bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quaker Reception of John Locke and the Eighteenth-Century Debate over Women’s Preaching
Authors: Pullin Naomi
Published: June 2024

Studies of important intellectual figures often debate the influence of their thought but are not always attuned to the ways in which their writings might be re-appropriated by different individuals and groups for their own purposes. This article explores John Locke’s connection with the early Quaker movement and how members of the Society of Friends made use of Locke’s works to reinforce their own institutional identity. In so doing, it makes use of a letter supposedly penned by Locke to a Quaker minister, Rebecca Collier, to explore the many ways in which Locke’s reputation became incorporated into the institutional memory of the movement. This letter has traditionally been regarded as spurious, and Rebecca Collier and her companion, Rachel Breckon, as fictional, yet new evidence uncovered from the minute books of the York and Scarborough Monthly Meetings—where Rebecca Collier and Rachel Breckon were, respectively, members—adds another layer of complexity to this story. Using copies of the letter and written Quaker discourse, as well as arguments drawn from Locke’s philosophical and theological writings, this article unravels the many ways in which the letter had an afterlife beyond Locke and the relatively unknown female preacher to whom it was addressed. It contributes to the existing scholarship on John Locke and early Quakerism by showing the long-term reception of Locke’s biblical hermeneutics, especially his views on female preaching documented in his posthumous Paraphrase and Notes, and his influence on Quaker thought.
Revisiting Röling and Cassese’s Appraisal of the Tokyo Tribunal
Authors: Sellars Kirsten
Published: June 2024

In late 1977, Antonio Cassese interviewed Bernard Röling about his experiences as a judge at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, and his career after that. The resulting book, The Tokyo Trial and Beyond: Reflections of a Peacemonger, was published in 1993. It not only offered an insider’s account of the politics and personalities that shaped the Tokyo tribunal but also addressed associated issues – strategies for disarmament, the definition of aggression, the limits of self-determination – that would exercise international actors over the ensuing decades. In the process, it revealed much about the perspectives and occasional foibles of two innovative and outward-looking jurists whose work was nonetheless rooted in, and sometimes constrained by, European legal approaches to peace and justice.
Lipid metabolism: a central modulator of RORγt-mediated Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Kanno Toshio , Miyako Keisuke , Endo Yusuke
Published: June 2024

Among the T helper cell subsets, Th17 cells contribute to the development of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, steroid-resistant asthma, and multiple sclerosis. Retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt), a nuclear hormone receptor, serves as a master transcription factor for Th17 cell differentiation. Recent findings have shown that modulating the metabolic pathway is critical for Th17 cell differentiation, particularly through the engagement of de novo lipid biosynthesis. Suppression of lipid biosynthesis, either through the pharmacological inhibition or gene deletion of related enzymes in CD4+ T cells, results in significant impairment of Th17 cell differentiation. Mechanistic studies indicate that metabolic fluxes through both the fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthetic pathways have a pivotal role in the regulation of RORγt activity through the generation of endogenous RORγt lipid ligands. This review discusses recent discoveries highlighting the importance of lipid metabolism in Th17 cell differentiation and function, as well as exploring specific molecular pathways involved in RORγt activation through cellular lipid metabolism. We further elaborate on a pioneering therapeutic approach to improve inflammatory and autoimmune disorders via the inhibition of RORγt.
Revision of an Adult Burn Center’s Resuscitation Guideline Leads to Lower Resuscitation Requirements
Authors: Curry Dominick , Wray Kimberly , Hobbs Brandon , Smith Susan , Smith Howard
Published: June 2024

In 2018, the institutional burn resuscitation guideline was updated to remove the use of high-dose ascorbic acid (HDAA) therapy, to lower 24-hour resuscitation fluid estimations from 4 to 2 mL/kg/TBSA, and to optimize guidance around appropriate colloid resuscitation. This retrospective study compared the incidence of a composite safety outcome (acute kidney injury, or intra-abdominal hypertension requiring intervention) between the pre-guideline update to post-guideline update. Secondarily, 24-hour resuscitation volumes, hourly urine output, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation duration were compared as well. The composite safety outcome was similar between the 2 groups (40% vs 29%; P = .27), but the post-group showed significantly lower 24-hour resuscitation volumes (3.74 vs 2.94 mL/kg/TBSA; P < .01), as well as lower urine output (1.26 vs 0.75 mL/kg/h; P < .01). There was no difference between the groups with respect to vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation duration, or mortality. This study suggests that a simplified resuscitation protocol without HDAA, combined with a lower starting fluid rate, led to significantly lower 24-hour resuscitation volumes without an increase in adverse safety events.
Historical museum samples reveal signals of selection and drift in response to changing insecticide use in an agricultural pest moth
Authors: Parvizi Elahe , Bachler Andy , Zwick Andreas , Walsh Tom K , Moritz Craig , McGaughran Angela
Published: June 2024

In response to environmental and human-imposed selective pressures, agroecosystem pests frequently undergo rapid evolution, with some species having a remarkable capacity to rapidly develop pesticide resistance. Temporal sampling of genomic data can comprehensively capture such adaptive changes over time, for example, by elucidating allele frequency shifts in pesticide resistance loci in response to different pesticides. Here, we leveraged museum specimens spanning over a century of collections to generate temporal contrasts between pre- and post-insecticide populations of an agricultural pest moth, Helicoverpa armigera. We used targeted exon sequencing of 254 samples collected across Australia from the pre-1950s (prior to insecticide introduction) to the 1990s, encompassing decades of changing insecticide use. Our sequencing approach focused on genes that are known to be involved in insecticide resistance, environmental sensation, and stress tolerance. We found an overall lack of spatial and temporal population structure change across Australia. In some decades (e.g., 1960s and 1970s), we found a moderate reduction of genetic diversity, implying stochasticity in evolutionary trajectories due to genetic drift. Temporal genome scans showed extensive evidence of selection following insecticide use, although the majority of selected variants were low impact. Finally, alternating trajectories of allele frequency change were suggestive of potential antagonistic pleiotropy. Our results provide new insights into recent evolutionary responses in an agricultural pest and show how temporal contrasts using museum specimens can improve mechanistic understanding of rapid evolution.
Coevolution-induced selection for and against phenotypic novelty shapes species richness in clade co-diversification
Authors: Zeng Yichao , Hembry David H
Published: June 2024

Coevolution can occur because of species interactions. However, it remains unclear how coevolutionary processes translate into the accumulation of species richness over macroevolutionary timescales. Assuming speciation occurs as a result of genetic differentiation across space due to dispersal limitation, we examine the effects of coevolution-induced phenotypic selection on species diversification. Based on the idea that dispersers often carry novel phenotypes, we propose and test two hypotheses. (1) Stability hypothesis: selection against phenotypic novelty enhances species diversification by strengthening dispersal limitation. (2) Novelty hypothesis: selection for phenotypic novelty impedes species diversification by weakening dispersal limitation. We simulate clade co-diversification using an individual-based model, considering scenarios where phenotypic selection is shaped by neutral dynamics, mutualistic coevolution, or antagonistic coevolution, where coevolution operates through trait matching or trait difference, and where the strength of coevolutionary selection is symmetrical or asymmetrical. Our key assumption that interactions occur between an independent party (whose individuals can establish or persist independently, e.g., hosts) and a dependent party (whose individuals cannot establish or persist independently, for example, parasites or obligate mutualists) yields two contrasting results. The stability hypothesis is supported in the dependent clade but not in the independent clade. Conversely, the novelty hypothesis is supported in the independent clade but not in the dependent clade. These results are partially corroborated by empirical dispersal data, suggesting that these mechanisms might potentially explain the diversification of some of the most species-rich clades in the Tree of Life.
Development and reproduction of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on six host plant species
Authors: Cao Yu , Yang Yuping , Wang Chun , Li Min , Chen Ling , Xie Hua , Wang Lijuan , Reitz Stuart R , Li Can
Published: June 2024

Host plants can strongly influence the population performance of insects. Here, we investigated the development, survival, and oviposition of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood on 6 host plants—Camellia sinensis ( L.) Kuntze (Ericales: Theaceae), Rosa chinensis Jacq. (Rosales: Rosaceae), Capsicum annuum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae), Eustoma grandiflorum (Hook.) G.Don (Gentianales: Gentianaceae), Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabales: Fabaceae), and Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), and constructed life tables for S. dorsalis on each plant. Significant differences in S. dorsalis development on the host species were observed. The mean developmental period from egg to adult was 11.45 ± 0.12 days, 11.24 ± 0.13 days, 12.08 ± 0.15 days, 12.28 ± 0.12 days, 12.67 ± 0.10 days, and 13.03 ± 0.11 days on C. sinensis, R. chinensis, C. annuum, E. grandiflorum, G. max, and C. sativus, respectively. Significant differences in survival of S. dorsalis were observed, namely, C. sinensis ≈ R. chinensis > E. grandiflorum ≈ C. annuum > G. max > C. sativus. The highest and lowest fecundities of S. dorsalis were recorded on R. chinensis (60.44 ± 1.53) and C. sativus (28.64 ± 1.02), respectively. Both of the net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of S. dorsalis were the highest on R. chinensis, with the values of 27.63 ± 0.58 and 0.142 ± 0.002, respectively; while the lowest on C. sativus, with the values of 8.81 ± 0.12 and 0.092 ± 0.003, respectively. Thus, R. chinensis was found to be the most suitable host, but C. sativus was the least suitable, for population development of S. dorsalis. Our results provide important information for the key control of S. dorsalis among different host plants.
An enhanced lure for eastern populations of the North American spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pureswaran Deepa S , Isitt Rylee , Huber Dezene P W
Published: June 2024

Regional variation in pheromone production and response has practical implications for the use of semiochemical lures to monitor and control bark beetle populations. We tested 4 lure formulations including 2 new formulations that reflect the pheromone production profiles of western and eastern populations of spruce beetles, Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), as well as 2 commercially available formulations (current Rocky Mountain lure and current Atlantic lure), in 2 locations in New Brunswick, Canada. In 2 separate years, the new eastern lure containing seudenol, MCOL, and spruce terpenes captured 4 times (2021) and 11 times (2022) more spruce beetles than the current Atlantic lure that consisted of frontalin, seudenol, and spruce terpenes. In 2021, we also captured more eastern larch beetles, Dendroctonus simplex LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with the new eastern lure, whereas in 2022, we captured the most D. simplex with the current Atlantic lure, suggesting that more research is needed on D. simplex pheromone production and response across its range. The bark beetle predator, Thanasimus dubius (Fabr.; Coleoptera: Cleridae), did not respond well to the new eastern blend that lacks frontalin, suggesting that response to frontalin is important in finding prey and might be conserved in predator populations. The reduced trap catch of T. dubius to the enhanced lure is beneficial because it does not inhibit natural population control by removing predators from the community. Our study reveals an improved trap lure for eastern populations of spruce beetles and highlights gaps and research needs in bark beetle pheromone ecology.
Characterization of tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus (Notostraca: Triopsidae), injury to rice and its effect on rice seedling establishment
Authors: Espino Luis
Published: June 2024

Rice seedlings of different stages of development were infested with tadpole shrimp (TPS, Triops longicaudatus [LeConte]), of different sizes in four experiments conducted in a lath house in Colusa, CA, during 2015 and 2016. Tadpole shrimp size was based on carapace length. Rice seedling stages were classified as S0 if no structures were present; S1 if only the coleoptile was present; S2 if the coleoptile and radicle were present; S3-I if the prophyll had emerged; S3-II if the first true leave had emerged but was not unfurled; and V1 if the first true leave was unfurled. Results showed that TPS of all sizes are capable of injuring rice and reducing seedling establishment, with larger TPS causing more seedling establishment reduction than medium or small TPS. The coleoptile, radicle, and roots were the structures most injured by TPS. During the S0 stage, TPS buried seeds, preventing their establishment. Seedling stages S1, S2, and S3-I were found to have the highest risk of injury by TPS, while seedling stage V1 had the lowest. Pearson’s correlation between injured seedlings and the normalized number of established seedlings indicates that injury to the coleoptile, root, and radicle combined are the most important in preventing seedling establishment.
Coyotes display minimal response to Cougar scent at experimental carcass sites
Authors: Parsons Mitchell A , Young Julie K
Published: June 2024

Interactions among predators can have cascading impacts on communities and ecosystems. These interactions often occur around carrion, where the carrion provides a food reward, but also a risk of encountering other, potentially dominant, predators. Understanding how predators balance risk and reward at carrion, and how perceived risk changes in response to carcass origins and conditions, provides valuable insight into intraguild interactions. We investigated Coyote (Canis latrans) behavior at carrion simulated as cache sites treated with Cougar (Puma concolor) scent versus carrion used as control sites to better understand how Coyotes assess risk while feeding on carrion. Coyotes displayed similar behavior between sites treated and untreated with Cougar scent, suggesting that the presence of Cougar scent did not alter perceived risk by Coyotes in our study. Instead, Coyote behavior responded to carcass age, elevation, and whether avian scavengers had visited the carcass. Coyotes spent more time feeding, more time on camera, and touched carcasses quicker as carcass age increased. Avian scavengers appeared to compete with Coyotes, and while the presence of avian scavengers reduced time to carcass detection by Coyotes, it also decreased time spent feeding. These results suggest that carcass condition is a more important indicator of risk and reward than the presence of dominant predator scent to Coyotes. Predator scent may be an unreliable cue of immediate predator presence. Alternatively, all carcasses may be risky because dominant predators also scavenge carrion, creating similar risk regardless of previous visitation by dominant predators. These results provide insights into predator interactions and can also inform the use of scent cues in wildlife management.
Socioecological correlates of Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hydration status at Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Nelson Rachel S , Bosha Raith , Mwacha Dismas , Terio Karen A , Murray Carson M
Published: June 2024

Maintaining water balance is imperative for organismal survival. Various socioecological conditions such as sex, reproductive state, and dominance rank can impact water intake and hydration status. Eastern Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) present an interesting biological model to investigate the socioecological correlates of hydration status, given adult sex differences in behavior. Males are more gregarious than females, which may afford them less behavioral flexibility to reduce dehydration risk. However, females invest heavily in their offspring, producing a water heavy milk for up to 5 years, and adult females experience disparities in access to water in foods dependent on dominance rank, which may cause variation in hydration status. In the present study, we investigated correlates of adult chimpanzee hydration status at Gombe National Park, Tanzania, using a measure of urine concentration—urine specific gravity (USG)—highly concentrated urine results in a higher USG, indicating dehydration. We found that both males and females had significantly higher USG in the dry season, but males had lower USG than females during the dry season. Within females, reproductive state did not significantly impact hydration status; however, females in middle lactation tended to have higher USG than nonpregnant, nonlactating females. Additionally, high-ranking females had lower USG than mid- and low-ranking females. While our study showed consistency with USG values that have been demonstrated at other Chimpanzee research sites, we found evidence that this population may be chronically dehydrated by human standards, but more research is needed across populations to determine the health and fitness effects of chronic dehydration in Chimpanzees.
YiQi GuBen formula alleviates airway inflammation and airway remodeling in OVA-induced asthma mice through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Kong Yibu , Wang Zhongtian , Yu Hongjun , Dong Aiai , Song Yongfu , Guo Lei , Zhu Jinpu , Sun Liping , Guo Yinan
Published: June 2024

Background

We aim to investigate the effect of YiQi GuBen formula (YQGB) on airway inflammation and airway remodeling in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model to further explore the potential mechanisms of YQGB in treating allergic asthma.

Methods

Mice were divided into five groups randomly (n = 10): the control group, OVA group, OVA + Dex (0.1 mg/kg) group, OVA + low-dose (1.1 g/kg) YQGB group, and OVA + high-dose (2.2 g/kg) YQGB group. Inflammatory cell count and IgE were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung tissue histopathology was observed by using H&E, PAS, Masson, and immunohistochemistry staining. qRT-PCR and western blot were applied to analyze key genes and proteins associated with TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Results

In OVA-induced asthma mice, YQGB decreased eosinophils and IgE in BALF. YQGB alleviated the OVA-induced inflammatory infiltration and declined IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, Eotaxin, ECP, GM-CSF, LTC4, and LTD4. YQGB attenuated the OVA-induced goblet cell metaplasia and mucus hypersecretion. YQGB mitigated the OVA-induced subepithelial fibrosis and lowered TGF-β1, E-Cadherin, Vimentin, and Fibronectin. YQGB ameliorated the OVA-induced airway smooth muscle thickening and lessened α-SMA and PDGF levels. YQGB reduced the expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, IκBα, and p65 mRNAs, and IκBα and p-p65 protein levels were also reduced.

Conclusion

YQGB exhibits the anti-asthma effect by reducing airway inflammation and airway remodeling through suppressing TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and is worth promoting clinically.
A gain-of-function mutation in BnaIAA13 disrupts vascular tissue and lateral root development in Brassica napus
Authors: Gao Jinxiang , Qin Pei , Tang Shan , Guo Liang , Dai Cheng , Wen Jing , Yi Bin , Ma Chaozhi , Shen Jinxiong , Fu Tingdong , Zou Jun , Tu Jinxing
Published: June 2024

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an important oilseed crop worldwide. Plant vascular tissues are responsible for long-distance transport of water and nutrients and for providing mechanical support. The lateral roots absorb water and nutrients. The genetic basis of vascular tissue and lateral root development in rapeseed remains unknown. This study characterized an ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized rapeseed mutant, T16, which showed dwarf stature, reduced lateral roots, and leaf wilting. SEM observations showed that the internode cells were shortened. Observations of tissue sections revealed defects in vascular bundle development in the stems and petioles. Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotypes of T16 were controlled by a single semi-dominant nuclear gene. Map-based cloning and genetic complementarity identified BnaA03.IAA13 as the functional gene; a G-to-A mutation in the second exon changed glycine at position 79 to glutamic acid, disrupting the conserved degron motif VGWPP. Transcriptome analysis in roots and stems showed that auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways were disordered in T16. Evolutionary analysis showed that AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID is conserved during plant evolution. The heterozygote of T16 showed significantly reduced plant height while maintaining other agronomic traits. Our findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of vascular tissue and lateral root development, and offer a new germplasm resource for rapeseed breeding.
Lost in the plot: missing visual elements in Kaplan-Meier plots of phase III oncology trials
Authors: Sherry Alexander D , Msaouel Pavlos , Kouzy Ramez , Abi Jaoude Joseph , Lin Timothy A , Taniguchi Cullen M , Fuller Clifton David , Minsky Bruce , Ludmir Ethan B
Published: June 2024

Missing visual elements (MVE) in Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves can misrepresent data, preclude curve reconstruction, and hamper transparency. This study evaluated KM plots of phase III oncology trials. MVE were defined as an incomplete y-axis range or missing number at risk table in a KM curve. Surrogate endpoint KM curves were additionally evaluated for complete interpretability, defined by (1) reporting the number of censored patients and (2) correspondence of the disease assessment interval with the number at risk interval. Among 641 trials enrolling 518 235 patients, 116 trials (18%) had MVE in KM curves. Industry sponsorship, larger trials, and more recently published trials were correlated with lower odds of MVE. Only 3% of trials (15 of 574) published surrogate endpoint KM plots with complete interpretability. Improvements in the quality of KM curves of phase III oncology trials, particularly for surrogate endpoints, are needed for greater interpretability, reproducibility, and transparency in oncology research.
Electrospun radially oriented berberine-PHBV nanofiber dressing patches for accelerating diabetic wound healing
Authors: Wang Qiuyu , Zhang Sai , Jiang Jiayi , Chen Shaojuan , Ramakrishna Seeram , Zhao Wenwen , Yang Fan , Wu Shaohua
Published: June 2024

A dressing patch made of radially oriented poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanofibers was successfully manufactured with a modified electrospinning strategy. The as-electrospun PHBV radially oriented nanofiber dressing patch exhibited uniform and bead-free nanofibrous morphology and innovative radially oriented arrangement, which was demonstrated to possess obviously improved mechanical property, increased surface hydrophilicity and enhanced biological properties compared to the PHBV nanofiber dressing patch control with traditionally randomly oriented pattern. Interestingly, it was found that the radially oriented pattern could induce the cell migration from the periphery to the center along the radially oriented nanofibers in a rapid manner. To further improve the biofunction of PHBV radially oriented nanofiber dressing patch, berberine (Beri, an isoquinoline alkaloid) with two different concentrations were encapsulated into PHBV nanofibers during electrospinning, which were found to present a sustained drug release behavior for nearly one month. Importantly, the addition of Beri could impart the dressing patch with excellent anti-inflammatory property by significantly inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors of M1 macrophages, and also showed an additive influence on promoting the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), as well as inhibiting the growth of E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans, compared with the Beri-free dressing patch. In the animal studies, the electrospun PHBV radially oriented nanofiber dressing patch loading with high Beri content was found to obviously accelerate the healing process of diabetic mouse full-thickness skin wound with shortened healing time (100% wound closure rate after 18 days’ treatment) and improved healing quality (improved collagen deposition, enhanced re-epithelialization and neovascularization and increased hair follicles). In all, this study reported an innovative therapeutic strategy integrating the excellent physical cues of electrospun PHBV radially oriented nanofiber dressing patch with the multiple biological cues of Beri for the effective treatment of hard-to-heal diabetic wounds.
The Association Between Chronic Tobacco Smoking and Brain Alterations in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
Authors: Koster Merel , Mannsdörfer Lilli , van der Pluijm Marieke , de Haan Lieuwe , Ziermans Tim , van Wingen Guido , Vermeulen Jentien
Published: June 2024

Background and Hypothesis

The high co-occurrence of tobacco smoking in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) poses a serious health concern, linked to increased mortality and worse clinical outcomes. The mechanisms underlying this co-occurrence are not fully understood.

Study Design

Addressing the need for a comprehensive overview of the impact of tobacco use on SSD neurobiology, we conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging studies (including structural, functional, and neurochemical magnetic resonance imaging studies) that investigate the association between chronic tobacco smoking and brain alterations in patients with SSD.

Study Results

Eight structural and fourteen functional studies were included. Structural studies show widespread independent and additive reductions in gray matter in relation to smoking and SSD. The majority of functional studies suggest that smoking might be associated with improvements in connectivity deficits linked to SSD. However, the limited number of and high amount of cross-sectional studies, and high between-studies sample overlap prevent a conclusive determination of the nature and extent of the impact of smoking on brain functioning in patients with SSD. Overall, functional results imply a distinct neurobiological mechanism for tobacco addiction in patients with SSD, possibly attributed to differences at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor level.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the need for more longitudinal and exposure-dependent studies to differentiate between inherent neurobiological differences and the (long-term) effects of smoking in SSD, and to unravel the complex interaction between smoking and schizophrenia at various disease stages. This could inform more effective strategies addressing smoking susceptibility in SSD, potentially improving clinical outcomes.
Hallucination Proneness Alters Sensory Feedback Processing in Self-voice Production
Authors: Duggirala Suvarnalata Xanthate , Schwartze Michael , Goller Lisa K , Linden David E J , Pinheiro Ana P , Kotz Sonja A
Published: June 2024

Background

Sensory suppression occurs when hearing one’s self-generated voice, as opposed to passively listening to one’s own voice. Quality changes in sensory feedback to the self-generated voice can increase attentional control. These changes affect the self-other voice distinction and might lead to hearing voices in the absence of an external source (ie, auditory verbal hallucinations). However, it is unclear how changes in sensory feedback processing and attention allocation interact and how this interaction might relate to hallucination proneness (HP).

Study Design

Participants varying in HP self-generated (via a button-press) and passively listened to their voice that varied in emotional quality and certainty of recognition—100% neutral, 60%–40% neutral-angry, 50%–50% neutral-angry, 40%–60% neutral-angry, 100% angry, during electroencephalography (EEG) recordings.

Study Results

The N1 auditory evoked potential was more suppressed for self-generated than externally generated voices. Increased HP was associated with (1) an increased N1 response to the self- compared with externally generated voices, (2) a reduced N1 response for angry compared with neutral voices, and (3) a reduced N2 response to unexpected voice quality in sensory feedback (60%–40% neutral-angry) compared with neutral voices.

Conclusions

The current study highlights an association between increased HP and systematic changes in the emotional quality and certainty in sensory feedback processing (N1) and attentional control (N2) in self-voice production in a nonclinical population. Considering that voice hearers also display these changes, these findings support the continuum hypothesis.
Is erectile dysfunction associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? Insights from a population-based study
Authors: Yan Yuxin , Zhou Liyu , La Rui , Xu Wu , Li Lisong , Jiang Dinghua , Huang Lixin , Wu Qian
Published: June 2024

Background

The correlation between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both significant components of arthritis, and erectile dysfunction (ED) has yet to be thoroughly investigated.

Aim

In this study we aimed to assess the association of OA and RA with ED.

Methods

In this observational study we used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted between 2001 and 2004. Various statistical analyses were employed to investigate the associations of OA and RA with ED, including multivariable logistic regression analysis and subgroup analysis.

Outcomes

The primary outcome for this investigation was arthritis as assessed through self-reporting.

Results

In this comprehensive nationally representative survey spanning 4 years, our findings revealed a notably elevated incidence of ED within both OA and RA populations in comparison to the general population. Additional research is imperative to provide a deeper understanding of these correlations and their potential implications for both pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Clinical Implications

The research outcomes reported here may serve as a valuable guide for clinicians to assist OA and RA patientsin staying vigilant in addressing their sexual health concerns.

Strengths and Limitations

We explored the association of OA and RA with ED. However, this is only a cross-sectional study.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive nationally representative survey spanning 4 years, our findings revealed a notably elevated incidence of ED within both OA and RA patient populations in comparison to the general population. Ongoing research is imperative to provide a deeper understanding of these correlations.
Parental union dissolution and the gender revolution
Authors: Eriksson Helen , Kolk Martin
Published: June 2024

This study investigates two concurrent trends across Europe and North America: the increasing instability of parental unions and men’s rising contributions to household work. Because children have almost universally resided with their mothers and it is difficult for non-residential fathers to maintain any levels of care work, union dissolutions have potentially slowed societal increases in gender equality. A new family form—50/50 living arrangements—has begun to challenge our understanding of the consequences of union dissolution. Since 50/50 residence requires fathers to take full care responsibility for the child half of the time—something few partnered fathers do—it may even push parents into a more egalitarian division of care work. We have studied care work using Swedish administrative data on parents’ leave from work to care for a sick child. We have created a panel of leave-sharing for children aged 2–11, and use an event-study design to estimate the causal effect of dissolution on the sharing of sick-child leave. The results show that in parental unions dissolving today, the dissolution leads to an increase in fathers’ share of sick-child leave. Whereas union dissolutions have for decades been slowing the gender revolution in Sweden, they are now accelerating it.
Sexual well-being among partnered adults and couples over 60: a scoping review
Authors: Bigras Noémie , Popova Nevena , Pedneault Lydia , Brassard Audrey , Bergeron Sophie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Although society still holds age-related stereotypes dismissing the sexuality of aging individuals, older adults remain sexually active and find sexuality to be an important part of their quality of life. Primarily oriented toward a biomedical and dysfunctional lens, prior research neglected the subjective well-being of elderly individuals, especially partnered adults and couples aged 60 years or more. Shedding a more positive light on this area of life could promote older individuals’ and couples’ sexual well-being.

Objectives

This scoping review aimed to synthetize the studies including community samples of partnered adults or couples over 60 who reported on various indicators of subjective sexual well-being including sexual satisfaction, distress, and function using validated measures.

Methods

Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMAScR), the electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed journal articles published before July 2023.

Results

Results showed how relational variables such as relationship satisfaction and intimacy emerge as important correlates of older adults’ sexual well-being.

Conclusion

Avenues for future research arising from gaps in the studies identified thorough this scoping review, including the underrepresentation of sexual/gender diverse individuals and the use of single and/or non-validated items to assess sexual well-being, are discussed.
Influence of differing levels of concentrate on circulating cytokine concentrations in beef heifers
Authors: Stockland Erin L , Smith Molly S , Pickett Autumn T , Cooke Reinaldo F , Poole Rebecca K
Published: June 2024

Components of the immune system (e.g., cytokines and chemokines) can influence reproductive efficiency. Characterizing the influence nutrition has on shifts in circulating cytokine concentrations will allow for a better understanding of reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. This study aimed to determine the effect of diet composition on circulating cytokine concentrations of beef heifers. Using a 3 × 3 Latin square design, pubertal Bos taurus-influenced rumen-cannulated heifers (n = 15) were fed a diet based on different concentrate percentages. The treatment period consisted of 28-d feeding periods with a washout interval of 21 d. Treatment groups were fed 100% grass hay (high forage; HF), 60% grass hay with 40% corn-based concentrate (intermediate; INT), and 25% grass hay with 75% corn-based concentrate (high grain; HG). Heifers were offered 2% of their body weight in feed daily. Blood was collected on days 0 and 28 of the treatment period for cytokine analysis. Plasma cytokine concentrations were quantified using RayBiotech Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Array Q1 kit according to manufacturer instructions. Concentrations of interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP10) linearly decreased with an increased concentrate diet (P = 0.037). Concentrations of IP10 differed for heifers consuming HF diet vs. HG diet (3,069.52 vs. 1,001.84 ± 669.01 pg/mL, respectively) and heifers consuming INT diet vs. HG diet (2,886.77 vs. 1,001.84 ± 669.01 pg/mL, respectively); however, there were no significant differences in IP10 concentrations between HF and INT heifers. There was a tendency for interleukin-1 family member 5 (IL1F5) concentrations to be lower for heifers consuming the HG diet compared to INT diet (P = 0.08). Results suggest that heifers consuming a high-concentrate diet have lower concentrations of IP10 and IL1F5. Additional research is necessary to better understand the dietary influence on the immune system in developing heifers.
Density-dependent unidirectional hybridization between the Japanese pond turtle, Mauremys japonica, and the exotic Reeves’ pond turtle, Mauremys reevesii, in Japan, inferred from molecular and morphological analyses
Authors: Matsuda Yunosuke , Kaburagi Shun , Kamezaki Naoki , Ota Hidetoshi , Takahashi Hiroo , Imazu Takeshi , Kagayama Shawichi , Kawamura Kouichi
Published: June 2024

Hybridization between the indigenous Japanese pond turtle, Mauremys japonica, and the exotic Reeves’ pond turtle, Mauremys reevesii, is widespread in Japan. In this study, we examined this hybridization using an analysis of mtDNA and 11 microsatellite markers (MS) combined with morphometry. In a Bayesian clustering analysis of MS, the admixture of two clusters equivalent to the two species was detected in the Seto Inland Sea and Ise Bay regions. While mtDNA showed reciprocal hybridization between the two species, their hybrids tended to possess the mtDNA of the rarer species at each locality. Contrary to preceding studies, F2/later generations outnumbered F1 generations. In addition, the admixture of two mtDNA lineages (Chinese and Korean) of M. reevesii was widely observed in all regions, together with the range expansion of the recently introduced Chinese lineage. A significant correlation was observed between plastron morph and assignment probability of MS, showing that plastron morphology reflects the degree of introgression by M. reevesii in M. japonica. This finding means that the reproductive interference of the dominant species on a rarer species is a major factor driving the hybridization of the two Mauremys species. In addition, the range expansion of the Chinese lineage of M. reevesii appears to enhance the introgression by M. reevesii in M. japonica.
Beyond Abdominal Cavity: Peritoneal and Retroperitoneal Anatomy as It Relates to Disease Spread—Part 1
Authors: Mariussi Miriana , Gambetta Sofia
Published: June 2024

The peritoneal cavity is commonly affected by disease processes such as bowel perforation, infections, malignancy, and trauma. Recognizing the anatomy of the peritoneal and retroperitoneal regions is essential for identifying diseases and formulating differential diagnoses during radiological interpretation. Understanding how diseases can spread through the abdomen and pelvis is crucial for an accurate interpretation of radiological findings. Radiologists must be familiar with the peritoneal and retroperitoneal anatomy to avoid potential diagnostic misinterpretations. This article aims to discuss the anatomic principles of peritoneal ligaments and spaces, retroperitoneal spaces and planes, review the basic embryological development of the peritoneum, describe the mechanism by which diseases spread through the abdomen and pelvis, and provide key diagnostic findings.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Multidisciplinary Approach and the Role of the Neurosurgeon Case-Based Approach
Authors: Di Nome Marie A. , Bathini Abhijith R. , Dubey Anwesha
Published: June 2024

Many conditions that neurosurgeons manage are associated with neuro-ophthalmic and neurologic symptoms. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure with associated signs and symptoms to include visual disturbances, pulsatile tinnitus, and headache. IIH is considered a lifelong disease. Although elevated intracranial pressure itself may not be life-threatening, the real threat for patients with IIH is visual loss. For that reason, it is imperative that a neuro-ophthalmologist and/or comprehensive eye care provider determine visual function (visual acuity and visual fields) in a patient with IIH. Accurate understanding of the diagnostic criteria, interpretation of visual results, and headache history can help the neurosurgeon in determining whether their patient needs surgery. Many patients with IIH also have associated headache and migraine conditions. The collaboration between a neurologist, ophthalmologist, and neurosurgeon is crucial for providing the highest quality of care for patients with IIH.
Mining for microbial metabolites associated with disease progression in an age-dependent model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Pu Annie , Fettig Naomi M , Polyzois Alexandros , Naouar Ikbel , Ramaglia Valeria , Hohman Leah S , Zuo Michelle , Copeland Julia , Chan Donny , Davis Katy , Yu Shirley , Popple Sarah , Chao Gary , McCoy Kathy D , Schroeder Frank C , Gommerman Jennifer L , Osborne Lisa C
Published: June 2024

People with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) exhibit alterations in the gut microbiome and its associated metabolites. Identifying causal links between specific fecal microbiome-derived metabolites and disease susceptibility has been shown using fecal microbial transfer (FMT) into animal models of MS (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE). However, a pipeline that identifies microbiome-associated metabolites that can alter age-dependent disease progression is lacking. We recently established a mouse model of MS disease progression that is induced by adoptive transfer of TH17 cells from young SJL/J mice immunized with myelin peptide into aged recipients. Adapting this model to FMT, we tested the role of young versus aged murine and human fecal microbial communities on disease progression. We demonstrate that microbiota derived from aged SJL/J mice is not sufficient to drive the progressive disease phenotype in young mice. However, human fecal microbiota from young versus aged donors induced a range of EAE phenotypes. Taking advantage of this variability, we were able to identify fecal communities that promote an “aged EAE” phenotype in chronologically young mice that were associated with distinct microbiota-derived metabolites. Our findings provide a framework for metabolite discovery associated with EAE disease chronicity and severity.
DeepMol: An Automated Machine and Deep Learning Framework for Computational Chemistry
Authors: Correia João , Capela João , Rocha Miguel
Published: June 2024

The domain of computational chemistry has experienced a significant evolution due to the introduction of Machine Learning (ML) technologies. Despite its potential to revolutionize the field, researchers are often encumbered by obstacles, such as the complexity of selecting optimal algorithms, the automation of data pre-processing steps, the necessity for adaptive feature engineering, and the assurance of model performance consistency across different datasets. Addressing these issues head-on,DeepMolstands out as an Automated ML (AutoML) tool by automating critical steps of the ML pipeline.DeepMolrapidly and automatically identifies the most effective data representation, pre-processing methods and model configurations for a specific molecular property/activity prediction problem. On 22 benchmark datasets,DeepMolobtained competitive pipelines compared with those requiring time-consuming feature engineering, model design and selection processes. As one of the first AutoML tools specifically developed for the computational chemistry domain,DeepMolstands out with its open-source code, in-depth tutorials, detailed documentation, and examples of real-world applications, all available athttps://github.com/BioSystemsUM/DeepMolandhttps://deepmol.readthedocs.io/en/latest/. By introducing AutoML as a ground-breaking feature in computational chemistry, DeepMol establishes itself as the pioneering state-of-the-art tool in the field.
A genome-wide association study of mass spectrometry proteomics using the Seer Proteograph platform
Authors: Suhre Karsten , Chen Qingwen , Halama Anna , Mendez Kevin , Dahlin Amber , Stephan Nisha , Thareja Gaurav , Sarwath Hina , Guturu Harendra , Dwaraka Varun B. , Batzoglou Serafim , Schmidt Frank , Lasky-Su Jessica A.
Published: June 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with proteomics are essential tools for drug discovery. To date, most studies have used affinity proteomics platforms, which have limited discovery to protein panels covered by the available affinity binders. Furthermore, it is not clear to which extent protein epitope changing variants interfere with the detection of protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs). Mass spectrometry-based (MS) proteomics can overcome some of these limitations. Here we report a GWAS using the MS-based Seer ProteographTMplatform with blood samples from a discovery cohort of 1,260 American participants and a replication in 325 individuals from Asia, with diverse ethnic backgrounds. We analysed 1,980 proteins quantified in at least 80% of the samples, out of 5,753 proteins quantified across the discovery cohort. We identified 252 and replicated 90 pQTLs, where 30 of the replicated pQTLs have not been reported before. We further investigated 200 of the strongest associated cis-pQTLs previously identified using the SOMAscan and the Olink platforms and found that up to one third of the affinity proteomics pQTLs may be affected by epitope effects, while another third were confirmed by MS proteomics to be consistent with the hypothesis that genetic variants induce changes in protein expression. The present study demonstrates the complementarity of the different proteomics approaches and reports pQTLs not accessible to affinity proteomics, suggesting that many more pQTLs remain to be discovered using MS-based platforms.

Graphical Abstract

Summarizing the approach taken to identify potential epitope effects.
A cautionary tale on the cost-effectiveness of collaborative AI in real-world medical applications
Authors: Innocenti Lucia , Ourselin Sebastien , Goh Vicky , Antonelli Michela , Lorenzi Marco
Published: June 2024

Federated learning (FL) has gained wide popularity as a collaborative learning paradigm enabling trustworthy AI in sensitive healthcare applications. Never-theless, the practical implementation of FL presents technical and organizational challenges, as it generally requires complex communication infrastructures. In this context, consensus-based learning (CBL) may represent a promising collaborative learning alternative, thanks to the ability of combining local knowledge into a federated decision system, while potentially reducing deployment over-head. In this work we propose an extensive benchmark of the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of a panel of FL and CBL methods in a wide range of collaborative medical data analysis scenarios. Our results reveal that CBL is a cost-effective alternative to FL, providing comparable accuracy and significantly reducing training and communication costs. This study opens a novel perspective on the deployment of collaborative AI in real-world applications, whereas the adoption of cost-effective methods is instrumental to achieve sustainability and democratisation of AI by alleviating the need for extensive computational resources.