bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stigma of intellectual disability in Spain: a nationally representative survey
Authors: Zamorano S. , Santos‐Olmo A. B. , Sánchez‐Iglesias I. , Muñoz‐Lara I. , Muñoz M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Stigma towards people with intellectual disability affects various aspects of their lives, including access to employment, housing, health and social care services. Furthermore, this stigma reduces their social opportunities and is even reflected in laws that diminish their autonomy. Due to the practical significance of this issue, the aim of this research is to explore for the first time the social stigma associated with intellectual disability in a representative sample of the Spanish population.

Method

A cross‐sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted, involving a representative sample of the population (N = 2746). The study includes descriptive analyses and hierarchical regressions to examine various dimensions of stigma, such as attitudes, attributions, and intentions of social distance.

Results

Medium levels of stigma are found regarding attitudes and attributions towards people with intellectual disability, while levels are medium‐low concerning the intention of social distance. The most reliable indicators of stigma across its various dimensions encompass attitudes, attributions, and the intention of social distance. Factors that contribute to lower stigma include knowing someone with an intellectual disability, being willing to discuss intellectual disability with an acquaintance who has it and having a progressive political ideology. People with intellectual disability show more negative attributions towards themselves. Living with a person with an intellectual disability is another predictor of more stigmatising attitudes, but less intention of social distance. Results are mixed regarding age, gender, and educational level.

Conclusion

Combating the stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities must include comprehensive actions to address attitudes, attributions and behavioural intentions. Public policies, such as national campaigns and programmes, should include contact with and open conversations about intellectual disability, and sensitivity to sociodemographic variables.
Hydroalcoholic extract: A potential source from Azadirachta indica a Juss flower for DNA and BSA binding, scavenging, fungicidal, and larvicidal activities
Authors: Mohanasundaram Palanivelmurugan , Sankaran Sudha , Mathivanan Dhamodiran , Kamaraj Chinnaperumal , Mary Saral Antoneyraj
Published: January 2024

The present study focuses on the evaluation of the DNA and BSA binding capability, anti‐fungal, metal chelation, and larvicidal activity of extracts of Azadirachta indica A Juss flower. The different extracts of A. indica was prepared by soxhlet extraction using Petroleum Ether (PE), acetone (AC), and hydroalcohol (HA) as solvents. DNA and BSA binding ability of HA extract was calculated through the UV–Visible titrimetric method. The phytochemicals present in the extract show good binding ability towards DNA and BSA. H2O2 and NO scavenging activity were evaluated and HA extracts shows good antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 62 and 48 μg/mg, respectively. The metal chelating property was calculated, where HA shows good chelating ability with the IC50 value of 32.23 μg/mg. The antifungal activity of these extracts was evaluated against different fungal stains; among them, hydroalcoholic extract shows a higher zone of inhibition in all the fungal stains than Petroleum Ether and acetone extracts and acetone extracts (i.e., 50 μg/μL MIC). The potential extract (i.e., HA extract) was used to estimate the larvicidal activity of parasites. The % of mortality was evaluated through a dose‐dependent assay and it is confirmed that when concentration increases, the mortality rate increases. The correlation between metal chelating activity and total flavonoid and phenolic content was calculated and it was found that there is a good correlation (R2 – .743 and .902, respectively). These results proved that HA extract possesses biologically important phytochemicals that contribute to pharmaceutical and biological activities and could be a natural remedy for various real‐time applications.
Pathogenicity of rice blast isolates (Pyricularia oryzae) in irrigated lowland of Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Quazi Mostaque , Bhuiyan Md. Rejwan , Hossain Md. Motaher , Ausraf Nur , Islam Md. Shahid , Hera Md. Hasibur Rahaman , Rashid Md. Mamunur , Akanda Md. Abdul Mannan , Hossain M. Mofazzal , Chowdhury Md. Tajul Islam , Latif Md. Abdul , Obara Mitsuhiro , Fukuta Yoshimichi , Khan Mohammad Ashik Iqbal
Published: January 2024

Rice blast poses a significant threat to food security in Bangladesh, particularly in irrigated lowland (boro rice), which constitutes over 50% of the country's total rice production. While using resistant varieties is an effective method to control rice blast, developing durable resistance is challenged by the pathogen's high variability. To address this, the current study examined the distribution of rice blast reaction types in the major rice‐growing ecosystem of Bangladesh, the irrigated lowland. Two surveys were conducted and 80 blast isolates were evaluated for pathogenicity against differential varieties (DVs). The results revealed that the high frequency of virulence (over 80%) for blast resistant genes, such as Pib, Pit, Pia, Pik‐s, Pi12(t), Pi19(t) and Pi20(t), whereas Pish, Pik‐m, Pi1, Pik‐h, Pi9 and Pita‐2 genes had the least virulence frequency. These low virulence frequency genes demonstrated promising potential for the development of blast resistant varieties in Bangladesh. The isolates were further categorized into two distinct cluster groups based on their reaction patterns to DVs, with theones coming from the eastern region predominantly in Cluster I, while the ones from the northern regions belonged mainly to Cluster II. Additionally, the isolates were classified based on five reaction types, namely U, i, k, z and ta, following a new designation system. Among these, U63, i0, k100, z06 and ta403 were the most dominant reaction types. Although these reaction types were prevalent across Bangladesh, their distribution frequency varied in different major rice‐growing regions. Furthermore, the study observed that early maturing varieties in the irrigated lowland ecosystem were highly susceptible to blast. The findings of this study will be crucial for developing a comprehensive and long‐lasting blast protection system in Bangladesh, focusing on broad‐spectrum resistance strategies.
Negotiating family language policy: Emotional experiences and playful language input in heritage language learning
Authors: Cantas Nermin
Published: January 2024

Heritage language (HL) learning is often facilitated by consistent exposure to the HL in family language policy (FLP). However, when children develop a preference for the majority language, family members may negotiate their use of both languages to establish a stronger emotional bond with their children while providing rich HL input. This article presents a case study of a Czech–English‐speaking family in the Midwestern United States, focusing on the parents’ sporadic use of their HL during mainly English interactions with their 5‐ and 8‐year‐old children. Drawing on Vygotsky's concept of perezhivanie as the theoretical framework and considering emotions as cultural and discursive constructs, this article uses discourse analytic methods to examine emotions in the participants’ routine social interactions. The findings suggest that even though the parents’ use of English combined with sporadic HL input may seem counterproductive for the children's HL learning, it may still contribute to their HL development when the HL is used in child‐centric and playful ways. This study has pedagogical implications for understanding the value of playful HL input in promoting HL learning. Additionally, it proposes theoretical advancements in the study of emotions in second language acquisition (SLA) by demonstrating how Vygotsky's notion of perezhivanie can be utilized to investigate the role of emotions in second language learning.
The genetic and immune features of salivary gland secretory carcinoma with high‐grade transformation
Authors: Wang Yu , Sun Jingjing , Sun Bao , Zhang Chunye , Tian Zhen , Wang Lizhen , Li Jiang
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To compare the clinicopathological, molecular, and immune features of conventional and high‐grade transformation (HGT) secretory carcinoma (SC) in salivary glands.

Materials and Methods

The clinicopathological data of 88 cases including 74 conventional SCs and 14 SCs with HGT were reviewed. Targeted next‐generation sequencing was performed in 11 SCs with HGT and 7 conventional SCs. The level of PD‐L1 and CD8+ TILs was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Compared with the conventional group, the rates of nodal metastasis, local recurrence, distant metastasis and mortality were significantly higher in the HGT cohort. Mutations of ARID1A/B, KMT2A, HOXD13, NRG1 and ETV6 genes were identified in HGT SCs. A recurrent E307G mutation in GATA6 gene was also observed in two cases. Two deceased HGT patients with distant metastasis harboured NOTCH3 mutations. ETV6‐RET translocation was prone to occur in the HGT SCs. Additionally, PD‐L1 expression was low, and CD8+ TILs were sparse in most HGT cases.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal novel gene alterations involved in the progression of HGT in SCs. Most HGT SCs patients cannot benefit from PD‐L1 blocking and may be approached with a distinct treatment strategy including the lymph node dissection and application of molecular target drugs in precision oncology.
Beta‐diversity buffers fragmented landscapes against local species losses
Authors: Dambros Cristian S. , Junqueira Izzo Thiago , Castuera de Oliveira Luciene , Eduardo Vicente Ricardo , Peres Carlos A.
Published: January 2024

Agricultural expansion has markedly reduced forests and reconfigured landscapes. These changes incur a well‐known detrimental impact on the biodiversity of local forest patches, but the effects on species persistence in entire landscapes comprised of multiple patches are debated. Using data from ants collected in the Amazonian deforestation arc in Brazil, we investigated how regional diversity is affected by habitat loss, fragmentation, and cattle grazing, and how species respond to deforestation both locally and regionally. We also investigated how the heterogeneity in species distribution (beta‐diversity) buffers landscapes against local diversity losses. We used hierarchical multi‐species occupancy models to estimate these effects while controlling for errors in species detection. The vast majority of the 251 ant species found in our study were negatively affected by both habitat loss and cattle at local forest patches, drastically reducing diversity at these patches compared to continuous forests. Despite local declines in diversity, however, heavily fragmented landscapes could still retain most species due to the high heterogeneity in species distribution. We found that beta‐diversity is the main component of regional diversity. Results from several studies suggest that this component is maximized when remnant primary habitats in a landscape are spread across vast areas. Although preserving local diversity may be important for the adequate functioning of the ecosystem locally, our results indicate that the maintenance of many small forest patches in a landscape can buffer regional biodiversity against local species losses. Our results suggest that even small forest remnants in otherwise deforested landscapes can collectively prevent most regional‐scale species extirpations, and therefore also merit conservation efforts.
Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the podophyllotoxins accumulation and formation mechanisms in Juniperus sabina L. leaves
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Hu Huizhong , Wang Ziyi , Yang Zhifang , Wei Xiaocha , Li Dengwu
Published: January 2024

Podophyllotoxin is an important secondary metabolite because of its remarkable anticancer and anti‐Condyloma acuminatum activities. Juniperus sabina L. (J. sabina) has been proven as a new plant source of podophyllotoxins. However, the mechanism of podophyllotoxins accumulation and synthesis in J. sabina is unclear, which greatly limits their applications. Based on this, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on different developmental stages of J. sabina leaves to determine the molecular mechanism of the biosynthesis of podophyllotoxins in this study. Firstly, 8 podophyllotoxins and 54 differentially accumulated compounds were identified from metabolomic analysis of J. sabina leaves at different developmental stages. The total lignans and podophyllotoxin contents were determined by HPLC, clarifying that May to September was the critical period for the accumulation of podophyllotoxins in J. sabina leaves. Transcriptome and metabolic analysis showed that 47 DEGs encoded 16 key enzymes involved in podophyllotoxin biosynthesis, among which 8 key enzyme genes (PAL, HCT, CCR, C4H, DIR, PLR, OMT and CYP82) were identified. Furthermore, JsPLR was proven to be a key rate‐limiting enzyme cytoplasmic‐localized. JsPLR overexpression significantly increased matairesinol and podophyllotoxin content.. The findings of qRT‐PCR study indicated that the differential expression of JsPLR gene might be a key factor leading to the differential accumulation of podophyllotoxin. Overall, the study brings new insight into the accumulation and formation mechanisms of podophyllotoxins and the comprehensive development and utilization of J. sabina resources.
A Study on Generative Design Reasoning and Students' Divergent and Convergent Thinking
Authors: Brown Alex , Goldstein Molly H. , Clay John , Demirel H. Onan , Li Xingang , Sha Zhenghui
Published: January 2024

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a standard design tool used in engineering practice and by students. CAD has become increasingly analytic and inventive in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to design, e.g., generative design (GD), to help expand designers' divergent thinking. However, generative design technologies are relatively new, we know little about generative design thinking in students. This research aims to advance our understanding of the relationship between aspects of generative design thinking and traditional design thinking. This study was set in an introductory graphics and design course where student designers used Fusion 360 to optimize a bicycle wheel frame. We collected the following data from the sample: divergent and convergent psychological tests and an open-ended response to a generative design prompt (called the generative design reasoning elicitation problem). A Spearman's rank correlation showed no statistically significant relationship between generative design reasoning and divergent thinking. However, an analysis of variance found a significant difference in generative design reasoning and convergent thinking between groups with moderate GD reasoning and low GD reasoning. This study shows that new computational tools might present the same challenges to beginning designers as conventional tools. Instructors should be aware of informed design practices and encourage students to grow into informed designers by introducing them to new technology, such as generative design.
Multiple metastasis of malignant melanoma. The diagnostic role of ultrasonography starting from a parotid tumor.
Authors: Badea Alexandru Florin , Orza Răzvan , Seicean Andrada
Published: January 2024

We presented the case of a patient with a slowly developing right parotid tumor over the course of several years. Multimodal ultrasonography proved relevant for malignancy. Subsequent imaging identified tumors in numerous organs, considered metastases. Ultrasonography consolidated all identified aspects. Biopsy from an adrenal mass and histological examination evidenced the presence of a malignant, metastatic melanoma with cutaneous origin. Considerations are made regarding the role of ultrasonography in such cases.
Development of “GaSb-on-silicon” metamorphic substrates for optoelectronic device growth
Authors: Ince Fatih F. , Frost Mega , Shima Darryl , Rotter Thomas J. , Addamane Sadhvikas , Canedy Chadwick L. , Tomasulo Stephanie , Kim Chul Soo , Bewley William W. , Vurgaftman Igor , Meyer Jerry R. , Balakrishnan Ganesh
Published: January 2024

The epitaxial development and characterization of metamorphic “GaSb-on-silicon” buffers as substrates for antimonide devices is presented. The approach involves the growth of a spontaneously and fully relaxed GaSb metamorphic buffer in a primary epitaxial reactor, and use of the resulting “GaSb-on-silicon” wafer to grow subsequent layers in a secondary epitaxial reactor. The buffer growth involves four steps—silicon substrate preparation for oxide removal, nucleation of AlSb on silicon, growth of the GaSb buffer, and finally capping of the buffer to prevent oxidation. This approach on miscut silicon substrates leads to a buffer with negligible antiphase domain density. The growth of this buffer is based on inducing interfacial misfit dislocations between an AlSb nucleation layer and the underlying silicon substrate, which results in a fully relaxed GaSb buffer. A 1 μm thick GaSb layer buffer grown on silicon has ∼9.2 × 107dislocations/cm2. The complete lack of strain in the epitaxial structure allows subsequent growths to be accurately lattice matched, thus making the approach ideal for use as a substrate. We characterize the GaSb-on-silicon wafer using high-resolution x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The concept’s feasibility is demonstrated by growing interband cascade light emitting devices on the GaSb-on-silicon wafer. The performance of the resulting LEDs on silicon approaches that of counterparts grown lattice matched on GaSb.
Effect of silicon content on the corrosion behaviors of CrAlSiN thin films deposited by magnetron co-sputtering
Authors: Lou Bih-Show , Kuo Yu-Chu , Wang Chaur-Jeng , Lee Jyh-Wei
Published: January 2024

One CrAlN and four CrAlSiN thin films containing 0.8–7.3 at. % Si were grown by a magnetron co-sputtering process using pure Cr, Al, and Si targets. The microstructure of the CrAlSiN coating changed from a coarse columnar structure to a dense and compact morphology as Si content increased from 0.8 to 7.3 at. % due to the formation of more amounts of amorphous silicon nitride phase to block the growth of columnar grains. Pitting corrosion was the main corrosion failure mechanism for each coating. According to the potentiodynamic polarization test, the lowest corrosion current density, the highest pitting potential, and the widest passivation range were obtained on the 7.3 at. % Si contained CrAlSiN coating. After the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study of CrAlN and CrAlSiN thin films in 3.5 wt. % NaCl aqueous solution for 100 h immersion, the corrosion resistance of CrAlSiN thin films was 14 times higher than the CrAlN film due to its fine nanocolumnar microstructure to effectively retard the attack of corrosive electrolyte through the defects of coating.
Relationship Between Objective and Subjective Markers of Muscle Recovery in Professional Handball Players
Authors: Henze Alexander-Stephan , Matits Lynn , Huth Jochen , Mauch Frieder
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between items of the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) related to physical stress and recovery and the biomarker creatine kinase (CK) in professional handball. Methods: CK and SRSS items (physical performance capability, overall recovery, muscular stress, and overall stress) were assessed in an observational study of 16 adult male professional handball players from a team in the highest German league during the 2019–20 preseason. Their preseason training schedule included several microcycles, each consisting of 3 consecutive days of intense training followed by a rest day. On 5 of these rest days, when players were classified as nonrested, and the 5 immediately following days, when players were classified as rested, players completed the SRSS between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, followed by blood sampling. Correlations between SRSS items were performed using Kendall τ. The relationship between each SRSS item and CK levels over time was examined using a mixed-effects model with a random intercept. Results: CK levels and SRSS stress items were significantly higher and SRSS recovery items were significantly lower in nonrested players. SRSS items were significantly positively or negatively correlated (all items: P < .001) and showed a significant effect indicating lower CK levels in rested players (all items: P ≤ .001; ). Conclusions: The investigated SRSS items may be a viable option for assessing muscle recovery in adult male professional handball players in a cost-effective and noninvasive manner. They can be used as a single monitoring tool or as part of a multimodal approach.
Lake surface cooling drives littoral-pelagic exchange of dissolved gases
Authors: Doda Tomy , Ramón Cintia L. , Ulloa Hugo N. , Brennwald Matthias S. , Kipfer Rolf , Perga Marie-Elodie , Wüest Alfred , Schubert Carsten J. , Bouffard Damien
Published: January 2024

The extent of littoral influence on lake gas dynamics remains debated in the aquatic science community due to the lack of direct quantification of lateral gas transport. The prevalent assumption of diffusive horizontal transport in gas budgets fails to explain anomalies observed in pelagic gas concentrations. Here, we demonstrate through high-frequency measurements in a eutrophic lake that daily convective horizontal circulation generates littoral-pelagic advective gas fluxes one order of magnitude larger than typical horizontal fluxes used in gas budgets. These lateral fluxes are sufficient to redistribute gases at the basin-scale and generate concentration anomalies reported in other lakes. Our observations also contrast the hypothesis of pure, nocturnal littoral-to-pelagic exchange by showing that convective circulation transports gases such as oxygen and methane toward both the pelagic and littoral zones during the daytime. This study challenges the traditional pelagic-centered models of aquatic systems by showing that convective circulation represents a fundamental lateral transport mechanism to be integrated into gas budgets.
The CSF-1R inhibitor pexidartinib affects FLT3-dependent DC differentiation and may antagonize durvalumab effect in patients with advanced cancers
Authors: Voissière Aurélien , Gomez-Roca Carlos , Chabaud Sylvie , Rodriguez Céline , Nkodia Axelle , Berthet Justine , Montane Laure , Bidaux Anne-Sophie , Treilleux Isabelle , Eberst Lauriane , Terret Catherine , Korakis Iphigénie , Garin Gwenaelle , Pérol David , Delord Jean-Pierre , Caux Christophe , Dubois Bertrand , Ménétrier-Caux Christine , Bendriss-Vermare Nathalie , Cassier Philippe A.
Published: January 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a critical determinant of resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. This phase 1 study (MEDIPLEX, NCT02777710) investigated the safety and efficacy of pexidartinib, a CSF-1R–directed tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and durvalumab (anti–PD-L1) in patients with advanced colorectal and pancreatic carcinoma with the aim to enhance responses to PD-L1 blockade by eliminating CSF-1–dependent suppressive TAM. Forty-seven patients were enrolled. No unexpected toxicities were observed, one (2%) high microsatellite instability CRC patient had a partial response, and seven (15%) patients experienced stable disease as their best response. Increase of CSF-1 concentrations and decrease of CD14
low
CD16
high
monocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) confirmed CSF-1R engagement. Treatment decreased blood dendritic cell (DC) subsets and impaired IFN-λ/IL-29 production by type 1 conventional DCs in ex vivo TLR3-stimulated PBMCs. Pexidartinib also targets c-KIT and FLT3, both key growth factor receptors of DC development and maturation. In patients, FLT3-L concentrations increased with pexidartinib treatment, and AKT phosphorylation induced by FLT3-L ex vivo stimulation was abrogated by pexidartinib in human blood DC subsets. In addition, pexidartinib impaired the FLT3-L– but not GM-CSF–dependent generation of DC subsets from murine bone marrow (BM) progenitors in vitro and decreased DC frequency in BM and tumor-draining lymph node in vivo. Our results demonstrate that pexidartinib, through the inhibition of FLT3 signaling, has a deleterious effect on DC differentiation, which may explain the limited antitumor clinical activity observed in this study. This work suggests that inhibition of FLT3 should be considered when combining TKIs with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Machine learning to detect the SINEs of cancer
Authors: Douville Christopher , Lahouel Kamel , Kuo Albert , Grant Haley , Avigdor Bracha Erlanger , Curtis Samuel D. , Summers Mahmoud , Cohen Joshua D. , Wang Yuxuan , Mattox Austin , Dudley Jonathan , Dobbyn Lisa , Popoli Maria , Ptak Janine , Nehme Nadine , Silliman Natalie , Blair Cherie , Romans Katharine , Thoburn Christopher , Gizzi Jennifer , Schoen Robert E. , Tie Jeanne , Gibbs Peter , Ho-Pham Lan T. , Tran Bich N. H. , Tran Thach S. , Nguyen Tuan V. , Goggins Michael , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Lennon Anne Marie , Hruban Ralph H. , Bettegowda Chetan , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Vogelstein Bert , Tomasetti Cristian
Published: January 2024

We previously described an approach called RealSeqS to evaluate aneuploidy in plasma cell-free DNA through the amplification of ~350,000 repeated elements with a single primer. We hypothesized that an unbiased evaluation of the large amount of sequencing data obtained with RealSeqS might reveal other differences between plasma samples from patients with and without cancer. This hypothesis was tested through the development of a machine learning approach called Alu Profile Learning Using Sequencing (A-PLUS) and its application to 7615 samples from 5178 individuals, 2073 with solid cancer and the remainder without cancer. Samples from patients with cancer and controls were prespecified into four cohorts used for model training, analyte integration, and threshold determination, validation, and reproducibility. A-PLUS alone provided a sensitivity of 40.5% across 11 different cancer types in the validation cohort, at a specificity of 98.5%. Combining A-PLUS with aneuploidy and eight common protein biomarkers detected 51% of the cancers at 98.9% specificity. We found that part of the power of A-PLUS could be ascribed to a single feature—the global reduction of AluS subfamily elements in the circulating DNA of patients with solid cancer. We confirmed this reduction through the analysis of another independent dataset obtained with a different approach (whole-genome sequencing). The evaluation of Alu elements may therefore have the potential to enhance the performance of several methods designed for the earlier detection of cancer.
Pontiella agarivorans
sp. nov., a novel marine anaerobic bacterium capable of degrading macroalgal polysaccharides and fixing nitrogen
Authors: Liu Na , Kivenson Veronika , Peng Xuefeng , Cui Zhisong , Lankiewicz Thomas S. , Gosselin Kelsey M. , English Chance J. , Blair Elaina M. , O'Malley Michelle A. , Valentine David L.
Published: January 2024

Marine macroalgae produce abundant and diverse polysaccharides, which contribute substantially to the organic matter exported to the deep ocean. Microbial degradation of these polysaccharides plays an important role in the turnover of macroalgal biomass. Various members of the
Planctomycetes
-
Verrucomicrobia
-
Chlamydia
(PVC) superphylum are degraders of polysaccharides in widespread anoxic environments. In this study, we isolated a novel anaerobic bacterial strain NLcol2
T
from microbial mats on the surface of marine sediments offshore Santa Barbara, CA, USA. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and phylogenomic analyses, strain NLcol2
T
represents a novel species within the
Pontiella
genus in the
Kiritimatiellota
phylum (within the PVC superphylum). Strain NLcol2
T
is able to utilize various monosaccharides, disaccharides, and macroalgal polysaccharides such as agar and ɩ-carrageenan. A near-complete genome also revealed an extensive metabolic capacity for anaerobic degradation of sulfated polysaccharides, as evidenced by 202 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and 165 sulfatases. Additionally, its ability of nitrogen fixation was confirmed by nitrogenase activity detected during growth on nitrogen-free medium, and the presence of nitrogenases (
nifDKH
) encoded in the genome. Based on the physiological and genomic analyses, this strain represents a new species of bacteria that may play an important role in the degradation of macroalgal polysaccharides and with relevance to the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen in marine environments. Strain NLcol2
T
(= DSM 113125
T
= MCCC 1K08672
T
) is proposed to be the type strain of a novel species in the
Pontiella
genus, and the name
Pontiella agarivorans
sp. nov. is proposed.

IMPORTANCE

Growth and intentional burial of marine macroalgae is being considered as a carbon dioxide reduction strategy but elicits concerns as to the fate and impacts of this macroalgal carbon in the ocean. Diverse heterotrophic microbial communities in the ocean specialize in these complex polymers such as carrageenan and fucoidan, for example, members of the
Kiritimatiellota
phylum. However, only four type strains within the phylum have been cultivated and characterized to date, and there is limited knowledge about the metabolic capabilities and functional roles of related organisms in the environment. The new isolate strain NLcol2
T
expands the known substrate range of this phylum and further reveals the ability to fix nitrogen during anaerobic growth on macroalgal polysaccharides, thereby informing the issue of macroalgal carbon disposal.
Supplemental Material: Intersection between tectonic faults and magmatic systems promotes swarms with large-magnitude earthquakes around the Tengchong volcanic field, southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Min , Tan Yen Joe , al. et
Published: January 2024

Seismic data processing procedure and high-resolution earthquake catalog. 
COVID-19: incidence and mortality in Sweden comparing all foreign-born to all Swedish-born individuals in different occupations in an unvaccinated cohort of year 2020
Authors: Tondel Martin , Nordquist Tobias , Helgesson Magnus , Svartengren Magnus
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim was to analyse the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in immigrants compared with Swedish born in inpatients and outpatient registers, respectively.

Methods

The study population included all persons 20–88 years of age living in Sweden, 31 December 2019, including 1 676 516 foreign-born persons and 6 037 151 Swedish-born persons. The outcome was clinical cases of COVID-19 with a positive PCR test (ICD-10 U07.01) or without a positive PCR test (U07.2) from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Persons 20–64 years of age were classified with occupational titles according to the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations. Residing municipality of each individual was coded according to the Swedish Association of Local Authorities. Relative risks (RR) were calculated by sex in 5 years age bands using Swedish born as reference. Age-adjusted RRs (adj RR) with 95% CIs were calculated in a Poisson regression model. Rural municipalities were used as the reference category.

Results

Foreign born had consistently higher RRs in COVID-19, regardless of sex, with a peak in 50–69 years of age. Foreign born had a higher RR of death in COVID-19 above 50 years and 40 years of age in women and men, respectively. Among occupations, male drivers had the highest adj RR 4.37 (95% CI 3.45 to 5.54) and 5.09 (4.26 to 6.07) in outpatients and inpatients, respectively (U07.1). Persons living in commuting municipalities did not show any consistent increased risk for COVID-19.

Conclusion

Foreign born have a higher risk of COVID-19 compared with Swedish-born individuals at any age and occupation before vaccination began in 2021.
Correlation between epidural space depth measured with ultrasound and MRI compared to clinical loss of resistance when performing lumbar epidural steroid injection
Authors: Singh Naileshni , Pritzlaff Scott , Bautista Barry , Yan Charley , Wilson Machelle D , Chang Jennifer , Fishman Scott M
Published: January 2024

Background

This prospective study assessed the accuracy of MRI and ultrasound (US) measurements as a preprocedural assessment tool for predicting clinical loss of resistance depth (CLORD) during fluoroscopy-guided lumbar epidural steroid injections (ESIs).

Materials and methods

Sixty patients enrolled received lumbar ESIs at an academic chronic pain clinic. The MRI measurement calculated the distance between the skin and the posterior epidural space, while US measurements included transverse and parasagittal oblique views of the interlaminar space. The epidural space measurements were compared with the CLORD during the performance of the prone epidural injections. The differences in measurements were analyzed using two one-sided tests for equivalency with a 0.5 equivalency margin. The intraclass correlation coefficients between CLORD and the imaging modalities were estimated using mixed effects models.

Results

MRI was equivalent to CLORD with a mean difference of –0.2 cm (95% CI –0.39 to –0.11). US transverse and US parasagittal oblique measurements were not equivalent to and underestimated CLORD with mean differences of –0.98 cm (90% CI –1.8 to –0.77) and –0.79 cm (90% CI −1.0 to −5.9), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients between MRI and CLORD were the highest at 0.85, compared with 0.65 and 0.73 for transverse and parasagittal oblique US views, respectively.

Conclusions

MRI measurements are preferable over US for preprocedural assessment of patients receiving lumbar ESIs for predicting CLORD.
Geometric Characterization of the Numerical Range of Parallel Sum of Two Orthogonal Projections
Authors: Yu Weiyan , Wang Ran , Zhang Chen
Published: January 2024

Let H be a complex separable Hilbert space and BH be the algebra of all bounded linear operators from H to H. Our goal in this article is to describe the closure of numerical range of parallel sum operator P:PQ for two orthogonal projections P and Q in BH as a closed convex hull of some explicit ellipses parameterized by points in the spectrum.
Does Maintaining High Accessibility to Medical Care Services Increase Psychological Well‐Being of Chinese Older Adults?
Authors: Liu Huijun , Hai Lun , Zhao Min , Wang Hui
Published: January 2024

Objective. The health benefits of medical care services for older adults have been well known. This study aims to identify trajectories of medical care accessibility and their impacts on Chinese older adults’ psychological well‐being to enrich findings on health outcomes of medical care accessibility. Methods. This study included 2660 participants aged 65 years and older from the 2005–2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, and this paper used the latent class growth model to analyze the heterogeneous trajectories of medical care accessibility among Chinese older adults. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was also used to explore whether the trajectories of medical care accessibility impact the psychological well‐being of Chinese older adults and its heterogeneity among different subgroups of older adults. Results. Three distinct trajectories of medical care accessibility “maintaining high accessibility” (n = 2230, 84.1%), “medium to high accessibility” (n = 222, 8.10%), and “high to low accessibility” (n = 208, 7.80%) were identified, respectively. Regression results show that older adults maintaining high accessibility to medical care reported well psychological well‐being. This result was particularly evident among older adults in urban and eastern areas. Discussion. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining high accessibility to medical care and reducing inequalities in the accessibility to medical care for increasing psychological well‐being of Chinese older adults.
Data from FBXW7 Mediates Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity and Prognosis in NSCLCs
Authors: Yokobori Takehiko , Yokoyama Yozo , Mogi Akira , Endoh Hideki , Altan Bolag , Kosaka Takayuki , Yamaki Ei , Yajima Toshiki , Tomizawa Kenji , Azuma Yoko , Onozato Ryoichi , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Tanaka Shigebumi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. To improve the prognosis of patients with NSCLCs, new and validated therapeutic targets are critically needed. In this study, we focused on F-box and WD repeat domain containing-7 (FBXW7), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, that regulates the degradation of MCL1, Myc, cyclin E, and TOP2A. Importantly, loss of FBXW7 was associated with increased sensitivity of tumors to a class I–specific histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, MS-275. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of FBXW7 targets, MCL1 and TOP2A, in NSCLC tumors with low expression of FBXW7. Moreover, clinical specimens exhibiting low FBXW7 expression presented with more progressive cancer and significantly shorter cancer-specific survival than patients with high FBXW7 expression. Mechanistic study of NSCLC cell lines with silenced FBXW7 revealed enhanced MS-275 sensitivity and taxol resistance. Interestingly, taxol resistance was eliminated by MS-275 treatment, suggesting the potential of HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of aggressive taxol-resistant NSCLCs that lack FBXW7.

Implications: FBXW7 status impacts chemosensitivity and is a prognostic marker in NSCLCs.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2013/12/19/1541-7786.MCR-13-0341/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 32–37. ©2013 AACR.
Data from CD44 Regulates Pancreatic Cancer Invasion through MT1-MMP
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Yaqing , Kane Kevin T. , Collins Meredith A. , Simeone Diane M. , di Magliano Marina Pasca , Nguyen Kevin Tri
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest human malignancies due to its early metastatic spread and resistance to therapy. The mechanisms regulating pancreatic cancer metastasis are so far poorly understood. Here, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, it is demonstrated that CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on a subset of pancreatic cancer cells, is required for the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the activation of an invasive program in pancreatic cancer. Mechanistically, the transcription factor Snail1 (SNAI1), a regulator of the EMT program, is a downstream target of CD44 in primary pancreatic cancer cells and regulates membrane bound metalloproteinase (MMP14/MT1-MMP) expression. In turn, MT1-MMP expression is required for pancreatic cancer invasion. Thus, these data establish the CD44–Snail–MMP axis as a key regulator of the EMT program and of invasion in pancreatic cancer.

Implications: This study sets the stage for CD44 and MT1-MMP as therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer, for which small molecule or biologic inhibitors are available.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/09/10/1541-7786.MCR-14-0076/F1.large.jpg.

Mol Cancer Res; 13(1); 9–15. ©2014 AACR.
Data from Conserved Oncogenic Behavior of the FAM83 Family Regulates MAPK Signaling in Human Cancer
Authors: Cipriano Rocky , Miskimen Kristy L.S. , Bryson Benjamin L. , Foy Chase R. , Bartel Courtney A. , Jackson Mark W.
Published: January 2024

Abstract
FAM83B (family with sequence similarity 83, member B) was recently identified as a novel oncogene involved in activating CRAF/MAPK signaling and driving epithelial cell transformation. FAM83B is one of eight members of a protein family (FAM83) characterized by a highly conserved domain of unknown function (DUF1669), which is necessary and sufficient to drive transformation. Here, it is demonstrated that additional FAM83 members also exhibit oncogenic properties and have significantly elevated levels of expression in multiple human tumor types using a TissueScan Cancer Survey Panel PCR array and database mining. Furthermore, modeling the observed tumor expression of FAM83A, FAM83C, FAM83D, or FAM83E promoted human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) transformation, which correlated with the ability of each FAM83 member to bind CRAF (RAF1) and promote CRAF membrane localization. Conversely, ablation of FAM83A or FAM83D from breast cancer cells resulted in diminished MAPK signaling with marked suppression of growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Importantly, each FAM83 member was determined to be elevated in at least one of 17 distinct tumor types examined, with FAM83A, FAM83B, and FAM83D most frequently overexpressed in several diverse tissue types. Finally, evidence suggests that elevated expression of FAM83 members is associated with elevated tumor grade and decreased overall survival.

Implications: FAM83 proteins represent a novel family of oncogenes suitable for the development of cancer therapies aimed at suppressing MAPK signaling. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1156–65. ©2014 AACR.
Long-Term Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Arteriovenous Fistula Outflow Stenosis Caused by Venous Valve
Authors: Chen Bo , Chen Ling , Yang Qiao , Gao Xuejing , Lai Qiquan , Tu Bo , Wan Ziming
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Venous valve-related stenosis (VVRS) is an uncommon type of failure of arteriovenous fistula among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There is a paucity of data on the long-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for VVRS. Methods: ESRD patients who underwent PTA because of VVRS between January 2017 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled. Patients were classified into three cohorts (cohort1, VVRS located within 3 cm of the vein adjacent to the anastomosis; cohort2, VVRS located over 3 cm away from the anastomosis; cohort3, multiple stenoses). The patency rates were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify the risk factors. Results: A total of 292 patients were enrolled, including 125 (42.8%), 111 (38.0%), and 56 (19.2%) patients in cohort1, cohort2, and cohort3, respectively. The median follow-up was 34.8 months. The 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year primary patency rates were 86.0%, 69.4%, 47.5%, and 35.3%, respectively. The secondary patency rates were 94.5%, 89.4%, 75.5%, and 65.3%, respectively. Cohort1 showed a relatively better primary patency compared to cohort2 and cohort3. The secondary patency rates were comparable in the three cohorts. Duration of dialysis and VVRS type were potential factors associated with primary patency. Conclusions: This study showed acceptable long-term primary and secondary patency rates after PTA for VVRS in ESRD patients, especially for those with VVRS located within 3 cm of the vein adjacent to the anastomosis.
Indole-3-Propionic Acid Protects Against Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Wang Yu-Chen , Koay Yen Chin , Pan Calvin , Zhou Zhiqiang , Tang Wilson , Wilcox Jennifer , Li Xinmin S. , Zagouras Alexia , Marques Francine , Allayee Hooman , Rey Federico E. , Kaye David M. , O’Sullivan John F. , Hazen Stanley L. , Cao Yang , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common but poorly understood form of heart failure, characterized by impaired diastolic function. It is highly heterogeneous with multiple comorbidities, including obesity and diabetes, making human studies difficult.

METHODS:

Metabolomic analyses in a mouse model of HFpEF showed that levels of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a metabolite produced by gut bacteria from tryptophan, were reduced in the plasma and heart tissue of HFpEF mice as compared with controls. We then examined the role of IPA in mouse models of HFpEF as well as 2 human HFpEF cohorts.

RESULTS:

The protective role and therapeutic effects of IPA were confirmed in mouse models of HFpEF using IPA dietary supplementation. IPA attenuated diastolic dysfunction, metabolic remodeling, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and intestinal epithelial barrier damage. In the heart, IPA suppressed the expression of NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyl transferase), restored nicotinamide, NAD
+
/NADH, and SIRT3 (sirtuin 3) levels. IPA mediates the protective effects on diastolic dysfunction, at least in part, by promoting the expression of SIRT3. SIRT3 regulation was mediated by IPA binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, as
Sirt3
knockdown diminished the effects of IPA on diastolic dysfunction in vivo. The role of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide circuit in HFpEF was further confirmed by nicotinamide supplementation,
Nnmt
knockdown, and
Nnmt
overexpression in vivo. IPA levels were significantly reduced in patients with HFpEF in 2 independent human cohorts, consistent with a protective function in humans, as well as mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings reveal that IPA protects against diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF by enhancing the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage pathway, suggesting the possibility of therapeutic management by either altering the gut microbiome composition or supplementing the diet with IPA.
Unseen Sound: One Step into the Blind Future (Academic Access Version)
Authors: Slater Andy , McLain Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Elizabeth McLain interviews CripTech incubator artist Andy Slater about Unseen Sound (2023), his work for E.A.A.T.: Experiments in Art, Access and Technology. Slater discusses accessibility as artistic practice, the exclusion of blind folks from augmented and extended reality, and experimental art’s capacity for fostering access intimacy. While developing Unseen Sound, Slater experienced failures in access and technology. Hyperactive listening—the key to Slater’s creative practice— enabled him to pivot and continue the fight for accessible extended reality (XR) technology. In the process, he makes the case for a brilliant blind future by making noise in public spaces and leaning into the weirdness.
Crip-Techno-Tinkerism: A Neurodivergent Learning Style Meets Machine Learning
Authors: Lincoln Erika Jean
Published: January 2024

The artist discusses the development of their crip-techno-tinkerism methodology and its application to machine learning. They outline how their tinkering with the creation of datasets and the manipulation of transfer learning within machine learning models can reflect the diversity of neurodivergent learning.