bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The biocontrol strain Bacillus mojavensis KRS009 confers resistance to cotton Verticillium wilt and improves tolerance to salt stress
Authors: Zhao Fuhua , Wang Dan , Liu Huizi , Shan Yujia , Qi Hong‐Yue , Dai Xiaofeng , Chen Jieyin , Lesueur Didier , Han Dongfei , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Dandan
Published: December 2024

Biological control has gained increasing attention as a strategy to address biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. In this study, we identified the strain KRS009 as Bacillus mojavensis through morphological identification and multilocus sequence analysis. KRS009 exhibited broad‐spectrum antifungal activity against various phytopathogenic fungi by secreting soluble and volatile compounds. Additionally, the physio‐biochemical traits of strain KRS009 were characterized, including its growth‐promoting capabilities and active enzymes. Notably, KRS009 demonstrated the capacity for biofilm formation and exhibited tolerance to saline‐alkali conditions. The biological security evaluation confirmed the safety of KRS009 for both humans and plants. Furthermore, strain KRS009 was found to trigger plant immunity by inducing systemic resistance through salicylic acid‐ and jasmonic acid‐dependent signaling pathways. Greenhouse experiments conducted on cotton plants proved that the treatment with strain KRS009 effectively protected cotton against Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae and promoted the growth of cotton under salt stress. These findings highlight the potential of B. mojavensis KRS009 as a promising biocontrol and biofertilizer agent for promoting plant growth, combating fungal diseases and mitigating salt stress in plants.
Faculty diversity trends in physical medicine and rehabilitation by gender, race, and ethnicity in the United States, 1977–2021
Authors: Lawand Jad , Mazhar Leena , Rauf Ali , Ding Jeffrey , Siddiqi Javed , Tiwana Sabeen , Virji‐Babul Naznin , Khosa Faisal
Published: December 2024

Background

This study describes the gender and racial/ethnic trends in academic physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) and the shifts that have taken place in more than 4 decades.

Objective

To gauge the diversity in gender and race/ethnicity across academic degrees, academic ranks, chair positions, and tenure status in the academic workforce of PM&R.

Design

Surveillance study.

Setting and Methods

The data for academic PM&R faculty were self‐reported and obtained from the annual Faculty Roster report of the Association of American Medical Colleges from 1977 to 2021.

Main Outcome Measures

To compare the distribution of academic degree, rank, chair position, and tenure status over time, the percentage composition for each category was calculated for a period of 45 years. The temporal trends were depicted by plotting the counts and proportion changes, and the progress in terms of racial representation was illustrated by graphing the absolute changes in the percentage composition.

Results

Despite an overall increase in the representation of women, women remained underrepresented in the full professor rank in 2021, at only 32.1% of full professors. The instructor category was the only category in which the proportion of women faculty was higher in 2021 (62.8%) than in 1977 (58.5%). Asian faculty had the greatest increase in representation at all ranks, with the proportion of Asian full professors increasing from 1.8% to 11.4%, associate professors increasing from 7.4% to 14.4%, and assistant professors increasing from 11.2% to 20.2%. Women's representation as department chairs increased from 12.5% to 23.7% and Asians from 2.5% to 15.3%.

Conclusion

Overall, although there was an increase in the number of women and underrepresented minority faculty in academic PM&R over the study period, disparities based on gender and ethnicity/race persisted, particularly in higher academic ranks and leadership positions.
Bioisosteric replacement of pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate to pyridoxal‐5′‐tetrazole targeting Bacillus subtilisGabR
Authors: Kaley Nicholas E. , Liveris Zachary J. , Moore Maxwell , Reidl Cory T. , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Becker Daniel P. , Liu Dali
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant cause of mortality globally due to infections, a trend that is expected to continue to rise. As existing treatments fail and new drug discovery slows, the urgency to develop novel antimicrobial therapeutics grows stronger. One promising strategy involves targeting bacterial systems exclusive to pathogens, such as the transcription regulator protein GabR. Expressed in diverse bacteria including Escherichia coli, Bordetella pertussis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, GabR has no homolog in eukaryotes, making it an ideal therapeutic target. Bacillus subtilis GabR (bsGabR), the most studied variant, regulates its own transcription and activates genes for GABA aminotransferase (GabT) and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GabD). This intricate regulatory system presents a compelling antimicrobial target with the potential for agonistic intervention to disrupt bacterial gene expression and induce cellular dysfunction, especially in bacterial stress responses. To explore manipulation of this system and the potential of this protein as an antimicrobial target, an in‐depth understanding of the unique PLP‐dependent transcription regulation is critical. Herein, we report the successful structural modification of the cofactor PLP and demonstrate the biochemical reactivity of the PLP analog pyridoxal‐5′‐tetrazole (PLT). Through both spectrophotometric and X‐ray crystallographic analyses, we explore the interaction between bsGabR and PLT, together with a synthesized GABA derivative (S)‐4‐amino‐5‐phenoxypentanoate (4‐phenoxymethyl‐GABA or 4PMG). Most notably, we present a crystal structure of the condensed, external aldimine complex within bsGabR. While PLT alone is not a drug candidate, it can act as a probe to study the detailed mechanism of GabR‐mediated function. PLT employs a tetrazole moiety as a bioisosteric replacement for phosphate in PLP. In addition, the PLP‐4PMG adduct observed in the structure may serve as a novel chemical scaffold for subsequent structure‐based antimicrobial design.
Functional inequalities for Brownian motion on manifolds with sticky-reflecting boundary diffusion
Authors: Bormann Marie , von Renesse Max , Wang Feng-Yu
Published: December 2024

We prove geometric upper bounds for the Poincaré and Logarithmic Sobolev constants for Brownian motion on manifolds with sticky reflecting boundary diffusion i.e. extended Wentzell-type boundary condition under general curvature assumptions on the manifold and its boundary. The method is based on an interpolation involving energy interactions between the boundary and the interior of the manifold. As side results we obtain explicit geometric bounds on the first nontrivial Steklov eigenvalue, for the norm of the boundary trace operator on Sobolev functions, and on the boundary trace logarithmic Sobolev constant. The case of Brownian motion with pure sticky reflection is also treated.
Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes in patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Du Zhijuan , Qin Yuhui , Lv Yahui , Gao Jie , Chen Siyuan , Du Xiangyu , Li Tao , Hu Yi , Liu Zhefeng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The clinicopathologic features, mutational status, immunohistochemical markers, and prognosis of Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) remain uncertain.

Methods

This study included 81 PSC and 337 lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD). Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and other clinical data were examined.

Results

46% PSC patients harbored KRAS mutation and 23% harbored EGFR mutation. Univariable analysis identified type and cTNM stage as significant predictor of PFS (type: HR 0.216; 95% CI 0.133–0.349; P < 0.001, cTNM stage: HR 0.483; 95% CI 0.269–0.846; P = 0.014) and OS (type: HR 0.269; 95% CI 0.156–0.465; P < 0.001, cTNM stage: HR 0.435; 95% CI 0.219–0.865; P = 0.018). Multivariable analysis confirmed sex, type and cTNM stage as independent predictors of PFS (sex: HR 2.026; 95%CI 1.027–3.996; P = 0.042; type: HR0.140; 95% CI 0.083–0.238; P < 0.001, cTNM stage: HR0.305; 95% CI 0.165–0.564; P < 0.001) and OS (type: HR0.231; 95% CI 0.132–0.404; P < 0.001, cTNM stage: HR 0.394; 95% CI 0.194–0.797; P = 0.010). Significant differences in PFS (P < 0.0001) and OS (P = 0.022) were observed between PSC and LUAD, and for PC compared with SCC (PFS: P = 0.00036, OS: P = 0.0053). Additionally, PSC patients treated with immunotherapy showed significantly better OS (P = 0.0019) compared with those treated without immunotherapy.

Conclusions

PSC exhibits high KRAS and EGFR mutation rates, and spindle cell carcinoma has a worse prognosis. Immunotherapy shows potential as a treatment for advanced PSC.
Spectroscopic investigation of proton bonding at sub-kelvin temperatures
Authors: Torres-Boy América Y. , Taccone Martín I. , Ober Katja , Osenton Myles B.T. , Meijer Gerard , von Helden Gert , Martínez-Haya Bruno
Published: December 2024

The IR spectrum of protonated 12-crown-4 ether measured at sub-kelvin temperatures in helium droplets consists of narrow bands, not affected by thermal backbone fluctuations that modulate the potential of the mobile proton at elevated temperature.
The reversible capillary field effect transistor: a capillaric element for autonomous flow switching
Authors: Mak Daniel , Meffan Claude , Menges Julian , Marchant-Ludlow Rhys , Hashemi Azadeh , Moore Ciaran P. , Dobson Renwick C. J. , Nock Volker
Published: December 2024

New flow control elements in capillaric circuits are key to achieving ever more complex lab-on-a-chip functionality while maintaining their autonomous and easy-to-use nature.
Precise control of photoemission and circularly polarized emission achieved through resonant coupling of chiral nanoparticles with Ag particles
Authors: Ma Rongze , Mu Dedan , Lang Yanni , Xu Liang , Wang Haoxin , Li Songtao , Li Yongjin , Song Zhiguo , Zhou Dacheng , Yang Yong , Wen Yugeng , Han Jin , Qiu Jianbei
Published: December 2024

Enhanced and circularly polarised modulation of visible to near-infrared luminescence by resonant coupling between silver nanoparticles and chiral nanoparticles.
Analysis of Informatics Topics in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Program Requirements
Authors: Rohan Thomas Z. , Nayak Ruhi , Yang Kevin , Nambudiri Vinod E. , Kim Ellen
Published: December 2024

Background There is growing recognition of the need to incorporate informatics education in U.S. residencies. Medical residency training programs are critical in shaping system change and can play a pivotal role by incorporating clinical informatics (CI) based learning into their training requirements.

Objectives We searched the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Program Requirements effective July 1, 2023, to assess the inclusion of CI topics for all medical residency specialties to assess the relative levels of CI knowledge expected by graduates.

Methods We performed independent full-text search queries of 23 informatics-related keywords (e.g., electronic health record, innovation, database) in the ACGME Residency Program Requirements of 24 medical specialties.

Results All specialties' requirements contained at least five different keywords, with the total count ranging from 25 to 42 (mean: 32.00; standard deviation: 5.09). Pathology contained the highest counts with 42, followed by internal medicine and family medicine with 41 each. Pathology included the most distinct keywords (11). The most common keywords were “leadership” (62%) and “electronic health record” (10%). There were no specific mentions of several keywords—including “analytics,” “artificial intelligence,” and “machine learning”—within any program requirements. Although the ACGME Residency Program Requirements state that residents must demonstrate competence in using information technology to optimize learning, the extent is not fully specified; only 10 programs mention the keyword “information technology” within their specialty guidelines.

Conclusion The integration of CI education varies across specialties and may be even more variable across programs. Our study highlights potential opportunities for further standardization and integration of CI into resident curriculum requirements in order to better prepare future physician workforces for a changing medical landscape. We encourage educators, residency review committees, and national specialty organizations to consider further exploring the incorporation of CI content into residency training program requirements.
Report on 3,143.6-km Time and Frequency Transfer Fiber Link with Ps-level Stability
Authors: Liu Bo , Guo Xinxing , Chen Jiang , Zhou Yanli , Liu Tao , Dong Ruifang , Zhang Shougang
Published: December 2024

This letter describes the implementation of a high-precision time and frequency transmission system using a two-way and wavelength division multiplexing scheme over 3,143.6 km of field fiber links, connecting 21 sites between Xi’an and Beijing, China. This scheme incorporates a link noise clean-up system (LNCUS), wherein a controlled very-low-phase noise BVA oscillator acts as an internal frequency source at the relay site to effectively suppress the interference caused by the fiber link noise. Additionally, the high-stability pulse generation technology in the LNCPS provides sufficient short-term stability to significantly improve the stability of the fiber time transfer. The results indicate a time transfer stability in terms of time deviation (TDEV) of less than 2.07 ps@1s, 5.9 ps@100,000s, and combined uncertainty of less than 49.29 ps for the 3,143.6 km field fiber link. The results represent a significant breakthrough in achieving high-accuracy time transfer and continuous operation over ultralong-span field optical fibers exceeding 3,000 km for the first time. This enabled time transfer and synchronization services over the longest international optical fiber distance, thereby establishing a fundamental basis for constructing a nationwide high-precision time service through optical fiber networks.
BYSpec: An Automatic Data Reduction Package for BFOSC and YFOSC Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Zhang Zi-Chong , Zhang Jun-Bo , Zhang Ju-Jia , Song De-Yang , Chen Jing , Ding Ming-Yi , Zhou Nan , Wang Liang , Zhang Kai
Published: December 2024

BFOSC and YFOSC are the most frequently used instruments in the Xinglong 2.16 m telescope and Lijiang 2.4 m telescope, respectively. We developed a software package named “BYSpec” (BFOSC and YFOSC Spectra Reduction Package) dedicated to automatically reducing the long-slit and echelle spectra obtained by these two instruments. The package supports bias and flat-fielding correction, order location, background subtraction, automatic wavelength calibration, and absolute flux calibration. The optimal extraction method maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio and removes most of the cosmic rays imprinted in the spectra. A comparison with the 1D spectra reduced with IRAF verifies the reliability of the results. This open-source software is publicly available to the community.
Wheat genotypes selected for their high early daytime stomatal conductance under elevated nocturnal temperatures maintain high yield and biomass
Authors: Pinto R Suzuky , Garatuza-Payán Jaime , Murchie Erik H , Reynolds Matthew P , Yepez Enrico A
Published: December 2024

Global nighttime temperatures are increasing and correlate with a decline in crop yield. Various aspects of nocturnal physiology in plants are under-studied, one of which is the independent influence on daytime processes. Twelve elite wheat genotypes were field-grown in plots with artificially increased nighttime temperatures (+ 2°C). The stomatal conductance on the adaxial and abaxial leaf side was measured during the morning and the night, and stomatal morphological traits were assessed during the same period of plant growth. To determine whether an increase in early daytime stomatal conductance provides a growth and/or yield advantage under high temperature, the biomass, grain number, grain weight, and grain yield were measured. Genotypes exhibiting the highest early daytime stomatal conductance also showed higher biomass, grain number, and yield. An increase of 19 % in early daytime stomatal conductance led to a yield increase of 86 and 65 gm-2, in heated and control conditions respectively, translating to 43 and 35 % yield enhancement. Irrespective of the environment, the adaxial leaf side showed the highest diurnal and nocturnal conductance, mirroring direct stomatal aperture (SA) measurements. The high nighttime temperature treatment increased daytime stomatal conductance but reduced nocturnal conductance. SA varied with growing conditions; in the morning, plants under high nighttime temperatures showed larger SA than those from the control independently of the leaf side, conversely, the opposite trend was observed in the night. Stomata on the adaxial leaf side showed higher density (SD) and larger size (SL). Results from this study show that early daytime conductance increased productivity in hot-irrigated environments studied here. Previous studies showed that high pre-dawn conductance improves morning photosynthesis, and here we find that high nocturnal temperatures increased early morning conductance but reduced night time conductance and this may be a factor that contributed to minimize yield losses.
Teacher resistance is real: incorporating creativity into primary ELT
Authors: Ahn Tae youn , Yim Su Yon
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the intentions of experienced Korean primary school teachers to incorporate creative tasks into their English lessons. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four teachers who had participated in a working group for six months to develop and implement open-ended tasks to enhance creativity. Although the teachers developed positive attitudes towards the use of creative tasks as they implemented the developed lessons, they remained reluctant to use these lessons in their English classes, citing the national curriculum and English textbooks as major contextual constraints. However, further analysis of the interviews revealed that their resistance was more closely related to the tension between their stable beliefs about EFL teaching in general and their dynamic beliefs regarding creativity-based instruction. This study suggests that innovative pedagogies should be introduced by identifying and reworking the underlying beliefs that shape teachers’ intentions.
SoxR-dependent regulation of sodA1 and its impact on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia survival under external oxidative stress
Authors: Giengkam Suparat , Charoenlap Nisanart , Whangsuk Wirongrong , Bhinija Kisana , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Vattanaviboon Paiboon
Published: December 2024

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging global opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infections. We demonstrated that the superoxide stress-sensing transcriptional regulator SoxR directly modulated the expression of an operon encompassing sodA1 (encoding manganese-containing superoxide dismutase) and fre (encoding putative flavin reductase) by directly binding to the operator site, which was located between the −35 and −10 motifs of the sodA1 promoter. It is known that upon exposure to the superoxide generators/redox-cycling drugs, the SoxR, which is bound to the operator site, became oxidized. This oxidation causes a conformational change of SoxR to an active form, enabling the upregulation of sodA1–fre gene expression. A ΔsodA1 was constructed, and the mutant showed enhanced sensitivity to the redox-cycling drugs, including menadione, plumbagin, and methyl viologen (paraquat), relative to its parental strain K279a. Thus, sodA1 may play a role in the survival of S. maltophilia under superoxide stress during either its saprophyte stage (e.g. exposure to redox-cycling drugs) or host–pathogen interactions.
The relationship between Ribosome-associated Quality Control and neurological disorders
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Jianhua , Cao Hanshuai , Xing Yingming , Wang Zhuoran , Ma Jing , Zhao Rongjuan , Zhang Wei , Guo Junhong , Chang Xueli
Published: December 2024

Ribosome-associated quality control (RQC), a ubiquitous process essential for maintaining protein homeostasis in eukaryotes, acts as a critical surveillance system for protein translation. By identifying and eliminating stalled ribosomes, RQC prevents aberrant translation and the production of potentially toxic misfolded proteins. The review focuses on the role of RQC in mammals, where its complete functionality remains to be elucidated. This study delves into the mechanisms through which dysfunction in RQC plays a role in the development of neurological disorders, focusing on neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. We explore the underlying mechanisms by which RQC dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, particularly neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Further research is crucial to unravel the intricate mechanisms governing RQC's influence on neurological function. This knowledge will pave the way for exploring therapeutic avenues targeting RQC factors as potential interventions for these debilitating diseases. By shedding light on RQC's contribution to neurological disorders, this review opens doors for developing targeted therapies and interventions.
Rewriting and Copyright Law: A Literary and Legal Analysis
Authors: Gollnast Carl , Gollnast Paul , Rauh Franziska
Published: December 2024

In narrative literature, phrases, characters and plot elements frequently cross borders, moving from one text to another. In doing so they establish intertextual relations, including those particularly strong ones for which postcolonial and feminist literary theory have coined the term rewriting. This practice of ‘writing back to’ or rewriting existing works of literature is particularly significant as a means of expression for marginalized groups whose perspectives are missing from the pre-texts. Consequently, intertextual friction and a stance of resistance often mark the relationship between rewritings and their pre-texts. The focus of our multidisciplinary paper is to analyze the implications of rewriting for EU copyright law. Rewritings are contextualized on the continuum between infringing adaptation and free use outside the scope of protection. Copyright law faces the dilemma that it should reward the creative power of the pre-text’s author, while not stifling the creative power expressed in rewriting. We evoke a responsibility for copyright law to enable rewriting and assess potential strategies of how copyright law can meet this responsibility.
Climate matching models for Ceratapion basicorne (Coleoptera: Apionidae), a biocontrol agent of yellow starthistle
Authors: Barker Brittany S
Published: December 2024

Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Apionidae), a weevil native to Europe and western Asia, shows promise for enhancing the control of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.), an invasive annual forb in the western United States. However, a paucity of data on this biocontrol agent’s environmental constraints has made it difficult to assess the suitability of potential release locations. Climate matching models were developed for C. basicorne to help identify areas of the western United States with similar climates to the source area of breeding colonies being used for releases (home location). The models used climate variables derived from daily estimates of minimum temperature, maximum temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture for a 30-yr period spanning 1991–2020 at 1 km2 resolution. Of the areas where C. solstitialis is known to occur, the Central California Foothills, Eastern Cascades Foothills, Columbia Plateau, and mountainous parts of northcentral Utah had the most similar climates to the home location. Of these areas, the Eastern Cascades foothills in northeastern California and Wasatch Range in Utah occurred at a similar latitude as the home location, which may be important to consider if C. basicorne has photoperiodic diapause. The least similar climates occurred in wet coastal regions, high-elevation (cold) mountains, and hot deserts; however, C. solstitialis has not been detected in most of these areas. The development of process-based models for predicting the establishment of this agent will require a more detailed understanding of the agent’s requirements for development and survival.
The trade and environment nexus: proposing a broad universal definition of environmental services
Authors: Butler Nicolette , Tarawneh Jasem
Published: December 2024

Scholars and policymakers are increasingly reflecting on the capacity of international trade to contribute to the pursuance of environmental objectives. In this vein, this article focuses on the role of environmental services. Traditionally narrowly understood as end-of-pipe services, there is growing consensus that a broader range of services should be regarded as environmentally related. Accordingly, this article considers various previous attempts to define and classify environmental services, critically examining the suggestions and the underlying reasons why little to no practical progress has been made to date on this issue. Aiming to make tangible progress in this regard, a broad universal definition of the term environmental services and accompanying classification mechanism will be proposed herein. The suggested definition seeks to strike a balance between formality and flexibility, thereby striving to provide a definition that is suitable both for the purposes of analysis as well as making legal commitments on liberalization of such services.
Opportunities and challenges for fashion companies in the use of blockchain technology as a tool for product authentication and counterfeit prevention
Authors: Ciurel Anca
Published: December 2024

Fashion companies protect and enforce their IP rights to scale and grow their business. Yet most fashion companies still face challenges in fighting counterfeit goods. This gap stands in the way of the success and prosperity of individual fashion businesses and the global fashion industry. Mainstreaming emerging technologies as tools for fashion businesses could narrow this gap. Fashion companies can use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain for product authentication and counterfeit detection. Blockchain technology offers multiple solutions via digital twins, digital product passports, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), QR codes, and Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips to better authenticate fashion products while effectively detecting IP infringements. This article aims to showcase the opportunities and challenges in using blockchain technology as a tool for product authentication and counterfeit prevention. It focuses on the current state of the art in the use of blockchain technology in the fashion industry. It outlines initiatives that provide new blockchain solutions for fashion brands to better authenticate their products and win the fight against counterfeiting. The article concludes by comparing the use of blockchain technology by the fashion industry with other luxury sectors, such as the hard luxury sector, which includes watches and jewelry, the art and luxury furniture sectors, and the premium wine and spirits sectors.
Fashion 4.0 and emerging designers: leveraging data and AI to drive creativity, innovation and compliance in global supply chain regulation
Authors: Rockett Eleanor , Fenwick Mark , Jurcys Paulius
Published: December 2024

This paper presents three interrelated arguments concerning the fashion industry and regulation. First, we propose that Bertola’s and Teunissen’s concept of Fashion 4.0 offers a powerful framework for understanding the organization of global fashion today. This model emphasizes the dynamic, decentralized and technology-driven character of the ‘smart factories’, ‘smart networks’ and ‘smart products’ that dominate the global fashion industry. The value of this framework is illustrated with contemporary examples from the UK. Second, we argue that increasing regulatory demands impose uncertain and costly compliance obligations on firms across multiple aspects of their operations and supply chain. Our discussion highlights the confluence of challenges related to intellectual property, value chain monitoring and AI regulation. We contend that smaller and medium-sized enterprises, particularly emerging designers, are disproportionately affected by this regulatory burden—a phenomenon we term the ‘tragic character’ of contemporary compliance. Finally, we explore how the challenge of navigating an increasingly complex business and regulatory landscape necessitates the deployment of ever-more sophisticated digital technologies, especially AI. We outline several potential applications of such technologies across the fashion industry. In conclusion, we suggest that in the context of Fashion 4.0, understanding the interaction between different regulatory schemes, as well as their effects on industry stakeholders, is becoming critical yet increasingly complex and opaque. This raises difficult questions about the limits of law and other regulatory schemes in fostering innovative, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices in the fashion sector.
Declining detections of the Plains Spotted Skunk in Kansas: conservation implications for the central Great Plains
Authors: Benson Daniel , de la Peña Jenell , Cordes Zackary , Durbin Caleb , George Andrew D , Rega-Brodsky Christine C
Published: December 2024

Although once abundant across central North America, the Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) has experienced range-wide population declines, resulting in its listing as a conservation priority species in several Midwestern and Great Plains states. Our research objectives were to document the Plains Spotted Skunk in Kansas and describe its habitats in order to inform state conservation efforts. We conducted a comprehensive camera trap survey at over 1,367 locations from 2016 to 2023, with targeted efforts focusing on state agency-designated spotted skunk critical habitat and historical detection locations in 29 counties. Even as one of the largest Plains Spotted Skunk studies to date in terms of spatial and temporal scope, we only detected the species at 6 locations in 2017, 2019, and 2020, all in 1 county along the Arkansas River floodplain in Kansas. We only detected spotted skunks at locations with local woody cover, and in landscapes with more grasslands and less row crop agriculture. Intensive efforts to resample locations with past detections yielded no spotted skunks in 2021 to 2023. The lack of recent Plains Spotted Skunk detections suggests that conservation actions may be warranted to prevent extirpation from the central Great Plains.
Effects of therapy in experimental models of Peyronie’s disease: a scoping review
Authors: Wiborg Majken Højrup , Krøijer Rasmus , Laursen Birgitte Schantz , Lund Lars
Published: December 2024

Background

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder affecting the penile tunica albugínea, with unclear pathophysiology despite centuries of recognition.

Aim

This scoping review maps the effects of interventions in basic PD research, synthesizing evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies to guide future investigation.

Methods

In October–November 2023, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Science of Web, and Scopus, following SRYCLE’s guidelines. Relevant studies were screened for data on interventions targeting PD in vivo and in vitro, with no language or time restrictions.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes included changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, myofibroblast activity, and plaque size.

Results

Of 683 articles screened, 40 studies were included. Key interventions such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors and stem cell therapies reduced ECM proteins and myofibroblast activity, particularly in early-stage PD models. However, none of the studies adhered to the ARRIVE guidelines, highlighting a gap in reporting standards.

Clinical translation

Findings suggest potential benefits of early and multimodal treatment strategies, but further human trials are needed to bridge the gap in clinical practice.

Strengths and limitations

This review systematically synthesizes animal and cellular research on PD, highlighting significant preclinical findings. However, the lack of standardized reporting and limited human studies restricts direct clinical applicability.

Conclusion

Further research should prioritize adherence to reporting standards, optimize treatment timing, and explore combination therapies to advance PD management.
Epidemiology, patient characteristics, and treatment patterns of patients with narcolepsy in Sweden: a non-interventional study using secondary data
Authors: Giertz Anna , Mesterton Johan , Jakobsson Tanja , Crawford Stephen , Ghosh Somraj , Landtblom Anne-Marie
Published: December 2024

Study Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and incidence and evaluate the treatment patterns of patients diagnosed with narcolepsy in specialist care in Sweden.

Methods

This non-interventional retrospective longitudinal study used Swedish register data from 2010 to 2020 and included patients diagnosed with narcolepsy (either type 1 or type 2), recorded in specialist outpatient and inpatient care from January 2015 to December 2019. All patients received an index date corresponding to the date of the first narcolepsy diagnosis.

Results

The prevalence and incidence of narcolepsy were 14.7/100 000 and 0.9/100 000 individuals, respectively, with a greater proportion of females than males. The study included 1846 prevalent narcolepsy patients of either type, of which 466 were incident. The majority of prevalent patients (87.9%) were prescribed narcolepsy-related treatment at index with stimulants being the most common treatment. Both in the years before and after index, the most used medication by prevalent patients was stimulants (42.4% and 54.8%, respectively). Among incident patients, stimulants were the most common drug in the year after index (57.0%). Treatment switching following index was frequent and a large share of incident patients who started on modafinil were switched to stimulants.

Conclusions

The prevalence of narcolepsy was lower than previously reported and was higher in females than in males; incidence was comparable throughout the study period. At index, not all patients used narcolepsy-related medications, potentially indicating a hesitance towards treatment and/or a need for faster initiation of treatment following index. Many patients were switched from the treatment they first initiated after diagnosis, which might be due to a lack of efficacy and/or unacceptable side effects.
Exosomes secreted from Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells modify trophoblast activities by delivering miR-18a-5p and regulating HRK-p53 interaction
Authors: Zhao Wendi , Li Wenting , Zuo Jianxin , Zhou Huansheng , Gao Guoqiang , Ye Yuanhua , Chu Yijing
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) have been demonstrated as effective in tissue repair and regeneration. Trophoblast dysfunction is associated with several types of pregnancy complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of AMSCs on the biological activities of human trophoblasts, as well as their molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated from AMSC supernatants, and characterized and quantified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) , nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting assay. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the uptake of AMSCs-derived exomes (AMSC-Exos) by human trophoblasts. Human trophoblasts were subjected to transcriptome analysis after being co-cultured with AMSC-Exos. Lentiviral transfection was performed to construct the human trophoblast cell lines with stable HRK knockdown or overexpression. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the HRK expression in preeclampsia (PE) patients. CCK8 and Transwell assays were respectively used to detect the trophoblast proliferation and migration. TUNEL flow cytometry assay was used to detect the apoptosis in trophoblasts. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of the genes. Dual luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the changes in gene-transcript levels.

RESULTS

AMSC-Exos could be absorbed by human trophoblasts. Transcriptome analysis showed that HRK was significantly reduced in human trophoblasts co-cultured with AMSC-Exos. HRK inhibited cell proliferation and migration in human trophoblasts and promoted their apoptosis via p53 upregulation. miR-18a-5p, present at high levels in AMSC-Exos, improved trophoblast proliferation and migration, and inhibited their apoptosis by inhibiting the HRK expression.

CONCLUSION

miR-18a-5p present in AMSC-Exos could be absorbed by trophoblasts, and in turn, improved their proliferation and migration and inhibited their apoptosis by HRK down-regulation.
The Whites-Only Immigration Regime
Authors: Hernandez Kelly Lytle
Published: December 2024

After the U.S. Civil War, federal authorities began building the framework for our modern immigration regime. By the 1930s, they had adopted a variety of laws, rules, and tactics designed to target non-White immigrants for exclusion, punishment, and removal, imposing a Whites-only immigration regime in all but name. To date, federal authorities have revised but have yet to repeal this regime. This essay is a written version of the author’s 2024 Western History Association presidential address.
Lessons Learned: Preventing Faculty Burnout
Authors: Hoffmann Chelsey
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) clinicians face a major learning curve when transitioning from patient provider to PA educator. Furthermore, PA educators juggle multiple responsibilities including teaching, grading, advising, mentoring, interviewing, researching, writing, and more. Recently published research has indicated that 52.4% of PA educators thought about leaving their faculty roles within the past year. To assist in the effort to prioritize faculty retention, a personal story of faculty burnout and lessons learned is shared.

Methods

Burnout and its three associated subscales are defined, while symptoms of burnout are outlined in a manner specific to the role of a PA faculty member.

Results

Drawing from the existing evidence base, suggestions are made to improve the well-being of PA educators and prevent faculty burnout or turnover.

Discussion

While being a PA faculty member is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging, particularly for early-career PAs or those transitioning from clinical practice with no prior work experience as an educator. Strategic implementation of good habits may aid faculty members in preventing burnout and improving work-life balance.
“A good socket fit can make you or break you”: A multimethod study to explore the perceptions and experiences of socket fitting among people with lower-limb loss in Australia
Authors: Armitage Lucy , Kark Lauren , McDonald Kirsty A. , Sparke Darrel , Ford Belinda
Published: December 2024

Background:

Iterative design and modification are used to manufacture lower limb prosthetic sockets that meet users' needs while also fulfilling safety and mobility criteria. Greater understanding of the expectations of prosthesis users regarding prosthetic fit as well as their experiences at the time of socket fitting is needed.

Objectives:

Describe lower limb prosthesis user perceptions and experiences of socket comfort and discomfort during their last fitting and compare this to their expectations for a perfectly fitting socket and their satisfaction with the socket they had fitted.

Study Design:

Mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative).

Methods:

A questionnaire was designed and administered in consultation with Amputees NSW (an amputee advocacy group) and distributed through their membership database. Qualitative responses were analyzed to explore prosthesis user experiences of socket fitting, general wear, as well as socket comfort, discomfort, and satisfaction. Quantitative responses were analyzed using descriptive, nonparametric methods.

Results:

Thirty participants with a range of lived experiences completed the questionnaire. Reported comfort and discomfort varied across participants and indicated that expectations and experiences of fit varied and changed over time, with some participants anticipating adjustment over time would be necessary. Qualitative analysis found experiences of prosthesis socket comfort/discomfort on the day of fitting and general experiences of socket comfort related to 2 key factors—the prosthesis itself and the individual prosthesis user.

Conclusions:

Understanding the experiences and expectations of prosthesis users for comfort and intended activities is central to ensure success of the socket fitting approach. Investigation into fit changes over time could provide insights into follow-up requirements, user education, and funding mechanisms.
Functional electrical stimulation in adult patients with cerebral palsy and foot drop—outcome in gait
Authors: Gather Katharina S. , Bleichner Niklas , Block Julia , Heitzmann Daniel W. W. , Weichold Claudia , Wolf Sebastian I. , Alimusaj Merkur , Putz Cornelia
Published: December 2024

Background:

Foot drop is a common condition for patients with upper motor neuron syndrome such as cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on gait function, quality of life, and FES satisfaction in adults with CP and foot drop. To analyze effects over time, an observational, longitudinal study was performed.

Methods:

In this observational prospective cohort study, 8 adults with CP (median age of 22 years; range: 18.5–33.25) received a FES system for 12 weeks. 3D gait analysis was performed at beginning (T1) and end of the study period (T2). To detect effects of FES, ankle kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters were monitored for the conditions FES-OFF and -ON at each examination.

Results:

Over time, walking speed increased significantly from T1ON (1.08 m/s) to T2OFF (1.21 m/s) with further improvement at T2ON. The ON-OFF difference of maximum dorsiflexion during swing tended to increase at T2 (2.49 degrees) compared with T1 (1.73 degrees) but with a more plantarflexed ankle position at T2 (range: −7.1 to 1.31 degrees) than T1 (range: −1.53 to 4.51 degrees) resulting in a significant decrease between T1ON and T2OFF. With FES, push-off energy tended to decrease for both examinations and lead to lower values over time.

Conclusion:

Positive therapeutic effects are represented in walking speed over time regardless of FES being OFF or ON even with a reduction in push-off energy. Despite no significant increase in maximum dorsiflexion in swing, over time, participants showed the tendency of an improvement in foot lift with FES-ON.
Structured light projection using image guide fibers for in situ photo-biofabrication
Authors: Chansoria Parth , Winkelbauer Michael , Zhang Shipin , Janiak Jakub , Liu Hao , Zenobi-Wong Marcy
Published: December 2024

Light-based biofabrication techniques have revolutionized the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Specifically, the projection of structured light, where the spatial distribution of light is controlled at both macro- and micro-scale, has enabled precise fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures with high resolution and speed. However, despite almost two decades of progress, biofabrication processes have been mostly limited to benchtop devices which limit the flexibility in terms of where the fabrication can occur. Here, we demonstrate a Fiber-assisted Structured Light (FaSt-Light) projection apparatus for rapid in situ crosslinking of photoresins. This approach uses image-guide fiber bundles which can project bespoke images at multiple wavelengths, enabling flexibility and spatial control of different photoinitiation systems and crosslinking chemistries and also the location of fabrication. We demonstrate coupling of different sizes of fibers and different lenses attached to the fibers to be able to project small (several mm) or large (several cm) images for material crosslinking. FaSt-Light allows control over the cross-section of the crosslinked resins and enables the introduction of microfilaments which can further guide cellular infiltration, differentiation and anisotropic matrix production. The proposed approach could lead to a new range of in situ biofabrication techniques which improve the translational potential of photo-fabricated tissues and grafts.
Evolutionary dynamics at the leading edge of biological invasions
Authors: Poloni Silas , Lutscher Frithjof , Lewis Mark A.
Published: December 2024

Empirical evidence shows that evolution may take place during species’ range expansion. Indeed, dispersal ability tends to be selected for at the leading edge of invasions, ultimately increasing a species’ spreading speed. However, for organisms across many different taxa, higher dispersal comes at the cost of fitness, producing evolutionary trade-offs at the leading edge. Using reaction-diffusion equations and adaptive dynamics, we provide new insights on how such evolutionary processes take place. We show how evolution may drive phenotypes at the leading edge to maximize the asymptotic spreading speed, and conditions under which phenotypic plasticity in dispersal is selected for under different dispersal-reproduction trade-off scenarios. We provide some possible future research directions and other systems where the framework can be applied.
Virtual reality mediated brain-computer interface training improves sensorimotor neuromodulation in unimpaired and post spinal cord injury individuals
Authors: Mannan Malik Muhammad Naeem , Palipana Dinesh B. , Mulholland Kyle , Jurd Evan , Lloyd Ewan C.R. , Quinn Alastair R. J. , Crossley Claire B. , Rabbi Muhammad Fazle , Lloyd David G. , Teng Yang D. , Pizzolato Claudio
Published: December 2024

Real-time brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that decode electroencephalograms (EEG) during motor imagery (MI) are a powerful adjunct to rehabilitation therapy after neurotrauma. Immersive virtual reality (VR) could complement BCIs by delivering multisensory feedback congruent to the user’s MI, enabling therapies that engage users in task-oriented scenarios. Yet, therapeutic outcomes rely on the user’s proficiency in evoking MI to attain volitional BCI-commanded VR interaction. While previous studies suggested that users could improve BCI-evoked MI within a single session, the effects of multiple training sessions on sensorimotor neuromodulation remain unknown. Here, we present a longitudinal study assessing the impact of VR-mediated BCI training on lower-limb sensorimotor neuromodulation, wherein an EEG-based BCI was coupled with congruent real-time multisensory feedback in immersive VR. We show that unimpaired individuals could learn to modulate their sensorimotor activations during MI virtual walking over multiple training sessions, also resulting in increased BCI control accuracy. Additionally, when extending the system to immersive VR cycling, four individuals with chronic complete spinal cord injury (SCI) showed similar improvements. This is the first study demonstrating that individuals could learn modulating sensorimotor activity associated with MI using BCI integrated with immersive VR over multiple training sessions, even after SCI-induced motor and sensory decline. These results suggest that VR-BCI training may facilitate neuroplasticity, potentially strengthening sensorimotor pathways and functional connectivity relevant to motor control and recovery.