bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and diversity patterns of coralligenous cliffs across three ecoregions in the Central‐Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Casoli Edoardo , Moro Stefano , Falasca Matteo , Montefalcone Monica , Rizzo Lucia , Teixidó Núria , Piazzi Luigi , Longo Caterina , Mercurio Maria , Gennaro Paola , Cecchi Enrico , Penna Marina , Gambi Maria Cristina , Mirasole Alice , Ballesteros Enric , Andrello Marco , Ventura Daniele , Mancini Gianluca , Belluscio Andrea , Fraschetti Simonetta , Ardizzone Giandomenico , Jona‐Lasinio Giovanna
Published: July 2024

Aim

Coralligenous reefs are the main marine bioconstructions in terms of spatial distribution within the Mediterranean basin. Two distinct reef morphologies can be distinguished based on the surface and topographical features of the seafloor: cliffs developing vertical slopes and banks found on gently steep or horizontal bottoms. Despite their importance for monitoring and conservation efforts, observations regarding the variability of biogeographical patterns are scarce. Here, we aimed to assess the differences in the composition and structure of these cliffs across ecoregions and estimate the relative role of abiotic environmental features, geographic location, and connectivity in shaping diversity patterns.

Location

The study was carried out in the Central‐Western Mediterranean Sea. Samples were collected at 65 sites across the Algero‐Provençal Basin, the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Methods

We assessed the composition and structure of coralligenous cliffs through photographic samplings collected by scuba divers. Patterns in α‐ and β‐diversity were associated with 9 abiotic environmental variables, latitudinal and longitudinal gradients, and connectivity measures using Generalized Additive (GAM) and Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) models.

Results

Coralligenous cliffs were primarily composed of algae and displayed a high degree of variability. The Partition Around Medoids (PAM) clustering method successfully delineated seven distinct clusters with a non‐uniform distribution within the studied ecoregions. The α‐diversity increased in eastern and northern sites and with phosphate concentration, while decreased with temperature, chlorophyll and nitrates concentration. β‐diversity at the site level increased with temperature, while it was negatively affected by northward current speed and chlorophyll concentration. Moveover, β‐diversity increased within connected sites.

Main Conclusions

Coralligenous cliff diversity responds both to the physico‐chemical features of the habitat and between‐habitats connectivity. However, our findings suggest that small‐scale abiotic and biotic processes could contribute to explaining the variability observed. These findings can significantly enhance the monitoring and conservation efforts of this Mediterranean endemic ecosystem.
Contrasting patterns of spatial genetic structure in endangered southern damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale) populations facing habitat fragmentation and urbanisation
Authors: Lévêque Agathe , Duputié Anne , Vignon Vincent , Duez Fabien , Godé Cécile , Vanappelghem Cédric , Arnaud Jean‐François
Published: July 2024

Aim

Human‐induced environmental changes result in habitat loss and fragmentation, impacting wildlife population genetic structure and evolution. Urbanised and geographically peripheral areas often represent unfavourable environments, reducing connectivity among populations and causing higher population genetic differentiation and lower intra‐population genetic diversity. We examined how geographic peripherality and anthropogenic pressures affect genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in the protected southern damselfly (Coenagrion mercuriale, Odonata), which has low dispersal capabilities and specific habitat requirements and whose populations are declining.

Location

We studied two areas: one in semi‐natural habitats at the periphery of the species geographic range (northern France) and the other more central to the species' range, in an urbanised area surrounding the city of Strasbourg (Alsace, eastern France).

Methods

We genotyped 2743 individuals from 128 populations using 11 microsatellite loci. We analysed the spatial distribution of neutral genetic diversity (allelic richness, heterozygosity, levels of inbreeding and genetic relatedness), the extent of genetic differentiation and population affiliations (sPCAs) within the two areas. We also examined fine‐scale patterns of gene flow in the urbanised area of Alsace by investigating patterns of isolation by distance and estimating effective migration surfaces (EEMS) method.

Results

Northern peripheral populations showed lower levels of genetic diversity and higher levels of genetic differentiation than central Alsacian populations. Although located in anthropised habitats, geographically central Alsacian populations showed high levels of gene flow, with dispersal events mainly occurring overland and not restricted to watercourses. However, the highly urbanised city of Strasbourg negatively impacted nearby populations by reducing levels of genetic diversity and increasing population genetic differentiation.

Main Conclusions

These results showed the need for management action by restoring breeding sites and creating migratory corridors for peripheral southern damselfly populations. However, our results also highlighted the resilience of southern damselfly in central range populations facing strong urbanisation pressures.
Evaluation of the associations of interlukin‐7 genetic variants with toxicity and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: A replication study of a Japanese population, based on the findings of a European genome‐wide association study
Authors: Miyamoto Hideaki , Kondo Yasuteru , Itobayashi Ei , Uehara Masayoshi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Kudo Masatoshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Kagawa Tatehiro , Miuma Satoshi , Suzuki Takanori , Sugi Kazuhiro , Suyama Koichi , Beppu Toru , Toyoda Hidenori , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Uojima Haruki , Miyase Shiho , Inoue Kaori , Tamori Akihiro , Ito Takanori , Shimose Shigeo , Suda Goki , Hayashi Tsuguru , Onishi Masaya , Narahara Satoshi , Watanabe Takehisa , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Fukushima Satoshi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: July 2024

Aim

Recent genome‐wide association studies of European populations have identified rs16906115, a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the interleukin‐7 gene, as a predictor of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) and the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We evaluated this single‐nucleotide polymorphism in a Japanese population.

Methods

From January 2021, we stored host DNA from individuals who received various types of immune checkpoint inhibitors. From this population, we categorized 510 participants into cases (grade ≥2 irAEs) and controls (received ≥3 immune checkpoint inhibitor doses, follow‐up ≥12 weeks, no irAEs), and divided 339 hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab into responders and non‐responders, evaluated using the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. We compared the minor allele frequencies of rs16906115 between cases and controls, and responders and non‐responders.

Results

In the irAE prediction analysis of 234 cases and 276 controls, the minor allele frequency was 0.244 in the case group and 0.265 in the control group. This difference is not significant. In the analysis predicting the therapeutic efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients, the responders had a significantly lower minor allele frequency of 0.220, compared with 0.300 for the non‐responders (p = 0.022). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the minor allele homozygosity as a significant predictor of treatment response, with odds ratios of 0.292 (p = 0.015) in the univariate analysis and 0.315 (p = 0.023) in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In our Japanese cohort, no association was found between the rs16906115 minor allele and irAEs or treatment efficacy. The minor allele homozygosity may be associated with a negative therapeutic outcome.

Clinical trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry with the number UMIN000043798.
Political challenges and economic cooperation: The legacy of the 1930s USSR–Turkey economic relations and the contemporary economic context of Russia–Turkey
Authors: Deniz Önder
Published: July 2024

In the early 20th century, the emergence of the Soviet Union and Turkey in the political arena led to the end of Russo‐Turkish conflicts and the formation of bilateral relations. In the 1920s, the political cooperation that commenced between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and Turkey transformed into economic solidarity. The 5‐year plans of the USSR and the financial support and technical knowledge it provided to Turkey significantly contributed to Turkey's industrialisation process. After World War II, political and economic dynamics changed, leading to a decline in these relations. Following the dissolution of the USSR, relations between Turkey and the Russian Federation revived and economic cooperation increased. This collaboration, particularly evident in the tourism, energy, and trade sectors, has intensified. This article analyses the contributions of the 1930s USSR–Turkey cooperation to Turkey's industrialisation process and its contemporary effects. Additionally, it highlights a positive public and political approach in Turkey towards its economic relations with Russia.
Plumbagin ameliorates LPS‐induced acute lung injury by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Keap1‐Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling pathways
Authors: Liu Zhengjia , Wei Jiahui , Sun Hongbin , Xu Lei
Published: July 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major pathophysiological problem characterized by severe inflammation, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Plumbagin (PL), a major bioactive constituent extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Plumbago zeylanica, has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological activities. However, its protective effect on ALI has not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of PL against ALI induced by LPS and to elucidate its possible mechanisms both in vivo and in vitro. PL treatment significantly inhibited pathological injury, MPO activity, and the wet/dry ratio in lung tissues, and decreased the levels of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 in BALF induced by LPS. In addition, PL inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, GSH and activated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling pathway during ALI induced by LPS. To further assess the association between the inhibitory effects of PL on ALI and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling, we pretreated RAW264.7 cells with 740Y‐P and ML385. The results showed that the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling reversed the protective effect of PL on inflammatory response induced by LPS. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of PL on the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS also inhibited by downregulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling. In conclusion, the results indicate that the PL ameliorate LPS‐induced ALI by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Keap1‐Nrf2/HO‐1 signalling, which may provide a novel therapeutic perspective for PL in inhibiting ALI.
Sarcopenia and survival in colorectal cancer without distant metastasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Wen‐Li , Nguyen Thi‐Hoang‐Yen , Huang Wen‐Tsung , Guo How‐Ran , Wu Li‐Min
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim

Despite prior attempts to evaluate the effects of sarcopenia on survival among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), the results of these studies have not been consistent. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and survival among patients having CRC without distant metastasis by aggregating multiple studies.

Methods

We performed a literature search using computerized databases and identified additional studies from among the bibliographies of retrieved articles. The quality of each study was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and meta‐analyses were performed to evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Thirteen studies with up to 6600 participants were included in the meta‐analyses, with a mean age of 63.6 years (range: 18–93 years). We found that preoperative sarcopenia was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–1.88) and worse DFS (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.10–2.24). Compared with patients without sarcopenia after tumor resection, those with postoperative sarcopenia had worse OS (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.47–2.10) and DFS (HR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.46–2.20).

Conclusion

These meta‐analyses suggest that sarcopenia, no matter observed before or after tumor resection, is associated with worse OS and DFS in patients with CRC who have no distant metastasis.
Revitalizing skin, hair, nails, and muscles: Unlocking beauty and wellness with vegan collagen
Authors: Warma Samrat , Warma Himanshi , Merja Apeksha , Patel Nayan , Patel Maheshvari
Published: July 2024

Background

Collagen, a key protein in the body maintains hair, skin and bone health and its production tends to decrease in synthesis as humans age. The demand for vegan collagen‐builder has increased worldwide due to increased adaptability to vegan diet.

Objective

This clinical study was designed aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vegan collagen builder (VEGCOL™️) at different dosages (2.5, 5, and 10 g) in adult participants.

Methods

Total 66 subjects (22 subjects/dose) aged 30 to 50 years were enrolled, and 63 subjects completed the study. Duration of study was 60 days. Evaluations included change in skin elasticity, hydration, crow's feet area wrinkles, fine lines, skin, Glogau skin age, change in pain scale score, muscle strength and subject perception assessment about test treatment use.

Results

After 60 days of treatment, there was significant improvement in hair growth rate by 45.01%, 38.54% and 50.37% with p < 0.01 for doses 2.5, 5, and 10 g respectively. Additionally, 19.64% (p < 0.0001) and 20.51% (p < 0.0001) increase in hair density and hair thickness respectively was observed with 10 g dose. 2.5 g dose resulted in 33.03% (p < 0.01) increase in skin smoothness and 49.94% (p < 0.0001) decrease in crow's feet area wrinkles, decreased retraction time by 21.71 milliseconds (p < 0.05). 52.54% reduction in pain score (p < 0.001). No any adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Vegan collagen‐builder effectively improved multiple age‐related concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, joint pain, muscle strength and hair growth. All respondents perceived the product as beneficial in improving the aesthetics of the skin, hair, and nails. The findings support the use of vegan collagen‐builder as safe and efficacious in promoting healthier skin, stronger muscles, and improved hair and nail conditions.
Comparative study between the efficacy of prabotulinum toxin‐A versus onabotulinum toxin‐A for the treatment of upper facial expression lines
Authors: Rodriguez‐Chavez Nicte , Gonzalez‐Mondragón Edric , Nava‐Castañeda Angel
Published: July 2024

Background

Botulinum Toxin (BoNTA) is the most used nonsurgical aesthetic procedure to treat facial expression lines.

Aims

This study compared the efficacy of Prabotulinum toxin‐A, a novel BoNTA that originates from Clostridium botulinum Hall‐A, with onabotulinum toxin‐A in treating facial expression lines using the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) and FACE‐Q questionnaires.

Methods

This was an experimental, comparative, longitudinal, open‐label, and prospective study. Patients aged between 25 and 40 years with upper‐third facial expression lines were included. Follow‐ups were made at three, seven, 30, and 120 days.

Results

A total of 26 patients were included: 20 female, and six males, with a mean age of 28.26 years. An average of 31.00 IU and 31.38 IU were administered to the onabotulinum and prabotulinum groups, respectively. The prabotulinum group demonstrated superiority in FWS and Face‐Q scores between the first and third days (p ≤ 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), which continued on day 7. By day 30, there were no differences in the scores of the two questionnaires.

Conclusions

Prabotulinum toxin‐A is a safe and effective treatment for upper‐third facial wrinkles. On day three and seven, the results suggest that prabotulinum toxin‐A has a quicker onset of action than onabotulinum toxin‐A. On days 30 and 120, both groups showed similar FWS and Face‐Q scores.
The uneven impact of Medicaid expansion on rural and urban Black, Latino/a, and White mortality
Authors: Mueller J. Tom , Baker Regina S. , Brooks Matthew M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To determine the differential impact of Medicaid expansion on all‐cause mortality between Black, Latino/a, and White populations in rural and urban areas, and assess how expansion impacted mortality disparities between these groups.

Methods

We employ a county‐level time‐varying heterogenous treatment effects difference‐in‐difference analysis of Medicaid expansion on all‐cause age‐adjusted mortality for those 64 years of age or younger from 2009 to 2019. For all counties within the 50 US States and the District of Columbia, we use restricted‐access vital statistics data to estimate Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATET) for all combinations of racial and ethnic group (Black, Latino/a, White), rurality (rural, urban), and sex. We then assess aggregate ATET, as well as how the ATET changed as time from expansion increased.

Findings

Medicaid expansion led to a reduction in all‐cause age‐adjusted mortality for urban Black populations, but not rural Black populations. Urban White populations experienced mixed effects dependent on years after expansion. Latino/a populations saw no appreciable impact. While no effect was observed for rural Black and Latino/a populations, rural White all‐cause age‐adjusted mortality unexpectedly increased due to Medicaid expansion. These effects reduced rural‐ and urban‐specific Black‐White mortality disparities but did not shrink the rural‐urban mortality gap.

Conclusions

The mortality‐reducing impact of Medicaid expansion has been uneven across racial and ethnic groups and rural‐urban status; suggesting that many populations—particularly rural individuals—are not seeing the same benefits as others. It is imperative that states work to ensure Medicaid expansion is being appropriately implemented in rural areas.
The perils of methods that detect lies 70% of the time: A reply to Ben‐Shakhar and Verschuere (2024)
Authors: Brennen Tim , Magnussen Svein
Published: July 2024

Ben‐Shakhar and Verschuere (2024) commented on Brennen and Magnussen's (2023) review of the literature on lie detection. They argued that the review's conclusion that such methods are not ready for forensic use is too pessimistic and that they already are in use worldwide. While we agree that many jurisdictions do in fact use such methods, we see this as cause for alarm rather than confirmation of their utility. It is documented that several lie detection methods distinguish to a statistically significant degree between deceitful and truthful statements, but they also have substantial error rates. This means that applying them at the level of the individual statement will frequently be misleading, making them unsuited to guiding police investigations.
Impact of the restraint decision tree for physical restraint use in South Korean neurointensive care units
Authors: Kang Jaejin , Kim Sol , Lee Minji , Na Hyunjoo
Published: July 2024

Background

Nurses in neurointensive care units (NCUs) commonly use physical restraint (PR) to prevent adverse events like unplanned removal of devices (URDs) or falls. However, PR use should be based on evidenced decisions as it has drawbacks. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research‐based PR protocol to support decision‐making for nurses, especially for neurocritical patients.

Aim

This study developed a restraint decision tree for neurocritical patients (RDT‐N) to assist nurses in making PR decisions. We assessed its effectiveness in reducing PR use and adverse events.

Study Design

This study employed a baseline and post‐intervention test design at a NCU with 19 beds and 45 nurses in a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city in South Korea. Two‐hundred and thirty‐seven adult patients were admitted during the study period. During the intervention, nurses were trained on the RDT‐N. PR use and adverse events between the baseline and post‐intervention periods were compared.

Results

Post‐intervention, total number of restrained patients decreased (20.7%–16.3%; χ2 = 7.68, p = .006), and the average number of PR applied per restrained patient decreased (2.42–1.71; t = 5.74, p < .001). The most frequently used PR type changed from extremity cuff to mitten (χ2 = 397.62, p < .001). No falls occurred during the study periods. On the other hand, URDs at baseline were 18.67 cases per 1000 patient days in the high‐risk group and 5.78 cases per 1000 patient days in the moderate‐risk group; however, no URD cases were reported post‐intervention.

Conclusions

The RDT‐N effectively reduced PR use and adverse events. Its application can enhance patient‐centred care based on individual condition and potential risks in NCUs.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nurses can use the RDT‐N to assess the need for PR in caring for neurocritical patients, reducing PR use and adverse events.
Automated software‐derived supine baseline impedance is highly correlated with manual nocturnal baseline impedance for the diagnosis of GERD
Authors: Reddy Alexander T. , Patel Amit , Leiman David A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) can improve diagnostic accuracy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but must be manually calculated and is not routinely reported. We aimed to determine how automated software‐derived mean supine baseline impedance (MSBI), a potential novel GERD metric, is related to MNBI.

Methods

Consecutively obtained pH‐impedance studies were assessed. Manually extracted MNBI was compared to MSBI using paired t‐test and Spearman's correlations.

Key Results

The correlation between MNBI and MSBI was very high (ρ = 0.966, p < 0.01).

Conclusions & Inferences

The ease of acquisition and correlation with MNBI warrant the routine clinical use and reporting of MSBI with pH‐impedance studies.
Swallowing outcomes after transoral robotic surgery and adjuvant treatment in unknown primary
Authors: van der Scheer Fennetta A. , Jansen Femke , Eerenstein Simone E. J. , Vergeer Marije R. , Leemans C. René , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma M. , Hendrickx Jan‐Jaap
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Robotic transoral mucosectomy of the base of tongue was introduced as a diagnostic procedure in patients treated for head and neck cancer with unknown primary (CUP), increasing the identification rate of the primary tumour. For the treatment of CUP, a considerable percentage of patients require adjuvant (chemo)radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate swallowing outcomes among CUP patients after TORS and adjuvant treatment.

Subjects and Methods

A systematic review was carried out on studies investigating the impact of TORS and adjuvant treatment on swallowing‐related outcomes among CUP patients In addition, a cross‐sectional study was carried out on swallowing problems (measured using the SWAL‐QOL questionnaire) among CUP patients in routine care who visited the outpatient clinic 1–5 years after TORS and adjuvant treatment.

Results

The systematic review (6 studies; n = 98) showed that most patients returned to a full oral diet. The cross‐sectional study (n = 12) showed that all patients were able to return to a full oral diet, nevertheless, 50% reported swallowing problems in daily life (SWAL‐QOL total score ≥14).

Conclusion

Although after TORS and adjuvant treatment for CUP a full oral diet can be resumed, patients still experience problems with eating and drinking in daily life.
BLOWING IN THE WIND: THE SEASONALITY OF FORAGING IN LATE BRONZE AGE CRETE
Authors: Moody Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Most foraging, especially for wild edible plants, is a seasonal occupation, impacted by weather in the short term and climate change in the long term. In Crete today, foraging not only supplements the diet but is a valued inter‐generational social activity. Foraging activities are not directly mentioned in the Late Bronze Age Linear B tablets from Crete, suggesting that most were the purview of non‐elites. Here I present evidence for changes in seasonality during the Late Bronze Age and its possible impact on plant foraging. The Linear B and archaeological evidence for foraging activity and its relationship to elites and non‐elites is also discussed.
HOW ELITIST WERE TYPICAL MYCENAEAN COMMUNITIES? INVESTIGATING RELATIVE STATUS IN MYCENAEAN DAMOI THROUGH THE LANDHOLDERS OF THE PYLOS EP AND EA SERIES
Authors: Lupack Susan
Published: July 2024

Although traditionally the focus of Mycenaean studies has been the elite and the administrative centres referred to as ‘palaces’, nonetheless academics investigating Mycenaean society have increasingly turned their attention to nonpalatial sectors of society. This article investigates the different levels of society that are recorded within two Linear B land tenure series, specifically the Ep and Ea series. The Ep tablets record the landholdings of the inhabitants of pa‐ki‐ja‐ne, a damos that was home to Pylos's most significant sanctuary. A steep hierarchy is demonstrated for its inhabitants by the relative sizes of their landholdings, with prominent religious personnel among those at the top and many ‘servants of the deity’ at the bottom. The Ea damos, in contrast, differs in the professional titles of the landholders—craftsmen and animal herders are prevalent—and in the relative sizes of the landholdings: the Ea series records plots of land that were more equitably sized and generally larger than those of pa‐ki‐ja‐ne. The Ea series can likely be considered as more representative of Mycenaean damoi than pa‐ki‐ja‐ne, which could indicate that the social structure of typical Mycenaean communities was not steeply hierarchical, and perhaps more egalitarian than may have been thought.
Transferability of Effective Consultation Skills for Decision‐Making Support in the Voluntary Surrender of Older Adult Drivers' Licences in Super‐Aged Japan
Authors: Miyoshi Yoko , Yoshioka Shin‐ichi , Yamamoto Miwa
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Previously, we identified eight effective consultation skills to support decision‐making in the voluntary surrender of older adult drivers' licences in super‐aged Japan. This study aimed to clarify the transferability of these skills.

Methods

We collected text data by interviewing 11 safe‐driving counsellors (four police officers, four clerical staff and three nurses) in the License Division of the National Police Agency from February to March 2022. Interviews were semi‐structured and conducted by telephone or email. During the interview, participants were asked to recall their experiences as counsellors providing decision‐making support to older drivers and to compare their experiences with the eight consultation skills. We analysed the content of the responses by quantitative text analysis with KH Coder 3 software.

Results

As a characteristic of the words and phrases used by counsellors in their narratives about consultation skills, the most frequently extracted words from among 3147 words were think, parties and family, and promote had the highest mediation centrality. The eight subgraphs were ‘Respecting the will of relevant parties from their standpoint is natural’, ‘Listening attentively and empathetically to relevant parties is effective’, ‘Presenting objective data to guide decisions is successful’, ‘Showing cognitive functioning test results is often effective’, ‘Counselors with medical expertise can elicit positive counseling outcomes’, ‘Intervention by medical or police counselors facilitates the decision to surrender voluntarily’, ‘Counseling skills need to be improved’ and ‘A diagram of the 8 skills is helpful for inexperienced counselors’.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the eight consultation skills have similarities and are transferable. This transferability might contribute to practical application or cohort follow‐up study research. These skills can be incorporated into counsellor training, and counsellors can be expected to use these skills in the future. Regardless of the safe‐driving counsellor's years of experience, the skills can help them provide uniform and accurate support in decision‐making regarding the voluntary surrender of older adult drivers' licences. These skills are a promising approach to help older adults lead safe and secure lives as they age.
Biplane Reduction: A Novel Technique for Restoring Fibula Length in Maisonneuve Fracture
Authors: Zhong Qigang , Yang Hu , Huai Chaoyue , Yao Yunfeng , Xie Yang , Zhan Junfeng
Published: July 2024

Objective

Fibular length is important for ankle stability. Failure to adequately restore and stabilize fibula length may result in malunion, hindering postoperative functional exercises and recovery of ankle function. However, there is no unified and effective reduction method for fibular shortening in Maisonneuve fractures. In this study, we introduce the biplane reduction as an effective surgical technique for restoring the length of the fibula in Maisonneuve fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 12 patients preoperatively diagnosed with Maisonneuve fractures between June 2019 and June 2022. All patients underwent our biplane reduction technique to restore the length of their fibula. Operation time, hospital stay, complications, FTA (the angle between the fibular tip and the superior articular surface of the talus), visual analog pain score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle‐hindfoot score were recorded. An independent sample t‐test was used for component comparisons, and a paired sample t‐test or one‐way analysis of variance was used for intra‐group comparisons.

Results

No patient was lost to follow‐up and no obvious postoperative complications were observed. After operation, FTA recovered from 37.52 ± 0.37 ° to 40.42 ± 0.43 °, which was significantly improved compared with that before operation (p < 0.01). At the last follow‐up, both the VAS and AOFAS scores showed significant improvement compared to pre‐surgery scores.

Conclusions

The reduction technique proposed in this study to restore the length of the fibula in Maisonneuve fractures is simple and effective, does not require special equipment, and has the advantage of directly examining the reduction condition.
Proteomic profile in plasma as a biomarker of pregnancy in cows
Authors: Mojsym Wioleta , Wawrzykowski Jacek , Kankofer Marta
Published: July 2024

Pregnancy has its own protein dynamics, reflecting the hormonal profile. Quantitative and qualitative changes in plasma protein profile may provide useful information about this condition. Any alterations may be a signal heralding clinical or subclinical pathology. The objective of our study was to compare the plasma protein profile between selected months of pregnancy in cows for a better understanding gestation course. For this purpose, we collected blood from healthy pregnant (n = 30; n = 6 for each pregnancy stage) and non‐pregnant (C; n = 6) Holstein‐Friesian cows during a routine veterinary examination. Collected samples were selected according to pregnancy month (first, second, third, sixth, and ninth), prepared, and separated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis. The Delta‐2D program compared and statistically evaluated scanned gel images from the appropriate months. The mean volume of the spots was considered. The MALDI TOF/TOF spectrometer was used to identify statistically significant proteins. There were 11 distinct proteins found, including peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase F, oligoribonuclease, and PRELI domain‐containing protein 3B (all of them have the lowest abundance in the C group), alpha‐1B‐glycoprotein, L‐gulonolactone oxidase, hemopexin (first month with higher abundance than control), alpha‐2‐HS‐glycoprotein (significantly higher abundance in the first month than in remaining groups), ermin (absent in the first month and lower abundance in the third and sixth months than in the remaining groups and control), endophilin‐A2 (significant differences between the control and the second, third, sixth, and ninth months), apolipoprotein A‐I (significant difference between control and the first and sixth months), alpha‐1‐antiproteinase (significant difference between control and the ninth month). The study demonstrated the distinctions between plasma protein composition and alterations during the pregnancy course which may potentially serve as diagnostic tools.
Principles of an economic sociology of innovation
Authors: Reale Filippo
Published: July 2024

Although innovation is a core element of capitalist dynamics, it turns out that, to date, there is no coherent Economic Sociology of innovation, leaving the discipline oblivious to explaining fundamental economic dynamics. Nor has the enormous importance of novelty and innovation in current societal transitions evoked a corresponding research program in Economic Sociology, meaning that Economic Sociology struggles to grasp contemporary societal change. The article reviews the rather disparate diversity of approaches that could speak to a remedy, stepwise assembling and integrating them to establish the principles of an Economic Sociology approach to innovation. First, resonating with ‘embeddedness’ as the core paradigm of Economic Sociology, it spells out the embeddedness of innovation processes in social institutions. Next, it reviews innovation in relation to the diversity of normative, cultural‐cognitive, regulative, and relational institutions, carving out the relevance of the combination of institutions in ‘fields.’ It then determines ‘valuation’ as the overarching mechanism of how institutional frameworks interact with innovation processes. Eventually, discussing ‘institutional work’ as a major property of institutional frameworks, it raises awareness for the mechanisms of the ‘co‐evolution’ of institutions and innovations.
Measuring cultural identities in cultural theory survey research
Authors: Johnson Branden B. , Swedlow Brendon
Published: July 2024

Objective

Efforts to measure cultural identities in survey research rely on self‐reported ethnic, racial, and national identities. We test how survey operationalization of grid–group cultural theory (CT) influences the classification of individuals’ (sub)cultural identities.

Methods

A national online sample of Americans (n = 697 for current analyses) rated items from CT indices, CT statements, and cultural cognition theory (CCT) indices in a 2016–2017 panel survey. Individuals were classified as identifying with a culture if they supported it (e.g., rating it above the scale mean or median, or in the top 35 percent of the scale distribution) or agreed with each item constituting the scale (the “midpoint method” introduced here).

Results

Different classification methods and cultural measures yield different proportions of support of cultural biases, yielding statistically significant differences despite most people being similarly classified. Survey measures can unequivocally assign a minority of people to a single cultural identity, with a majority so classified only if one does not require the individual to support only one bias.

Conclusions

Using a short, conceptually valid measure of culture with the novel midpoint method seems best for CT survey researchers but should have implications more broadly in cultural identity research and social science efforts to classify individuals.
PaMYB11 promotes suberin deposition in Norway spruce embryogenic tissue during cryopreservation: A novel resistance mechanism against osmosis
Authors: Hu Jiwen , Zhu Tianqing , Yao Chengcheng , Hao Chunhui , Yan Huiling , Pu Ziyan , Ma Wenjun , Gao Benwang , Gao Han , Kong Lisheng , Zhang Hanguo , Wang Junhui
Published: July 2024

The osmotic resistance mechanism has been extensively studied in whole plants or plant tissues. However, little is known about it in embryogenic tissue (ET) which is widely used in plant‐based biotechnological systems. Suberin, a cell wall aliphatic and aromatic heteropolymer, plays a critical role in plant cells against osmosis stress. The suberin regulatory biosynthesis has rarely been studied in gymnosperms. Here, PaMYB11, a subgroup 11 R2R3‐MYB transcription factor, plays a key role in the osmotic resistance of Norway spruce (Picea abies) ETs during cryoprotectant pretreatment. Thus, RNA‐seq, histological, and analytical chemical analyses are performed on the stable transformations of PaMYB11‐OE and PaMYB11‐SRDX in Norway spruce ETs. DAP‐seq, Y1H, and LUC are further combined to explore the PaMYB11 targets. Activation of PaMYB11 is necessary and sufficient for suberin lamellae deposition on Norway spruce embryogenic cell walls, which plays a decisive role in ET survival under osmotic stress. Transcriptome analysis shows that PaMYB11 enhances suberin lamellae monomer synthesis by promoting very long‐chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis. PaPOP, PaADH1, and PaTET8L, the first two (PaADH1 and PaPOP, included) involved in VLCFA synthesis, are proved to be the direct targets of PaMYB11. Our study identified a novel osmotic response directed by PaMYB11 in Norway spruce ET, which provides a new understanding of the resistance mechanism against osmosis in gymnosperms.
Intersection matrices for the minimal regular model of X0(N)${X}_0(N)$ and applications to the Arakelov canonical sheaf
Authors: Dolce Paolo , Mercuri Pietro
Published: July 2024

Let be an integer coprime to 6 such that and let be the genus of the modular curve . We compute the intersection matrices relative to special fibres of the minimal regular model of . Moreover, we prove that the self‐intersection of the Arakelov canonical sheaf of is asymptotic to , for .
Ancient crystals show plate tectonics began early
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: July 2024

Hardy zircons suggest subduction of ocean crust began 4 billion years ago
Neanderthals and moderns mingled early and often
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: July 2024

Study of genes modern humans gave Neanderthals helps explain their end
Zafirlukast induces DNA condensation and has bactericidal effect on replicating
Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Niet Sanne van der , Green Keith D. , Schimmel Irene M. , Bakker Jordy de , Lodder Bastiaan , Reits Eric A. , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie , van der Wel Nicole N.
Published: July 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus
infections are emerging in cystic fibrosis patients, and treatment success rate in these patients is only 33% due to extreme antibiotic resistance. Thus, new treatment options are essential. An interesting target could be Lsr2, a nucleoid-associated protein involved in mycobacterial virulence. Zafirlukast is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug against asthma that was shown to bind Lsr2. In this study, zafirlukast treatment is shown to reduce
M. abscessus
growth, with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 16 µM and a bactericidal concentration of 64 µM in replicating bacteria only. As an initial response, DNA condensation, a known stress response of mycobacteria, occurs after 1 h of treatment with zafirlukast. During continued zafirlukast treatment, the morphology of the bacteria alters and the structural integrity of the bacteria is lost. After 4 days of treatment, reduced viability is measured in different culture media, and growth of
M. abscessus
is reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Using transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrated that the hydrophobic multilayered cell wall and periplasm are disorganized and ribosomes are reduced in size and relocalized. In summary, our data demonstrate that zafirlukast alters the morphology of
M. abscessus
and is bactericidal at 64 µM. The bactericidal concentration of zafirlukast is relatively high, and it is only effective on replicating bacteria but as zafirlukast is an FDA-approved drug, and currently used as an anti-asthma treatment, it could be an interesting drug to further study in
in vivo
experiments to determine whether it could be used as an antibiotic for
M. abscessus
infections.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of GST-HG171, a novel 3CL protease inhibitor, in Chinese subjects with impaired and normal liver function
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhang Hong , Chen Hong , Zhang George , Mao John , Zhang Tianxiang , Tang Yanan , Yan Wenhao , Li Chuanjing , Ding Yanhua , Jin Qinglong
Published: July 2024

GST-HG171 is a potent, broad-spectrum, orally bioavailable small-molecule 3C-like (3CL) protease inhibitor that was recently approved for treating mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 patients in China. Since cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, primarily CYP3A, are the main metabolic enzymes of GST-HG171, hepatic impairment may affect its pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Aiming to guide clinical dosing for patients with hepatic impairment, this study, using a non-randomized, open-label, single-dose design, assessed the impact of hepatic impairment on the PK, safety, and tolerability of GST-HG171. Patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment along with healthy subjects were enrolled (
n
= 8 each), receiving a single oral dose of 150 mg GST-HG171, with concurrent administration of 100 mg ritonavir to sustain CYP3A inhibition before and after GST-HG171 administration (−12, 0, 12, and 24 hours). Compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, the geometric least-squares mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for GST-HG171’s maximum plasma concentration (
C
max
), area under the concentration-time curve up to the last quantifiable time (AUC

0-
t

), and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC
0-∞
) in subjects with mild hepatic impairment were 1.14 (0.99, 1.31), 1.07 (0.88, 1.30), and 1.07 (0.88, 1.29), respectively. For moderate hepatic impairment, the ratios were 0.87 (0.70, 1.07), 0.82 (0.61, 1.10), and 0.82 (0.61, 1.10), respectively. Hepatic impairment did not significantly alter GST-HG171’s peak time (
T
max
) and elimination half-life (
T
1/2
). GST-HG171 exhibited good safety and tolerability in the study. Taken together, mild to moderate hepatic impairment minimally impacted GST-HG171 exposure, suggesting no need to adjust GST-HG171 dosage for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment in the clinic.

Clinical Trials

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (
NCT06106113
).
An optimized cyclophosphamide-treated mouse model of
Mycobacterium abscessus
pulmonary infection
Authors: Sun Yan , Zhang Kaixi , Delos Santos May , Pee Carmen J. E. , Yang Yanmeng , Kang Meiqi , Shin Sung Jae , Chan-Park Mary B. , Pethe Kevin
Published: July 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus
pulmonary infections are increasingly problematic, especially for immunocompromised individuals and those with underlying lung conditions. Currently, there is no reliable standardized treatment, underscoring the need for improved preclinical drug testing. We present a simplified immunosuppressed mouse model using only four injections of cyclophosphamide, which allows for sustained
M. abscessus
lung burden for up to 16 days. This model proved effective for antibiotic efficacy evaluation, as demonstrated with imipenem or amikacin.
Substitutions in the nonactive site of the passenger domain on the activity of
Haemophilus influenzae
immunoglobulin A1 protease
Authors: Chen Chi-Wei , Ho Cheng-Hsun
Published: July 2024

Immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) protease is a critical virulence factor of
Haemophilus influenzae
that facilitates bacterial mucosal infection. This study investigates the effect of
iga
gene polymorphism on the enzymatic activity of
H. influenzae
IgA1 protease. The IgA1 protease activity was examined in the
H. influenzae
Rd KW20 strain and 51 isolates. Genetic variations in
iga
and deduced amino acid substitutions affecting IgA1 protease activity were assessed. Machine learning tools and functional complementation assays were used to analyze the effects of identified substitutions on the stability and activity of IgA1 protease, respectively. All 51 isolates exhibited similar
iga
expression levels. No
igaB
expression was detected. According to comparisons with the reference Rd KW20 strain, four substitutions in the protease domain, 26 in the nonprotease passenger domain, and two in the β-barrel domain were associated with the change in IgA1 protease activity. No substitutions in the catalytic site of IgA1 protease were observed. Logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curves, Venn diagrams, and protein stability analyses revealed that the substitutions Asn352Lys, Pro353Ala, Lys356Asn, Gln916Lys, and Gly917Ser, which were located in the nonactive site of the passenger domain, were associated with decreases in IgA1 protease activity and stability, whereas Asn914Lys was associated with an increase in these events. Functional complementation assays revealed that the Asn914Lys substitution increased IgA1 protease activity in the Rd KW20 strain. This study identified substitutions in the nonactive site of the passenger domain that affect both the activity and stability of
H. influenzae
IgA1 protease.
Divergent effects of
emm
types 1 and 12 on invasive group A streptococcal infections—results of a retrospective cohort study, Germany 2023
Authors: Bertram Ralph , Itzek Andreas , Marr Lisa , Manzke Jana , Voigt Sebastian , Chapot Valérie , van der Linden Mark , Rath Peter-Michael , Hitzl Wolfgang , Steinmann Joerg
Published: July 2024

As a potential side effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 pandemic, invasive group A
Streptococcus
(iGAS) infections in Europe have increased dramatically in both children and adults in the end of 2022. This epidemiological and molecular study describes the distributions of streptococcal genes encoding the M antigen (
emm
types) and superantigens in patients with invasive and non-invasive GAS infections. From December 2022 to December 2023, a total of 163 GAS isolates were collected from sterile and non-sterile sites of patients at five hospitals in Germany including two tertiary care centers. Genes encoding M protein and superantigens were determined following the guidelines of CDC Streptococcus laboratory. Patients’ characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. Correlations of clinical factors,
emm
types, and superantigens with rates of invasive infections were analyzed. Of the 163 included GAS cases, 112 (69%) were considered as invasive. In total, 33 different
emm
types were observed, of which
emm1.0
(
n
= 49; 30%),
emm89.0
(
n
= 15; 9%), and
emm12.0
(
n
= 14; 9%) were most prevalent. In total, 70% of
emm1.0
isolates belonged to M1
UK
lineage. No difference in invasive infections was observed for the M1
UK
lineage compared with other
emm1.0
isolates. However, the
emm1.0
type, presence of
speA1-3
,
speG
, or
speJ
, as well as adulthood were significantly associated with invasive infections. In contrast,
emm12.0
isolates were significantly less associated with invasive infections. Multivariable analysis confirmed a significant influence of
speJ
and adulthood on iGAS infections. This study underlines the importance of continuous monitoring of genomic trends and identification of emerging GAS variants. This may aid in delineating pathogenicity factors of
Streptococcus pyogenes
that propel invasive infections.