bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of combined topical estradiol with minoxidil vs. topical minoxidil in female pattern hair loss: a trichoscopic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bedair Nermeen Ibrahim , EL-Komy Mohamed H M , Mohamed Rania Elsayed , Shamma Rehab Nabil , Amer Marwa Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is common and has a negative impact on quality of life. FPHL is more challenging to treat than male pattern hair loss, with minoxidil being the gold standard treatment. Several studies have used 17α-estradiol solution for treating FPHL with variable results, either alone or combined with minoxidil.

Objectives

To study the safety and efficacy of topical 17α-ethinylestradiol 0.01% combined with minoxidil 2% in comparison with minoxidil 2% in the treatment of FPHL.

Methods

Forty-three women with FPHL were recruited to this randomized controlled study and were asked to blindly apply twice daily six puffs of a spray-on solution containing either 17α-ethinylestradiol 0.01% combined with minoxidil 2% (EMX group) or minoxidil 2% alone (MX group). Treatment continued for 6 months. Clinical and trichoscopic assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of the treatment.

Results

At the end of the treatment period, both groups showed signs of improvement. Improvement parameters were better for the EMX group vs. the MX group, but this was not statistically significant. More patients in the EMX group experienced menstrual irregularities. Limitations include the limited number of patients and follow-up period. Also, the effects of estradiol were not studied on a cellular or molecular levels and systemic absorption of both medications was not determined.

Conclusions

The use of a 0.01% 17α-ethinylestradiol with a 2% minoxidil solution in the treatment of FPHL does not seem to offer a statistically significant advantage compared with minoxidil alone and may carry a higher risk of associated menstrual irregularities.
Differential water deprivation tolerances of adult Rhagoletis indifferens and Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) as a possible factor affecting their distributional abundances in Washington State, USA
Authors: Yee Wee L , Rose Alexander C , Milnes Joshua M , Feder Jeffrey L
Published: October 2024

Insects that evolved in mesic regions may have difficulty establishing in xeric regions. Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was introduced into drier western North America from mesic eastern North America while Rhagoletis indifferens Curran is native to western North America. Here, we predicted that R. indifferens survives water deprivation longer than R. pomonella, as R. indifferens is more abundant than R. pomonella in dry central Washington (WA) State, USA. Sweet and bitter cherry-origin R. indifferens and apple- and hawthorn-origin R. pomonella from xeric central or mesic western WA were provided water throughout or were water-deprived at 2–4 and 14–18 d old and held at 20°C or 30/31°C and daily survival recorded. At 20°C and 30°C, western WA apple-origin R. pomonella provided water survived longer than sweet cherry-origin R. indifferens. When water-deprived, however, 2–4 d old R. indifferens, although smaller, survived significantly longer than western WA apple-origin R. pomonella of the same age. This was also generally true for 14–18 d old flies, although differences were less often significant. Central WA large-thorn hawthorn-origin R. pomonella survived water deprivation significantly longer than western WA apple-origin R. pomonella, and as long as R. indifferens. Water-deprived flies of both species survived longer at 20°C than 30/31°C. Survival analyses suggest that low water availability rather than high temperature contributes to lower R. pomonella than R. indifferens abundances in central WA, with R. pomonella populations in that region differing from western WA R. pomonella with respect to tolerance of xeric climates.
Systolic anterior motion-mediated mitral regurgitation and surgical management in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhu Ying , Quintana Eduard , Ibáñez Cristina , Deng Youbin , Wei Xiang , Liu Yani
Published: October 2024

Mitral regurgitation mediated by systolic anterior motion is a typical manifestation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Although septal myectomy is currently the preferred treatment for patients with drug-refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, surgical management of associated mitral regurgitation remains controversial. Whether septal myectomy alone or additional valve procedures are required to correct significant mitral regurgitation depends largely on the pathophysiology of each individual. For intervention purposes, it is important to identify the real systolic anterior motion-mediated mitral regurgitation and clarify the mitral structural abnormalities, as well as the other conditions, which may indicate the degree of mitral valve competence. As a first-line imaging modality in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, echocardiography could provide crucial information for surgical decision making. In this article, we focus on elucidating the typical echocardiographic features of systolic anterior motion-mediated mitral regurgitation and offer an assessment process to determine other contributors to obstruction and mitral regurgitation. Additionally, guidance for surgical decision making for mitral regurgitation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is discussed.
Farmers’ adoption of organic agriculture—a systematic global literature review
Authors: Möhring Niklas , Muller Adrian , Schaub Sergei
Published: October 2024

Policymakers worldwide set ambitious targets to increase the share of organic farming. We conduct a global, systematic literature review to synthesise evidence on the adoption of organic farming and support policymakers and food-value chain actors in reaching policy goals. First, we map the existing research and identify substantial gaps regarding the research focus, methodology and geographical coverage. Second, using a conceptual framework of the farmers’ adoption process, we provide an overview of evidence-based recommendations to scale organic adoption. Finally, using regression analysis, we show that especially the organic market maturity and the level of agricultural productivity matter for the type of recommended measures.
Intra-operative and post-operative management of conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting: a clinical consensus statement of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Coronary Task Force
Authors: Sandner Sigrid , Antoniades Charalambos , Caliskan Etem , Czerny Martin , Dayan Victor , Fremes Stephen E , Glineur David , Lawton Jennifer S , Thielmann Matthias , Gaudino Mario
Published: October 2024

The structural and functional integrity of conduits used for coronary artery bypass grafting is critical for graft patency. Disruption of endothelial integrity and endothelial dysfunction are incurred during conduit harvesting subsequent to mechanical or thermal injury and during conduit storage prior to grafting, leading to acute thrombosis and early graft failure. Late graft failure, in particular that of vein grafts, is precipitated by progressive atherogenesis. Intra-operative management includes appropriate selection of conduit-specific harvesting techniques and storage solutions. Arterial grafts are prone to vasospasm subsequent to surgical manipulation, and application of intra-operative vasodilatory protocols is critical. Post-operative management includes continuation of oral vasodilator therapy and selection of antithrombotic and lipid-lowering agents to attenuate atherosclerotic disease progression in conduits. In this review, the scientific evidence underlying the key aspects of intra- and post-operative management of conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting is examined. Clinical consensus statements for best clinical practice are provided, and areas requiring further research are highlighted.
Durable Immune Response and Long-term Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccination in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kastl Arthur J , Brenner Erica J , Weaver Kimberly N , Zhang Xian , Strople Jennifer A , Adler Jeremy , Dubinsky Marla C , Bousvaros Athos , Watkins Runa , Dai Xiangfeng , Chen Wenli , Cross Raymond K , Higgins Peter D R , Ungaro Ryan C , Bewtra Meenakshi , Bellaguarda Emanuelle A , Farraye Francis A , Chun Kelly Y , Zikry Michael , Bastidas Monique , Firestine Ann M , Craig Riley G , Boccieri Margie E , Long Millie D , Kappelman Michael D
Published: October 2024

Background

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have diminished serologic response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination and increased risk for subsequent severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We sought to describe outcomes among those who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection following vaccination, characterize SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 1 year post-vaccination, and identify factors associated with durable serologic response.

Methods

We recruited children with IBD who received ≥2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and prospectively collected data on (1) demographics, IBD characteristics, and therapy and (2) SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, testing, and infection symptoms. Serum was obtained for measurement of anti-receptor-binding domain IgG antibodies following a 2-part immunization at 12 and 52 weeks.

Results

We enrolled 298 participants (mean age 11.9 ± 3.82, 50% female, 67% Crohn’s disease). Symptomatic COVID-19 infection after vaccination occurred in half of the participants, although only 2 (1%) required hospitalization. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was associated with higher likelihood of symptomatic COVID-19 infection, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.5-5.0; P = .001). Nearly all participants (99%) had detectable antibody at Week 52. Children aged 1-5 years had lower 52-week antibody level compared to older children (P = .04), as did those on anti-TNF-α therapy (P = .007) and those who received only 2 vaccine doses prior to Week 52 (P < .001).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provides lasting serologic response and protection against severe COVID-19 for most children with IBD, despite the use of lower vaccine doses in younger children and wide-ranging classes of immunosuppressive therapies.
Device-measured stationary behaviour and cardiovascular and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence
Authors: Ahmadi Matthew N , Coenen Pieter , Straker Leon , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: October 2024

Background

Previous studies have indicated that standing may be beneficially associated with surrogate metabolic markers, whereas more time spent sitting has an adverse association. Studies assessing the dose-response associations of standing, sitting and composite stationary behaviour time with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and orthostatic circulatory disease are scarce and show an unclear picture.

Objective

To examine associations of daily sitting, standing and stationary time with CVD and orthostatic circulatory disease incidence

Methods

We used accelerometer data from 83 013 adults (mean age ± standard deviation = 61.3 ± 7.8; female = 55.6%) from the UK Biobank to assess daily time spent sitting and standing. Major CVD was defined as coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. Orthostatic circulatory disease was defined as orthostatic hypotension, varicose vein, chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers. To estimate the dose-response hazard ratios (HR) we used Cox proportional hazards regression models and restricted cubic splines. The Fine–Gray subdistribution method was used to account for competing risks.

Results

During 6.9 (±0.9) years of follow-up, 6829 CVD and 2042 orthostatic circulatory disease events occurred. When stationary time exceeded 12 h/day, orthostatic circulatory disease risk was higher by an average HR (95% confidence interval) of 0.22 (0.16, 0.29) per hour. Every additional hour above 10 h/day of sitting was associated with a 0.26 (0.18, 0.36) higher risk. Standing more than 2 h/day was associated with an 0.11 (0.05, 0.18) higher risk for every additional 30 min/day. For major CVD, when stationary time exceeded 12 h/day, risk was higher by an average of 0.13 (0.10, 0.16) per hour. Sitting time was associated with a 0.15 (0.11, 0.19) higher risk per extra hour. Time spent standing was not associated with major CVD risk.

Conclusions

Time spent standing was not associated with CVD risk but was associated with higher orthostatic circulatory disease risk. Time spent sitting above 10 h/day was associated with both higher orthostatic circulatory disease and major CVD risk. The deleterious associations of overall stationary time were primarily driven by sitting. Collectively, our findings indicate increasing standing time as a prescription may not lower major CVD risk and may lead to higher orthostatic circulatory disease risk.
Engineered Mycobacteriophage TM4::GeNL Rapidly Determines Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, Rifampicin, and Clofazimine Sensitivity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates
Authors: Rajagopalan Saranathan , Rourke Amy K , Asare Emmanuel , Kohlerschmidt Donna J , Das Lahari , Ngema Senamile L , Mulholland Claire V , Vilchèze Catherine , Mahalingam Vaishnavi , Moodley Sashen , Truebody Barry , Mackenzie Jared , Steyn Adrie J C , Perumal Rubeshan , Berney Michael , Larsen Michelle H , O’Donnell Max R , Escuyer Vincent E , Jacobs William R
Published: October 2024

Background

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a growing public health threat, and early characterization of the resistance phenotype is essential for guiding treatment and mitigating the high mortality associated with the disease. However, the slow growth rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, necessitates several weeks for conventional culture-dependent drug susceptibility testing (DST). In addition, there are no widely available molecular diagnostic assays for evaluating resistance to newer tuberculosis drugs or drugs with complex resistance mechanisms.

Methods

We have developed a luciferase-based reporter mycobacteriophage assay that can determine drug resistance within 48 hours. We engineered the TM4 mycobacteriophage to express green enhanced nanoluciferase (GeNL) cassette and optimized DST for bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, clofazimine, and rifampicin using clinical M. tuberculosis isolates.

Results

To assess the feasibility of this assay, we conducted a proof-of-principle study using 53 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates. TM4::GeNL phage DST effectively distinguished between sensitive and resistant isolates for bedaquiline and rifampicin at a concentration of 0.125 μg/mL. Optimal differentiation between sensitive and resistant isolates for pretomanid, clofazimine, and linezolid was achieved at concentrations of 0.5 μg/mL, 0.25 μg/mL, and 1 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, TM4::GeNL DST identified low-level rifampicin resistance in clinical isolates even though they were classified as sensitive by Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube DST.

Conclusions

TM4::GeNL reporter phage DST offers a rapid method to identify M. tuberculosis drug resistance, including resistance to newer tuberculosis drugs.
To assess the availability of antibiotics for online sale and comparison of e-pharmacies on key characteristics influencing safe and rational use of antibiotics: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Kaur Puneet , Kaur Navjot , Singh Jasbir , Kaur Jasmeen
Published: October 2024

Background

Growing antimicrobial resistance represents serious public health threat. With the increasing presence of online/e-pharmacies in India, public access to medicines has increased. Easy access coupled with lack of adequate and authentic drug information can undermine rational antibiotic use.

Objectives

The present study aimed at exploring the availability of antibiotics for online sale and comparing the e-pharmacies on key characteristics influencing safe and rational use of antibiotics.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months using the websites of 10 popular e-pharmacies in India. Availability of antibiotics for online sale was assessed in context of the National List of Essential Medicines, 2022 and WHO-AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) categories. Three separate questionnaires were developed to extract and compare relevant information from e-pharmacies pertaining to their safety and authenticity (in light of the expected standards laid down in draft e-pharmacy rules, 2018), availability of drug product and consumer awareness information for promoting prudent antibiotic use. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Out of the 17 antibiotics studied; antibiotics belonging to all WHO-AWaRe categories i.e. Access (83.33%), Watch (88.33%) and Reserve (78%) groups were available through e-pharmacies. Wide variation exists among the e-pharmacies regarding compliance to studied parameters under three questionnaires.

Conclusions

Increased access to Watch and Reserve groups of antibiotics can translate into antibiotic misuse. It is therefore crucial that the regulatory gaps concerning e-pharmacies are addressed urgently and consumers are educated regarding safe and rational use of antibiotics.
Double designers: detection of bromazolam and metonitazene in postmortem casework
Authors: Van Cleve Danielle , Liebl Mackenzie , Kazaryan Ani
Published: October 2024

The identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) in casework at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner (LACDME) is constantly evolving. The case detailed herein marks the first detection of metonitazene (MTZ) in forensic casework at the LACDME, which occurred in August 2023. Furthermore, bromazolam was found in the decedent’s system and both substances were identified in drug evidence collected at the death scene. No other drugs were detected and the manner and cause of death were determined as accidental due to effects of bromazolam and MTZ. The concentrations detected were 1.6 ng/mL and 4.4 ng/mL of MTZ in the jugular blood and femoral blood, respectively, and 93 ng/mL of bromazolam in the femoral blood. Constraints in screening techniques conducted by toxicology laboratories create challenges in which numerous NPSs available on the illicit drug market can go undetected. Even if labs detect an NPS in their screening methodology, confirmation methods might not cover every NPS, given the impracticality of labs keeping pace with validations as new NPSs emerge in casework. The significance of testing medical evidence collected at death scenes by drug chemistry analysis becomes crucial when initial toxicology results are negative. In cases where there is evidence of potential drug paraphernalia, this is especially true as it can be pivotal in determining the cause and manner of death.
Price Setting and Price Stickiness: A Behavioral Foundation of Inaction Bands
Authors: Angelis Georgios
Published: October 2024

This paper puts forward a behavioral theory of price setting where managers maximize perceived profits following a process of mental accounting. The theory predicts a pricing rule that is similar to—but crucially different from—that of a standard menu-cost theory: There is an inaction band, but there are two rather than just one target prices, depending on whether the firm updates its price upwards or downwards. The calibrated model replicates two patterns of price microdata that standard menu-cost models have difficulty accounting for: (i) the distribution of price changes has both small and large price changes and (ii) the hazard function of price changes is downward sloping initially, that is, firms that have just recently changed their price have a higher probability of changing it again, while this probability becomes constant thereafter.
Characterising global risk profiles of Mpox clade Ib importation
Authors: Asakura Toshiaki R , Jung Sung-mok , Jin Shihui , Hu Gang , Endo Akira , Dickens Borame Lee
Published: October 2024

The novel mpox clade Ib initially identified in the Domestic Republic of Congo has spread to its multiple neighbouring countries as well as countries beyond the African continent. We characterised the global risk of importation of mpox clade Ib, highlighting the need to ramp up surveillance capacity for early detection.
From past to future: digital methods towards artefact analysis
Authors: Harris Andrew , Cremaschi Andrea , Lim Tse Siang , De Iorio Maria , Kwa Chong Guan
Published: October 2024

Over the past two decades, Digital Humanities has transformed the landscape of humanities and social sciences, enabling advanced computational analysis and interpretation of extensive datasets. Notably, recent initiatives in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore, focus on categorizing and archiving historical data such as artwork, literature and, most notably archaeological artefacts. This study illustrates the profound potential of Digital Humanities through the application of statistical methods on two distinct artefact datasets. Specifically, we present the results of an automated minting study of mid-first millennium CE struck and cast ‘Rising Sun’ coinage from mainland Southeast Asia, while subsequently utilizing unsupervised statistical methods on 2D images of 13th–14th-century earthenware ceramics excavated from the precolonial St. Andrew’s Cathedral site in central Singapore. This research offers a comparative assessment showcasing the transformative impact of statistics-based approaches on the interpretation and analysis of diverse archaeological materials and within Digital Humanities overall.
Estimating the perceived threat threshold for acting in self-defense
Authors: Qiao Aili , John Richard S
Published: October 2024

We formulate the decision to engage in self-defense within a Bayesian framework and report an experiment assessing the influence of situational cues and individual difference variables on perceptions of threat and intentions to act in self-defense. US adult respondents (N = 235) read four ambiguous threat vignettes involving situations in which the respondent is alone in a high- or low-crime area and is approached by a male stranger exhibiting either high or low immediate threat cues. For each vignette, respondents indicated a probability that the stranger intends to harm and a binary intention to either engage in proactive self-defense or not. The extent to which manipulated proximal and distal cues influenced threat perception probabilities was moderated by both respondents’ gender and political orientation. Threat perception probabilities mediate the influence of both proximal and distal cues on the intention to engage in proactive self-defense. Even odds thresholds of perceived threat probability to engage in self-defense ranged from 0.62 to 0.65 across the four scenarios, suggesting that failing to react to an actual threat is perceived as two to three times more costly than that of mistaken self-defense.
Invasive fungal infections in patients with haematological malignancies at the University Hospital of Reunion Island (2018–2022): An observational study
Authors: Estagnasié Camille , Mohr Catherine , Kamus Laure , Zunic Patricia , Chirpaz Emmanuel , Moiton Marie-Pierre , Lagrange-Xelot Marie
Published: October 2024

Invasive fungal infections are a serious complication for haematology patients. However, there is no study on this subject in Reunion Island. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of invasive fungal infections in patients with haematological malignancies at the University Hospital of Reunion Island. We conducted a descriptive and ambispective study. We included any patient with haematological malignancy presenting with a putative, possible, probable, or proven invasive fungal infection, defined as per the criteria of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group 2019, from January 2018 to December 2022. Data were collected from medical records and identified by ICD-10 coding and laboratory data. Eighty-nine invasive fungal infections were diagnosed in 76 patients. The 5-year incidence rate of invasive fungal infections was 1.7 per 100 person-years (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3–2). Invasive aspergillosis was the most common infection (35/89, 39%), followed by invasive candidiasis (33/89, 37%), mucormycosis (7/89, 8%), and pneumocystosis (7/89, 8%). Most infections occurred in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (32/89, 36%) and lymphoma (26/89, 29%). Six-month mortality was higher for mucormycosis (71%) than for aspergillosis (34%) and invasive candidiasis (33%). The incidence and distribution of fungal infections in haematology patients were similar to European cohorts, albeit with more mucormycosis, less pneumocystis, and a high proportion of Candida parapsilosis in candidemia.
Direct estimates of nitrogen abundance for Seyfert 2 nuclei
Authors: Dors O L , Cardaci M V , Hägele G F , Valerdi M , Ilha G S , Oliveira C B , Riffel R A , Flury S R , Arellano-Córdova K Z , Storchi-Bergmann T , Riffel R , Almeida G C , Morais I N
Published: October 2024

We derive the nitrogen and oxygen abundances in the narrow line regions (NLRs) of a sample of 38 local ($z \: \lt \: 0.4$) Seyfert 2 nuclei. For that, we consider narrow optical emission line intensities and direct estimates of the electron temperatures ($T_{\rm e}$-method). We obtain a new theoretical expression for the nitrogen ionization correction factor [ICF($\rm N^{+}$)] for NLRs. Applying this new ICF, we unexpectedly find that NLRs and disc H ii regions exhibit similar ICF distributions. We find nitrogen abundances in the range $7.6 \: \lt \: \rm 12+log(N/H) \: \lt \: 8.6$ (mean value $8.06\pm 0.22$) or $\rm 0.4 \: \lt \: (N/N_{\odot }) \: \lt 4.7$, in the metallicity regime $8.3 \: \lt \: \rm 12+log(O/H) \: \lt \: 9.0$. Our results indicate that the dispersion in N/H abundance for a fixed O/H value in AGNs of $\sim 0.2$ dex agrees with that for disc H ii regions with similar metallicity. We show that Seyfert 2 nuclei follow a similar (N/O)–(O/H) relation to the one followed by star-forming objects. Finally, we find that active galaxies called as ..nitrogen-loud.. observed at very high redshift ($z \: \gt \: 5$) show N/O values in consonance with those derived for local NLRs. This result indicates that the main star-formation event is completed in the early evolution stages of active galaxies.
Genetic and Developmental Divergence in the Neural Crest Program between Cichlid Fish Species
Authors: Marconi Aleksandra , Vernaz Grégoire , Karunaratna Achira , Ngochera Maxon J , Durbin Richard , Santos M Emília
Published: October 2024

Neural crest (NC) is a vertebrate-specific embryonic progenitor cell population at the basis of important vertebrate features such as the craniofacial skeleton and pigmentation patterns. Despite the wide-ranging variation of NC-derived traits across vertebrates, the contribution of NC to species diversification remains underexplored. Here, leveraging the adaptive diversity of African Great Lakes' cichlid species, we combined comparative transcriptomics and population genomics to investigate the evolution of the NC genetic program in the context of their morphological divergence. Our analysis revealed substantial differences in transcriptional landscapes across somitogenesis, an embryonic period coinciding with NC development and migration. This included dozens of genes with described functions in the vertebrate NC gene regulatory network, several of which showed signatures of positive selection. Among candidates showing between-species expression divergence, we focused on teleost-specific paralogs of the NC-specifier sox10 (sox10a and sox10b) as prime candidates to influence NC development. These genes, expressed in NC cells, displayed remarkable spatio-temporal variation in cichlids, suggesting their contribution to interspecific morphological differences, such as craniofacial structures and pigmentation. Finally, through CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, we demonstrated the functional divergence between cichlid sox10 paralogs, with the acquisition of a novel skeletogenic function by sox10a. When compared with teleost models zebrafish and medaka, our findings reveal that sox10 duplication, although retained in most teleost lineages, had variable functional fates across their phylogeny. Altogether, our study suggests that NC-related processes—particularly those controlled by sox10s—are involved in generating morphological diversification between species and lays the groundwork for further investigations into the mechanisms underpinning vertebrate NC diversification.
Reduced expression of SMAD7 and consequent reduction of autophagy promotes endometrial stromal–myofibroblast transition and fibrosis
Authors: Yong Min , Zhou Honggui , Zeng Yuhua , Yao Yuqin , Zhu Hongtao , Hu Jianguo
Published: October 2024

Abnormal autophagy and the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)–SMAD3/7 signaling pathway play an important role in the development of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs); however, the exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we used IUA patient tissue and SMAD7 conditional knockout mice to detect whether SMAD7 effected IUA via regulation of autophagy and the TGFβ–SMAD3 signaling pathway. We applied a combination of techniques for the detection of p-SMAD3, SMAD7, autophagy and fibrosis-related proteins, autophagic flux, and analysis of the SMAD3 binding site. Endometrial tissue of patients with IUA exhibited lower expression levels of SMAD7. In endometrial stromal cells, silencing of SMAD7 inhibited autophagic flux, whereas overexpressed SMAD7 promoted autophagic flux. This SMAD7-mediated autophagic flux regulates the stromal–myofibroblast transition, and these phenotypes were regulated by the TGFβ–SMAD3 signaling pathway. SMAD3 directly binds to the 3ʹ-untranslated region of transcription factor EB (TFEB) and inhibits its transcription. SMAD7 promoted autophagic flux by inhibiting SMAD3, thereby promoting the expression of TFEB. In SMAD7 conditional knockout mice, the endometria showed a fibrotic phenotype. Simultaneously, autophagic flux was inhibited. On administering the autophagy activator rapamycin, this endometrial fibrosis phenotype was partially reversed. The loss of SMAD7 promotes endometrial fibrosis by inhibiting autophagic flux via the TGFβ–SMAD3 pathway. Therefore, this study reveals a potential therapeutic target for IUA.
NAIRDB: a database of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data for nucleic acids
Authors: Balduzzi Elsa , Geinguenaud Frédéric , Sordyl Dominik , Maiti Satyabrata , Farsani Masoud Amiri , Nikolaev Grigory , Arluison Véronique , Bujnicki Janusz M
Published: October 2024

The Nucleic Acid InfraRed Data Bank (NAIRDB) serves as a comprehensive public repository dedicated to the archival and free distribution of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral data specific to nucleic acids. This database encompasses a collection of FTIR spectra covering diverse nucleic acid molecules, including DNA, RNA, DNA/RNA hybrids and their various derivatives. NAIRDB covers details of the experimental conditions for FTIR measurements, literature links, primary sequence data, information about experimentally determined structures for related nucleic acid molecules and/or computationally modeled 3D structures. All entries undergo expert validation and curation to maintain the completeness, consistency and quality of the data. NAIRDB can be searched by similarity of nucleic acid sequences or by direct comparison of spectra. The database is open for the submission of the FTIR data for nucleic acids. NAIRDB is available at https://nairdb.genesilico.pl.
Efficacy and Safety of Dolutegravir Plus Emtricitabine vs Combined Antiretroviral Therapy for the Maintenance of HIV Suppression: Results Through Week 144 of the SIMPL’HIV Trial
Authors: Marinosci Annalisa , Sculier Delphine , Wandeler Gilles , Yerly Sabine , Stoeckle Marcel , Bernasconi Enos , Braun Dominique L , Vernazza Pietro , Cavassini Matthias , Decosterd Laurent , Günthard Huldrych F , Schmid Patrick , Limacher Andreas , Branca Mattia , Calmy Alexandra ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Sudan Rosemary , Barbieux Charlotte , Da Silva Tamara , Bernasconi-Meyer Beatrice , Metzner Karin J
Published: October 2024

The SIMPL’HIV study investigated whether switching to dolutegravir (DTG) + emtricitabine (FTC) was noninferior to continuing combined antiretroviral therapy for maintaining HIV-1 suppression at 144 weeks. The study demonstrated that viral suppression, CD4 gains, adverse events, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were comparable between groups, confirming DTG + FTC’s safety and efficacy for long-term management of HIV-1 infection.
Mesonephric carcinoma of the cervix associated with ovarian serous carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Kharkhach Ayoub , Bali Asmae , Afqir Said , Bouhout Tariq , Serji Badr
Published: October 2024

Malignant mesonephric tumor of the uterine cervix is an extremely uncommon subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma with rare, documented cases in the literature. In this report, we present a case of 58 yo, with abdominal pain and ascites that was found to have a synchronous presence of a mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the cervix and advanced serous ovarian carcinoma on the surgical specimen. The histological study identified a tumor showing a mix of tubular and ductal growth patterns. Immunohistochemical analyses were positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, calretinin and CD10. However, the tumor cells were negative for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a combination of carboplatin and gemcitabine followed by optimal debulking surgery and was alive after 18 months of follow up. The management of this rare case remains unclear due to the absence of management guidelines.
Transient speech impairment: a minor stroke/TIA case escaping conventional imaging methods
Authors: Khan Sheharyar H , Aljanabi Mustafa
Published: October 2024

This case report discusses the diagnostic challenges posed by transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) and minor strokes presenting with atypical symptoms, focusing on a 62-year-old male presenting with isolated speech difficulties reminiscent of Broca’s aphasia. Despite initial inconclusive imaging, subsequent evaluation revealed minor periventricular changes consistent with ischaemic small vessel disease and a pre-existing lacunar infarct. The resolution of symptoms within 10 days highlights the transient nature of the event. The case underscores the importance of recognising nuanced presentations of cerebrovascular events and the necessity for standardised diagnostic criteria and assessment tools for transient speech impairments resembling Broca’s aphasia. Further research into the mechanisms underlying these transient events, utilising advanced imaging techniques, such as diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), may be warranted to facilitate early recognition and appropriate management in clinical practice.
Improving bird abundance estimates in harvested forests with retention by limiting detection radius through sound truncation
Authors: Lebeuf-Taylor Isabelle , Knight Elly , Bayne Erin
Published: October 2024

An inherent challenge with acoustically surveying birds is that the distance at which they can be detected depends on how far their song can be heard. We developed a distance-based sound detection space truncation method to correct for variable sampling radii due to surveying in forested or open conditions. The method was pivotal in evaluating bird responses to retention patches; without this methodological advancement, the impact of retention patches on songbird abundance was vastly underestimated. In the boreal forest, these patches of live trees are retained in regenerating harvested forests to provide ecological services for species adapted to natural disturbances. Although we did not verify our a priori assumption with ground observations, our findings suggest that limited-distance sampling better captures the effects of retention patches on bird use of harvested forests. When evaluated using unlimited distance surveys, retained trees had a negligible effect on bird abundance, whereas applying detection distance truncation highlighted the importance of retention on forest birds. We found that early to mid-seral forest songbirds benefited from retention patches, with notable increases in abundance after 10 years of regeneration. The size of retention patches, ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 ha, did not have a linear relationship with bird abundance. Instead, edge effects stemming from the configuration of these patches emerged as key determinants of abundance for the majority of the species studied. Retention patches that were nearest to unharvested forests were used the most, compared to further into harvest areas. Our research not only highlights the underestimated impact of small-scale live tree retention on forest songbirds but also introduces a significant methodological innovation in the field of acoustic monitoring.
Trace Element and In Situ O–Nd Isotope Signatures of Apatite from the Bilihe Porphyry Au-Only Deposit: Magmatic Constraints on Au Mineralization
Authors: Hong Jingxin , Zhai Degao , Keith Manuel , Zhao Qingqing , Liu Jiajun
Published: October 2024

The magmatic controls on the formation of porphyry Au-only deposits are still poorly understood. The Bilihe deposit (> 30 t at 2.7 g/t Au) located at the northern margin of the North China Craton is such an example, where apatite chemistry from a causative granodiorite intrusion constrains the physicochemical conditions and ore-forming potential of the porphyry-related magmas. Apatite can be subdivided by distinct CL intensities into early CL-bright and late CL-gray/dark sub-types both occurring in fresh (Ap-f), as well as in potassic (Ap-k) and phyllic (Ap-p) altered granodiorite. The mostly euhedral CL-bright apatite shows a homogeneous texture and is enriched in LREE and depleted in Fe, Mg, Mn, Y, and U compared to CL-gray/dark apatite, which develops patchy or oscillatory zoning. The CL-gray/dark apatite exhibits decreasing Fe and Mg contents, as well as δ18O values from Ap-f to Ap-k and Ap-p due to consecutive fluid alteration during porphyry evolution, which was generally not observed in CL-bright apatite. We thus conclude that all types of CL-bright apatite but only CL-gray/dark Ap-f inherit the original magma composition. Binary O–Nd isotope mixing simulations suggest that both magmatic CL-bright apatite and CL-gray/dark Ap-f were influenced by crustal sediment assimilation. Our results further indicate that the magma parental to the Bilihe porphyry Au-only deposit was H2O-poor (< 2 wt %), causing plagioclase fractionation in the absence of hornblende, as evidenced by relatively low Sr/Y (< 0.1) and significantly negative Eu anomalies in magmatic apatite. Pressure estimates by magmatic biotite that record the late crystallization stage yielded 48.9 ± 8.4 MPa, indicating a shallow final emplacement depth of 1.85 ± 0.32 km. The studied apatites formed under volatile-saturated conditions from S-deficient magmas at relatively reduced conditions (ΔFMQ +0.5) compared to porphyry Cu deposits. We thus conclude that these physicochemical parameters together with the low-pressure conditions result in a fertile magmatic-hydrothermal environment for the formation of Au-only porphyry deposits.
A Matter of Respect: A Review Essay about Respect and Loathing in American Democracy: Polarization, Moralization, and the Undermining of Equality
Authors: Campbell David
Published: October 2024

In their new and theoretically innovative book, Respect and Loathing in American Democracy, Jeff Spinner-Halev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse argue that the nation's politics suffers from a lack of respect among political opponents. In making their argument, they build a lot of bridges: between the normative and empirical sides of Political Science, between qualitative and quantitative research, and between contemporary scholarship and many of the seminal works from an earlier era. To address the respect deficit, they call for greater attention to civic education and—perhaps counterintuitively—less attention to politics.
Moment Conditions for Dynamic Panel Logit Models with Fixed Effects
Authors: Honoré Bo E , Weidner Martin
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the construction of moment conditions in discrete choice panel data with individual-specific fixed effects. We describe how to systematically explore the existence of moment conditions that do not depend on the fixed effects, and we demonstrate how to construct them when they exist. Our approach is closely related to the numerical “functional differencing” construction introduced in a seminal paper by Bonhomme, but our emphasis is to find explicit analytic expressions for the moment functions. We first explain the construction and give examples of such moment conditions in various models. Then, we focus on the dynamic binary choice logit model and explore the implications of the moment conditions for the identification and estimation of the model parameters that are common to all individuals.
Impact of incident rheumatoid arthritis on earnings: a nationwide sibling comparison study
Authors: Miller Heather , Neovius Martin , Askling Johan , Bruze Gustaf
Published: October 2024

Objectives

RA is known to impact work ability, but much of this knowledge comes from historical comparisons vs the general population that neither reflects current RA management nor distinguishes between effects of RA and pre-existing socio-economic conditions of patients. We therefore aimed to examine earnings of patients before and after RA diagnosis, using recent data and sibling comparisons.

Methods

Swedish register data were used including demographic information and healthcare utilization. Participants were patients with RA (aged 30–60 years, diagnosed with RA between 2006 and 2017) identified in the Swedish National Patient Register, and their same-sex siblings (n = 2433:2433; mean 48 years; 72% women). Earnings data for 2001–2019 were retrieved from Statistics Sweden and analysed from 5 years before to 5 years after RA diagnosis.

Results

No differences in average earnings were observed between siblings during the 5 years before diagnosis, but during the 5 years after diagnosis, patients with RA earned on average 5.4% less annually [–1430€ (95% CI –2130, −720)] than same-sexed siblings. The change in earnings for the subgroup diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 was –8.2% [–2020€ (95% CI –2930, –1120)] but for patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2017, there was no statistically significant change in earnings compared with siblings [–1.5%; –420€ (95% CI –1490, 640)]. Subgroup analyses demonstrated a more negative impact on earnings for older individuals and those with lower education level.

Conclusion

RA diagnosis was associated with lower earnings in comparison with same-sex siblings, particularly for older individuals and those with lower education level. The negative impact of RA on earnings declined or disappeared over the study period.
Prognostic significance of tubulointerstitial macrophage density in MPO-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis: implications for renal outcomes
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wu Di , Zhu Mengyue , Chen Duqun , Qiu Dandan , Tu Yuanmao , Xu Feng , Liang Dandan , Cheng Zhen , Zhang Haitao
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the density of tubulointerstitial macrophages with renal outcomes in patients with myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated glomerulonephritis (MPO-ANCA-associated GN).

Methods

This study analysed patients with MPO-ANCA-associated GN who had renal biopsies at Jinling Hospital. It looked at the density of CD68+ macrophages in the tubulointerstitium and examined correlations with serum creatinine levels, urinary protein levels, treatment regimen and renal histologic class. The study used KM curves to show the impact of these factors on renal prognosis and conducted multivariate analyses with Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

A total of 172 patients with MPO-ANCA-associated GN (median age: 50 y, 43.6% male) were included. Stratification of the cohort into tertiles was based on tubulointerstitial macrophage density. Significant differences in serum creatinine levels, induction treatment regimen, the rates of end-stage kidney disease, and renal histologic class were observed between the three groups. Correlation analysis showed that induction treatment regimen and renal histologic class were correlated with tubulointerstitial macrophage density. Kaplan–Meier curves illustrated patients with a lower presence of CD68+ macrophages in the tubulointerstitium experienced significantly better renal survival compared with those with a higher presence. The higher levels of CD68+ macrophage infiltration were significantly associated with adverse renal outcomes. This association persisted after adjusting for potential confounders including baseline serum creatinine, histopathological class, and induction therapy modalities.

Conclusion

The results of our study provide insight into the prognostic significance of macrophage infiltration in the tubulointerstitium in MPO-ANCA-associated GN.
17Science and Medicine
Authors: Sagal Anna K , Benedict Leah , Ryan William J
Published: October 2024

The works reviewed here explore a broad range of topics within the field of science, medicine, and technology studies. We have divided the chapter into three sections organized around a conceptual link. In the first section, Anna K. Sagal reviews two monographs that employ oceanic studies to explore novel forms of community and connection: Michele Currie Navakas’s Coral Lives: Literature, Labor, and the Making of America, and Hannah Freed-Thall’s Modernism at the Beach: Queer Ecologies and the Coastal Commons. In the second section, William J. Ryan examines two monographs that forcefully interrogate Western definitions of cognition and intellect: Sara E. Johnson’s Encyclopédie Noire: The Making of Moreau de Saint Méry’s Intellectual World and Abigail Williams’s Reading It Wrong: An Alternative History of Early Eighteenth-Century Literature. In the final section, Leah Benedict reviews an edited anthology that explores numerous exchanges between technology and culture: Kristen M. Girten and Aaron R. Hanlon’s British Literature and Technology, 1600–1830.