bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HistoPlexer: Histopathology-based Protein Multiplex Generation using Deep Learning
Authors: Andani Sonali , Chen Boqi , Ficek-Pascual Joanna , Heinke Simon , Casanova Ruben , Hild Bernard , Sobottka Bettina , Bodenmiller Bernd ,   Tumor Profiler Consortium, Koelzer Viktor H , Rätsch Gunnar
Published: January 2024

Multiplexed imaging technologies provide crucial insights into interactions between tumors and their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), but their widespread adoption is limited by cost, time, and tissue availability. We introduce HistoPlexer, a deep learning (DL) framework that generates spatially-resolved protein multiplexes directly from histopathology images. HistoPlexer employs the conditional generative adversarial networks with custom loss functions that mitigate slice-to-slice variations and preserve spatial protein correlations. In a comprehensive evaluation on metastatic melanoma samples, HistoPlexer consistently outperforms existing approaches, achieving superior Multiscale Structural Similarity Index and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Qualitative evaluation by domain experts demonstrates that the generated protein multiplexes closely resemble the real ones, evidenced by Human Eye Perceptual Evaluation error rates exceeding the 50% threshold for perceived realism. Importantly, HistoPlexer preserves crucial biological relationships, accurately capturing spatial co-localization patterns among proteins. In addition, the spatial distribution of cell types derived from HistoPlexer-generated protein multiplex enables effective stratification of tumors into immune hot versus cold subtypes. When applied to an independent cohort, incorporating additional features from HistoPlexergenerated multiplexes enhances the performance of the DL model for survival prediction and immune subtyping, outperforming the model reliant solely on Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) image features. By enabling the generation of whole-slide protein multiplex from the H&E image, HistoPlexer offers a cost- and time-effective approach to understanding the TME, and holds promise for advancing precision oncology.
Definition of viroIogical endpoints improving the design of HIV cure strategies using analytical antiretroviral treatment interruption
Authors: Alexandre Marie , Prague Mélanie , Lhomme Edouard , Lelievre Jean-Daniel , Wittkop Linda , Richert Laura , Lévy Yves , Thiébaut Rodolphe
Published: January 2024

Background

Analytical treatment interruption (ATI) is the gold standard in HIV research to validate the ability of novel therapeutic strategies to long-term control viremia without antiretroviral treatment (ART). Viral setpoint is commonly used as endpoint to evaluate their efficacy. However, to mitigate higher viremia risk without ART, trials use short ATI phases and strict virological ART re-start criteria, compromising the observation of the setpoint.

Methods

We analyzed viral dynamics in 235 HIV-infected participants from three trials, examining various virological criteria during ATI phases. Time-related (e.g. time to rebound, peak and setpoint) and VL magnitude-related criteria (peak, setpoint and time-averaged AUC [nAUC]) were described. Spearman correlations were analyzed to identify surrogate endpoints for setpoints. Additional correlation analyzes were performed to identify optimal virological ART re-start criteria mitigating the risks of ART interruption and the evaluation of viral control.

Results

Comparison of virological criteria between trials showed strong dependencies on ATI design. Similar correlations were found across trials, with nAUC identified as the criterion most strongly correlated with the setpoint, with correlations higher than 0.70. A threshold of at least 100,000 copies/mL for two consecutive VL measurements is requested as virological ART re-start criteria to keep strong correlations between the setpoint and nAUC.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the benefits of an ATI phase longer than 12 weeks, with regular monitoring, and a VL threshold of 100,000 copies/mL as virological ART re-start criteria to limit the risk for patients while capturing enough information to keep nAUC as an optimal proxy for the setpoint.
Aberrant fast spiking interneuronal activity precedes seizure transitions in humans
Authors: Merricks Edward M. , Deshpande Sarita S. , Agopyan-Miu Alexander H. , Smith Elliot H. , Schlafly Emily D. , McKhann Guy M. , Goodman Robert R. , Sheth Sameer A. , Greger Bradley , House Paul A. , Eskandar Emad N. , Madsen Joseph R. , Cash Sydney S. , Trevelyan Andrew J. , van Drongelen Wim , Schevon Catherine A.
Published: January 2024

There is active debate regarding how GABAergic function changes during seizure initiation and propagation, and whether interneuronal activity drives or impedes the pathophysiology. Here, we track cell-type specific firing during spontaneous human seizures to identify neocortical mechanisms of inhibitory failure. Fast-spiking interneuron activity was maximal over 1 second before equivalent excitatory increases, and showed transitions to out-of-phase firing prior to local tissue becoming incorporated into the seizure-driving territory. Using computational modeling, we linked this observation to transient saturation block as a precursor to seizure invasion, as supported by multiple lines of evidence in the patient data. We propose thattransientblocking of inhibitory firing due to selective fast-spiking interneuron saturation—resulting from intense excitatory synaptic drive—is a novel mechanism that contributes to inhibitory failure, allowing seizure propagation.
Impact of Remote Cholecystectomy on Clinical Outcomes FollowingPseudomonas aeruginosaBloodstream Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bertucci Hanna K. , Heise Lyndsey R. , Angarone Michael P. , Hauser Alan R. , Scheetz Marc H. , Bachta Kelly E. R.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Mortality associated withPseudomonas aeruginosabloodstream infection (PABSI) remains high despite advances in clinical care and therapeutics. In a recent study using mice to model PABSI, the gallbladder (GB) was identified as a reservoir for bacterial expansion. Furthermore, bile exposure has been linked to increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, we asked whether patients with retained gallbladders might suffer from more antimicrobial resistantP. aeruginosa(Pa) infections, extended culture positivity, and worsened clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized over a five-year period with PABSI. PABSI cases were defined as patients with ≥ 1 positivePabacterial culture from the blood. Patients were categorized as either those retaining a gallbladder (no cholecystectomy) or those without (cholecystectomy). Cholecystectomy was defined as a history of cholecystectomy ≥ 1 year prior to the index episode of PABSI. Inferential statistics were used to identify associations between remote cholecystectomy and antimicrobial resistance profile, length of blood culture positivity, and in-hospital and 90-day mortality.

Results

The final study population included 336 patients, 262 (78%) with retained gallbladder and 74 (22%) without. We observed no difference in 90-day or in-hospital mortality between groups. Overall, composite 90-day mortality was 30.1%. Furthermore, no robust differences were observed in the antimicrobial resistance profile ofPaisolates between the groups.

Conclusions

In our study, neither PABSI AMR pattern nor clinical outcome was affected by remote cholecystectomy. However, we do demonstrate that mortality for patients with PABSI in the modern era remains high despite advances in anti-pseudomonal therapeutics.
Efficient Inference on a Network of Spiking Neurons using Deep Learning
Authors: Baldy Nina , Breyton Martin , Woodman Marmaduke M. , Jirsa Viktor K. , Hashemi Meysam
Published: January 2024

The process of making inference on networks of spiking neurons is crucial to decipher the underlying mechanisms of neural computation. Mean-field theory simplifies the interactions between neurons to produce macroscopic network behavior, facilitating the study of information processing and computation within the brain. In this study, we perform inference on a mean-field model of spiking neurons to gain insight into likely parameter values, uniqueness and degeneracies, and also to explore how well the statistical relationship between parameters is maintained by traversing across scales. We benchmark against state-of-the-art optimization and Bayesian estimation algorithms to identify their strengths and weaknesses in our analysis. We show that when confronted with dynamical noise or in the case of missing data in the presence of bistability, generating probability distributions using deep neural density estimators outperforms other algorithms, such as adaptive Monte Carlo sampling. However, this class of deep generative models may result in an overestimation of uncertainty and correlation between parameters. Nevertheless, this issue can be improved by incorporating time-delay embedding. Moreover, we show that training deep Neural ODEs on spiking neurons enables the inference of system dynamics from microscopic states. In summary, this work demonstrates the enhanced accuracy and efficiency of inference on networks of spiking neurons when deep learning is harnessed to solve inverse problems in neural computation.
High-dimensional cortical signals reveal rich bimodal and working memory-like representations among S1 neuron populations
Authors: Kristensen Sofie S. , Kesgin Kaan , Jörntell Henrik
Published: January 2024

Complexity is important for flexibility of natural behavior and for the remarkably efficient learning of the brain. Here we assessed the signal complexity among neuron populations in somatosensory cortex (S1). To maximize our chances of capturing population level signal complexity, we used highly repeatable resolvable visual, tactile and visuo-tactile inputs and neuronal unit activity recorded at high temporal resolution. We found the state space of the spontaneous activity to be extremely high-dimensional in S1 populations. Their processing of tactile inputs was profoundly modulated by visual inputs and even fine nuances of visual input patterns were separated. Moreover, the dynamic activity states of the S1 neuron population signaled the preceding specific input long after the stimulation had terminated, i.e. resident information that could be a substrate for a working memory. Hence, the recorded high dimensional representations carried rich multimodal and internal working memory-like signals supporting high complexity in cortical circuitry operation.
Neurocan regulates axon initial segment organization and neuronal activity in cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Baidoe-Ansah David , Mirzapourdelavar Hadi , Aleshin Stepan , Schott Björn H , Seidenbecher Constanze , Kaushik Rahul , Dityatev Alexander
Published: January 2024

The neural extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulates in the form of perineuronal nets (PNNs), particularly around fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons in the cortex and hippocampus, but also in association with the axon initial segments (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier. Increasing evidence highlights the role of Neurocan (Ncan), a brain-specific component of ECM, in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Ncan localizes at PNNs, nodes of Ranvier and the AIS, highlighting its potential role in regulation of axonal excitability. Here, we used knockdown and knockout approaches in mouse primary cortical neurons in combination with immunocytochemistry, western blotting and electrophysiological techniques to characterize the role of Ncan in the organization of PNNs and AIS and in the regulation of neuronal activity. We found that reduced Ncan levels led to remodeling of PNNs around neurons via upregulated Aggrecan mRNA and protein levels, increased expression of activity-dependent c-Fos and FosB genes and elevated spontaneous synaptic activity. The latter correlated with increased levels of Ankyrin-G in the AIS particularly in excitatory neurons, and with the elevated expression of Nav1.6 channels. Our results suggest that Ncan regulate expression of key proteins in PNNs and AISs and provide new insights into its role in the fine-tuning of neuronal functions.
Energy conservation law in strong-field photoionization by circularly polarized light
Authors: Dubois Jonathan , Lévêque Camille , Caillat Jérémie , Taïeb Richard , Saalmann Ulf , Rost Jan-Michael
Published: January 2024

We establish an energy conservation law for tunneling electrons driven by a circularly polarized light in a rotationally invariant potential. This conservation law emerges from the adiabaticity of the ionization process when described in the frame rotating with the laser field. It offers a clear picture of nonlinear phenomena observed in strong fields for initial states carrying a magnetic quantum number. It provides unambiguous sets of trajectories to model and interpret cutting-edge experiments using semiclassical approaches.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Emergent half-metal with mixed structural order in (111)-oriented
(LaMnO3)2n|(SrMnO3)n
superlattices
Authors: Cossu Fabrizio , Do Nascimento Jùlio Alves , Cavill Stuart A. , Di Marco Igor , Lazarov Vlado K. , Kim Heung-Sik
Published: January 2024

Using first-principles techniques, we study the structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of (111)-oriented (LaMnO3)2n|(SrMnO3)n superlattices of varying thickness (n=2,4,6). We find that the properties of the thinnest superlattice (n=2) are similar to the celebrated half-metallic ferromagnetic alloy La2/3Sr1/3MnO3, with quenched Jahn-Teller distortions. At intermediate thickness (n=4), the a−a−a− tilting pattern transitions to the a−a−c+ tilting pattern, driven by the lattice degrees of freedom in the LaMnO3 region. The emergence of the Jahn-Teller modes and the spatial extent needed for their development play a key role in this structural transition. For the largest thickness considered (n=6), we unveil an emergent separation of Jahn-Teller and volume-breathing orders in the ground-state structure with the a−a−c+ tilting pattern, whereas it vanishes in the antiferromagnetic configurations. The ground state of all superlattices is half-metallic ferromagnetic, not affected by the underlying series of structural transitions. Overall, these results outline a thickness-induced crossover between the physical properties of bulk La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 and bulk LaMnO3.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Yin-Yang spiraling transition of a confined buckled elastic sheet
Authors: Deboeuf Stéphanie , Protière Suzie , Katzav Eytan
Published: January 2024

DNA in viral capsids, plant leaves in buds, and geological folds are examples in nature of tightly packed low-dimensional objects. However, the general equations describing their deformations and stresses are challenging. We report experimental and theoretical results of a model configuration of compression of a confined elastic sheet, which can be conceptualized as a one-dimensional (1D) line inside a 2D rectangular box. In this configuration, the two opposite ends of a planar sheet are pushed closer, while being confined in the orthogonal direction by two rigid walls separated by a given gap. Similar compaction of sheets has been previously studied and was shown to buckle into quasiperiodic motifs. In our experiments, we observed a different phenomenon, namely the spontaneous instability of the sheet, leading to localization into a single Yin-Yang pattern. The linearized Euler Elastica theory of elastic rods, together with global energy considerations, allow us to predict the symmetry breaking of the sheet in terms of the number of motifs, compression distance, and tangential force. Surprisingly, the appearance of the Yin-Yang pattern does not require friction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis and crystal structure of diisothiocyanatotetrakis(4-methylpyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) and diisothiocyanatotris(4-methylpyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) showing two different metal coordination polyhedra
Authors: Näther Christian , Jess Inke
Published: January 2024

The reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-methylpyridine N-oxide (C6H7NO) leads to the formation of two compounds, namely, tetrakis(4-methylpyridine N-oxide-κO)bis(thiocyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)4] (1), and tris(4-methylpyridine N-oxide-κO)bis(thiocyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)3] (2). The asymmetric unit of 1 consists of one CoII cation located on a centre of inversion, as well as one thiocyanate anion and two 4-methylpyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions. The CoII cations are octahedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonding thiocyanate anions in trans positions and four 4-methylpyridine N-oxide ligands. In the extended structure, these complexes are linked by C—H...O and C—H...S interactions. In compound 2, two crystallographically independent complexes are present, which occupy general positions. In each of these complexes, the CoII cations are coordinated in a trigonal–bipyramidal manner by two terminal N-bonding thiocyanate anions in axial positions and by three 4-methylpyridine N-oxide ligands in equatorial positions. In the crystal, these complex molecules are linked by C—H...S interactions. For compound 2, a nonmerohedral twin refinement was performed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) reveals that 2 was nearly obtained as a pure phase, which is not possible for compound 1. Differential thermoanalysis and thermogravimetry data (DTA–TG) show that compound 2 start to decompose at about 518 K.
Understanding user resistance of smart factory adoption: a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Park Junsung , Yoo Joon Woo , Park Heejun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the resistance behavior of smart factories in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing upon dual factor perspective, this study examines how two types of quality and perceived usefulness impact user resistance as enabling factors and how switching cost, skepticism, habit and inertia contribute to user resistance as inhibiting factors. Additionally, multi-group analysis is employed to compare small and medium enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling technique was employed to collect 460 Korean SMEs employees, consisting of 235 small enterprises and 225 medium enterprises. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that all three inhibiting factors, switching cost, skepticism and habit, are key antecedents of inertia. In small enterprises, skepticism has a greater impact on inertia, which in turn strongly affects resistance. Additionally, system quality is more crucial for small enterprises, whereas information quality holds more importance for medium enterprises in mitigating resistance. Moreover, when the implementation level of a smart factory is high, the effect of perceived usefulness on user resistance diminishes.

Originality/value

This study has revealed the importance of considering both enabling and inhibiting factors for the adoption of smart factory systems in the context of SMEs. Additionally, it has provided evidence that as the level of the smart factory system increases, the effect of perceived usefulness on user resistance decreases, thus making the transition to smart factory systems more challenging.
From infamy to truth. Epistemic coloniality and knowledges in resistance: an approach to the cases of Inés Fernández Ortega and Valentina Rosendo Cantú
Authors: Martínez Martínez Miguel Angel
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to show the regime of truth in the institutional commissions that have the objective of restoring history by establishing a democratic, equitable, comprehensive, inclusive and fair criterion against the attempts of re-victimization and suppression of memory that Western political and cultural traditions have installed through their mechanisms of power.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of the cases of Inés Fernández Ortega and Valentina Rosendo Cantú, they establish the material conditions from which prejudices and hegemonic stereotypes are intertwined to reproduce serious violations of human rights in democratic political and epistemic frameworks. The colonial function of the truth commissions in Mexico is analyzed, which are presented as mechanisms for social development, political and colonial reproduction of liberal democracy.

Findings

The qualitative results allow considering the way in which the different truth commissions in Mexico have been strongly linked to epistemic mechanisms in which truth and justice favor the reproduction of established relationships based on race, social class and gender. Especially in the so-called democratic transition, violence, truth and justice come together to highlight power relations in situations that have been disavowed by the intelligentsia.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research are found in the historical configuration of the truth commissions in Mexico. The data, references and assessments are crossed by the initial function of the truth commissions and the establishment of apparatuses and mechanisms based on transitional justice. Based on this, it can be considered a methodological oversight to shift the analysis of truth commissions toward a critical assessment of the truth as a regime of government and hegemonic and colonization criteria from two very specific cases.

Originality/value

The originality of the work is found in the critical discernment of truth as a political category and the coloniality of power.
“It will be difficult but doable”: an exploratory study on mobilizing churches in Ghana for poverty reduction
Authors: Ababio Abraham Gyamfi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Religion could drive development. Although Ghana is touted as the most religious country in the world, notably, some Charismatic/Pentecostal churches operate at the expense of community development and members’ welfare. This study sought to achieve three objectives: to determine whether there is an opportunity for organizing the various churches for interfaith cooperative collective action; to assess the association between people’s religiosity and the propensity to join interfaith cooperative collective action and to assess people’s perceptions of the institutional framework that could facilitate the organization of the religious community in Ghana for interfaith collective action.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive statistics and an ordered probit model (OPM) were used to analyze cross-sectional data from a representative sample of households in the Greater Accra Region. Thematic analysis was also used to analyze the qualitative data.

Findings

The study found that generally, there is a positive response to a proposal to mobilize churches in an interfaith cooperative collective action, but distrust poses a great threat to interfaith cooperative collective action. The study also found that affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Pentecostal/Charismatic is negatively (positively) associated with the propensity to join a collective action, respectively. Finally, the results of the study found that accountability, proper management and fair distribution of the proceeds from a collective action will help in mobilizing churches in Ghana in an interfaith collective action.

Originality/value

This is the first major study to explore the possibility of interfaith collective action among religious denominations aimed at accelerating poverty reduction and wealth creation in any developing country.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2023-0670
Long‐term cognitive and pulmonary functions following a lower versus a higher oxygenation target in the HOT‐ICU and HOT‐COVID trials: A protocol update
Authors: Crescioli Elena , Riis Jens Østergaard , Weinreich Ulla Møller , Jensen Jens Ulrik Stæhr , Poulsen Lone Musaeus , Brøchner Anne Craveiro , Lange Theis , Perner Anders , Klitgaard Thomas Lass , Schjørring Olav Lilleholt , Rasmussen Bodil Steen
Published: January 2024

Background

The Handling Oxygenation Targets in the Intensive Care Unit (HOT‐ICU) trial was a multicentre, randomised, parallel‐group trial of a lower oxygenation target (arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2] = 8 kPa) versus a higher oxygenation target (PaO2 = 12 kPa) in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure; the Handling Oxygenation Targets in coronavirus disease 2019 (HOT‐COVID) tested the same oxygenation targets in patients with confirmed COVID‐19. In this study, we aim to evaluate the long‐term effects of these oxygenation targets on cognitive and pulmonary function. We hypothesise that a lower oxygenation target throughout the ICU stay may result in cognitive impairment, whereas a higher oxygenation target may result in impaired pulmonary function.

Methods

This is the updated protocol and statistical analysis plan of two pre‐planned secondary outcomes, the long‐term cognitive function, and long‐term pulmonary function, in the HOT‐ICU and HOT‐COVID trials. Patients enrolled in both trials at selected Danish sites and surviving to 1 year after randomisation are eligible to participate. A Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status score and a full‐body plethysmography, including diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, will be obtained. The last patient is expected to be included in the spring of 2024.

Conclusion

This study will provide important information on the long‐term effects of a lower versus a higher oxygenation target on long‐term cognitive and pulmonary functions in adult ICU patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.
Association between life satisfaction, problem behaviours and psychological distress in orphaned adolescents: Exploring gender and orphanhood type discrepancies
Authors: Li Shiying , Zhang Yiqi , Wang Xinnan , Yuan Rui
Published: January 2024

Bereavement of one or both parents is known to cause many kinds of internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents. However, less is known about factors that are protective of the mental health of orphaned adolescents and differences by their gender and orphanhood type. To fill these gaps, the current study used a sample from southwestern China to test the association between types of orphans, life satisfaction, adolescents' psychological distress and problem behaviours. The results showed that orphan girls were prone to have lower levels of problem behaviours but higher levels of psychological distress than orphan boys. Female paternal orphans tended to have the highest psychological distress, while male paternal orphans tended to have the lowest psychological distress. In addition, school satisfaction had a stronger association with problem behaviour, and self‐satisfaction had a stronger association with psychological distress. Interventions and preventive measures aimed at reducing the psychological distress of orphans could benefit from the findings regarding the correlates of psychological distress and the most vulnerable group among orphans.
Effect of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids on the reconstruction of tendon‐to‐bone injuries after rotator cuff tears
Authors: Li Pinxue , Fu Liwei , Ning Chao , Wu Jiang , Xu Zizheng , Liao Zhiyao , Gao Cangjian , Sui Xiang , Lin Yunfeng , Liu Shuyun , Yuan Zhiguo , Guo Quanyi
Published: January 2024

Clinicians and researchers have always faced challenges in performing surgery for rotator cuff tears (RCT) due to the intricate nature of the tendon‐bone gradient and the limited long‐term effectiveness. At the same time, the occurrence of an inflammatory microenvironment further aggravates tissue damage, which has a negative impact on the regeneration process of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and eventually leads to the production of scar tissue. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), novel nanomaterials, have shown great potential in biomedicine due to their strong biocompatibility, excellent cellular internalisation ability, and unparalleled programmability. The objective of this research was to examine if tFNAs have a positive effect on regeneration after RCTs. Experiments conducted in a controlled environment demonstrated that tFNAs hindered the assembly of inflammasomes in macrophages, resulting in a decrease in the release of inflammatory factors. Next, tFNAs were shown to exert a protective effect on the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow MSCs under inflammatory conditions. The in vitro results also demonstrated the regulatory effect of tFNAs on tendon‐related protein expression levels in tenocytes after inflammatory stimulation. Finally, intra‐articular injection of tFNAs into a rat RCT model showed that tFNAs improved tendon‐to‐bone healing, suggesting that tFNAs may be promising tendon‐to‐bone protective agents for the treatment of RCTs.
Boom and no bust for a teatfish in Torres Strait, Australia from combined forms of western and Indigenous management
Authors: Murphy Nicole , Skewes Timothy , Plagányi Éva
Published: January 2024

Black teatfish (Holothuria whitmaei) is a high value sea cucumber that has been listed under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II. The Black teatfish fishery in Torres Strait, Australia, is fished solely by Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders. Black teatfish were closed to fishing in 2003, based on the results of stock surveys and concerns of overexploitation. A stock survey in 2009 found the Black teatfish population had recovered substantially but the fishery was again closed after trial openings exceeded catch limits. In line with a new harvest strategy adopted for the fishery in 2019, we conducted a stock survey in 2019–2020 that suggested the stock had recovered sufficiently to support a sustainable catch limit of 20 t. Empowering Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders to use Island custom alongside western management strategies, contributed to the success of a trial opening in 2021. The combination of a harvest strategy developed in consultation with traditional owners, a rigorous scientific survey and trial opening protocols informed by Island custom, supported the CITES positive Non‐Detriment Finding for the Torres Strait Bêche‐de‐mer Fishery. This is a significant example of the successful recovery and ongoing sustainable management of a depleted sea cucumber population.
Congenital heart defects in Arabian horses and the prospects of genetic testing: A review
Authors: Brown Caitlin , Stefaniuk‐Szmukier Monika , Decloedt Annelies , Beijerink Niek , Hamilton Natasha A. , Velie Brandon D.
Published: January 2024

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) can have profound and potentially life‐threatening consequences on horses' health and performance capability. While CHDs are rare in the general horse population, the Arabian breed is disproportionately overrepresented and thus is widely suspected to be genetically predisposed. This review discusses the most common CHDs in Arabian horses, including ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), patent duct arteriosus (PDA), tricuspid valve atresia (TVA) and atrial septal defect (ASD). This review also explores how future research into the genetic factors that likely underpin many CHDs can revolutionise the way these disorders are managed in Arabian horses.
Grandparents' social capital hypothesis: Relationships with grandparents and young adults' trust through kinship support
Authors: Ma Jialing
Published: January 2024

Objective

The current research investigated how relationships with grandparents were associated with young adults' trust levels.

Background

To complement the grandmother hypothesis that explains the adaptiveness of human longevity from the perspective of instrumental contributions, a “grandparents' social capital hypothesis” was proposed, indicating that grandparents benefit social capital construction for their grandchildren, the effect of which could be symbolic for young adults. Older adults, who tend to have high levels of trust and the connections within extended family, could have positive impacts on young adults' trust.

Method

Using convenience sampling, we surveyed 314 Chinese young adults on quality and quantity of their interactions with grandparents, kinship support, and their generalized trust and particularized trust toward relatives through trust games. Path analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Quality of the relationship with grandparents, rather than quantity of contact with them, was related to young adults' higher levels of particularized and generalized trust. Kinship support mediated the associations between high‐quality relationships with grandparents and young adults' particularized trust, as well as generalized trust.

Conclusion

Grandparents could play a symbolic role in social capital accumulation for young adults through the mediation effect of kinship support.

Implications

These findings provide new evidence supporting older adults' constructive role in human societies and shed light on possible strategies to cultivate social capital in the communities.
Trypsin‐induced aggregation of transthyretin Valine 30 variants associated with hereditary amyloidosis
Authors: Mizuguchi Mineyuki , Obita Takayuki , Yamada Seiya , Nabeshima Yuko
Published: January 2024

Amyloid fibrils of transthyretin (TTR) consist of full‐length TTR and C‐terminal fragments starting near residue 50. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the production of the C‐terminal fragment remains unclear. Here, we investigated trypsin‐induced aggregation and urea‐induced unfolding of TTR variants associated with hereditary amyloidosis. Trypsin strongly induced aggregation of variants V30G and V30A, in each of which Val30 in the hydrophobic core of the monomer was mutated to less‐bulky amino acids. Variants V30L and V30M, in each of which Val30 was mutated to bulky amino acids, also exhibited trypsin‐induced aggregation. On the other hand, pathogenic variant I68L as well as the nonpathogenic V30I did not exhibit trypsin‐induced aggregation. The V30G variant was extremely unstable compared with the other variants. The V30G mutation caused the formation of a cavity and the rearrangement of Leu55 in the hydrophobic core of the monomer. These results suggest that highly destabilized transthyretin variants are more susceptible to trypsin digestion.
A modified nonlinear cumulative damage model for combined high and low cycle fatigue life prediction
Authors: Yue Peng , Li He , Dong Yan , Zhang Jun‐Fu , Zhou Chang‐Yu
Published: January 2024

Aero‐engine turbine blades are subject to combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) loadings during operations. In this paper, a modified nonlinear cumulative damage model is developed based on linear damage accumulation theory and static toughness exhaustion to predict the CCF life of turbine blades and common blade materials. An interaction factor is created to reflect the integrated effect of high cycle fatigue and low cycle fatigue (HCF‐LCF). Available test data from TC4 alloy and other two alloy materials, together with two turbine blades are utilized to validate the robustness and accuracy of the proposed approach. Comparative results demonstrate that the proposed model holds better performance in life predictions under CCF loadings.
Elevating world language teacher leaders: Participant perspectives of the Leadership Initiative for Language Learning (LILL)
Authors: Janssen Sánchez Brianna , Davis William S.
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the participant experiences and perceived impacts of the Language Initiative for Language Learning (LILL). By exploring the voices of 11 LILL participants through a qualitative case study design, the findings highlight how world language teacher leaders participated in and experienced LILL as a space for leadership growth and perceived the program as having a transformational impact on their leadership identity, mindset, and skill development. While the findings situate LILL as an effective and impactful program, we discuss the need for deeper understandings of world language (WL) teacher leadership in discipline‐specific ways and conclude with suggestions for proactive approaches for WL teacher leadership programming.
Endodontic management of submerged roots following complicated traumatic dental injury (TDI) in children and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Crowder Lauren , Colloc Thibault , Surendran Sharmila , McGregor Scott , Kilgariff Julie
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines include the use of decoronation for the management of complex crown–root fractures but do not outline how this technique is best employed. The aim of this review is to reach a consensus in the management of the root canal system in decoronated permanent teeth undergoing root submergence and to determine whether this has an impact on the success and survival of the retained root.

Materials and Methods

Search included databases MEDLINE via Ebsco, EMBASE via Ovid, Web of Science via Clarivate, PubMed via PubMed.gov, the Cochrane Library via Wiley, cited reference searching and hand searching of relevant journals. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.

Results and Discussion

In total, 18 articles were included in qualitative analysis: 17 of these were case reports and one case series. A total of 37 teeth were treated with decoronation either using the Malmgren or an alternative protocol (root submergence following endodontic treatment with gutta‐percha [GP] or a calcium silicate cement and vital root submergence). Limited evidence from this review suggests that immediate decoronation and vital root submergence are successful in apexogenesis and preserving alveolar bone.

This systematic review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: registration number CRD42022316266).
Association between maternal dupilumab exposure and pregnancy outcomes in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Avallone Gianluca , Cavallo Francesco , Tancredi Annalisa , Maronese Carlo A. , Bertello Martina , Fraghì Alessandro , Conforti Claudio , Calabrese Giulia , Di Nicola Matteo R. , Oddenino Giorgio A. , Gargiulo Luigi , Gori Niccolò , Loi Camilla , Romita Paolo , Piras Viviana , Bonzano Laura , Tolino Ersilia , Paolino Giovanni , Napolitano Maddalena , Patruno Cataldo , Nettis Eustachio , Ferreli Caterina , Roccuzzo Gabriele , Marozio Luca , Silvio Martina , Russo Filomena , Bettolini Luca , Gallo Rosella , Mercuri Santo R. , Mastorino Luca , Rossi Mariateresa , Zalaudek Iris , Argenziano Giuseppe , Trave Ilaria , Costanzo Antonio , Chiricozzi Andrea , Gurioli Carlotta , Foti Caterina , Potenza Concetta , Ferrucci Silvia M. , Balato Anna , Parodi Aurora , Marzano Angelo V. , Ortoncelli Michela , Ribero Simone , Quaglino Pietro
Published: January 2024

Background

There is limited epidemiological evidence on outcomes associated with dupilumab exposure during pregnancy; monitoring pregnancy outcomes in large populations is required.

Objective

To investigate the potential association between exposure to dupilumab in pregnant women with atopic dermatitis and any adverse pregnancy, neonatal, congenital and post‐partum outcomes.

Methods

We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study across 19 Italian tertiary referral hospital. Childbearing women were eligible if aged 18–49 years and carried out the pregnancy between 1 October 2018 and 1 September 2022.

Results

We retrospectively screened records of 5062 patients receiving dupilumab regardless of age and gender, identifying 951 female atopic dermatitis patients of childbearing age, 29 of whom had been exposed to the drug during pregnancy (3%). The median duration of dupilumab treatment prior to conception was 22.5 weeks (range: 3–118). The median time of exposure to the drug during pregnancy was 6 weeks (range: 2–24). All the documented pregnancies were unplanned, and the drug was discontinued in all cases once pregnancy status was reported. The comparison of the study cohort and the control group found no significant drug‐associated risk for adverse pregnancy, congenital, neonatal or post‐partum outcomes. The absence of a statistically significant effect of exposure on the event was confirmed by bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis adjusted for other confounding factors.

Conclusions

This cohort of pregnant patients exposed to dupilumab adds to the existing evidence concerning the safety of biologic agents in pregnancy. No safety issues were identified regarding the primary outcome assessed. In clinical practice, these data provide reassurance in case of dupilumab exposure during the first trimester. However, the continuous use of dupilumab throughout pregnancy warrants further research.
Acetylated tau exacerbates apoptosis by disturbing mitochondrial dynamics in HEK293 cells
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Fei , Fang Zhi‐Ting , Zhao Jun‐Ning , Liu Gong‐Ping , Shen Xin , Jiang Gao‐Feng , Liu Qian
Published: January 2024

An increase in tau acetylation at K274 and K281 and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics have been observed in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Here, we constructed three types of tau plasmids, TauKQ (acetylated tau mutant, by mutating its K274/K281 into glutamine to mimic disease‐associated lysine acetylation), TauKR (non‐acetylated tau mutant, by mutating its K274/K281 into arginine), and TauWT (wild‐type human full‐length tau). By transfecting these tau plasmids in HEK293 cells, we found that TauWT and TauKR induced mitochondrial fusion by increasing the level of mitochondrial fusion proteins. Conversely, TauKQ induced mitochondrial fission by reducing mitochondrial fusion proteins, exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. BGP‐15 ameliorated TauKQ‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by improving mitochondrial dynamics. Our findings suggest that acetylation of K274/281 represents an important post‐translational modification site regulating mitochondrial dynamics, and that BGP‐15 holds potential as a therapeutic agent for mitochondria‐associated diseases such as AD.

image
Temporal involvement of phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase γ in differentiation of Z‐bands and myofilament bundles as well as intercalated discs in mouse heart at mid‐gestation
Authors: Ratchatasunthorn A. , Sakagami H. , Kondo H. , Hipkaeo W. , Chomphoo S.
Published: January 2024

Considering the occurrence of serious heart failure in a gene knockout mouse of PIP5Kγ and in congenital abnormal cases in humans in which the gene was defective as reported by others, the present study attempted to localize PIP5Kγ in the heart during prenatal stages. It was done on the basis of the supposition that phenotypes caused by gene mutation of a given molecule are owed to the functional deterioration of selective cellular sites normally expressing it at significantly higher levels in wild mice. PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity was the highest in the heart at E10 in contrast to almost non‐significant levels of the immunoreactivity in surrounding organs and tissues such as liver. The immunoreactivity gradually weakened in the heart with the prenatal age, and it was at non‐significant levels at newborn and postnatal stages. Six patterns in localization of distinct immunoreactivity for PIP5Kγ were recognized in cardiomyocytes: (1) its localization on the plasma membranes and subjacent cytoplasm without association with short myofibrils and (2) its localization on them as well as short myofibrils in association with them in cardiomyocytes of early differentiation at E10; (3) its spot‐like localization along long myofibrils in cardiomyocytes of advanced differentiation at E10; (4) rare occurrences of such spot‐like localization along long myofibrils in cardiomyocytes of advanced differentiation at E14; (5) its localization at Z‐bands of long myofibrils; and (6) its localization at intercellular junctions including the intercalated discs in cardiomyocytes of advanced differentiation at E10 and E14, especially dominant at the latter stage. No distinct localization of PIP5Kγ‐immunoreactivity of any patterns was seen in the heart at E18 and P1D. The present finding suggests that sites of PIP5Kγ‐appearance and probably of its high activity in cardiomyocytes are shifted from the plasma membranes through short myofibrils subjacent to the plasma membranes and long myofibrils, to Z‐bands as well as to the intercalated discs during the mid‐term gestation. It is further suggested that PIP5Kγ is involved in the differentiation of myofibrils as well as intercellular junctions including the intercalated discs at later stages of the mid‐term gestation. Failures in its involvement in the differentiation of these structural components are thus likely to cause the mid‐term gestation lethality of the mutant mice for PIP5Kγ.
Quantifying shrub–shrub competition in drylands using aerial imagery and a novel landscape competition index
Authors: Wojcikiewicz Robert , Ji Wenjie , Hanan Niall P.
Published: January 2024

The Jornada Basin Long‐Term Ecological Research Site (JRN‐LTER, or JRN) is a semiarid grassland–shrubland in southern New Mexico, USA. The role of intraspecific competition in constraining shrub growth and establishment at the JRN and in arid systems, in general, is an important question in dryland studies.

Using information on shrub distributions and growth habits at the JRN, we present a novel landscape‐scale (c. 1 ha) metric (the ‘competition index’, CI), which quantifies the potential intensity of competitive interactions. We map and compare the intensity of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa, Torr.) competition spatially and temporally across the JRN‐LTER, investigating associations of CI with shrub distribution, density, and soil types.

The CI metric shows strong correlation with values of percent cover. Mapping CI across the Jornada Basin shows that high‐intensity intraspecific competition is not prevalent, with few locations where intense competition is likely to be limiting further honey mesquite expansion.

Comparison of CI among physiographic provinces shows differences in average CI values associated with geomorphology, topography, and soil type, suggesting that edaphic conditions may impose important constraints on honey mesquite and growth. However, declining and negative growth rates with increasing CI suggest that intraspecific competition constrains growth rates when CI increases above c. 0.5.
Data and Trends in Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, and Some Related Demographic Issues
Authors: Colombo Asher D. , Dalla‐Zuanna Gianpiero
Published: January 2024

Although considerable gains in survival have been observed in developed countries, particularly in the last stretch of life, part of these additional years of life are lived in bad health. In this context, a number of actions/inactions that limit or may limit life span are becoming increasingly common. Demography and quantitative sociology are well‐positioned to make a significant contribution to the measurement of the consistency of different end‐of‐life interventions, to the examination of differences over time, space and among different social groups, and to the analysis of the behaviors and attitudes of different stakeholders (the sufferers, their relatives, health care personnel, public opinion). We focus here on euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS). First, we discuss changes in public opinion on EAS in developed countries. Second, we analyze the diffusion and temporal trends of EAS, with a particular focus on Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium; three countries for which it is also possible to consider the connections between the diffusion of EAS and palliative care. Third, we consider several differential aspects of the spread of EAS (mainly by sex, age, and cause of death).