bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward integrated dam assessment: evaluating multi-dimensional impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Sudan
Authors: Basheer Mohammed , Siddig Khalid , Elnour Zuhal , Ahmed Mosab , Ringler Claudia
Published: September 2024

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile is expected to influence many ecosystem services, such as flood regulation, hydro-electricity production, food supply, and habitat provision, among others. Understanding these impacts (positive and negative) requires a comprehensive evaluation framework. This study develops and applies an integrated simulation framework for assessing the impacts of the GERD on Sudan, focusing on the simultaneous economywide effects of riverine flood hazards, irrigation water supply, hydropower generation, and floodplain-dependent industries, namely traditional fired clay brick production. The simulation framework incorporates three models: a river infrastructure system model, a flood model, and a Computable General Equilibrium Model. Results indicate positive impacts for hydropower generation and flood control, marginal benefits for water supply to existing irrigation, and negative consequences for brick production and the construction sector. Assuming that the GERD starts its long-term operation in 2025, we find an overall positive economic impact on Sudan’s Gross Domestic Product in 2025, with an increase of up to just over 0.1%, subject to river flow conditions. Recognizing the differences in impacts across sectors and income groups, the study emphasizes the need for interventions that ameliorate negative effects. While the study captures several impacts, other effects on the environment, recession agriculture, and soil fertility require further investigation. Still, our findings underscore the importance of adopting an integrated simulation approach to dam evaluation, acknowledging the interconnected nature of water and related sectors in national economies.
Existence and uniqueness result for reaction-diffusion model of diffusive population dynamics
Authors: Khachatryan A. , Khachatryan Kh. , Narimanyan A.
Published: September 2024

The present work investigates a convolution type nonlinear integrodifferential equation with diffusion. This type of equations represents not only pure mathematical interest, but also is widely used in various applications, especially in wide range of problems on population dynamics arising in biology. The existence of a parametric family of travelling wave solutions as well as the uniqueness of the solution in certain class of bounded continuous functions on

R

\mathbb {R}

is proved. The study investigates also some important properties as well as asymptotic behaviour of constructed solutions. These results are then used to derive a new uniform estimate for the deviation between successive iterations, which provides us with a strong tool to control the number of iterations on our way of computing the desired numerical approximation of the exact solution. Finally, we apply our theoretical results to two well-known population problems modelled by delayed reaction-diffusion equation: Diffusion model for spatial-temporal spread of epidemics and stage structured population model.
Multilevel interpolations for the generalized Nikishin system on a tree graph
Authors: Lysov V.
Published: September 2024

We study a multilevel interpolation problem for a system of Markov functions defined by a tree graph. The normality of all indices has been proven. Asymptotic properties are studied in terms of the vector equilibrium problem for logarithmic potential.
Yawning in sync: implications for social cohesion in horses
Authors: Galotti Alice , Romano Martina , Baragli Paolo , Palagi Elisabetta
Published: September 2024

The increasing interest in the study of spontaneous (SY) and contagious yawning (CY) was so far focused on several taxa, especially primates. Here, we focused on SY and CY in horses, a suitable species due to their complex social dynamics that has been largely overlooked in research on these phenomena. By analyzing videos of 48 horses on pasture, we identified 2 yawning morphologies: Covered (YCT) and Uncovered Teeth (YUCT). Using EquiFACS, we quantitatively demonstrated that YCT and YUCT differ in terms of muscle recruitment. Moreover, we provide the first evidence for the presence of CY by comparing 2 different conditions: chewing-yawn-chewing versus chewing-chewing-chewing. Supporting the Social Modulation hypothesis, in our mares, CY was more prominent among subjects sharing good relationships. Moreover, subjects responded more rapidly to kin compared with non-kin and kin frequently grooming each other responded even more rapidly to each other yawns. The high familiar yawn sensitivity can provide selective advantages increasing behavioral synchronization and group cohesion.
Functional reproductive morphology of the snapping shrimp genus Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888 (Decapoda, Alpheidae)
Authors: Moraes Isabela R R , Antunes Mariana , López-Greco Laura S , Zara Fernando José , Castilho Antonio Leão
Published: September 2024

Shrimps of the genus Synalpheus (Caridea) are commonly found in subtropical and tropical marine habitats around the world. The present work aims to provide the first description of the reproductive system of this genus using histological, histochemical, and morphological perspectives to elucidate the gonochoric or hermaphrodite sexual system in this genus. Males have a slender and very translucent reproductive system that is challenging to observe. The entire cephalothorax was histologically sectioned to ensure that all regions of the reproductive system could be identified. This non-gambarelloides group shows a gonochoric condition. The caridean pattern of the reproductive system was observed where the male has a pair of testes and a pair of very thin vasa deferentia, ending at the opening of the gonopore. Spermatophore structure is absent, without any layers surrounding the spermatozoa that are aggregated in a sperm mass. In females, the reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries that extend to the end of the pleon. The extension of the ovary has a particular pattern compared to other caridean shrimps. Here, we hypothesize that males invest energy on somatic morphological structures to protect the host and female, using the larger pistol-like cheliped, while females invest energy in reproduction since all the members of this group are typical “pair-bond” examples. The observed pattern of the reproductive male morphology could also be evidence of a possible synapomorphy for this genus within the infraorder.
Oxidized Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Promotes Colitis and Colitis-Associated Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Wang Weicang , Wang Yuxin , Sanidad Katherine Z , Wang Yige , Zhang Jianan , Yang Wenqi , Sun Quancai , Bayram Ipek , Song Renhua , Yang Haixia , Johnson David , Sherman Heather L , Kim Daeyoung , Minter Lisa M , Wong Justin J-L , Zeng Melody Y , Decker Eric A , Zhang Guodong
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Human studies suggest that a high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PUFA is highly prone to oxidation. To date, it is unclear whether unoxidized or oxidized PUFA is involved in the development of IBD. Here, we aim to compare the effects of unoxidized PUFA vs oxidized PUFA on the development of IBD and associated colorectal cancer.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of unoxidized and oxidized PUFA on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced and IL-10 knockout-induced colitis, and azoxymethane/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis in mice. Additionally, we studied the roles of gut microbiota and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling involved.

Results

Administration of a diet containing oxidized PUFA, at human consumption-relevant levels, increases the severity of colitis and exacerbates the development of colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis in mice. Conversely, a diet rich in unoxidized PUFA does not promote colitis. Furthermore, oxidized PUFA worsens colitis-associated intestinal barrier dysfunction and leads to increased bacterial translocation, and it fails to promote colitis in TLR4 knockout mice. Finally, oxidized PUFA alters the diversity and composition of gut microbiota, and it fails to promote colitis in mice lacking the microbiota.

Conclusions

These results support that oxidized PUFA promotes the development of colitis and associated tumorigenesis in mouse models via TLR4- and gut microbiota-dependent mechanisms. Our findings highlight the potential need to update regulation policies and industrial standards for oxidized PUFA levels in food.
The effect of fixed and functional remodelling on conduction velocity, wavefront propagation, and rotational activity formation in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Horrach Caterina Vidal , Lambiase Pier D , Roney Caroline , Hunter Ross J
Published: September 2024

Aims

Pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. Interactions between scar and conduction velocity (CV) and their impact on wavefront propagation in sinus rhythm (SR) and rotational activity burden in AF were evaluated.

Methods and results

Local activation times (LATs) and voltage data were obtained from patients undergoing ablation for persistent AF. Omnipolar voltage (OV) and bipolar voltage (BV) data were obtained during AF and SR at pacing intervals of 600 and 250 ms. Local activation times were used to determine CV dynamics and their relationship to the underlying voltage and pivot points in SR. Computational modelling studies were performed to evaluate the impact of CVs and fibrosis on rotational activity burden in AF. Data from 60 patients with a total of 2 768 400 LAT and voltage points were analysed (46 140 ± 5689 points/patient). Voltage determined CV dynamics. Enhanced CV heterogeneity sites were predominantly mapped to low-voltage zones (LVZs) (0.2–0.49 mV) (128/168, 76.2%) rather than LVZs (<0.2 mV) and frequently co-located to pivot points (151/168, 89.9%). Atrial fibrillation OV maps correlated better with SR BV 250 ms than 600 ms maps, thereby representing fixed and functional remodelling. Sinus rhythm maps at 250 ms compared with 600 ms harboured a greater number of pivot points. Increased CV slowing and functional remodelling on computational models resulted in a greater rotational activity burden.

Conclusion

Conduction velocity dynamics are impacted by the degree of scar. Conduction velocity heterogeneity and functional remodelling impacts wavefront propagation in SR and rotational activity burden in AF. This study provides insight into the pathophysiology of AF and identifies potential novel ablation targets.
Morphological evolution and niche conservatism across a continental radiation of Australian blindsnakes
Authors: Tiatragul Sarin , Skeels Alexander , Keogh J Scott
Published: September 2024

Understanding how continental radiations are assembled across space and time is a major question in macroevolutionary biology. Here, we use a phylogenomic-scale phylogeny, a comprehensive morphological dataset, and environmental niche models to evaluate the relationship between trait and environment and assess the role of geography and niche conservatism in the continental radiation of Australian blindsnakes. The Australo-Papuan blindsnake genus, Anilios, comprises 47 described species of which 46 are endemic to and distributed across various biomes on continental Australia. Although we expected blindsnakes to be morphologically conserved, we found considerable interspecific variation in all morphological traits we measured. Absolute body length is negatively correlated with mean annual temperature, and body shape ratios are negatively correlated with soil compactness. We found that morphologically similar species are likely not a result of ecological convergence. Age-overlap correlation tests revealed niche similarity decreased with the relative age of speciation events. We also found low geographical overlap across the phylogeny, suggesting that speciation is largely allopatric with low rates of secondary range overlap. Our study offers insights into the eco-morphological evolution of blindsnakes and the potential for phylogenetic niche conservatism to influence continental scale radiations.
Contrasting macroevolutionary patterns in pelagic tetrapods across the Triassic–Jurassic transition
Authors: Laboury Antoine , Stubbs Thomas L , Wolniewicz Andrzej S , Liu Jun , Scheyer Torsten M , Jones Marc E H , Fischer Valentin
Published: September 2024

The iconic marine raptorial predators Ichthyosauria and Eosauropterygia co-existed in the same ecosystems throughout most of the Mesozoic Era, facing similar evolutionary pressures and environmental perturbations. Both groups seemingly went through a massive macroevolutionary bottleneck across the Triassic–Jurassic (T/J) transition that greatly reduced their morphological diversity, leaving pelagic lineages as the only survivors. However, analyses of marine reptile disparity across the T/J transition have usually employed coarse morphological and temporal data. We comprehensively compare the evolution of ichthyosaurian and eosauropterygian morphology and body size across the Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic interval and find contrasting macroevolutionary patterns. The ecomorphospace of eosauropterygians predominantly reflects a strong phylogenetic signal, resulting in the clustering of three clades with clearly distinct craniodental phenotypes, suggesting “leaps” toward novel feeding ecologies. Ichthyosaurian diversification lacks a discernible evolutionary trend, as we find evidence for a wide overlap of craniodental morphologies between Triassic and Early Jurassic forms. The temporal evolution of ecomorphological disparity, fin shape and body size of eosauropterygians and ichthyosaurians during the Late Triassic does not support the hypothesis of an abrupt macroevolutionary bottleneck near the T/J transition. Rather, an important turnover event should be sought earlier, during times of rapid sea level falls.
An Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Clade 2.3.4.4b
Authors: Webby Richard J , Uyeki Timothy M
Published: September 2024

Since the resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, during 2021, these viruses have spread widely among birds worldwide, causing poultry outbreaks and infections of a wide range of terrestrial and marine mammal species. During 2024, HPAI A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, was detected in dairy cattle for the first time and caused an ongoing multistate outbreak, with high levels of virus documented in raw cow milk. Human infections with clade 2.3.4.4b viruses from exposures to infected poultry or dairy cattle have resulted in a wide spectrum of illness severity, from conjunctivitis or mild respiratory illness to severe and fatal pneumonia in different countries. Vigilance, and stronger global virologic surveillance among birds, poultry, terrestrial and marine mammals, and humans, with virus characterization and rapid data sharing, is needed to inform the threat of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, as they continue to evolve, to public health.
Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of High- or Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccine in a Second Consecutive Influenza Season
Authors: Bahakel Hannah , Spieker Andrew J , Hayek Haya , Schuster Jennifer E , Hamdan Lubna , Dulek Daniel E , Kitko Carrie L , Stopczynski Tess , Batarseh Einas , Haddadin Zaid , Stewart Laura S , Stahl Anna , Potter Molly , Rahman Herdi , Amarin Justin , Kalams Spyros A , Bocchini Claire E , Moulton Elizabeth A , Coffin Susan E , Ardura Monica I , Wattier Rachel L , Maron Gabriela , Grimley Michael , Paulsen Grant , Harrison Christopher J , Freedman Jason , Carpenter Paul A , Englund Janet A , Munoz Flor M , Danziger-Isakov Lara , Halasa Natasha ,   for the Pediatric HCT Flu Study, Goyal Rakesh , McHenry Rendie , Bender Margaret , Barto Shari , Russo Michael , Shoemaker Lauren , Truong Kenny , Dvorak Christopher , Allison Kim J , Naik Swati , Williams Christopher , Blum Samantha , Lacombe Kirsten , Smith Hannah
Published: September 2024

Background

Pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at high risk for morbidity from influenza virus infection. We demonstrated in a primary phase 2 randomized controlled trial that 2 post-HCT doses of high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine (HD-TIV) given 4 weeks apart were more immunogenic than 2 doses of standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (SD-QIV). Herein, we present the immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccination in a consecutive season post-HCT using the same dosing regimen.

Methods

A subcohort of study participants reenrolled and had hemagglutinin inhibition titers measured at baseline and 4 weeks after each vaccine dose in year 2. We estimated geometric mean fold rise in hemagglutinin inhibition titer from baseline for each group and used linear mixed effects models to estimate adjusted geometric mean ratios (comparing HD-TIV vs SD-QIV) for each antigen at each time point. We described systemic and injection site reactions.

Results

A total of 65 subcohort patients participated (33 SD-QIV, 32 HD-TIV). Postvaccine geometric mean fold rise and adjusted geometric mean ratio estimates were higher for both groups following a single influenza vaccine dose in year 2 as compared with 2 doses of the same formulation in year 1. Both groups had similar frequencies of injection site and systemic reactions.

Conclusions

A single dose of HD-TIV or SD-QIV was more immunogenic in year 2 than 2 doses of the same formulation in year 1. Reactogenicity was comparable between groups. One dose of influenza vaccine may be sufficient after a 2-dose schedule in the prior year post-HCT.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02860039 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Early postmortem beef muscle proteome and metabolome variations due to supranutritional zinc and ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation
Authors: Schulte Matthew D , Hochmuth Katherine G , Steadham Edward M , Lonergan Steven M , Hansen Stephanie L , Huff-Lonergan Elisabeth
Published: September 2024

It was hypothesized that the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle proteome, phosphoproteome, and metabolome could explain postmortem metabolism and tenderness differences in muscle from cattle supplemented zinc (Zn) and/or ractopamine hydrochloride (RH). High percentage Angus steers (N = 20) were fed in a 2 × 2 factorial assigned to Zn and RH treatments: control (CON; n = 10; analyzed 36 mg Zn/kg dry matter [DM]) or supranutritional Zn supplementation (SUPZN; n = 10; control diet + 60 mg Zn/kg DM [from ZnSO4] + 60 mg Zn/kg DM [from Zn–amino acid complex]) for the entire 89-d trial. During the 28 d before harvest, steers were blocked by body weight within Zn treatments to RH treatments of 0 (NO; n = 10) or 300 mg (RAC; n = 10) per steer per day. Steers were harvested at the Iowa State Meat Laboratory, where pH decline (1, 3, 6, and 24 h postmortem) was measured. At 24 h postmortem, LT muscle sections were removed from carcasses, and steaks were analyzed for Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values at 1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem. Muscle samples were taken at 1 h, 1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem for the following analysis: troponin-T degradation (1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem), myosin heavy chain analysis (1 h postmortem), sarcoplasmic proteome analysis through tandem mass tagging analysis (1 h and 1 d postmortem), metabolome analysis (1 h and 1 d postmortem), and phosphoproteome analysis (1 h postmortem). SUPZN-NO tended to have a lower (P = 0.06) pH at 6 h postmortem and a lower WBSF value (P = 0.06) at 1 d postmortem. CON-RAC had a higher (P = 0.04) pH at 6 h postmortem and WBSF value (P < 0.01) at 1 d postmortem. A lower pH at 6 h postmortem and lower WBSF value at 1 d postmortem in the SUPZN-NO treatment was accompanied by more sorbitol and fructose at 1 d postmortem, and less myosin regulatory light chain 2 at 1 h postmortem, and less adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) at 1 d postmortem than all other treatments. A higher pH at 6 h postmortem and higher WBSF value at 1 d postmortem in CON-RAC and SUPZN-RAC was accompanied by more soluble structural proteins (troponin-T and myosin-7) at 1 h postmortem than CON-NO. At 1 h postmortem, CON-RAC had more glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase than CON-NO or SUPZN-RAC. Differences in energy metabolism enzymes, metabolites, and structural proteins may affect ATP production, rigor development, and lactate buildup which may explain the differences in postmortem metabolism and tenderness development at 1 d postmortem.
Plant versus pollinator protection: balancing pest management against floral contamination for insecticide use in Midwestern US cucurbits
Authors: Hung Keng-Lou James , Ternest John J , Wood Thomas J , Ingwell Laura L , Bloom Elias H , Szendrei Zsofia , Kaplan Ian , Goodell Karen
Published: September 2024

Controlling crop pests while conserving pollinators is challenging, particularly when prophylactically applying broad-spectrum, systemic insecticides such as neonicotinoids. Systemic insecticides are often used in conventional agriculture in commercial settings, but the conditions that optimally balance pest management and pollination are poorly understood. We investigated how insecticide application strategies control pests and expose pollinators to insecticides with an observational study of cucurbit crops in the Midwestern United States. To define the window of protection and potential pollinator exposure resulting from alternative insecticide application strategies, we surveyed 62 farms cultivating cucumber, watermelon, or pumpkin across 2 yr. We evaluated insecticide regimes, abundance of striped and spotted cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum [Fabricius] and Diabrotica undecimpunctata Mannerheim), and insecticide residues in leaves, pollen, and nectar. We found that growers used neonicotinoids (thiamethoxam and imidacloprid) at planting in all cucumber and pumpkin and approximately half of watermelon farms. In cucumber, foliar thiamethoxam levels were orders of magnitude higher than the other crops, excluding nearly all beetles from fields. In watermelon and pumpkin, neonicotinoids applied at planting resulted in 4–8 wk of protection before beetle populations increased. Floral insecticide concentrations correlated strongly with foliar concentrations across all crops, resulting in high potential exposure to pollinators in cucumber and low-moderate exposure in pumpkin and watermelon. Thus, the highest-input insecticide regimes maintained cucumber beetles far below economic thresholds while also exposing pollinators to the highest pollen and nectar insecticide concentrations. In cucurbits, reducing pesticide inputs will likely better balance crop protection and pollination, reduce costs, and improve yields.
The Escherichia coli TolC efflux pump protein is immunogenic and elicits protective antibodies
Authors: Silva Thaynara O , Teixeira Bárbara A , Costa Leon V S , Barbosa Luiza S , do Nascimento Lucas C , Fanticelli João G C , Rotilho Caroline , Branco Rafael V C , Silva Lucas S , Ferreira Maria E , Costa Thais L , Monteiro Sanderson V , dos Santos Abreu Juliana , Rajsfus Bia F , Bulla Ana Carolina S , Carneiro Jordanna , Allonso Diego , Salgado Diamantino R , Echevarria-Lima Juliana , da Silva Manuela Leal , Moreira Lilian O , Olsen Priscilla C
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing worldwide public health burden that threatens to make existent antimicrobials obsolete. An important mechanism of antimicrobial resistance is the overexpression of efflux pumps, which reduce the intracellular concentration of antimicrobials. TolC is the outer membrane protein of an efflux pump that has gained attention as a therapeutic target. Little is known about the immune response against TolC. Here, we evaluated the immune response against TolC from Escherichia coli. TolC in silico epitope prediction showed several residues that could bind to human antibodies, and we showed that human plasma presented higher titers of anti-TolC IgG and IgA, than IgM. E. coli recombinant TolC protein stimulated macrophages in vitro to produce nitric oxide, as well as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α, assessed by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Immunization of mice with TolC intraperitoneally and an in vitro restimulation led to increased T cell proliferation and interferon γ production, evaluated by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. TolC mouse immunization stimulated anti-TolC IgM and IgG production, with higher levels of IgG1 and IgG2, among the IgG subclasses. Anti-TolC murine antibodies could bind to live E. coli and increase bacterial uptake and elimination by macrophages in vitro. Intraperitoneal or intranasal, but not oral, immunizations with inactivated E. coli also led to anti-TolC antibody production. Finally, TolC immunization increased mouse survival rates to antimicrobial-sensitive or resistant E. coli infection. Our results showed that TolC is immunogenic, leading to the production of protective antibodies against E. coli, reinforcing its value as a therapeutic target.
Contribution of major histocompatibility complex class II immunostaining in distinguishing idiopathic inflammatory myopathy subgroups: A histopathological cohort study
Authors: Lessard Lola E R , Robert Marie , Fenouil Tanguy , Mounier Rémi , Landel Véréna , Carlesimo Marie , Hot Arnaud , Chazaud Bénédicte , Laumonier Thomas , Streichenberger Nathalie , Gallay Laure
Published: September 2024

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are rare, acquired muscle diseases; their diagnosis of is based on clinical, serological, and histological criteria. MHC-I-positive immunostaining, although non-specific, is used as a marker for IIM diagnosis; however, the significance of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II immunostaining in IIM remains debated. We investigated patterns of MHC-II immunostaining in myofibers and capillaries in muscle biopsies from 103 patients with dermatomyositis ([DM], n = 31), inclusion body myositis ([IBM], n = 24), anti-synthetase syndrome ([ASyS], n = 10), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy ([IMNM], n = 18), or overlap myositis ([OM], n = 20). MHC-II immunostaining of myofibers was abnormal in 63/103 of patients (61%) but the patterns differed according to the IIM subgroup. They were diffuse in IBM (96%), negative in IMNM (83%), perifascicular in ASyS (70%), negative (61%) or perifascicular (32%) in DM, and either clustered (40%), perifascicular (30%), or diffuse heterogeneous (15%) in OM. Capillary MHC-II immunostaining also identified quantitative (capillary dropout, n = 47/88, 53%) and qualitative abnormalities, that is, architectural abnormalities, including dilated and leaky capillaries, (n = 79/98, 81%) in all IIM subgroups. Thus, MHC-II myofiber expression patterns allow distinguishing among IIM subgroups. We suggest the addition of MHC-II immunostaining to routine histological panels for IIM diagnosis.
Workers’ experiences of improvements in the work environment and mental health problems: a web-based 1-year prospective study of Japanese employees
Authors: Izawa Shuhei , Yoshikawa Toru , Nakamura-Taira Nanako , Moriishi Chihiro , Akamatsu Rie , Ikeda Hiroki , Kubo Tomohide
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to prospectively investigate the association between work environment improvements and multiple mental health outcomes in a large sample of Japanese employees.

Methods: A web-based longitudinal study surveyed 20 000 Japanese employees, 7970 of whom completed a follow-up after 1 year. Various types of work environment improvements experienced by workers were assessed using a 24-item checklist. Three mental health outcomes (poor mental health, presenteeism, and high psychosocial stress) were assessed and defined using standardized questionnaires.

Results: Overall, as the total number of work environment improvements increased, the odds ratio for mental health outcomes in the follow-up survey decreased by several percentage points, even after adjusting for demographic and occupational factors. Analysis of the types of work environment improvements showed that mutual support improvements were particularly effective in reducing mental health issues. The subgroup analyses also showed that the effectiveness of workplace environment improvements might vary between secondary and tertiary industry workers depending on the types of improvements and mental health outcomes.

Conclusions: The study suggests that workplace improvements can significantly affect mental health. The effectiveness of these improvements may vary according to the type of intervention, industry of the targeted workers, and mental health outcomes. This study provides basic data on the effectiveness of workplace environment improvements that can be used for future intervention trials.
Association between relatively low blood lead levels and urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid concentrations among male workers at a Japanese battery factory
Authors: Hasegawa Kohei , Toubou Hirokazu , Mizuki Masaru , Tsukahara Teruomi , Nomiyama Tetsuo
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Whether the known positive association between blood lead (PbB) levels and urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU) also exists at relatively low PbB levels (<40 μg/dL) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate this association at lower PbB levels.

Methods: We analyzed data from biannual medical examinations of workers at a Japanese factory from August 2013 to August 2023. We excluded records from female workers and those with missing data, resulting in a dataset consisting of 1396 records from 155 male workers. We employed mixed-effect linear regression models with a random intercept for workers and additional adjustments for age and smoking status.

Results: The median PbB level across all the analyzed records was 8 μg/dL (range: 1-31 μg/dL). Significant positive associations were observed between PbB and ALAU, with a 1-unit increase in natural logarithm-transformed PbB corresponding to a 10.0% increase in ALAU (95% CI, 2.7%-17.9%). Categorized PbB analyses showed a 23.8% increase in ALAU (95% CI, 2.7%-49.2%) for PbB levels at 20-24 μg/dL and an 83.1% increase (95% CI, 30.1%-157.7%) for PbB levels ≥25 μg/dL, compared with those <5 μg/dL. The exposure–response curve analysis indicated a plateau followed by an increasing trend.

Conclusions: A positive and nonlinear association between PbB and ALAU levels was observed at relatively low PbB levels.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of children with newly diagnosed cancer: 1-year trajectories and relationship variables as predictors
Authors: Vogt Alexandra J , Bartels Lasse , Grotzer Michael , Bodenmann Guy , Leibundgut Kurt , Rössler Jochen , Landolt Markus A
Published: September 2024

Objective

The way in which parental posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) unfold in the first year after a cancer diagnosis in their child is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to identify parental PTSS trajectories and to examine couple-related predictors (dyadic coping and we-disease appraisals), sociodemographic predictors (education and sex), and medical predictors (child’s physical impairment) of trajectory membership.

Method

A 1-year prospective study was conducted, and 157 parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer were assessed. PTSS was measured with the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5) at 3–6 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after the diagnosis. The trajectories were identified with Latent Class Growth Analysis, the predictors were explored with binomial logistic regression.

Results

Two distinct trajectories were found. The majority of parents (86.0%) followed a low PTSS trajectory, characterized by initially low scores that slightly decreased over 12 months. In contrast, 14.0% of parents displayed a stable, high PTSS trajectory. A high trajectory of child’s physical impairment and low scores in parental dyadic coping were significantly associated with the likelihood of a high parental PTSS trajectory.

Conclusions

The findings provide new insights into the critical period of the first year after a child’s cancer diagnosis. While most parents display a resilient, low PTSS trajectory, a minority consistently experience high PTSS levels. Child’s physical impairment and dyadic coping should be considered as predictors for early identification of vulnerable parents. Incorporating dyadic coping in parental support following a childhood cancer diagnosis could be beneficial for parental mental health.
Geometric target margin strategy of proton craniospinal irradiation for pediatric medulloblastoma
Authors: Yoshimura Takaaki , Kondo Keigo , Hashimoto Takayuki , Nishioka Kentaro , Mori Takashi , Kanehira Takahiro , Matsuura Taeko , Takao Seishin , Tamura Hiroshi , Matsumoto Takuya , Sutherland Kenneth , Aoyama Hidefumi
Published: September 2024

In proton craniospinal irradiation (CSI) for skeletally immature pediatric patients, a treatment plan should be developed to ensure that the dose is uniformly delivered to all vertebrae, considering the effects on bone growth balance. The technical (t) clinical target volume (CTV) is conventionally set by manually expanding the CTV from the entire intracranial space and thecal sac, based on the physician’s experience. However, there are differences in contouring methods among physicians. Therefore, we aimed to propose a new geometric target margin strategy. Nine pediatric patients with medulloblastoma who underwent proton CSI were enrolled. We measured the following water equivalent lengths for each vertebra in each patient: body surface to the dorsal spinal canal, vertebral limbus, ventral spinal canal and spinous processes. A simulated tCTV (stCTV) was created by assigning geometric margins to the spinal canal using the measurement results such that the vertebral limb and dose distribution coincided with a margin assigned to account for the uncertainty of the proton beam range. The stCTV with a growth factor (correlation between body surface area and age) and tCTV were compared and evaluated. The median values of each index for cervical, thoracic and lumber spine were: the Hausdorff distance, 9.14, 9.84 and 9.77 mm; mean distance-to-agreement, 3.26, 2.65 and 2.64 mm; Dice coefficient, 0.84, 0.81 and 0.82 and Jaccard coefficient, 0.50, 0.60 and 0.62, respectively. The geometric target margin setting method used in this study was useful for creating an stCTV to ensure consistent and uniform planning.
Sonic hedgehog suppresses penile remodeling after cavernous nerve injury and sustains long-term normal penis morphology
Authors: Deng Jiangping , Triko Alexandra , Harrington Daniel A , McVary Kevin T , Podlasek Carol A
Published: September 2024

Background

Cavernous nerve (CN) injury, which occurs in prostatectomy and diabetic cases, initiates penile remodeling, including smooth muscle apoptosis and increased collagen in the corpora cavernosa, which are underlying causes of erectile dysfunction. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a critical regulator of penile smooth muscle, and SHH treatment suppresses corpora cavernosa remodeling that occurs with CN injury.

Aim

We examine if SHH treatment by peptide amphiphile (PA) in the first week after CN injury is sufficient to prevent long-term penis remodeling and if apoptosis inhibitors also suppress penile remodeling.

Methods

Bilateral CN crush was performed on adult Sprague-Dawley rats (P115-120) that underwent 1 of 3 treatments with novel extended-release nanofiber PA hydrogels for delivery: SHH protein (n = 10), mouse serum albumin protein (control, n = 7), or caspase 3 inhibitor (AC-DEVD-CHO, n = 10). Rats were sacrificed after 18 to 24 days. Additional rats underwent CN injury (n = 6) or CN injury and SHH PA treatment for 2 and 4 days (n = 8) and included sham controls (n = 3) and nonsurgery controls (n = 3).

Outcomes

Trichrome stain, hydroxyproline assay, and Western analysis for α-actin (smooth muscle) and GAPDH were performed to examine smooth muscle retention and collagen abundance.

Results

Smooth muscle decreased with CN injury. Corpora cavernosa showed increased smooth muscle at 2, 4, and 24 days after CN injury with SHH PA treatment in comparison with mouse serum albumin treatment among CN-injured controls. Caspase 3–inhibited penis demonstrated little smooth muscle preservation. Collagen was decreased 23% with SHH PA treatment (P < .001) at 18 to 24 days after CN injury. Collagen was unchanged with caspase 3 inhibitor treatment (P > .99).

Clinical Translation

It is important to know that treatments given at the time of CN injury have a sustained effect on preserving penile architecture and thus erectile function, making them valuable for clinical translation.

Strengths and Limitations

SHH PA treatment preserves penile smooth muscle after CN injury. Time points past 24 days were not examined, although penile remodeling takes place acutely after CN injury. Measurement of erectile function was not examined.

Conclusions

SHH treatment by PA in the first week after CN injury is sufficient to suppress penile remodeling and to preserve penile smooth muscle over time, which is critical to prevent development of erectile dysfunction. There is a difference in the corpora cavernosa smooth muscle from proximal to distal in the penis of the Sprague-Dawley rat model. It is critical when examining therapy efficacy to ensure that comparable regions of the penis are analyzed.

Statement of Significance

In this study, we examine if suppression of apoptosis in penile smooth muscle in the first week after cavernous nerve injury is sufficient to preserve smooth muscle long-term.
Nutraceutical interventions for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Barbonetti Arcangelo , Tienforti Daniele , Antolini Federica , Spagnolo Luca , Cavallo Francesca , Di Pasquale Alfonso Boris , Maggi Mario , Corona Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Background

Although nutraceutical-based treatments are often offered for erectile dysfunction (ED), their efficacy remains doubtful, and the choice of one substance over the other is challenged by the dearth of head-to-head comparative studies.

Aim

We aimed to compare the efficacy of available nutraceutical interventions, alone or in combination with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), in improving erectile function in men with ED through a network meta-analysis (NMA), which incorporates direct and indirect evidence into one model thus generating a hierarchy of effectiveness.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of any nutraceutical regimen in improving erectile function when compared to each other, placebo, and/or PDE5i in men with ED. Data were included in a random-effects NMA, where efficacy of treatments was ranked by surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Two NMAs were also conducted separately for organic and non-organic ED. Reciprocal comparisons between all treatments were analyzed by league tables.

Outcomes

The main outcome was the standardized mean difference in the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 or IIEF-6.

Results

Fifteen RCTs provided information on 1000 men with ED. In the overall NMA, compared to placebo, the combination propionyl L-carnitine (PLC) + acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) + Sildenafil was associated with the highest SUCRA (97%) in improving erectile function score, followed by L-Arginine + Tadalafil (84%), Sildenafil (79%), Tadalafil (72%), and L-Arginine (52%). No other treatment regimen showed efficacy with statistical significance. In patients with organic ED, the efficacy of Sildenafil and Tadalafil was significantly improved by PLC + ALC and L-Arginine, respectively. On the contrary, in non-organic ED, nutraceuticals did not improve the therapeutic performance of daily Tadalafil.

Clinical Implications

This NMA contributes valuable insights into the potential of nutraceutical interventions for ED.

Strengths and Limitations

We employed strict inclusion criteria related to study design and diagnostic tool, ensuring the assumption of transitivity and the consistency of the analysis.

Conclusion

Against a background of general ineffectiveness of most nutraceutical interventions, L-Arginine and the mix PLC + ALC appeared to be of some usefulness in improving erectile function, especially in combination with PDE5i in organic ED.
Interpretation of the Charter
Authors: Kadelbach Stefan
Published: September 2024

This chapter discusses the interpretation of the UN Charter, a cognitive process which precedes any act of application and thus any attempt to fill its institutional design with life. Rules on Charter interpretation are supposed to answer the questions as to how to indicate in which directions the practice of the UN may develop, to identify the line between concordant practice and ultra vires acts, and in whose power it is to resolve doubt and conflict. In order to address these questions, four different approaches are taken: classical positivism, international constitutionalism, political realism, and legal formalism. The chapter then identifies which rules of interpretation apply to the Charter. Since subsequent practice has proven to be crucial, the question must be dealt with as to what impact it has and whose practice is to what extent decisive. The chapter also considers the problem of circumventing the revision procedure.
Preamble
Authors: Khan Daniel-Erasmus
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines the Preamble to the UN Charter, starting with its legislative history. The Preamble consists of two distinct, yet closely related, parts. According to the rather complex first sentence, it is the peoples of the United Nations who emphasize their unconditional will to work together to accomplish certain aims by certain means. It is then by virtue of the second sentence that this commitment is made an integral and binding part of the treaty consensus. Governments for their part declare to have agreed to both the rules and principles enshrined in the Charter as well as to the establishment of a new international organization, the United Nations. The chapter then considers the legal validity of the Preamble.
Article 2 (1)
Authors: Fassbender Bardo
Published: September 2024

This chapter focuses on Art 2 (1) of the UN Charter. The principle proclaimed in Art 2 (1) of the Charter addresses a fundamental problem of international organizations, and even international law as such—namely, the tension between the autonomy of a political entity and it belonging to a larger community and between self-determination of an entity and acceptance of the rules established by the wider community. For political entities which qualify as independent States, the UN Charter determined the balance between autonomy and integration in a particular way which cannot be deduced from the expression ‘sovereign equality’ in Art 2 (1) but only from the Charter as a whole. Since the Charter is a ‘living instrument’, the balance determined in 1945 has changed over time. The chapter considers the elaboration of the principle in the practice of the United Nations and the substance of sovereign equality in present international law.
Article 2 (6)
Authors: Talmon Stefan
Published: September 2024

This chapter studies Art 2 (6) of the UN Charter, which is the main but not the only provision of the Charter dealing with non-members of the Organization. Article 2 (6), together with Art 103, underlines the exceptional status of the UN Charter within the international legal order. These provisions establish the Charter as the fundamental law-making treaty for the international community as a whole and endow the system of collective security established by Charter with a global reach. In the practice of the UN, the number of express references to Art 2 (6) or States which are not members of the UN has constantly decreased over the years as it has become a universal organization. In the 1990s, the provision briefly regained some practical significance with the creation of a number of new States which did not, or not immediately, become members of the UN and which were involved in, or the cause of, disputes affecting international peace and security.
Article 8
Authors: Polzin Monika
Published: September 2024

This chapter addresses Art 8 of the UN Charter. Article 8 states that the ‘United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs’. It lays down a general prohibition against discriminating between men and women. Article 8 is a specific confirmation of the principle of non-discrimination that can also be found in the Preamble, Art 1 (3), Art 13 (1) (b), Art 55 (c), and Art 76 (c) of the UN Charter. Similar provisions to Art 8 binding on States can be found in international human rights treaties and particularly in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The chapter provides a brief overview of the key elements of UN practice regarding the promotion of women.
Article 9
Authors: Magiera Siegfried
Published: September 2024

This chapter describes Art 9 of the UN Charter, which provides for the composition of the General Assembly (GA). The GA consists of all the members of the UN. Admission to the GA becomes effective on the date on which the GA approves the application of a State for membership; it ends on the date on which the membership of the State in the UN ends. In addition to the members of the UN, which alone make up the composition of the GA, observer States have been admitted to participate in the work of the GA. These observers include non-member States, specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations, national liberation movements, and certain ‘other entities’ of a non-governmental character. In the GA, which is composed of all the members of the UN, each member shall have not more than five representatives.
Article 10*
Authors: Schmahl Stefanie
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores Art 10 of the UN Charter, which gives the General Assembly general power of discussion and recommendation on all matters within the scope of the Charter (the so-called ‘comprehensive jurisdiction’ of the GA). The GA represents the most prominent forum for the discussion of world politics and is therefore also described as the ‘town meeting of the world’ and the ‘open conscience of humanity’. However, the GA is not a world parliament, even though it draws very heavily on the traditions of parliamentary procedure used to assure the orderly conduct of public debates in national legislatures. Taking into account the far-reaching goals and principles laid down in the UN Charter, there are virtually no political issues of international importance that are not covered by the GA’s power of discussion contained in Art 10. On the other hand, the broad and vague wording of the scope of its competence and responsibility mirrors the GA’s lack of power to make binding decisions.
Article 16
Authors: Goldmann Matthias
Published: September 2024

This chapter details Art 16 of the UN Charter. Article 16 is the first Article of the Charter that mentions the international trusteeship system, i.e. the framework designed chiefly for the administration of non-self-governing territories formerly under the control of Germany, the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and Japan. The provision refers to the functions of the General Assembly defined in the provisions of Chapter XII (International Trusteeship System) and Chapter XIII (Trusteeship Council). The purpose of Art 16 is to circumscribe the functions of the GA with regard to the international trusteeship system, while Chapters XII and XIII stipulate the specific powers of the GA, i.e. the legal bases for various measures adopted by the GA in the exercise of this function. Article 16 corresponds to Art 24 (2), which mentions the analogous competence of the Security Council under Chapter XII regarding the approval and change of trusteeship agreements for areas designated as strategic.