bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using latent transition analysis to evaluate the impact of perceived threats on emotional and behavioral development
Authors: Conley May I. , Dinc Eda Naz , Xiang Zhuoran , Baskin‐Sommers Arielle
Published: August 2024

This study used latent transition analysis to examine the stability and change in perceived threats in youth's primary social contexts—neighborhoods, schools, and families—and associations with emotional and behavioral problems when youth transitioned from childhood to adolescence. The sample included 8208 racially and ethnically diverse youth enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (47.4% female, M
age_Baseline = 9.83, M
age_Timepoint3 = 11.99). Results revealed that while perceived threats in youth's neighborhoods were considerably stable, perceived threats in youth's families fluctuated in relation to stressful life events. Further, subgroups of youth characterized by elevated perceived threat experiences in different contexts showed differential associations with emotional and behavioral problems. Overall, findings highlight the importance of considering the stability of perceived threats to direct appropriate interventions.
Trends in papillary thyroid cancer mortality in Denmark according to stage and education
Authors: Sørensen Sarah M. , Munk Christian , Maltesen Thomas , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Few studies exist on trends in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) survival and mortality according to stage and level of socioeconomic status.

Design

Nationwide cohort study.

Patients and Measurements

Patients diagnosed with PTC during 2000–2015 in Denmark were identified from the Danish Cancer Registry and followed until the end of 2020. We evaluated 5‐year all‐cause mortality and relative survival according to stage and 5‐year mortality rates with corresponding average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) according to stage and education. Finally, we assessed the association between several factors and mortality of PTC using Cox regression.

Results

For the 2006 cases of PTC diagnosed during 2000–2015, relative survival tended to increase and mortality rates tended to decrease for all stages. For localized PTC, mortality rates tended to decrease among individuals with medium education (AAPC = −7.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −14.7 to 1.5), but showed an increasing pattern among individuals with long education (AAPC = 19.8, 95% CI: −4.2 to 50.0). For nonlocalized PTC, mortality rates showed a decreasing tendency among individuals with medium and long education (AAPC = −5.5, 95% CI: −13.2 to 2.9, and AAPC = −10.4, 95% CI: −20.8 to 1.4, respectively). Being diagnosed with PTC in a more recent calendar period and long education were associated with a lower mortality rate in the Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

A pattern of an increasing relative survival and decreasing mortality rates of PTC across all stages was seen in Denmark during 2000–2015. The decreasing pattern in mortality rates was most evident in individuals with localized stage and medium education, and in individuals with nonlocalized stage and medium or long education.
The impact of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications on early implant failure following sinus floor augmentation: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Jonas Ehud , Masri Daya , Avishai Gal , Masri‐Iraqi Hiba , Chaushu Gavriel , Chaushu Liat
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications on the outcomes of sinus floor augmentation remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from electronic medical records of consecutive patients undergoing sinus floor augmentation at a single medical center. Patients were categorized into three categories: patients under antiplatelet medications, patients under anticoagulation medications, and healthy individuals. Data collected included tobacco smoking, residual alveolar bone height, timing of implant placement, materials used, vertical bone gain, early implant failure (EIF), and complications such as Schneiderian membrane perforation and postoperative bleeding. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess risk factors for EIF. Statistical significance was considered below 5%.

Results

Among 110 patients with 305 implants, EIF occurred in 10% of patients and 4.65% of implants. No significant difference in postoperative bleeding or EIF was found between study groups. Univariate and multivariable analyses highlighted tobacco smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 7.92), lower residual alveolar ridge height (OR = 0.81), and staged implant placement (OR = 4.64) as significant EIF risk factors in this cohort.

Conclusions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies do not significantly elevate the risk of EIF or postoperative bleeding following sinus floor augmentation. Tobacco smoking, residual alveolar ridge height and staged sinus floor augmentation were risk factors for EIF in patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications undergoing sinus floor augmentation.
A Nomogram for Predicting Cancer‐Specific Survival in Young Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer Based on Competing Risk Model
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Pan Bolin , Huang Qiying , Zhan Chulan , Lin Tong , Qiu Yangzhi , Zhang Honglang , Xie Xiaohong , Lin Xinqin , Liu Ming , Wang Liqiang , Zhou Chengzhi
Published: August 2024

Background

Young lung cancer is a rare subgroup accounting for 5% of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the causes of death (COD) among lung cancer patients of different age groups and construct a nomogram to predict cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in young patients with advanced stage.

Methods

Lung cancer patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and stratified into the young (18–45 years) and old (> 45 years) groups to compare their COD. Young patients diagnosed with advanced stage (IVa and IVb) from 2010 to 2015 were reselected and divided into training and validation cohorts (7:3). Independent prognostic factors were identified through the Fine‐Gray's test and further integrated to the competing risk model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), consistency index (C‐index), and calibration curve were applied for validation.

Results

The proportion of cancer‐specific death (CSD) in young patients was higher than that in old patients with early‐stage lung cancer (p < 0.001), while there was no difference in the advanced stage (p = 0.999). Through univariate and multivariate analysis, 10 variables were identified as independent prognostic factors for CSS. The AUC of the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year prediction of CSS was 0.688, 0.706, and 0.791 in the training cohort and 0.747, 0.752, and 0.719 in the validation cohort. The calibration curves demonstrated great accuracy. The C‐index of the competing risk model was 0.692 (95% CI: 0.636–0.747) in the young patient cohort.

Conclusion

Young lung cancer is a distinct entity with a different spectrum of competing risk events. The construction of our nomogram can provide new insights into the management of young patients with lung cancer.
Event‐related potentials of familiar monosyllabic words with unexpected lexical tones: A picture‐word study of Mandarin‐speaking preschoolers with and without a history of late talking
Authors: Lu Hsin‐Hui , Liu Hong‐Hsiang , Tsao Feng‐Ming
Published: August 2024

This study examined how Mandarin‐speaking preschoolers with and without a history of late talking (LT) process familiar monosyllabic words with unexpected lexical tones, focusing on both phonological and semantic violations. This study initially enrolled 64 Mandarin‐speaking toddlers: 31 with a history of LT (mean age: 27.67 months) and 33 without a history of LT (non‐LT) (mean age: 27.85 months). Event‐related potentials were recorded at the age of 4 years during a picture‐word mismatch task (LT mean age: 51.36 months; non‐LT mean age: 51.20 months); in this task, the participants were presented with auditory words either matching (Tone 3) or mismatching with images in terms of their lexical tones; the mismatches encompassed acoustically dissimilar (Tone 1) and similar (Tone 2) mismatches. A significant difference in the phonological mapping negativity (PMN) responses to Tones 1 and 3 was observed only in the non‐LT group. However, differences in the N400 responses to Tones 1 and 3 remained consistent across both groups. In addition, greater differences in the PMN responses between Tones 1 and 3 were associated with higher language proficiency during the preschool period. The PMN response serves as an indicator of neural correlates in lexical tone processing, reflecting challenges encountered by preschoolers with a history of LT when processing the lexical tones of familiar words. Furthermore, the PMN response was correlated with concurrent language abilities. These findings indicate the importance of early tonal perception development for Mandarin speakers with a history of LT.

Research Highlights

Preschoolers with a history of late talking (LT), similar to preschoolers without such a history, can establish word expectations and detect the lexical tone violation in real time. However, those with a history of LT require additional time to process acoustic cues and differentiate between word semantics based on lexical tone information.

The phonological mapping negativity response serves as an indicator of neural correlates in lexical tone processing, reflecting challenges encountered by preschoolers with a history of LT when processing the lexical tones of familiar words.

The present findings indicate the importance of early intervention for Mandarin speakers with a history of LT, with an emphasis on lexical tone processing from toddlerhood.
Associations between sex, systemic iron and inflammatory status and subcortical brain iron
Authors: Spence Holly , Mengoa‐Fleming Stephanie , Sneddon Alan A. , McNeil Christopher J. , Waiter Gordon D.
Published: August 2024

Brain iron increases in several neurodegenerative diseases are associated with disease progression. However, the causes of increased brain iron remain unclear. This study investigates relationships between subcortical iron, systemic iron and inflammatory status. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and blood plasma samples were collected from cognitively healthy females (n = 176, mean age = 61.4 ± 4.5 years, age range = 28–72 years) and males (n = 152, mean age = 62.0 ± 5.1 years, age range = 32–74 years). Regional brain iron was quantified using quantitative susceptibility mapping. To assess systemic iron, haematocrit, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor were measured, and total body iron index was calculated. To assess systemic inflammation, C‐reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), macrophage colony‐stimulating factor 1 (MCSF), interleukin 6 (IL6) and interleukin 1β (IL1β) were measured. We demonstrated that iron levels in the right hippocampus were higher in males compared with females, while iron in the right caudate was higher in females compared with males. There were no significant associations observed between subcortical iron levels and blood markers of iron and inflammatory status indicating that such blood measures are not markers of brain iron. These results suggest that brain iron may be regulated independently of blood iron and so directly targeting global iron change in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease may have differential impacts on blood and brain iron.
Florida red scale, Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Morocco, infesting citrus orchards and an avocado tree
Authors: Smaili M. C. , Mrabti I. , Grijja H. , Watson G. W. , Moghaddam M. , Ziri R.
Published: August 2024

A study was conducted on citrus and avocado trees in north‐western Morocco between February 2023 and April 2024 to detect scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) and their associated natural enemies. A total of 55 orchards in seven provinces were studied. The Florida red scale, Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diaspididae) was found on leaves at two sites: a moderate infestation in one citrus orchard and one specimen on an avocado tree. This work is the first record of the scale insect on avocado in Morocco, and the first morphological description of C. aonidum from the country, based on 100 adult females mounted on microscope slides. Chrysomphalus aonidum is not causing economic damage in citrus or avocado orchards in Morocco. Two ectoparasitoid wasps (Aphytis melinus DeBach and Aphytis sp.; Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), and three predatory beetles (Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell, Chilocorus bipustulatus Linnaeus, and Clitostethus arcuatus Rosso; Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were found associated with C. aonidum on citrus leaves.
Methylsulfonylmethane induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines
Authors: Hekmatshoar Yalda , Karabay Arzu Zeynep , Ozkan Tulin , Koc Asli , Sunguroglu Asuman
Published: August 2024

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous ailment in both biological and clinical concepts. Numerous efforts have been devoted to discover natural compounds for combating cancer, which showed great potential in cancer management. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organosulfur dietary supplement, is utilized for improving various clinical conditions, particularly osteoarthritis. MSM can exert antitumor activity in a wide range of cancers. Objectives: The molecular mechanisms of action underlying antileukemic activity of MSM remain unclear. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the anticancer properties of MSM on human AML cell lines (U937 and HL60) with focus on underlying cell death mechanism. Methods: Anticancer activity of the MSM was examined employing MTT assay, Annexin V‐PE/7AAD staining, caspase3/7 activity test, and real‐time qPCR. Both cell lines were treated with different concentrations (50–400 mM) of MSM for 24 h. Pretreatment of the cells with a caspase inhibitor (i.e., Z‐VAD‐fmk) was performed for the assessment of apoptosis induction. Results: The results of MTT assay revealed that in both cell lines, the MSM markedly reduced cell viability in comparison to the control cells. Additionally, findings of Annexin V‐7AAD staining revealed that MSM induced apoptosis and activated caspase 3/7 in both cell lines markedly. Real‐time quantitative PCR results also supported the induction of apoptosis in AML cells. MSM altered the expression levels of various apoptotic genes (BAX, BAD, and BIM). Conclusion: Overall, our results indicated that MSM could induce apoptosis in AML cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner, which therefore could be utilized as an antileukemic agent.
European union funding of interest groups: Reassessing the balancing function and the promotion of good organizational practices
Authors: Salgado Rosa Sanchez , Hanegraaff Marcel , Crepaz Michele
Published: August 2024

The question of the legitimacy of government funding of interest groups as a democratic practice has been extensively discussed by scholars. On the one hand, research suggests that well‐resourced interest groups are better equipped to capture European Union (EU) funds, raising some questions regarding the elitist character of the EU system of interest representation. On the other hand, EU funds have been found to address imbalances in the system of interest representation by directing funding streams toward underrepresented citizen groups. The present study contributes to this open discussion, by 1) analyzing to which extent findings from previous studies can be replicated with a more nuanced research design and by employing the largest existing dataset on interest groups and EU funding, and by 2) testing new hypotheses inspired by an alternative theoretical focus to mainstream approaches: associative democracy. To do so, we use data from the Comparative Interest Group Survey, a dataset of almost 2500 organizations across eight EU countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Poland) and at the EU level. Our results offer two main contributions. By replicating recent studies, our findings nuance conclusions drawn this far regarding existing biases in the EU system of interest representation: it is true that rich and experienced interest groups are more likely to obtain EU funding. However, EU funding is also more likely to be allocated to NGOs, especially when they operate in business‐dominated policy areas. Moreover, we find that EU funds are not as concentrated in EU‐15 member states as previously thought. Finally, inspired by associative democracy, we show that EU funding is more often allocated where good practices are in place. These include membership representation as core function and membership influence over internal decision‐making processes.
The effectiveness of self‐regulated learning strategies in higher education blended learning: A five years systematic review
Authors: Luo Ren‐Zhi , Zhou Yue‐Liang
Published: August 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 has accelerated the transition to blended learning (BL) in higher education, prompting a need for further investigation into the efficacy of self‐regulated learning strategies (SRLS) in these new educational environments.

Objective

The primary goal of this research is to assess the effectiveness of SRLS in BL in higher education over the past five years, with a focus on trends, theoretical underpinnings, methodologies, and their impact on learning outcomes.

Methods

This paper used the PRISMA 2020 review process for multiple rounds of screening, encompassing identification, screening, eligibility determination, and final inclusion. Following rigorous screening procedures, a total of 15 SSCI articles were ultimately chosen for analysis. The study design incorporated a comprehensive six‐part coding scheme, with the selected articles focusing on SRLS in BL environments within higher education.

Results and Conclusions

From 2019 to 2023, research on SRLS in BL environments in higher education has primarily focused on resource management, motivational beliefs, and metacognitive strategies, with a relatively limited emphasis on cognitive strategies. These studies have utilized a diverse range of theoretical frameworks, predominantly employing quantitative and mixed methods. Out of the 15 articles reviewed, 14 clearly indicate that SRLS have a positive impact on learning outcomes. Furthermore, this paper underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and emphasizes the crucial role played by educators in supporting the implementation of SRLS. Future studies should delve deeper into exploring the effects of individual differences and environmental factors on SRLS.
Recurrence risk prediction models for hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen Chi , Wang Yan , Xu Jun
Published: August 2024

Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective method for curing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However postoperative tumor recurrence can lead to higher mortality rates. To select suitable candidates for LT, the Milan Criteria (MC) were first proposed based on tumor morphological characteristics. For those patients who meet the MC, the MC can effectively reduce the postoperative tumor recurrence rate and improve the prognosis of patients undergoing LT. It has always been internationally recognized as the gold standard for selecting candidates for LT, marking a milestone in the history of LT for HCC. However, its strict conditions exclude some HCC patients who could benefit from LT. Therefore, comprehension consideration criteria, including serum biomarkers, tumor histology, and other factor, have been continuously proposed in addition to tumor morphology. This article summaries the prediction model for HCC recurrence after LT from five aspects: tumor morphology, serum markers, histopathology, cellular inflammatory factors and downstaging treatment before transplantation. The aim is to assist clinicians in accurately assessing HCC status, selecting appropriate liver transplant candidates, maximize graft and patients' survival, and optimizing the utilization of social health resources.
Laboratory‐based measures of executive function and daily living skills in young children with Down syndrome: informing future interventions
Authors: Van Deusen K. , Prince M. A. , Walsh M. M. , Esbensen A. J. , Patel L. R. , Pinks M. E. , Thurman A. J. , Abbeduto L. , Daunhauer L. A. , Fidler D. J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Adaptive behaviour refers to the practical skills necessary for independence and is considered a high‐priority intervention target for children with neurogenetic conditions associated with intellectual disability, like Down syndrome (DS). Daily living skills (DLS) are a critical aspect of adaptive behaviour, but they have received little intervention attention, possibly because they involve a wide variety of skills across many settings. The present study aimed to advance DLS intervention science by examining the concurrent and longitudinal association between DLS performances and a cognitive skillset hypothesised to support DLS skill acquisition, executive function (EF).

Methods

Participants were 71 children with DS between the ages of 2.5 and 8.7 years (M = 5.23 years; standard deviation = 1.65) who completed a battery of adapted EF tasks and a primary caregiver who completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 3rd Edition Parent/Caregiver Comprehensive Report Form. A subset of caregivers also provided 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up adaptive behaviour information.

Results

Results demonstrated a positive association between EF task performance and DLS standard scores and v‐scores both concurrently and longitudinally.

Conclusions

The findings have implications for potential future intervention approaches that aim to strengthen DLS performances by advancing EF skills in this population.
Long non‐coding RNA TMEM147 antisense RNA 1/microRNA‐124/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 axis in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Liang Wei , Zhang Xuanchang , Zhang Jia , Xia Haiyan , Wei Xiaowei
Published: August 2024

Objective

This research aimed to probe the expression of long noncoding RNA TMEM147 antisense RNA 1 (TMEM147‐AS1)/micro‐RNA (miR)‐124/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis in estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer (BC).

Methods

Sixty ER‐positive BC patients undergoing surgical treatment were gathered. TMEM147‐AS1, miR‐124, and STAT3 expression levels in BC cells and tissues were measured. The binding sites of TMEM147‐AS1 and miR‐124, miR‐124, and STAT3 were analyzed and validated. The miR‐124, STAT3 overexpression (oe) sequences, TMEM147‐AS1 oe, and interference sequences and their control sequences were planned and cells were transfected to assess their functions in BC cells biological functions.

Results

TMEM147‐AS1, as well as STAT3 was extremely expressed and miR‐124 was lowly expressed in BC cells and tissues. Interference with TMEM147‐AS1 restrained ER‐positive BC cell malignant activities. Mechanistically, TMEM147‐AS1 could competitively bind miR‐124 in refraining miR‐124 expression, and STAT3 was a target gene of miR‐124. Oe of miR‐124 effectively reversed the enhancement of BC cell proliferation and invasion induced by TMEM147‐AS1 upregulation. Oe of STAT3 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR‐124 on BC cell malignant behaviors.

Conclusion

TMEM147‐AS1 has oncogenic activity in ER‐positive BC, which may be a result of the altered miR‐124/STAT3 axis. Therefore, targeting the TMEM147‐AS1/miR‐124/STAT3 axis may be a target for ER‐positive BC therapy.
School District Leader Perspectives on Surveying Middle School Youth About Sexual Violence
Authors: Adhia Avanti , Lucas Ruby , Richey Ann E. , Rogers Megan , Van Wagner Nikki , Dils Laurie , Rivara Frederick P. , Bekemeier Betty
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Schools are important contexts for preventing sexual violence (SV) among adolescents. Evaluating whether programming is effective requires surveying youth about SV experiences. However, school communities often have concerns about asking students, particularly those in middle school, about these experiences. This study sought to understand the types of concerns that school district leaders have related to surveying middle school students about SV and to identify ways to mitigate these concerns.

METHODS

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with superintendents and school board members (n = 19) across Washington State and used inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Concerns regarding surveying students about SV centered around 3 main themes: community norms and misconceptions, parental/caregiver discomfort, and survey language and administration. Concerns were particularly salient for sixth‐grade students. Suggestions for mitigating concerns included: providing clear motivation and reframing messaging to community members, involving parents and students in the survey process, and modifying survey language and administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers administering surveys to middle school students on sensitive topics including SV may face pushback and must consider flexible approaches to allow research and evaluation to be conducted.
Pharmacokinetics and Alterations in Glucose and Insulin Levels After a Single Dose of Canagliflozin in Healthy Icelandic Horses
Authors: Michanek Peter , Bröjer Johan , Lilliehöök Inger , Fjordbakk Cathrine T. , Löwgren Minerva , Hedeland Mikael , Bergquist Jonas , Ekstrand Carl
Published: August 2024

Canagliflozin (CFZ) is a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor that has shown promising results as a drug for the treatment of insulin dysregulation in horses. Even though CFZ is used clinically, no pharmacokinetic data has previously been published. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of CFZ after administration of a single oral dose of 1.8 mg/kg in eight healthy Icelandic horses was examined. Additionally, the effect of treatment on glucose and insulin levels in response to a graded glucose infusion was investigated. Plasma samples for CFZ quantification were taken at 0, 0.33, 0.66, 1, 1.33, 1.66, 2, 2.33, 2.66, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, and 48 h post administration. CFZ was quantified using UHPLC coupled to tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS). A non‐compartmental analysis revealed key pharmacokinetic parameters, including a median Tmax of 7 h, a Cmax of 2350 ng/mL, and a t1/2Z of 28.5 h. CFZ treatment reduced glucose (AUCGLU, p = 0.001) and insulin (AUCINS, p = 0.04) response to a graded glucose infusion administered 5 h after treatment. This indicates a rapid onset of action following a single dose in healthy Icelandic horses. No obvious adverse effects related to the treatment were observed.
Hepatic cell junctions: Pulling a double‐duty
Authors: Van Campenhout Raf , Vinken Mathieu
Published: August 2024

Cell junctions, including anchoring, occluding and communicating junctions, play an indispensable role in the structural and functional organization of multicellular tissues, including in liver. Specifically, hepatic cell junctions mediate intercellular adhesion and communication between liver cells. The establishment of the hepatic cell junction network is a prerequisite for normal liver functioning. Hepatic cell junctions indeed support liver‐specific features and control essential aspects of the hepatic life cycle. This review paper summarizes the role of cell junctions and their components in relation to liver physiology, thereby also discussing their involvement in hepatic dysfunctionality, including liver disease and toxicity.
The transcription factor LBD10 sustains pollen tube growth and integrity by modulating reactive oxygen species homeostasis via the regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nguyen Thu‐Hien , Kim Min Jung , Kim Jungmook
Published: August 2024

Reproduction in angiosperms relies on the precise growth of pollen tubes, facilitating the delivery of sperm cells to the ovule for double fertilization. LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN10 (LBD10), a plant‐specific transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in Arabidopsis pollen development.

Here, we uncovered LBD10's function in sustaining pollen tube growth and integrity.

The lbd10 mutant exhibited elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in both pollen grains and tubes, leading to compromised pollen tube growth. The inhibition of ROS synthesis and scavenging of excess ROS with an antioxidant treatment each alleviated these defects in lbd10. The lbd10 mutant displayed reduced flavonol accumulation in both pollen grains and tubes. All the altered phenotypes of lbd10 were complemented by expressing LBD10 under its native promoter. Exogenous application of flavonoids recused the defects in pollen tube growth and integrity in lbd10, along with reducing the excess levels of ROS and H2O2. LBD10 directly binds the promoters of key flavonol biosynthesis genes in chromatin and promotes reporter gene expression in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts.

Our findings indicate that LBD10 modulates ROS homeostasis by transcriptionally activating genes crucial for flavonol biosynthesis, thereby maintaining pollen tube growth and integrity.
Metabolic modelling identifies mitochondrial Pi uptake and pyruvate efflux as key aspects of daytime metabolism and proton homeostasis in crassulacean acid metabolism leaves
Authors: Daems Stijn , Shameer Sanu , Ceusters Nathalie , Sweetlove Lee , Ceusters Johan
Published: August 2024

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) leaves are characterized by nocturnal acidification and diurnal deacidification processes related with the timed actions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and Rubisco, respectively. How CAM leaves manage cytosolic proton homeostasis, particularly when facing massive diurnal proton effluxes from the vacuole, remains unclear.

A 12‐phase flux balance analysis (FBA) model was constructed for a mature malic enzyme‐type CAM mesophyll cell in order to predict diel kinetics of intracellular proton fluxes.

The charge‐ and proton‐balanced FBA model identified the mitochondrial phosphate carrier (PiC, Pi/H+ symport), which provides Pi to the matrix to sustain ATP biosynthesis, as a major consumer of cytosolic protons during daytime (> 50%). The delivery of Pi to the mitochondrion, co‐transported with protons, is required for oxidative phosphorylation and allows sufficient ATP to be synthesized to meet the high energy demand during CAM Phase III. Additionally, the model predicts that mitochondrial pyruvate originating from decarboxylation of malate is exclusively exported to the cytosol, probably via a pyruvate channel mechanism, to fuel gluconeogenesis. In this biochemical cycle, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) acts as another important cytosolic proton consumer.

Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of mitochondria in CAM and uncover a hitherto unappreciated role in metabolic proton homeostasis.
Bilateral Spondylolysis of Lumbar Vertebra Secondary to Long Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Huang Yue , Dong Yulei , Liu Fuze , Li Yifei , Wang Hai , Zhang Jianguo
Published: August 2024

Background

Lumbar spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in adolescents. A lot of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with concomitant spondylolysis has been reported before, but only two cases with acquired spondylolysis following long fusion for scoliosis were reported. We described another similar rare case and discussed its causes and treatment options in this paper.

Case Presentation

A 17‐year‐old female underwent growing rod implantation, growing rod extension, and final long spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. Then, she suffered from low back pain with a VAS of 1‐2 points and gradually aggravated to a VAS of 7‐8 points at 3.5 years after the final fusion. The X‐ray images showed that there was L4‐S1 instability. And the CT scan images showed new bilateral spondylolysis of L5.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that distal mechanical stress might cause spondylolysis of the distal vertebra following long fusion for scoliosis. Surgeons should keep instrumentation as short as possible and avoid choosing a low lumbar as LIV when they decide on the fusion levels.
Lignin lite: Boosting plant power through selective downregulation
Authors: Dokka Narasimham , Rathinam Maniraj , Sreevathsa Rohini
Published: August 2024

SUMMARY STATEMENT

This article explores the dual benefits of reducing lignin content in plants, which streamlines biofuel production while maintaining robust defence mechanisms. It discusses how plants compensate for lower lignin levels through alternative defence strategies, recent biotechnological advances in lignin modification, and the implications for agriculture and industry.
Placental mitochondrial impairment and its association with maternal metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Grismaldo R Adriana , Luévano‐Martínez Luis A. , Reyes Monserrat , García‐Márquez Grecia , García‐Rivas Gerardo , Sobrevia Luis
Published: August 2024

The placenta plays an essential role in pregnancy, leading to proper fetal development and growth. As an organ with multiple physiological functions for both mother and fetus, it is a highly energetic and metabolically demanding tissue. Mitochondrial physiology plays a crucial role in the metabolism of this organ and thus any alteration leading to mitochondrial dysfunction has a severe outcome in the development of the fetus. Pregnancy‐related pathological states with a mitochondrial dysfunction outcome include preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. In this review, we address the role of mitochondrial morphology, metabolism and physiology of the placenta during pregnancy, highlighting the roles of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. We also describe the relationship between preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, gestational diabesity and pre‐pregnancy maternal obesity with mitochondrial dysfunction.

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A Universal and Efficient Quadrilateral Shell Element Based on Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation for Thin Shell Structures With Complex Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Binghua , Fan Wei , Ren Hui
Published: August 2024

This work proposes a new quadrilateral shell element to analyze large deformations or rotations of membrane or shell structures. The element is an improvement of the previously proposed gradient-deficient quadrilateral elements. The proposed element adopts three techniques to enhance its universality and efficiency. First, an enriched field is added to make the element immune to in-plane mesh distortions. Second, local numerical curvilinear coordinates are used for curved surfaces where global curvilinear coordinates cannot be obtained analytically. Third, the slope vector of the element is obtained by cross-producting the two gradient vectors only on each node but interpolated inside the element to ensure continuity, especially for complex quadrilateral meshes. Additionally, this processing maintains the linear relationships between the shape functions and nodal coordinates, allowing the pre-integral of the elastic tensors. Several numerical examples show that this new element is universal for those irregularly curved surfaces and immune to mesh distortions. In addition, the efficiency is much higher compared to the traditional quadrilateral element.
Results From South Africa’s 2022 Healthy Active Kids’ Report Card on Physical Activity, Body Composition Proxies, and Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Nyawose Zingisa Z. , Naidoo Rowena , Christie Candice , Bassett Susan , Coetzee Dané , van Gent Maya , Monyeki Andries , Gradidge Philippe , Janse van Rensburg Christa , Cozett Colleen , Young Marie , Slemming Wiedaad , Morrow Lumé , Pienaar Anita , Krog Soezin , Walter Cheryl , Kholvadia Aayesha , De Milander Monique , Naidoo Niri , Lambert Estelle V.
Published: August 2024

Background: Physical activity (PA) and nutrition in children have an impact on overall physical and mental well-being, cognitive, and social development. This study aims to report on the best current available evidence on PA, body composition proxies, and nutritional status of South African children and adolescents, based on the published findings between 2018 and 2022, which comprise the 2022 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of online databases, along with hand searching and a gray literature search, was conducted based on PA, body composition proxies, and nutrition indicators defined, in part, by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. Results: Compared with the 2018 report card, there was an improvement in the majority of PA indicators which include overall PA (B–), active transportation (B–), physical fitness (B–), and government policy and programs (C). Body composition proxies and most of the nutrition indicators remained unchanged. The indicators that regressed from 2018 to 2022 included community and environmental influences (D), as well as participation in organized sport (D–). Conclusions: Despite the apparent improvement in overall PA levels in children and adolescents, there is a lack of tangible evidence of actual implementation of policies and programs. There was also a lack of nationally representative data for most indicators. Overall, there is a need to identify intersectoral, equitable approaches for promoting PA and healthy eating in South African children and adolescents and ongoing monitoring and surveillance.
Describing the Flick Movement Kinematic Biomechanically and Investigating the Effect of Thrower’s Ten Exercises in Underwater Hockey Players
Authors: Deniz Damla , Eraslan Leyla , Bas Cagdas , Bayrakcı Tunay Volga
Published: August 2024

Context: Analyzing flick movement kinematics biomechanically is important to prevent sport-related injuries in underwater hockey players since the aquatic-based flick movement is completely different from land-based flick movements. The study aimed to describe the flick movement kinematic biomechanically in underwater hockey players. Moreover, this study further aimed to investigate the effect of the Thrower’s Ten exercises on flick movement kinematics in underwater hockey players. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Seventeen underwater hockey players (age: 26.2 [4.3] y; sports age: 6.2 [4.5] y) were included. First, 2 underwater cameras using motion capture video analysis MATLAB were used to biomechanically analyze the angular changes on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and body while players were performing the flick movements. Players were then recruited to the Thrower’s Ten exercise program for 6 weeks. Flick movement kinematics and flick-throwing distance were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks. Results: The flick movement kinematic patterns demonstrated increased shoulder flexion (from 102.5° to 144.9°), wrist extension (from 9.5° to 10.8°), and upper-extremity rotation (from 5.7° to 56.8°) while decreased elbow extension (from 107.7° to 159.2°) from the stick met the puck until the competition of the movement. The Thrower’s Ten exercises improved the elbow extension (P = .04), wrist extension (P = .01), body rotation (P < .001), and flick-throwing distance (P < .001) from baseline to 6 weeks. Conclusion: This study describes the underwater flick kinematic technique biomechanically and interprets preliminary findings for the first time. Thus, 6 weeks of Thrower’s Ten exercise program provides more body muscle movements than the smaller ones during the flick movements and higher flick-throwing distance in underwater hockey players.
Biogeographic climate sensitivity controls Earth system response to large igneous province carbon degassing
Authors: Rogger Julian , Judd Emily J. , Mills Benjamin J. W. , Goddéris Yves , Gerya Taras V. , Pellissier Loïc
Published: August 2024

Periods of large igneous province (LIP) magmatism have shaped Earth’s biological and climatic history, causing major climatic shifts and biological reorganizations. The vegetation response to LIP-induced perturbations may affect the efficiency of the carbon-climate regulation system and the post-LIP climate evolution. Using an eco-evolutionary vegetation model, we demonstrate here that the vegetation’s climate adaptation capacity, through biological evolution and geographic dispersal, is a major determinant of the severity and longevity of LIP-induced hyperthermals and can promote the emergence of a new climatic steady state. Proxy-based temperature reconstructions of the Permian-Triassic, Triassic-Jurassic, and Paleocene-Eocene hyperthermals match the modeled trajectories of bioclimatic disturbance and recovery. We conclude that biological vegetation dynamics shape the multimillion-year Earth system response to sudden carbon degassing and global warming episodes.
Growth of metal nanowire forests controlled through stress fields induced by grain gradients
Authors: Kimura Yasuhiro , Cui Yi , Suzuki Takamasa , Tanaka Yuki , Tanaka Takaaki , Toku Yuhki , Ju Yang
Published: August 2024

Pure metal nanowires (NWs) are one-dimensional nanomaterials with distinctive properties for various applications. Nevertheless, mass-growth forests have not been developed because of vapor pressure limitations, chemical reduction problems, or both. We succeeded in the mass growth of aluminum (Al) NW forests at desired locations by controlling atomic diffusion within the solid film. Whereas prior attention has focused only on how to increase the driving force, we show that focused ion beam irradiation created localized regions of high stress, which provided pathways for atomic diffusion as well as nuclei and driving forces for vertical NW growth. The underlying growth process could in principle be extended to other metals.
Brain region–specific action of ketamine as a rapid antidepressant
Authors: Chen Min , Ma Shuangshuang , Liu Hanxiao , Dong Yiyan , Tang Jingxiang , Ni Zheyi , Tan Yi , Duan Chenchi , Li Hui , Huang Hefeng , Li Yulong , Cao Xiaohua , Lingle Christopher J. , Yang Yan , Hu Hailan
Published: August 2024

Ketamine has been found to have rapid and potent antidepressant activity. However, despite the ubiquitous brain expression of its molecular target, the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), it was not clear whether there is a selective, primary site for ketamine’s antidepressant action. We found that ketamine injection in depressive-like mice specifically blocks NMDARs in lateral habenular (LHb) neurons, but not in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. This regional specificity depended on the use-dependent nature of ketamine as a channel blocker, local neural activity, and the extrasynaptic reservoir pool size of NMDARs. Activating hippocampal or inactivating LHb neurons swapped their ketamine sensitivity. Conditional knockout of NMDARs in the LHb occluded ketamine’s antidepressant effects and blocked the systemic ketamine–induced elevation of serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus. This distinction of the primary versus secondary brain target(s) of ketamine should help with the design of more precise and efficient antidepressant treatments.
Explosive claim about ancient burials challenged
Authors: Price Michael
Published: August 2024

Controversy over intentional burial by
Homo naledi
extends to new publishing models
Eliminating a gut microbe could slash gastric cancers
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: August 2024

Mammoth study in Chinese villages shows antibiotics that kill
Helicobacter pylori
reduced cancer risk
What’s killing lab yeast around the world?
Authors: Herring Molly
Published: August 2024

Multiple researchers are reporting toxic agar, but the ultimate culprit remains unclear
SARS-CoV-2 spike fusion peptide
trans
interaction with phosphatidylserine lipid triggers membrane fusion for viral entry
Authors: Singh Puspangana , Pahari Purba , Mukherjee Srija , Karmakar Sharmistha , Hoffmann Markus , Mandal Taraknath , Das Dibyendu Kumar
Published: August 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike is the fusion machine for host cell entry. Still, the mechanism by which spike protein interacts with the target lipid membrane to facilitate membrane fusion during entry is not fully understood. Here, using steady-state membrane fusion and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of spike trimers on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirion, we directly show that spike protein interacts with phosphatidylserine (PS) lipid in the target membrane for mediating fusion. We observed that the fusion peptide of the spike S2 domain interacts with the PS lipid of the target membrane. Low pH and Ca
2+
trigger the spike conformational change and bring fusion peptide in close proximity to the PS lipid of the membrane. The binding of the spike with PS lipid of its viral membrane (
cis
interaction) impedes the fusion activation. PS on the target membrane promotes spike binding via
trans
interaction, prevents the
cis
interaction, and accelerates fusion. Sequestering or absence of PS lipid abrogates the spike-mediated fusion process and restricts SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. We found that PS-dependent interaction for fusion is conserved across all the SARS-CoV-2 spike variants of concern (D614G, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron). Our study suggests that PS lipid is indispensable for SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated virus and target membrane fusion for entry, and restricting PS interaction with spike inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated entry. Therefore, PS is an important cofactor and acts as a molecular beacon in the target membrane for SARS-CoV-2 entry.

IMPORTANCE

The role of lipids in the host cell target membrane for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry is not clear. We do not know whether SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has any specificity in terms of lipid for membrane fusion reaction. Here, using
in vitro
reconstitution of membrane fusion assay and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of SARS-CoV-2 spike trimers on the surface of the virion, we have demonstrated that phosphatidylserine (PS) lipid plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated membrane fusion reaction for entry. Membrane-externalized PS lipid strongly promotes spike-mediated membrane fusion and COVID-19 infection. Blocking externalized PS lipid with PS-binding protein or in the absence of PS, SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated fusion is strongly inhibited. Therefore, PS is an important target for restricting viral entry and intervening spike, and PS interaction presents new targets for COVID-19 interventions.
Supplemental Material: Silurian ocean island basalt magmatism and Devonian-Carboniferous polymetamorphism: 100 million years in the Western Blue Ridge, USA
Authors: Yasar I. Dogancan
Published: August 2024

Analytical methods, supplemental figures, and chemical and isotopic data.