bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Pancreatic Cancer in a Retrospective Case‐Control Study
Authors: Chung Pei-Ying , Liao Kuan-Fu , Kuo Yu-Hung , Lai Shih-Wei
Published: November 2024

Objective: To assess the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and pancreatic cancer in Taiwan.

Methods: We used the 2013–2020 claims data of Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. A case‐control study was performed, including female subjects 20 years or older with and without pancreatic cancer. Cases comprised female subjects diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, identified based on diagnosis codes. Controls were selected from female subjects without pancreatic cancer and matched to cases on age and comorbidities. Polycystic ovary syndrome was identified through diagnosis codes. A conditional logistic regression model was used to assess the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and pancreatic cancer, with results presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: This case‐control study included 12,466 cases with pancreatic cancer and 49,864 matched controls. The proportions of polycystic ovary syndrome were 2.6% among cases with pancreatic cancer and 1.4% among controls without pancreatic cancer (p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, the conditional logistical regression model revealed a statistically significant association between polycystic ovary syndrome and pancreatic cancer, with an OR of 1.38 (95% CI = 1.21–1.59, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This case‐control study reveals that there is a statistically significant association between polycystic ovary syndrome and pancreatic cancer. More studies are needed to provide robust evidence.
Purification of Hemocyanin‐Derived Phenoloxidase and Comparison of Its Properties With Polyphenoloxidase in the Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Mei Hai-Ze , Xu Gang , He Ying-Shan , Hong Shu-Jun , Sun Le-Chang , Chen Yu-Lei , Liu Hong-Ying , Gao Rui-Chang , Cao Min-Jie
Published: November 2024

Postmortem blackening of shrimp caused by phenoloxidase activity has resulted in enormous economic losses for aquaculture. Apart from polyphenoloxidase, the hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase also proved its ability in possessing phenoloxidase activity. In this study, the nature of hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase in Litopenaeus vannamei was explored and analyzed. The results highlighted the purification of a hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase with a molecular weight of 80 kDa, similar to the molecular weight of expressed polyphenoloxidase. The optimum temperature and pH of this enzyme were 35°C and pH 5.0, in general agreement with natural polyphenoloxidase and expressed polyphenoloxidase. The protein sequence identity and similarity between hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase and phenoloxidase were 33.8% and 48.3%, respectively. However, hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase cannot bind to the polyclonal antibody specific to polyphenoloxidase and expressed polyphenoloxidase. The specific enzyme activity of hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase was 1/4.83 of polyphenoloxidase. This study provided a theoretical basis to further analyses of hemocyanin‐derived phenoloxidase and phenoloxidase contributions to shrimp melanosis, respectively.
Exploring the Distance‐Based Topological Indices for Total Graphs via Numerical Comparison
Authors: Ahmad Haseeb , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran , Hanif Muhammad Farhan , Gegbe Brima
Published: November 2024

Graph theory serves as a valuable tool across numerous scientific disciplines, offering the means to model and analyze intricate networks. In this study, we explore the application of distance‐based topological indices to a variety of graphs, including the total graph of paths, cycles, complete graphs, wheel graphs, helm graphs, and the Cartesian product of K1 and Kn. We investigate five distance‐based indices: the Wiener index, multiplicative Wiener index, hyper‐Wiener index, Harary index, and average distance. Through detailed analysis, we derive general formulas for these indices and test them on the specified graphs. Using MATLAB for numerical comparisons, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these indices in capturing the structural properties of different graph types. The findings from this study enhance our understanding of topological indices and their applications within the field of graph theory.
Microplastic Contamination in Urban Groundwater: A Case Study From Jakarta Megacity, Indonesia
Authors: Wilyalodia Hefty Clarissa , Moersidik Setyo Sarwanto , Pratama Mochamad Adhiraga
Published: November 2024

Microplastics, classified as emerging contaminants, are recognized for their pollution of various environments, including groundwater. This study focuses on Jakarta, a major city in Asia where some communities still rely on groundwater as their source of clean water. We analyzed 121 groundwater samples from West Jakarta and South Jakarta to assess microplastic abundance and characteristics including color, shape, size, and material. The study also explored the correlation between microplastic abundance and influencing factors such as distance to septic tanks, distance to temporary waste disposal sites, Escherichia coli concentrations, and total coliform concentrations. The results indicate microplastic concentrations ranging from 28 to 236 particles/L with averages of 104 particles/L in West Jakarta and 78 particles/L in South Jakarta. Fragments were the most common shapes (85.68%), followed by fibers (12.86%), films (0.8%), and microbeads (0.66%). Black (85.93%) was the dominant color of microplastics, followed by red (8.2%), transparent (3.13%), blue (1.76%), yellow (0.75%), and green (0.23%). Microplastic size ranged from 20 μm to 3.76 mm, with the dominant polymer materials being Tencel, cellophane, and polyethylene (PE). Further analysis showed a significant correlation between microplastic abundance and distance to temporary waste disposal sites, with closer proximity resulting in higher concentrations. Trends in correlations between microplastic abundance and distance to septic tanks, E. coli concentration, and total coliform concentration were observable but not significant.
Molecular Mechanisms of Hair Follicle Development
Authors: Kinde Mebrie Zemene , Mekuria Tewodros Abere , Gessese Abebe Tesfaye , Mengistu Bemrew Admassu
Published: November 2024

Hair is an intricate biological structure that originates from hair follicles (HFs), which are complex mini‐organs embedded in the skin. Each HF undergoes continuous cycles of growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and rest (telogen), driven by intricate signaling pathways and interactions between epithelial and mesodermal cells. The development of HFs requires the interplay of several key signaling pathways, including Wnt, Shh, Notch, and BMP. The Wnt pathway is primarily involved in induction, Shh is essential for early organogenesis and later stages of cytodifferentiation, Notch signaling governs the fate of HF stem cells, and BMP plays a role in cytodifferentiation. Hair health is closely associated with psychological well‐being and personal distress. While hair loss (alopecia) does not impact biological health, it significantly affects social well‐being. Therefore, a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HF development is crucial for developing treatments for hair‐related problems and improving hair health. This knowledge has led to significant advancements in therapeutic applications, particularly in treating hair loss disorders, enhancing wound healing, and developing cosmetic treatments. This paper aims to review the molecular mechanisms involved in HF development, with an emphasis on their potential impact on human health and well‐being.
Figure 4 from The Novel Nucleoside Analogue ProTide NUC-7738 Overcomes Cancer Resistance Mechanisms In Vitro and in a First-In-Human Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Schwenzer Hagen , De Zan Erica , Elshani Mustafa , van Stiphout Ruud , Kudsy Mary , Morris Josephine , Ferrari Valentina , Um In Hwa , Chettle James , Kazmi Farasat , Campo Leticia , Easton Alistair , Nijman Sebastian , Serpi Michaela , Symeonides Stefan , Plummer Ruth , Harrison David J. , Bond Gareth , Blagden Sarah P.
Published: November 2024

Transcription profiling of HAP1 cells treated with 3′-dA and NUC-7738. A, Venn diagram summarizing the number of differentially expressed genes (Padj < 0.05 and −2>FC>2) in 3′-dA and NUC-7738–treated samples. B, Expression heatmap of 91 genes commonly differentially expressed in all 4 tested conditions (Padj < 0.05 and −2>FC>2). GSEA and network mapping using Cytoscape. Genes ranked according to their P value and GSEA were performed on REACTOME gene sets. Gene overlaps between different pathways are shown. Nodes are GSEA enriched pathways while Edges represent overlapping shared genes between two pathways. C, GSEA and network mapping using Cytoscape. Genes ranked according to their P value and GSEA was performed on REACTOME gene sets. Gene overlaps between different pathways are shown. Nodes are GSEA enriched pathways while Edges represent overlapping shared genes between two pathways. D, Venn diagram summarizing number of overlapping enriched pathways by GSEA using Molecular Signature Database collection of HALLMARK gene. E, Summary of top 20 enriched pathways for Hallmark set enrichment analysis of hits for NUC-7738 and 3′-dA–treated cells. Green and orange indicate NUC-7738 and 3′-dA, respectively. Circles and triangles indicate dosing at IC50 and IC90, respectively.
Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy Modulates the Immune Microenvironment of Pleural Mesothelioma and Improves the Impact of Dual Immune Checkpoint Inhibition
Authors: Hao Yameng , Gkasti Aspasia , Managh Amy J. , Dagher Julien , Sifis Alexandros , Tiron Luca , Chriqui Louis-Emmanuel , Marie Damien N. , De Souza Silva Olga , Christodoulou Michel , Peters Solange , Joyce Johanna A. , Krueger Thorsten , Gonzalez Michel , Abdelnour-Berchtold Etienne , Sempoux Christine , Clerc Daniel , Teixeira-Farinha Hugo , Hübner Martin , Meylan Etienne , Dyson Paul J. , Cavin Sabrina , Perentes Jean Y.
Published: November 2024

Pleural mesothelioma is a fatal disease with limited treatment options. Recently, pleural mesothelioma management has improved with the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In first-line therapy, dual PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade enhances tumor control and patient survival compared with chemotherapy. Unfortunately, only a fraction of patients is responsive to immunotherapy, and approaches to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and make ICIs more effective are urgently required. In this study, we evaluated the effect of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITOC), a treatment that combines fever-range hyperthermia with local intrapleural cisplatin chemotherapy, on the tumor immune microenvironment and response to ICIs. To do this, we developed a murine pleural mesothelioma model of HITOC. We found that HITOC significantly improved tumor control and animal survival through a mechanism involving the development of a cytotoxic immune response. Additionally, HITOC enhanced immune checkpoint expression by T lymphocytes and synergized with dual PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibition, leading to further improvement in animal survival. Finally, the analysis of peritoneal mesothelioma patient samples treated by pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy revealed a similar immunomodulation. In conclusion, HITOC remodels the tumor immune microenvironment of pleural mesothelioma by promoting T-cell infiltration into the tumor and could be considered in combination with ICIs in the context of a clinical trial.
Supplementary Movie 1 from Elraglusib Induces Cytotoxicity via Direct Microtubule Destabilization Independently of GSK3 Inhibition
Authors: Coats Josh T. , Li Shuyu , Tanaka Tomoyuki U. , Tauro Sudhir , Sutherland Calum , Saurin Adrian T.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Movie 1
Figure 5 from Elraglusib Induces Cytotoxicity via Direct Microtubule Destabilization Independently of GSK3 Inhibition
Authors: Coats Josh T. , Li Shuyu , Tanaka Tomoyuki U. , Tauro Sudhir , Sutherland Calum , Saurin Adrian T.
Published: November 2024

Elraglusib impairs proliferation and reduces cell viability in stimulated primary human T cells but does not affect unstimulated cells (A and B). Primary human T cells were isolated from PBMCs from healthy volunteers. Unstimulated controls (A) remained in CM, and stimulated cells (B) were treated with a CD3/CD28-co-stimulation kit. Cells were treated with DMSO control or elraglusib (Elr). Cell viability was assayed using Promega RealTime-Glo MT assay and the plate read daily for 120 hours. Data combine three independent experiments with T cells from three individual volunteers. Data normalized to the experimental control peak luminescence. Elraglusib increases the soluble tubulin fraction and decreases the insoluble tubulin fraction in stimulated primary human T cells (C and D). Proliferating stimulated primary human T cells were treated for 5 hours and assayed for soluble and insoluble tubulin as described above. Blots are representative of three independent experiments, and quantification combines three independent experiments. Fold change calculated vs. control, error bars represent SEM, and statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA, with P ≤ 0.05. ns, not significant; *, P < 0.05; ****, P < 0.0001.
Figure 4 from Elraglusib Induces Cytotoxicity via Direct Microtubule Destabilization Independently of GSK3 Inhibition
Authors: Coats Josh T. , Li Shuyu , Tanaka Tomoyuki U. , Tauro Sudhir , Sutherland Calum , Saurin Adrian T.
Published: November 2024

Elraglusib-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are abolished by cell-cycle arrest (A–D). K299 (A and B), and HH cells (C and D) were arrested in palbociclib (Palbo; or treated with DMSO control) for 24 hours before the addition of elraglusib (Elr), doxorubicin (Dox), or DMSO for a further 24 hours. Cells were then lysed and analyzed by immunoblot. PARP cleavage was used for apoptosis assessment and γH2AX for DNA damage. Quantification was performed by normalizing to actin and the experimental control. Blots are representative of three independent experiments, and quantification combines three independent experiments. Fold change calculated vs. control, error bars represent SEM, and statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA, with P ≤ 0.05. ns, not significant; *, P < 0.05; ****, P < 0.0001.
Figure 2 from Elraglusib Induces Cytotoxicity via Direct Microtubule Destabilization Independently of GSK3 Inhibition
Authors: Coats Josh T. , Li Shuyu , Tanaka Tomoyuki U. , Tauro Sudhir , Sutherland Calum , Saurin Adrian T.
Published: November 2024

Elraglusib impairs kinetochore–MT attachment to cause mitotic arrest and mitotic slippage (A–C). Mitotic duration (A) with CT99021 (CT) and elraglusib (Elr), example images (B), and mitotic fate quantifications (C). U2OS H2B-GFP/mCherry-α-tubulin cells were treated and imaged every 5 minutes for 24 hours. Ten cells were analyzed per field of view, with two fields per condition for each experiment. Mitotic duration (A) and fate plots (C) combine two independent experiments. For graph A, red data points indicate the movie ended with the cell remaining in mitosis, and the thick vertical lines represent a 95% confidence interval around the median, which can be used for statistical comparison of treatments by eye (see “Materials and Methods”). For graph C, error bars represent SD. D and E, Example images (D), number of MAD1-positive kinetochores with nocodazole (Noco), elraglusib (Elr), CT99021 (CT), and LY2090314 (LY); (E). MCF7 cells were synchronized in G1 with palbociclib for 24 hours and then released for 16 hours in CM before a 2-hour RO3306 block, wash off and MG132 treatment for 30 minutes. Cells were treated for 10 minutes with nocodazole (Noco), elraglusib (Elr), CT99021 (CT), or LY209014 (LY) before fixing and IF microscopy. CENPC was used to identify kinetochores, and MAD1 positivity was used to assess kinetochore attachment. Five mitotic cells were imaged per coverslip. Images are representative of three independent experiments. Quantification represents MAD1-positive kinetochores from five mitotic cells per condition and combines three independent experiments. For graph E, the thick vertical lines represent a 95% confidence interval around the median, which can be used for statistical comparison of treatments by eye (see “Materials and Methods”). Scale bars, 10 μm.
Data from Elraglusib Induces Cytotoxicity via Direct Microtubule Destabilization Independently of GSK3 Inhibition
Authors: Coats Josh T. , Li Shuyu , Tanaka Tomoyuki U. , Tauro Sudhir , Sutherland Calum , Saurin Adrian T.
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Elraglusib (9-ING-41) is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) with preclinical studies demonstrating broad activity against many tumor types. Promising early-phase clinical trial data led to FDA orphan drug status, and a randomized phase II study in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer has recently completed its recruitment. Similarly, single-agent responses in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and melanoma and combination treatment data in several other tumor types have been encouraging. The elraglusib mechanism of action is unknown, but it is unlikely to act through GSK3 inhibition because cytotoxicity is observed below the IC50 for GSK3, and other small molecule GSK3 inhibitors do not produce cytotoxic effects, at least in lymphoma cells. We show here that elraglusib perturbs chromosomal alignment to cause a mitotic arrest in multiple tumor lines. This arrest is caused by direct microtubule (MT) depolymerization, which prevents the attachment of kinetochores to MTs. At clinically relevant doses, these mitotically arrested cells eventually undergo mitotic slippage, leading to gross chromosome missegregation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. These effects explain the cytotoxicity of elraglusib because temporarily pausing cell-cycle progression with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib abolishes any drug-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis. In summary, elraglusib acts as a direct MT destabilizer both in vitro and across multiple cancer types, resulting in mitotic arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis. These effects likely account for its broad pan-cancer activity, which does not rely upon GSK3 inhibition as they are not replicated by other GSK3 inhibitors.
Significance:
Elraglusib was designed as a GSK3 inhibitor and is currently in clinical trials for several cancers. We show conclusively that the target of elraglusib that leads to cytotoxicity is MTs and not GSK3. This has significant implications for ongoing clinical trials of the compound and will help in understanding off-target side effects, inform future clinical trial design, and facilitate the development of biomarkers to predict response.
RESULTS OF LONG-TERM THERAPY WITH A BIOSIMILAR OF ECULIZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA
Authors: Kulagin Alexander D. , Ptushkin Vadim V. , Lukina Elena A. , Davydkin Igor L. , Korobkin Alexander V. , Konstantinova Tatiana S. , Komartseva Elena Yu. , Minaeva Natalia V. , Mitina Tatiana A. , Klimova Olesya U. , Arshanskaya Evgeniya G. , Latyshev Vitalii D. , Markova Oksana A. , Zuev Eugene V.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The study aimed to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of long-term therapy with biosimilar of eculizumab (Elizaria®) in PNH patients. Methods. The study included 30 patients with PNH who had completed previous clinical trials. Of these, 25 patients continued receiving the biosimilar product, and 5 patients switched from the originator product Soliris. The maximum duration of follow-up was 104 weeks, during which the investigational product was administered 52 times at a standard dose. Results. Throughout the study, the levels of LDH, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, and PNH clone remained stable compared to baseline, regardless of the previous therapy (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease at different visits, as well as in the number of patients who received donor red blood cell and platelet transfusions during the study (p > 0.05). There were two cases of adverse reactions reported in two patients (6.6%): elevated aspartate aminotransferase (3.3%) and alopecia (3.3%). Immunogenicity analysis showed no significant differences in the frequency of anti-drug antibody detection compared to baseline (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The study findings confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of biosimilar in patients with PNH.
Diabetic Striatopathy (Hyperglycemic Hemichorea-Hemiballismus Syndrome) in a Young Patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Case Report
Authors: Tumaini Basil , Pius Thom , Abeid Mahmoud , Lewale Lazaro , Okeng’o Kigocha , Komba Ewaldo , Bakari Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Diabetic striatopathy, or nonketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome, is a rare movement disorder linked to poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. It predominantly affects older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and presents with characteristic basal ganglia abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Even rarer is the presentation in a young patient, which may pose diagnostic and management challenges. Case Presentation: We report a 17-year-old male with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus presenting with left-sided hemichorea-hemiballismus of acute onset associated with hyperglycemia without ketoacidosis. Brain imaging revealed increased attenuation in the right caudate and putamen on CT and hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI, consistent with diabetic striatopathy. The abnormal movements abated after 1 month through dietary counseling, increased insulin dosage, and anti-chorea therapy. Conclusion: Diabetic striatopathy may occur in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. In resource-limited settings, its management can be challenging. There is a need for increased awareness among physicians of this potentially reversible condition, especially when seeing atypical patient populations. Strict glycemic control is an essential part of treatment.
Evolutionary Conservation of the Gcm/Glide Cascade: Of Glia and Beyond
Authors: Monticelli Sara , Giangrande Angela
Published: November 2024

Background: Glia represent a major cell population of the nervous system, and they take part in virtually any process sustaining the development, the functioning, and the pathology of the nervous system. Glial cells diversified significantly during evolution and distinct signals have been adopted to initiate glial development in mammals as compared to flies. In the invertebrate model Drosophila melanogaster, the transcription factor Gcm is necessary and sufficient to generate glial cells. Although Gcm orthologs have been found in protostomes and deuterostomes, they do not act in glial fate commitment as in flies, calling for further investigations of the evolutionarily conserved role of Gcm. Summary: Here, we review the impact of the fly Gcm transcription factor in the differentiation of phagocytic competent cells inside and outside the nervous system, glia, and macrophages, respectively. Then, we discuss the evolutionary conservation of Gcm and the neural/nonneural functions of Gcm orthologs. Finally, we present a recent work from Pavlidaki et al. [Cell Rep. 2022;41(3):111506] showing that the Gcm cascade is conserved from fly macrophages to mammalian microglia to counteract acute and chronic inflammation. Key Messages: Gcm has an ancestral role in immunity, and its anti-inflammatory effect is evolutionarily conserved. This opens new avenues to assess Gcm function in other species/animal models, its potential involvement in inflammation-related processes, such as regeneration, and to expand the investigation on glia evolution.
Distinctive Intrableb Structures of Functioning Blebs following Trabeculectomy according to Amniotic Membrane Transplantation
Authors: Moon Sangwoo , Lee Jiwoong
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Intrableb structures are hallmark features of the filtering bleb. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of functioning blebs using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) according to amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). Methods: Forty eyes from 40 patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy, either with AMT (20 eyes) or without AMT (control group, 20 eyes), were included. Parameters including bleb height, bleb wall thickness, striping layer thickness, striping to bleb wall ratio, bleb wall reflectivity, fluid-filled space score/height/area, and presence of microcysts were assessed using AS-OCT. Surgical success was defined at the time of AS-OCT as an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction ≥30% without medication. In these patients, if the bleb had a clinically diffuse and healthy without any signs of an encapsulated bleb, the bleb was then defined as functioning bleb. Results: Except for bleb height (p = 0.352) and microcyst formation (p = 0.266), significant differences were observed between the two groups. The functioning blebs of the AMT group exhibited greater fluid-filled space score, area, and height than those of the control group, following adjustment for AS-OCT time (all p < 0.001). Conversely, the functioning bleb of the control group demonstrated thicker bleb wall and striping layer, higher striping to bleb wall ratio, and lower bleb wall reflectivity than those of the AMT group, following adjustment for AS-OCT time (all p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Distinct intrableb structures were identified in functioning blebs according to AMT. The reflectivity and thickness of the bleb wall structures were more pronounced in the functioning bleb after trabeculectomy alone. In contrast, the extent of the fluid-filled space emerged as a more distinctive feature of the intrableb structures in the functioning bleb after trabeculectomy with AMT.
O efeito de políticas monetárias antagônicas sobre a atividade econômica: uma análise baseada nos casos brasileiro e japonês
Authors: Lages Lorena Marques Arêdes , Firme Vinícius de Azevedo Couto
Published: November 2024

Since the 1990s, interest rates have remained high in Brazil, in order to inhibit inflation, and close to zero (or negative) in Japan, to avoid chronic deflation. Based on this antagonism, the impacts, on economic activity, of the monetary policies from these countries were analyzed. Therefore, ARDL (Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag) models with quarterly data from 1996-2019 were used. The results indicate an interdependence between fiscal and monetary policies and suggest that policies with inflationary potential could generate reduced/negative impacts in Brazil (averse to inflation) and increased/positive impacts in Japan (contrary to deflation).
Association Between Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Risks of Early and Recurrent Admissions Among Patients With Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure
Authors: Dhingra Radha , Xu Hanzhang , Hammill Bradley G. , Lynch Scott M. , West Jessica S. , Green Michael D. , Peterson Eric D. , Curtis Lesley H. , Dupre Matthew E.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with greater risks of hospital readmission and mortality among patients with heart failure (HF). However, it is less clear whether socioeconomic disadvantage has an immediate and lasting impact on the risk of admissions after the diagnosis of HF.

METHODS:

We used electronic health record data of patients aged 65 years and older with newly diagnosed HF between January 2015 and July 2018 in the Duke University Health System, with up to 8 years of follow-up. We assessed the association between neighborhood-level disadvantage, measured by the area deprivation index (lower, moderate, or higher) and hospital admissions within 30, 90, and 180 days after HF diagnosis using multivariable logistic regression models. We also assessed the risk of recurrent admissions over follow-up using Prentice, Williams, and Peterson models with total time.

RESULTS:

In our cohort of 5889 patients (mean [SD] age, 75 (6) years; 51% women; 67% non-Hispanic White), 71% of patients had at least one admission, and ≈50% of patients died over a median follow-up of 5.6 years. Unadjusted models showed that patients residing in higher disadvantaged neighborhoods had incrementally increasing risks for admissions within 30 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.17 [95% CI, 0.99–1.38]), 90 days (OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.03–1.35]), and 180 days (OR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.08–1.40]) after diagnosis compared with patients in lower disadvantaged areas. These risks were no longer significant after adjusting for patients’ clinical and nonclinical characteristics at 30 days (OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.90–1.31]), 90 days (OR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.92–1.25]), and 180 days (OR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.96–1.27]). However, patients living in higher disadvantaged areas had significantly greater risks of recurrent admissions over follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.05–1.16];
P
<0.001) compared with patients in lower disadvantaged areas.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that patients with HF residing in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage are at higher risk for recurrent admissions and thus should be considered for targeted intervention strategies.
Home Blood Pressure Measurements Are Not Performed According to Guidelines and Standardized Education Is Urgently Needed
Authors: Clapham Eleanor , Picone Dean S. , Carmichael Samuel , Stergiou George S. , Campbell Norm R.C. , Stevens John , Batt Carol , Schutte Aletta E. , Chapman Niamh
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Patient education is needed to perform home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) according to blood pressure (BP) guidelines. It is not known how BP is measured at home and what education is provided, which was the aim of the study.

METHODS:

Mixed-methods study among Australian adults who perform HBPM (June to December 2023). Participants completed a 30-item online survey on whether they followed guideline recommendations and the education they received for HBPM. Phone interviews were conducted among a purposive sample to further explore survey topics.

RESULTS:

Participants (n=350) were middle-aged (58±16 years; 54% women), and most (n=250, 71%) had hypertension. Guideline recommendations for HBPM were not always followed by survey participants. Most participants measured BP seated (n=316, 90%) with the cuff fitted to a bare arm (n=269, 77%). Only 15% measured BP in the morning and evening (n=54) and 26% averaged the BP readings over 7 days (n=90). Interview participants (n=34) described measuring BP at “different times of the day after doing different things.” One-third of participants (n=112, 37%) received education for HBPM, which interview participants described as vague verbal instructions from health care practitioners. Participants who received education did not perform high-quality HBPM. Participants who did not receive education mimicked BP measurement methods of health care practitioners, “I do it the way I’ve seen them do it.”

CONCLUSIONS:

HBPM is not performed according to guideline recommendations, and adults who received ad hoc education did not perform high-quality HBPM. These findings highlight a need for effective education to support HBPM for clinical decision-making.
Patterns and predictors of orbitofrontal sulcogyral morphology in a nonclinical population
Authors: Patti Marisa A. , Beiler Donielle , Snyder Will , Kozick Shane , Troiani Vanessa
Published: November 2024

Less common orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) sucogyral patterns are observed at higher rates among those witth psychopathology. Previous work has assumed demographic characteristics have no influence on OFC sulcogyral patterns. However, the influence of sociodemographic and health-related characteristics on OFC patterns within a neurotypical population has not been formally evaluated. We used structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from a cohort from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) with existing OFC sulcogyral characterizations (n = 238); none of the participants had psychiatric diagnoses. We evaluated distributions of participant demographics (i.e., age), socioeconomic factors (i.e., employment), and health history-related factors (i.e., smoking history) by OFC sulcogyral pattern within each hemisphere. We then used logistic regression to estimate the odds of OFC sulcogyral pattern by participant characteristics. Distributions of study sample characteristics did not vary substantially by OFC sulcogyral pattern type within either hemisphere. Findings from logistic regression analyses suggest no association between OFC sulcogyral pattern and any of the demographic or socioeconomic characteristics. Two health history-related characteristics, body mass index (BMI) and smoking history, were associated with increased odds of having specific OFC pattern types. For example, individuals with obesity had 2.65 increased odds (95% CI: 1.17, 6.65) of having OFC sulcogyral pattern Type II, III, or IV, compared with Type I in the left hemisphere with normal BMIs. We did not observe substantial influence of demographic or socioeconomic characteristics on OFC sulcogyral patterns. These results confirm assumptions made in previous work that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics do not seem to impact OFC patterns. We do show some evidence for an influence of health history-related factors (obesity and smoking history); future work should evaluate whether these and other phenotypic risk factors interact to modify the relationship between psychiatric diagnoses and OFC sulcogyral patterns.
Approximation of bone mineral density and subcutaneous adiposity using T1-weighted images of the human head
Authors: Kalc Polona , Hoffstaedter Felix , Luders Eileen , Gaser Christian , Dahnke Robert
Published: November 2024

Bones and brain are intricately connected and scientific interest in their interaction is growing. This has become particularly evident in the framework of clinical applications for various medical conditions, such as obesity and osteoporosis. The adverse effects of obesity on brain health have long been recognised, but few brain imaging studies provide sophisticated body composition measures. Here, we propose to extract the following bone- and adiposity-related measures from T1-weighted MR images of the head: an approximation of skull bone mineral density (BMD), skull bone thickness, and two approximations of subcutaneous fat (i.e., the intensity and thickness of soft non-brain head tissue). The reliability and validity of these four distinct measures were tested in two large-scale databases, the UK Biobank and OASIS-3. The measures pertaining to skull BMD, skull bone thickness, and intensity-based adiposity proxy proved to be reliable (ICC = .95/.83/.66, p < .001) and valid, with high correlations to DXA-derived head BMD values (rho = .70, p < .001) and MRI-derived abdominal subcutaneous adipose volume (rho = .62, p < .001). Thickness-based adiposity proxy had only a low retest reliability (ICC = .53, p < .001). The outcomes of this study constitute an important step towards extracting relevant non-brain features from available brain scans.
When the brain says “No!”: An MRI study on the neural correlates of resistance to immoral orders
Authors: Tricoche L. , Rovai A. , Caspar Emilie
Published: November 2024

Milgram’s studies explored psychological and contextual factors influencing (dis)obedience to immoral orders, but the mechanisms preventing individuals from being coerced into causing pain to others remained largely unknown. Our fMRI study investigated the neural correlates of disobedience to such orders, focusing on three phases of the decision-making process: order processing (predecision), action (decision), and outcome and effect processing (postdecision). Within these phases we targeted three sociocognitive (cognitive conflict, sense of agency—SoA, and theory of mind—ToM) and two socioaffective (empathy and guilt) processes. Our findings revealed that participants who engaged the angular gyrus and temporoparietal junction, particularly in the left hemisphere, as well as median prefrontal areas before obeying the command to send a shock—possibly to mitigate cognitive conflict between self and other and to enhance their SoA—were more likely to disobey the experimenter’s instructions to administer a shock to a victim. Additionally, we found involvement of social brain regions during the postdecision phase (encompassing ToM, empathy, and guilt areas), especially in response to shock events, to process the victim’s pain. Higher activity in these regions when obeying orders was associated with a higher rate of prosocial disobedience. This study sheds light on the mechanisms that lead individuals to resist immoral actions under authoritative pressure in an experimental context.
Bilateral Economies of Scope
Authors: Li Yao Amber , Xu Sichuang , Yeaple Stephen R. , Zhao Tengyu
Published: November 2024

International transactions are costly because they require investments in logistics, contracts, and the acquisition of local institutional knowledge. We posit that a portion of the fixed cost of entering a specific export market can be used toward covering the cost of acquiring imported inputs from that same market, and vice versa. Using dis-aggregated transactions data for Chinese firms from 2000 to 2015, we document firm-level trading patterns suggesting such bilateral economies of scope. Through a structural model, we estimate that the simultaneous export and import in a given country reduce export and import fixed costs by around 42 and 35 percent, respectively.
New species, new synonyms, and resurrected taxa: A review of West and Central Palaearctic members of the genus Pseudoanthidium (Apoidea: Megachilidae)
Authors: KASPAREK MAX
Published: November 2024

Wool carder bees of the genus Pseudoanthidium comprise approximately 60–65 species, which are found in the Palaearctic, Indo-Malayan and Afrotropical realms. Their taxonomic relationships are little understood. Herein, I revised West and Central Palaearctic members of the genus. Four species are described as new, namely P. farsiense sp. nov. from Iran, P. microrubrum sp. nov. from Morocco, P. syriacum sp. nov. from Syria, and P. tajikistanicum sp. nov. from Tajikistan. The largely overlooked species Anthidium fulviventre Friese, 1917, described from Russia, and Anthidium ivanovi Mavromoustakis, 1954, described from Tajikistan, are recognized as members of the Pseudoanthidium genus, as P. fulviventre (Friese, 1917) comb. nov. and P. ivanovi (Mavromoustakis, 1954) stat. resurrect. & comb. nov. Anthidium moricei Friese, 1911, from Jordan, and A. royoi Dusmet, 1915, from Morocco, are resurrected from synonymy with P. melanurum and suggested to be treated as P. moricei (Friese, 1911) stat. resurrect. and P. royoi (Dusmet, 1915) stat. resurrect. & comb. nov. The hitherto unknown males of P. moricei (Friese, 1911) and P. rubellulum Pasteels, 1969 are described based on material from Jordan and Israel, respectively. Royanthidium bicoloripenne Pasteels, 1981 (syn. nov.) from Morocco, is revealed to be a junior synonym of P. octodentatum (Pérez, 1895). Morphological traits, along with DNA sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene (“barcoding gene”), allowed clustering the species in five polytypic and five monotypic species groups. As key character traits of the type species of nominate Pseudoanthidium largely fit the subgeneric characters of the subgenus Royanthidium Pasteels, 1969, Royanthidium is regarded as a junior synonym (syn. nov.) of nominate Pseudoanthidium. The species of the subgenus Exanthidium Pasteels, 1969 form a uniform clade both in terms of morphology and DNA marker. An examination of the non-Palaearctic Pseudoanthidium species is suggested to determine whether Exanthidium deserves subgenus status.
Omiamima tarensis Pešić & Borovec sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Еntiminae) from Tara Mountain in Serbia
Authors: PEŠIĆ SNEŽANA B. , BOROVEC ROMAN
Published: November 2024

A new species of weevil in the tribe Omiini from Tara Mountain, Serbia Omiamima tarensis Pešić & Borovec sp. nov., is described, illustrated, and compared with related species. The presence of an amphigonic population of Omiamima mollina (Boheman) from Serbia is recorded for the first time and facilitated the re-description of the sexual dimorphism in O. mollina and the definition of the new species. Omiamima tarensis has been collected in association with Chamaecytisus ratisbonensis (Schaeff.) Rothm. (Fabaceae).
First record of the genera Pseudoloxopidea Yasunaga, 1999 and Pseudoloxops Kirkaldy, 1905 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) from Vietnam
Authors: KIM JUNGGON , JEON JUHYEON , JANG GEUNHO , PHAN QUOC TOAN , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: November 2024

The orthotyline plant bug genera Pseudoloxopidea Yasunaga, 1999 and Pseudoloxops Kirkaldy, 1905 are reported from Vietnam for the first time based on the discovery of two new species Pseudoloxopidea ruberuniformis sp. nov. and Pseudoloxops clavolineatus sp. nov., along with the record of Pseudoloxops lateralis (Poppius, 1915). Detailed descriptions, diagnoses of the species, and a key to Vietnamese species are provided with illustrations and photographs.
Is the interrogating/interviewing of crime perpetrators no longer suspect? A personal commentary on 25 years of progress
Authors: Bull Ray
Published: November 2024

This article focuses on some of the main developments regarding the interviewing of suspects during the past 25 years. It contains a personal commentary on: the 25 years ago publication of the 1999 Milne and Bull book; the evolution of the KREATIV approach in Norway; when to disclose information to suspects; a major decision by Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates; the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group; the Council of Europe's document; the views of jail inmates; the Méndez Principles; the use of cognitive empathy; the American Psychology-Law Society's consultation document.
Tracking and Fault-Tolerant Controller Design for Uncertain Steer-by-Wire Systems Using Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Han , Jiang Wentao , Zhao Wanzhong , Li Yuanhao
Published: November 2024

This study presents a tracking and fault-tolerant controller architecture for uncertain steer-by-wire (SbW) systems using model predictive control in the presence of actuator malfunction and the nonlinear properties of tire lateral stiffness coefficients. By changing the internal model, the model predictive control (MPC) technique was used to achieve optimal tracking performance under the actuator output limitation variation problem and uncertain system parameters. System parameters and state estimates were simultaneously provided by the fault detection and isolation modules to detect actuator failure using the coupling estimation approach. The estimation accuracy was further improved by considering the replacement errors as virtual noise, which was also estimated during the estimation process. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fault-tolerant control technique can identify motor faults and conduct fault-tolerant control based on fault identification, showing good front-wheel steering angle tracking performance under both normal and fault conditions.
Genome-wide association study identifies key quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fruit morphometric traits in avocado (Persea spp.)
Authors: Li Jin , Eltaher Shamseldeen , Freeman Barbie , Singh Sukhwinder , Ali Gul Shad
Published: November 2024

Background

Avocado, a fruit crop renowned for its high nutritional value, has seen a steadily increasing market demand. However, breeding efforts for avocados have lagged those for other commercial fruits due to limited genomic research and germplasm resources. To address this shortfall, a genome-wide association study was conducted on 122 avocado accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Subtropical Horticultural Research Station (SHRS) germplasm collection. The study aimed to identify genetic markers and regions associated with various morphometric traits in avocado fruits, including fruit weight, length, width, diameter, seed weight, seed length, seed width, fruit seed ratio (FSR), and fruit shape index (FSI).

Results

Leveraging 4,226 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained from genotyping arrays, fifteen markers were identified with strong associations with these traits, utilizing Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) and Fixed and random model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) models. Gene annotation analyses within a 200-kb window in the vicinity of significant SNPs revealed several genes associated with various metabolic pathways suggesting that some of them likely determine these fruit quality traits, which needs to be verified and validated. Our results, which were conducted at one location, provide directions for conducting future studies using high-resolution genotyping and long-term multi-year and multi-location trait evaluations for precisely identifying the causal SNP(s) and genes associated with these traits.

Conclusions

These markers reported in this manuscript provide valuable tools for applying marker-assisted selection (MAS) in avocado breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit quality and value.
Seasonal dynamics of soil microbiome in response to dry–wet alternation along the Jinsha River Dry-hot Valley
Authors: Jiang Hao , Chen Xiaoqing , Li Yongping , Chen Jiangang , Wei Li , Zhang Yuanbin
Published: November 2024

Background

Soil microorganisms play a key role in nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and other important ecosystem processes, yet their response to seasonal dry–wet alternation remains poorly understood. Here, we collected 120 soil samples from dry-hot valleys (DHVs, ~ 1100 m a.s.l.), transition (~ 2000 m a.s.l.) and alpine zones (~ 3000 m a.s.l.) along the Jinsha River in southwest China during both wet and dry seasons. Our aims were to investigate the bacterial microbiome across these zones, with a specific focus on the difference between wet and dry seasons.

Results

Despite seasonal variations, bacterial communities in DHVs exhibit resilience, maintaining consistent community richness, diversity, and coverage. This suggests that the microbes inhabiting DHVs have evolved adaptive mechanisms to withstand the extreme dry and hot conditions. In addition, we observed season-specific microbial clades in all sampling areas, highlighting their resilience to environmental fluctuations. Notably, we found similarities in microbial clades between soils from DHVs and the transition zones, including the phyla Actinomycetota, Chloroflexota, and Pseudomonadota. The neutral community model respectively explained a substantial proportion of the community variation in DHVs (87.7%), transition (81.4%) and alpine zones (81%), indicating that those were predominantly driven by stochastic processes. Our results showed that migration rates were higher in the dry season than in the wet season in both DHVs and the alpine zones, suggesting fewer diffusion constraints. However, this trend was reversed in the transition zones.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how the soil microbiome responds to seasonal dry–wet alternation in the Jinsha River valley. These insights can be valuable for optimizing soil health and enhancing ecosystem resilience, particularly in dry-hot valleys, in the context of climate change.