bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Three Different Surgical Treatments in Late Stage Kienböck's Disease
Authors: Özdemir Ferdi , Özdeş Hüseyin Utku , Karakaplan Mustafa , Ergen Emre , Aslantürk Okan , Balıkçı Çiçek İpek , Ertem Kadir
Published: February 2025

Objective Different treatment options exist for the late-stage Kienböck disease (KD). The functional outcomes of patients undergoing scaphocapitate fusion (SCF), tendon ball arthroplasty (TBA), and radius metaphyseal core decompression in stages 3 to 4 KD were investigated.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study spanning ∼11 years, conducted at our clinic, involving the operated patient KD. The study included 51 patients with an average follow-up duration of 68 months (range: 16–130 months). Patients who underwent SCF, TBA, and radius metaphyseal core decompression were divided into three groups based on the surgical approach. The range of motion of the wrist joint and grip strength of the operated wrists were assessed alongside the unaffected wrist during follow-up evaluations. Satisfaction levels among patients were measured by comparing groups internally and based on disease stages. Functional outcomes were evaluated using quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) and Mayo wrist scoring scales.

Results Of the patients, 28 were female (54.9%) and 23 were male (45.1%). The mean age was 34 years (range: 19–62 years). There were 12 patients (23.53%) in the radial decompression group, 10 patients (19.61%) in the SCF group, and 29 patients (56.86%) in the TBA group. When the wrist joint Range of motion (ROM)s are analyzed, the losses in both stages 3A and 3B disease are significant compared with the intact wrist in all three surgical methods. When the groups were compared, a higher loss of wrist joint ROM was observed in the TBA group, especially in Kienböck stage 3B patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there were no differences between patient scores in stage 3A when assessments were made using Q-DASH and Mayo scores (p = 0.156 for Q-DASH and p = 0.060 for Mayo). In stage 3B, Mayo's results were similar, while the radial decompression group was reported to be more favorable in terms of Q-DASH scores (p = 0.035).

Conclusion KD is surgically treated with various operations identified. In terms of functional outcomes, all three surgeries are considered satisfactory. However, in young and active patients, even in advanced stages of the disease, metaphyseal core decompression should be attempted as an initial treatment due to its easier approach and the avoidance of direct manipulation of the carpus.
The ‘inclusion’ of civil society in the Organization of African Unity
Authors: Oduro Alfred , Shibaike Takumi
Published: February 2025

An increasing number of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have established participatory mechanisms for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Although affiliation with an IGO has been widely accepted as a source of NGO legitimacy, there have been few systematic efforts to investigate the mechanism of the institutional legitimation of NGOs. We investigate African NGOs affiliated with the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to examine whether the rational-legal authority of IGOs is sufficient for the institutional legitimation of NGOs. We conducted a mini-case study as well as a longitudinal statistical analysis of African NGOs. We find evidence that the OAU affiliation status negatively impacted the growth of African NGOs. We conclude that the OAU used its affiliation status to invite ‘friends’ of state leaders instead of supporting the bottom-up voice of African civil society. Our study suggests that an IGO’s rational-legal authority is not enough for NGO legitimacy, but the institutional legitimation of NGOs may require substantive democratic deliberation.
Primary care must transform
Authors: Robb Kyle
Published: February 2025

Disclaimer

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
Well-being, procreative reasons and normative background conditions
Authors: Tamras Ramiel
Published: February 2025

In this paper, I argue that we can get surprisingly far in vindicating common intuitions about population ethics without assuming that the well-being of those we could create gives us moral reasons for or against creating them. According to the account I sketch, rather than generating procreative reasons, facts about our potential offspring’s well-being serve as normative background conditions – they enable, disable or modify the strength of independent reasons we might have to procreate. It is unclear whether the account can capture everything many of us want to say about population ethics. But, whatever the answer, the point remains that background conditions are a powerful and underappreciated tool in population ethics.
Perspectives of Ecosocial Practice in Human Services: An International Comparison between Finland and Australia
Authors: Nöjd Taija , Boetto Heather , Bowles Wendy , Närhi Kati , Cordoba Pushkar Sebastian , Ramsay Sylvia , Shephard Monique , Kannasoja Sirpa
Published: February 2025

This article reports on research in Finland and Australia exploring the similarities and differences between Finnish and Australian human service professionals’ perspectives about ecosocial practice. Surveys consisting of quantitative questions were conducted in both countries, recruiting 542 Finnish participants and 277 Australian participants. Data from each country were analysed descriptively using SPSS software, and the results were compared. Findings indicated that participants in both countries believed that the natural environment and climate change are important at a personal level. However, differences emerged between countries at the professional level, with a higher proportion of Australian participants connecting environmental concerns with human services. Higher proportions of Australian participants also reported adverse impacts of climate change on the well-being of clients or service users. Similarly, Australian participants engaged with clients about ecosocial matters more often. In both countries, participants experienced a lack of support from organisations to facilitate ecosocial practice. These results indicate that, in Australia, a region particularly prone to environmental disasters, participants were more actively engaged in ecosocial practice. Regardless of the different social service systems, the need to challenge neoliberalism through structural reform within organisational, professional and policy domains is essential for enabling ecosocial practice.
The Social Work Public Perception Myth
Authors: Hanley Joe
Published: February 2025

Social workers in England consistently raise concerns that the public have a negative perception of them. In contrast, when the public are asked directly about their perceptions of social workers, they tend to be relatively positive. Within this context, this research undertook a genealogy of discourse looking at government policy texts from 2003 to 2023 to better understand how and why a discourse around negative public perception of social workers perpetuates. In total, twenty policy texts were analysed. The findings demonstrate that government policy texts consistently refer to a negative public perception of social workers and the need to address this. Most of these assertions are made with limited or no evidence. Despite this, they are frequently used to justify major reforms within the profession. After presenting these findings, the article looks in more depth at the research that does exist around the public perception of social workers in England. Linked research and literature related to media portrayals of social workers are also discussed. It is suggested that alongside justifying reforms, the discourse around the negative public perception of social workers acts to distract from other issues facing the profession, including working conditions, and to control social workers and reduce dissent.
Parenting is not easy in a racialized society: Decolonizing childcare practice
Authors: Weekes Arlene P , Ward Shirleecia
Published: February 2025

This study examines the harm and the disempowerment experienced by four Black Global Majority (BGM) mothers using Critical Race Feminism (CRF) theory lens. It considers the impact of entrenched Westernized mindsets and approaches related to ‘good enough’ parenting on BGM mothers in the UK by social workers. Conley outlines four elements of ‘good enough’ parenting: meeting children’s health and developmental needs, prioritizing children’s needs, providing routine and consistent care, and acknowledging problems while engaging with support services. Although the case studies illustrated no failure to meet these requirements, the researchers acknowledge the need for Children Services intervention but question the efficacy of the service they received and question the role of systemic racism in the interactions. The study noted systemic neglect and emotional abuse, with social workers engaging in defensive practices, leading to excessive disproportionality in experiences across ethnic groups and punitive interventions to address concerns. It highlights the challenges faced by BGM parents and emphasizes the need to decolonize childcare practices and the necessity of cultural humility. The papers findings and discussion should be utilized to enhance social work practice, better support BGM parents, and improve child outcomes.
Financialisation and intangible assets in emerging market economies: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Jibril Halima , Kaltenbrunner Annina , Kesidou Effie
Published: February 2025

Whereas previously scholars advocated a positive relationship between a growing size of the financial sector and economic growth, most recent evidence has shown that this might not be the case at all times. The financialisation literature has pointed to some of the mechanisms through which the increasing size and changing structure of the financial system might weigh negatively on growth through the changing financial relations of non-financial corporations (NFCs). This paper contributes to this debate on several grounds. First, rather than interrogating the relationship between finance and firms’ tangible investments, it focuses on firms’ intangible investments, arguably a sine-qua-non for innovativeness and productivity-enhancing structural change. Drawing on an emerging literature on intangible assets, innovation, and development studies, we highlight the important role of investment into intangible assets, in the context of developing economies. Second, by bringing together the literatures on access to finance, intangible assets, and financialisation, we delineate analytically three specific channels through which finance can affect intangible assets. Third, this is the first paper that tests empirically all three channels using the population of publicly listed manufacturing companies in an Emerging Market Economy, Brazil over the period 2011–2016. Our results confirm the potentially negative impact of financialisation on intangible assets through the crowding-out channel, that is, firm’s increased tendency to hold financial assets reduces intangible assets. Our findings also confirm the shareholder-value orientation channel, that is, firm’s payments of dividends reduce intangibles assets.
Kidney outcomes of malignant hypertension-associated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with and without IgA nephropathy: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Li Wenchuan , Lian Rong , Li Yuejiao , Lian Xingji , Dai Zefang , Zhong Zhong , Shi Wanxin , Wang Yiqin , Chen Wei , Li Jianbo , He Feng
Published: February 2025

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) can cause hypertension, and severe hypertension can exacerbate the progression of IgAN. However, the long-term kidney outcome of malignant hypertension (mHTN)-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) with IgAN is not well defined.

Methods

292 individuals with mHTN-associated TMA confirmed by kidney biopsy were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to adjust for clinical characteristics in the comparison between cases with and without IgAN. Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify risk factors associated with long-term kidney outcome.

Results

A total of 86 mHTN-associated TMA with IgAN patients were compared with 206 mHTN-associated TMA with non-IgAN patients. After PSM, 61 pairs of patients with mHTN-associated TMA were matched. The mHTN-associated TMA with IgAN patients exhibited significantly lower serum albumin, higher 24-hour proteinuria, and a higher ratio of global sclerosis than those with non-IgAN. mHTN-associated TMA with IgAN was independently associated with impaired kidney function recovery (hazard ratio (HR), 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.96, P = 0.038) compared with non-IgAN. This association remained significant after PSM (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17–0.99, P = 0.047). In addition, mHTN-associated TMA with IgAN was independently associated with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) compared with non-IgAN (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.38–3.88; P = 0.002). This difference remained significant after PSM comparison (HR, 2.38; 95%CI, 1.14–4.99; P = 0.021). In addition, mHTN-associated TMA with IgAN patients had a higher incidence of receiving KRT and a lower incidence of kidney function recovery with a 25% reduction in creatinine levels than in non-IgAN patients, regardless of intensive blood pressure control.

Conclusions

The long-term kidney outcomes for mHTN-associated TMA patients with concomitant IgAN are significantly poorer than that of patients with non-IgAN. Monitoring kidney pathological characteristics will aid management and risk assessment in early.
Offspring Educational Disadvantage and Parents’ Dementia Onset: Does the Educational Success of One Child Moderate the Educational Disadvantage of Another?
Authors: Yahirun Jenjira J , Applegate Jaycob S , Mossakowski Krysia N , Hayward Mark D
Published: February 2025

Objectives

A growing body of research examines how adult children’s education influences older parents’ cognitive health. Whereas prior studies tend to focus on educational advantage, this study seeks to understand how various measures of educational disadvantage are associated with parents’ dementia likelihood. In addition, we ask how the risks associated with one child’s educational disadvantage are shaped by a sibling’s educational success.

Methods

Using data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (2000-2018) and event history analyses, comparisons are made between measures of offspring educational disadvantage and their relationships with parents’ risk of dementia onset. In addition, analyses are conducted to understand whether the link between one child’s educational disadvantage and parental dementia onset is influenced by a sibling’s educational advantage.

Results

Educational disadvantage is associated with an increased risk of parental dementia onset, with a threshold measure for whether a parent had at least one child without a high school education providing the best model fit for the data. Moreover, the heightened risks associated with one child’s educational disadvantage are not offset by another sibling’s educational success.

Discussion

Children’s educational deficits are a hidden source of health disparities among older parents. Although scholars in recent years have rightly focused on the importance of offspring education, more attention should be paid to conceptualizing how educational disadvantage matters for parents and how the educational attainment of each child shapes parents’ cognitive health.
Radially anisotropic S-wave velocity structure of the upper mantle beneath NE China
Authors: Han Cunrui , Hammond James O S , Yu Weiqian , Wei Wei
Published: February 2025

The causes of intraplate volcanoes in northeastern (NE) China and, in particular, how asthenospheric upwelling interacts with the lithosphere remain poorly constrained. In this study, we use teleseismic data to measure the phase and group velocities of Rayleigh and Love waves, and invert for the shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy within the crust and uppermost mantle. Our results show that there are significant low-velocity anomalies and negative radial anisotropy to the northeast of Changbaishan, suggesting an asthenospheric melt reservoir. This is underlain by mantle upwelling, with regional lithospheric structure focusing melt beneath the volcano. In addition, our results show a high-velocity body in the mantle beneath the southwestern Songliao Basin. This exhibits negative radial anisotropy at its margins, suggesting vertical flow. We suggest that lithospheric delamination here may drive intraplate volcanism beneath the Great Xing'an range.
Malectin, an endoplasmic reticulum-resident lectin, promotes malignant behavior of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Dong , Ming-Fen Fu , Shao-Min Liu , Hai-Yang Yu , Xiao-Xiao Ge , Lei Zhang , Dan Hu , Sheng-Ying Qin
Published: February 2025

Accumulating evidences have shown that unfolded protein response (UPR) contributes to the increased survival of tumor cells under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions. Malectin is an ER-resident lectin that selectively traps misfolded glycoproteins in ER for degradation, and its expression is upregulated upon ER stress. However, contribution of malectin to malignant behavior of tumor has not been reported. Here, we revealed that malectin expression is aberrantly up-regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and HCC cell lines compared to their matched normal tissues and cell lines. Knockout of malectin in two HCC cell lines HepG2 and QGY-7703 using CRISPR-Cas9 technology had no obvious effects on cell proliferation, but significantly suppressed cell colony formation, migration and invasion. Consistently, subcutaneously implanted malectin-deficient HCC cells in nude mice also showed an obvious decrease in tumor growth. These results indicate that malectin might play an oncogenic role in HCC tumorigenesis and development.
Does gonadotoxic chemotherapy deplete the ovarian reserve through activation of primordial follicles?
Authors: Erden Murat , Oktay Kutluk H
Published: February 2025

Despite significant advances in fertility preservation, no proven pharmacological options exist to protect ovarian primordial follicle reserve from chemotherapy-induced damage. Developing targeted gonadoprotective treatments will require an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced primordial follicle depletion. While there is robust evidence that gonadotoxic chemotherapy induces primordial follicle death by causing DNA double-strand breaks which trigger apoptotic death, follicle activation leading to ‘burn-out’ of the ovarian reserve has been suggested as an alternative mechanism. Here, we critically evaluated whether primordial follicle activation is a significant mechanism of chemotherapy-induced ovarian reserve depletion in humans. We assessed the causal relationship between chemotherapy exposure and primordial follicle activation by applying the Bradford Hill criteria.
Research on power purchase risk measurement and grading evaluation of grid enterprises based on improved BWM–Cloud model under agency mode
Authors: Huang Qian , Jiang Ming , Bi Mingde , Xue Bing , Liu Tianchang , Zhou Yao
Published: February 2025

Grid enterprises need to assess the risk caused by multiple uncertainties such as market trading volume and price fluctuations when acting as a proxy for customers to purchase electricity in multitimescale electricity markets. To this end, this paper constructs a risk measurement and grading evaluation model for power grid agency power purchase. First of all, the multidimensional risks and corresponding risk uncertainty factors of grid agent power purchase participation in market transactions are analyzed. Based on this, a three-dimensional multilevel risk evaluation system is established to evaluate the risk of grid agent power purchase. Then, the risk values of the three-level indicators are calculated by the risk metric method and input as standardized values into the risk grading evaluation model constructed by the improved Best–Worst Method–Cloud (BWM–Cloud) model to evaluate the risk of the indicators. Finally, the simulation analysis is carried out through the actual data of power purchase by grid agents in province A of China. The results show that the risk evaluation model in this paper can effectively measure and evaluate the risk of power purchase by grid agents and can provide risk management references for the subsequent business of power purchase by grid companies.
Research on industry label recognition method based on RoBERTa driven by data
Authors: Wen You , Fan Xuan , Mo Pingyan
Published: February 2025

This study introduces an enhanced RoBERTa-based model, called Industry Aware RoBERTa (IA-RoBERTa), designed to improve the accuracy and generalization of industry label recognition. IA-RoBERTa innovatively integrates structured industry knowledge through a knowledge graph fusion approach, using multigranularity input representation and industry-aware self-attention mechanisms. Together, these features enhance the model’s ability to efficiently process and understand industry-specific information. In addition, IA-RoBERTa includes a layered industry classifier that expertly handles fine-grained and layered industry categories. Experimental evaluations of industry label recognition datasets show that IA-RoBERTa outperforms existing methods in terms of accuracy, F1 scores, and macro-average performance metrics.
Salmonella Infantis outbreak on six broiler units in Great Britain: investigation, epidemiology and control
Authors: Cawthraw Shaun , Wales Andrew , Guzinski Jaromir , Trew Jahcub , Ring Isaac , Huby Tom , Hussaini Arslan , Petrovska Liljana , Martelli Francesca
Published: February 2025

Aims

To describe the analysis, epidemiology and control of six contemporaneous and linked outbreaks of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Infantis on British broiler farms. S. Infantis is a potentially multidrug-resistant foodborne zoonosis and can persistently colonise poultry flocks and farms.

Methods and Results

Routine monitoring initially identified the organism, which was tracked to six farms associated with a single company. Extensive, repeat sampling identified wide-spread and in some cases persistent contamination. S. Infantis was also isolated from three associated processing factories and catching crew equipment, but not from associated hatcheries and feed mills. Whole genome sequencing and resistance phenotyping revealed one strain was present in the processing plants and on five farms. However, on one of those farms several highly genetically distinct strains were also detected, including one also found in one of the processing plants. The sixth farm had a strain that was genetically unrelated to strains collected from the other premises and which exhibited an extended spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype. Cleaning and disinfection were enhanced, and the organism was eventually cleared from all farms.

Conclusions

There were multiple incursions of varied strains, with a possible link to processing factories. Elimination of S. Infantis from premises can be challenging but achievable.
Urea treatment causes significant changes in microbial composition and associated metabolism of corn stover and rice straw
Authors: Bai Yongsong , Qiu Shengnan , Tang Yunmeng , Gao Feng , Mou Fangzheng , Zhou Daowei , Sun Haixia
Published: February 2025

Objective

Urea ammoniation is one of the more effective ways for straw feed utilization. Current research on urea ammoniation has focused on chemical reactions in the process of ammoniating straw, neglecting the microbial-driven process.

Methods

This study aims to examine the effects of 2% and 4% urea on bacteria and fungi and their metabolites and fermentation quality of corn stover and rice straw under 40% and 60% moisture conditions.

Results

4% urea ammoniation increased the total nitrogen content of corn stover and rice straw, and reduced the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin of rice straw. Lactic acid and acetic acid are produced during the urea ammonification process, and 2% urea treatment has the best promoting effect on it. 2% urea ammoniation also modified the composition of the Lactobacillales and increased the relative abundance of Enterococcus of corn stover and rice straw under 60% water, leading to changes in the main driving microbiota. Moreover, urea ammoniation can promote the metabolism of bacteria and fungi in degrading lignin, producing various lignin degradation products, such as vanillin, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, protocatechuic acid, sinapyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, etc.

Conclusion

Urea ammoniation is not only a chemical process, but also a microbial-driven process that involves changes in microbial composition and associated metabolism.
Effective Integration of Feedback in Breast Imaging: A “Guide for the Trainee”
Authors: Greenstein Joshua A , Sevenich Martha , Aripoli Allison
Published: February 2025

Receiving feedback can sometimes be difficult and uncomfortable but is an essential component of professional development in breast imaging. Trainees have an opportunity to leverage feedback in breast imaging by incorporating self-assessments, real-world patient outcomes, procedural feedback, patient interactions, and available audit data to build confidence and competency in residency and fellowship. We present strategies for seeking and receiving feedback with a growth mindset, including specific scenarios in breast imaging where trainees can incorporate feedback and maximize learning potential.
Contemporary Visions: Refiguring The Esoteric; The Transformational Act of “Making” Magic
Authors: Bellisario Sarah
Published: February 2025

This exploration examines the design and material culture of magical art, ritual practice, and esoteric objects. It includes discussion on the objects of both historical and contemporary folk traditions and occult practices such as votive offerings, building magic, and ritual deposits, and draws on the methodologies of bricolage and heuristic practices as a means of theoretical underpinning. The exploration also considers esoteric objects, artifacts, and folklore practices from Britain and Ireland and then re-examines these practices through the art and design of contemporary makers currently working in the UK. Taking a reflective approach to design history and using first-hand interviews and reflections on the methods of artists such as Lucy Wright, Sally Gilford, and Becky Brewis, this explorative paper will discuss how these modern makers are rethinking occult themes and redesigning esoteric artifacts from a personal and social perspective, whilst working towards a goal of community and connection for both themselves and their audiences.
Reduced survivorship, host preference, and feeding damage by Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cotton plants colonized by the endophyte Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)
Authors: Farrokhzadeh Hadi , Jaronski Stefan T , Rashed Arash
Published: February 2025

The GHA strain of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) is known to establish symbiotic relationships with some plant species. The present study was developed to determine whether the foliar application of B. bassiana-GHA and B. bassiana ANT-03, another commercial B. bassiana, results in the successful colonization of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and examine whether the endophyte can influence the survivorship and feeding damage by the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using polymerase chain reaction, colonization success by B. bassiana-GHA, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation was estimated at 83.3%, 100%, 91.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. The colonization success based on the mycelial outgrowth method was 41.7%, 66.7%, 58.3%, and 50%, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation, respectively. Beauveria bassiana ANT-03 did not colonize cotton. Corn earworms preferred untreated plants over the neonicotinoid and B. bassiana-GHA treatments. The B. bassiana ANT-03-treated plants and controls were not distinguished from one another by the corn earworms. The corn earworm survivorship was higher on the control plants, compared to plants treated with B. bassiana ANT-03, B. bassiana-GHA, and the neonicotinoid insecticide. The neonicotinoid insecticide, B. bassiana-GHA, and B. bassiana ANT-03 reduced corn earworm damage compared to the untreated controls. Our results demonstrated the potential for B. bassiana-GHA to be used as a biological control agent against H. zea in cotton.
Personality Traits and Cognitive Ability in Political Selection
Authors: Jokela Markus , Meriläinen Jaakko , Tukiainen Janne , von Schoultz Åsa
Published: February 2025

A vast scholarship questions whether voters are sufficiently informed to act in their best interest at the polling booth, which may also have implications for the quality of political representation. In this study, we examine cognitive and non-cognitive ability tests conducted on (male) military conscripts by the Finnish Defense Forces, and compare local and national election candidates nominated by political parties and representatives elected by voters with each other and the general population. We show that non-elected candidates fare better in the tests than the population, on average, and elected politicians demonstrate even higher levels of ability. Local politicians’ cognitive and non-cognitive skills are on par with individuals who work in high-skill occupations or have at least an undergraduate degree and national politicians are even better. Our findings suggest that, despite the complex decision-making environment inherent in voter-oriented systems, a political class that is more competent, motivated, and honest than the general population emerges. We further discuss the scope for positive political selection of women, show that there is no evident trade-off between politician quality and descriptive representation, and present evidence on the mechanisms for and the policy effects of positive selection.
Effects of PARP1 inhibitor PJ-34 on TGFα, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ke Jing , Fan Yanan , Zhang Shaochun
Published: February 2025

Diabetic nephropathy is a severe chronic complication characterized by cytotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately leading to renal failure. This study systematically investigated the effects of the PARP1 inhibitor PJ-34 on high glucose–induced cytotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis in HK-2 cells, as well as its improvement on neuropathic pain response and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) expression in a type 1 diabetes mellitus diabetic nephropathy mouse model. Through cellular and animal experiments, we observed that PJ-34 significantly enhanced the proliferative capacity of cells damaged by high glucose, reduced apoptosis, and decreased the release of proinflammatory factors TGFα, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. In the type 1 diabetes mellitus nephropathy mouse model, the administration of PJ-34 substantially improved parameters of neuropathic pain, alleviated renal tissue damage, reduced indicators of renal functional impairment–inhibited renal fibrosis, and reduced the key protein expression in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, acting through the regulation of the TGFβ/Smads signaling pathway. This study elucidated the mechanism of action of the PARP1 inhibitor PJ-34 as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy, offering a novel strategy for its treatment.
Multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study to test the utility of electronic patient-reported outcome monitoring in patients with unresectable advanced cancers or metastatic/recurrent solid tumors
Authors: Taira Naruto , Kiyota Naomi , Kikawa Yuichiro , Ichihara Eiki , Kato Kyoko , Kubota Kaoru , Tateishi Ryosuke , Nakata Akinobu , Nakamura Keiichiro , Narita Yukiya , Hotta Katsuyuki , Iwata Hiroji , Gemma Akihiko , Shimozuma Kojiro , Muro Kei , Iwamoto Tetsuya , Takumoto Yuki , Shiroiwa Takeru , Fukuda Takashi , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Minami Hironobu
Published: February 2025

Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) monitoring for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy may provide qualified and early detection of adverse events or disease-related symptoms, leading to improved patient care. The aim of this study is to examine whether addition of ePRO monitoring to routine medical care contributes to improved overall survival and quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients with unresectable advanced cancers or metastatic/recurrent solid tumors receiving systemic chemotherapy will be randomized to an ePRO monitoring group and a usual care group. The ePRO group will conduct weekly symptom monitoring using an electronic device after study enrollment until the end of the study. Monitoring results will be returned to medical personnel and used as information for patient care. The primary endpoints are overall survival and health related quality of life. The initial target sample size for the study was 1500 patients. However, due to delays in enrollment, the target was readjusted to 500 patients. Enrollment has been completed, and the study is now in the follow-up phase.
The impact of the number of prior androgen receptor pathway inhibitors before cabazitaxel treatment in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Hisanori , Ikeda Junichi , Masuo Yuki , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: February 2025

Objective

Cabazitaxel (CAZ) has been shown to prolong overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following docetaxel treatment. However, the impact of the number of prior androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) on CAZ efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of CAZ based on the number of prior ARPIs administered before CAZ treatment.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on mCRPC patients who received CAZ. The differences in CAZ efficacy based on the number of prior ARPIs were evaluated and prognostic factors for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were analyzed.

Results

A total of 59 patients were categorized into three groups: 12 patients with no prior ARPI, 26 with one prior ARPI, and 21 with two or more prior ARPIs. The median number of CAZ cycles and relative dose intensity were 5% and 60%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in PSA response or PFS among the three groups. Although OS from the first CAZ administration did not significantly differ among the groups, the OS from mCRPC diagnosis was shorter in the group with no prior ARPI. Multivariate analysis identified a time to mCRPC diagnosis of less than 11 months and low serum hemoglobin levels before CAZ administration as significant prognostic factors of poor OS following CAZ treatment.

Conclusions

PSA response, PFS, and OS after CAZ administration did not significantly differ based on the number of prior ARPIs. CAZ efficacy appears consistent regardless of the number of prior ARPI sequences.
Injury rates resulting from bat bands: implications for increasing our understanding of bat ecology
Authors: Reynolds D Scott , Ineson Katherine , Loeb Susan , Britzke Eric
Published: February 2025

The ability to identify and track individuals is a critical tool for understanding population demographics and developing effective wildlife management strategies. Forearm bands have been a critical mark–recapture methodology for bats for almost a century despite some concerns that banding may have a negative impact on bat populations. We used banding data from a long-term demographic study of Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) to determine rates of band loss and band injury for plastic split-ring (3.5 mm inner diameter), small (2.9 mm) aluminum flanged, and 2 types of large (4.2 mm) aluminum flanged forearm bands (USFWS #2 and Lambourne). We found that bats with plastic split-ring bands and larger aluminum bands (both USFWS #2 and Lambourne) had higher rates of band injuries than bats banded with the smaller (2.9 mm) bands. We also found that the loss rate of the larger 4.2 mm bands was significantly higher than for the smaller bands. Bats recaptured with band-related injuries showed high rates of recovery, with 88% of subsequent recaptures showing no evidence of prior injury. Bats banded when they were young-of-the-year had no detectable difference in band loss rates and lower rates of both band chewing and band-related injury compared to bats initially captured as adults. Our data suggest that the perception of banding having a negative impact on bats such as M. lucifugus is likely due to disturbance related to the banding protocol and not due to injuries or mortality of individual bats. Our data suggest that forearm bands, when properly sized and secured to the wing, continue to be a reliable and low-risk marking method for some bat species.
Early body composition changes in trans women on low-dose estradiol: comparing oral vs sublingual administration using dual energy absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Yaish Iris , Buch Assaf , Gindis Guy , Sofer Yael , Arbiv Mira , Moshe Yaffa , Grenman Yona , Tordjman Karen
Published: February 2025

Background

Low-dose sublingual estradiol gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in treatment-naive transgender women effectively suppresses testosterone and initiates breast development, comparable to oral estradiol with cyproterone acetate; however, its impact on body composition remains unstudied.

Aim

To assess early body composition changes with low-dose estradiol, compare sublingual versus oral administration efficacy, and evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) agreement in transgender women undergoing GAHT.

Methods

In this 6-month prospective study, 22 treatment-naïve transgender women received either 2 mg/day sublingual estradiol (SLE) or combined oral (CO)—2 mg/day oral estradiol plus 10 mg/day cyproterone acetate. Body composition was assessed using DXA and BIA at baseline and after 6 months.

Outcomes

Changes in body composition, including lean body mass, fat mass, visceral fat area, waist-to-hip ratio, and android-to-gynoid fat ratio.

Results

BIA and DXA measurements showed good agreement. Both groups experienced decreased lean body mass and increased fat mass. The SLE group showed less increase in total and segmental body fat, and visceral fat area compared to CO. Both treatments decreased waist-to-hip ratio and android-to-gynoid fat ratio, indicating early achievement of a more feminine body shape.

Clinical Implications

These findings may help optimize GAHT protocols, improve patient satisfaction with treatment, and enable monitoring outcome assessment in transgender women.

Strengths and Limitations

This study provides valuable insights into early body composition changes with low-dose estradiol administration via different administration routes and validates BIA as an alternative to DXA. However, the sample size was relatively small, the study arm allocation was not randomized, and the study duration was only 6 months.

Conclusion

Low-dose estradiol induces significant feminizing body composition changes within 6 months of GAHT, with sublingual administration potentially limiting fat accumulation while achieving a feminine body shape.

Study registration

ISRCTN15726488

Entire data set found at:  https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VNC54
Nicotiana benthamiana VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN7-2 (NbVND7-2) has a role in xylem formation during interfamily grafting
Authors: Huang Chaokun , Toyokura Koichi , Murakami Ei-ichi , Ishiwata Aiko , Kurotani Ken-ichi , Notaguchi Michitaka
Published: February 2025

VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN7 (VND7) is a transcription factor gene that plays a critical role in xylem differentiation. The ectopic expression of VND7 induces the formation of secondary cell walls with spiral patterns in multiple plant cell types. In the present study, we have identified four homologs of VND7 in Nicotiana benthamiana and assigned them the names NbVND7-1 to NbVND7-4. Particularly, NbVND7-1 and NbVND7-2 were highly expressed during N. benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana (Nb/At) interfamily grafting. Analysis of the promoter GUS reporter lines of NbVND7 genes elucidated the expression of NbVND7-1 and NbVND7-2 in xylem tissues of intact and grafted plants, and those of NbVND7-3 and NbVND7-4 in internal phloem tissues. Gene network analysis revealed the downstream genes of each NbVND7 homolog and highlighted the association of NbVND7-1 and NbVND7-2 with xylem formation. A 𝛽-estradiol-inducible system for NbVND7-2 demonstrated that NbVND7-2 promotes ectopic xylem vessel differentiation in N. benthamiana seedlings and in the stem tissues at graft junction. Induction of NbVND7-2 at graft junction enhanced ectopic xylem formation in the callus tissues proliferated at graft boundary, accelerated the initiation of water transport from stock to scion, and enhanced scion stem growth after grafting. This study revealed a role of NbVND7 genes in xylem formation that can enhance Nicotiana interfamily grafting.
Linoleic acid improves rosacea through repairing mitochondrial damage in keratinocytes
Authors: Wang Mei , Xiao Wenqin , Liu Tangxiele , Zhu Yan , Chen Mengting , Tan Zixin , Xu San , Zhao Zhixiang , Liu Fangfen , Xie Hongfu , He Xiang , Deng Zhili , Li Ji
Published: February 2025

Rosacea, as a progressive and chronic inflammatory skin disease, lacks safe and effective treatment options. Our previous study reported metabolic disturbance in rosacea patients, containing abnormal lipid metabolism. Building on this, we characterized significant alterations in fatty acid metabolism among rosacea patients, with a notable increase in linoleic acid (LNA) levels. We further demonstrated that LNA prevents rosacea-like dermatitis in LL37-induced rosacea-like mouse model. Our evidence indicated that LNA hyperactivates PPARγ signaling in the epidermis, a phenomenon observed in both rosacea patients and mouse model. Inhibiting PPARγ rescued the effect of LNA in LL37-induced mice. Additionally, our in vivo and in vitro evidence strongly supported the presence of mitochondrial damage in the keratinocytes of rosacea. LNA stimulated PPARγ to reduce the ROS production, increasing the generation of ATP and recovering mitochondrial membrane potential. Finally, through a prospective cohort study utilizing UK Biobank data and LDSC regression analysis, we further confirmed LNA levels is negatively related to the risk of rosacea, highlighting LNA as a promising therapeutic strategy for rosacea treatment.
Histoplasmosis screening using urinary antigen detection in people living with HIV in Southern Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Blan Bianca , Poester Vanice Rodrigues , Basso Rossana Patricia , Sanchotene Karine Ortiz , Caceres Diego H , Ramis de Souza Ivy Bastos , Pasqualotto Alessandro C , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski
Published: February 2025

Histoplasmosis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD), particularly in endemic regions such as Latin America. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing mortality but remains underdiagnosed due to non-specific clinical presentations and limited diagnostic access. This study evaluates the impact of systematic histoplasmosis screening over 18 months (March 2021–September 2022) using the Histoplasma urinary antigen detection test in people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving outpatient care or hospitalized at a reference center in Southern Brazil. A retrospective analysis was conducted on PLHIV screened with the Clarus® Histoplasma GM enzyme immunoassay (HGM-EIA, IMMY, USA). Inclusion criteria comprised a recent HIV diagnosis (≤30 days), poor adherence to or abandonment of antiretroviral therapy (>90 days), CD4 + count < 200 cells/mm³, or clinical/radiological findings suggestive of histoplasmosis. Clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were assessed, along with 90-day outcomes. Among 287 PLHIV screened, Histoplasma antigen was detected in 9.1% (26/287), including 19.6% of hospitalized patients and 6.4% of outpatients. Overall mortality was 24%, with a higher rate among inpatients (27.3%). Fever, neurological impairment, and lung opacification were more frequent in hospitalized cases. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was more commonly administered to inpatients (63.6% vs. 25%). Mortality at 90 days was significantly higher in patients with a histoplasmosis case-fatality score ≥ 5 (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.016). Systematic screening enhances early detection of histoplasmosis, facilitating timely treatment and reducing hospitalizations and mortality.
Subhalos are Anisotropically Distributed and Aligned with the Smooth Matter Distribution of Their Host Halos
Authors: Mezini Lorena , Zentner Andrew R , Wang Kuan , Fielder Catherine
Published: February 2025

We investigate the distributions of subhalos about their hosts in two suites of zoom-in N-body simulations of halo growth – one suite focused on Milky Way-Mass halos (∼1012 M⊙) and another focused on cluster-mass halos (∼1015 M⊙) in the Symphony simulation suite. We find, in agreement with previous work on this subject, that subhalos are distributed anisotropically about their host halos. In particular, the positions of subhalos lie preferentially near the major axes of their host halos, possibly implying that satellite galaxies will exhibit a similar alignment. Furthermore, we show that in two-dimensional projection subhalos are more likely to be observed near the halo center (where the central galaxy presumably resides) when the host halo is projected nearly along its major axis. This projection effect is significant. Within projected radii of a few percent of the virial radius of the host halo, the fraction of mass in subhalos is $\sim 175~{{\%}}$ larger for Milky Way mass halos and as much as $\sim 195~{{\%}}$ larger for cluster halos when projected along the major axis as compared to the average from a random projection. This result has consequences for many applications including the interpretation of gravitational lenses. Finally, we find that the orbital angular momentum vector of subhalos is aligned with the angular momentum vector of their host halo, indicating that a significant component of a halo’s angular momentum may be carried in its subhalos. This has consequences for galaxy formation models which use host halo angular momentum as a proxy for galaxy momentum.
The raising and westward expansion of central Tibet
Authors: Zhao Chenyuan , Ding Lin , Xiong Zhongyu , Spicer Robert A , Cai Fulong , He Songlin , Wang Chao , Ding Wenqing , Li Jinxiang , Wang Houqi , Yin Zheng , Xu Xiaoyan , Xie Jing , Yue Yahui , Zeng Deng , Kaveh-Firouz Amaneh
Published: February 2025

Understanding the Cenozoic growth history of the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau (HTP) is essential for elucidating the underlying geodynamic mechanism and interactions among topography, biosphere and atmosphere. However, the spatial-temporal evolution of the HTP, especially that of the Paleogene Central Tibetan Valley (CTV), remains hotly debated. In this study, through radiometric geochronology, plant assemblages, oxygen and clumped isotope paleoaltimetries, we reconstruct the uplift history of the east-west-oriented Luolong Basin in eastern Tibet. Results show that the Luolong Basin was at 0.6 (+0.2/−0.4) km at ca. 54−46 Ma, then rose to 2.9 ± 0.9 km at ca. 44 Ma. The newly discovered Luolong Flora indicates the Eocene CTV extending into eastern Tibet, and that the valley was higher in the east, sloping to the west, inferring a westward progressive rise of the valley floor. Integrated evidence from paleomagnetism, magmatism and seismic tomography suggests that the birth of near modern plateau is attributed to the stepwise delamination (drip) of the subducted Lhasa lithosphere from east to west.