bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation der Hautkrebsfrüherkennung in Deutschland mit Krebsregisterdaten – Herausforderungen, Lösungen und aktuelle Trends
Authors: Hübner Joachim , Baltus Hannah , Eisemann Nora , Rohr Maren , Schumann Laura , Augustin Jobst , Hagenström Kristina , Wolf Sandra , Garbe Claudia , Augustin Matthias , Katalinic Alexander
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund und Ziele

Die Evidenz für einen Nutzen des 2008 in Deutschland eingeführten Hautkrebsscreenings ist schwach. Wir untersuchen, inwieweit Daten der deutschen epidemiologischen Krebsregister geeignet sind zur Evaluation des Hautkrebsscreenings beizutragen, und berichten diese Evaluationsergebnisse.

Material und Methodik

Die Hautkrebsdaten der Krebsregister aus den Jahren 1999–2019 wurden hinsichtlich Vollzähligkeit und Vollständigkeit beschrieben. Regionale Datenpools unterschiedlicher Validität wurden definiert, fehlende Daten sofern sinnvoll mehrfach imputiert und zeitliche Trends analysiert. Ergänzend wurden Daten der Todesursachenstatistik herangezogen.

Ergebnisse

Belastbare Vollzähligkeitsschätzungen liegen nur für das maligne Melanom (ICD‐10: C43) vor. Auf Basis eines regionalen Datenpools, der circa 21% der deutschen Bevölkerung abdeckt, kann das melanombezogene Krankheitsgeschehen seit 2005 valide beschrieben werden. Für T‐Stadium und Lokalisation liegen ausreichend Informationen für eine multiple Imputation vor. Die Trendanalysen zeigen im zeitlichen Zusammenhang mit der Einführung der Früherkennung kurzfristig erwartbare Inzidenzänderungen, die in eine langanhaltende hohe Inzidenz übergehen. Die Rate fortgeschrittener Stadien geht nicht wesentlich zurück. Ab 2014 sinkt die bis dahin steigende Melanommortalität.

Schlussfolgerungen

Adäquat ausgewählte und aufbereitete Krebsregisterdaten eignen sich zur bevölkerungsbezogenen Bewertung des Hautkrebsscreenings. Eine Erklärung des anhaltend hohen Inzidenzniveaus gelingt auf Basis der Krebsregisterdaten nicht. In Betracht kommen insbesondere Überdiagnosen oder ein Anstieg der Hintergrundinzidenz. Der Nutzen des Hautkrebsscreenings bleibt offen.
Prospective cross‐organ analysis for the causes of fever and increased inflammatory response after endoscopic resection
Authors: Mizutani Mari , Minesaki Daisuke , Morioka Kohei , Iwata Kentaro , Miyazaki Kurato , Masunaga Teppei , Kubosawa Yoko , Hayashi Yukie , Sasaki Motoki , Akimoto Teppei , Takatori Yusaku , Matsuura Noriko , Nakayama Atsushi , Sujino Tomohisa , Takabayashi Kaoru , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa , Kato Motohiko
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Fever and increased inflammatory responses sometimes occur following endoscopic resection (ER). However, the differences in causes according to the organ are scarcely understood, and several modified ER techniques have been proposed. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive prospective study to investigate the cause of fever and increased inflammatory response across multiple organs after ER.

Methods

We included patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and duodenal endoscopic mucosal resection at our hospital between January 2020 and April 2022. Primary endpoints were fever and increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels following ER. The secondary endpoints were risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Blood tests and radiography were performed on the day after ER, and computed tomography was performed if the cause was unknown.

Results

Among the 822 patients included, aspiration pneumonia was the most common cause of fever and increased CRP levels after ER of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, 53%; stomach, 48%; and duodenum, 71%). Post‐ER coagulation syndrome was most common after colorectal ESD (38%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, lesions located in the esophagus (odds ratio [OR] 3.57; P < 0.001) and an amount of irrigation liquid of ≥1 L (OR 3.71; P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusions

Aspiration pneumonia was the most common cause of fever after upper gastrointestinal ER and post‐ER coagulation syndrome following colorectal ESD. Lesions in the esophagus and an amount of irrigation liquid of ≥1 L were independent risk factors for aspiration pneumonia.
Effects of CASZ1, WNT2B and PTPRG SNPs on stroke susceptibility in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Huan , Chang Yanting , Li Yujie , Wei Jie , Ma Xiaoya , Zhou Wenqian , Zang Xufeng , Jin Tianbo , Wu Songdi
Published: December 2023

Background

Stroke is an important cause of death and disability worldwide, ranking second in the cause of death, and it is thought to be related to genetic factors. The purpose of our study is to investigate the association between CASZ1, WNT2B and PTPRG single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and stroke risk in the Chinese population.

Methods

We recruited 1418 volunteers, comprised of 710 stroke cases and 708 controls in this study. We used MassARRAY iPLEX GOLD method to genotype the three SNPs on CASZ1, WNT2B and PTPRG. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between these SNPs and stroke, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were then calculated. What's more, the interactions among SNPs were predicted by multi‐factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis.

Results

This research demonstrated that CASZ1 rs880315 and PTPRG rs704341 were associated with reduced stroke susceptibility. More precisely, CASZ1 rs880315 was associated with reduced stroke susceptibility in people aged ≤64 years and women. PTPRG rs704341 was associated with reduced stroke susceptibility in people aged >64 years, women, non‐smokers and non‐drinkers. Conversely, WNT2B rs12037987 was related to elevated stroke susceptibility in people aged >64 years, women and non‐smokers. In addition, CASZ1 rs880315, WNT2B rs12037987 and PTPRG rs704341 had a strong redundancy relationship.

Conclusion

Our study concludes that CASZ1 rs880315, WNT2B rs12037987 and PTPRG rs704341 are associated with stroke, and the study provides a basis for assessing genetic variants associated with stroke risk in the Han Chinese population.
Interactive effects of total dissolved gas supersaturation and suspended sediment on the swimming abilities of two fish species
Authors: Zhang Qiyu , Liu Xiaoqing , Shi Haoran , Yang Yao
Published: December 2023

Discharged floods containing a large amount of suspended sediment (SS) can lead to total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream of dams. The swimming ability of fish may be affected by TDG supersaturation and excessive SS. However, previous studies focused only on the separate effects of TDG and SS, ignoring their combined effects. In this study, juvenile rock carp and grass carp were selected to assess the interactive effects of TDG and SS on fish swimming ability. A totally crossed two‐factorial design (six TDG levels: 100%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130% and 135%; four SS concentrations: 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/L) was set, and the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) and the burst swimming speed (Uburst) were measured. The findings indicated that the swimming abilities (Ucrit and Uburst) of both fish species decreased with increasing TDG levels and SS concentrations. Separate exposure to TDG significantly decreased the swimming abilities of the two fish species, whereas separate exposure to SS decreased only the swimming abilities of juvenile grass carp. Juvenile rock carp exhibited weaker swimming abilities than juvenile grass carp in TDG‐supersaturated water. Additionally, the interaction between TDG and SS reduced the swimming abilities of juvenile rock carp and grass carp compared with a separate effect, but this reduction was significant only for the Ucrit of juvenile grass carp. This study demonstrates that TDG‐supersaturated water containing SS during flooding may result in fish failure through fishways.
In the shadows of gratitude: On mooded spaces of vulnerability and care
Authors: Danely Jason
Published: December 2023

Gratitude is a ubiquitous phenomenon in everyday social interactions, yet it has received relatively little attention within anthropology. Past approaches to gratitude have focused on its practical expressions within exchange relationships. In contrast, this article considers the phenomenology of gratitude as a moral mood. Drawing on ethnographic episodes of gratitude between older care‐recipients and their unpaid family carers in Japan, I argue that gratitude generates an aesthetic atmosphere that attunes carer and cared‐for to each other. I explore this through the Japanese notion “kage,” or the “shadow,” an atmosphere of shared interdependence and vulnerability that is not reducible to darkness or light, pain, or comfort. In the context of informal care of older people, this ambiguity provides space for sharing complex relational experiences and easing the weight of emotional strain. This Japanese example provides a model of new ways to engage with gratitude ethnographically, particularly in situations involving close care.
Fossilized giant sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria from the Devonian Hollard Mound seep deposit, Morocco
Authors: Smrzka Daniel , Zwicker Jennifer , Schulz‐Vogt Heide , Little Crispin T. S. , Rieder Max , Meister Patrick , Gier Susanne , Peckmann Jörn
Published: December 2023

The giant sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria are particularly prone to preservation in the rock record, and their fossils have been identified in ancient phosphorites, cherts, and carbonates. This study reports putative spherical fossils preserved in the Devonian Hollard Mound hydrocarbon‐seep deposit. Based on petrographical, mineralogical, and geochemical evidence the putative microfossils are interpreted as sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria similar to the present‐day genus Thiomargarita, which is also found at modern hydrocarbon seeps. The morphology, distribution, size, and occurrence of the fossilized cells show a large degree of similarity to their modern counterparts. Some of the spherical fossils adhere to worm tubes analogous to the occurrence of modern Thiomargarita on the tubes of seep‐dwelling siboglinid worms. Fluorapatite crystals were identified within the fossilized cell walls, suggesting the intercellular storage of phosphorus analogous to modern Thiomargarita cells. The preservation of large sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria was probably linked to changing biogeochemical processes at the Hollard Mound seep or, alternatively, may have been favored by the sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria performing nitrate‐dependent sulfide oxidation—a process known to induce carbonate precipitation. The presence of sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria at a Devonian hydrocarbon seep highlights the similarities of past and present chemosynthesis‐based ecosystems and provides valuable insight into the antiquity of biogeochemical processes and element cycling at Phanerozoic seeps.
Divergent ecological responses to typhoon disturbance revealed via landscape‐scale acoustic monitoring
Authors: Ross Samuel R. P.‐J. , Friedman Nicholas R. , Dudley Kenneth L. , Yoshida Takuma , Yoshimura Masashi , Economo Evan P. , Armitage David W. , Donohue Ian
Published: December 2023

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events across the globe. Understanding the capacity for ecological communities to withstand and recover from such events is critical. Typhoons are extreme weather events that are expected to broadly homogenize ecological dynamics through structural damage to vegetation and longer‐term effects of salinization. Given their unpredictable nature, monitoring ecological responses to typhoons is challenging, particularly for mobile animals such as birds. Here, we report spatially variable ecological responses to typhoons across terrestrial landscapes. Using a high temporal resolution passive acoustic monitoring network across 24 sites on the subtropical island of Okinawa, Japan, we found that typhoons elicit divergent ecological responses among Okinawa's diverse terrestrial habitats, as indicated by increased spatial variability of biological sound production (biophony) and individual species detections. This suggests that soniferous communities are capable of a diversity of different responses to typhoons. That is, spatial insurance effects among local ecological communities provide resilience to typhoons at the landscape scale. Even though site‐level typhoon impacts on soundscapes and bird detections were not particularly strong, monitoring at scale with high temporal resolution across a broad spatial extent nevertheless enabled detection of spatial heterogeneity in typhoon responses. Further, species‐level responses mirrored those of acoustic indices, underscoring the utility of such indices for revealing insight into fundamental questions concerning disturbance and stability. Our findings demonstrate the significant potential of landscape‐scale acoustic sensor networks to capture the understudied ecological impacts of unpredictable extreme weather events.
High phenotypic variation found within the offspring of each mother tree in Fagus sylvatica regardless of the environment or source population
Authors: Schmeddes Jonas , Muffler Lena , Barbeta Adrià , Beil Ilka , Bolte Andreas , Holm Stefanie , Karitter Pascal , Klisz Marcin , Löf Magnus , Nicolas Manuel , Peñuelas Josep , Vitasse Yann , Weigel Robert , Kreyling Juergen
Published: December 2023

Aim

Climate change challenges temperate forest trees by increasingly irregular precipitation and rising temperatures. Due to long generation cycles, trees cannot quickly adapt genetically. Hence, the persistence of tree populations in the face of ongoing climate change depends largely on phenotypic variation, that is the capability of a genotype to express variable phenotypes under different environmental conditions, known as plasticity. We aimed to quantify phenotypic variation of central Europe's naturally dominant forest tree across various intraspecific scales (individuals, mother trees (families), populations) to evaluate its potential to respond to changing climatic conditions.

Location

Europe.

Time Period

2016–2019.

Major Taxa Studied

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).

Methods

We conducted a fully reciprocal transplantation experiment with more than 9000 beech seeds from seven populations across a Europe‐wide gradient. We compared morphological (Specific Leaf Area), phenological (leaf unfolding) and fitness‐related (growth, survival) traits across various biological scales: within single mother trees, within populations and across different populations under the contrasting climates of the translocation sites.

Results

The experiment revealed significant phenotypic variation within the offspring of each mother tree, regardless of geographic origin. Initially, seedling height growth varied among mother trees and populations, likely due to maternal effects. However, the growth performance successively aligned after the first year. In summary, we observed a consistent growth response in different beech populations to diverse environments after initial maternal effects.

Main Conclusions

The study strikingly demonstrates the importance of considering intraspecific variation. Given the surprisingly broad spectrum of phenotypes each mother tree holds within its juvenile offspring, we conclude that Fagus sylvatica might have the potential for medium‐term population persistence in face of climate change, provided that this pattern persists into later life stages. Hence, we also suggest further investigating the inclusion of passive adaptation and natural dynamics in the adaptive management of forests.
Women on the move for science, technology, engineering and mathematics: Gender selectivity in higher education student migration
Authors: Narh Ebenezer D. , Buzzelli Michael
Published: December 2023

Despite the gendered rebalancing of enrolments in higher education (HE) in the West, the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines persists. Gendered selectivity of field of study influences higher education student migration (HESM) and in turn sheds light on HE participation. Framed by gender intersectionality theories both in HE studies and migration scholarship, this paper uses innovative data to analyse the intersectional effect of gender and field of study on HESM in Canada. Based on Statistics Canada's postsecondary student information system for the 2019/20 academic year, Canadian interregional flow matrixes structured by gender, field and level of study are constructed and analysed. The results show compelling evidence of the influence of gendered differences in HESM when intersected with field and level of study. Notably, women pursuing STEM studies migrate significantly more than any other grouping (i.e. gender, field and level of study groupings). The paper concludes with a discussion of policy implications for the influence of HESM on community demographic make‐up and local labour markets, as well as future research including the need to understand gendered dimensions of migration intentions and motivations.
Thermally matched chalcogenide glasses with high refractive index contrast for infrared graded‐index lenses
Authors: Chen Qian , Yang Anping , Ma Cheng , Yang Zhijie , Liu Zijun , Shen Xiang , Yang Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

Infrared graded‐index (GRIN) lenses are desirable for realizing miniaturization and lightweight of infrared imaging systems. Chalcogenide glasses have excellent infrared transparency, good rheological property, and large refractive index range, making them preferred materials for infrared GRIN lenses. In this work, aiming to find thermally matched chalcogenide compositions with high refractive index contrast for preparing GRIN glasses by the stacking diffusion approach, we investigated characteristic temperature, thermal expansion coefficient and refractive index of Ge‐As‐Se and Ge‐As‐Se‐Te glasses, optimized the glass compositions, and evaluated the feasibility of preparing GRIN glass using the optimized chalcogenide glass powders. It is found that Ge20As20Se20Te40 and Ge12As22Se66 glasses have similar softening temperature (247°C vs. 249°C), reasonably difference of thermal expansion coefficient (3.8 ppm/K), and large refractive index contrast (∼.48). The glass powders with composition xGe20As20Se20Te40‐(1‐x) Ge12As22Se66 can be hot‐pressed into glass disks with good transmittance at the same temperature and pressure. Graded refractive index profile is formed near the interface between the layers after the co‐pressed glass is thermally treated. These results demonstrate the prospect of the compositions for preparing infrared GRIN glasses.
Partner narcissism in a private market setting: Consequences for audit reporting decisions and audit pricing
Authors: Kerckhofs Linde , Vandenhaute Marie‐Laure , Hardies Kris
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the association between audit engagement partners' narcissism (measured by the size of their signature) and audit reporting decisions and audit pricing in a private market setting. We analysed 133,267 (78,994) firm‐year observations from (financially distressed) Belgian firms audited by 795 individual engagement partners from 2008 to 2017. Our results suggest that narcissism is positively associated with the likelihood that audit partners issue going‐concern opinions to their financially distressed clients and with audit fees. An array of robustness checks corroborates these results. Additional results show that audit partner narcissism is positively associated with reporting conservatism. Interestingly, additional analyses also show that narcissism reverses the effect of gender on audit reporting decisions and audit pricing. Collectively, the evidence from this study suggests that partner narcissism is positively associated with conservative audit reporting decisions and audit pricing in a private market setting.
Food insecurity in adults with severe mental illness living in Northern England: Peer research interview findings
Authors: Giles Emma L. , Eskandari Fatemeh , McGeechan Grant , Scott Steph , Lake Amelia A. , Teasdale Scott , Ekers David , Augustine Alex , Le Savauge Nikita , Lynch Chris , Moore Hannah , Smith Jo
Published: December 2023

Food insecurity means that a person does not have access to sufficient nutritious food for normal growth and health. Food insecurity can lead to many health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other long term health conditions. People living with a severe mental illness are more likely to experience food insecurity than people without mental illness. Peer‐led in‐depth interviews were conducted with adults with severe mental illness from Northern England, during which their experiences of food insecurity and strategies to tackle food insecurity were discussed. Interviews took place between March and December 2022, with interviews being transcribed and analysed using deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Thirteen interviews were conducted, finding that food insecurity in adults with severe mental illness was often a long‐standing issue. Unemployment, the cost‐of‐living crisis and fuel poverty impacted on experiences of food insecurity. Difficulties accessing food banks such as transport, stigma, and the limited selection of available food was also discussed. Strategies to tackle food insecurity centred on making food banks more accessible and improving the quality of available food. Future research should aim to eradicate food insecurity for adults with severe mental illness, as limited research and action focuses on this population group over and above ‘mental illness’ or ‘poor mental health’. Removing barriers to accessing food such as lack of transport, and providing food which is of adequate nutritional quality, should be prioritised, as well as tackling the stigma and accessibility issues surrounding food banks use.
Use of the Hall Technique by dentists in East China: A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ding Ning , Ding Qin , Sheng Kai , Wang Sun , Lai Guangyun , Wang Jun
Published: December 2023

Background

The Hall Technique (HT) is now regarded as one of the biological management options for carious primary molars and has shown significant clinical success.

Aim

To investigate the perception and the use of the HT among dentists engaging in paediatric dentistry in East China.

Design

This was an electronic questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study. A quick response code of the questionnaire via WeChat, a common communication tool in China, was sent to dentists in East China.

Results

A total of 313 dentists participated in this study. Most surveyed clinicians had heard about the HT (n = 286, 91.4%). Of them, 40.2% (n = 115) reported having used the HT. Of 67 dentists working in private clinics, 34 (50.7%) had used the HT, whereas only 37% of dentists from public hospitals had used the HT. Of 115 dentists having used the HT, 91.3% (n = 105) would consider using the HT for Class II cavitated molars; 23.5% (n = 27) would consider using the HT for Class I cavitated molars. Most dentists who had not used the HT were concerned about complications such as pulp inflammation or necrosis after applying the HT.

Conclusion

The HT is well known in East China; the lack of systematic training or courses, however, may decrease its utilization.
Ginger extract loaded Fe2O3/MgO‐doped hydroxyapatite: Evaluation of biological properties for bone–tissue engineering
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arjak , Bose Susmita
Published: December 2023

Medicinal properties of naturally sourced biomolecules, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract, are documented in the traditional Indian and Chinese medical systems. However, limited work is performed to assess the potential of ginger extracts for bone–tissue engineering. Our work demonstrates the direct incorporation of ginger extract on iron oxide–magnesium oxide (Fe2O3 and MgO) co‐doped hydroxyapatite (HA) for enhancement in the biological properties. The addition of Fe2O3 and MgO co‐doping system and ginger extract with HA increases the osteoblast viability up to ∼1.4 times at day 11. The co‐doping does not adversely affect the release of ginger extract from the graft surface in the biological medium at pH 7.4 for up to 28 days. Assessment of antibacterial efficacy according to the modified ISO 22196: 2011 standard method indicates that the combined effects of Fe2O3, MgO, and ginger extract lead to ∼82% more bacterial cell reduction, compared to the control HA against Staphylococcus aureus. These ginger extract‐loaded artificial bone grafts with enhanced biological properties may be utilized as an on‐site delivery vehicle for various bone–tissue engineering applications.
In search of generality: Revised distribution data and regionalization of Cerrado endemic tetrapods
Authors: Vieira‐Alencar João Paulo Santos , Carmignotto Ana Paula , Sawaya Ricardo Jannini , Silveira Luís Fábio , Valdujo Paula Hanna , de Campos Nogueira Cristiano
Published: December 2023

Aim

To search for a general regionalization pattern using verified records of endemic terrestrial vertebrates. To test previous hypotheses of congruent distribution patterns for Cerrado biotas. To study the role of elevation as a driver of endemism and distribution in the Cerrado region.

Location

Cerrado domain, central South America.

Taxon

Tetrapoda.

Methods

We used a species occurrence matrix to implement a biotic element (BE) analysis to test for non‐random spatial congruence of raw distributions of Cerrado endemic amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We implemented a Kruskal–Wallis test on elevational records to classify species as occurring predominantly in plateaus or depressions, and to classify all delimited BEs in such categories.

Results

We compiled and revised 13,800 unique distribution records of 340 Cerrado endemic tetrapods and detected a significant, non‐random co‐distribution pattern formed by 29 BEscomprising 182 species, corroborating the first general prediction of the vicariant model. Most BEs were composed of at least three vertebrate groups, reflecting general tetrapod endemism patterns. Congeneric species were segregated among different BEs, corroborating the second prediction of the vicariant model. Our regionalization scheme was broadly congruent with previous results and revealed three previously undetected areas. Most (89%) partial or restricted BEs are clearly segregated in elevation, and we recognized 14 ‘Plateau units’ and 12 ‘Depression units’.

Main Conclusions

Our results support an emergent consensual biotic regionalization pattern in the Cerrado. We also revealed three novel regions and complex biogeographical patterns. The clear altitudinal segregation among BEs validates previous hypotheses on the role of geomorphological changes in shaping Cerrado and Neotropical endemism patterns. Our recovered units should serve as a template for the description of new taxa, for delimiting poorly studied ranges, and for guiding urgent conservation action in the richest and most imperilled tropical savanna in the globe.
Dihydroxyacetone phosphate accumulation leads to podocyte pyroptosis in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Zongwei , Hu Hongtu , Luo Qiang , Yang Keju , Zou Zhengping , Shi Ming , Liang Wei
Published: December 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) can lead to accumulation of glucose upstream metabolites due to dysfunctional glycolysis. But the effects of accumulated glycolysis metabolites on podocytes in DKD remain unknown. The present study examined the effect of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) on high glucose induced podocyte pyroptosis. By metabolomics, levels of DHAP, GAP, glucose‐6‐phosphate and fructose 1, 6‐bisphosphate were significantly increased in glomeruli of db/db mice. Furthermore, the expression of LDHA and PKM2 were decreased. mRNA sequencing showed upregulation of pyroptosis‐related genes (Nlrp3, Casp1, etc.). Targeted metabolomics demonstrated higher level of DHAP in HG‐treated podocytes. In vitro, ALDOB expression in HG‐treated podocytes was significantly increased. siALDOB‐transfected podocytes showed less DHAP level, mTORC1 activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and pyroptosis, while overexpression of ALDOB had opposite effects. Furthermore, GAP had no effect on mTORC1 activation, and mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin alleviated ROS production and pyroptosis in HG‐stimulated podocytes. Our findings demonstrate that DHAP represents a critical metabolic product for pyroptosis in HG‐stimulated podocytes through regulation of mTORC1 pathway. In addition, the results provide evidence that podocyte injury in DKD may be treated by reducing DHAP.
A case of type 2 diabetes mellitus with weight gain and worsening of glycemic management after tezepelumab administration for severe bronchial asthma
Authors: Umamoto Kotaro , Bouchi Ryotaro , Ihana‐Sugiyama Noriko , Kodani Noriko , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Hojo Masayuki , Ueki Kohjiro , Kajio Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Some cases of bronchial asthma are refractory to conventional therapies. As the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma has been clarified, new treatments, such as bronchial thermoplasty and biological drugs, have been developed. Tezepelumab, an anti‐thymic stromal lymphopoietin antibody, has been reported to inhibit the exacerbation of severe asthma; however, its adverse effects on glucose metabolism have not yet been reported. We encountered a case of weight gain and worsening glycemic management in a patient with type 2 diabetes and refractory bronchial asthma after the initiation of tezepelumab treatment. It has been reported that the overexpression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in mice resulted in an enhanced release of free fatty acids from adipose tissues and the liver; thus, the administration of anti‐thymic stromal lymphopoietin antibodies in the present case might have caused obesity, fatty liver and lower glucose tolerance.
Early intervention and disease modification in atopic dermatitis—the current state of the field and barriers to progress
Authors: Jacobson M. E. , Seshadri R. S. , Morimoto R. , Grinich E. , Haag C. , Nguyen K. , Simpson E. L.
Published: December 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease representing a major source of global disability burden. Disease‐modifying therapies are showing promise in chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease with method and timing of initial treatment impacting long‐term disease outcomes. Whether disease‐modifying therapies, specifically those used as an early interventional approach, impacts disease course and comorbidity development in AD is not well‐understood. We reviewed the progress in disease modification strategies, emphasizing early intervention approaches in common (or proto‐typical) inflammatory diseases. Although more common in other fields, disease modification approaches are becoming increasingly investigated in dermatology, though studies in AD are lacking. Despite significant limitations in ongoing and completed studies, early data are promising and suggest that both the choice and timing of early intervention approach can affect long‐term disease course and comorbidity development. To best improve AD patient outcomes, more research is needed to further explore the impact of early disease‐modifying therapies. Future studies should focus on identifying the most effective approaches and extend the early results to a more inclusive set of comorbidities and longer‐term outcomes.
Network meta‐analysis can inform the ethical evaluation of trials that randomise away from standard of care: The case of symptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Lun Ronda , Zitikyte Gabriele , Yogendrakumar Vignan , Bereznyakova Olena , Dewar Brian , Dowlatshahi Dar , Fahed Robert , Shamy Michel
Published: December 2023

Objective

Little guidance exists on the conduct of randomised clinical trials (RCT) that seek to randomise patients away from standard of care. We sought to test the technique of network meta‐analysis (NMA) to ascertain best available evidence for the purposes of informing the ethical evaluation of RCTs under these circumstances. We used the example of RCTs for patients with symptomatic, moderate to severe carotid stenosis that seek to compare surgical intervention plus medical therapy (standard of care) versus medical therapy (less than standard of care).

Study Design and Setting

Network meta‐analysis of RCTs of adults with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis of 50%–99% who were treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid artery stenting (CAS), or medical therapy (MT). The primary outcome was any stroke or death until end of follow‐up, and secondary outcome was 30‐day risk of ipsilateral stroke/death.

Results

We analysed eight studies, with 7187 subjects with symptomatic moderate/severe stenosis (50%–99%). CEA was more efficacious than MT (HR = 0.82, 95% credible intervals [95% CrI] = 0.73–0.92) and CAS (HR 0.73, 95% CrI = 0.62–0.85) for the prevention of any stroke/death. At 30 days, the odds of experiencing an ipsilateral stroke/death were significantly lower in the CEA group compared to both MT (OR = 0.58, 95% CrI = 0.47–0.72) and CAS (OR = 0.68, 95% CrI = 0.55–0.83).

Conclusion

Our results support the feasibility of using NMA to assess best available evidence to inform the ethical evaluation of RCTs seeking to randomise patients away from standard of care. Our results suggest that a strong argument is required to ethically justify the conduct of RCTs that seek to randomise patients away from standard of care in the setting of symptomatic moderate to severe carotid stenosis.
Circ ubiquitin‐like‐containing plant homeodomain and RING finger domains protein 1 increases the stability of G9a and ubiquitin‐like‐containing plant homeodomain and RING finger domains protein 1 messenger RNA through recruiting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3, transcriptionally inhibiting PDZ and homeobox protein domain protein 1, and promotes the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhou Li‐Zhi , Feng Wan‐Jiang , Liu Yu‐Qing , Chen Mi , Tang Lan‐Yan , Gan Ze‐Ying , Zhang Pan
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Circular ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1 (circUHRF1) is aberrantly upregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. The present study aimed at elucidating the interactive function of circUHRF1–G9a–ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) mRNA–eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3)–PDZ and LIM domain 1 (PDLIM1) network in HCC.

Methods

Expression of circUHRF1, mRNAs of G9a, UHRF1, PDLIM1, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins, and Hippo–Yap pathway components was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR), immunofluorescence, or Western blot analysis. Tumorigenic and metastatic capacities of HCC cells were examined by cellular assays including Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Molecular interactions between EIF4A3 and UHRF1 mRNA were detected by RNA pull‐down experiment. Complex formation between UHRF1 and PDLIM1 promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Co‐immunoprecipitation was performed to examine the binding between UHRF1 and G9a.

Results

Circular ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1, G9a, and UHRF1 were upregulated, while PDLIM1 was downregulated in HCC tissue samples and cell lines. Cellular silencing of circUHRF1 repressed HCC proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT. G9a formed a complex with UHRF1 and inhibited PDLIM1 transcription.

Conclusion

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 regulated circUHRF1 expression by binding to UHRF1 mRNA promoter. circUHRF1 increased the stability of G9a and UHRF1 mRNAs through recruiting EIF4A3. Overexpression of circUHRF1 aggravated HCC progression through Hippo–Yap pathway and PDLIM1 inhibition. By elucidating the molecular function of circUHRF1–G9a–UHRF1 mRNA–EIF4A3–PDLIM1 network, our data shed light on the HCC pathogenesis and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for future HCC treatment.
Increased glucose metabolism and impaired glutamate transport in human astrocytes are potential early triggers of abnormal extracellular glutamate accumulation in hiPSC‐derived models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Salcedo Claudia , Pozo Garcia Victoria , García‐Adán Bernat , Ameen Aishat O. , Gegelashvili Georgi , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Freude Kristine K. , Aldana Blanca I.
Published: December 2023

Glutamate recycling between neurons and astrocytes is essential to maintain neurotransmitter homeostasis. Disturbances in glutamate homeostasis, resulting in excitotoxicity and neuronal death, have been described as a potential mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. However, glutamate neurotransmitter metabolism in different human brain cells, particularly astrocytes, has been poorly investigated at the early stages of AD. We sought to investigate glucose and glutamate metabolism in AD by employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived astrocytes and neurons carrying mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin‐1 (PSEN‐1) gene as found in familial types of AD (fAD). Methods such as live‐cell bioenergetics and metabolic mapping using [13C]‐enriched substrates were used to examine metabolism in the early stages of AD. Our results revealed greater glycolysis and glucose oxidative metabolism in astrocytes and neurons with APP or PSEN‐1 mutations, accompanied by an elevated glutamate synthesis compared to control WT cells. Astrocytes with APP or PSEN‐1 mutations exhibited reduced expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), and glutamine uptake increased in mutated neurons, with enhanced glutamate release specifically in neurons with a PSEN‐1 mutation. These results demonstrate a hypermetabolic phenotype in astrocytes with fAD mutations possibly linked to toxic glutamate accumulation. Our findings further identify metabolic imbalances that may occur in the early phases of AD pathophysiology.

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Understanding the experience of stigma in care homes: A qualitative case study in northeast Thailand
Authors: Tosangwarn Suhathai , Clissett Philip , Blake Holly
Published: December 2023

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Stigma associated with care homes has been found to influence residents' lives, and it is a known risk factor for depression among older adults worldwide.

Older residents in Asia and particularly, in Thai care homes commonly experience stigma due to being strongly influenced by a traditional cultural paradigm of filial piety.

The understanding of how residents perceive and experience the stigma associated with residing in care homes, as well as its link to the development of depression, remains very limited.

What does the paper add to existing knowledge?

This research explains the dynamics of the process of the stigma associated with living care homes among Thai older residents.

This research highlights the various ways in which stigma impacts residents, their families and care home staff.

This study identifies mitigating stigma factors, including social support, coping strategies (karma, mindfulness and religious devotions) and activities that may mitigate perceived stigma associated with care home residency.

What are the implications for practice?

There is a compelling need to improve the well‐being of older people living in care homes and to combat the cultural stigma associated with living in care homes through promoting positive attitudes and educational interventions in society, communities and care homes themselves and involving residents' families in the planning and delivery of care for residents. We advocate that the government promotes security and sustainable life for all Thai older adults.

Introduction

Stigma associated with living in care homes is a known risk factor for depression among care home residents in Asia, including Thailand. However, little is understood about how such stigma is experienced among residents and care home staff.

Aims

To examine older adults' perceptions of stigma and to understand how stigma associated with living in care homes causes or exacerbates depressive symptoms.

Methods

A qualitative case study approach was used to gain an in‐depth view of stigma, from two public care homes in northeast Thailand. Data were collected by in‐depth interviews with 50 participants (30 older residents and 20 care home staff), and non‐participant observation was conducted over 1 month. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

The study identified three major themes of stigma, comprising the causes of stigma, reactions toward stigma, and mitigating factors.

Discussion

Negative beliefs about care homes and residents, contribute to stigma. Residents exhibited negative emotions and behaviours, including depressive symptoms. Residents reported using particular coping strategies that helped them cope with their perceptions of stigma.

Implications for Practice

Future research should focus on strategies or research to combat stigma in order to prevent depression and reduce perceptions of stigma.
Evaluation of dietary methionine sources on growth performance and antioxidant potential of gilthead seabream juveniles reared at high water temperature
Authors: Vieira Lúcia , Magalhães Rui , Martins Nicole , Fontinha Filipa , Castro Carolina , Peres Helena , Mercier Yves , Mahmood Tahir , Nuez‐Ortín Waldo G. , Oliva‐Teles Aires
Published: December 2023

Methionine (Met) is one of the most limiting essential amino acids in aquafeeds, and different commercial feed‐grade Met sources are available for diet supplementation, namely L‐Met, DL‐Met, and hydroxy‐Met (OH‐Met). In this work, we compared the bioefficacy of OH‐Met and DL‐Met as diet supplements for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles reared at normal (22°C) and high (29°C) water temperatures. Two isoproteic (50%) and isolipidic (20%) practical diets (24% fish meal; 6% fish oil) were formulated to contain 1% Met and were supplemented with 0.2% DL‐Met (diet DL‐Met) or OH‐Met (diet OH‐Met). The diets were fed to triplicate groups of fish with an initial body weight of 13 g for 78 days. Growth performance and N retention (%) were higher at 29°C. However, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, and hepatic and visceral indexes were higher at 22°C. Hepatic oxidative stress indicators were not affected by dietary Met source. In the muscle, however, oxidative stress index and lipid peroxidation were lower in fish fed the OH‐Met diets. Overall, DL‐Met and OH‐Met proved to be similarly effective as dietary methionine sources for gilthead seabream, while OH‐Met seemed to be more effective in reducing oxidative stress in fish reared at high temperatures.
How Filibuster Rhetoric Informs Perceptions of Politicians
Authors: Banda Kevin K. , Sievert Joel
Published: December 2023

How does rhetoric about the filibuster inform people's views of political figures? We argue that support or opposition to eliminating the filibuster conveys information to citizens that they can use to assess a politician's ideological position. This information can also be used when citizens form affective evaluations of politicians, but its effects depend on people's partisan identities. We use a preregistered survey experiment—along with a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data—to show that a candidate who says that the filibuster should be eliminated is viewed as being more liberal than a candidate who says that it should be protected or who says nothing. We further show that Democrats like candidates who use elimination rhetoric more than protection or no rhetoric while Republicans react in the opposite way. These results suggest that elite messaging about salient political institutions can fundamentally shape people's views of political figures.
Neodymium‐142 deficits and samarium neutron stratigraphy of C‐type asteroid (162173) Ryugu
Authors: Torrano Zachary A. , Jordan Michelle K. , Mock Timothy D. , Carlson Richard W. , Gautam Ikshu , Haba Makiko K. , Yokoyama Tetsuya , Abe Yoshinari , Aléon Jérôme , Alexander Conel , Amari Sachiko , Amelin Yuri , Bajo Ken‐ichi , Bizzarro Martin , Bouvier Audrey , Chaussidon Marc , Choi Byeon‐Gak , Dauphas Nicolas , Davis Andrew M. , Di Rocco Tommaso , Fujiya Wataru , Fukai Ryota , Hibiya Yuki , Hidaka Hiroshi , Homma Hisashi , Hoppe Peter , Huss Gary R. , Ichida Kiyohiro , Iizuka Tsuyoshi , Ireland Trevor , Ishikawa Akira , Itoh Shoichi , Kawasaki Noriyuki , Kita Noriko T. , Kitajima Koki , Kleine Thorsten , Komatani Shintaro , Krot Alexander N. , Liu Ming‐Chang , Masuda Yuki , McKeegan Kevin D. , Morita Mayu , Motomura Kazuko , Moynier Frédéric , Nakai Izumi , Nagashima Kazuhide , Nguyen Ann , Nittler Larry , Onose Morihiko , Pack Andreas , Park Changkun , Piani Laurette , Qin Liping , Russell Sara , Sakamoto Naoya , Schönbächler Maria , Tafla Lauren , Tang Haolan , Terada Kentaro , Terada Yasuko , Usui Tomohiro , Wada Sohei , Wadhwa Meenakshi , Walker Richard J. , Yamashita Katsuyuki , Yin Qing‐Zhu , Yoneda Shigekazu , Young Edward D. , Yui Hiroharu , Zhang Ai‐Cheng , Nakamura Tomoki , Naraoka Hiroshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Sakamoto Kanako , Yabuta Hikaru , Abe Masanao , Miyazaki Akiko , Nakato Aiko , Nishimura Masahiro , Okada Tatsuaki , Yada Toru , Yogata Kasumi , Nakazawa Satoru , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Tsuda Yuichi , Watanabe Sei‐ichiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Tachibana Shogo , Yurimoto Hisayoshi
Published: December 2023

We report Nd and Sm isotopic compositions of four samples of Ryugu returned by the Hayabusa2 mission, including “A” (first touchdown) and “C” (second touchdown) samples, and several carbonaceous chondrites to evaluate potential genetic relationships between Ryugu and known chondrite groups and track the cosmic ray exposure history of Ryugu. We resolved Nd and Sm isotopic anomalies in small (<20 ng Nd and Sm) sample sizes via thermal ionization mass spectrometer using 1013 Ω amplifiers. Ryugu samples exhibit resolvable negative μ142Nd values consistent with carbonaceous chondrite values, suggesting that Ryugu is related to the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites. Ryugu's negative μ149Sm values are the result of exposure to galactic cosmic rays, as demonstrated by the correlation between 150Sm/152Sm and 149Sm/152Sm ratios that fall along the expected neutron capture correlation line. The neutron fluence calculated in the “A” samples (2.75 ± 1.94 × 1015 n cm−2) is slightly higher compared to the “C” samples (0.95 ± 2.04 × 1015 n cm−2), though overlapping within measurement uncertainty. The Sm results for Ryugu, at this level of precision, thus are consistent with a well‐mixed surface layer at least to the depths from which the “A” and “C” samples derive.
The Israel‐Hamas War: Historical Context and International Law
Authors: Samuel M.T.
Published: December 2023

This essay contextualizes the 2023 Israel‐Hamas war within a century‐old legal history of Palestinian dispossession that has been facilitated through the violation and misuse of international law. It argues that Hamas's attacks of October 7 were not simply driven by sanguinary hatred of Jews, as some commentators have suggested. Instead, the war crimes were motivated by the Palestinians’ disillusionment with an international system that has consistently denied them their right to self‐determination. This has been exacerbated by Israel's criminalization of nonviolent resistance. Such historical perspective illuminates the underlying causes not just of the present war but of the broader Israeli‐Palestinian conflict.