bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain sensitisation and joint inflammation in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chaabo Khaldoun , Chan Estee , Garrood Toby , Rutter-Locher Zoe , Vincent Alex , Galloway James , Norton Sam , Kirkham Bruce W
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Despite better therapies and strategies, many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have persistent pain, often from abnormal pain processing, now termed nociplastic pain. However, RA patients with fibromyalgia (FM), a central nociplastic pain syndrome, also have power doppler ultrasound (PDUS+) joint inflammation. To understand the complex causes of pain, we performed clinical examination and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) plus comprehensive PDUS evaluation not previously combined.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study of sequential RA patients with at least moderate DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate disease activity, we assessed 66/68 joints for swelling and tenderness, respectively, FM American College of Rheumatology 2010 diagnostic criteria, completed PROMs for function, quality of life and mood, alongside PDUS examination of 44 joints. Statistical analysis included logistic regression modelling and regularised (lasso) logistic regression methods.

Results

From 158 patients, 72 (46%) patients met FM criteria, with significantly worse tender joint counts and PROMs, but no differences in PDUS compared with the non-FM group. Categorising patients by PDUS+ joint presence and/or FM criteria, we identified four distinct groups: 43 (27.2%) patients with −FM−PD, 43 (27.2%) with −FM+PD, 42 (26.6%) with +FM−PD and 30 (19%) with +FM+PD. Both FM+ groups had worse PROMs for fatigue, mood and pain, compared with the FM− groups. We were unable to develop algorithms to identify different groups.

Conclusion

The unexpected group −FM−PD group may have peripheral nociplastic pain, not commonly recognised in rheumatology. Only 46% of patients demonstrated PDUS+ inflammation. However clinical examination and PROMs did not reliably differentiate groups, emphasising PDUS remains an important tool.
Impact of national commissioning of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on equity of access in England: a PrEP-to-need ratio investigation
Authors: Coukan Flavien , Sullivan Ann , Mitchell Holly , Jaffer Sajjida , Williams Andy , Saunders John , Atchison Christina , Ward Helen
Published: March 2024

Objectives

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition. In England, NHS availability was limited to participants of the PrEP Impact Trial until late 2020. Some key populations at greater risk of HIV were under-represented in the trial suggesting inequities in trial PrEP access. We used the PrEP-to-need ratio (PnR; number of PrEP users divided by new HIV diagnoses) to investigate whether PrEP access improved following routine commissioning in October 2020 and identify populations most underserved by PrEP.

Methods

Aggregated numbers of people receiving ≥1 PrEP prescription and non-late new HIV diagnoses (epidemiological proxy for PrEP need) were taken from national surveillance data sets. We calculated the PnR across socio-demographics during Impact (October 2017 to February 2020; pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and post-commissioning PrEP era (2021) in England.

Results

PnR increased >11 fold, from 4.2 precommissioning to 48.9 in 2021, due to a fourfold reduction in non-late new HIV diagnoses and near threefold increase in PrEP users. PnR increased across genders, however, the men’s PnR increased 12-fold (from 5.4 precommissioning to 63.9 postcommissioning) while the women’s increased sevenfold (0.5 to 3.5). This increasing gender-based inequity was observed across age, ethnicity and region of residence: white men had the highest PnR, increasing >13 fold (7.1 to 96.0), while Black African women consistently had the lowest PnR, only increasing slightly (0.1 to 0.3) postcommissioning, suggesting they were the most underserved group. Precommissioning, the PnR was 78-fold higher among white men than Black women, increasing to 278-fold postcommissioning.

Conclusions

Despite the overall increase in PrEP use, substantial PrEP Impact trial inequities widened postcommissioning in England, particularly across gender, ethnicity and region of residence. This study emphasises the need to guide HIV combination prevention based on equity metrics relative to the HIV epidemic. The PnR could support the optimisation of combination prevention to achieve zero new HIV infections in England by 2030.
Prevalence of lung cysts in adolescents and adults with a germlineDICER1pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant: a report from the National Institutes of Health and International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma/DICER1Registry
Authors: Nelson Alexander T , Vasta Lauren M , Watson Dave , Kim Jung , Harris Anne K , Best Ana F , Harney Laura A , Carr Ann G , Frederickson Nicole , Dehner Louis P , Kratz Christian P , Hagedorn Kelly N , Mize William A , Ling Alexander , Messinger Yoav H , Hill D Ashley , Schultz Kris Ann P , Stewart Douglas R
Published: March 2024

Background

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), the hallmark tumour associated withDICER1-related tumour predisposition, is characterised by an age-related progression from a cystic lesion (type I) to a high-grade sarcoma with mixed cystic and solid features (type II) or purely solid lesion (type III). Not all cystic PPBs progress; type Ir (regressed), hypothesised to represent regressed or non-progressed type I PPB, is an air-filled, cystic lesion lacking a primitive sarcomatous component. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of non-progressed lung cysts detected by CT scan in adolescents and adults with germlineDICER1pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants.

Methods

Individuals were enrolled in the National Cancer Institute Natural History ofDICER1Syndrome study, the International PPB/DICER1Registry and/or the International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor Registry. Individuals with a germlineDICER1P/LP variant with first chest CT at 12 years of age or older were selected for this analysis.

Results

In the combined databases, 110 individuals with a germlineDICER1P/LP variant who underwent first chest CT at or after the age of 12 were identified. Cystic lung lesions were identified in 38% (42/110) with a total of 72 cystic lesions detected. No demographic differences were noted between those with lung cysts and those without lung cysts. Five cysts were resected with four centrally reviewed as type Ir PPB.

Conclusion

Lung cysts are common in adolescents and adults with germlineDICER1variation. Further study is needed to understand the mechanism of non-progression or regression of lung cysts in childhood to guide judicious intervention.
Probing the magnetic field strength dependence of the chiral magnetic effect
Authors: Christakoglou Panos
Published: March 2024

The article presents a study aimed at probing the dependence of the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) on the magnetic field strength using the Anomalous Viscous Fluid Dynamics (AVFD) model in Pb–Pb at LHC energies. The results demonstrate the quadratic dependence of the correlators used for the study of the CME in heavy ion collisions on the number of spectators, a proxy of the magnitude of the magnetic field. The article also presents the extension of this approach to a two dimensional space, formed by both the aforementioned proxy of the magnetic field strength but also a proxy of the final state ellipticity, a key ingredient of the background in these measurements, for each centrality interval. This provides an exciting possibility to experiments to isolate the background contributions from the potential CME signal.
Collisions and dynamics of particles with magnetic dipole moment and electric charge near magnetized rotating Kerr black holes
Authors: Jumaniyozov Shokhzod , Khan Saeed Ullah , Rayimbaev Javlon , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Ahmedov Bobomurat
Published: March 2024

Analysis of test magnetized and charged particles around black holes immersed in external magnetic fields may help to explain the observed astrophysical phenomena related to black holes, such as the acceleration of particles up to high energies. In this sense, we studied the circular motion of test-charged particles with magnetic dipole orbiting around magnetized rotating Kerr black holes. First, we derive the effective potential for the circular motion of such particles, including interactions between the external magnetic field and the electric charge, and the magnetic interaction between the magnetic dipole. In addition, we analyze the angular momentum and energy of particles corresponding to circular orbits. The effects of magnetic interaction and coupling parameters on the position of innermost stable circular orbits (ISCOs), the energy and angular momentum of the particles at ISCO, and the energy efficiency from the Novikov-Thorne accretion disc have been investigated. We also find cases of degeneracy between magnetic dipole interaction and magnetic coupling parameters, giving the same ISCO radius. Finally, we studied various cases of collisions of neutral, magnetized, and electrically charged particles near rotating Kerr black holes in the presence of external magnetic fields. The critical angular momentum of spinning charged particles is found in which the particles can collide. We also analyze the effects of both magnetic interactions on the center-of-mass energy of the colliding particles.
Weyl quadratic gravity as a gauge theory and non-metricity vs torsion duality
Authors: Condeescu C. , Ghilencea D. M. , Micu A.
Published: March 2024

We review (non-supersymmetric) gauge theories of four-dimensional space-time symmetries and their quadratic action. The only true gauge theory of such a symmetry (with a physical gauge boson) that has an exact geometric interpretation, generates Einstein gravity in its spontaneously broken phase and is anomaly-free, is that of Weyl gauge symmetry (of dilatations). Gauging the full conformal group does not generate a true gauge theory of physical (dynamical) associated gauge bosons. Regarding the Weyl gauge symmetry, it is naturally realised in Weyl conformal geometry, where it admits two different but equivalent geometric formulations, of same quadratic action: one non-metric but torsion-free, the other Weyl gauge-covariant and metric (with respect to a new differential operator). To clarify the origin of this intriguing result, a third equivalent formulation of this gauge symmetry is constructed using the standard, modern approach on the tangent space (uplifted to space-time by the vielbein), which is metric but has vectorial torsion. This shows an interesting duality vectorial non-metricity vs vectorial torsion of the corresponding formulations, related by a projective transformation. We comment on the physical meaning of these results.
The origin of the cosmological constant in unimodular gravity
Authors: Álvarez Enrique , Anero Jesús , Sánchez-Ruiz Irene
Published: March 2024

It is well-known that in unimodular gravity (UG) the cosmological constant is not sourced by a constant energy density, but rather appears as some sort of integration constant. In this work we try to flesh this out by studying in some detail a couple of examples, one from cosmology and the other from gravitational collapse.
Empowering Predictive Modeling by GAN-based Causal Information Learning
Authors: Zeng Jinwei , Zhang Guozhen , Yuan Jian , Li Yong , Jin Depeng
Published: March 2024

Generally speaking, we can easily specify many causal relationships in the prediction tasks of ubiquitous computing, such as human activity prediction, mobility prediction, and health prediction. However, most of the existing methods in these fields failed to take advantage of this prior causal knowledge. They typically make predictions only based on correlations in the data, which hinders the prediction performance in real-world scenarios, because a distribution shift between training data and testing data generally exists. To fill in this gap, we proposed a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based Causal Information Learning prediction framework, which can effectively leverage causal information to improve the prediction performance of existing ubiquitous computing deep learning models. Specifically, faced with a unique challenge that the treatment variable, referring to the intervention that influences the target in a causal relationship, is generally continuous in ubiquitous computing, the framework employs a representation learning approach with a GAN-based deep learning model. By projecting all variables except the treatment into a latent space, it effectively minimizes confounding bias and leverages the learned latent representation for accurate predictions. In this way, it deals with the continuous treatment challenge, and in the meantime, it can be easily integrated with existing deep learning models to lift their prediction performance in practical scenarios with causal information. Extensive experiments on two large-scale real-world datasets demonstrate its superior performance over multiple state-of-the-art baselines. We also propose an analytical framework together with extensive experiments to empirically show that our framework achieves better performance gain under two conditions: when the distribution differences between the training data and the testing data are more significant and when the treatment effects are larger. Overall, this work suggests that learning causal information is a promising way to improve the prediction performance of ubiquitous computing tasks. We open both our dataset and code

1

and call for more research attention in this area.
PyOED: An Extensible Suite for Data Assimilation and Model-Constrained Optimal Design of Experiments
Authors: Chowdhary Abhijit , Ahmed Shady E. , Attia Ahmed
Published: March 2024

This article describes PyOED, a highly extensible scientific package that enables developing and testing model-constrained optimal experimental design (OED) for inverse problems. Specifically, PyOED aims to be a comprehensive
Python toolkit
for
model-constrained OED
. The package targets scientists and researchers interested in understanding the details of OED formulations and approaches. It is also meant to enable researchers to experiment with standard and innovative OED technologies with a wide range of test problems (e.g., simulation models). OED, inverse problems (e.g., Bayesian inversion), and data assimilation (DA) are closely related research fields, and their formulations overlap significantly. Thus, PyOED is continuously being expanded with a plethora of Bayesian inversion, DA, and OED methods as well as new scientific simulation models, observation error models, and observation operators. These pieces are added such that they can be permuted to enable testing OED methods in various settings of varying complexities. The PyOED core is completely written in Python and utilizes the inherent object-oriented capabilities; however, the current version of PyOED is meant to be extensible rather than scalable. Specifically, PyOED is developed to “enable rapid development and benchmarking of OED methods with minimal coding effort and to maximize code reutilization.” This article provides a brief description of the PyOED layout and philosophy and provides a set of exemplary test cases and tutorials to demonstrate the potential of the package.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-based Mining Task Offloading Scheme for Intelligent Connected Vehicles in UAV-aided MEC
Authors: Li Chunlin , Jiang Kun , Zhang Yong , Jiang Lincheng , Luo Youlong , Wan Shaohua
Published: March 2024

The convergence of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-aided mobile edge computing (MEC) networks and blockchain transforms the existing mobile networking paradigm. However, in the temporary hotspot scenario for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) in UAV-aided MEC networks, deploying blockchain-based services and applications in vehicles is generally impossible due to its high computational resource and storage requirements. One possible solution is to offload part of all the computational tasks to MEC servers wherever possible. Unfortunately, due to the limited availability and high mobility of the vehicles, there is still lacking simple solutions that can support low-latency and higher reliability networking services for ICVs. In this article, we study the task offloading problem of minimizing the total system latency and the optimal task offloading scheme, subject to constraints on the hover position coordinates of the UAV, the fixed bonuses, flexible transaction fees, transaction rates, mining difficulty, costs and battery energy consumption of the UAV. The problem is confirmed to be a challenging linear integer planning problem, we formulate the problem as a constrained Markov decision process. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has excellently solved sequential decision-making problems in dynamic ICVs environment, therefore, we propose a novel distributed DRL-based P-D3QN approach by using Prioritized Experience Replay strategy and the dueling double deep Q-network (D3QN) algorithm to solve the optimal task offloading policy effectively. Finally, experiment results show that compared with the benchmark scheme, the P-D3QN algorithm can bring about 26.24% latency improvement and increase about 42.26% offloading utility.
Iron metabolism and ferroptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: what is our next step?
Authors: Shen Xiang , Yu Ziqi , Wei Changli , Hu Chong , Chen Jianyong
Published: March 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. NAFLD could develop from simple hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH-related fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism of NAFLD development has not yet been fully defined. Recently, emerging evidence shows that the dysregulated iron metabolism marked by elevated serum ferritin, and ferroptosis are involved in the NAFLD. Understanding iron metabolism and ferroptosis can shed light on the mechanisms of NAFLD development. Here, we summarized studies on iron metabolism and the ferroptosis process involved in NAFLD development to highlight potential medications and therapies for treating NAFLD.
Population coding of time-varying sounds in the nonlemniscal inferior colliculus
Authors: Shi Kaiwen , Quass Gunnar L. , Rogalla Meike M. , Ford Alexander N. , Czarny Jordyn E. , Apostolides Pierre F.
Published: March 2024

The IC’s shell layers originate a “nonlemniscal” pathway important for perceiving vocalization sounds. However, prior studies suggest that individual shell IC neurons are broadly tuned and have high response thresholds, implying a limited reliability of efferent signals. Using Ca2+ imaging, we show that amplitude modulation is accurately represented in the population activity of shell IC neurons. Thus, downstream targets can read out sounds’ temporal envelopes from distributed rate codes transmitted by populations of broadly tuned neurons.
Ataxia and Seizures despite Phenytoin: A Case Report Highlighting the Importance of TDM and Genetic Influences
Authors: Manoj Rachel , Meher Arpita , Winner G. Jefry
Published: March 2024

Adverse drug reactions to commonly prescribed medications such as phenytoin, used for seizures, often go undetected due to various factors. This case report highlights a 52‐year‐old male diagnosed with late‐onset epilepsy who was prescribed phenytoin. Despite the standard dosage, the patient experienced toxicity symptoms and a seizure, prompting admission for assessment. Laboratory tests and imaging were inconclusive, leading to a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) consultation, which revealed elevated phenytoin levels. Genetic testing for CYP2C9 polymorphisms was not feasible but noted as significant, especially in populations with higher prevalence. Phenytoin was tapered, leading to the patient’s gradual recovery upon discontinuation and transition to valproate. The Naranjo scale predicted potential adverse drug responses (ADRs). This case underscores the significance of TDM, genetic considerations in drug metabolism, and the need to be vigilant in treating epilepsy to prevent such adverse events.
A Grey-Box Model of a DC/DC Boost Converter for PV Energy Systems
Authors: Karabacak Kerim
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a grey-box model of a DC/DC boost converter for PV energy systems. The proposed model contains a white-box model part and a black-box model part together to prepare a better model for the PV boost converter. The white-box model part is used for knowledge of the circuit by mathematical equations since the black-box model part is used for unknown parameters such as temperature and electromagnetic interference. The black-box part of the proposed model is created by a nonlinear system identification of a real boost converter circuit with an artificial neural network. The precision of the mathematical model and the advantages of the fast prediction ability of the artificial neural network were used together. The proposed grey-box model is compared with the existing state-space and black-box models and experimental results. The results of the study showed that the average correlation between the proposed grey-box model output and the experimental results is 97.52%. Therefore, the proposed model can be used for analyzing DC/DC boost converter output characteristics before field applications.
The CDK4/6 Inhibitor Palbociclib Synergizes with ATRA to Induce Differentiation in AML
Authors: Hu Linhui , Li Qian , Wang Jiyu , Wang Huiping , Ren Xiyang , Huang Keke , Wang Yangyang , Liang Xue , Pu Lianfang , Xiong Shudao , Zhai Zhimin
Published: March 2024

Differentiation therapy based on ATRA almost cured acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, it is disappointing that ATRA is not effective against other acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes. Developing new and effective anti-AML therapies that promote leukemia differentiation is necessary. The CDK4/6-cyclin D pathway is a key initiator of the G1–S phase transition, which determines cell fate. Herein, we investigated whether the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib would synergize with ATRA to promote leukemia differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Our findings revealed that CDK4/6-cyclin D pathway genes were aberrantly expressed in AML, and we observed that palbociclib sensitized AML cells to ATRA-induced morphologic, biochemical, and functional changes indicative of myeloid differentiation. The combination of palbociclib and ATRA attenuated AML cell expansion in vivo. These enhanced differentiation effects may be associated with the regulation of transcription factors, including RARα, E2F1, and STAT1. Overall, our findings demonstrate that CDK4/6 inhibition sensitizes AML cells to ATRA and could guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies for patients with AML.
The Efficacy and Safety of Hyperthermia Intravesical Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duan Huanglin , Deng Zanxuan , Zou Junrong , Zhang Guoxi , Zou Xiaofeng , Xie Tianpeng
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The current treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is suboptimal. However, in recent years, hyperthermia intravesical chemotherapy (HIVEC) has emerged as a more effective alternative to conventional bladder perfusion. This novel treatment approach appears to have a similar therapeutic effect as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) perfusion. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of HIVEC compared to conventional bladder perfusion chemotherapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of HIVEC in comparison to BCG perfusion therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to gather relevant studies on HIVEC for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The analysis of the collected data was carried out using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis, involving 1,203 patients. Among them, 629 cases received HIVEC, 419 cases received conventional bladder perfusion chemotherapy with mitomycin C, and 155 cases received BCG. The combined analysis revealed that the recurrence rate of bladder hyperthermic perfusion was significantly lower than that of conventional perfusion chemotherapy (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.82, p = 0.0003). However, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate between HIVEC and BCG perfusion (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.09, p = 0.14). Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the progression rate between the HIVEC group and either the conventional bladder chemotherapy group (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.26, p = 0.83) and the BCG perfusion group (RR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.19, 1.25, p = 0.13). However, compared with the conventional bladder perfusion chemotherapy group, there was no significant statistical difference in adverse events between the bladder hyperthermia chemotherapy group and the conventional bladder perfusion chemotherapy group (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.45, p = 0.63). No significant difference in the incidence of adverse events was observed between HIVEC and BCG perfusion (RR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.29, p = 0.79). Conclusion: The existing results indicate that HIVEC, when compared to conventional bladder perfusion chemotherapy, can lower the recurrence rate of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, it does not significantly affect the progression rate. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the incidence of adverse events between the use of HIVEC and conventional chemotherapy. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate, progression rate, and incidence of adverse events when compared to BCG.
Regional Variation in Cardiovascular Genes Enables a Tractable Genome Editing Strategy
Authors: Krysov Vikki A. , Wilson Rachel H. , Ten Nicholas S. , Youlton Nathan , De Jong Hannah N. , Sutton Shirley , Huang Yong , Reuter Chloe M. , Grove Megan E. , Wheeler Matthew T. , Ashley Euan A. , Parikh Victoria N.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

To realize the potential of genome engineering therapeutics, tractable strategies must be identified that balance personalized therapy with the need for off-the-shelf availability. We hypothesized that regional clustering of pathogenic variants can inform the design of rational prime editing therapeutics to treat the majority of genetic cardiovascular diseases with a limited number of reagents.

METHODS:

We collated 2435 high-confidence pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 82 cardiovascular disease genes from ClinVar. We assessed the regional density of these variants by defining a regional clustering index. We then combined a highly active base editor with prime editing to demonstrate the feasibility of a P/LP hotspot-directed genome engineering therapeutic strategy in vitro.

RESULTS:

P/LP variants in cardiovascular disease genes display higher regional density than rare variants found in the general population. P/LP missense variants displayed higher average regional density than P/LP truncating variants. Following hypermutagenesis at a pathogenic hotspot, mean prime editing efficiency across introduced variants was 57±27%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Designing therapeutics that target pathogenic hotspots will not only address known missense P/LP variants but also novel P/LP variants identified in these hotspots as well. Moreover, the clustering of P/LP missense rather than truncating variants in these hotspots suggests that prime editing technology is particularly valuable for dominant negative disease. Although prime editing technology in relation to cardiac health continues to improve, this study presents an approach to targeting the most impactful regions of the genome for inherited cardiovascular disease.
Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus fermented Paeonia japonica, Cnidium officinale, and Angelica gigas nakai
Authors: Choi Seung-Yu , Kim Hyun-Soo , Shin Yong-Wook , Lee In-Ah
Published: March 2024

Background and objective: This study evaluated the effects of Paeonia japonica, Cnidium officinale, and Angelica gigas nakai extracts fermented with Lactobacillus in obese mice induced by high-fat diets. Among the fermented liquids, Lactobacillus Paeonia japonica (LBPJ) exhibited high antioxidant activity and a significant total polyphenol content.Methods: Mice were divided into five groups: normal (NOR), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat Lactobacillus Paeonia japonica (HLBPJ), high-fat Lactobacillus Cnidium officinale (HLBCO), and high-fat Lactobacillus Angelica gigas nakai (HLBAG). Obesity was induced with a high-fat diet for 8-weeks, and the fermented liquid was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg per day.Results: The high-fat diet group showed significant weight gain and the group receiving the fermented liquid did not show weight loss. Blood tests showed increased levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the HLBCO group. Creatinine levels remained unchanged, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels decreased, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased. As a result of PCR analysis of liver tissue, LBPJ fermented liquid effectively reduced fat accumulation in the liver and inhibited the expression of fat-related genes such as PPARα, PPARγ, CPT-2, and HSL.Conclusion: These findings suggest that fermented liquids containing Angelica gigas nakai extracts prevent obesity by reducing body fat and blood sugar levels.
The Effect of a Horticultural Therapy Program based on Cognitive-Behavioral Emotion Regulation Training on Improving the Emotional Intelligence, Emotion Regulation Ability, and Resilience of Children Eligible for Priority Support for Educational Welfare
Authors: Woo Deok-Hee , Park Sin-Ae
Published: March 2024

Background and objective: This study sought to develop a horticultural therapy program (HTP) based on cognitive- behavioral emotion regulation training (CBERT) to improve the emotional intelligence, emotion regulation, and resilience of children eligible for priority support for educational welfare, and investigate its effects.Methods: To conduct this study, an HTP based on CBERT was developed using indoor horticulture activities. The program was conducted on 42 children (21 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group) in grades 3 to 4 who were eligible for priority support for educational welfareand were attending D elementary school in Incheon metropolitan city. Emotional intelligence, emotion regulation, and resilience were measured using self-report questionnaires before and after participating in the HTP.Results: The study found that the emotional intelligence (p < .01), emotion regulation (p < .01), and resilience (p <.01) of the children who participated in the experiment were significantly increased.Conclusion: Through this study, it was confirmed that an HTP based on appropriate CBERT has a positive effect on improving children's emotional intelligence, emotion regulation ability, and resilience. In future research, it will be necessary to expand its application to all grades and general children as well as children eligible for priority support for educational welfare.
The Effect of Green Interior Programs for College Students with Developmental Disabilities on Plant Familiarity
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon
Published: March 2024

Background and objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of green interior (greenterior) programs on the plant familiarity of college students with developmental disabilities (CSDDs). To this end, this study developed a horticultural education program based on greenterior contents for CSDDs.Methods: In the first step, a greenterior program was defined by a focus group composed of specialists from industry and academia. In the second step, ten sessions of the greenterior program were performed. In the third step, the effects of the program on plants familiarity scale for CSDDs were examined. Participants in this study were 30 CSDDs in N university, with 15 students as the experiment group and 15 as the control group.Results: When plant familiarity in experimental and control groups before and after the greenterior program were compared, it was found that the mean of the control group had slightly decreased, showing no statistically significant differences (p = .795). On the other hand, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in the mean for plant familiarity (p = .000). This result demonstrated that the program has a positive effect on the plant familiarity of CSDDs. This demonstrated that the greenterior program had more positive effects on plant familiarity in the experimental group than in the control group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the greenterior program was not only effective in improving the plant familiarity of CSDDs, but also had positive effects in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor/kinesthetic domains. This study can make a significant contribution in providing basic data for implementing greenterior programs to help CSDDs get familiar with plants in horticulture learning.
Biscogniauxia dicranopteridis sp. nov. and B. petrensis isolated from Dicranopteris dichotoma in China
Authors: CHEN MENG-LAN , ZHANG JING-YI , XIAO YUAN-PIN , LU YONG-ZHONG
Published: March 2024

Species of Biscogniauxia (Graphostromataceae) are known as pathogens and endophytes, distributed worldwide. In this study, we isolated two new endophytic strains of Biscogniauxia from Dicranopteris dichotoma. A new species, B. dicranopteridis, and a new host record of B. petrensis were identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of four genes loci (LSU, ITS, RPB2 and β-TUB). Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the two new isolates, along with a phylogenetic tree depicting the position of the new species, are provided.
A new species of Yunnanilus (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from upper Pearl River, Yunnan, China
Authors: HE YUN-RUI , LI XUE-RONG , CHE XING-JIN , YANG XIAO-JUN , WANG JI-SHAN , WANG MO
Published: March 2024

A new species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) Yunnanilus yangi sp. nov. was described from Upper Pearl River (Nanpan Jiang) in Mile County, Honghe Hani and Yi ethnic Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Yunnanilus yangi sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species within the genus by the following characteristics: (1) upper lip with median incision; (2) upper jaw without processus dentiformis; (3) dorsal-fin origin closer to snout tip base than to caudal-fin base; (4) pelvic-fin rays i, 6-7; (5) branched caudal-fin rays 16 (vs. 14-16).
According to morphological comparison, Yunnanilus yangi sp. nov. can be distinguished clearly from all the other species in the Yunnanilus. In addition to the morphological characteristics, phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b further confirmed that Yunnanilus yangi sp. nov. is a member of Yunnanilus. Furthermore, the least genetic distance between Yunnanilus yangi sp. nov. and other species of Yunnanilus in cytochrome b gene reached 6.33%.
Resolution Dependence of Extreme Wind Speed Projections in the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Morris Michael , Kushner Paul J. , Moore G. W. K. , Mercan Oya
Published: March 2024

The effect of anthropogenic climate change on extreme near-surface wind speeds is uncertain. Observed trends are weak and difficult to disentangle from internal variability, and model projections disagree on the sign and magnitude of trends. Standard coarse-resolution climate models represent the fine structures of relevant physical phenomena such as extratropical cyclones (ETCs), upper-level jet streaks, surface energy fluxes, and land surface variability less skillfully than their high-resolution counterparts. Here, we use simulations with the NCAR Community Earth System Model with both uniform (110 km) resolution and the variable-resolution configuration (VR-CESM-SONT, from 110 to 7 km) to study the effect of refined spatial resolution on projections of extreme strong and weak wind speeds in the Great Lakes region under end-of-century RCP8.5 forcing. The variable-resolution configuration projects strengthening of strong-wind events in the refined region with the opposite occurring in the uniform-resolution simulation. The two configurations provide consistent changes to synoptic-scale circulations associated with high-wind events. However, only the variable-resolution configuration projects weaker static stability, enhanced turbulent vertical mixing, and consequentially enhanced surface wind speeds because boundary layer dynamics are better captured in the refined region. Both models project increased frequency of extreme weak winds, though only VR-CESM-SONT resolves the cold-season inversions and summertime high temperatures associated with stagnant wind events. The identifiable mechanism of the changes to strong winds in VR-CESM-SONT provides confidence in its projections and demonstrates the value of enhanced spatial resolution for the study of extreme winds under climate change.

Significance Statement

In this study, we compare climate change projections of high and low extreme wind speeds in the Great Lakes region between a standard coarse-resolution simulation and a high-resolution simulation performed using the same climate model. The fine-resolution simulation projects strengthening high wind speeds, opposite to the coarse-resolution simulation. Both project increasing frequency of extreme weak winds, but the human-health-related impacts of stagnant winds are only captured at fine resolution. The changes in the coarse-resolution simulation are explained by changes to large-scale circulation, while the fine-resolution changes are linked to local processes the coarse model does not resolve. This helps explain the diverging projections of strong winds and gives greater credibility to the fine-resolution simulation.
“Stop the Steal”: Racial Resentment, Affective Partisanship, and Investigating the January 6th Insurrection
Authors: Davis Darren W. , Wilson David C.
Published: March 2024

Our analysis of data from a nationally representative survey of adults shows that beliefs in whether the January 6th insurrection was justifiable and whether it required investigation through the creation of the U.S. House Select Committee are inexorably steeped in affective partisanship and racial resentment. It is easy to attribute the insurrection to partisan machinations, but evidence shows that racial resentment is the dominant explanation: this includes the fact that allegations of election fraud were centered on districts with large African American and Latino populations; that many of the insurrectionists were white nationalists, racists, and members of radical right-wing groups; and that a large proportion of the electorate had voted to retain a president who fueled whites’ sense of victimization by African Americans and other minorities. We argue that reactions to the legitimacy of the January 6th insurrection have become an example of how racial resentment fuels affective partisanship.
Does Affective Polarization Contribute to Democratic Backsliding in America?
Authors: Druckman James N. , Green Donald P. , Iyengar Shanto
Published: March 2024

A notable development in 21st-century American politics is the rise of affective polarization: partisans increasingly dislike and distrust those affiliated with the other political party. We offer a wide-ranging review of the nature of party identification; the factors that contribute to affective polarization; and the consequences of this kind of polarization on electoral politics, democratic transgressions, and democratic functioning. We conclude that there is scant evidence of a direct link between affective polarization and democratic backsliding in the U.S., and we argue that understanding the erosion of democratic norms and institutions means that we should consider a wider range of potential causal factors among elites and the general citizenry. Affective polarization has likely made democratic functioning more difficult, though, so interventions to address it are worthwhile: these should focus on core causes rather than on behavioral symptoms.
American Democracy and Voter Suppression
Authors: Fraga Luis Ricardo , Ramírez Ricardo , Fraga Bernard L.
Published: March 2024

We review the history, magnitude, and scope of voter suppression in the United States., showing that, when it is attempted, it targets the voting rights of a disfavored group. We argue that this is an important weakness of American democracy and that current efforts at voter suppression focus on states with major demographic shifts that are seen by some to be threatening. We then discuss the consequences of recent decisions by the Supreme Court to weaken key elements of the Voting Rights Act, arguing that a weakened Voting Rights Act has led to a resurgence of voter suppression in some states and that those same states often see a rise in countermobilization efforts aimed at encouraging targeted communities to register and vote. An undeniable impact of current attempts at voter suppression, we argue, is that it signals to certain communities that their participation in elections is not wanted.
Improving LGBTQ+ mental health in Southeast Asia through social work: Insights from the Philippines
Authors: Alibudbud Rowalt
Published: March 2024

This article explores the roles of social workers in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusive mental healthcare in Southeast Asia. This role aligns with the global nature of the social work profession and several regional and national ethical frameworks and principles for social workers in Southeast Asia, emphasizing core values such as dignity, human rights, and social justice. Highlighting mental health disparities and social adversities faced by LGBTQ+ in the region, social workers can adopt a framework encompassing cultural competency, community support, advocacy, and research to improve the mental health outcomes of this marginalized population.
Social Disadvantage and Multimorbidity Including Oral Conditions in the United States
Authors: Mirza A. , Watt R.G. , Heilmann A. , Stennett M. , Singh A.
Published: March 2024

Existing studies on multimorbidity have largely excluded oral diseases in multimorbidity prevalence estimates. The reason behind this is somewhat unclear, as chronic oral conditions are highly prevalent, affecting over half the global population. To address this gap, we examined the relationship between social disadvantage and multimorbidity, stratifying by the inclusion and exclusion of oral conditions. For participants aged 30 y and over ( n = 3,693), cross-sectional analysis was carried out using the US National Health and Nutrition Survey (2013–2014). Multimorbidity was defined as having 2 or more chronic conditions. Five medical conditions were examined: diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and depression, as well as 4 oral health conditions: caries, periodontal disease, number of teeth, and edentulousness. Education and income poverty ratio were selected as measures of social disadvantage. Multimorbidity prevalence estimates according to social disadvantage were analyzed on an absolute and relative scale using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity. The inclusion of oral health conditions in the assessment of multimorbidity increased the overall prevalence of multimorbidity from 20.8% to 53.4%. Findings from IPTW analysis demonstrated clear social gradients for multimorbidity estimates stratified by the exclusion of oral conditions. Upon inclusion of oral conditions, the prevalence of multimorbidity was higher across all social groups for both education and income. Stratifying by the inclusion of oral conditions, the mean probability of multimorbidity was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23%–30%) higher in the low-education group compared to the high-education group. Similarly, the mean probability of multimorbidity was 44% (95% CI, 40%–48%) higher in the low-income group. On a relative scale, low education was associated with a 1.52 times (95% CI, 1.44–1.61) higher prevalence of multimorbidity compared to high education. Low income was associated with a 2.18 (95% CI, 1.99–2.39) higher prevalence of multimorbidity. This novel study strongly supports the impact of chronic oral conditions on multimorbidity prevalence estimates.
Beyond Acculturation: Health and Immigrants’ Social Integration in the United States
Authors: Hagos Rama M. , Hamilton Tod G.
Published: March 2024

Immigrants typically have more favorable health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts of the same race-ethnicity. However, little is known about how race-ethnicity and region of birth moderate the health outcomes of different immigrant groups as their tenure of U.S. residence increases. We study the association between time spent in the United States and health outcomes among non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, Asian, and Hispanic immigrants using National Health Interview Survey data. Although all immigrant groups initially report better health outcomes than their U.S.-born counterparts, the association between U.S. tenure and reported health outcomes varies among immigrants by race-ethnicity and region of birth. Black immigrants have the worst hypertension profiles, and Black and Hispanic immigrants have the worst obesity profiles. The results suggest that acculturation cannot fully explain racial-ethnic differences in the association between U.S. tenure and health outcomes. We advance a more complete sociological theory of immigrant integration to better explain disparate immigrant health profiles.
In Our Own Image: How Americans Rate Jesus on the Ideological Spectrum
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Grubbs Joshua B. , Schleifer Cyrus
Published: March 2024

How can Americans on the political left and right both claim their views represent those of Jesus? Using nationally-representative data in which Americans rated Jesus on the left-right ideological spectrum, we assess what characteristics are associated with Americans’ ratings and consider arguments about causal ordering. Competing expectations are drawn from “images of God” research and research showing political identities influence Americans’ religious characteristics. Focusing on Christians first, the strongest predictors of where Christians place Jesus was their own ideological identity followed closely by views on Christian nationalism. No other religious, racial, or partisan characteristics were associated with where Christians place Jesus. For insights on causal direction, we interact religiosity measures with ideological identity and Christian nationalism, finding identical patterns regardless of religious commitment. We also run models to see if patterns differ for non-Christians and the influence of ideological identity and Christian nationalism are nearly identical. Given that Americans’ ideological placement of Jesus has little to do with their own religious identity or commitment, findings lend more support for the theory that Christians and non-Christians alike project their own ideological identities and views about Christian nationalism onto Jesus rather than such characteristics following from stable images of Jesus.