bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foundations of Business
Authors: Gillespie Andrew
Published: August 2024

Foundations of Business offers diverse cases and coverage of the latest issues affecting businesses today. With a contemporary approach to the topic, the book provides a guide that reflects current business environments and the global nature of business. The book starts first by exploring the different types of organizations and their structures. It then moves on to explore the core aspects of a business such as marketing, accounting, and finance. It then considers people-centred issues such as leadership and business ethics. The book also looks at key external questions related to topics such as the competitive environment and corporate social responsibility; and the political, economic, social, and technological contexts in which businesses operate.
Introduction to Origins of Life Questions
Authors: Fahrenbach Albert C. , Cleaves Henderson J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter introduces basic questions about the origins of life on Earth. What is life, and can we define it? What is the history of the field, and what does the modern scientific understanding have to say? What is the ribonucleic acid (RNA) world hypothesis,...
Climate Change and Nature
Authors: Tilling Steve
Published: August 2024

Climate Change aims to raise awareness, knowledge, and understanding of climate-linked changes in nature and biodiversity affecting the plants and animals in the world’s seas, coastlines, lakes, and terrestrial habitats. It demonstrates how a substantial array of biological observations, research experiments, and models provide confidence in the accuracy and validity of current and future predictions. All levels of biological organisation from individual organisms to ecosystems are being influenced and changes are projected to increase in coming decades. However, much remains to be discovered and this primer highlights potential future roles in this field—from volunteers to career researchers—through which we might be able to transform and mitigate future impacts.
Climate Change and Patterns in Nature
Authors: Tilling Steve
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on climate change and patterns in nature. It explores how patterns and processes in nature are influenced by climate. Evidence gathered from individuals, species, and communities looks at the global impacts of climate change. This climate change has impacted on over 90 per cent of known ecological processes. However, if we were to assume that climate change is the sole inflence in species development, range expansions in many species are not as large as expected. This means that biological processes are likely to be important influences. The chapter then argues that there is a concern that biological responses may be lagging behind climate impacts and, in some cases, may be leading to a hidden extinction debt.
Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Climate Change
Authors: Tilling Steve
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers the interplay between biodiversity, Ecosystem Services (ES), and climate change. It discusses how healthy biodiversity will help people tackle threats from climate change, referring to the significance of traditional nature reserves and protected areas. Moreover, ES and Nature Based Solutions are being used increasingly to highlight ways in which nature helps to make human life both possible and worth living. The chapter explains the provisioning of ecosystem services, particularly agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It shows that attempts to protect the essential biodiversity needed to maintain and strengthen future ES in the face of climate change will depend on wide and prolonged community involvement.
Vegetative Growth and Senescence
Authors: Taiz Lincoln , Møller Ian Max , Murphy Angus , Peer Wendy A.
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on vegetative growth and plant senescence. During seedling establishment, the basic polarities of the seedling axes are set up and the major tissue types are differentiated. The next developmental stage produces the mature primary plant body. In the shoot, numerous leaves form and specialized cell types differentiate. Throughout the vegetative life of the plant, the process of leaf senescence recycles organic constituents and mineral nutrients from old to newly formed leaves. Eventually, the whole plant undergoes senescence as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The chapter then looks at the root apical meristem and the shoot apicial meristem, leaf structure and phyllotaxy, differentiation of epidermal cell types, venation patterns in leaves, shoot branching and architecture, shade avoidance, root branching and architecture, secondary growth, leaf abscission and plant senescence.
Habitat Selection, Territoriality, and Aggression
Authors: Nordell Shawn E. , Valone Thomas J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on animals' habitat selection, territoriality, and aggression. The ideal free distribution model (IFD) explains how animals distribute themselves among habitats following the assumption that animals act to maximize survival and reproduction in their selected habitats. The number of individuals in a habitat is proportional to habitat quality and fitness. Animals often defend a territory to secure resources, while distributions change when individuals are not free to select a habitat occupied by dominant animals. Additionally, the chapter explores how hormones and a winner-challenge effect could impact aggression. It also tackles how game theory models are used to showcase how the decisions of opponents and resource value influence fighting behavior.
Microbial Bio-Production
Authors: Yeoman Kay , Fahnert Beatrix , Lea-Smith David , Clarke Tom
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers the extent of microbial bio-production. It examines the role microorganisms play in bio-production and the production of pharmaceuticals by microorganisms. Microbial products have a varied chemical nature, which depends on the host that naturally produces them, and their function. Microorganisms are a major source of vitamins. For example, biotin, β-carotene, and vitamin D2, which are produced naturally in bacteria or fungi and recombinant hosts. The chapter mentions how metabolic engineering allows for the use of cheap substrates for microbial production of compounds for advanced biofuels. It also provides an overview of the key concepts surrounding polymers, biofuels, and electrogenic bacteria.
Using Extremophiles in Biotechnology
Authors: Yeoman Kay , Fahnert Beatrix , Lea-Smith David , Clarke Tom
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers the usage and application of extremophiles in biotechnology. Even though microorganisms can survive and grow in extreme environments, individual organisms have a minimum and maximum level that supports growth, and an optimum level, where growth is fastest. The chapter explains that pH value affects the charge and dissociation of biological molecules and therefore their availability for any biochemical reactions. It then looks into how extremophile adaptations can have applications in biotechnology, presenting a figure of how extremozymes can be used to process various sustainable feedstock materials. Additionally, extremophile adaptations can be responsible for contaminating and impairing industrial processes.
Ethical Considerations
Authors: Yeoman Kay , Fahnert Beatrix , Lea-Smith David , Clarke Tom
Published: August 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the ethical considerations surrounding microbial biotechnology. Biotechnology allows for the development of tools and processes which benefit current and future generations. Thus, the industry affects all aspects of life and only highlights the importance of ethics and regulations in biotechnology. The chapter elaborates on the public perception of microorganisms and biotechnology before considering the context of biopatients. It also looks into the ethical issues that surround bioweapons and bioterrorism, referencing their potential to destabilize the economy and cause panic. Thus, communication is vital and ethical matrices are frequently used to facilitate the discussion and decision.
New ideas and promising avenues
Authors: Divan Aysha , Royds Janice
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers how to use current expanding knowledge to overcome the challenges of treating multiple diseases. Cancers evolve over time. This is because the genetic makeup of a tumour changes as a result of frequent mutations. Such mutations often enable the cancer to develop resistance or immunity to the initial treatment. The chapter explains that the development of drug resistance is the major cause of cancer treatment failure. Moreover, large-scale cancer genome studies have helped generate huge amounts of data that are transforming the understanding of the development of cancer and causing an improvement of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The chapter also cites the potential of AI to improve the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnoses.
Forest and Mineral Resources: Materials to Make Stuff
Authors: Niesenbaum Richard
Published: August 2024

This chapter measures the extent that forest and mineral resources need to be renewable to meet the criteria for sustainability. It examines the root causes of deforestation and the connections among forests, deforestation, and global political economics. Forest transition theory offers several explanations as to why a large proportion of deforested land eventually reverts to forest. Essentially, the chapter argues, policy, management, and innovation could improve the overall sustainability of forest resources and the planet. The chapter also cites that a transition to a circular economy and a focus on reuse and recycling are necessary to make mineral resources to be more sustainable.
Solving Our Garbage Problem
Authors: Niesenbaum Richard
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers the production and the management of waste. It cites that the production of waste will undermine any of the other sustainability efforts unless there are radical changes to the way people use resources and generate waste. The rise and production of waste have both drastic economic and environmental costs. Thus, policy solutions can help improve waste management, which includes laws that govern landfills, apply stringent emission standards for incineration, and encourage recycling and composting. The chapter looks into new technologies and innovative business concepts that can enhance waste management and methods of capturing energy from garbage, such as waste-to-energy incineration.
This is just the beginning
Authors: Gaskell Elsie E.
Published: August 2024

This chapter reviews the essence of pharmacy as an interdisciplinary profession. It explains that pharmacy involves the study of therapeutic molecules and their clinical uses. Disease states often occur as a consequence of the equilibria being disrupted. The homeostasis of a system may be disrupted as a direct or indirect consequence of a disease state. The chapter then provides an overview of an integrated approach to disease states, referencing the interplay between physiology, biochemistry, and therapeutics alongside the interrelated chemical and pharmaceutical sciences. It also suggests recognizing the links between the scientific and practice elements of the profession to understand different approaches and topics.
Phase equilibria and transitions
Authors: Enoch Steve
Published: August 2024

This chapter introduces the notions of phase, phase equilibria, and phase transitions. Phase transitions occur at a specific temperature and pressure and, in certain conditions, the phases involved are at equilibrium. Phase diagrams for two-component systems illustrate the preferred phase/phases at a given temperature, pressure being kept constant. The composition of the solid, liquid, and vapour phases can be determined on an appropriate phase diagram from the intersection of an isotherm with the solidus, liquidus, or vaporus. The chapter also shows that three-component phase diagrams are used to illustrate the preferred phase/phases of a system containing three substances at constant temperature and pressure.
Interference of skeleton photoperiod in circadian clock and photosynthetic efficiency of tea plant: in-depth analysis of mathematical model
Authors: Hu Zhi-Hang , Huang Ting , Zhang Nan , Chen Chen , Yang Kai-Xin , Sun Meng-Zhen , Yang Ni , Chen Yi , Tao Jian-Ping , Liu Hui , Li Xing-Hui , Chen Xuan , You Xiong , Xiong Ai-Sheng , Zhuang Jing
Published: August 2024

The circadian system of plants is a complex physiological mechanism, a biological process in which plants can adjust themselves according to the day and night cycle. To understand the effects of different photoperiods on the biological clock of tea plants, we analyzed the expression levels of core clock genes (CCA1, PRR9, TOC1, ELF4) and photosynthesis-related genes (Lhcb, RbcS, atpA) under normal light (light/dark = 12 h/12 h, 12L12D) and took the cost function defined by cycle and phase errors as the basic model parameter. In the continuous light environment (24 h light, 24L), the peak activity and cycle of key genes that control the biological clock and photosynthesis were delayed by 1–2 h. Under a skeleton photoperiod (6L6D, 3L3D), the expression profiles of clock genes and photosynthesis-related genes in tea plants were changed and stomatal opening showed a circadian rhythm. These observations suggest that a skeleton photoperiod may have an effect on the circadian rhythm, photosynthetic efficiency and stomatal regulation of tea plants. Our study and model analyzed the components of circadian rhythms under different photoperiodic pathways, and also revealed the underlying mechanisms of circadian regulation of photosynthesis in tea plants.
Efficacy of Vaccination and Revaccination Against Hepatitis B Virus Using 2 Different Strategies in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Markopoulos Panagiotis , Karmiris Konstantinos , Dimas Ioannis , Voudoukis Evangelos , Siakavellas Spyridon , Axiaris Georgios , Zacharopoulou Eirini , Zampeli Evanthia , Tsironi Eftychia , Tzouvala Maria , Papatheodoridis Georgios , Bamias Georgios
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit an increased risk for acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV), thus they should be vaccinated preferably, if not already infected or immunized. We assessed the efficacy of HBV vaccination in IBD patients and impact of different factors on the immune response. We also evaluated the success rate of 2 different revaccination strategies in the nonresponders.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study carried out in 5 tertiary centers. All patients were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), and antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen. Patients tested negative and underwent the standard schedule with 20 µg at 0, 1, and 6 months. Nonresponders (anti-HBs <10 IU/L) were offered a revaccination scheme with either 3 doses of 40 µg at 0, 1, and 6 months or an accelerated scheme with 20 µg at 0, 1, and 2 months.

Results

A total of 409 patients were included, and 273 (66.7%) of those (females: 49.5%; Crohn’s disease [CD]: 56.7%) responded to baseline vaccination. A total of 189 (69.2%) of 273 (females: 48.1%; CD: 60.3%) developed anti-HBs >100 IU/L. Body mass index <30 kg/m2 (P = .017) was positively associated, while diagnosis of CD (P = .013), extensive UC (P <.0001), extraintestinal manifestations (P = .001), and treatment with immunomodulators/anti-tumor necrosis factor (P < .00) negatively affected the response. Revaccination was offered to 103 patients, and 58.3% of them achieved anti-HBs >10 IU/L. Both revaccination strategies were equally effective.

Conclusions

IBD patients demonstrate lower response to HBV vaccination compared with the general population. Age, body mass index, type, disease activity, and immunosuppression negatively affect the response. Half of nonresponders may benefit from an enhanced revaccination attempt.
Accounting for spatio-temporal distribution changes in size-structured abundance estimates for a data-limited stock of Raja clavata
Authors: Staeudle Timo Michael , Parmentier Bram , Poos Jan Jaap
Published: August 2024

Vulnerability of elasmobranchs to fishing and declines in populations over the last decades have prompted calls for improved fisheries management and conservation efforts. The Raja clavata (Thornback ray) population in the Greater North Sea ecoregion is a population that has historically shown marked declines with increasing industrialized fishing, while a lack of robust catch data of commercial fisheries hampers assessment of population abundance. Using fisheries-independent survey catch data haul-by-haul surface area estimates, we employ integrated-nested Laplace approximation to estimate total and size-class abundances of R. clavata. By accounting for spatio-temporal changes in the population, size selectivity between survey gears, and minimizing bias from partially overlapping survey areas, we demonstrate major changes in the abundance and distribution over the past three decades. Notably, increases of abundance in the Eastern English Channel and south-eastern North Sea result in an overall increase in the abundance and biomass of the population. Our findings expand understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics and exploitation of this data-limited stock, emphasizing the potential for improved population abundance estimates to inform future stock assessments.
Optimizing wastewater treatment plants with advanced feature selection and sensor technologies
Authors: Timiraos Míriam , Águila Jesús F , Arce Elena , Núñez Moisés Alberto GarcÍa , Zayas-Gato Francisco , Quintián Héctor
Published: August 2024

This research establishes a foundational framework for the development of virtual sensors and provides significant preliminary results. Our study specifically focuses on identifying the key factors essential for accurately predicting total nitrogen in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants. This contribution enhances the predictive capabilities and operational efficiency of these plants, demonstrating the practical benefits of integrating advanced feature selection methods and innovative sensor technologies. These findings provide crucial insights and pave the way for future advancements in the field. In this study, four different feature selection methods are employed to comprehensively explore the variables influencing total nitrogen predictions. The effectiveness of these methods is then evaluated by applying three regression techniques. The findings indicate acceptable levels of accuracy in all applied cases, with one method demonstrating particularly promising results, applicable to several wastewater treatment plants. This validation of the selected variables not only underlines their effectiveness, but also lays the foundation for future virtual sensor applications. The integration of such sensors promises to improve the accuracy and reliability of predictions, marking a significant advance in wastewater treatment plant instrumentation.
Unusual spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage: three case reports
Authors: Lovitskyi Yurii , Romanenko Yaryna , Shcherbyna Maksym , Zadorozhna Kristina , Kalyna Roman , Herasymenko Evhen , Kopchak Kostiantyn
Published: August 2024

Introduction and importance: Spontaneous hemoperitoneum (SH) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by nontraumatic and non-iatrogenic intraperitoneal bleeding. This article explores three unique cases of SH, shedding light on unusual causes and emphasizing the critical role of diagnostic imaging and exploratory laparotomy in management. Methods: The study was a retrospective single-center non-consecutive case series. Results: We report three distinct cases of SH, each originating from uncommon sources: rupture of greater omentum arterio-venous malformation, a branch of the left gastric artery, and pathological splenic rupture. Clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and surgical interventions are detailed for each case. Conclusion: These rare cases underscore the diverse etiologies of SH, including idiopathic omental bleeding, gastric intramural hematoma, and atraumatic splenic rupture. Enhanced CT imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, enabling the characterization of underlying pathologies. Exploratory laparotomy proves to be an essential treatment option for unstable patients with suspected or confirmed diagnoses of SH.
Surgical approach of anorectal mucosal melanoma with locoregional disease – a case report
Authors: Quinn Rakesh , Ellis-Clark Jodie
Published: August 2024

Anorectal mucosal melanoma is rare entity. There is currently no consensus on optimal surgical treatment for loco-regional anorectal melanoma that has a favourable outcome. Abdominoperineal resection has not shown a survival benefit over wide local excision due to the inevitable distant recurrence. With local excision considered favourable given reduced surgical morbidity and avoidance of permanent stoma. However, anorectal melanomas are often diagnosed late, with an increased tumour size and depth of primary lesions, increasing the risk of local recurrence and subsequent disease morbidity when excised locally. The decision to proceed to local excision versus abdominoperineal resection is complex, it needs to be individualized, based on primary tumour clinicopathological features and driven by multidisciplinary discussion, with the goal to improve quality and quantity of life. We present a case of a 66-year-old female with anorectal mucosal melanoma with locoregional disease and our surgical approach.
Colorectal adenocarcinoma of the interposed colon after esophagectomy in infancy: a case report
Authors: Schraps Nina , Mercanoglu Baris , Giannou Anastasios , Witthöft Thomas , Hackert Thilo , Melling Nathaniel
Published: August 2024

Colorectal carcinomas are a rare but possible complication in an interposed colonic segment used for reconstruction after esophagectomy. We report the case of a patient who underwent colonic interposition surgery in childhood due to esophageal atresia and was diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma of the interposed colon ~57 years later. The patient underwent gastric pull-up after thoraco-abdominal resection of the colonic interposition en bloc with the adjacent remaining esophagus.
Asymptomatic Rectal Bacterial Pathogens Show Large Prospective Relationships With HIV Incidence in a Cohort of Young Sexual and Gender Minorities: Implications for STI Screening and HIV Prevention
Authors: Baiers Ross A , Ryan Daniel T , Clifford Antonia , Munson Erik , D’Aquila Richard , Newcomb Michael E , Mustanski Brian
Published: August 2024

Background

We estimated the predictive value of rectal (bacterial sexually transmitted infection [bSTI]) pathogen detection for future HIV seroconversion among young adult sexual and gender minorities (YSGMs) assigned male at birth (AMAB).

Methods

Data were collected between March 2018 and August 2022 from RADAR, a longitudinal cohort study of YSGMs AMAB living in the Chicago metropolitan area (n = 1022). Rates of rectal bSTIs and the proportion of self-reported rectal bSTI symptoms are reported. We examined whether the presence of rectal bSTIs predicted HIV seroconversion using generalized estimating equations (GEEs).

Results

Participants tested reactive for rectal Mycoplasma genitalium (MGen), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) at a rate of 20.8 (95% CI, 18.4–23.5), 6.5 (95% CI, 5.0–8.2), and 8.4 (95% CI, 6.8–10.3) cases per 100 persons, respectively. There were no statistically significant pairwise differences in self-reported rectal bSTI symptoms between participants with self-collected swabs testing nonreactive vs reactive for rectal MGen (χ2 = 0.04; P = .84), NG (χ2 = 0.45; P = .37), or CT (χ2 = 0.39; P = .46). In multivariate GEE analysis, rectal NG (adjusted odds ratio, 5.11; 95% CI, 1.20–21.77) was a statistically significant predictor of HIV seroconversion after controlling for other bSTIs, demographics, and sexual risk behavior.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a robust longitudinal estimation of the relationship between primarily asymptomatic rectal NG nucleic acid detection and HIV infection. These findings highlight the importance of asymptomatic screening for bSTIs and targeting biobehavioral intervention to prevent HIV infection among YSGMs with rectal bSTI agents detected.
Flavonols improve tomato pollen thermotolerance during germination and tube elongation by maintaining reactive oxygen species homeostasis
Authors: Postiglione Anthony E , Delange Allison M , Ali Mohammad Foteh , Wang Eric Y , Houben Maarten , Hahn Stacy L , Khoury Maleana G , Roark Colleen M , Davis Molly , Reid Robert W , Pease James B , Loraine Ann E , Muday Gloria K
Published: August 2024

Elevated temperatures impair pollen performance and reproductive success, resulting in lower crop yields. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) anthocyanin reduced (are) mutant harbors a mutation in FLAVANONE 3-HYDROXYLASE (F3H), resulting in impaired flavonol antioxidant biosynthesis. The are mutant has reduced pollen performance and seed set relative to the VF36 parental line, phenotypes that are accentuated at elevated temperatures. Transformation of are with the wild-type F3H gene, or chemical complementation with flavonols, prevented temperature-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in pollen and restored the reduced viability, germination, and tube elongation of are to VF36 levels. Overexpression of F3H in VF36 prevented temperature-driven ROS increases and impaired pollen performance, revealing that flavonol biosynthesis promotes thermotolerance. Although stigmas of are had reduced flavonol and elevated ROS levels, the growth of are pollen tubes was similarly impaired in both are and VF36 pistils. RNA-seq was performed at optimal and stress temperatures in are, VF36, and the F3H overexpression line at multiple timepoints across pollen tube elongation. The number of differentially expressed genes increased over time under elevated temperatures in all genotypes, with the greatest number in are. These findings suggest potential agricultural interventions to combat the negative effects of heat-induced ROS in pollen that lead to reproductive failure.
Dual roles of the MPK3 and MPK6 mitogen-activated protein kinases in regulating Arabidopsis stomatal development
Authors: Wu Mengyun , Wang Shiyuan , Ma Panpan , Li Bixin , Hu Huiqing , Wang Ziling , Qiu Qin , Qiao Yujie , Niu Dongdong , Lukowitz Wolfgang , Zhang Shuqun , Zhang Mengmeng
Published: August 2024

An Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade composed of YODA (YDA)-MKK4/MKK5-MPK3/MPK6 plays an essential role downstream of the ERECTA (ER)/ER-LIKE (ERL) receptor complex in regulating stomatal development in the leaf epidermis. STOMAGEN (STO), a peptide ligand produced in mesophyll cells, competes with EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR2 (EPF2) for binding ER/ERL receptors to promote stomatal formation. In this study, we found that activation of MPK3/MPK6 suppresses STO expression. Using MUTE and STO promoters that confer epidermis- and mesophyll-specific expression, respectively, we generated lines with cell-specific activation and suppression of MPK3/MPK6. The activation or suppression of MPK3/MPK6 in either epidermis or mesophyll cells is sufficient to alter stomatal differentiation. Epistatic analyses demonstrated that STO overexpression can rescue the suppression of stomatal formation conferred by the mesophyll-specific expression of the constitutively active MKK4DD or MKK5DD, but not by the epidermis-specific expression of these constitutively active MKKs. These data suggest that STO is downstream of MPK3/MPK6 in mesophyll cells, but upstream of MPK3/MPK6 in epidermal cells in stomatal development signaling. This function of the MPK3/MPK6 cascade allows it to coordinate plant epidermis development based on its activity in mesophyll cells during leaf development.
Small GTPase PvARFR2 interacts with cytosolic ABA receptor kinase 3 to enhance alkali tolerance in switchgrass
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Tingting , Guan Cong , He Junyi , Zang Hui , Wang Ziyao , Bi Xiaojing , Zhang Yunwei , Wang Hui
Published: August 2024

Soil alkalization has become a serious problem that limits plant growth through osmotic stress, ionic imbalance, and oxidative stress. Understanding how plants resist alkali stress has practical implications for alkaline-land utilization. In this study, we identified a small GTPase, PvARFR2 (ADP ribosylation factors related 2), that positively regulates alkali tolerance in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and uncovered its potential mode of action. Overexpressing PvARFR2 in switchgrass and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) conferred transformant tolerance to alkali stress, demonstrated by alleviated leaf wilting, less oxidative injury, and a lower Na+/K+ ratio under alkali conditions. Conversely, switchgrass PvARFR2-RNAi and its homolog mutant atgb1 in Arabidopsis displayed alkali sensitives. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that cytosolic abscisic acid (ABA) receptor kinase PvCARK3 transcript levels were higher in PvARFR2 overexpression lines compared to the controls and were strongly induced by alkali treatment in shoots and roots. Phenotyping analysis revealed that PvCARK3-OE × atgb1 lines were sensitive to alkali similar to the Arabidopsis atgb1 mutant, indicating that PvARFR2/AtGB1 functions in the same pathway as PvCARK3 under alkaline stress conditions. Application of ABA on PvARFR2-OE and PvCARK3-OE switchgrass transformants resulted in ABA sensitivity. Moreover, we determined that PvARFR2 physically interacts with PvCARK3 in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that a small GTPase, PvARFR2, positively responds to alkali stress by interacting with the cytosolic ABA receptor kinase PvCARK3, connecting the alkaline stress response to ABA signaling.
The Yoke of Objectivity in Public Administration (and Beyond)
Authors: Beaton Erynn E , Raadschelders Jos C N , Wilson Gregory D , Khurana Shaun , Rodriguez Leach Nicole
Published: August 2024

Objective research has become an institution, one born out of the Enlightenment, and one that continues to burden public administration scholarship (and, we suspect, much scholarship in the social sciences). As we show, objectivity is a complex, multi-dimensional concept that commands its normative status through dominant philosophies of science. We problematize objectivity, focusing on the dimension of objectivity that suggests research can and should be value-free. Many scholars have contested this notion of objectivity, especially those arguing that research claiming to be value-neutral has done real harm to marginalized groups and undermined social equity. From this basis, we invite public administration scholars to remove the yoke of objectivity for a more honest, conscientious, and forthright field where scholars incorporate greater reflexivity into and take greater responsibility for the social impact of their work.
Getting out and giving back: repertoires of destigmatization in the private social safety net
Authors: Bolger Daniel
Published: August 2024

Receiving assistance can be stigmatizing. As the cash welfare rolls have fallen to near-historic lows, the privatization of the social safety net in many states has brought up new questions about how recipients of assistance meet their material needs without sacrificing their sense of dignity. I draw on 15 months of ethnographic observation and 44 interviews with social service recipients in two majority Black neighborhoods in Houston, Texas to explore how they destigmatize their encounters with social service providers. I find that service recipients primarily seek out organizations that will treat them with respect due to the stigma attached to receiving assistance. This stigma is both racialized and gendered, such that groups with identities congruent with negative stereotypes about welfare recipients—like Black women—see themselves at higher risk of stigmatization and therefore practice destigmatization strategies with greater frequency. I build on these findings by highlighting two repertoires of destigmatization that service recipients draw upon to access both material and symbolic resources simultaneously: getting out of their neighborhoods to receive services anonymously and giving back by volunteering at local organizations. In doing so, I highlight multiple pathways through which residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods move from stigmatization to destigmatization in the welfare system.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Unique Effector HopZ5 Interacts with GF14C to Trigger Plant Immunity
Authors: Zhou Mingxia , Zhang Jinglong , Zhao Zhibo , Liu Wei , Wu Zhiran , Huang Lili
Published: August 2024

The bacterial canker of kiwifruit caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae ( Psa) is the most devastating disease threatening the global kiwifruit production. This pathogen delivers multiple effector proteins into plant cells to resist plant immune responses and facilitate their survival. Here, we focused on the unique effector HopZ5 in Psa, which previously has been reported to have virulence functions. In this study, our results showed that HopZ5 could cause macroscopic cell death and trigger a serious immune response by agroinfiltration in Nicotiana benthamiana, along with upregulated expression of immunity-related genes and significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species and callose. Subsequently, we confirmed that HopZ5 interacted with the phosphoserine-binding protein GF14C in both the nonhost plant N. benthamiana (NbGF14C) and the host plant kiwifruit (AcGF14C), and silencing of NbGF14C compromised HopZ5-mediated cell death, suggesting that GF14C plays a crucial role in the detection of HopZ5. Further studies showed that overexpression of NbGF14C both markedly reduced the infection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phytophthora capsica in N. benthamiana, and overexpression of AcGF14C significantly enhanced the resistance of kiwifruit against Psa, indicating that GF14C positively regulates plant immunity. Collectively, our results revealed that the virulence effector HopZ5 could be recognized by plants and interact with GF14C to activate plant immunity.
Dual and triple gene combinations of KRT5, KRT17, and S100A2 identify basal‐like subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and correlate with survival outcome
Authors: Chen Qiangxing , Chen Zixin , Zhang Jing , Cai Yunqiang , Wu Shangdi , He Du , Cheng Ke , Gu Xiafei , Cai Yu , Wang Xin , Li Yongbin , Zhang Man , Wu Zhong , Peng Bing
Published: August 2024

There is a significant difference in prognosis and response to chemotherapy between basal and classical subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Further biomarkers are required to identify subtypes of PDAC. We selected candidate biomarkers via review articles. Correlations between these candidate markers and the PDAC molecular subtype gene sets were analyzed using bioinformatics, confirming the biomarkers for identifying classical and basal subtypes. Subsequently, 298 PDAC patients were included, and their tumor tissues were immunohistochemically stratified using these biomarkers. Survival data underwent analysis, including Cox proportional hazards modeling. Our results indicate that the pairwise and triple combinations of KRT5/KRT17/S100A2 exhibit a higher correlation coefficient with the basal‐like subtype gene set, whereas the corresponding combinations of GATA6/HNF4A/TFF1 show a higher correlation with the classical subtype gene set. Whether analyzing unmatched or propensity‐matched data, the overall survival time was significantly shorter for the basal subtype compared with the classical subtype (p < .001), with basal subtype patients also facing a higher risk of mortality (HR = 4.017, 95% CI 2.675–6.032, p < .001). In conclusion, the combined expression of KRT5, KRT17, and S100A2, in both pairwise and triple combinations, independently predicts shorter overall survival in PDAC patients and likely identifies the basal subtype. Similarly, the combined expression of GATA6, HNF4A, and TFF1, in the same manner, may indicate the classical subtype. In our study, the combined application of established biomarkers offers valuable insights for the prognostic evaluation of PDAC patients.
Off-label Use of Lamotrigine and Naltrexone in the Treatment of Ketamine Use Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Avra Tucker , Vasudevan Felipe , Mukherjee Rohit , Morton Isabella , Samuels Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic increasingly utilized in United States medical settings for the treatment of mental health conditions. Additionally, it is increasingly used in nonmedical settings for its dissociative properties. While nonmedical ketamine use and ketamine use disorder (KUD) have been observed internationally, KUD, and approaches to its treatment, have not been previously described in the US.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 32-year-old man with KUD who experienced severe cravings despite receipt of residential and intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment. He resumed use after an initial period of abstinence and was subsequently started on lamotrigine and naltrexone for treatment of depressive symptoms and cravings. This combination altered his experience while on ketamine, resulting in nausea and decreased hallucinogenic effects. In addition, it substantially decreased his cravings, aiding him in achieving longer-term abstinence in combination with receipt of dialectical behavioral therapy, familial support, and involvement in 12-step programming.

Discussion

KUD is a poorly described condition that may become more prevalent as US ketamine use increases. Combining treatment of depressive symptoms and cravings, in this case with lamotrigine and naltrexone, may be a promising pharmacotherapeutic strategy. Lamotrigine, an antiepileptic with glutamate modulating effects, has been utilized to decrease cravings in a variety of substance use disorders. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist approved for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder and is used off-label for stimulant use disorder. This combination offers a possible pharmacotherapeutic option for KUD with more research needed to further evaluate.
Contemporary Practice Patterns in the Treatment of Cervical Stenosis and Central Cord Syndrome
Authors: Levy Hannah A. , Pinter Zachariah W. , Kazarian Erick R. , Sodha Sonal , Rhee John M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Freedman Brett A. , Nassr Ahmad N. , Karamian Brian A. , Sebastian Arjun S. , Currier Bradford
Published: August 2024

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Objective:

To evaluate for areas of consensus and divergence of opinion within the spine community regarding the management of cervical spondylotic conditions and acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) and the influence of the patient's age, disease severity, and myelomalacia.

Summary of Background Data:

There is ongoing disagreement regarding the indications for, and urgency of, operative intervention in patients with mild degenerative myelopathy, moderate to severe radiculopathy, isolated axial symptomatology with evidence of spinal cord compression, and ATCCS without myelomalacia.

Methods:

A survey request was sent to 330 attendees of the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) 2021 Annual Meeting to assess practice patterns regarding the treatment of cervical stenosis, myelopathy, radiculopathy, and ATCCS in 16 unique clinical vignettes with associated MRIs. Operative versus nonoperative treatment consensus was defined by a management option selected by >80% of survey participants.

Results:

Overall, 116 meeting attendees completed the survey. Consensus supported nonoperative management for elderly patients with axial neck pain and adults with axial neck pain without myelomalacia. Operative management was indicated for adult patients with mild myelopathy and myelomalacia, adult patients with severe radiculopathy, elderly patients with severe radiculopathy and myelomalacia, and elderly ATCCS patients with pre-existing myelopathic symptoms. Treatment discrepancy in favor of nonoperative management was found for adult patients with isolated axial symptomatology and myelomalacia. Treatment discrepancy favored operative management for elderly patients with mild myelopathy, adult patients with mild myelopathy without myelomalacia, elderly patients with severe radiculopathy without myelomalacia, and elderly ATCCS patients without preceding symptoms.

Conclusions:

Although there is uncertainty regarding the treatment of mild myelopathy, operative intervention was favored for nonelderly patients with evidence of myelomalacia or radiculopathy and for elderly patients with ATCCS, especially if pre-injury myelopathic symptoms were present.

Level of Evidence:

Level V.
Superficial Peroneal Nerve Laceration and Repair in the Setting of a Bosworth Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Black Natalie R. , Troutman Taylor , Goodwin Margaret A. , Chen Jie
Published: August 2024

The superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) is at increased risk of injury in the setting of ankle fractures. We report a case of SPN laceration in the setting of a Bosworth fracture that likely occurred as the fibula became entrapped behind the tibia upon initial injury, pulling the SPN posterior and resulting in a traction tear. Radiographic evaluation performed when the patient presented to the emergency department demonstrated a Bosworth fracture, widening of the medial clear space, and posterior ankle dislocation. Closed reduction was attempted. Although the fibula remained entrapped behind the tibia, the talus was successfully reduced, and a short leg splint was applied. Fracture fixation and acute, direct repair of the nerve were completed during operative fixation 15 days from the initial injury, following the resolution of soft tissue swelling. The patient reported a complete return of sensation in SPN distribution 2 weeks postoperatively. Radiography showed an anatomically reduced ankle with hardware intact and in place. At 1-year follow-up, SPN sensation remained intact, radiography ultimately indicated a healed fracture site, and the patient reported that she was able to ambulate without pain. Our case provides support for acute, direct repair of SPN lacerations in concomitant Bosworth fractures. Level of Evidence: Level V, case report.
Pan-lysyl oxidase inhibition disrupts fibroinflammatory tumor stroma, rendering cholangiocarcinoma susceptible to chemotherapy
Authors: Burchard Paul R. , Ruffolo Luis I. , Ullman Nicholas A. , Dale Benjamin S. , Dave Yatee A. , Hilty Bailey K. , Ye Jian , Georger Mary , Jewell Rachel , Miller Christine , De Las Casas Luis , Jarolimek Wolfgang , Perryman Lara , Byrne Matthew M. , Loria Anthony , Marin Chelsea , Chávez Villa Mariana , Yeh Jen Jen , Belt Brian A. , Linehan David C. , Hernandez-Alejandro Roberto
Published: August 2024

Background:

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) features highly desmoplastic stroma that promotes structural and functional resistance to therapy. Lysyl oxidases (LOX, LOXL1–4) catalyze collagen cross-linking, thereby increasing stromal rigidity and facilitating therapeutic resistance. Here, we evaluate the role of lysyl oxidases in stromal desmoplasia and the effects of pan-lysyl oxidase (pan-LOX) inhibition in CCA.

Methods:

Resected CCA and normal liver specimens were analyzed from archival tissues. Spontaneous and orthotopic murine models of intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) were used to assess the impact of the pan-LOX inhibitor PXS-5505 in treatment and correlative studies. The functional role of pan-LOX inhibition was interrogated through in vivo and ex vivo assays.

Results:

All 5 lysyl oxidases are upregulated in CCA and reduced lysyl oxidase expression is correlated with an improved prognosis in resected patients with CCA. Spontaneous and orthotopic murine models of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma upregulate all 5 lysyl oxidase isoforms. Pan-LOX inhibition reversed mechanical compression of tumor vasculature, resulting in improved chemotherapeutic penetrance and cytotoxic efficacy. The combination of chemotherapy with pan-LOX inhibition increased damage-associated molecular pattern release, which was associated with improved antitumor T-cell responses. Pan-LOX inhibition downregulated macrophage invasive signatures in vitro, rendering tumor-associated macrophages more susceptible to chemotherapy. Mice bearing orthotopic and spontaneously occurring intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tumors exhibited delayed tumor growth and improved survival following a combination of pan-LOX inhibition with chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

CCA upregulates all 5 lysyl oxidase isoforms, and pan-LOX inhibition reverses tumor-induced mechanical forces associated with chemotherapy resistance to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy and reprogram antitumor immune responses. Thus, combination therapy with pan-LOX inhibition represents an innovative therapeutic strategy in CCA.
The Relationship Between Voluntary Participation Status and Health Promotion Lifestyle Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the Community
Authors: Tai Kuo-Bin , Su Mei-Chen , Hsieh Pei-Lin , Wu Fei-Ling
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the characteristics, health status, and health-promoting lifestyles of volunteer workers who participate in the community among middle-aged and older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 173 middle-aged and older adults volunteers from 2 communities in North Taiwan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included Demographic Characteristics Form, Self-Rated Health Status Scale, and Health Promotion Lifestyle Scale. Most of the volunteers were female, with an average age of 60.41 (±9.30) years. The average item score for the health promotion lifestyle was 74.07 (SD = 19.27). Participants scored highest on the social support subscales and lowest on the exercise subscales, followed by health responsibility subscales. Multiple regression analysis revealed that an average of 6 to 8 hours of volunteer services per week, diversity of volunteer services, and self-rated health status were each significantly associated with a greater health promotion lifestyle. Community health care workers should strengthen community volunteer support networks and motivate volunteers to attend health-related classes. Various community activities can remind each volunteer of their health responsibilities and awareness of a healthy promotion lifestyle.
Effect of Protective Eyewear on Physicians’ Lens Exposure during Fluoroscopy
Authors: Hitomi Takahira , Takashi Kudo , Reiko Ideguchi
Published: August 2024

The ICRP 2011 Seoul Statement recommended a reduction in the dose limit for lens exposure to 100 mSv for 5 y and 50 mSv for 1 y. Based on this recommendation, the dose limit for lens exposure was lowered in Japan with the revision of the Ionization Regulations, which took effect in April 2021. In the present study, lens doses were measured during fluoroscopic procedures performed in four departments (Urology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Orthopedics). Lens doses were measured without protective eyewear for 6 mo (pre-intervention) and then with protective eyewear for the next 6 mo (post-intervention). Monthly doses were collected and lens doses before and after the use of protective eyewear were calculated as the lens dose per unit time. The use of protective eyewear reduced the lens dose per unit time by approximately two thirds. In all departments, the lens dose was slightly lower after than before the intervention. A significant difference was observed in lens doses between the pre- and post-intervention periods in the Urology department. The present results demonstrated the effectiveness of protective eyewear in daily practice. Therefore, the use of protective eyewear is recommended during fluoroscopic procedures.