bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from RNA-Binding Protein Lin28B Promotes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Blast Crisis by Transcriptionally Upregulating miR-181d
Authors: Zhou Minran , Yin Xiaolin , Zhang Lu , Cui Zelong , Jiang Xinwen , Ji Qingli , Ma Sai , Chen Chunyan
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The blast crisis (BC) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has poor efficacy against existing treatments and extremely short survival. However, the molecular mechanism of CML-chronic phase (CP) transformation to CML-BC is not yet fully understood. Here, we show that Lin28B, an RNA-binding protein, acted as an activator enhancing the transformation to CML-BC by mediating excessive cell proliferation. The level of Lin28B expression was apparently elevated in patients with CML-BC compared with newly diagnosed patients with CML-CP. The overexpression of Lin28B promoted the proliferation of leukemia cells. Mechanistically, we identified Lin28B as a DNA-binding protein by binding to the promoter region of miR-181d and upregulating its expression, which inhibited the expression of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) by binding to the PDCD4 3'UTR region, thereby enhancing the proliferation of CML cells. Overall, the “Lin28B-miR-181d-PDCD4” regulatory axis promoted CML blast crisis.

Implications: Our findings highlight the oncogenic role of Lin28B in CML blast crisis, acting as a DNA-binding protein that transcriptionally upregulates miR-181d expression.
Data from NAPRT Silencing in FH-Deficient Renal Cell Carcinoma Confers Therapeutic Vulnerabilities via NAD+ Depletion
Authors: Noronha Katelyn J. , Lucas Karlie N. , Paradkar Sateja , Edmonds Joseph , Friedman Sam , Murray Matthew A. , Liu Samantha , Sajed Dipti P. , Sachs Chana , Spurrier Josh , Raponi Mitch , Liang Jiayu , Zeng Hao , Sundaram Ranjini K. , Shuch Brian , Vasquez Juan C. , Bindra Ranjit S.
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is caused by loss of function mutations in fumarate hydratase (FH) and results in an aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma with limited treatment options. Loss of FH leads to accumulation of fumarate, an oncometabolite that disrupts multiple cellular processes and drives tumor progression. High levels of fumarate inhibit alpha ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, including the ten–eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, and can lead to global DNA hypermethylation. Here, we report patterns of hypermethylation in FH-mutant cell lines and tumor samples are associated with the silencing of nicotinate phosphoribosyl transferase (NAPRT), a rate-limiting enzyme in the Preiss–Handler pathway of NAD+ biosynthesis, in a subset of HLRCC cases. NAPRT is hypermethylated at a CpG island in the promoter in cell line models and patient samples, resulting in loss of NAPRT expression. We find that FH-deficient RCC models with loss of NAPRT expression, as well as other oncometabolite-producing cancer models that silence NAPRT, are extremely sensitive to nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase inhibitors (NAMPTi). NAPRT silencing was also associated with synergistic tumor cell killing with PARP inhibitors and NAMPTis, which was associated with effects on PAR-mediated DNA repair. Overall, our findings indicate that NAPRT silencing can be targeted in oncometabolite-producing cancers and elucidates how oncometabolite-associated hypermethylation can impact diverse cellular processes and lead to therapeutically relevant vulnerabilities in cancer cells.

Implications: NAPRT is a novel biomarker for targeting NAD+ metabolism in FH-deficient HLRCCs with NAMPTis alone and targeting DNA repair processes with the combination of NAMPTis and PARP inhibitors.
Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway in Chemotherapy-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Phase II Study
Authors: Yam Clinton , Patel Miral , Hill Holly A. , Sun Ryan , Bassett Roland L. , Kong Elisabeth , Damodaran Senthil , Koenig Kimberly B. , Abouharb Sausan , Saleem Sadia , Bisen Ajit K. , Murthy Rashmi K. , Ramirez David L. , Rauch Gaiane M. , Adrada Beatriz E. , Candelaria Rosalind P. , Wang Xiaoping , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Thompson Alastair M. , White Jason B. , Ravenberg Elizabeth E. , Clayborn Alyson R. , Ding Qing-Qing , Booser Daniel J. , Oke Oluchi , Brewster Abenaa M. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Litton Jennifer K. , Valero Vicente , Arun Banu K. , Tripathy Debu , Chang Jeffrey T. , Chen Ken , Korkut Anil , Moulder Stacy L. , Huo Lei , Lim Bora , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway activation causes chemotherapy resistance, and inhibition of the EGFR pathway sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to chemotherapy in preclinical models. Given the high prevalence of EGFR overexpression in TNBC, we conducted a single-arm phase II study of panitumumab (anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody), carboplatin, and paclitaxel as the second phase of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC)–resistant TNBC (NCT02593175).

Patients and Methods:

Patients with early-stage, AC-resistant TNBC, defined as disease progression or ≤80% reduction in tumor volume after four cycles of AC, were eligible for this study and received panitumumab (2.5 mg/kg i.v., every week × 13), paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 i.v. every week × 12), and carboplatin (AUC = 4 i.v., every 3 weeks × 4) as the second phase of NAT. A two-stage Gehan-type design was used to detect an improvement in the pathological complete response (pCR)/residual cancer burden class I (RCB-I) rate from 5% to 20%. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on diagnostic tumor biospecimens, where available.

Results:

From November 3, 2016, through August 23, 2021, 43 patients with AC-resistant TNBC were enrolled. The combined pCR/RCB-I rate was 30.2%. The most common treatment-related adverse events were neutropenia (72%) and anemia (61%), with 7 (16%), 16 (37%), and 8 (19%) patients experiencing grade 4 neutropenia, grade 3 neutropenia, and grade 3 anemia, respectively. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusions:

This study met its primary endpoint (pCR/RCB-I = 30.2% vs. 5% in historical controls), suggesting that panitumumab should be evaluated as a component of NAT in patients with chemotherapy-resistant TNBC in a larger, randomized clinical trial.

Significance:

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway has been implicated as a driver of chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, we evaluate the combination of panitumumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel as the second phase of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with AC-resistant TNBC. This study met its primary efficacy endpoint, and molecular alterations in EGFR pathway genes did not seem to influence response to the study regimen.
USP36 SUMOylates Las1L and Promotes Its Function in Pre–Ribosomal RNA ITS2 Processing
Authors: Li Yanping , Yang Yunhan , Sears Rosalie C. , Dai Mu-Shui , Sun Xiao-Xin
Published: October 2024

Ribosome biogenesis is a highly regulated cellular process requiring a large cohort of accessory factors to ensure the accurate production of ribosomes. Dysregulation of ribosome biogenesis is associated with the development of various human diseases, including cancer. The Las1L–Nol9 endonuclease–kinase complex is essential for the cleavage of the rRNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), the phosphorylation of the 5′-hydroxyl end of the resulting precursor, and, thus, the maturation of the 60S ribosome. However, how the Las1L–Nol9 complex is regulated in cells is unclear. In this study, we report that the nucleolar ubiquitin-specific protease USP36 is a novel regulator of the Las1L–Nol9 complex. USP36 interacts with both Las1L and Nol9 and regulates their stability via deubiquitination. Intriguingly, USP36 also mediates the SUMOylation of Las1L, mainly at lysine (K) 565. Mutating K565 to arginine (R) does not affect the levels of Las1L and the formation of the Las1L–Nol9 complex, but abolishes its function in ITS2 processing, as unlike wild-type Las1L, the K565R mutant failed to rescue the defects in the ITS2 processing induced by the knockdown of endogenous Las1L. These results suggest that USP36-mediated Las1L SUMOylation is critical for ITS2 processing and that USP36 plays a critical role in ribosome biogenesis by regulating the Las1L–Nol9 complex.

Significance:

This study identifies USP36 as a deubiquitinating and small ubiquitin-like modifier ligase dual-function enzyme to mediate Las1L deubiquitination and SUMOylation. Las1L SUMOylation at K565 plays a critical role in pre-rRNA ITS2 processing. Thus, our study reveals a novel downstream pathway for USP36-regulated ribosome biogenesis.
Working under Pressure: Scleroderma Presenting with Bilateral Exudative Retinal Detachment in the Context of Scleroderma Renal Crisis: A Case Report
Authors: Aziz Rem , Lo Cody , Denstedt James T. , Hurley Bernard
Published: October 2024

This is an observational case report to detail a novel case of scleroderma renal crisis presenting as bilateral exudative retinal detachments in a patient with newly diagnosed systemic sclerosis. An otherwise healthy 58-year-old female presented primarily with vision complaints and was found to have malignant hypertension (230/120 mm Hg) and bilateral exudative retinal detachment on dilated fundus examination and macular OCT scan. Further history revealed sclerodactyly, mild dysphagia, and dyspnea. She was diagnosed with diffuse systemic sclerosis and Sjogren’s syndrome complicated by an episode of scleroderma renal crisis based on initial medical workup. She was admitted to intensive care for management of refractory hypertension with IV antihypertensive therapy. Three months after treatment, her visual symptoms and ocular findings resolved. The presence of exudative retinal detachment among other signs of hypertensive retinopathy warrants thorough systemic screening for underlying causes of malignant hypertension, including systemic sclerosis. Treatment of the underlying disease with urgent antihypertensive therapy resolved the exudative retinal detachments and restored vision in the case of a scleroderma renal crisis.
Validation of the Portuguese Version of IBD-Control Questionnaire and Comparison with IBD-Disk
Authors: Carvalho Tânia , Franco Joana , Guimarães Andreia , Damasceno Costa José , Mendes Sofia , Leal Tiago , Rebelo Ana , Arroja Bruno , Gonçalves Raquel , Soares João Bruno
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The IBD-Control questionnaire and IBD-Disk are two patient-reported outcome measures designed to evaluate the impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on different health domains. Unlike IBD-Disk, there is no fully published validated Portuguese version of IBD-Control. Furthermore, the two instruments have not yet been compared. We aimed to translate and validate IBD-Control in Portugal and compare it with IBD-Disk. Methods: After translation into Portuguese, the IBD-Control was administered to IBD patients, at baseline (T0), after 1–4 weeks (T1), and >3 months (T2). Patients also completed the Portuguese versions of the PRO2, EQ-5D, SIBDQ, and IBD-Disk. We assessed the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of IBD-Control. We compared the usability (3 questions) and the ability to identify good disease control (area under the curve [AUC]) of IBD-Control and IBD-Disk. Results: At T0, the IBD-Control was completed by 142 patients (108 Crohn’s disease, 34 ulcerative colitis). At T1 and T2, 68 and 101 patients completed the questionnaire, respectively. Factor analysis confirmed the one-dimensionality of the scale with 8 items (IBD-Control-8). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.80. Test-retest reproducibility for stable patients (n = 54) was high (intraclass correlation coefficient-0.86). IBD-Control-8 significantly correlated (r between 0.55 and 0.82; p ≤ 0.001) with PRO2, EQ-5D, SIBDQ and IBD-Disk. The variation in IBD-Control-8 between T0 and T2 correlated significantly (r between 0.48 and 0.53; p ≤ 0.01) with the variation in PRO2 (only for Crohn’s disease), SIBDQ and IBD-Disk. The IBD-Control-8 significantly discriminated between well and poorly controlled disease (15 ± 2 vs. 11 ± 4; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between IBD-Control-8 and IBD-Disk regarding usability and the ability to identify good disease control (AUC: −0.79 vs. 0.76, respectively). Conclusions: The IBD-Control is reliable and valid for measuring disease control from the perspective of patients with IBD in Portugal, presenting no significant differences regarding usability and assessment of disease control when compared to IBD-Disk.
Integrating artificial immune systems and multi-layer perceptron-biogeography-based optimization for enhanced inverse kinematics in robotic arm
Authors: Serat Amel , Djebbar Bachir
Published: October 2024

Determining required joint angles to achieve a desired position in a manipulator’s arm is a complicated problem without simple analytical solutions. This paper researches several computational methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) for calculating the joint positions of the 6-DOF robotic arm. We can extrapolate relevance, for example, to the crucial role that robotic manipulator arms play in industrial and medical applications, where enhanced precision and movement efficiency may sharply boost performance and expand applicability. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of methods, such as the artificial immune system (AIS) and multi-layer perceptron-biogeography-based optimization (MLP-BBO). Those AI-driven methods have been applied to determine joint angles for reaching desired positions through simulations for the robotic arm. The results show that the AIS and MLP-BBO approach can handle the intrinsic complexities of the task, thus testifying to the practicability and dependability of these two methods in this application. From the findings in the study, it was indicated that AI-driven techniques can effectively answer the complex problem of the robotic manipulator arm in finding joint angles.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of unbalanced doubly fed induction generators
Authors: Diboune Yaakoub , Hachelaf Redouane , Kouchih Djilali
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a novel approach has been developed for the modeling and analysis of doubly fed induction generators operating under unbalanced load conditions. This comprehensive approach considers the derivation of the doubly fed induction generator’s neutral voltage during unbalanced conditions. Using this innovative approach, important and extremely precise signatures on stator currents and voltages have been extracted during a rational simulation time. It has been shown that for unbalanced conditions, an abnormal operation is produced. It is characterized by unbalanced stator voltages, currents, and specific harmonics through the stator variables. These harmonics have been proposed to detect unbalanced conditions. The consistency and reliability of this approach for the analysis and modeling of unbalanced doubly fed induction generators are validated by the coherence and good correlation between experimental and simulation results.
Perfil epidemiológico, sobrevida e prognóstico materno em unidade de terapia intensiva no nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Santos Júnior José Arimatéa dos , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Armstrong Bruna Benigna Sales , Vale Vinícius Araújo do
Published: October 2024

Objective. To study the epidemiologic profile and determine maternal survival and prognosis in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the Northeast of the country. Methods. Analytical cross-sectional design study that evaluated pregnant women, puerperae, and women in postabortion or ectopic pregnancy admitted to an obstetric ICU in Teresina between May/2016 and May/2017. Results. Of the 11,466 occurrences in the period, 456 women were admitted to the ICU. Among the causes of hospitalization, 80.3% patients were direct obstetric causes, 16.2% indirect and 3.5% non-obstetric. A total of 159 patients met the Near Miss criteria, with statistical significance between presentation of the criteria and mortality (p<0.001; x²=30.974). The mortality rate was 3.5%, all of them being Near Miss cases. There was a statistically significant and direct correlation between survival and number of clinical (p<0.001; rp=0.270), laboratory (p<0.001; rp=0.358) and management (p<0.001; rp=0.465) criteria. It was identified that the higher the number of criteria, the longer the length of hospitalization and worse the prognosis (p<0.001). Conclusion. Women admitted to the ICU for indirect obstetric causes who met maternal Near Miss criteria had longer hospitalization and worse prognosis.
Dominance within the ecclesia: the case of late medieval Portugal
Authors: Aguiar Miguel
Published: October 2024

This article aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a theoretical perspective. It argues that, in medieval society, the ecclesia, in its threefold sense (the community of the faithful, ecclesiastical hierarchies, and cult buildings) played a determinant role in organising different interlocked social relations. Thus, this role is critical to understanding the reproduction of dominant groups, whose organisation must be conceived through the ecclesia. This article is based on the Portuguese aristocracy. The historiographical production of the last few decades on different themes is synthesised and organised according to this theoretical perspective, seeking to highlight its operability and the paths it opens for a more grounded understanding of medieval social dynamics.
Effects of Catheter-Based Renal Denervation in Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vukadinović Davor , Lauder Lucas , Kandzari David E. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Edelman Elazer R. , Schmieder Roland E. , Azizi Michel , Böhm Michael , Mahfoud Felix
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Several sham-controlled trials have investigated the efficacy and safety of catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) with mixed outcomes. We aimed to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of all randomized, sham-controlled trials investigating RDN with first- and second-generation devices in hypertension.

METHODS:

We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for eligible trials. Outcomes included both efficacy (24-hour and office systolic [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) and safety (all-cause death, vascular complication, renal artery stenosis >70%, hypertensive crisis) of RDN. We performed a study-level, pairwise, random-effects meta-analysis of the summary data.

RESULTS:

Ten trials comprising 2478 patients with hypertension while being either off or on treatment were included. Compared with sham, RDN reduced 24-hour and office systolic blood pressure by 4.4 mm Hg (95% CI, 2.7 to 6.1;
P
<0.00001) and 6.6 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.6 to 9.7;
P
<0.0001), respectively. The 24-hour and office diastolic blood pressure paralleled these findings (–2.6 mm Hg [95% CI, –3.6 to –1.5];
P
<0.00001; –3.5 mm Hg [95% CI, –5.4 to –1.6];
P
=0.0003). There was no difference in 24-hour and office systolic blood pressure reduction between trials with and without concomitant antihypertensive medication (
P
for interaction, 0.62 and 0.73, respectively). There was no relevant difference in vascular complications (odds ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 0.57 to 5.0];
P
=0.34), renal artery stenosis (odds ratio, 1.50 [95% CI, 0.06 to 36.97];
P
=0.80), hypertensive crisis (odds ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.30 to 1.38];
P
=0.26), and all-cause death (odds ratio, 1.76 [95% CI, 0.34 to 9.20];
P
=0.50) between RDN and sham groups. Change of renal function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate was comparable between groups (
P
for interaction, 0.84). There was significant heterogeneity between trials.

CONCLUSIONS:

RDN safely reduces ambulatory and office systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure versus a sham procedure in the presence and absence of antihypertensive medications.
Use of the Win Ratio for Analysis of Stroke Trials: Description, Illustration, and Planned Use in the Second European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST-2)
Authors: Gregson John , Donners Simone J.A. , Dippel Diederik , Lingsma Hester , Dea Hazewinkel Audinga , Brown Martin M. , Bonati Leo H. , Nederkoorn Paul J.
Published: October 2024

Randomized trials in stroke often focus on outcomes beyond a single clinical event. Trials of stroke prevention commonly use composite outcomes that include multiple components (eg, death, stroke, or myocardial infarction). A major limitation is that all events count equally but may differ markedly in terms of clinical severity. Trials in acute stroke often use ordinal outcomes or scale scores. Limitations include the requirement for statistical assumptions and the difficulty of handling the competing risk of death. We introduce the win ratio as an alternative method. It works by placing components of a composite into a hierarchy, whereby clinically more important outcomes take priority over less important ones. We illustrate how it works using data from 2 major stroke trials: the ICSS (International Carotid Stenting Study, a trial in stroke prevention) and the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands). Potential benefits of the win ratio approach include the possibility to (1) emphasize the clinically most important outcomes, (2) combine components of different outcome types into a composite (eg, a mixture of time-to-event, continuous, and categorical), and (3) naturally handle the competing risk of death in analyses of quantitative outcomes. The win ratio will be used in the upcoming analysis of the ECST-2 (Second European Carotid Surgery Trial), which has a hierarchical primary outcome of (1) time to perioperative death, fatal stroke, or fatal myocardial infarction (most important); (2) time to nonfatal stroke; (3) time to nonfatal myocardial infarction (excluding silent infarcts); and (4) new silent cerebral infarct on brain imaging (least important). The win ratio provides a useful clinically relevant method for analyzing trial outcomes. It has some advantages over conventional methods, and we recommend its wider application in future stroke trials.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Bursaphelenchus parasaudi n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in loblolly pine logs from the USA
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Fang Yiwu , Ma Xinxin
Published: October 2024

Bursaphelenchus parasaudi n. sp., isolated in Ningbo, P.R. China, from loblolly pine logs imported from the USA is described. It is characterised by a slim body (a = 32-43), lateral field with four lines, excretory pore located at the level of metacorpus, vulva at 76% of total body length, a distinct vulval flap in lateral view, post-uterine branch ca half to two-thirds of the vulva to anus distance long, female tail conical, slightly ventrally curved, with a finely rounded terminus, male spicules with weakly developed rostrum and condylus and cross-striped in their central part, a single precloacal papilla and three pairs of ventro-sublateral papillae. It belongs to the africanus group of the genus Bursaphelenchus and is most similar to B. saudi. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 18S region, ITS and 28S D2-D3 region confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.
Stellarium corone benedicte Marie Virginis by Pelbart of Temesvar as a Source for Baltazar Opec’s Life of Lord Jesus Christ
Authors: Stelmach Wojciech
Published: October 2024

Baltazar Opec’s Life of Lord Jesus Christ (Żywot Pana Jezu Krysta) is one of the New Testament apocrypha written in Old Polish. Among the works identified as its sources are Meditationes vitae Christi, Speculum passionis, and Vita rhythmica. It has recently been established, however, that the basis for the translation of the final chapters of Opec’s work was a part of the compilation of sermons Stellarium corone benedicte Marie Virginis by Pelbart of Temesvar. In this article I verify and develop the initial theses of Roman Mazurkiewicz concerning the translator’s work with the source text. I indicate ways in which the Old Polish author worked with the Latin sermons, and discuss rhetorical elements present in ŻPJK that may be traced back to Pelbart’s text.
Characterisation of potential anti-inflammatory next-generation probiotics resistant to bisphenol A
Authors: López-Moreno A. , Carbonne C. , Kropp C. , Rios-Covian D. , Pepke F. , Langella P. , Aguilera M. , Martin R.
Published: October 2024

The world is witnessing an increasing incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of complex gastrointestinal disorders characterised by inflammation. It is believed that environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (i.e. bisphenol A [BPA]), are playing a role in IBD pathophysiology. New research suggests a potential treatment solution: next-generation probiotic (NGP) strains isolated from human gut microbiota that can biodegrade xenobiotics and thus possibly modulate IBD triggered by these xenobiotics. In this study, we hypothesised that specific BPA-tolerant bacteria would exhibit beneficial, anti-inflammatory properties that could counter the effects of BPA exposure and concomitantly reduce colitis severity. We observed that two such strains, Bacillus sp. AM1 and Paeniclostridium sp., exhibited potential anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. First, these bacteria were able to decrease the secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 cytokines by HT-29 cells that had been exposed to the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Second, when treated with Bacillus sp. AM1 and Paeniclostridium sp. (this latter had a stronger reducing effect on inflammatory markers), mice with chemically induced colitis displayed lower levels of colon damage, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), lipocalin-2 (LCN-2), and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). Future research should clarify the underlying mechanisms at play and identify potential strategies for counteracting the systemic effects of IBD, including those exacerbated by BPA exposure. Our results suggest that one such strategy could be treatment with BPA-tolerant bacteria that possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Maternity and the Armed Struggle in the Global South
Authors: Asunción-Criado Ana , Díaz Sánchez Pilar
Published: October 2024

Studies on the participation of women in guerrilla conflicts suffer from an in-depth study of the key aspects of women’s lives, such as motherhood and relations between the sexes. The analysis focuses on the Central and South American guerrilla movements, although open to a comparative study with organizations from other geographical spaces. In these pages these issues are analyzed to consider to what extent the revolutionary objectives that in economic and political aspects are maximalist, forget to question the issue of motherhood and the co-responsibility for the maintenance of offspring that continues to fall exclusively on women. Using the testimonies of the guerrilla women, the helplessness of women in the guerrilla environment, the abuses and the situation of subjugation and inequality in relations between the sexes is observed.
Morphological diversity and taxonomic implications of seedling structures in selected species of Fabaceae from Karachi (Pakistan)
Authors: MAHMOOD NABEELA , ZAIDI SAHAR , RIAZ MUNIZA , OMRANI SUMERA , SHEIKH ANUM , QURESHI HUMA , ANWAR TAUSEEF
Published: October 2024

Seedling morphology is a valuable tool for plant identification and classification, particularly in early growth stages. This study investigates the morphological characters of seedlings from randomly selected taxa within the Fabaceae family, focusing on cotyledons, first two leaves, and subsequent leaves to support taxonomic differentiation. Not all subfamilies within Fabaceae are fully represented in this study. Seedlings from 14 randomly selected taxa were analyzed using morphological traits such as cotyledon shape, phyllotaxy, leaf shape, and venation patterns. An artificial key was constructed, and three dendrograms were developed based on cotyledon morphology, first two leaves, and subsequent leaves to illustrate taxonomic relationships. Statistical analyses were employed to assess clustering patterns among the taxa. The artificial key categorized the taxa into subfamilies within Fabaceae, including Caesalpinoideae, Mimosoideae, and Papilionoideae, based on cotyledon shape and leaf morphology. Dendrogram analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns, grouping species according to key morphological features. Not all subfamilies of Fabaceae were covered, but the analysis provided clear separation among the species studied. The morphological traits observed were consistent with previous taxonomic findings and offered a reliable basis for classification. The morphological features of seedlings, especially cotyledons and eophylls, serve as reliable taxonomic markers for identifying and classifying species within Fabaceae. Although the study does not encompass all subfamilies, the randomly selected taxa demonstrated clear taxonomic distinctions. Dendrograms combined with artificial keys provided a useful framework for classification. Further studies should expand the scope to include more taxa, covering all subfamilies of Fabaceae. Integrating molecular and other taxonomic tools such as anatomy, cytology, and chemistry can enhance the precision of classification frameworks and provide deeper insights into the evolutionary relationships within the family.
A new endemic Begonia species (sect. Knesebeckia, Begoniaceae) from the south-western montane forest remnants of Ecuador
Authors: PÉREZ ÁLVARO J. , MENA-OLMEDO PATRICIO , CABRERA LEOVIGILDO , LEÓN JOSÉ , TEBBITT MARK C.
Published: October 2024

Begonia jocotocoi is a new species described from the Buenaventura Reserve in El Oro Province, south-west Ecuador. The new species morphologically resembles Begonia serotina, but differs by its minutely bullate leaf lamina (vs. smooth), the dense red long trichomes that cover the petioles and the lower surface of the leaf lamina, the latter of which distinctly become purple at maturity (vs. usually glabrous or occasionally with an indument of minute glandular white hairs and pale green below), presence of a pair of bracteoles directly beneath the pistillate flowers (vs. bracteoles absent), and the pedicels and also sometimes the abaxial surfaces of most floral whorls having a sparse cover of glandular hairs (vs. glabrous to puberulous). Photos of the new species and a distribution map are provided. Relationships with other species are discussed and the species’ preliminary conservation status is assigned as critically endangered (CR).
Bulgarian Poetry about the Past and the Post-Socialist Present
Authors: Jóźwiak Wojciech
Published: October 2024

Bulgarian Poetry about the Past and the Post-Socialist Present
This article is a review of the study entitled Pamięć kulturowa a symptomy traumy. Idea ojczyzny w liryce bułgarskiej po 1989 roku [Cultural Memory and Symptoms of Trauma: The Idea of Homeland in Bulgarian Poetry after 1989], authored by Dorota Gołek-Sepetliewa (Katowice: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego, 2023, pp. 389).
 
Liryka bułgarska o przeszłości i postsocjalistycznej współczesności
Recenzja monografii naukowej Pamięć kulturowa a symptomy traumy. Idea ojczyzny w liryce bułgarskiej po 1989 roku, autorstwa Doroty Gołek-Sepetliewej (Katowice: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego, 2023, 389 ss.).
Aggregation–Disaggregation Cycles in ERA5 Reanalysis
Authors: Maithel Vijit , Back Larissa
Published: October 2024

Understanding convective aggregation is very important for understanding tropical climate and climate sensitivity. However, we still lack a full understanding of how aggregation evolves in the real world or what phenomena and scales are analogous to the self-aggregation observed in idealized models. In this study, we apply the moist static energy (MSE) variance budget framework to ERA5 reanalysis data to study the evolution of large-scale aggregation over tropical oceans at basinwide scales. Our novel phase space diagnostics focus on the variability of observed aggregation compared to most previous self-aggregation studies, which focus more on the aggregated mean state. We visualize observed aggregation to evolve anomalously around a mean state in a cyclical fashion forming aggregation–disaggregation cycles. We find horizontal advection of MSE to play the primary role in determining when the domain aggregates or disaggregates. In contrast, all advective, radiative, and surface flux feedbacks are found important for determining the magnitude of the aggregation anomalies. Surface fluxes and horizontal advection tend to dampen aggregation anomalies, while radiative fluxes and vertical advection tend to amplify aggregation anomalies. Looking deeper into the advection terms, we find that changes in vertical advection are dominated by enhanced low-level subsidence over the dry regions during the more aggregated states. This creates an anomalous drying tendency over the dry regions, which maintains aggregation anomalies. In contrast, horizontal advection changes are found to be dominated by increased moisture advection out of the moist columns with stronger aggregation.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to characterize and understand the evolution of large-scale convective aggregation in the real world through reanalysis data. While most previous observational studies have focused on the evolution of clouds and cloud populations with aggregation, we focus on the energetics and the impact of aggregation on redistributing moisture throughout the domain. Our framework highlights that aggregation can be visualized as a continuously occurring cyclic feature at large scales in the tropics. Further, our work provides a deeper insight into the changes in large-scale circulation that accompany aggregation and characterizes the similarities and differences between the different regions in the tropics.
Quality of Life After Pediatric Tympanomastoidectomy
Authors: Lovin Benjamin D. , Nguyen Aaron C. , Lindquist Nathan R. , Nguyen Duc , Silva Rodrigo , Sweeney Alex D.
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

To assess quality of life (QOL) outcomes after canal wall up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy in the pediatric population.

Methods:

A retrospective review tabulated pediatric patients undergoing CWU and CWD tympanomastoidectomy for cholesteatoma by 2 senior surgeons at a single tertiary academic referral center between March 2017 and March 2023. Chronic Ear Survey (CES) and cosmetic survey outcomes were collected post-operatively.

Results:

A total of 77 ears in 75 patients were identified, with 35 undergoing CWU and 42 undergoing CWD as the most recent (index) otologic surgery. Seventeen patients (23%) participated in the survey. Of this cohort, the mean age was 14.6 years, 12 (71%) were male, and 10 (59%) had CWD as the most recent otologic surgery. The mean time from index surgery to survey completion was 3.4 years (range, 0.1-6.7 years). Regarding QOL outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in total CES score, CES subscores, and cosmetic survey scores between groups when categorizing by gender or index surgery. Total CES, symptom subscale, medical resource subscale, and cosmetic survey scores showed a tendency to decrease with an increasing number of surgeries ( R = −.18, −.28, −.53, and −.56, respectively). Pediatric total CES scores appeared comparable to those reported in the published adult literature.

Conclusions:

It does not appear that there are worse QOL outcomes for pediatric patients who undergo CWD tympanomastoidectomy compared to those who undergo CWU tympanomastoidectomy. There appears to be no difference in QOL outcomes between pediatric and adult patients undergoing tympanomastoidectomy.
A Narrative Review on the Impact of Teachers’ Support in the Prevention of Death by Suicide Among Young People
Authors: Borah Kallabi , Jose Tessy Treesa , Nagaraj Anil Kumar Mysore , George Linu Sara
Published: October 2024

Background:

Death by suicide among young people is a growing issue worldwide. Every year, 46000 children (10–19 years old) take their lives. Lack of social support is one of the causes of suicide in young people. This narrative review aims to highlight the impact of teachers’ support in the prevention of death by suicide among young people.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to find out the relevant studies using the keywords and synonyms of “social support,” “young,” “suicide,” and “teacher.” The original articles published in indexed and peer-reviewed English language journals in the last 10 years (2014–2023) were included in this review. The included articles were focused on teachers’ support in terms of the prevention of suicide among young people.

Results:

After screening the title-abstract and full-text articles, the review findings revealed that support from teachers has a positive impact on the prevention of suicide among young people. Young people who have higher teachers’ support show lower suicidal behaviors. Hence, teachers’ support acts as a protective factor against suicide in young people.

Conclusion:

The review concludes that teachers’ support has shown a positive impact on reducing suicidal behaviors among young people. Teachers are important sources of support in understanding suicidal behaviors in young people. Holistic support from each one of us is the enormous need to reduce the number of suicides. Studies have recommended that teachers’ support should be the focus of intervention, for example, school-based psychoeducation on young people’s suicide.
Seeking justice on social media: Funas as a localized form of Latin American youth activism
Authors: Rivera Sebastian , Etchegaray Nicolle , Gil de Zuñiga Homero , Correa Teresa
Published: October 2024

A funa, a public denouncement aimed at raising moral condemnation of a person accused of perpetrating a crime or injustice, has become a major digital activism instrument in Latin America, particularly in Chile. Originated in the human rights movement in the 1990s, funas re-emerged as a new form of online activism that hybridized with a Latin American and historical form of protest to exert informal justice through social media. Drawing on a face-to-face survey of Chilean youth aged 18–29 years, we examine the factors that explain young people’s attitudes and behaviors regarding funas. We find that funas are gendered, with issues like sexual harassment and misconduct being the primary subject of funas. We also show that women hold more positive views about funas and are more likely to engage in online funas. Finally, our findings indicate that individuals who trust the judicial system are less likely to share funas on social media.
Arthroscopic Debridement and Resection of a Bennett Lesion in a Collegiate Baseball Pitcher
Authors: Loughran Galvin J. , Hollyer Ian , Helenius Kevin , Heffner Michael , Freehill Michael T.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Overhead throwing athletes are predisposed to ossification along the superior to inferior posterior glenoid rim, termed thrower's exostosis or a Bennett lesion. These lesions can result in posterior shoulder pain during throwing and decreased shoulder range of motion, and they can be associated with posterior labral tears and undersurface rotator cuff tears. In this video technique, we describe the arthroscopic debridement and resection of a symptomatic unstable Bennett lesion in a collegiate baseball pitcher who had unsuccessful nonoperative treatment.

Indications:

Currently, there is no standard treatment algorithm for Bennett lesions. Arthroscopic intervention is typically indicated in overhead throwers who have unsuccessful nonoperative protocols, including stretching of the posterior capsule, strengthening of the rotator cuff, and injections.

Technique Description:

In the lateral decubitus position, standard posterior viewing and anterior working arthroscopic portals are created followed by diagnostic arthroscopy. A high anterior accessory portal is created to view the posterior labrum and evaluate for tears. The location of the Bennett lesion is determined using a switching stick or probe. In this case, an accessory posterior viewing portal and capsulotomy are created under spinal needle visualization and a 70° scope is utilized for an improved view. Through the capsulotomy, a motorized shaver and radiofrequency wand is used to work along the posterior inferior glenoid neck to expose the lesion. Once the lesion is fully demarked, a hooded bur is utilized to debride the entirety of the lesion back to the smooth bony surface of the glenoid neck. After resection, the capsule is left open to avoid overtightening the posterior capsule in overhead throwing athletes.

Results:

Arthroscopic debridement and resection of a symptomatic Bennett lesion in a collegiate baseball pitcher allowed the patient to return to pain-free pitching at the same level of collegiate play the following season.

Discussion/Conclusion:

An unstable Bennett lesion can be a source of pain in the overhead throwing athlete. If nonoperative treatment modalities fail to resolve symptoms, arthroscopic debridement and excision of this lesion utilizing a posterior capsulotomy and accessory posterior viewing portal as described in this video technique is a safe and effective surgical option.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Combined influence of physical activity and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio on mortality among older cancer survivors in the United States: a prospective cohort study
Authors: An Xiaoqin , Li Jingyi , Li Yuan , Liu Huanxian , Bai Junjun , Guo Qinxiang , Jiao Baoping
Published: October 2024

Background

Although a high C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is believed to increase mortality risk, the association between the physical activity (PA), CAR, and mortality among cancer survivors has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine this association among cancer survivors in the United States.

Methods

This cohort study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2010. PA was self-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and C-reactive protein and albumin levels were obtained from laboratory data files. Mortality data were obtained by linkage of the cohort database to the National Death Index as of December 31, 2019. The analysis was conducted from November 1 to December 31, 2023. We used Cox proportional hazards multivariable regression to assess hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for total and cancer-specific mortality risks attributable to PA and CAR.

Results

Among 2,232 cancer survivors, 325 (14.6%) reported no PA with a high CAR. During a follow-up of up to 20.75 years (median, 12.3 years; 27,453 person-years), 1,174 deaths occurred (cancer, 335; other, 839). A high CAR was observed to be consistently associated with the highest risks of total (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.37–1.85) and cancer-specific (HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.55–2.73) mortality compared with a low CAR in a series of adjusted models. Multivariable models showed that PA was associated with a lower risk of all-cause (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.52–0.69) and cancer-specific (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49–0.84) mortality compared with no PA. In the joint analyses, survivors with PA ≥ 600 metabolic equivalent min/wk and a low CAR were more likely to reduce the risk of total (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32–0.51) and cancer-specific (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.20–0.50) mortality by 59% and 68% compared with those with no PA and a high CAR.

Conclusion

The pairing of adequate PA and a low CAR was significantly associated with reduced all-cause and cancer-related mortality risks.
Protecting whose welfare? A document analysis of competition regulatory decisions in four jurisdictions across three harmful consumer product industries
Authors: Wood Benjamin , Karouzakis Chrissa , Sievert Katherine , Gallasch Sven , Sacks Gary
Published: October 2024

Background and methods

Competition regulation has a strong influence on the relative market power of firms. As such, competition regulation can complement industry-specific measures designed to address harms associated with excessive market power in harmful consumer product industries. This study aimed to examine, through a public health lens, assessments and decisions made by competition authorities in four jurisdictions (Australia, South Africa, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU)) involving three harmful consumer product industries (alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tobacco). We analysed legal case documents, sourced from online public registers and dating back as far as the online records extended, using a narrative approach. Regulatory decisions and harms described by the authorities were inductively coded, focusing on the affected group(s) (e.g., consumers) and the nature of the harms (e.g., price increases) identified.

Results

We identified 359 cases published by competition authorities in Australia (n = 202), South Africa (n = 44), the US (n = 27), and the EU (n = 86). Most cases (n = 239) related to mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Competition authorities in Australia, the US, and the EU were found to make many decisions oriented towards increasing the affordability and accessibility of alcohol beverages, soft drinks, and tobacco products. Such decisions were very often made despite the presence of consumption-reduction public health policies. In comparison, South Africa’s competition authorities routinely considered broader issues, including ‘Black Economic Empowerment’ and potential harms to workers.

Conclusion

Many of the competition regulatory decisions assessed likely facilitated the concentration of market power in the industries we explored. Nevertheless, there appears to be potential for competition regulatory frameworks to play a more prominent role in promoting and protecting the public’s health through tighter regulation of excessive market power in harmful consumer product industries.