bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The industrial degradation of the workplace that Thorstein Veblen overlooked
Authors: Wisman Jon D
Published: June 2024

Thorstein Veblen gave special importance to work. He claimed that once humans became tool users, their work activity was driven by an instinct of workmanship. This instinct is ‘an object of attention and sentiment in its own right’ beyond providing provisioning and serving another instinct, that of parental bent, or society’s wellbeing. Given appropriate social institutions, ‘labor might… assume that character of nobility in the eyes of society at large’. Yet, Veblen took little notice that during his lifetime between 1857 and 1929, the rapid industrialisation of the American economy massively proletarianised workers, greatly degrading their work experience. In Europe, this proletarianisation and degradation of the work process had begun centuries earlier with the rise of capitalism, and greatly accelerated with rapid industrialisation during Veblen’s lifetime. Although Veblen addressed how capitalism, as the latest predatory society, exploited workers, he presented industrialisation of the work process as positive for workers. This article first surveys the process of proletarianisation, focussing on the American experience. It then explores Veblen’s understanding of the impact of industrialisation on workers and how he missed a far-reaching labour-degrading process that was important in provoking massive violent insurrection, and which had earlier been addressed by political economists as diverse as Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Because he failed to recognise the degradation of the work process that accompanied industrialisation, he missed its contributing role in the explosion of conspicuous consumption by Americans of all classes, the subject of his most renowned work, The Theory of the Leisure Class.
Effects of ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy and long COVID on kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study using real-world data
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ba Djibril M , Risher Kathryn , Liao Duanping , Parent Leslie J , Ghahramani Nasrollah , Chinchilli Vernon M
Published: June 2024

Background

The association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 susceptibility, particularly via ACE-2 receptor upregulation in the kidneys, raises concerns about potential kidney disease risks in long coronavirus disease (COVID) patients. This study explores the association of ACEI/ARB therapy on acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and all-cause mortality in patients with and without long COVID.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using TriNetX datasets was conducted, with diagnoses of long COVID via International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes and prescription for ACEI/ARB as the classification of four cohorts: long COVID ACEI/ARB users (LCAUs), long COVID ACEI/ARB non-users (LCANs), non-long COVID ACEI/ARB users (NLCAUs) and non-long COVID ACEI/ARB non-users (NLCANs). Multivariable stratified Cox proportional hazards regression models assessed the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) across groups. Additional analyses were conducted, including time-dependent exposure analysis and comparison with an active comparator, calcium channel blockers.

Results

Our study included 18 168 long COVID and 181 680 propensity score-matched non-long COVID patients from October 2021 to October 2023. ACEI/ARB use did not significantly affect the risk of AKI or CKD when comparing LCAUs with LCANs and NLCAUs with NLCANs. However, a protective effect against all-cause mortality was observed {aHR 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.93]} in the NLCAU group compared with the NLCAN group. Conversely, long COVID was associated with increased risks of CKD [aHR 1.49 (95% CI 1.03–2.14)] and all-cause mortality [aHR 1.49 (95% CI 1.00–2.23)] when comparing LCANs with NLCANs. The additional analyses support the primary findings.

Conclusions

ACEI/ARB treatment does not increase the incidence of CKD or AKI, regardless of long COVID status. However, long COVID itself is associated with increasing risks of kidney diseases and all-cause mortality.
Genomic variation across distribution of Micro-Tom, a model cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Nagasaki Hideki , Shirasawa Kenta , Hoshikawa Ken , Isobe Sachiko , Ezura Hiroshi , Aoki Koh , Hirakawa Hideki
Published: June 2024

Micro-Tom is a cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which is known as a major crop and model plant in Solanaceae. Micro-Tom has phenotypic traits such as dwarfism, and substantial EMS-mutagenized lines have been reported. After Micro-Tom was generated in Florida, USA, it was distributed to research institutes worldwide and used as a genetic resource. In Japan, the Micro-Tom lines have been genetically fixed; currently, three lines have been re-distributed from three institutes, but many phenotypes among the lines have been observed. We have determined the genome sequence de novo of the Micro-Tom KDRI line, one of the Micro-Tom lines distributed from Kazusa DNA Research Institute (KDRI) in Japan, and have built chromosome-scale pseudomolecules. Genotypes among six Micro-Tom lines, including three in Japan, one in the United States, one in France, and one in Brazil showed phenotypic alternation. Here, we unveiled the swift emergence of genetic diversity in both phenotypes and genotypes within the Micro-Tom genome sequence during its propagation. These findings offer valuable insights crucial for the management of bioresources.
A haplotype-resolved reference genome of a long-distance migratory bat, Pipistrellus nathusii (Keyserling & Blasius, 1839)
Authors: Driller Maximilian , Brown Thomas , Currie Shannon E , Hiller Michael , Winkler Sylke , Pippel Martin , Voigt Christian C , Fickel Jörns , Mazzoni Camila J
Published: June 2024

We present a complete, chromosome-scale reference genome for the long-distance migratory bat Pipistrellus nathusii. The genome encompasses both haplotypic sets of autosomes and the separation of both sex chromosomes by utilizing highly accurate long-reads and preserving long-range phasing information through the use of three-dimensional chromatin conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C). This genome, accompanied by a comprehensive protein-coding sequence annotation, provides a valuable genomic resource for future investigations into the genomic bases of long-distance migratory flight in bats as well as uncovering the genetic architecture, population structure and evolutionary history of Pipistrellus nathusii. The reference-quality genome presented here gives a fundamental resource to further our understanding of bat genetics and evolution, adding to the growing number of high-quality genetic resources in this field. Here, we demonstrate its use in the phylogenetic reconstruction of the order Chiroptera, and in particular, we present the resources to allow detailed investigations into the genetic drivers and adaptations related to long-distance migration.
Impact of pre-existing mesh at the hiatus at revisional hiatal hernia surgery
Authors: Barazanchi Ahmed W H , Chui Juanita Noeline , Bhimani Nazim , Leibman Steven , Smith Garett
Published: June 2024

Recurrence after laparoscopic hiatus hernia repair (LHR) is high, with few symptomatic patients undergoing redo LHR. Morbidity is higher in redo surgery compared with the primary operation. Tens of studies have explored the safety of redoing LHR. However, the impact of existing mesh on operative risk is rarely examined. We aim to assess the impact of mesh at the hiatus on the safety of redo LHR. This was a cohort study examining redo LHR patients from a prospectively maintained database from January 2002 to December 2023. The primary outcome was intra-/postoperative complications. Follow-up was extracted from clinical records. Predictors of complications were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Redo LHR was performed in 100 patients; 22 had previous mesh. One encountered mortality with 23 complications. Five patients had absorbable mesh, with the remainder nonabsorbable. Overall complications were significantly higher with mesh at nine (40.9%) compared to no mesh redo at 14 (17.9%), P = 0.023. There was no difference in rates of visceral injury with mesh at four (18.2%) and no mesh at six (7.7%), P = 0.22. The median follow-up was 7 months; there was no difference in reflux rates (P = 0.70) but higher rates of dysphagia (P = 0.010). Higher overall complications were noted in patients with previous hiatal mesh repair at the time of LHR. However, major visceral complications were similar regardless of mesh use. Mesh at the hiatus should not be a deterrent for reoperative hiatus surgery.
Oral anticoagulation in patients with left ventricular thrombus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Haller Paul M , Kazem Niema , Agewall Stefan , Borghi Claudio , Ceconi Claudio , Dobrev Dobromir , Cerbai Elisabetta , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Kaski Juan Carlos , Lewis Basil S , Niessner Alexander , Rocca Bianca , Rosano Giuseppe , Savarese Gianluigi , Schnabel Renate B , Semb Anne Grete , Sossalla Samuel , Wassmann Sven , Sulzgruber Patrick
Published: June 2024

Aims

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used off-label to treat patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT). We analysed available meta-data comparing DOACs and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for efficacy and safety.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis of observational and randomized data comparing DOACs vs. VKAs in patients with LVT. Endpoints of interest were stroke or systemic embolism, thrombus resolution, all-cause death, and a composite bleeding endpoint. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model meta-analysis, and their robustness was investigated using sensitivity and influential analyses.

Results

We identified 22 articles (18 observational studies, 4 small randomized clinical trials) reporting on a total of 3587 patients (2489 VKA vs. 1098 DOAC therapy). The pooled estimates for stroke or systemic embolism [odds ratio (OR): 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57, 1.15] and thrombus resolution (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.46) were comparable, and there was low heterogeneity overall across the included studies. The use of DOACs was associated with lower odds of all-cause death (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.92) and a composite bleeding endpoint (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.97). A risk of bias was evident particularly for observational reports, with some publication bias suggested in funnel plots.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive analysis of mainly observational data, the use of DOACs was not associated with a significant difference in stroke or systemic embolism, or thrombus resolution, compared with VKA therapy. The use of DOACs was associated with a lower rate of all-cause death and fewer bleeding events. Adequately sized randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings, which could allow a wider adoption of DOACs in patients with LVT.
Minimal clinically important differences in patient-reported outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery in the arterial revascularization trial
Authors: Masterson Creber Ruth , Dimagli Arnaldo , Niño de Rivera Stephanie , Russell David , Gerry Stephen , Lees Belinda , Guazzelli Alice , Flather Marcus , Taggart David P , Gray Alastair , Gaudino Mario
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES

This article identifies minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) in quality of life (QoL) measures among patients who had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and were enrolled in the arterial revascularization trial (ART).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and the Short Form Health Survey 36-Item (SF-36) physical component (PC) and mental component (MC) scores were recorded at baseline, 5 years and 10 years in ART. The MCIDs were calculated as changes in QoL scores anchored to 1-class improvement in the New York Heart Association functional class and Canadian Cardiovascular Society scale at 5 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate associations between MCIDs and mortality. Patient cohorts were examined for the SF-36 PC (N = 2671), SF-36 MC (N = 2815) and EQ-5D (N = 2943) measures, respectively. All QoL scores significantly improved after CABG compared to baseline. When anchored to the New York Heart Association, the MCID at 5 years was 17 (95% confidence interval: 17–20) for SF-36 PC, 14 (14–17) for the SF-36 MC and 0.12 (0.12–0.15) for EQ-5D. Using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society scale as an anchor, the MCID at 5 years was 15 (15–17) for the SF-36 PC, 12 (13–15) for the SF-36 MC and 0.12 (0.11–0.14) for the EQ-5D. The MCIDs for SF-36 PC and EQ-5D at 5 years were associated with a lower risk of mortality at the 10-year follow-up point after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

MCIDs for CABG patients have been identified. These thresholds may have direct clinical applications in monitoring patients during follow-up and in designing new trials that include QoL as a primary study outcome.

Clinical trial registration number

ISRCTN46552265.
State-of-the-art pulsed field ablation for cardiac arrhythmias: ongoing evolution and future perspective
Authors: Chun Kyoung-Ryul Julian , Miklavčič Damijan , Vlachos Konstantinos , Bordignon Stefano , Scherr Daniel , Jais Pierre , Schmidt Boris
Published: June 2024

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an innovative approach in the field of cardiac electrophysiology aimed at treating cardiac arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation energies, which use radiofrequency or cryothermal energy to create lesions in the heart, PFA utilizes pulsed electric fields to induce irreversible electroporation, leading to targeted tissue destruction. This state-of-the-art review summarizes biophysical principles and clinical applications of PFA, highlighting its potential advantages over conventional ablation methods. Clinical data of contemporary PFA devices are discussed, which combine predictable procedural outcomes and a reduced risk of thermal collateral damage. Overall, these technological developments have propelled the rapid evolution of contemporary PFA catheters, with future advancements potentially impacting patient care.
Gene Protein Sequence Evolution Can Predict the Rapid Divergence of Ovariole Numbers in the Drosophila melanogaster Subgroup
Authors: Whittle Carrie A , Extavour Cassandra G
Published: June 2024

Ovaries play key roles in fitness and evolution: they are essential female reproductive structures that develop and house the eggs in sexually reproducing animals. In Drosophila, the mature ovary contains multiple tubular egg-producing structures known as ovarioles. Ovarioles arise from somatic cellular structures in the larval ovary called terminal filaments (TFs), formed by TF cells and subsequently enclosed by sheath (SH) cells. As in many other insects, ovariole number per female varies extensively in Drosophila. At present, however, there is a striking gap of information on genetic mechanisms and evolutionary forces that shape the well-documented rapid interspecies divergence of ovariole numbers. To address this gap, here we studied genes associated with Drosophila melanogaster ovariole number or functions based on recent experimental and transcriptional datasets from larval ovaries, including TFs and SH cells, and assessed their rates and patterns of molecular evolution in five closely related species of the melanogaster subgroup that exhibit species-specific differences in ovariole numbers. From comprehensive analyses of protein sequence evolution (dN/dS), branch-site positive selection, expression specificity (tau), and phylogenetic regressions (phylogenetic generalized least squares), we report evidence of 42 genes that showed signs of playing roles in the genetic basis of interspecies evolutionary change of Drosophila ovariole number. These included the signaling genes upd2 and Ilp5 and extracellular matrix genes vkg and Col4a1, whose dN/dS predicted ovariole numbers among species. Together, we propose a model whereby a set of ovariole-involved gene proteins have an enhanced evolvability, including adaptive evolution, facilitating rapid shifts in ovariole number among Drosophila species.
The Shape of Water: Physiological Adaptations to Habitat Aridity in the Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)
Authors: Salazar Jhan C , Miles Donald B
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

Deserts have always amazed researchers due to their high diversity of habitats, where plant and animal species have been able to adapt and diversify, even when these areas impose several constraints on an organism’s activity patterns. In particular, deserts support several lizard species adapted to the thermal and water restrictions found in such biomes. Although several studies have attempted to understand how lizard species might respond to water deficits or droughts in deserts, few have addressed how these responses might vary along a latitudinal gradient. This raises the question of whether physiological buffering of the organism or the climatic environment affects water loss in lizards. Here, we used six populations of Urosaurus ornatus to test whether water loss is influenced more by the intrinsic physiology of the lizard or by the climatic niche. We found that water loss is primarily influenced by the climatic niche of the lizard. However, future studies should focus on how microclimatic variables can influence water loss in organisms found across large latitudinal gradients.
Deep neural network for investment decision planning on low-carbon transition in power grid
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Yixiao , Chen Bobo , Chen Yunhui
Published: June 2024

With the urgency of mitigating global warming, the low-carbon transformation of power grid systems has emerged as a pivotal industry upgrade for sustainable development. We proposed a novel deep neural network-based approach for investment decision planning in the low-carbon transformation of power grids, which aimed to address multidimensional key indicators related to power grid transformation and provided reliable electricity industry layouts and investment plans for power system investment decisions. To achieve this, three targeted investment branch models were established, encompassing investment behavior, electricity production and consumption, and predictions of new capacity investment. These models effectively tackled challenges associated with power distribution, electricity price scheduling, power carbon quotas, and the feasibility of low-carbon power generation technologies. Subsequently, a global investment decision planning model was constructed, employing spatiotemporal neural networks and recurrent neural networks, which integrated the aforementioned branch models and incorporated existing low-carbon transformation data. A comparative analysis was conducted, examining the predicted results against actual values from three perspectives: power generation portfolio, grid economy, and overall investment decision plans. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of our method in accurately predicting future installed capacity of diverse low-carbon power generation technologies, sustainability indices, and investment returns. Notably, our method achieves an impressive forecasting accuracy of over 90% compared to actual values of investment decision planning over the past 4 years.
Experimental study on the effect of hot air supply mode on the performance of air-source heat pump with enhanced vapor injection
Authors: Huang Chunhui , Du Yongheng , Huo Ziheng , Ding Chuangchuang , Zai Saina , Zhang Zhan , Meng Zhaofeng
Published: June 2024

In order to improve the operation efficiency of air-source heat pump with enhanced vapor injection (EVI), a hot air–EVI air-source composite heat pump test bench was built. Rear air supply mode and a more uniform hood air supply mode were employed. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the rear air supply mode, the compressor power consumption in the hood air supply mode can be reduced by 1.6%–4.6%. Simultaneously, the heating capacity experiences an increase of 1.2%–4.6%, and the coefficient of performance is elevated by 3.1–8.7%. The exhaust temperature decreased by 1.74%. Moreover, the exhaust pressure in the hood air supply mode is decreased to a certain extent. These experimental findings not only offer a dependable air supply mode transformation scheme but also furnish essential data support for solar energy–EVI air-source composite heat pumps, showcasing promising applications in cold regions.
Ethical, legal, and policy challenges in field-based neuroimaging research using emerging portable MRI technologies: guidance for investigators and for oversight
Authors: Shen Francis X , Wolf Susan M , Lawrenz Frances , Comeau Donnella S , Dzirasa Kafui , Evans Barbara J , Fair Damien , Farah Martha J , Han S Duke , Illes Judy , Jackson Jonathan D , Klein Eran , Rommelfanger Karen S , Rosen Matthew S , Torres Efraín , Tuite Paul , Vaughan J Thomas , Garwood Michael
Published: June 2024

Researchers are rapidly developing and deploying highly portable MRI technology to conduct field-based research. The new technology will widen access to include new investigators in remote and unconventional settings and will facilitate greater inclusion of rural, economically disadvantaged, and historically underrepresented populations. To address the ethical, legal, and societal issues raised by highly accessible and portable MRI, an interdisciplinary Working Group (WG) engaged in a multi-year structured process of analysis and consensus building, informed by empirical research on the perspectives of experts and the general public. This article presents the WG’s consensus recommendations. These recommendations address technology quality control, design and oversight of research, including safety of research participants and others in the scanning environment, engagement of diverse participants, therapeutic misconception, use of artificial intelligence algorithms to acquire and analyze MRI data, data privacy and security, return of results and managing incidental findings, and research participant data access and control.
Patterns of acorn selection in Peromyscus mice and possible implications in a changing climate
Authors: Franzoi Dri Gabriela , Hunter Malcolm , Mortelliti Alessio
Published: June 2024

Rodents play a key role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds and interspecific differences in seed preferences could have important consequences for forest growth. The White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus gracilis) are 2 closely related species that can exploit Red Oak (Quercus rubra) acorns but may display different preference levels due to the high tannin concentration present in these acorns. Here we investigated how White-footed Mice and Deer Mice differ in their ability to exploit Red Oak acorns. We conducted a cafeteria-style experiment where we offered mice (n = 61) acorns of Red Oak and Bur Oak (Q. macrocarpa; control seed with lower tannin levels) and video-recorded their preference and the acorn fate (consumed or cached). Using mixed-effects models, we found that both mouse species selected and consumed Bur Oak acorns at a high rate; however, White-footed Mice were 6.67 times more likely to select and consume Red Oak acorns than Deer Mice. Furthermore, White-footed Mice tended to cache Red Oak acorns near the surface where there is a higher chance of germination, while they usually consumed Bur Oak acorns. Our results suggest that Red Oaks have a better strategy for avoiding predation than Bur Oaks (i.e., high tannin levels leading to caching), and the strong interaction between the White-footed Mouse and Red Oak might be an important mechanism behind the current range expansion of both species in response to climate change.
Resolving confusion in the native distribution of Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) koreicus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Seok Sangwoo , Mogi Motoyoshi , Lee Yoosook
Published: June 2024

Recent studies on invasive Aedes koreicus (Edwards 1917) have been conducted to elucidate the source population introduced to Europe. However, current information about the native range of Ae. koreicus is not consistent. The purpose of this study is to resolve confusion in the native distribution of Ae. koreicus by reviewing available literature from the first description of the species in its native range in 1917 to the first invasion in Europe in 2008. Aedes koreicus have been recorded in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The 2 existing records of Ae. koreicus from Hokkaido, Japan, however, is likely due to the misidentification of 2 different morphologically similar species, Ae. koreicoides (Sasa, Kano & Hayashi 1950) and Aedes japonicus (Theobald 1901). Upon re-examination of published records, we conclude that the native distribution of Ae. koreicus is confined to continental eastern Asian regions, specifically China, Korea, and eastern Russia.
Epidemiology of early vs late recurrence among women with early stage estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer in the Pathways Study
Authors: Chua Alfredo V , Sheng Haiyang , Liang Emily , Gandhi Shipra , Kwan Marilyn L , Ergas Isaac J , Roh Janise M , Laurent Cecile A , Yan Li , Khoury Thaer , Ambrosone Christine B , Kushi Lawrence H , Yao Song
Published: June 2024

Background

Relatively little is known about the differences in prognostic factors for early vs late recurrence among women with early stage estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.

Methods

We analyzed factors related to early (<5 years) vs late (≥5 years) recurrence in 2992 women with stage I-IIB estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer in the Pathways Study, a prospective cohort of women with breast cancer enrolled between 2006 and 2013, with ascertainment of recurrence and death through December 2021.

Results

After a median follow-up of 13.3 years, 341 (13.8%) women had recurrences, including 181 (53.7%) with late recurrence. Higher stage and grade were associated with recurrence regardless of timing, whereas progesterone receptor negativity was associated with early but not late recurrence. Receipt of endocrine therapy was associated with reduced risk of overall recurrence, but the length of endocrine therapy was not statistically significant in multivariable models. Minoritized racial and ethnic groups, including Asian, Black, and Hispanic women, had higher risk of early but not late recurrence compared to non-Hispanic White women. The trend of higher risk of early recurrence among these groups remained after adjustment for clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors but was statistically significant only in Asian women.

Conclusions

Our study revealed potentially important distinctions for early vs late recurrence, including the associations with progesterone receptor negativity and self-identified race and ethnicity. Possible higher risk of early recurrence among Asian, Black, and Hispanic women provides novel evidence for the existence of disparities in cancer outcomes, even within the breast cancer subtype indicative of generally good prognosis.
The genomic landscape of breast and non-breast cancers from individuals with germline CHEK2 deficiency
Authors: Hinić Snežana , van der Post Rachel S , Vreede Lilian , Schuurs-Hoeijmakers Janneke , Koene Saskia , Jansen Erik A M , Bervoets-Metge Franziska , Mensenkamp Arjen R , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J L , de Voer Richarda M
Published: June 2024

CHEK2 is considered to be involved in homologous recombination repair (HRR). Individuals who have germline pathogenic variants (gPVs) in CHEK2 are at increased risk to develop breast cancer and likely other primary cancers. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of cancers that present with HRR deficiency—for example, caused by inactivation of BRCA1/2. However, clinical trials have shown little to no efficacy of PARPi in patients with CHEK2 gPVs. Here, we show that both breast and non-breast cancers from individuals who have biallelic gPVs in CHEK2 (germline CHEK2 deficiency) do not present with molecular profiles that fit with HRR deficiency. This finding provides a likely explanation why PARPi therapy is not successful in the treatment of CHEK2-deficient cancers.
Travel-time barriers to specialized cancer care for adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Parsons Helen M , Muffly Lori S , Garcia Ariadna , Zhang Amy , Miller Kate , Van Riper David , Knowles Kate , Keegan Theresa H
Published: June 2024

Background

Prior studies demonstrate that 20%-50% of adolescents and young adults (age 15-39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive care at specialty cancer centers, yet a survival benefit has been observed for patients at these sites. Our objective was to identify patients at risk of severe geographic barriers to specialty cancer center–level care.

Methods

We used data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries Cancer in North America database to identify adolescent and young adult ALL patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 across 43 US states. We calculated driving distance and travel time from counties where participants lived to the closest specialty cancer center sites. We then used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of counties where adolescent and young adult ALL patients resided and the need to travel more than 1 hour to obtain care at a specialty cancer center.

Results

Among 11 813 adolescent and young adult ALL patients, 43.4% were aged 25-39 years, 65.5% were male, 32.9% were Hispanic, and 28.7% had public insurance. We found 23.6% of adolescent and young adult ALL patients from 60.8% of included US counties would be required to travel more than 1 hour one way to access a specialty cancer center. Multivariable models demonstrate that patients living in counties that are nonmetropolitan, with lower levels of educational attainment, with higher income inequality, with lower internet access, located in primary care physician shortage areas, and with fewer hospitals providing chemotherapy services are more likely to travel more than 1 hour to access a specialty cancer center.

Conclusions

Substantial travel-related barriers exist to accessing care at specialty cancer centers across the United States, particularly for patients living in areas with greater concentrations of historically marginalized communities.
Reflections on a communication journey into professionalism and organizing
Authors: McAllum Kirstie , Barbour Joshua B , Fox Stephanie , Matte Frédérik
Published: June 2024

Much research in the field of communication studies has evidenced a ‘performative turn’ in how it views professionalism, professionals, and the professions. This special issue, Opening up the meanings of ‘the professional’, professional organizations, and professionalism in communication studies, documents this process and lays out a research agenda in and from communication studies that can inform scholarship on professionalism and organizing. In addition to mapping out and contextualizing the multiple, contested meanings of professionalism, particularly in novel or ‘non-standard’ contexts, it shows how workers enact, negotiate, reify, and resist the meanings of professionalism in both aspirational and exclusionary ways. When we shift the focus from professional experts (and the institutional apparatus that protects their status, autonomy, and authority) to expertise, as Ashcraft suggests in her contribution to this special issue, scholarly analysis needs to account for an entire network of actors, ideas, instruments, and forms of organizing that allow for successful—or failed—performances of expertise and understand that those performances rest on economies of difference. Economies of difference are distinctions among the sorts of work, workers, and working that wield political power in that they implicate social structures and dictate how specialized expertise is and can be deployed and recognized. Economies of difference create and benefit from inequities. The articles in this special issue offer empirical and conceptual windows into the contested and messy performance of professionalism, how it serves as a resource for some and a constraint for others, and how its contemporary meaning is potentially disrupted.
Wedelolactone suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis via regulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Li Hui , Hou Manting , Zhang Ping , Ren Lutong , Guo Yuanyuan , Zou Liang , Cao Junling , Bai Zhaofang
Published: June 2024

Objective

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor with high invasion and metastasis. TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucially involved in the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. Wedelolactone (Wed) is extracted from herbal medicine Ecliptae Herba, which is reported to have antineoplastic activity. Here, we aimed to elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of Wed against breast cancer.

Methods

The effects of Wed on migration and invasion of 4T1 were detected. The expression of EMT-related markers was detected by Western blot and qPCR. The 4T1 orthotopic murine breast cancer model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Wed on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer through TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Results

Wed inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of 4T1. It exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of p-Smad2/3. Wed also reversed the expression of EMT-markers induced by TGF-β1. In addition, Wed suppressed the growth and metastasis of breast cancer in mice. It also affected p-Smad3 expression as well as EMT-related genes, suggesting that its anti-breast cancer effect may be related to the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Conclusion

Wed reverses EMT by regulating TGF-β1/Smad pathway, potentially serving as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer. Wed is expected to be a potential drug to inhibit TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related diseases.
The language politics of uncertainty: On the temporal consequences of Germany’s newcomer integration policy
Authors: Schulte Leonie
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the temporal consequences of Germany’s language-and-integration measures for adult migrants and refugees. In response to over 1.3 million displaced persons seeking asylum in Europe since 2015, many countries have tightened their existing language learning requirements for newcomers as part of stricter immigration control. Germany has been at the forefront of these policy reforms, expanding its integration programmes to accelerate newcomer incorporation. Based on over 15 months of ethnographic fieldwork in Berlin, this paper shows that instead of accelerating access to employment and higher education, in practice, integration policies delay socioeconomic mobility among refugees and migrants. This is largely because language becomes embedded in a broader ideological and bureaucratic complex newcomers must negotiate in their recurrent interactions with state institutions. As I demonstrate, in part because of the slowing effect such policies have on their mobility, newcomers’ first few years in Germany are experienced as a period of protracted uncertainty.
Semantic precision: crafting RDF-based digital editions for unveiling the layers of historical correspondence
Authors: Alassi Sepideh , Rosenthaler Lukas
Published: June 2024

This article proposes that Resource Description Framework (RDF) technology is well suited for representing and storing inherently connected epistolary data. We justify this proposition by creating an RDF-based digital edition of the correspondence of members of the Bernoulli dynasty and Leonhard Euler and depicting the benefits this type of edition provides, which are hardly achievable otherwise. We describe the ontologies defined to fully represent letters and illustrate how we formulated letters’ historical, scientific content, rich with mathematical formulae, markups, figures, and references, as RDF statements to facilitate complex queries common in the humanities field. Next, we outline the tools we developed for presenting these editions in an efficient and user-friendly form, hiding the complexity of the data structure from non-technical users while offering sophisticated analysis features to explore atoms of knowledge and their relations. Additionally, since the citability and durability of the studied digital sources play a crucial role for scholars who publish research on the editions, we explain the steps we undertook to ensure the sustainability of the RDF-based editions and to offer persistent citation possibility.
BEBOP V. Homogeneous stellar analysis of potential circumbinary planet hosts
Authors: Freckelton Alix V , Sebastian Daniel , Mortier Annelies , Triaud Amaury H M J , Maxted Pierre F L , Acuña Lorena , Armstrong David J , Battley Matthew P , Baycroft Thomas A , Boisse Isabelle , Bourrier Vincent , Carmona Andres , Coleman Gavin A L , Cameron Andrew Collier , Cortés-Zuleta Pía , Delfosse Xavier , Dransfield Georgina , Duck Alison , Forveille Thierry , French Jenni R , Hara Nathan , Heidari Neda , Hellier Coel , Kunovac Vedad , Martin David V , Martioli Eder , McCormac James J , Nelson Richard P , Sairam Lalitha , Sousa Sérgio G , Standing Matthew R , Willett Emma
Published: June 2024

Planets orbiting binary systems are relatively unexplored compared to those around single stars. Detections of circumbinary planets and planetary systems offer a first detailed view into our understanding of circumbinary planet formation and dynamical evolution. The BEBOP (binaries escorted by orbiting planets) radial velocity survey plays a special role in this adventure as it focuses on eclipsing single-lined binaries with an FGK dwarf primary and M dwarf secondary allowing for the highest radial velocity precision using the HARPS and SOPHIE spectrographs. We obtained 4512 high-resolution spectra for the 179 targets in the BEBOP survey which we used to derive the stellar atmospheric parameters using both equivalent widths and spectral synthesis. We furthermore derive stellar masses, radii, and ages for all targets. With this work, we present the first homogeneous catalogue of precise stellar parameters for these eclipsing single-lined binaries.
Supporting Music Therapy Majors with Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Gooding Lori F , Ferrer Alejandra J
Published: June 2024

While college students are developing the abilities needed to navigate adulthood, they also face risks including psychosocial stressors, substance use, and sleep disruption. Students with mental health conditions may face additional challenges that can leave them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, lonely and exhausted, and result in poor academic outcomes, including dropping out of school. Music therapy majors, like other music or health professions majors, may be at greater risk for experiencing mental health conditions due to heavy course loads, pressure to succeed, and other factors. Thus, it is vital that institutions implement strategies to support the mental health of their students. We propose that music therapy programs take both general and targeted approaches to support the mental health and well-being of music therapy students. This includes recognizing the challenges students with mental health conditions may face during preprofessional field experiences and implementing the use of general and targeted supports tailored to meet individual needs. In this article, we discuss a range of proactive strategies that can be implemented by faculty and related staff to support the health, well-being, and success of music therapy (or other music) majors with mental health conditions. It is our hope that the information provided will help faculty create a safe atmosphere that supports positive outcomes for students.
Evaluation of a Regional Tobacco Control Program (Greater Manchester’s Making Smoking History) on Quitting and Smoking in England 2014–2022: A Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Beard Emma , Brown Jamie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the impact of Greater Manchester’s Making Smoking History program—a region-wide smoking cessation programs launched in January 2018—on key smoking and quitting outcomes.

Methods

Data were from a nationally representative monthly survey, 2014-2022 (n = 171 281). We used interrupted time-series analyses (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average [ARIMA] and generalized additive models [GAM]) to examine regional differences between Greater Manchester and the rest of England, before and during the program’s first five years. Outcomes were rates of quit attempts and overall quits among smokers, quit success rates among smokers who tried to quit (preregistered outcomes), and current smoking prevalence among adults (unregistered outcome).

Results

Results showed mixed effects of the program on quitting. Primary ARIMA models showed comparative reductions in quit success rates (change in quarterly difference between regions = –11.03%; 95% CI –18.96; –3.11) and overall quit rates in Greater Manchester compared with the rest of England (–2.56%; 95% CI –4.95; –0.18), and no significant change in the difference in the quit attempt rate (+2.95%; 95% CI –11.64; 17.54). These results were not consistently observed across sensitivity analyses or GAM analyses. Exploratory ARIMA models consistently showed smoking prevalence in Greater Manchester declined more quickly than in the rest of England following the initiation of the program (–2.14%; 95% CI –4.02; –0.27).

Conclusions

The first five years of Greater Manchester’s Making Smoking History program did not appear to be associated with substantial increases in quitting activity. However, exploratory analyses showed a significant reduction in the regional smoking rate, over and above changes in the rest of England over the same period.

Implications

Taken together, these results show a relative decline in smoking prevalence in Greater Manchester but equivocal data on quitting, introducing some uncertainty. It is possible the program has reduced smoking prevalence in the absence of any substantial change in quitting activity by changing norms around smoking and reducing uptake, or by reducing the rate of late relapse. It is also possible that an undetected effect on quitting outcomes has still contributed to the program’s impact on reducing prevalence to some degree. It will be important to evaluate the overall impact of the program over a longer timeframe.
Small translocations of endangered Gallinula galeata sandvicensis (Hawaiian Common Gallinule) may be sufficient to generate a viable reintroduced population
Authors: van Rees Charles B , Reed J Michael
Published: June 2024

Where stable source populations of at-risk species exist, translocation may be a reasonable strategy for re-establishing extirpated populations. However, the success rates of such efforts are mixed, necessitating thorough preliminary investigation. Stochastic population modeling can be a useful method of assessing the potential success of translocations. Here, we report on the results of modeling translocation success for the Gallinula galeata sandvicensis or ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian Common Gallinule), an endangered waterbird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Using updated vital rates, we constructed a model simulating 3 existing extant (wild) source populations and a hypothetical recipient site on another island. We then projected the effects of 6 different translocation scenarios and sensitivity of the results to variation of three important demographic parameters on the probability of extinction (PE) of the reintroduced and donor populations. Larger translocations, of at least 30 birds, had low probability of extinction in the reintroduced population, but raised extinction risk of the smallest source population. Spacing out translocations in time (e.g., 10 birds translocated in total in 3 installments over 9 years), led to lower PE than translocating all individuals at once (i.e., bulk translocations) for both the source and reintroduced populations. Brood size and hatch-year juvenile survival had a disproportionate impact on reintroduced population viability. Importantly, the reported juvenile survival rate is very near the threshold for population failure. This suggests that post-introduction and subsequent management of wetlands, particularly predator control, could be critical to reintroduction success. We recommend that individuals should be translocated from multiple, genetically distinct subpopulations to reduce the possibility of inbreeding depression. Based on this analysis, the recipient wetland should be sufficiently large that it can support at least 25 pairs of gallinules. Based on recent estimates of population densities on O‘ahu, such a wetland would need to be between 3.75 and 74.6 ha.
Early interferon lambda production is induced by double-stranded RNA in iPS-derived hepatocyte-like cells
Authors: Sularea Vasile Mihai , Sharma Ruchi , Hay David C , O’Farrelly Cliona
Published: June 2024

Hepatotropic viruses are amongst the most ubiquitous pathogens worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality. As hepatocytes are among the primary targets of these viruses, their ability to mount early effective innate defence responses is of major research interest. Interferon lambda (IFNL) is produced early in response to viral stimulation in other cell types, but hepatocyte production of this interferon is little investigated. Due to the difficulty and significant costs in obtaining and culturing human primary hepatocytes, surrogate systems are widely sought. Here we used induced pluripotent stem (iPS)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) to investigate hepatic IFNL expression in response to viral-like ligands. We demonstrate that hepatocytes rely on cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Protein Kinase RNA-dependent (PKR) and retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLR) for the detection of double stranded RNA. Stimulation of HLCs by viral-like RNA ligands activating cytosolic RNA sensors resulted in thousand fold increase of type III interferon gene expression. These results are in contrast with type I IFN expression, which was induced to a lower extent. Concomitant induction of interferon stimulated genes, such as interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and CXCL10, indicated the ability of HLCs to activate interferon-dependent activity. These results demonstrate that HLCs mount an innate antiviral response upon stimulation with viral-like RNA characterized by the induction of type III IFN.
Optimal phenology of life history events in Calanus finmarchicus: exit from diapause in relation to interannual variation in spring bloom timing and predation
Authors: Anderson Thomas R , Hessen Dag O , Gentleman Wendy C , Yool Andrew , Mayor Daniel J
Published: June 2024

Respiration of lipids by copepods during diapause (overwintering dormancy) contributes to ocean carbon sequestration via the seasonal lipid pump (SLP). Parameterizing this flux in predictive models requires a mechanistic understanding of how life history adaptation in copepods shapes their timing of exit from diapause. We investigate the optimal phenology of Calanus finmarchicus in the Norwegian Sea using an individual-based model in which diapause exit is represented as a trait characterized by phenotypic mean and variance. Without interannual variability, optimal exit correlated with the onset of the spring phytoplankton bloom and phenotypic variance was of no benefit. In contrast, copepods endured reduced fitness and adopted bet-hedging strategies when exposed to interannual variability in bloom timing and predation: later exit from diapause and phenotypic variance maintained adult numbers in anomalous late-bloom years. Exit nevertheless remained well before the peak of the bloom which is a favorable strategy when low predation early in the year enhances survival of eggs and early developmental stages. Our work highlights the complex interactions between C. finmarchicus and its environment and the need for improved understanding of bet-hedging strategies and the cues of diapause exit to progress the representation of the SLP in global biogeochemical models.