bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Use of Personal Values to Promote Medication Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Affective and Behavioral Responses to Theory-Driven Domain Congruent Versus Incongruent Values Approaches
Authors: Finkelstein Lauren B , Bright Emma E , Gu Heng Chao J , Arch Joanna J
Published: October 2024

Background

Self-affirmation theory (SAT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) embody competing approaches to leveraging personal values to motivate behavior change but are rarely compared in the domain of health behavior. This study compares these theory-driven values-based interventions for promoting medication adherence.

Purpose

To compare affective and behavioral responses to competing values-based medication adherence interventions.

Methods

In this three-armed randomized trial, participants with cancer (n = 95) or diabetes (n = 97) recruited online using Prolific and prescribed daily oral medication for that disease completed a one-session online writing intervention leveraging (1) a domain incongruent (DI) value, where the value was not connected to medication adherence; (2) a domain congruent (DC) value, where the value was connected to adherence; or (3) a control condition, focused on medication adherence procedures.

Results

There were no main effects of conditions on reported medication adherence at the 1-month follow-up. During the intervention, positive affect was higher in the values conditions than control (p < .001), and trended higher in DI versus DC (p = .054). Negative affect did not vary between the values and control groups (p = .093) but was lower in DI versus DC (p = .006). Improvements in positive affect over the course of the intervention were associated with increased adherence behavior for individuals who started with low levels of positive affect (p = .003). Disease type did not moderate findings.

Conclusions

Consistent with SAT, focusing on DI values led to more positive and less negative affect than connecting values directly to behavior in a threatening domain such as chronic illness. For some participants, increases in positive affect predicted greater adherence.
Crushing obstacles: A case series on alternative letermovir administration in transplant recipients
Authors: Tran Nikki , Tossey Justin , Fallah Tara
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Letermovir is used primarily for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in select hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplant recipients. The manufacturer has provided no guidance on whether letermovir can be crushed and administered via enteral tube. This study aimed to assess whether letermovir tablets could be manipulated (eg, through crushing) for enteral tube administration.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center review of patients who received crushed letermovir tablets administered via enteral tube for at least 7 days, between April 2018 and August 2023. Data collection focused on demographics, transplant history, treatment characteristics associated with letermovir, and diagnosis of CMV viremia or disease.

Results

Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria for the review and received crushed letermovir for a median of 19 days (range, 7 to 42 days). All patients were on letermovir as CMV prophylaxis, the majority of whom were lung transplant recipients. On the basis of CMV serostatus at the time of transplantation, 50% of patients were classified as being at high risk and the other 50% were in the intermediate-risk category for CMV disease. One patient developed low-level viremia with a CMV viral load of 254 IU/mL. No patients developed CMV infection or disease while receiving crushed letermovir.

Conclusion

On the basis of this case series, manipulation of letermovir immediate-release tablets was proven to be safe and effective for patients. Crushing letermovir for administration via enteral tube should be considered as an option for patients who cannot tolerate administration via the oral route.
Do job demands and resources differ between permanent and temporary eldercare workers in Sweden?
Authors: Lögdal Nestor , Svensson Sven , Jackson Jennie , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Bergström Gunnar , Hallman David M
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Eldercare organizations face high sickness absence rates and staff turnover and rely heavily on temporary workers to fill staffing gaps. Temporary workers may experience differences in job demands and resources compared with permanent workers, but this has been largely understudied.

Objective

To compare perceived job demands and resources between permanent and temporary Swedish eldercare workers.

Methods

Permanent and temporary eldercare workers in a Swedish municipality were invited to answer a digital survey on work environment conditions. Differences between permanent and temporary workers in job demands and resources were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance adjusted for age, sex, place of birth, and percent of full-time work and univariate analyses were conducted to consider differences in specific factors.

Results

A total of 1076 permanent and 675 temporary workers received the survey, and the final study sample included 451 permanent and 151 temporary workers. Multivariate analyses revealed that temporary workers reported statistically significant lower job demands compared to permanent workers, but no statistically significant differences in resources were found between the groups. Univariate analyses showed that temporary workers reported lower quantitative demands, perceived exertion, and time spent bending forward, than permanent workers. These data suggest comparable support across groups, but a higher workload among permanent workers.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that temporary workers experienced lower job demands than permanent workers, but that no notable difference was found in resources. Interventions aimed at distributing job demands more evenly among eldercare workers with different employment forms may be necessary.
Identification of linalool disaccharide glycoside (linalyl β-vicianoside) in soybean leaves and its implication for herbivore resistance
Authors: Ntoruru Juliano Mwenda , Osawa Tsukiho , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Matsui Kenji
Published: October 2024

Linalool is anticipated to have significant ecological roles. In this study, linalyl 6-O-α-arabinopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (linalyl β-vicianoside: LinVic) was synthesized, and a linalool diglycoside purified from soybean leaves was identified as LinVic by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. High levels of LinVic were detected in leaves and sepals during soybean plant growth. The LinVic content did not significantly increase following methyl jasmonate treatment of the leaves, indicating that its synthesis is independent of the jasmonic acid signaling pathway. In addition to LinVic, soybean also contains 1-octen-3-yl primeveroside. We treated soybean leaves with vaporized linalool and 1-octen-3-ol to determine whether the glycosylation system discriminates between these 2 volatile alcohols. Linalool treatment resulted in the accumulation of LinVic, while 1-octen-3-ol treatment caused little change in the amount of 1-octen-3-yl primeveroside, suggesting discrimination between these compounds. Linalool-treated soybean leaves exhibited increased resistance against common cutworms, indicating that LinVic may contribute to herbivore resistance.
Novel compound, pleuropyronine, and other polyketides isolated from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus suppress bacterial biofilm formation
Authors: De Padua Jewel C , Kikuchi Takashi , Sakakibara Futa , De Leon Angeles M , Bungihan Melfei E , Ueno Kotomi , dela Cruz Thomas Edison E , Ishihara Atsushi
Published: October 2024

An increase in the number of drug-resistant microbes is a major threat to human health. Bacterial drug resistance is mostly mediated by biofilm formation. In this study, the culture filtrate from the edible mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, was fractionated to isolate compounds that inhibit the biofilm formation of six pathogenic bacteria. Notably, we isolated compounds 1-6 using bioassay-guided chromatographic separations. Spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction analyses identified 1 as a novel fused bicyclic pyrone-furan, named pleuropyronine, whereas 2-6 were known polyketides. Pleuropyronine inhibited biofilm formation in four Gram-negative bacteria, with IC50 values ranging from 5.4 to 8.7 µg/mL, whereas 2-6 exhibited IC50 values between 1.0 and 5.3 µg/mL against five bacteria. Additionally, pleuropyronine bioactivity was confirmed by the inhibition of exopolysaccharide and biofilm formation induced by C6-homoserine lactone. Thus, this may serve as a pioneering study on the pharmacological potential of isolated compounds, offering valuable insights for future research.
Building multiscale models with PhysiBoSS, an agent-based modeling tool
Authors: Ruscone Marco , Checcoli Andrea , Heiland Randy , Barillot Emmanuel , Macklin Paul , Calzone Laurence , Noël Vincent
Published: October 2024

Multiscale models provide a unique tool for analyzing complex processes that study events occurring at different scales across space and time. In the context of biological systems, such models can simulate mechanisms happening at the intracellular level such as signaling, and at the extracellular level where cells communicate and coordinate with other cells. These models aim to understand the impact of genetic or environmental deregulation observed in complex diseases, describe the interplay between a pathological tissue and the immune system, and suggest strategies to revert the diseased phenotypes. The construction of these multiscale models remains a very complex task, including the choice of the components to consider, the level of details of the processes to simulate, or the fitting of the parameters to the data. One additional difficulty is the expert knowledge needed to program these models in languages such as C++ or Python, which may discourage the participation of non-experts. Simplifying this process through structured description formalisms—coupled with a graphical interface—is crucial in making modeling more accessible to the broader scientific community, as well as streamlining the process for advanced users. This article introduces three examples of multiscale models which rely on the framework PhysiBoSS, an add-on of PhysiCell that includes intracellular descriptions as continuous time Boolean models to the agent-based approach. The article demonstrates how to construct these models more easily, relying on PhysiCell Studio, the PhysiCell Graphical User Interface. A step-by-step tutorial is provided as Supplementary Material and all models are provided at https://physiboss.github.io/tutorial/.
Basosquamous carcinoma: a survey study on current management in the UK
Authors: Potluru Aparna , Woo Pick N , Teo Daryl , McKiernan Michael V
Published: October 2024

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare, aggressive nonmelanoma skin cancer with overlapping features of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, often requiring histopathological analysis for accurate diagnosis. Our study surveyed UK dermatologists on their management practices for BSC, revealing significant variability in disease categorization, treatment approaches and follow-up protocols, with a noted lack of standardized guidelines. The findings of this study underscore the need for prospective studies and the development of treatment guidelines to improve the management of BSC.
The German Epidemiological Hemodialysis Itch Study (GEHIS): 10-year follow-up of pruritus and health-related quality of life in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Bentz Philipp , Kaplan Mustafa , Simontowsky Lara , Weisshaar Elke
Published: October 2024

Chronic pruritus (CP) in patients on haemodialysis (HD) is a phenomenon that is difficult to control. While some drugs, such as difelikefalin, showed promising results in the reduction of CP, others failed. The German Epidemiological Hemodialysis Itch Study (GEHIS) is a representative, prospective cross-sectional observational cohort study of 860 patients on HD, which began in 2013. It addresses the prevalence and associated factors of CP, such as health-related quality of life, in patients on HD.
Unilateral heliotrope rash: first sign of paraneoplastic anti-TIF1γ dermatomyositis
Authors: Antunes-Duarte Sofia , Mancha Dora , Brazão Cláudia , Sun Lanyu , Pereira da Costa Roberto , Campanilho-Marques Raquel , Romeu José Carlos , Santos Tiago , de Vasconcelos Pedro , Soares-de-Almeida Luís , Filipe Paulo
Published: October 2024

Unilateral heliotrope rash is a potential, eventually sole, manifestation of dermatomyositis (DM).

The detection of anti-TIF1γ autoantibodies is a valuable tool for identifying patients with DM with a higher risk of cancer, warranting comprehensive screening, and aiding the diagnosis of DM with atypical clinical presentations.
Risk of suicide and suicidality in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: results from the British Association of Dermatologists Biologics and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR)
Authors: Williams Kerry , Lada Georgia , Reynolds Nick J , Mcelhone Kathleen , Evans Ian , Warren Richard B , Walton Shernaz , Hughes Olivia , Bewley Anthony , Mason Kayleigh , Kleyn C Elise
Published: October 2024

Background

Psoriasis is associated with poor mental health and reduced quality of life. Although the high risk for depression in patients with psoriasis is well established, the suicidality risk among these patients is uncertain. Previous studies provide contrasting results and have not included patients with clinically confirmed severe disease.

Objectives

To determine the risk of suicide among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and to compare it with that of the general population, and to investigate if psychiatric comorbidity or history of suicidality increases future suicidality risk in psoriasis. We further estimated the incidence of suicidal and self-injurious behaviours in patients.

Methods

Analysis was performed using the British Association of Dermatologists Biologics and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR). General population mortality and suicide data were used as controls.

Results

There were nine suicides in BADBIR. The incidence rate of suicide was 12.5 per 100 000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.53–24.11] in BADBIR vs. 11.0 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 10.7–11.3) in the general population in England and Wales. Among patients, psychiatric comorbidity or past suicidality was associated with a higher risk for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and self-injurious behaviours.

Conclusions

The suicide rate among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis was not significantly higher when compared with the general population. Suicide is a rare event and our results are limited by uncertainty about the reliability of the estimate. However, considering the high depression prevalence in psoriasis, our findings support the need for prompt assessment of patients for psychiatric comorbidities and suicidality history. Further research is required on suicidal behaviours and the role of psoriasis severity.
Acne-related quality of life and mental health among adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Dumont Shireen , Lorthe Elsa , Loizeau Andrea , Richard Viviane , Nehme Mayssam , Posfay-Barbe Klara M , Barbe Rémy P , Toutous Trellu Laurence , Stringhini Silvia , Guessous Idris , Dumont Roxane ,   the SEROCoV-KIDS study group, Azman Andrew S , Bal Antoine , Barbe Rémy P , Baysson Hélène , Bouchet Aminata R , D’Ippolito Paola , Dumont Roxane , El Merjani Nacira , Pennacchio Francesco , Francioli Natalie , Guessous Idris , Harnal Séverine , Lamour Julien , L’Huillier Arnaud G , Loizeau Andrea , Lorthe Elsa , Martinez Chantal , Mechoullam Shannon , Nehme Mayssam , Posfay-Barbe Klara M , Poulain Géraldine , Pugin Caroline , Pullen Nick , Richard Viviane , Rochat Deborah , Samir Khadija , Schrempft Stephanie , Stringhini Silvia , Testini Stéphanie , Rivas Deborah Urrutia , Uppal Anshu , Verolet Charlotte , Villers Jennifer , Violot Guillemette , Zaballa María-Eugenia
Published: October 2024

Background

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide among adolescents. Beyond its physical manifestations, acne can leave invisible psychological scars.

Objectives

We aimed to examine the protective and risk factors of acne-related quality of life and its association with mental health outcomes.

Methods

The analysis included data collected in 2023 from adolescents enrolled in the SEROCoV-KIDS population-based cohort. By combining the Acne Severity and Acne-Specific Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) scales, the following three groups were established: Acne-LowAQoL (adolescents with acne and low acne-related quality of life), Acne-HighAQoL and NoAcne-HighAQoL. We used multinomial and logistic regression to assess the association between health behaviours and mental health outcomes in these groups.

Results

Among 335 adolescents [mean age 16.1 years (SD 1.8), 56% female sex], 65 (19.4%) reported experiencing acne while maintaining a high Acne-QoL, 26 (7.7%) reported having acne and a low Acne-QoL, and 244 (72.9%) reported having nearly no acne. Low engagement in physical activity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12–0.77], addictive use of social media (aOR 3.78, 95% CI 1.60–8.96), and prolonged screen time (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.26–7.08) were independently associated with Acne-LowAQoL. Conversely, those from the group, Acne-HighAQoL, reported higher social support (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.07–3.54). Adolescents with Acne-LowAQoL showed lower levels of self-esteem, resilience and increased psychological distress.

Conclusions

Among adolescents with acne, physical activity and social support were positively associated with good acne-related quality of life, which translated into better mental health. In contrast, screen time and social media use notably worsened mental health. Dermatologists should incorporate these considerations into clinical practice to ensure effective patient care.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare
Authors: Sutton Jonathan E , Qureshi Usama , White Nicholas , Body Samantha , Byrom Richard , Bateman Adrian C , Pearson Ian C
Published: October 2024

A man in his twenties, of Gambian descent, was admitted with abdominal pain and a long history of pruritic nodules progressing from his arms, back, neck and ultimately his lower extremities. Pleomorphic, umbilicated and eroded papulonodules of varying stages of evolution were present, with porcelain-white atrophic centres. Computed tomography of his abdomen indicated a bowel perforation. An exploratory laparotomy revealed white serosal plaques throughout the bowel. He subsequently experienced three further bowel perforations within 1 month, complicated by anastomotic dehiscence, fistulation and secondary peritonitis. Histological examination of the bowel and skin showed obliterative intimal arteriopathy, histiocytes, thrombi and perforation throughout the tissue specimen.
Tixagevimab–cilgavimab for preventing breakthrough COVID-19 in dialysis patients: a prospective study
Authors: Boongird Sarinya , Srithongkul Thatsaphan , Sethakarun Sethanant , Bruminhent Jackrapong , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Nongnuch Arkom , Kitiyakara Chagriya , Sritippayawan Suchai
Published: October 2024

Background

The effectiveness of tixagevimab–cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in dialysis patients remains uncertain due to limited data.

Methods

In this multicenter prospective study, we enrolled vaccinated dialysis patients and divided them into two groups: a tixagevimab–cilgavimab group (received a 150 mg/150 mg intramuscular dose of tixagevimab–cilgavimab) and a control group (age-matched patients not receiving tixagevimab–cilgavimab). The primary outcome was the breakthrough COVID-19 rate at 6 months, whereas secondary outcomes included COVID-19-related hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, endotracheal intubation and mortality. The safety of tixagevimab–cilgavimab was assessed.

Results

Two hundred participants were enrolled, with equal numbers in each group (n = 100 each). Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups, except for a higher number of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the tixagevimab–cilgavimab group [median (IQR) 4 (3–5) vs. 3 (3–4); P = .01]. At 6 months, the breakthrough COVID-19 rates were comparable between the tixagevimab–cilgavimab (17%) and control (15%) groups (P = .66). However, the median (IQR) time to diagnosis of breakthrough infections tended to be longer in the tixagevimab–cilgavimab group [4.49 (2.81–4.98) vs 1.96 (1.65–2.91) months; P = .08]. Tixagevimab–cilgavimab significantly reduced COVID-19-related hospitalization rates (5.9% vs 40.0%; P = .02) among participants with breakthrough infections. All tixagevimab–cilgavimab-related adverse events were mild.

Conclusion

The use of tixagevimab–cilgavimab as PrEP in vaccinated dialysis patients during the Omicron surge did not prevent breakthrough infections but significantly reduced COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Further research should prioritize alternative strategies.
On robust inference in time-series regression
Authors: Baillie Richard T , Diebold Francis X , Kapetanios George , Kim Kun Ho , Mora Aaron
Published: October 2024

Least squares regression with heteroskedasticity consistent standard errors (‘OLS-HC regression’) has proved very useful in cross-section environments. However, several major difficulties, which are generally overlooked, must be confronted when transferring the HC technology to time-series environments via heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent standard errors (‘OLS-HAC regression’). First, in plausible time-series environments, OLS parameter estimates can be inconsistent, so that OLS-HAC inference fails even asymptotically. Second, most economic time series have autocorrelation, which renders OLS parameter estimates inefficient. Third, autocorrelation similarly renders conditional predictions based on OLS parameter estimates inefficient. Finally, the structure of popular HAC covariance matrix estimators is ill-suited for capturing the autoregressive autocorrelation typically present in economic time series, which produces large size distortions and reduced power in HAC-based hypothesis testing, in all but the largest samples. We show that all four problems are largely avoided by the use of a simple and easily implemented dynamic regression procedure, which we call DURBIN. We demonstrate the advantages of DURBIN with detailed simulations covering a range of practical issues.
Seasonal activity and phoresy rates of Nitidulid beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) captured in stands with oak wilt infections in northern Michigan, USA
Authors: Morris Olivia R , Chahal Karandeep , Cregg Bert , Sharma Nancy , Wieferich James , Sakalidis Monique L , McCullough Deborah G
Published: October 2024

Nitidulid beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), the overland vectors of the Bretziella fagacearum fungus that causes oak wilt, were monitored in infection centers in Quercus rubra stands in northern Michigan, USA using baited, wind-oriented traps for 2 years. First nitidulid captures, accounting for <1.5% of total annual captures, occurred in late April in both years (<50 cumulative degree days [DDs]; base 10°C). A total of 1,188 and 735 beetles representing 19 and 18 species were captured in 2018 (18 traps; 3 sites) and 2019 (16 traps; 4 sites), respectively. Ground traps (1.5 m high) captured more beetles and species than traps on canopy branches of red oaks. Most nitidulids (81–86%) were captured in May and June, but frequent precipitation and cool spring temperatures extended activity into early July in 2019. In 2018, 336 beetles representing 12 species were screened for B. fagacearum spores, but only 20 beetles from 4 species bore viable spores. Mycelial mats on red oaks killed were 4-fold more abundant in 2019 than in 2018. Of the 225 beetles screened in 2019, 56 beetles representing 6 species had viable spores. Nearly all (96%) spore-bearing beetles in both years were captured in late May or June. In bimonthly xylem samples collected from healthy trees, large earlywood vessels, presumably more vulnerable to infection than latewood, were present from May to June in 2018 and until early July in 2019. Results are consistent with mid-May to mid-July high-risk periods designated in current state and regional guidelines for oak wilt management.
Phosphodiesterase 5 and its inhibitors with ischaemic heart disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis and a real-world study
Authors: Xiao Jun , Zhang Naiqi , Gao Ziting , Wei Yajing , Wei Hongye , Qiu Ziyi , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Ji Jianguang , Huang Wuqing
Published: October 2024

Background

Accumulating studies reported that several phosphodiesterases (PDEs) inhibitors might have cardiovascular benefits.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationship between genetically-predicted PDEs and ischaemia heart disease via drug target Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, and then examine the effect of inhibitors of identified target on the outcomes by using real-world data.

Methods and results

In the two-sample MR study, the expression of genes encoding PDEs was used to proxy the level of PDEs and available expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for each target gene were identified as the genetic instruments. The outcomes included coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). In the real-world study, a retrospective cohort was conducted to compare the incidence of outcomes between PDE5 inhibitors and alprostadil use by linking Swedish nationwide registers. MR analyses identified two types of PDEs, PDE5, and PDE8, genetically-predicted expression in blood of the encoded genes was significantly associated with the risk of CHD [odds ratio (OR)PDE5A = 1.22,95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.40; ORPDE8A = 1.26,95% CI = 1.07–1.49] and MI (ORPDE5A = 1.27,95% CI = 1.09–1.48; ORPDE8A = 1.24,95% CI = 1.04–1.48). Notably, the highest expression of PDE5A was observed in artery aorta, which was also positively related to CHD (OR = 1.17,95% CI = 1.05–1.32) and MI (OR = 1.15,95% CI = 1.02–1.30). Real-world study provided supportive evidence that as compared to alprostadil use, PDE5 inhibitors use significantly reduced the incidence of CHD (adjusted HR = 0.70,95% CI = 0.66–0.73) and MI (adjusted HR = 0.79,95% CI = 0.73–0.84).

Conclusion

This study provided observational and genetic evidence about the protective role of PDE5 inhibition against ischaemic heart disease, indicating the potential of these drugs to be repurposed for ischemia heart disease prevention and treatment.
Genetic structure and common ancestry expose the dingo-dog hybrid myth
Authors: Weeks Andrew R , Kriesner Peter , Bartonicek Nenad , van Rooyen Anthony , Cairns Kylie M , Ahrens Collin W
Published: October 2024

The evolutionary history of canids has been shown to be complex, with hybridization and domestication confounding our understanding of speciation among various canid lineages. The dingo is a recent canid lineage that was completely isolated from other canids for over 5000 years on the Australian mainland, but the introduction of domestic dogs in 1788 has placed doubt on its independence, with recent studies highlighting hybridization between dingoes and domestic dogs. Using genomic single nucleotide polymorphism data from 434 Australian canid samples, we explicitly test for introgression between closely related canid groups and dingoes. We found no evidence of introgression between dingoes and domestic dogs and show that previous work has likely mischaracterized shared ancestral genetic variation as evidence for hybridization. Further, New Guinea Singing Dogs are the only canid group that significantly shared genetic variation with dingoes, which fits with our understanding of previous phylogenetic analyses. Despite more recent sympatric distributions with dogs, dingoes have likely maintained their independence since their arrival in Australia, even in areas with high lethal control, indicating that their evolutionary trajectory is currently being conserved. The future conservation of the dingo lineage will require policies that promote coexistence pathways between humans and dingoes that protect rangeland systems and the dingoes’ evolutionary future.
Adoption, acceptance, and use of a decision support tool to promote timely investigations for cancer in primary care
Authors: Chima Sophie , Hunter Barbara , Martinez-Gutierrez Javiera , Lumsden Natalie , Nelson Craig , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Emery Jon
Published: October 2024

Background

The complexities of diagnosing cancer in general practice has driven the development of quality improvement (QI) interventions, including clinical decision support (CDS) and auditing tools. Future Health Today (FHT) is a novel QI tool, consisting of CDS at the point-of-care, practice population-level auditing, recall, and the monitoring of QI activities.

Objectives

Explore the acceptability and usability of the FHT cancer module, which flags patients with abnormal test results that may be indicative of undiagnosed cancer.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs), from practices participating in a randomized trial evaluating the appropriate follow-up of patients. Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory (CP-FIT) was used to analyse and interpret the data.

Results

The majority of practices reported not using the auditing and QI components of the tool, only the CDS which was delivered at the point-of-care. The tool was used primarily by GPs; GPNs did not perceive the clinical recommendations to be within their role. For the CDS, facilitators for use included a good workflow fit, ease of use, low time cost, importance, and perceived knowledge gain. Barriers for use of the CDS included accuracy, competing priorities, and the patient population.

Conclusions

The CDS aligned with the clinical workflow of GPs, was considered non-disruptive to the consultation and easy to implement into usual care. By applying the CP-FIT theory, we were able to demonstrate the key drivers for GPs using the tool, and what limited the use by GPNs.
Improving the Z3EV promoter system to create the strongest yeast promoter
Authors: Higuchi Rina , Fujita Yuri , Namba Shotaro , Moriya Hisao
Published: October 2024

Promoters for artificial control of gene expression are central tools in genetic engineering. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a variety of constitutive and controllable promoters with different strengths have been constructed using endogenous gene promoters, synthetic transcription factors and their binding sequences, and artificial sequences. However, there have been no attempts to construct the highest strength promoter in yeast cells. In this study, by incrementally increasing the binding sequences of the synthetic transcription factor Z3EV, we were able to construct a promoter (P36) with ~1.4 times the strength of the TDH3 promoter. This is stronger than any previously reported promoter. Although the P36 promoter exhibits some leakage in the absence of induction, the expression induction by estradiol is maintained. When combined with a multicopy plasmid, it can express up to ~50% of total protein as a heterologous protein. This promoter system can be used to gain knowledge about the cell physiology resulting from the ultimate overexpression of excess proteins and is expected to be a useful tool for heterologous protein expression in yeast.
Research progress in the climate change vulnerability of urban forests
Authors: Xing Xiaoyi , Jiang Yarong , Li Song , Yang Lin , Zhang Li , Zhu Wenli
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the escalating threats of climate change, characterized by a surge in both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, along with ongoing global warming, have presented unprecedented challenges to urban forests worldwide. To bolster climate adaptation and the eco-functional sustainability of urban forests, there is an urgent need for more scholarly attention toward the climate change vulnerability (CCV) of urban forests. This paper provides a comprehensive review of global research progress regarding the CCV of urban forests, aiming to raise global awareness in this field and offer theoretical foundation and insights for subsequent studies. The synthesis of pertinent literature indicates that prior research works were mainly centered in North America, Australia, and China, focusing on the CCV assessment of urban tree species (including the evaluation of potential impacts, adaptive capacity, and participatory assessment), ecosystem vulnerability assessment of urban forests, and exploring the influence of urban environment on the CCV of urban trees. Despite the increasing scientific interest in this field since 2006, some limitations and research gaps remain, warranting further investigation. These gaps include insufficient field-data support and validation in the CCV assessment of tree species, inadequate exploration on the vulnerability of functions and ecological processes in ecosystem-level research, lack of incorporation of trees’ below-ground processes in vulnerability assessments, and unclear multifaceted impact mechanism of urban habitats on the CCV of urban trees, which suggest promising avenues for future research. Addressing these gaps is imperative to advance our comprehension of this research domain.
Forecasting future earthquakes with deep neural networks: application to California
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhan Chengxiang , Huang Qinghua , Sornette Didier
Published: October 2024

We use the spatial map of the logarithm of past estimated released earthquake energies as input of fully convolutional networks (FCN) to forecast future earthquakes. This model is applied to California and compared with an elaborated version of the epidemic type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model. Our long-term earthquake forecast simulations show that the FCN model is close to the ETAS model in forecasting earthquakes with $M \ge 3.0,\,\,4.0,\,\,{\rm{and\,\,}}5.0$ according to the Molchan diagram. Moreover, training and implementing the FCN model is 2000–4000 times faster than calibrating the ETAS model and generating its probabilistic forecasts. The FCN model is straightforward in terms of its neural network structure and feature engineering. It does not require extensive knowledge of statistical seismology or the analysis of earthquake catalogue completeness. Using the earthquake catalogue with $M \ge 0$ as FCN input can enhance the model's performance in some time–magnitude forecasting windows.
Extending Statutory Protection to Action Short of Dismissal for Participating in Industrial Action: The Supreme Court on the Right to Strike in Secretary of State for Business and Trade v Mercer
Authors: Sanders Astrid
Published: October 2024

The Supreme Court in Mercer v Secretary of State for Business and Trade found there was a violation of the right to strike, under article 11 ECHR, when there is no legal protection against detriment short of dismissal for taking part in industrial action. Section 146 Trade Union Labour Relations Consolidation Act (‘TULRCA’) 1992, as currently construed, does not cover this situation. While the Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeal that it would not be appropriate to use section 3 Human Rights Act (‘HRA’) 1998 to re-interpret section 146 TULRCA in a Convention-compliant way; unlike the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court issued a rare declaration of incompatibility under section 4 HRA. It is suggested in this note that Mercer is significant for two main reasons. First and foremost, Mercer is significant for the Supreme Court’s recognition of, and finding of, a violation of, the right to strike. Second, Mercer contributes to the wider debate about the interplay between sections 3 and 4 HRA. The final part of the note reflects on the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Strasbourg case law whereby the Court in Mercer found article 11 ECHR requires stricter protection in this respect for public authority workers.
Systems Vaccinology: Navigating the Future of Personalized Immunity and Next-Generation Vaccines
Authors: Dib Serena Maria , Wimalasena Sonia , Graciaa Daniel S , Rouphael Nadine
Published: October 2024

Systems vaccinology integrates a range of “omics” technologies to identify key immune signatures and enhance vaccine development. This approach aids in understanding variations in immune responses, driven by genetics, health status, and the microbiome. Consequently, systems vaccinology helps pave the way for personalized vaccination strategies, essential for addressing diverse populations.
JunB is required for CD8+ T cell responses to acute infections
Authors: Sarkar Shukla , Taira Naoyuki , Hsieh Tsung-Han , Chien Hsiao-Chiao , Hirota Masato , Koizumi Shin-ichi , Sasaki Daiki , Tamai Miho , Seto Yu , Miyagi Mio , Ishikawa Hiroki
Published: October 2024

Basic-leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like (BATF) and interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) are crucial transcription factors for the generation of cytotoxic effector and memory CD8+ T cells. JunB is required for expression of genes controlled by BATF and IRF4 in CD4+ T cell responses, but the role of JunB in CD8+ T cells remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that JunB is essential for cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses. JunB expression is transiently induced, depending on the T cell receptor signal strength. JunB deficiency severely impairs the clonal expansion of effector CD8+ T cells in response to acute infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Junb-deficient CD8+ T cells fail to control transcription and chromatin accessibility of a specific set of genes regulated by BATF and IRF4, resulting in impaired cell survival, glycolysis, and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell differentiation. Furthermore, JunB deficiency enhances the expression of co-inhibitory receptors, including programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM3) upon activation of naive CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that JunB, in collaboration with BATF and IRF4, promotes multiple key events in the early stage of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses.
Aesthetics as Philosophy of Art, or Hegel’s Reconciliation of Kantian Dualism
Authors: Siani Alberto L
Published: October 2024

Despite the extraordinary influence of Hegel’s aesthetics, the very term “aesthetics” features very seldom in his body of work. Considering both ongoing radical uncertainty as to the status of aesthetics as well as Hegel’s profound and persistent influence on aesthetics, it is worth reflecting on the reasons for, and potential alternatives to, Hegel’s use of the term “aesthetics.” This is the goal of this paper, which combines a reconstruction of Hegel’s variations on the topic with a broader perspective on what they can still teach us today. I begin by discussing Hegel’s presentations of the topic of his lectures on aesthetics (Section II). In Section III, I argue that both Hegel’s ambivalence towards aesthetics and his eventual identification of the latter with a philosophy of art are rooted in his confrontation with Kant’s seminal, yet insufficient, attempt to surmount dualism through his theory of reflective judgment. The attempt to address Kant’s unresolved dualism ultimately leads to the equivalence, both conceptual and terminological, of aesthetics and philosophy of art, and to the autonomy of art as a form of the absolute spirit (Section IV). In the concluding section, I outline the fundamental tensions left open by this equivalence as open challenges in contemporary aesthetics (Section V).
Effects of continuous and transgenerational rearing in peanut leaves on the performance and enzyme activity of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Yao Feng-Luan , Wu Yao-Yao , Zhou Shu-Jing , Ding Xue-Ling , Guan Zhi-Xiu , Lu Xue-Song , Zheng Yu , Ramirez-Romero Ricardo , Desneux Nicolas , Weng Qi-Yong , He Yu-Xian
Published: October 2024

The invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a polyphagous pest that significantly threatens crops worldwide. FAW may undergo adaptation, enhancing its ability to infect specific plant hosts. However, there is limited knowledge on this topic. After 8 generations of constant rearing on peanut leaves, the performance and enzyme activities of FAW were investigated in this study. Compared to FAW fed on the peanut cultivars ‘Fuhua 8’ and ‘Quanhonghua 1’ for 2 generations, those grown on leaves for 5 to 8 generations had significantly shorter pre-adult development times and total preoviposition periods. Fecundity also increased significantly, resulting in an overall improvement in population fitness as measured by demographic parameters. However, the F2 generation of FAW fed on corn leaves outperformed the F8 generation of FAW fed on peanut leaves. In the F2 generation, the FAW peanut population exhibited 30–55% supernumerary larval molts, which decreased substantially in the F5 and F8 generations. Notably, supernumerary larval molts displayed pupation and emergence rates comparable to normal larvae, regardless of the peanut cultivar or rearing generation. The activities of lipase and acetylcholinesterase increased significantly from the F2 to F8 generations, showing substantial negative and positive correlations with larval development time and fecundity, respectively. In conclusion, FAW demonstrated inferior performance on peanut leaves compared to corn leaves, despite its performance was significantly improved after 5 to 8 generations of acclimation. These results suggest that corn will continue to be the primary target crop for FAW in China.
Maize plants can recover from fall armyworm damage under optimum crop production conditions in humid tropical agro-ecologies
Authors: Abang Albert Fomumbod , Nanga Nanga Samuel , Agbodzavu Mawufe Komi , Kuate Fotso Apollin , Suh Christopher , Masso Cargele , Bamba Zoumana , Fiaboe Komi Kouma Mokpokpo
Published: October 2024

Farmers in Africa perceive the impact of fall armyworm (FAW) on maize to be significant, but field assessments have shown that yield losses are not significant enough to warrant pesticide interventions. This suggests that relationships between the crop stages, time, and duration of attack can affect the yield. Therefore, assessing the plant’s recovery from damage using individual plants based on defoliation levels could guide whether and when pesticides should be applied. To study this, we selected 120 labeled maize plants corresponding to six levels of FAW defoliation, replicated 20 times, based on an initial damage rating. The rating scale ranged from 1 (no defoliation) to 5 (>75% defoliation) during four planting seasons. Plants with a rating scale of 1 were replicated and treated with a chemical insecticide to keep them undefoliated, and that served as a control. Damage severity was recorded weekly on all plants, starting from emergence until maturity, using the same damage rating scale. Results showed that damage severity varied significantly among different defoliation levels during all seasons. Higher levels of defoliation during dry seasons resulted in significant yield loss only for plants with damage levels 4 and 5, with damage severity ranging from 38.7% to 57.5%. These results indicate that FAW control is unnecessary in the rainy season. In contrast, pesticide interventions should be envisaged in seasons of erratic rainfall, with a significant defoliation threshold level of around 50%, occurring at 8 and 5 wk after planting weeks after planting, respectively for the early and late dry season.
How do termite baits work? implication of subterranean termite colony demography on the successful implementation of baits
Authors: Chouvenc Thomas
Published: October 2024

In 1995, the launch of the first commercial chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait led to the transformation of the subterranean termite control industry around the world. Their slow mode of action, which relies on both their ability to be transferred among nestmates and termite molting biology, has made them cost-effective solutions for subterranean termite colony elimination while minimizing the introduction of pesticides into the soil toward an environmentally sustainable strategy. However, despite successful commercial implementations, the acceptance of their use varies within the pest control industry around the world. Notably, the nuanced complexity of how CSI baits lead to colony elimination upon feeding by termite foragers has, in part, remained elusive for the past 3 decades, allowing for long-lasting misconceptions to persist. A recent series of studies has since provided complementary elements of understanding how CSI baits utilize termites’ inherent colony demography, behavior, and physiology to trigger colony elimination after a characteristic succession of events within the colony collapse process. I here provide a synthetic overview of subterranean termite colony characteristics when exposed to CSI baits using Coptotermes (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Heterotermitidae) as a primary model system. The changes in colony demography through the colony collapse reflect how the mode of action of CSI baits makes them a prime solution for sustainable subterranean termite pest management. Following decades of innovation, ongoing interactions among termite researchers, bait product manufacturers, and pest management providers must continue to bring solutions to existing and emerging termite pest problems around the world.
Musk and Ambergris Aphrodisiacs in the Premodern Intercultural Origins of Endocrine Pharmacy
Authors: Moore Alison M Downham
Published: October 2024

This article explores the historical uses of two animal medicines that are understood in current biomedicine to have potential endocrine activity: deer musk and whale ambergris, which were prized as aphrodisiacs in the early-modern world. It diverges from the focus in existing scholarship on nineteenth-century gonadal organotherapy as the precursor for the modern discovery of the sex-steroid hormones, looking instead at the older examples of deer musk and whale ambergris that were commonly prescribed both in medieval Islamicate and early-modern European Christianate medical sources. The early-modern Latin, French, German and English description of these substances as fertility, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenative remedies indicates a direct exchange of pharmacological concepts and substances relating to the human sexual and reproductive systems between Europe and the Middle East from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The article explores how musk and ambergris were used in early-modern Western medicine, and how knowledge of them circulated across cultures. I argue that musk and ambergris, which were both thought to have effects on vitality, fertility, and potency in medieval Middle Eastern and early-modern European traditions, trouble the view of the origins of sex-steroid hormone endocrinology as deriving purely from modern European gonadal opotherapy. The valuing of these substances as fertility, vitality, and aphrodisiac remedies in the work of early-modern European physicians was indicative of both the globalization of medical knowledge, and an increased commercial trade in pharmacological material goods, confirming the view of medical globalization as a multi-directional historical process constituted in both conceptual and material terms.