bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel optimization approach for the design of a hybrid energy system based on a modified version of a subtraction-average-based optimizing method
Authors: Wu Naixin , Sun Ning , Razmjooy Saeid
Published: September 2024

A critical challenge lies in developing an energy-efficient and eco-friendly power supply system. Despite the enhanced energy efficiency offered by combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems, optimizing them poses challenges due to conflicting goals like reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while maximizing cost savings. To address these issues, this research suggests a solution that merges a modified subtraction-average-based optimizer with a multiobjective optimization strategy. This proposed framework attains a superior equilibrium among competing objectives compared to three existing optimization algorithms. It leads to a 12% decrease in fuel consumption, a 15% drop in carbon dioxide emissions, and a 10% cost reduction for shopping center proprietors. Moreover, the optimized CCHP system outperforms a stand-alone production system and a nonoptimized CCHP system, yielding 20% and 15% fuel savings annually, respectively. By offering a more comprehensive and balanced approach to CCHP system optimization, the proposed framework contributes to the progression of energy system optimizer, fostering the creation of more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy systems of shopping centers.
Research on energy-saving guidance strategies in different interactions periods of heterogeneous subject in shared residential spaces
Authors: Liu Xiaodan , Tang Zihao , Li Ruitian , Liao Ling , Li Danyao , Lin Yi , Hu Wei
Published: September 2024

Guiding residents in shared residential spaces to implement energy-saving behaviors contributes to improving building energy efficiency and promoting the achievement of China's "dual carbon" goals. The key lies in formulating reasonable and effective energy-saving guidance strategies. In shared residential spaces, there are heterogeneous subjects with different energy consumption behaviors. Due to the varying energy demands during different interaction periods, significant differences exist in the required energy-saving guidance strategies. Therefore, based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, this article proposes the guiding logic of energy-saving strategies in shared residential spaces. Subsequently, taking student dormitories as an example, empirical data is obtained through questionnaire surveys. Social network analysis is then used to analyze the interrelationships among various elements of energy-saving guidance strategies. The results indicate that during the initial stage of subject interaction, the implementation of energy-saving behaviors by heterogeneous subjects results from the synergistic effects of five dimensions: social needs, environmental protection needs, comfort needs, economic needs, and effort. During the stable stage of subject relationships, the elements of economic needs and comfort needs play a key role, but they also rely on the support of elements from environmental protection needs, social needs, and effort dimensions. During the dissolution stage of subject relationships, the elements of social needs and comfort needs play a key role. However, they also rely on the support of elements from economic needs, environmental protection needs, and effort dimensions.
Deep learning models for forecasting electricity demand in green low-carbon supply chains
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Chang , Ge Junping , Wu Jianfeng , Zhao Xin , Gao Zhan
Published: September 2024

In response to the requirements of the green and low-carbon demands in the electricity supply chain, it is crucial to propose effective demand forecasting models to balance supply and demand of electrical materials and enhance operational efficiency. This paper introduces a combined forecasting model Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA)-BP. The SARIMA-BP hybrid forecasting model enhances prediction accuracy by leveraging Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) for initial forecasting and using its results as input features for BP neural networks (BPNN) to further refine the forecasts. Using various electrical materials in power projects as examples, the model verifies the accuracy of demand forecasts by comparing predicted quantities with actual demands. Furthermore, the model's performance superiority is ensured through comparison with results from other forecasting models. In the demand forecasting for steel-core aluminum stranded wire, the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) value of the combined forecasting model is 9.8%, surpassing that of the other two models. This integrated approach not only meets the intricate forecasting demands of the electricity industry but also aids in optimizing resource allocation and improving operational efficiency, thereby reducing costs and achieving low-carbon sustainable development in the electricity sector.
poxtA amplification and mutations in 23S rRNA confer enhanced linezolid resistance in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Shan Xinxin , Li Chenglong , Zhang Likuan , Zou Chenhui , Yu Runhao , Schwarz Stefan , Shang Yanhong , Li Dexi , Brenciani Andrea , Du Xiang-Dang
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the evolutionary patterns and resistance mechanisms of an Enterococcus faecalis strain harbouring poxtA under linezolid exposure.

Methods

A poxtA-carrying E. faecalis electrotransformant DJH702 with a linezolid minimum inhibitory concentration of 4 mg/L was exposed to increasing concentrations of linezolid (8–64 mg/L). The derived strains growing at 8, 16, 32 and 64 mg/L, designed DJH702_8, DJH702_16, DJH702_32 and DJH702_64, were obtained. The amplification and overexpression of poxtA were measured using sequencing and RT–PCR, the fitness cost by competition assays and the stability of the repeat units by serial passage.

Results

In all derived strains, high-level linezolid resistance develops through poxtA amplification. The relative copy numbers and transcription levels of poxtA were significantly increased. However, in the presence of higher linezolid concentrations, DJH702_32 and DJH702_64 showed reduced poxtA copy numbers and transcription levels compared with DJH702_8 and DJH702_16, but additional mutations in the 23S rRNA (G2505A). IS1216E-mediated formation of translocatable units with subsequent tandem amplification of these translocatable units supported the gain of poxtA segments. However, these amplicons were not stable and were lost frequently in the absence of a linezolid selection pressure. The amplification of the poxtA region did not result in a fitness cost, but mutations in 23S rRNA did.

Conclusions

poxtA-carrying E. faecalis electrotransformants used two distinct mechanisms to resist linezolid selection pressure: at lower concentrations, strains prioritized increasing poxtA expression levels, while at higher concentrations, a combination of increased poxtA expression and mutations in 23S rRNA was observed.
Genomic characterization of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis with observed shifts in optimal temperature
Authors: Boyd Sada M , Chacon-Barahona Jonathan A , Mira Portia , Dey Debayan , Chun Devyn , Xue Carolyn , Pulido Sophia , Yeh Pamela
Published: September 2024

Aims

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment pose significant public health concerns and are influenced by conditions like temperature changes. We previously observed that resistance evolution to gentamicin and colistin affects optimal growth temperatures in Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates. Despite significant phenotype observations, the genetic basis remains unclear. We aim to identify the genetic changes linked to antibiotic resistance evolution that alter optimal growth temperature.

Methods and results

Using whole-genome sequencing, we sequenced the genomes of gentamicin-resistant (GEN-1, GEN-2) and colistin-resistant (COL-4, COL-6) S. epidermidis isolates. Variant analysis with the BV-BRC bioinformatics tool identified genes involved in antibiotic resistance and temperature response. We found 12 genetic variants, including two unique to GEN-2 and one in COL-4. One shared mutation was observed in GEN-1 and GEN-2, and another in COL-4 and COL-6. Five mutations were shared among all isolates related to mobile gene elements, including a transposase IS4 family, two putative transposases, and two transposase-like insertion elements.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the same genes involved in gentamicin and colistin resistance, especially those related to mobile genetic elements, may also play a crucial role in temperature response.
Effect of supplementing algae to breeding and early gestation first calf heifers on growth and reproduction
Authors: Nicholls Griffin T , Funnell Bethany J , Stewart Kara R , Lemenager Ronald P , Briggs Nathan G , Schoonmaker Jon P
Published: September 2024

Fat supplementation has potential to improve reproductive performance and increase pregnancy rates in cattle by increasing the energy density of the diet. However, some of the positive effects of fat seem to be influenced by the type of fatty acid fed. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) are long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that have important biological effects on reproduction through their involvement in hormone and series 3 prostaglandin synthesis. Ruminant tissues are naturally almost devoid of n-3 long-chain PUFA, specifically EPA and DHA. Algae biomass provides a consistent source of DHA and EPA that could be fed to alter hormonal profiles and improve reproduction of beef heifers. Eighty-eight Angus × Simmental heifers (427 ± 1.8 kg body weight [BW]) were blocked by BW and allotted to 2 treatments (44/treatment, 4 pens/treatment, 11 heifers/pen). Control heifers were fed a diet that contained (dry matter [DM] basis) 52.8% mixed grass silage, 32% corn silage, and 15.2% concentrate. DHAgold (49% fat; 21.8% DHA; DSM Inc.) was included in the algae diet at 1.65% DM, replacing equal parts of corn and DDGS. Diets were formulated to contain 12% crude protein and 0.85 Mcal/kg net energy for gain (NEg). Heifers were fed treatment diets from 54 d prior to the breeding season through the first trimester. Follicular fluid was collected on day 47 for hormonal analysis. Artificial insemination (AI) was from days 54 to 77. Heifers that did not get pregnant to AI were removed from the study on day 109 and placed with a bull. The study ended on day 180. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During the pre-breeding period, algae heifers had lesser dry matter intake (P = 0.006) compared to control heifers. Heifers supplemented with algae had a greater average daily gain (P = 0.03) during the breeding period and BW tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for algae compared to control heifers on day 98 and was greater on day 180 (P = 0.03). Dominant follicle diameter and follicular estrogen concentration were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.12). Follicular insulin-like growth factor-1 was greater in algae compared to control heifers (P = 0.03). First service conception rate did not differ between treatments (P = 0.67); however, second service and overall conception were lesser (P ≤ 0.03) in algae compared to control heifers. These data suggest supplementing DHA-rich algae improved growth but decreased conception rates of primiparous beef females.
Selenium deficiency modulates necroptosis-mediated intestinal inflammation in broiler through the lncRNAWSF27/miRNA1696/GPX3 axis
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Wei Chunyu , Ding Jiayi , Chu Jiahong , Huang Bo , Shi Guangliang , Li Shu
Published: September 2024

Deficiency of selenium (Se), an important trace element, causes diarrhea and even death in broilers, thereby affecting the economic development of poultry production. Adding Se is one way to relieve this situation; however, it has not fundamentally resolved intestinal inflammation. Therefore, we sought a new strategy to alleviate intestinal inflammation by studying the specific mechanisms of Se deficiency. By replicating the Se-deficient broiler model and establishing a chicken small intestinal epithelial cell (CSIEC) model, we determined that Se deficiency caused intestinal oxidative stress and necroptotic intestinal inflammation in broilers by decreasing glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 3 expression. Simultaneously, the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)WSF27 decreased and that of miR-1696 increased in Se-deficient intestines. Recently discovered competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) form novel regulatory networks, which were found that selenoproteins are involved in ceRNA regulation. However, the mechanism of action of the non-coding RNA/GPX3 axis in Se-deficient broiler intestinal inflammation remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism through which Se deficiency regulates intestinal inflammation in broilers through the lncRNAWSF27/miR-1696/GPX3 axis. Our previous studies showed that lncRNAWSF27, miR-1696, and GPX3 have ceRNA-regulatory relationships. To further determine the role of the lncRNAWSF27/miR-1696/GPX3 axis in Se-deficient broiler intestinal inflammation, CSIEC models with GPX3 knockdown/overexpression, lncRNAWSF27 knockdown, or miR-1696 knockdown/overexpression were established to simulate intestinal injury. GPX3 knockdown, as well as lncRNAWSF27 and miR-1696 overexpression, aggravated cell damage. On the contrary, it can alleviate this situation. Our results reveal that the mechanism of lncRNAWSF27/miR-1696/GPX3 regulated Se-deficient broiler intestinal inflammation. This conclusion enriches our understanding of the mechanism of intestinal injury caused by Se deficiency and contributes to the diagnosis of Se-deficient intestinal inflammation and relevant drug development.
A Simple Theory of Deep Trade Integration
Authors: Parenti Mathieu , Vannoorenberghe Gonzague
Published: September 2024

Which countries should aim for regulatory cooperation, and to what extent should they pursue it? We develop an imperfectly competitive trade model that accounts for differences in technology and regulatory preferences regarding local consumption externalities across countries. Each country sets unique product standards, and firms incur costs when tailoring products to different markets. Trade occurs when the benefits of comparative advantages outweigh the desire for asymmetric regulations. Our findings indicate that regulatory cooperation, defined as the cooperative setting of standards, is most advantageous for countries with moderate differences in regulatory preferences. Shallow integration, however, falls short of achieving the optimal planner’s solution. Countries with strong comparative advantages in distinct externality-generating goods can pursue deeper regulatory cooperation through mutual regulatory concessions. Additionally, when regulatory preferences are highly dispersed, international cooperation tends to form regulatory blocs.
Chinese companies in tax havens
Authors: Noked Noam , Wang Jingyi
Published: September 2024

Alibaba and Baidu are frequently referred to as the ‘Chinese Amazon’ and the ‘Chinese Google’. However, these companies and many other Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) take the position that they are not Chinese residents for tax purposes. This position provides these MNEs tax advantages at the corporate and shareholder levels. We analyse the tax residence positions of the largest 79 Chinese MNEs with tax-haven-incorporated parent companies that are traded on major US stock exchanges. Our analysis of disclosures in these companies’ annual reports reveals that all of these companies reported that they are not resident enterprises for Chinese tax purposes. We then explore the expected implications of the global minimum tax on these MNEs, which will be affected by the non-resident status of their ultimate parent entities. The global minimum tax may reduce, but not eliminate, the tax advantages of these MNEs’ non-resident status.
A heart so black: a case of alkaptonuric ochronosis of the aortic and mitral valves in a female patient with severe aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease
Authors: Kamougeros Alex , Shiakos George , Ioannou Stelios , Tzanavaros Ioannis , Al-Jazrawi Zeyad , Ioannou Beatrice
Published: September 2024

Alkaptonuric ochronosis, characterized by the deposition of homogentisic acid in connective tissues, is commonly linked with alkaptonuria, a rare genetic disorder resulting from homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase deficiency. Despite its association with alkaptonuria, ochronosis can occur in individuals without a prior diagnosis. This case report discusses a 64-year-old female with severe aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease who was found to have ochronotic pigmentation in the aortic and mitral valves, as well as in the aortic root intima and papillary muscles. This case emphasizes the need to consider ochronosis in the differential diagnosis of valvular disease when alkaptonuria is suspected.
Stripping off the rice panicle: induced genetic variation awakens the sheathed spikelet for a better yield
Authors: Mohanty Jitendra K , Parida Swarup K
Published: September 2024

This article comments on:

Ballichatla S, Gokulan CG, Barbadikar KM, Hake AA, Potupureddi G, Guha PK, Phule AS, Magar ND, Balija V, Awalellu K, Kokku P, Golla S, Sundaram RM, Padmakumari AP, Laha GS, Senguttuvel P, Lella Venkata SR, Patel HK, Sonti RV, Maganti SM. 2024. Impairment in a member of AP2/ERF and F-box family protein enhances complete panicle exsertion in rice. Journal of Experimental Botany 75, https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae244.
Signatures of low-mass black hole–neutron star mergers
Authors: Matur Rahime , Hawke Ian , Andersson Nils
Published: September 2024

The recent observation of the GW230529 event indicates that black hole–neutron star binaries can contain low-mass black holes. Since lower mass systems are more favourable for tidal disruption, such events are promising candidates for multimessenger observations. In this study, we employ five finite-temperature, composition-dependent matter equations of state and present results from ten 3D general relativistic hydrodynamic simulations for the mass ratios $q = 2.6$ and 5. Two of these simulations target the chirp mass and effective spin parameter of the GW230529 event, while the remaining eight contain slightly higher mass black holes, including both spinning ($a_{\mathrm{ BH}} = 0.7$) and non-spinning ($a_{\mathrm{ BH}} = 0$) models. We discuss the impact of the equation of state, spin, and mass ratio on black hole–neutron star mergers by examining both gravitational-wave and ejected matter properties. For the low-mass ratio model we do not see fast-moving ejecta for the softest equation of state model, but the stiffer model produces on the order of $10^{-6}\,\mathrm{ M}_\odot$ of fast-moving ejecta, expected to contribute to an electromagnetic counterpart. Notably, the high-mass ratio model produces nearly the same amount of total dynamical ejecta, but yields 52 times more fast-moving ejecta than the low-mass ratio system. In addition, we observe that the black-hole spin tends to decrease the amount of fast-moving ejecta while increasing significantly the total ejected mass. Finally, we note that the disc mass tends to increase as the neutron star compactness decreases.
VirID: Beyond Virus Discovery—An Integrated Platform for Comprehensive RNA Virus Characterization
Authors: Yang Ziyue , Shan Yongtao , Liu Xue , Chen Guowei , Pan Yuanfei , Gou Qinyu , Zou Jie , Chang Zilong , Zeng Qiang , Yang Chunhui , Kong Jianbin , Sun Yanni , Li Shaochuan , Zhang Xu , Wu Wei-chen , Li Chunmei , Peng Hong , Holmes Edward C , Guo Deyin , Shi Mang
Published: September 2024

RNA viruses exhibit vast phylogenetic diversity and can significantly impact public health and agriculture. However, current bioinformatics tools for viral discovery from metagenomic data frequently generate false positive virus results, overestimate viral diversity, and misclassify virus sequences. Additionally, current tools often fail to determine virus–host associations, which hampers investigation of the potential threat posed by a newly detected virus. To address these issues we developed VirID, a software tool specifically designed for the discovery and characterization of RNA viruses from metagenomic data. The basis of VirID is a comprehensive RNA-dependent RNA polymerase database to enhance a workflow that includes RNA virus discovery, phylogenetic analysis, and phylogeny-based virus characterization. Benchmark tests on a simulated data set demonstrated that VirID had high accuracy in profiling viruses and estimating viral richness. In evaluations with real-world samples, VirID was able to identify RNA viruses of all types, but also provided accurate estimations of viral genetic diversity and virus classification, as well as comprehensive insights into virus associations with humans, animals, and plants. VirID therefore offers a robust tool for virus discovery and serves as a valuable resource in basic virological studies, pathogen surveillance, and early warning systems for infectious disease outbreaks.
The use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs does not increase surgical site infection or delayed wound healing after orthopaedic surgeries for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kiso Yohei , Nishida Keiichiro , Harada Ryozo , Nasu Yoshihisa , Nakahara Ryuichi , Hotta Yoshifumi , Naniwa Shuichi , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the effect of the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) on surgical site infection (SSI) and delayed wound healing (DWH) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 965 elective orthopaedic procedures undertaken in RA patients. The incidences of SSI and DWH were compared between the bDMARDs user and nonuser groups. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for SSI and DWH after propensity score matching. The incidence of postoperative flare-up was also examined.

Results

In 965 procedures, SSI and DWH were identified in 12 and 28 cases, respectively. SSI and DWH were identified in 3 and 17 of 414 procedures treated with bDMARDs, respectively. Flare-up occurred in 21 cases. Propensity score matching identified 315 cases in both groups, with no significant difference in incidence between the two groups. No risk factors for SSI were identified, whereas age, diabetes mellitus, foot and ankle surgery, and a history of musculoskeletal-related infection were identified as risk factors for DWH.

Conclusion

The use of bDMARDs was not associated with an increased incidence of SSI or DWH, with the incidence of flare-up being relatively low.
What citizens think about minority governments in majority coalition settings
Authors: Matthieß Theres , Stecker Christian
Published: September 2024

Political scientists have extensively studied the formation, management, or performance of minority governments. However, we still do not know much about citizens’ perspectives on this type of government. What do citizens think about minority governments, and under what conditions do they prefer them over majority governments? We hypothesize that cues from public opinion and instrumental calculations drive citizen attitudes toward minority governments. These hypotheses are tested through a two-round survey experiment employing a factorial design (N = 2,850) in Germany, a country traditionally characterized by a majority coalition setting yet increasingly experiencing debates on minority government formation amidst growing party fragmentation. We find that most German citizens prefer the formation of majority over minority governments. However, citizens favor the type of government they believe will yield desirable outcomes or benefit democracy. Consistent with our hypotheses, support for minority governments increases when citizens expect more policy influence and public opinion favors minority governments. The findings of this study have important implications for our understanding of different types of government and their perceived political legitimacy, especially in increasingly fragmented party systems.
Fine Motor Impairment and Its Impact on Social Outcomes in Survivors of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Iijima Mayuko , Hyun Geehong , Brinkman Tara M , Khan Raja B , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Robison Leslie L , Hudson Melissa M , Pui Ching-Hon , Krull Kevin R , Inaba Hiroto , Ness Kirsten K
Published: September 2024

aObjective

The impact of fine motor impairment among adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on life after treatment is unknown.

Methods

This study evaluated prevalence and utilized multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for fine motor impairment among survivors of ALL, and associations with educational attainment and social independence. Latent class analysis defined social independence (independent, moderately independent, dependent), using employment, independent living, personal care assistance, routine need assistance, driver’s license status, and marital status inputs.

Results

Among 875 survivors who were ≥ 25 years old (age when most adults achieve independence) and ≥ 5 years from diagnosis (mean = 28.97 years), 33.6% had fine motor impairment, with scores at or below the 10th percentile of the scores of community controls (n = 460) on fine motor components of the physical performance test and the grooved peg-board test. Survivors exposed to cranial radiation had more fine motor impairment than those without (45.8% vs 20.2%). Male sex (exposed: odds ratio [OR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–3.92; unexposed: OR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.69–5.38) and lower scores on the Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (exposed: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.36–0.58; unexposed: OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.31–0.58) were risk factors for neuropathy. A 1-point-higher total neuropathy score was associated with 8% (95% CI = 1%–17%) increased odds of fine motor impairment. Fine motor impairment was associated with less than a college education (less than high school: OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.20–4.14; high school diploma/general equivalency diploma: OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.65–4.30; vocational education: OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.38–3.13) and less social independence (moderately independent: OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.15–2.83; dependent: OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.25–5.64).

Conclusion

Fine motor impairment in survivors of childhood ALL may interfere with optimal educational attainment and social independence.

Impact

Early identification of survivors at risk for fine motor impairment, with timely intervention, may improve long-term outcomes.
When shareholder power kicks in: corporate financialization as ratchet behaviour and sticky payouts
Authors: Mertens Bakou
Published: September 2024

The rise of payout ratios has been ascribed by financialization scholars to shareholder value orientation (SVO), a governance practice associated with dire consequences. However, it remains unclear how SVO translates into the behaviour that causes these consequences. Yet, identifying behaviour would not only allow us to causally infer what SVO entails for other firm stakeholders and wider society but also to unearth the institutional configurations that catalyse or inhibit it. Using data on all stock-listed firms in the world from 1985 to 2023 this article shows that SVO operates through ratchet behaviour, where shareholders refuse to yield ground when profits decrease. I first illustrate theoretically how this downward rigidity of shareholder remuneration ratchets up payout ratios and structures aggregate payout ratios along the lines of the frequency of ratchet behaviour. Finally, staggered difference-in-differences show that ratchet events indeed cause firms to exhibit persistently higher payout ratios for a decade.
Trusts—A Portuguese perspective and the Madeira’s special case
Authors: Fernandes Ferreira Rogério , Monteiro Duarte Ornelas , Neves Carlos Alcântara
Published: September 2024

The Portuguese perspective on Trusts is very much informed by the fact that it is a legal instrument with no specific regulation in Portugal since it is not legally possible to incorporate a Portuguese Trust besides the special case of Madeira in which the corresponding foreign regulating law will be chosen by the settlor (with the possibility of amending such choice at any time). These Madeira Trusts are also designed to interfere as little as possible with the Portuguese domestic legislative system, which is not designed to entail such a legal concept. However, the Portuguese domestic tax legislation is fully equipped to tax the income potentially derived from foreign Trusts, with some anti-abuse rules and aggravated tax rates potentially applicable when the Trust is domiciled at a blacklisted jurisdiction for Portuguese purposes. We will be discussing the tax treatment in Portugal of the potential income streams derived from a foreign Trust by a private individual, and at the end of the article, we include some explanatory notes on the case of Madeira’s Hybrid Trusts.
Azacitidine and cytarabine induce sustained lymphopenia with abnormal differentiation of common lymphoid progenitors and prolonged suppression of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b expression in mice
Authors: Matsushita Junya , Miwa Kyoko , Sato Yuri , Honda Kumi , Aida Tetsuo , Tsuchiya Yoshimi
Published: September 2024

Myelosuppression is a major side effect of chemotherapy. Although decreased blood cells are restored with the recovery of bone marrow cells, insufficient recovery of decreased lymphocytes was observed in mice given azacitidine (AZA), a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, even following the restoration of bone marrow cells. To understand the mechanisms behind this sustained lymphopenia, we examined AZA’s impact on the hematopoietic progenitor cells and the expression of Dnmts and differentiation-related genes. An antimetabolite of cytidine analog, cytarabine (Ara-C), was used as a reference compound. Decreases in almost all blood parameters and common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) and the downregulation of Dnmts and differentiation-related genes in Lineage−Sca-1+c-kit+ (LSK) cells were observed in mice administered AZA or Ara-C for 7 d. In the posttreatment observation, all parameters, except for lymphocytes and monocytes, exhibited recovery within 3 wk after the final dosing in both treated groups. However, no recovery from the decreases in lymphocytes, especially B cells, and monocytes occurred even after 5 wk. The number of CLPs was elevated after 3 wk. There was a tendency toward recovery from the decreased expression of Dnmt1 and differentiation-related genes, but the expression levels of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b did not fully recover even 5 wk after the final dosing. Taken together, the findings revealed that the mechanism of sustained lymphopenia observed in mice treated with AZA or Ara-C is associated, at least in part, with the abnormal differentiation of CLPs into B cells accompanied by the prolonged suppression of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b expression on LSK cells.
Crash-causing information extraction via text-mining techniques: implementation of the Chinese state-related crash narratives
Authors: Zou Guoqing , Huang Helai , Zhou Hanchu , Li Jipu
Published: September 2024

Crash data is the foundation of traffic safety analysis, which can help experts find the cause of crashes and propose corresponding countermeasures. In China, the accident reporting form only allows reporting of one crash cause for each crash based on the prespecified crash cause code. This designation may lead to inaccuracy in recording crash data, especially for state-related crashes. The crash narratives, which are the responding officer's written account of what occurred before, during and after a crash, contain considerable free-form information associated with the crash occurrence. This study investigated the directly contributory factors behind state-related crashes through the development of natural language processing and deep-learning models based on 1625 state-related crash narratives. According to the directly causative factors described in the crash narratives, state-related crashes were labelled speed related, turning related and other causes. Then the crash narratives were vectorized for model training and frequency analysis. The text-CNN, LSTM, GRU and SVM models were applied to reclass the vectorized crash. The results showed that the text-CNN model showed the best model performance in text classification, and the AUC value of this model reached 0.90 for micro-average curves. The results from this study can engage the usage of crash narratives and help identify the actual causative reasons hidden behind some inaccurate crash value designations.
ZymoSoups: A High-Throughput Forward Genetics Method for Rapid Identification of Virulence Genes in Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Ali Haider , McDonald Megan C. , Kettles Graeme J.
Published: September 2024

Septoria tritici blotch is caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici and poses a major threat to wheat productivity. There are over 20 mapped loci in wheat that confer strong (gene-for-gene) resistance against this pathogen, but the corresponding genes in Z. tritici that confer virulence against distinct R genes remain largely unknown. In this study, we developed a rapid forward genetics methodology to identify genes that enable Z. tritici to gain virulence on previously resistant wheat varieties. We used the known gene-for-gene interaction between Stb6 and AvrStb6 as a proof of concept that this method could quickly recover single candidate virulence genes. We subjected the avirulent Z. tritici strain IPO323, which carries the recognized AvrStb6 allele, to ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis and generated a library of over 66,000 surviving spores. We screened these survivors on leaves of the resistant wheat variety Cadenza in mixtures (soups) ranging from 100 to 500 survivors per soup. We identified five soups with a gain-of-virulence (GoV) phenotype relative to the IPO323 parental strain and re-sequenced 18 individual isolates, including four control isolates and two isolates lacking virulence, when screened individually. Of the 12 confirmed GoV isolates, one had a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the AvrStb6 coding region. The other 11 GoV isolates exhibited large (approximately 70 kb) deletions at the end of chromosome 5, including the AvrStb6 locus. Our findings demonstrate the efficiency of this forward genetic approach in elucidating the genetic basis of qualitative resistance to Z. tritici and the potential to rapidly identify other, currently unknown, Avr genes in this pathogen.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Effect of Bloom Sprays on Alternaria Rot in California Mandarins and Fungicide Efficacy Against Colletotrichum
Authors: Camiletti Boris X. , Campos Maria Evelina , Posse Agustina Ruiz , Paredes Juan A. , Lichtemberg Paulo S. F. , Gabri Victor M. , Michailides Themis J.
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to provide new insights into the management of Alternaria rot and Colletotrichum dieback in mandarins. Field trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of bloom sprays on latent infections, disease progression, and the influence of bloom inoculations on disease development. Detached citrus leaves were used to assess the efficacy of commercial fungicides in reducing infections by Colletotrichum spp. C. karstii was more sensitive than C. gloeosporioides, as evidenced by the overall probabilities of infection. Preventative treatments containing quinone outside inhibitor fungicides, such as Pristine, Quadris Top, and Luna Sensation, consistently reduced infections. Curative treatments with Pristine and Luna Sensation also demonstrated efficacy. Bloom inoculations with Colletotrichum species did not induce visible symptoms on flowers and twigs, nor did they lead to dieback until harvest, suggesting that bloom infections may not play a significant role in the disease cycle. For Alternaria, the frequency of latent infections in flowers increased significantly during the bloom period. Shoots inoculated with Alternaria species during bloom reduced the number of fruits per shoot at harvest. Fungicide treatments during bloom exhibited a dual effect, reducing Alternaria infections in fruitlets and influencing disease progression, ultimately reducing preharvest fruit drop. This study provides valuable insights into the role of flower infections in the development of Alternaria rot and Colletotrichum dieback in California mandarins. Furthermore, it offers insights into the efficacy of commercial fungicides in these pathosystems.
White matter hyperintensity genetic risk factor TRIM47 regulates autophagy in brain endothelial cells
Authors: Yeung Sunny Hoi‐Sang , Lee Ralph Hon‐Sun , Cheng Gerald Wai‐Yeung , Ma Iris Wai‐Ting , Kofler Julia , Kent Candice , Ma Fulin , Herrup Karl , Fornage Myriam , Arai Ken , Tse Kai‐Hei
Published: September 2024

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is strongly correlated with age‐related dementia and hypertension, but its pathogenesis remains obscure. Genome‐wide association studies identified TRIM47 at the 17q25 locus as a top genetic risk factor for WMH formation. TRIM family is a class of E3 ubiquitin ligase with pivotal functions in autophagy, which is critical for brain endothelial cell (ECs) remodeling during hypertension. We hypothesize that TRIM47 regulates autophagy and its loss‐of‐function disturbs cerebrovasculature. Based on transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry, TRIM47 is found highly expressed by brain ECs in human and mouse, and its transcription is upregulated by artificially induced autophagy while downregulated in hypertension‐like conditions. Using in silico simulation, immunocytochemistry and super‐resolution microscopy, we predicted a highly conserved binding site between TRIM47 and the LIR (LC3‐interacting region) motif of LC3B. Importantly, pharmacological autophagy induction increased Trim47 expression on mouse ECs (b.End3) culture, while silencing Trim47 significantly increased autophagy with ULK1 phosphorylation induction, transcription, and vacuole formation. Together, we demonstrate that TRIM47 is an endogenous inhibitor of autophagy in brain ECs, and such TRIM47‐mediated regulation connects genetic and physiological risk factors for WMH formation but warrants further investigation.
Liver disease in primary antibody deficiencies
Authors: Bez Patrick , Warnatz Klaus
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

Liver disease has emerged as a major risk factor for increased mortality in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This is mostly due to presinusoidal portal hypertension (PHTN) frequently secondary to nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH). Its pathogenesis is still poorly understood and treatment strategies for its various stages are often guided by trial and error. This review summarizes the most recent findings in the light of previous literature

Recent findings

In the last 2 years, different groups have addressed pathology, diagnostics, treatment, and liver transplantation. Histological examinations seem to support the pathogenetic sequence of T-cell mediated infiltration and damage of the sinusoidal space with secondary development of NRH, pericellular fibrosis, and the manifestation of PHTN. While markers of the early phase – beyond slight elevation of cholestatic enzymes – are still missing, elevated liver stiffness and splenomegaly above 16 cm longitudinal diameter have been suggested as warning signs for PHTN in CVID patients. Data on immunosuppressive treatment of this manifestation is still very heterogeneous, but a recent report on liver transplantation was encouraging for end stage liver disease

Liver disease deserves higher attention in the management of CVID. More studies are needed to understand its pathogenesis and optimal treatment.
Preliminary study of the mechanism of isolinderalactone inhibiting the malignant behavior of bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Qun , Xu Wenkai , Ying Lu , Shi Hongjin , Sun Yuxin , Feng Wei , Xu Haole , Xie Jun , Wei Hairong , Yang Zhao , Wang Haifeng
Published: September 2024

Background

Isolinderalactone (ILL), extracted from the dried tubers of Linderae aggregate, has multiple functions, such as antioxidation, antitumor, and anti-infection effects. However, there have been few studies on ILL's antitumor role and no reports on its role in bladder cancer (BC).

Materials and methods

Human BC cell lines T24 and EJ-1 were treated with different concentrations of ILL (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 μmol/L), and the cell proliferation inhibition rate was analyzed using the CCK-8 assay. The effect of ILL on T24 and EJ-1 cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. Immunoblotting was used to detect the levels of apoptosis-related proteins, BAX, BAK1, and CYCS, in BC cells of the control and ILL-treated groups, and quantitative PCR experiments were performed to detect the apoptosis-related gene expression of CASP10, CYCS, BAX, BCL-2, CASP8, and BAK1. T24 and EJ-1 tumor-bearing mouse models were established and divided into vehicle control, low-dose (10 mg/kg) and high-dose (20 mg/kg) groups, with 5 mice in each group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect changes in apoptosis-related proteins in vivo.

Results

The CCK-8 assay showed that in vitro, ILL significantly inhibited the proliferation of the T24 and EJ-1 BC cell lines. Flow cytometry and immunoblotting results showed that ILL increased mitochondrial permeability by upregulating proapoptotic proteins BAK1 and BAX, promoting CYCS release and significantly inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In vivo, on day 25 of administration, tumor inhibition rates in T24 and EJ-1 tumor-bearing mice were up to 75.24% and 47.43%, respectively, in the ILL high-dose–treated and 71.58% and 43.89%, respectively, in the ILL low-dose–treated groups.

Conclusions

Isolinderalactone controls BC progression by inducing apoptosis, suggesting that ILL may be an effective drug for the treatment of BC.
Beyond size: A comprehensive overview of small-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Xu Junhao , Han Bangmin , Xia Shujie , Jing Yifeng
Published: September 2024

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most frequently diagnosed benign disorders that cause dysuria in middle-aged and elderly men. Some patients with BPH have relatively small prostates (referred to as small-volume BPH) but still experience the lower urinary tract infection. Medication treatment is typically not successful in these patients. In addition, their pathophysiologic pathways deviate from those previously observed. Furthermore, as there is no accepted protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of small-volume BPH, patients can experience great difficulties in managing surgical complications such as bladder neck contracture. Thus, we reviewed the features of small-volume prostates, preoperative assessment, surgical technique, and management of complications.
State Schooling Policies and Cognitive Performance Trajectories: A Natural Experiment in a National US Cohort of Black and White Adults
Authors: Kim Min Hee , Liu Sze Yan , Brenowitz Willa D. , Murchland Audrey R. , Nguyen Thu T. , Manly Jennifer J. , Howard Virginia J. , Thomas Marilyn D. , Hill-Jarrett Tanisha , Crowe Michael , Murchison Charles F. , Glymour M. Maria
Published: September 2024

Background:

Education is strongly associated with cognitive outcomes at older ages, yet the extent to which these associations reflect causal effects remains uncertain due to potential confounding.

Methods:

Leveraging changes in historical measures of state-level education policies as natural experiments, we estimated the effects of educational attainment on cognitive performance over 10 years in 20,248 non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White participants, aged 45+ in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke cohort (2003–2020) by (1) using state- and year-specific compulsory schooling laws, school-term length, attendance rate, and student-teacher ratio policies to predict educational attainment for US Census microsample data from 1980 and 1990, and (2) applying policy-predicted years of education (PPYEd) to predict memory, verbal fluency, and a cognitive composite. We estimated overall and race- and sex-specific effects of PPYEd on level and change in each cognitive outcome using random intercept and slope models, adjusting for age, year of first cognitive assessment, and indicators for state of residence at age 6.

Results:

Each year of PPYEd was associated with higher baseline cognition (0.11 standard deviation [SD] increase in composite measure for each year of PPYEd, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07, 0.15). Subanalyses focusing on individual cognitive domains estimate the largest effects of PPYEd on memory. PPYEd was not associated with the rate of change in cognitive scores. Estimates were similar across Black and White participants and across sex.

Conclusions:

Historical policies shaping educational attainment are associated with better later-life memory, a major determinant of dementia risk.
Oral agents for lowering lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Nicholls Stephen J. , Nelson Adam J. , Michael Laura F.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

To review the development of oral agents to lower Lp(a) levels as an approach to reducing cardiovascular risk, with a focus on recent advances in the field.

Recent findings

Extensive evidence implicates Lp(a) in the causal pathway of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic stenosis. There are currently no therapies approved for lowering of Lp(a). The majority of recent therapeutic advances have focused on development of injectable agents that target RNA and inhibit synthesis of apo(a). Muvalaplin is the first, orally administered, small molecule inhibitor of Lp(a), which acts by disrupting binding of apo(a) and apoB, in clinical development. Nonhuman primate and early human studies have demonstrated the ability of muvalaplin to produce dose-dependent lowering of Lp(a). Ongoing clinical trials will evaluate the impact of muvalaplin in high cardiovascular risk and will ultimately need to determine whether this strategy lowers the rate of cardiovascular events.

Muvalaplin is the first oral agent, developed to lower Lp(a) levels. The ability of muvalaplin to reduce cardiovascular risk remains to be investigated, in order to determine whether it will be a useful agent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.