bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered immunophenotypic expression in the peripheral bladder cancer immune landscape
Authors: Mackenzie Nathan J , Zimmermann Kate , Nicholls Clarissa , Perera Mahasha PJ , Ngoo Alexander , Jeffery Penny L , Vela Ian , Kenna Tony J , Williams Elizabeth D , Thomas Patrick B
Published: October 2024

Treatments targeting the immune system only benefit a subset of patients with bladder cancer (BC). Biomarkers predictive of BC progression and response to specific therapeutic interventions are required. We evaluated whether peripheral blood immune subsets and expression of clinically relevant immune checkpoint markers are associated with clinicopathologic features of BC. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from blood collected from 23 patients with BC and 9 age‐matched unaffected‐by‐cancer control donors were assessed using a 21‐parameter flow cytometry panel composed of markers of T, B, natural killer and myeloid populations and immune checkpoint markers. Patients with BC had significantly lower numbers of circulating CD19+ B cells and elevated circulating CD4+CD8+ T cells compared with the control cohort. Immune checkpoint markers programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin‐domain containing‐3 (TIM‐3) were elevated in the total peripheral immune cell population in patients with BC. Within the BC cohort, PD‐1 expression in T and myeloid cells was elevated in muscle‐invasive compared with non–muscle‐invasive disease. In addition, elevated T, B and myeloid PD‐1 cell surface expression was significantly associated with tumor stage, suggesting that measures of peripheral immune cell exhaustion may be a predictor of tumor progression in BC. Finally, positive correlations between expression levels of the various immune checkpoints both overall and within key peripheral blood immune subsets collected from patients with BC were observed, highlighting likely coregulation of peripheral immune checkpoint expression. The peripheral blood immunophenotype in patients with BC is altered compared with cancer‐free individuals. Understanding this dysregulated immune profile will contribute to the identification of diagnostic and prognostic indicators to guide effective immune‐targeted, personalized treatments.
Injecting drug use is a risk factor for methicillin resistance in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections
Authors: Curtis Stephanie J. , Marvelianto Tedjo Timothy , Lee Sue J. , Rawson‐Harris Philip J. , Sim Kirsty , Attwood Lucy O. , Jenney Adam W. J. , Stewardson Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

We investigated whether injecting drug use was a risk factor for methicillin resistance among inpatients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (SABSIs) at an Australian health service. In 273 inpatients, 46 (16.9%) of SABSIs were methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA was more frequent in those who had injected drugs in the past 6 months (20.6%) compared with other inpatients (15.7%). Injecting drug use was associated with a 4.82‐fold (95% confidence interval = 1.54–16.29) increased odds of MRSA after accounting for confounders.
Motivation for Physical Activity in Low‐Income Adults: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Turner Ashley R. , Coats Heather , Cook Paul , Dorsen Caroline , Jankowski Catherine
Published: October 2024

Aim

To explore, review and assess the literature on motivation for physical activity in low‐income adults to inform future research and clinical interventions.

Design

An integrative review of the literature on motivation for physical activity in low‐income adults.

Methods

Whittemore and Knaul's five‐stage methodological approach for integrative reviews was utilised. Studies written in English that focused primarily on low‐income adults discussed physical activity and included a component of motivation or drive were included. The Johns Hopkins Evidence Level and Quality Guide was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscuss and Google Scholar from 1 January 2018 – 23 August 2024.

Results

A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three main categories of factors impacting physical activity in low‐income adults were identified: (1) motivators for physical activity, (2) barriers for physical activity (3) and items that were both a motivator and a barrier. Despite the key role nurses play in promoting health and wellness, studies conducted by nurses or employing nursing interventions were notably absent.

Conclusion

This integrative literature review highlights the need for more information about what motivates low‐income adults to be more physically active.

Implications for the Profession

Understanding the experience of low‐income adults with physical activity is integral to meeting their needs and facilitating increased physical activity. Future research should utilise nursing theories and interventions to improve physical activity levels among low‐income adults.

Impact

This study addressed physical inactivity in low‐income adults. More information is needed about motivation for physical activity. This information will impact researchers and clinicians.

Reporting Method

The search strategy and reporting method were consistent with PRISMA guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Mitigation of pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy with superficial right ventricular mid‐septal pacing: A long‐term retrospective comparison with apical pacing
Authors: McBride Kenneth Wade , Kulkarni Nitin K. , Hickman Charles C. , Link Mark S. , Takata Theodore S.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

It remains unclear if pacing induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) may be minimized by standard pacing of the right ventricle (RV) at sites other than the RV apex. The purpose of this study is to compare the relative frequency of PICM in a population of patients paced at either the superficial RV mid septum (RVMS) or RV apex (RVA), and other outcomes that may differ between these sites.

Methods and Results

A retrospective evaluation was performed on all patients undergoing pacemaker implantation between 2011 and 2022. Potential study patients were those with Medtronic 3830 superficial RVMS leads placed with septal specific guidance catheters, and any with RVA leads. Patients were included if they had ≥20% RV pacing, available baseline and follow‐up measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at least 6 months postimplantation, and a baseline LVEF ≥50%. PICM was defined as a decline in the LVEF of at least 10%, resulting in LVEF <50%. Patients were excluded for Biventricular devices, and for alternative causes of cardiomyopathy. The study criteria were met in 324 patients, with 220 RVMS and 104 RVA paced patients. PICM occurred in 4.5% of RVMS patients, and 22.1% of RVA patients (p < .001). Additional differences were demonstrated in paced QRS duration (144 ± 15.5 ms in RVMS, 166 ± 19.4 ms in RVA; p < .001); QRS axis (2.3 ± 64.9 in RVMS, −65.2 ± 49.5 in RVA; p < .001), and various qualitative QRS morphologic characteristics.

Conclusion

Patients with normal LVEF experienced significantly less PICM with superficial RVMS pacing performed via septal specific guidance catheters than similar counterparts with RVA pacing. Narrower paced QRS duration and less left axis deviation was also demonstrated.
Immortalized mesenchymal stromal cells overexpressing alpha‐1 antitrypsin protect acinar cells from apoptotic and ferroptotic cell death
Authors: Shoeibi Sara , Green Erica , Wei Hua , Gou Wenyu , Strange Charlie , Wang Hongjun
Published: October 2024

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder that impairs endocrine and exocrine function. Our previous work showed that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and MSCs overexpressing alpha‐1 antitrypsin (AAT‐MSCs) could be therapeutic tools for CP. However, primary MSCs are predisposed to undergo senescence during culture expansion, which limits their therapeutic applications. We generated and characterized immortalized human MSCs (iMSCs) and AAT‐MSCs (iAAT‐MSCs) and tested their protective effect on 2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced acinar cell death in an in vitro cell culture system. Primary MSCs were immortalized by transduction with simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40LT), and the resulting iMSC and iAAT‐MSC lines were analysed for proliferation, senescence, phenotype and multi‐differentiation potential. Subsequently, apoptosis and ferroptosis pathways were investigated by assessing changes before and after TNBS treatment. Coculture of iMSCs and iAAT‐MSCs with acinar cell lines inhibited early cell death induced by TNBS, reduced ER stress and reversed TNBS‐induced protein reduction at tight junctions. Additionally, iMSCs and iAAT‐MSCs exerted such protection by regulating mitochondrial respiration, ATP content and ROS production in TNBS‐induced acinar cells. Furthermore, iMSCs and iAAT‐MSCs ameliorated TNBS‐induced ferroptosis by modulating iron generation and ROS production and regulating the ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)/protein disulfide isomerase (PDI)/glutathione peroxide 4 (GPX4) signalling pathways in acinar cells. These findings identify ferroptosis as an unrecognized mechanism that leads to TNBS‐induced cell death and offer mechanistic insights relevant to using stem cell therapy to treat acinar cell death associated with CP.
Bazi Bushen attenuates osteoporosis in SAMP6 mice by regulating PI3K‐AKT and apoptosis pathways
Authors: Xu Zhe , Zhang Zeyu , Zhou Huifang , Lin Shan , Gong Boyang , Li Zhaodong , Zhao Shuwu , Hou Yunlong , Peng Yanfei , Bian Yuhong
Published: October 2024

Osteoporosis (OP), a systemic skeletal disease, is characterized by low bone mass, bone tissue degradation and bone microarchitecture disturbance. Bazi Bushen, a Chinese patented medicine, has been demonstrated to be effective in attenuating OP, but the pharmacological mechanism remains predominantly unclear. In this study, the senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) model was used to explore bone homeostasis and treated intragastrically for 9 weeks with Bazi Bushen. In vivo experiments showed that Bazi Bushen treatment not only upregulated the levels of bone mineral density and bone mineral content but also increased the content of RUNX2 and OSX. Furthermore, the primary culture of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in SAMP6 mice was used to verify the effects of Bazi Bushen on the balance of differentiation between osteoblasts and adipocytes, as well as ROS and aging levels. Finally, the pharmacological mechanism of Bazi Bushen in attenuating OP was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification, and we found that Bazi Bushen could significantly orchestrate bone homeostasis and attenuate the progression of OP by stimulating PI3K‐Akt and inhibiting apoptosis. In summary, our work sheds light on the first evidence that Bazi Bushen attenuates OP by regulating PI3K‐AKT and apoptosis pathways to orchestrate bone homeostasis.
Causal effect of gut microbiota on juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A two‐sample Mendelian a randomization study
Authors: Zhang Lian , Yang Zhihua , Zhang LuLu , Wei Yanwen , Wan Lisheng
Published: October 2024

There is increasing evidence of a significant association between the gut microbiome and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). However, whether this association is causal remains to be determined. This study was a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using publicly available genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary data to investigate the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and JIA. We used summary data on gut flora and JIA obtained from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) from MiBioGen and NHGRI‐EBI, using inverse variance weighting as the main method to analyse causality in the TSMR causality analysis. To check the stability of the TSMR results, we performed several sensitivity analyses and assessed the presence of reverse causality through a reverse TSMR analysis. We calculated the degree of sample overlap where applicable. The current TSMR analyses identified four bacterial taxa associated with JIA. Specifically, two bacteria, Catenibacterium (p = 2 × 10–2) and Holdemania (p = 4 × 10–2), were negatively associated with the risk of developing JIA, suggesting a protective effect, while Olsenella (p = 1 × 10–2) and Rikenellaceae (RC9gutgroup) (p = 1 × 10–2) were positively associated with the risk of JIA, suggesting that these two bacteria may be risk factors for JIA. However, the results for Catenibacterium and Holdemania should be interpreted with caution due to instability observed in ‘leave‐one‐out’ sensitivity analyses. Reverse TSMR analyses found no evidence of reverse causality between JIA and gut flora. Our confirmation of a causal relationship between gut flora and JIA provides an innovative perspective for the study of JIA: targeting and modulating dysregulation of specific bacterial taxa to prevent and treat JIA.
GOLM1 promotes prostate cancer progression via interaction with PSMD1 and enhancing AR‐driven transcriptional activation
Authors: Yan Guang , Zhu Tianhang , Zhou Jiawei , Li Xia , Wen Zonghua , Miuhuitijiang Bahaerguli , Zhang Zhiyong , Du Yuejun , Li Chengyao , Shi Xiaojun , Tan Wanlong
Published: October 2024

Aberrant transcriptional activation of the androgen receptor (AR) is a predominant cause of prostate cancer (PCa), including both in the initial and androgen‐independent stages. Our study highlights Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) as a key regulator of AR‐driven transcriptional activity in PCa progression. Utilizing local clinical data and TCGA data, we have established a robust association between GOLM1 and AR target genes, and further demonstrated that GOLM1 can enhance the expression of AR target genes. We discovered that GOLM1 interacts with PSMD1, a component of the 19S regulatory complex in the 26S proteasome, using mass spectrometry and Co‐IP analysis. It is well known that ubiquitin‐proteasome plays a vital role in AR expression and transcriptional regulation. Our findings demonstrate that GOLM1 enhances ubiquitin proteasome activity by binding to PSMD1, thereby facilitating AR‐driven transcriptional activity and PCa progression. These results indicate that GOLM1 and its associated proteins may become potential therapeutic targets for PCa characterized by dysregulated AR‐driven transcriptional activation.
Enriched Diet With Orange Essential Oil Citrus sinensis for Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum Promotes Growth Performance and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Pereira Júnior Jucimauro de Araújo , Costa Domickson Silva , Silva Arthur dos Santos da , Santos Gracienhe Gomes dos , Santos Arthur Felipe Lima dos , Silva Aldeize Driely Cardoso da , Couto Márcia Valéria Silva do , Cordeiro Carlos Alberto Martins , Martins Maurício Laterça , Sousa Natalino da Costa
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck essential oil on the growth, immune system, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Colossoma macropomum fingerlings. The experiment was conducted with five treatments (control diet, Tween80 diet, and diets supplemented with 200, 400, and 800 mg L−1 of C. sinensis essential oil) with four replicates. At the end of the experimental period, growth parameters were measured, and blood samples were collected for thrombogram, leukogram, and phagocytic activity analysis. A bacterial challenge with A. hydrophila was conducted for 96 h. C. macropomum fingerlings that were fed with 400 and 800 mg L−1 of C. sinensis essential oil had the highest growth parameters, with final weights of 533.18 ± 2.03 mg and 531.91 ± 2.67 mg, respectively, and an increase in the number of thrombocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils, as well as higher phagocytosis rates compared to the control group. Regarding the challenge, fish in the 400 and 800 mg L−1 treatments also exhibited the lowest cumulative mortality rate (26.66% ± 3.33%). Therefore, supplementation with C. sinensis essential oil promotes growth, improves health, and enhances resistance to A. hydrophila in C. macropomum fingerlings.
Reply to: Comment on: Measuring frailty in clinical practice: Overcoming challenges with implementation
Authors: Damjanac Tamara , Lynch David H.
Published: October 2024

See the related comment byVan Grootven.
Vaccinations in older adults: Optimization, strategies, and latest guidelines
Authors: Pangilinan Aileen R. , Brangman Sharon A. , Gravenstein Stefan , Schmader Kenneth , Kuchel George A.
Published: October 2024

This article is a summary of the first AGS Symposium entitled “Update on Vaccination Strategies for Older Adults: Matching the Approach to the Individual and the Care Setting.” Given declines in host defenses and immune function with aging, vaccinations play a pivotal role in fortifying older adults against preventable infections, resulting diseases, disability, and death. Current guidelines generally list recommendations applicable for an average older adult of a given chronological age. However, growing evidence indicates that heterogeneity in terms of factors as varied as biological sex, frailty, functional status, and multimorbidity may impact vaccine responses and clinical outcomes. As a result, clinicians will increasingly need to take these additional factors into consideration as they seek to improve outcomes through improved targeting of such aging‐related heterogeneity. Moreover, efforts at protecting older citizens through vaccination must also include strategies to overcome barriers to the adoption of vaccine recommendations in varied settings including long‐term care. This 2023 AGS Plenary Symposium sought to commence a broader dialogue across AGS and beyond on optimizing vaccinations for older adults, ensuring not only extended lifespans but also healthier and more active lives. This report is not a systematic review, and thus should not be considered comprehensive.
Shape analysis of the craniofacial skeleton in children prenatally exposed to anticonvulsant medications using geometric morphometrics
Authors: Doumit Carmen M. , Saade Antoine , Will Leslie A.
Published: October 2024

Children exposed prenatally to antiepileptic drugs may have a typical facies characterized by midfacial retrusion, a short nose, and anteverted nares. Our aim was to determine whether the shape of the maxilla was altered in its sagittal displacement, or whether the defect in the underlying articulation with the cranial base was responsible for the appearance of midface retrusion. Our hypothesis was that the sphenoid bone as well as the maxilla and other bones in the cranial base were affected by the anticonvulsant medication. The lateral cephalograms of 65 children exposed prenatally to monotherapy (phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine) were evaluated using various analyses derived from geometric morphometrics (GM) on different studied areas (maxilla, entire cranial base, spheno‐occipital region, and the total study area) and the resulting configurations compared with those of control children. Procrustes ANOVA suggested that shape variation for all the regions correlated significantly (p < 0.0001) with exposure to antiepileptic drugs, and principal component analysis revealed a noticeable separation between the means of the two groups when PC1 was plotted against PC2 for all the areas studied. The cross‐validation resulting from the discriminant function analysis accurately classified between 79.5% and 88.6% of the control group and between 73.8% and 90.7% of the study group when looking at the different anatomic regions. Canonical variate analysis, applied to the sample after its separation following biological sex and stratification into two age groups, showed unequal results between males and females as well as during circumpubertal growth of the cranial base. Thus, in the exposed subjects, while the glabella was projected forward with a similar prominence in males and females, the rhinion, which is relocated more posteriorly, was more severely displaced in females as opposed to the sella, where the most important displacement occurred in males. Regarding the age groups, it revealed that patients in the younger group of both sexes exhibited a facial shape difference very early (p < 0.0001) when the comparison was performed between exposed and non‐exposed subjects. This difference was maintained in females at older ages but not in males. These details may help isolate the mechanism for the anomalies because of GM's use of shape instead of traditional linear and angular cephalometric measurements.
The effect of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness in driving altruistic food choices
Authors: Piracci Giovanna , Dominici Andrea , Boncinelli Fabio
Published: October 2024

This study investigates whether individual happiness affects prosocial behavior in food choices. We considered two distinct dimensions of happiness: hedonic and eudaimonic. The hedonic component is focused on pleasure, joy, and immediate gratification, while the eudaimonic aspect is related to a sense of purpose in life, personal growth, and the fulfillment of individual aspirations. We conducted a discrete choice experiment to assess if happy people are more prone to altruistic choices when buying food. The results indicate that individual happiness exerts distinct effects according to its two dimensions, eudaimonia and hedonism. We found that happiness influences the demand for ethical foods, whereas it exerts a detrimental effect on preferences for food with environmental labels.
An asymmetrical partnership: The shifting onus of Hmong heritage language teaching from families to dual‐language programs
Authors: Her Lee
Published: October 2024

Framed by family language policy (FLP), in conjunction with the Douglas Fir Group's ecological transdisciplinary framework for second language acquisition, this multiple case study investigates the FLPs of two Hmong–American families in relation to a Hmong–English dual‐language program (DLP) where their children are enrolled. Interviews, artifacts, and family‐recorded interactions were utilized to get a full understanding of what factors at the different levels of interaction shaped their FLP. The findings reveal that both sets of parents perceived the relationship between the home and school as a partnership for their children's heritage language development, with the school taking on the onus for Hmong literacy. This resulted in both families’ more secondary role and, thus, home language practices that merely supplement the school content. Importantly, while both sets of parents held similar beliefs regarding the role of the DLP in heritage language maintenance, it was their beliefs in the value of Hmong that led to the different FLPs between the families. The article concludes with limitations and implications for schools interested in wanting to better serve their heritage language learners and families.
Altered resting‐state connectivity of the auditory cortex in congenital amusia: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study in Mandarin speakers
Authors: Jin Zhishuai , Huyang Sizhu , Jiang Lichen , Yan Yajun , Li Qixiong , Wu Daxing
Published: October 2024

Brain imaging studies have reported that the neural deficits of congenital amusia in non‐tonal language speakers are mainly in the connectivity between the auditory cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in the right hemisphere. However, the relationship between the functional connectivity (FC) in these regions and the music perception ability of amusia in tonal language speakers remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the FC characteristics of amusia in Mandarin speakers in resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data by voxel‐wise connectivity analyses with seeds in left and right Heschl's gyri (HG) and region of interest (ROI)‐to‐ROI connectivity analyses. Our findings indicate increased connectivity between right HG and bilateral posterior superior temporal gyrus, as determined by voxel‐wise connectivity analyses in amusia. Conversely, reduced connectivity was observed between bilateral HG and bilateral IFG (orbital part) as assessed through ROI‐to‐ROI connectivity analyses in amusia when compared to controls. Moreover, the music perception scores of amusia in Mandarin speakers were associated with diminished connectivity between the left HG and the right IFG. This study furnishes direct evidence for the link between music perception deficits and the aberrant frontotemporal connectivity of congenital amusia in tonal language speakers in resting state.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Lumbosacral Complications Following Long‐Segment Spinal Fusion in Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
Authors: Jiang Tinghua , Zhang Xinuo , Su Qingjun , Meng Xianglong , Pan Aixing , Zhang Hanwen , Hai Yong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Long‐segment spinal fusions are associated with lumbosacral complications (LSC), but the associated risk factors are not known. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for LSC after long‐segment instrumented fusion with distal fixation to the L5 vertebral body in adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 294 patients with ADS who underwent long‐segment floating fusion between January 2014 and March 2022, with follow‐up for at least 2 years. Patients were matched to the baseline data using fusion level > 5 as a grouping variable. Patients who completed matching were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of LSC. Univariate logistic regression was applied to identify potential risk factors for LSC, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative LSC.

Results

The overall incidence of LSC was 21.77% in the 294 patients, with disc degeneration in 28 (9.52%) and radiographic ASD in 44 (14.97%) patients. The mean time to LSC development after surgery was 26.91 ± 8.43 months. A total of 54 pairs of patients were matched and grouped, and the complication group had higher Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores at the last follow‐up. Multivariate analysis showed that gender (OR = 0.274, p = 0.026 [0.087, 0.859]); levels of fusion > 5 (OR = 3.127, p = 0.029 [1.120, 8.730]), main curve correction rate (OR = 0.009, p = 0.005 [0.000, 0.330]), and postoperative pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI‐LL) > 15° (OR = 3.346, p = 0.022 [1.195, 9.373]) were independent risk factors for postoperative LSC. The area under the curve value of the prediction model was 0.804, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.715–0.892, indicating that the model had a high prediction accuracy. Collinearity statistics showed no collinearity between variables.

Conclusion

Sex, level of fusion > 5, main curve correction rate, and postoperative PI‐LL > 15° were independent risk factors for the development of LSC after long‐segment floating fusion. These results will improve our ability to predict personal risk conditions and provide better medical optimisation for surgery.
Redefining the accumulated temperature index for accurate prediction of rice flowering time in diverse environments
Authors: Xu Xingbing , Jia Qiong , Li Sijia , Wei Julong , Ming Luchang , Yu Qi , Jiang Jing , Zhang Peng , Yao Honglin , Wang Shibo , Xia Chunjiao , Wang Kai , Jia Zhenyu , Xie Weibo
Published: October 2024

Accurate prediction of flowering time across diverse environments is crucial for effective crop management and breeding. While the accumulated temperature index (ATI) is widely used as an indicator for estimating flowering time, its traditional definition lacks systematic evaluation and genetic basis understanding. Here, using data from 422 rice hybrids across 47 locations, we identified the optimal ATI calculation window as 1 day after sowing to 26 days before flowering. Based on this redefined ATI, we developed a single‐parameter model that outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art reaction norm index model in both accuracy and stability, especially with limited training data. We identified 10 loci significantly associated with ATI variation, including two near known flowering time genes and four linked to ecotype differentiation. To enhance practical utility, we developed an efficient flowering time prediction kit using 28 functionally relevant markers, complemented by a user‐friendly online tool (http://xielab.hzau.edu.cn/ATI). Our approach can be easily applied to other crops, as ATI is commonly used across various agricultural systems.
Fronts in Minds: A Phenomenological Study on the Effects of War News on Collective Mental Health
Authors: Gülırmak Güler Kübra , Albayrak Günday Eda
Published: October 2024

Introduction

War has been recognized throughout history for its devastating effects on societies, and these effects have not been limited to physical destruction. In the modern era, even wars in remote regions have profound psychological effects on large masses due to the instant information transfer brought about by globalization and technology.

Aim

This study aims to examine in depth the effects of exposure to war news on the collective mental health of individuals through a phenomenological approach.

Methods

In this qualitative study using a phenomenological research design, one of the purposive sampling methods, criterion sampling, was employed. Face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews lasting approximately 35–45 min were conducted with 20 participants. Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the obtained data. Data were collected according to COREQ criteria.

Results

According to the analysis results, three main categories emerged as follows: echoes of collective anxiety, keys to maintaining spiritual resilience, and navigating the media storm.

Discussion

This research provides important findings on the psychological and social effects of the media by examining the impact of war news on public mental health in depth. It was determined that war news has the potential to spread social anxiety and fear. Participants expressed the negative effects of war news on psychological and physical health and stated that this situation creates a wide wave of anxiety and psychological storms. The constant coverage of war news in the media also affects social empathy, shaping society's ability to support each other in times of crisis.
R2R3‐MYB repressor, BrMYB32, regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Lim Sun‐Hyung , Kim Da‐Hye , Lee Jong‐Yeol
Published: October 2024

Anthocyanin‐enriched Chinese cabbage has health‐enhancing antioxidant properties. Although various regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis have been identified, the role of individual repressors in this process remains underexplored. This study identifies and characterizes the R2R3‐MYB BrMYB32 in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), which acts as a repressor in anthocyanin biosynthesis. BrMYB32 expression is significantly upregulated under anthocyanin inductive conditions, such as sucrose and high light treatment. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing BrMYB32 show decreased anthocyanin levels and downregulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in flowers, highlighting BrMYB32's repressive role. Located in the nucleus, BrMYB32 interacts with the TRANSPARENT TESTA 8 (BrTT8), a basic helix–loop–helix protein, but no interaction was detected with the R2R3‐MYB protein PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 (BrPAP1). Functional assays in Chinese cabbage cotyledons and tobacco leaves demonstrate that BrMYB32 represses the transcript level of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, thereby inhibiting pigment accumulation. Promoter activation assays further reveal that BrMYB32 inhibits the transactivation of CHALCONE SYNTHASE and DIHYDROFLAVONOL REDUCTASE through the C1 and C2 motifs. Notably, BrMYB32 expression is induced by BrPAP1, either alone or in co‐expression with BrTT8, and subsequently regulates the expression of these activators. It verifies that BrMYB32 not only interferes with the formation of an active MYB–bHLH–WD40 complex but also downregulates the transcript levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, thereby fine‐tuning anthocyanin biosynthesis. Our findings suggest a model in which anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage is precisely regulated by the interplay between activators and repressors.
Transbronchial ablation for lung cancers: Ready for prime time?
Authors: Chan Joyce W. Y. , Ng Calvin S. H.
Published: October 2024

See related article
Long‐term immunological changes after corrective cardiac surgery
Authors: Bilgic‐Eltan Sevgi , Amirov Razin , Babayeva Royale , Yorgun Altunbas Melek , Karakurt Tuba , Can Salim , Yalcin Gungoren Ezgi , Bozkurt Selcen , Ozturk Necmiye , Catak Mehmet Cihangir , Bulutoglu Alper , Onder Gizem , Ng Yuk Yin , Hatırnaz Ng Ozden , Karakoc‐Aydiner Elif , Ozen Ahmet Oguzhan , Baris Safa
Published: October 2024

Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) often undergo thymectomy during corrective cardiac surgery (CCS). The long‐term immunological effects remain controversial, with concerns regarding increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, autoimmunity due to compromised immune tolerance mechanisms. This study aims to elucidate the long‐term immunological effects of early thymectomy. We enrolled 22 patients who underwent thymectomy in infancy and were followed up in the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic at Marmara University. We performed demographic characteristics and detailed immunological evaluation, including immunoglobulins, vaccine responses, lymphocyte subset analyses, upregulation, proliferation of T cells and T‐cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). Sixteen patients had a history of infection, including six serious infections, all in the first year. Lymphopenia was observed in 27% of patients, with a significant decrease in naive CD4+ and recent thymic emigrant T cells counts and an increase in the proportion of memory T‐cells, indicating premature immune senescence. Low levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were found in 36%, 40% and 22% of patients respectively. Vaccine responses were positive in 90% of patients. TREC levels were low in all 10 patients analysed. Seven of nine patients had normal proliferation. Twenty‐two percent of patients had allergic disease, and autoimmunity was not observed. Early thymectomy leads to permanent immunological changes that are indicative of early immunosenescence. It is recommended to preserve thymic tissue during surgery and requires long‐term follow‐up in terms of findings such as allergy and autoimmunity as well as infections due to impaired immune tolerance mechanisms.
Intra‐Rater Reliability of Panoramic Ultrasound Imaging for Determining Quadriceps Muscle Cross‐Sectional Area in Middle‐Aged and Elderly Adults
Authors: Sørensen Brian , Magnusson S. Peter , Couppé Christian , Suetta Charlotte , Johannsen Finn E. , Kristensen Morten Tange , Aagaard Per
Published: October 2024

Panoramic ultrasound (US) is an extended field‐of‐view (EFOV) imaging technique that enables visualization of large‐scale skeletal muscles. This technique has previously been found to produce valid and reliable quantifications of muscle morphology in primarily young male subjects. The purpose was to investigate the intra‐rater between‐session test–retest reliability of panoramic US imaging for determining vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) cross‐sectional area (mCSA) in healthy middle‐aged to elderly adults. In this cross‐sectional study, axial panoramic US images of the RF and VL muscles were captured in 23 healthy females and males aged 47 to 78. Assessed across two sessions 3–7 days apart, intra‐rater reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,2), within‐subject coefficient of variation , standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Mean mCSA for RF was mean ± SD, 7.5 ± 2.7 cm2 on both test days, with a numeric difference of 0.8%. Mean VL mCSA was 20.6 ± 6.6 cm2 and 20.5 ± 6.5 cm2 on test days 1 and 2, respectively. Test–retest ICC were: 0.997 (95% CI: 0.994–0.999) for RF and 0.995 (95% CI: 0.989–0.998) for VL. was 2.6% for RF and 2.4% for VL. SEM was 0.2 cm2 for RF and 0.5 cm2 for VL. MDC was 0.4 cm2 for RF and 1.3 cm2 for VL. In conclusion, panoramic EFOV US is a highly reliable imaging technique for assessing RF and VL mCSA in middle‐aged and elderly adults. These findings endorse the clinical and research utility of EFOV US and its sensitivity for detecting even minor changes in skeletal muscle size.
Changes in 24‐h Movement Behaviors During Relationship and Parenthood Transitions: A Compositional Data Analysis
Authors: Suorsa Kristin , Lindstedt Milja , Rasmussen Charlotte Lund , Leskinen Tuija , Pasanen Jesse , Rovio Suvi , Heinonen Olli J. , Viikari Jorma , Rönnemaa Tapani , Niinikoski Harri , Raitakari Olli , Stenholm Sari , Pahkala Katja
Published: October 2024

There is scarcity of studies using device‐based measures to examine how relationship and parenthood transitions modify 24‐h movement behaviors. This study examined how the composition of 24‐h movement behaviors changes during these life transitions. Young adults (n = 170, mean age 25.6 years, SD 0.6) from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) wore wrist‐worn accelerometers for 1 week and completed questionnaire at ages 26 and 31 years. Participants were categorized by relationship status into single (16%), those transitioning from single to partnered (31%), partnered (47%), and separated (7%), and by parenthood status into non‐parents (73%), new parents (19%), and parents (8%). Changes in daily movement behaviors, including sleep, sedentary behavior (SED), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), were examined using compositional linear mixed models. In general, LPA and MVPA decreased relative to sleep and SED (p = 0.007). Differences emerged between LPA and MVPA in relationship and parenthood groups (p for group × time interaction 0.008 and 0.001). Those transitioning to partnership decreased MVPA by 17 min/day, while partnered and separated individuals showed no notable MVPA change but decreased LPA by 14 and 43 min/day. Single individuals and non‐parents decreased LPA and MVPA in similar proportions. New parents decreased MVPA by 20 min/day, while parents increased it by 19 min/day. Becoming first‐time parent and starting relationship was associated with decline of MVPA. Our results suggest the importance of considering these life transitions and providing guidance for maintaining physical activity despite changes in life situations.
Decarbonization and the Capitalist State
Authors: Soener Matthew
Published: October 2024

Decarbonization is the most important challenge of our time. Though quite modest, states are taking more climate action. How should we approach these efforts? Sociologists have paid less attention to decarbonization overall but frameworks in political sociology can make sense of state power and climate politics. In this review, I first discuss two sets of literature. The first extends “state‐capacity” and institutionalist frameworks. The second is based on radical and Marxist state theories. Following this, I draw from Mann's concept of “infrastructural power” which combines elements of both and can situate state power in a transnational context. Using this concept and recent literature in political economy, I discuss three infrastructures—finance, trade, and energy—and consequential ways states have altered them in recent years. These actions reveal profound geoeconomic contradictions which will undermine decarbonization. Together, this review provides a wide survey of state theories and macroscopic climate politics with the hope of spurring further discussion and debate.
Distributions of MICA and MICB Alleles Typed by Amplicon‐Based Next‐Generation Sequencing in South Koreans
Authors: Choi Eun‐Jeong , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Jin‐Hyeok , Baek In‐Cheol
Published: October 2024

Major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related genes A and B (MICA and MICB) play a role as ligands in activating the NKG2D receptor expressed in natural killer cells, γδ T‐cells and αβ CD8 T‐cells and have been defined in human diseases and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MICA and MICB alleles were genotyped at the three‐field level by amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) using a MiSeqDx system and compared with the results from previous studies in healthy South Korean donors. Exons 2–5 of MICA and exons 2–4 of MICB were amplified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence reads of ≥ 51 depth counts were consistently obtained for each sample exon, and target exons were determined to match reference sequences contained in the IPD‐IMGT/HLA database. MICA and MICB alleles were tested using exon combinations. The program was designed to recognise specific sequences and discriminate between the MICA*008:01:01/*027 alleles. A total of 22 alleles were found in MICA and MICB. We observed 1 HLA‐C ~ HLA‐B ~ MICA ~ MICB ~ HLA‐DRB1 haplotype with significant linkage disequilibrium between alleles at all neighbouring HLA loci. These results are consistent with previous microarray results. Genotyping of MICA and MICB was possible using 11‐loci HLA genes. We updated the distribution of MICA and MICB based on three‐field allele and haplotype frequencies containing linkage disequilibrium in South Koreans using amplicon‐based NGS. These data suggest that high‐resolution MICA and MICB typing data obtained using NGS may aid in performing HSCT and disease association studies.
Next Generation Sequencing Identifies Two Novel HLA‐B Alleles, HLA‐B*37:113 and HLA‐B*41:02:12
Authors: Loginova Maria , Obukhov Ivan , Paramonov Igor
Published: October 2024

We identified two novel HLA‐B alleles by NGS, HLA‐B*37:113 and HLA‐B*41:02:12.
Comparison of three approaches for accessory lung lobectomy in the canine cadaveric model: Intercostal thoracotomy, median sternotomy, and a transdiaphragmatic approach combined with caudal median sternotomy
Authors: Duvieusart Camille B. , Barbur Laura A. , Burneko Marie F. , Hess Rebecka S.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To describe a combined transdiaphragmatic and caudal median sternotomy (TDCM) approach to the accessory lung lobe and to compare its accessibility with intercostal thoracotomy (ICT) and median sternotomy (MS).

Study design

Cadaveric study.

Animals

Twelve canine cadavers.

Methods

Cadavers underwent an accessory lung lobectomy using an articulating EndoGIA stapler via randomly assigned approach: ICT (n = 4), MS (n = 4) or TDCM (n = 4). The percentage of accessory lung tissue removed was measured in surface area and weight. Exposure was measured as area of cavitary or bicavitary exposure at maximal retraction, by tracing a line around the circumference of the exposed cavity using an imaging software. Staple line leak pressures were evaluated to 40 cmH2O.

Results

The average area of exposure was larger in the TDCM approach (TDCM = 193.5 cm2, MS = 106.5 cm2, ICT = 73.5 cm2); (p = .01). Two of four ICT staple lines leaked at 40 cmH2O or lower, and 1/4 MS resulted in iatrogenic damage to an adjacent lobe. There was no difference in the percentage of the lobe excised by weight or surface area between groups.

Conclusion

The transdiaphragmatic and caudal median sternotomy approach provided greater exposure, although the percentage of the lobe excised and the surgical time did not differ between approaches.

Clinical significance

All three approaches allowed for adequate excision of the accessory lung lobe (ALL) with similar surgical times; however, the TDCM approach provided a greater area of exposure, which could increase accessibility to the ALL.
A Socio-cultural Model Examining the Co-construction of Online Social Support
Authors: Rashid Radzuwan Ab , Al-Smadi Omar Ali , Alqaryouti Marwan Harb , Al-Ramahi Raed Awad , Sadeq Ala Eddin
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a novel model, based on a socio-cultural perspective, to examine the social support process online. A common underlying principle behind the current conceptualisations of social support is that it is a particular thing given by one person to another. Conceptualising social support as a thing undermines the complex process of social support. Viewing social support as a co-constructing activity, this paper brings together three relevant theories - Community of Practice, Discourse Community and Affinity Space - into a unified theoretical framework. This paper argues that for a comprehensive examination of the online social support process, three elements - the discursive construction of desired identities to fit into the community or to gain access to community space, the discursive practices in the co-construction of social support, and the impact of social support on self-development - need to be scrutinised across Community of Practice, Discourse Community and Affinity Space.
Similarity Analysis to Enhance Transfer Learning for Damage Detection
Authors: de Almeida Estênio Fuzaro , da Silva Samuel , Ritto Thiago G.
Published: October 2024

One significant challenge in machine learning for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is reusing previously trained classifiers. A classifier might be suitable for one situation but not for another. Transfer learning techniques try to overcome this difficulty. In SHM, it is common to use the modal parameters as features; however, they are highly influenced by boundary conditions, geometry, and the level of structural damage. This work proposes an innovative approach that performs a similarity analysis to select features before applying transfer learning, aiming at improving classification and damage detection. The reasoning is that a higher similarity leads to a more efficient transfer of learning and, consequently, a better classification. Transfer learning is conducted via the domain adaptation technique known as Transfer Component Analysis (TCA), and cases with low similarity are compared to those with high similarity. Two datasets are analyzed. The first consists of a beam under different boundary conditions, and data are generated through numerical simulations. The second derives from an experimental setup of bolted joints with loosening damage. The proposed strategy, which uses a cosine-type similarity, is shown to improve the transfer learning classification.
Effects of Changing Hip Position on Scapular Kinematics
Authors: Schlittler Sarah E. , Suprak David N. , Brilla Lorrie R. , San Juan Jun G.
Published: October 2024

The effects of hip position and posture on scapular kinematics have yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to measure differences in scapular kinematics with changing hip position. Scapular kinematics were measured during scapular plane humeral elevation. Twenty-four subjects were required to elevate the dominant arm up to 120° in the following randomized conditions: standing, seated, seated ipsilateral hip flexion, and seated contralateral hip flexion. Two-way analyses of variance were used to evaluate effects of shoulder elevation and hip position on scapular upward rotation, posterior tilt (PT), and external rotation. For external rotation, there was no significant interaction (P = .714) and no main effect of elevation (P = .618) or condition (P = .390). For PT, there was no significant interaction (P = .693) but significant main effects of elevation (P < .001) and condition (P < .001), with the greatest PT in standing. For upward rotation, there was no significant interaction (P = .698), a significant main effect of elevation (P < .001), and no significant effect of condition (P = .726). The effect on PT may not be clinically significant. These results may serve as a baseline measurement of healthy scapular kinematics across hip positions.