rakshita , Bauer Helen Friedericke , Schön Michael , Bockmann Jürgen , Boeckers Tobias M. , Lutz Anne-Kathrin
Published: December 2023

The Shank3 gene encodes the major postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3. Its mutation causes a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMDS). It is characterized by global developmental delay, intellectual disorders (ID), ASD behavior, affective symptoms, as well as extra-cerebral symptoms. Although Shank3 deficiency causes a variety of molecular alterations, they do not suffice to explain all clinical aspects of this heterogenic syndrome. Since global gene expression alterations in Shank3 deficiency remain inadequately studied, we explored the transcriptome in vitro in primary hippocampal cells from Shank3∆11(−/−) mice, under control and lithium (Li) treatment conditions, and confirmed the findings in vivo. The Shank3∆11(−/−) genotype affected the overall transcriptome. Remarkably, extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell cycle transcriptional programs were disrupted. Accordingly, in the hippocampi of adolescent Shank3∆11(−/−) mice we found proteins of the collagen family and core cell cycle proteins downregulated. In vitro Li treatment of Shank3∆11(−/−) cells had a rescue-like effect on the ECM and cell cycle gene sets. Reversed ECM gene sets were part of a network, regulated by common transcription factors (TF) such as cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and β-Catenin (CTNNB1), which are known downstream effectors of synaptic activity and targets of Li. These TFs were less abundant and/or hypo-phosphorylated in hippocampi of Shank3∆11(−/−) mice and could be rescued with Li in vitro and in vivo. Our investigations suggest the ECM compartment and cell cycle genes as new players in the pathophysiology of Shank3 deficiency, and imply involvement of transcriptional regulators, which can be modulated by Li. This work supports Li as potential drug in the management of PMDS symptoms, where a Phase III study is ongoing.
Risk factors of major complications after flap surgery in the treatment of stage III and IV pressure injury in people with spinal cord injury/disorder: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fähndrich Carina , Gemperli Armin , Baumberger Michael , Harder Michael , Roth Bianca , Schaefer Dirk J. , Wettstein Reto , Scheel-Sailer Anke
Published: December 2023

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

To identify risk factors associated with major complications after flap surgery in people with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) and stage III and IV pressure injury (PI).

Setting

Swiss hospital specialized in the treatment of people with SCI/D using the Basel Decubitus Approach.

Methods

We examined 60 risk factors for major postoperative complications in PIs over sacrum/coccyx, ischium or trochanter between 01/2016 and 12/2021. We performed descriptive analysis and computed global p-values using likelihood ratio tests adjusted for clustering of PIs in individuals.

Results

We included 220 PI treatment procedure from 149 individuals. The study population consisted of 163 (74%) men, 133 (60%) traumatic SCI, 136 (58%) stage IV PI, 198 (90%) individuals with paraplegia, 93 (42%) with osteomyelitis, and 85 (39%) with recurrent PI. Major complications 42 (19%) occurred more often in individuals with stage IV PI (p < 0.01), individuals without osteomyelitis (p < 0.03), and individuals with pathological blood concentrations of cystatin c (p < 0.028), calcium (p < 0.048), and vitamin B12 (p < 0.0049) as well as normal blood concentrations of HbA1c (p < 0.033). Immobilization (p < 0.0089) and hospital stay (p < 0.0001) of individuals with major complications was longer.

Conclusion

In the Basel Decubitus Approach, stage IV PI, absence of osteomyelitis, reduced vitamin B12 and calcium, elevated cystatin c, and normal HbA1c should be addressed to reduce major complications.
Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA) improves prognostic risk stratification of perioperative chemotherapy treated oesophagogastric cancer patients from the MAGIC and the ST03 trial
Authors: Grosser Bianca , Emmerson Jake , Reitsam Nic G. , Cunningham David , Nankivell Matthew , Langley Ruth E. , Allum William H. , Trepel Martin , Märkl Bruno , Grabsch Heike I.
Published: December 2023

Background

Tumour-associated fat cells without desmoplastic stroma reaction at the invasion front (Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA)) is a prognostic biomarker in gastric and colon cancer. The clinical utility of the SARIFA status in oesophagogastric cancer patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy is currently unknown.

Methods

The SARIFA status was determined in tissue sections from patients recruited into the MAGIC (n = 292) or ST03 (n = 693) trials treated with surgery alone (S, MAGIC) or perioperative chemotherapy (MAGIC, ST03). The relationship between SARIFA status, clinicopathological factors, overall survival (OS) and treatment was analysed.

Results

The SARIFA status was positive in 42% MAGIC trial S patients, 28% MAGIC and 48% ST03 patients after pre-operative chemotherapy. SARIFA status was related to OS in MAGIC trial S patients and was an independent prognostic biomarker in ST03 trial patients (HR 1.974, 95% CI 1.555–2.507, p < 0.001). ST03 patients with lymph node metastasis (ypN + ) and SARIFA-positive tumours had poorer OS than patients with ypN+ and SARIFA-negative tumours (plogrank < 0.001).

Conclusions

The SARIFA status has clinical utility as prognostic biomarker in oesophagogastric cancer patients irrespective of treatment modality. Whilst underlying biological mechanisms warrant further investigation, the SARIFA status might be used to identify new drug targets, potentially enabling repurposing of existing drugs targeting lipid metabolism.
Role of Fra-2 in cancer
Authors: Rampioni Vinciguerra Gian Luca , Capece Marina , Scafetta Giorgia , Rentsch Sydney , Vecchione Andrea , Lovat Francesca , Croce Carlo M.
Published: December 2023

Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) is the most recently discovered member of the Fos family and, by dimerizing with Jun proteins, forms the activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor. By inducing or repressing the transcription of several target genes, Fra-2 is critically involved in the modulation of cell response to a variety of extracellular stimuli, stressors and intracellular changes. In physiological conditions, Fra-2 has been found to be ubiquitously expressed in human cells, regulating differentiation and homeostasis of bone, muscle, nervous, lymphoid and other tissues. While other AP-1 members, like Jun and Fos, are well characterized, studies of Fra-2 functions in cancer are still at an early stage. Due to the lack of a trans-activating domain, which is present in other Fos proteins, it has been suggested that Fra-2 might inhibit cell transformation, eventually exerting an anti-tumor effect. In human malignancies, however, Fra-2 activity is enhanced (or induced) by dysregulation of microRNAs, oncogenes and extracellular signaling, suggesting a multifaceted role. Therefore, Fra-2 can promote or prevent transformation, proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, drug resistance and metastasis formation in a tumor- and context-dependent manner. Intriguingly, recent data reports that Fra-2 is also expressed in cancer associated cells, contributing to the intricate crosstalk between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, that leads to the evolution and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. In this review we summarize three decades of research on Fra-2, focusing on its oncogenic and anti-oncogenic effects in tumor progression and dissemination.
Large mechanical properties enhancement in ceramics through vacancy-mediated unit cell disturbance
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Huang Yong , Koutná Nikola , Gao Zecui , Sangiovanni Davide G. , Fellner Simon , Haberfehlner Georg , Jin Shengli , Mayrhofer Paul H. , Kothleitner Gerald , Zhang Zaoli
Published: December 2023

Tailoring vacancies is a feasible way to improve the mechanical properties of ceramics. However, high concentrations of vacancies usually compromise the strength (or hardness). We show that a high elasticity and flexural strength could be achieved simultaneously using a nitride superlattice architecture with disordered anion vacancies up to 50%. Enhanced mechanical properties primarily result from a distinctive deformation mechanism in superlattice ceramics, i.e., unit-cell disturbances. Such a disturbance substantially relieves local high-stress concentration, thus enhancing deformability. No dislocation activity involved also rationalizes its high strength. The work renders a unique understanding of the deformation and strengthening/toughening mechanism in nitride ceramics.
Molecular and metabolic orchestration of the lymphatic vasculature in physiology and pathology
Authors: Montenegro-Navarro Nieves , García-Báez Claudia , García-Caballero Melissa
Published: December 2023

Lymphangiogenesis refers to the generation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing ones. During development and particular adult states, lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) undergo reprogramming of their transcriptomic and signaling networks to support the high demands imposed by cell proliferation and migration. Although there has been substantial progress in identifying growth factors and signaling pathways controlling lymphangiogenesis in the last decades, insights into the role of metabolism in lymphatic cell functions are just emerging. Despite numerous similarities between the main metabolic pathways existing in LECs, blood ECs (BEC) and other cell types, accumulating evidence has revealed that LECs acquire a unique metabolic signature during lymphangiogenesis, and their metabolic engine is intertwined with molecular regulatory networks, resulting in a tightly regulated and interconnected process. Considering the implication of lymphatic dysfunction in cancer and lymphedema, alongside other pathologies, recent findings hold promising opportunities to develop novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we provide an overview of the status of knowledge in the molecular and metabolic network regulating the lymphatic vasculature in health and disease.