bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Different Immunoresistance Risk Profiles Among Experienced Aesthetic Botulinum Neurotoxin A Recipients: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Tseng Fang‐Wen , Vachiramon Vasanop , Gold Michael H. , Pavicic Tatjana , Tay Clifton M. , Toh Gerard W. , Tan Diana M. K. , Park Je‐Young
Published: December 2024

Background

Immunoresistance to botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) due to neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) can lead to partial or complete secondary nonresponse (SNR), potentially limiting individuals' aesthetic and/or medical therapeutic options in the short and/or long term. Understanding factors directly or indirectly influencing BoNT‐A immunoresistance risk is crucial.

Aims

This analysis explored patterns of latent risk factors (biological and behavioral) that may influence the risk of developing BoNT‐A immunoresistance among experienced aesthetic BoNT‐A recipients.

Methods

Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to survey data from 363 experienced BoNT‐A recipients from six Asia‐Pacific countries to identify distinct subgroups based on their patterns of risk factor or risk proxy variables. The five risk proxy variables used for modeling capture information on BoNT‐A treatments (treatment indications/locations as proxies for dose), symptoms of declining efficacy, number of aesthetic treatments over the past 3 years, and clinic and BoNT‐A formulation switching behaviors. These represent established risk factors and treatment‐seeking behaviors suggested to influence immunoresistance risk.

Results

LCA identified 3 distinct profiles of individuals, which we described based on the observed patterns of risk proxies as: “lower‐risk” (55%), “moderate‐risk” (39%), and “higher‐risk” (6%). Individuals in the “higher‐risk” profile reported higher BoNT‐A exposure, more symptoms of declining efficacy, and distinct patterns of knowledge and attitudes toward BoNT‐A immunoresistance that could account for their treatment‐seeking behaviors.

Conclusions

This study suggests that individual behaviors (the “human factor”) have a notable influence on BoNT‐A immunoresistance risk. Gaining deeper insights into these factors could support more targeted and effective interventions to mitigate risk.
Assessment of Efficacy on the Treatment of Localized Vitiligo With a Combination of 308 nm Excimer Light and 2940 Erbium Laser: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xie Yihui , Shi Weimin , Yin Wenhao , Mei Xingyu
Published: December 2024

Background

A 308 nm excimer light is an effective treatment for vitiligo, with fewer treatment times, rapid obvious effects, relatively complete pigment recovery, good patient compliance, and safe and effective treatment for children. The disadvantage of this treatment is that some patients have a plateau during which the skin lesion reduction rate slows down or stalls after multiple treatments.

Methods

Treatment data were collected from all vitiligo patients in the Dermatology Department, distinguishing between those who underwent 308 nm excimer light treatment alone and those who received a combination of 308 nm excimer light and 2940 erbium laser treatment.

Results

Of the 104 patients, 60 were treated with 308 nm excimer light only, and 44 were treated with a combination of a 2940 erbium laser and 308 nm excimer light. In contrast to the treatment of 308 nm excimer light alone, the combined treatment of the 2940 erbium laser and 308 nm excimer light significantly increased the speed and degree of repigmentation in vitiligo.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the combination of 308 nm excimer light and 2940 nm erbium laser treatment can improve the treatment response for vitiligo, decrease the occurrence of treatment plateaus associated with 308 nm excimer light, and improve efficacy.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR2000036712 (24/08/2020)
The Role of GLP‐1 Agonists in Esthetic Medicine: Exploring the Impact of Semaglutide on Body Contouring and Skin Health
Authors: Haykal Diala , Hersant Barbara , Cartier Hugues , Meningaud Jean‐Paul
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and obesity by promoting significant weight loss through incretin effects. However, rapid weight reduction induced by these medications often leads to esthetic challenges, including facial volume loss, skin laxity, and body contour irregularities. This commentary reviews the esthetic consequences of GLP‐1‐induced weight loss and explores solutions for managing these concerns in clinical practice.

Methods

This review synthesizes available literature and clinical observations to identify key esthetic concerns associated with GLP‐1‐induced weight loss. It examines various treatment modalities, including dermal fillers, biostimulatory agents, energy‐based devices, and surgical procedures. The discussion highlights gaps in empirical data, optimal timing for interventions, and the need for personalized, multimodal treatment strategies. Imaging tools and psychological support are also considered as complementary approaches.

Conclusion

As GLP‐1 agonists become a cornerstone in obesity management, their esthetic implications necessitate a proactive response from esthetic practitioners. Effective management of facial volume loss, skin laxity, and body contour challenges requires a combination of injectable treatments, energy‐based devices, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. Future research should focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of skin and fat changes and developing standardized guidelines for treating this unique patient population. Additionally, a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological outcomes is critical to ensuring patient satisfaction and long‐term well‐being.
Roles and regulatory patterns of protein isoforms in plant adaptation and development
Authors: Li Yong , Huang Jinling , Li Lin‐Feng , Guo Peng , Wang Yihan , Cushman Samuel A. , Shang Fu‐De
Published: December 2024

Protein isoforms (PIs) play pivotal roles in regulating plant growth and development that confer adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. PIs are widely present in plants and generated through alternative splicing (AS), alternative polyadenylation (APA), alternative initiation (AI), and ribosomal frameshifting (RF) events. The widespread presence of PIs not only significantly increases the complexity of genomic information but also greatly enriches regulatory networks and enhances their flexibility. PIs may also play important roles in phenotypic diversity, ecological niche differentiation, and speciation, thereby increasing the dimensions of research in molecular ecology. However, PIs pose new challenges for the quantitative analysis, annotation, and identification of genetic regulatory mechanisms. Thus, focus on PIs make genomic and epigenomic studies both more powerful and more challenging. This review summarizes the origins, functions, regulatory patterns of isoforms, and the challenges they present for future research in molecular ecology and molecular biology.
Pragmatic Comparative Research: Pragmatism as a Philosophy of Science for Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)
Authors: Garcés‐Velástegui Pablo
Published: December 2024

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a set‐theoretic approach that enables accounting for causal complexity, incorporating features of qualitative and quantitative methods. Pioneered in sociology, it is increasingly used in comparative research to explain social phenomena in various disciplines. Despite its growing adoption, and because of its eclectic nature, some methodological themes have proven elusive. Its philosophy of science is one such issue. Philosophical pragmatism, which focuses on action, rather than the mind as rationalism or things as empiricism, is proposed to fill this void. Moving beyond the positivist‐interpretivist dichotomy, this paper argues that pragmatism's philosophical wagers support QCA's assumptions and practice. Moreover, pragmatism's implications in terms of practical consequences, provisionality of insights, plurality of method, and public participation provide fertile soil on which QCA‐based inquiry can sow, producing pragmatic comparative research.
ClearDepth: a simple, robust, and low‐cost method to assess root depth in soil
Authors: Ruiz Rosquete Michel , Gonzalez Juan , Wertz Kristen , Gonzalez Natalie , Baez Melissa , Wang Lin , Zhang Ling , Patil Suyash , Funaro Lucas , Busch Wolfgang
Published: December 2024

Root depth is a major determinant of plant performance during drought and a key trait for strategies to improve soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change. While the model Arabidopsis thaliana offers numerous advantages for studies of root system architecture and root depth, its small and fragile roots severely limit the use of the methods and techniques currently available for such studies in soils. To overcome this, we have developed ClearDepth, a conceptually simple, non‐destructive, sensitive, and low‐cost method to estimate the root depth of Arabidopsis in relatively small pots that are amenable to mid‐ and large‐scale studies. In our method, the root system develops naturally inside of the soil, without considerable space constraints. The ClearDepth parameter wall root shallowness (WRS) quantifies the shallowness of the root system by measuring the depth of roots that reach the transparent walls of clear pots. We show that WRS is a robust and sensitive parameter that distinguishes deep root systems from shallower ones while also capturing relatively smaller differences in root depth caused by the influence of an environmental factor. In addition, we leveraged ClearDepth to study the relation between lateral root angles measured in non‐soil systems and root depth in soil. We found that Arabidopsis genotypes characterized by steep lateral roots in transparent growth media produce deeper root systems in the ClearDepth pots. Finally, we show that ClearDepth can also be used to study root depth in crop species like rice.
Phytol‐induced interplant signaling in maize facilitates EXP‐A20‐driven resistance through ACO31‐dependent ethylene accumulation against Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Batool Raufa , Umer Muhammad Jawad , Zhang Yongjun , Guo Jingfei , Wang Zhenying
Published: December 2024

Plants have evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms against insect herbivores, including cell wall fortification through lignin biosynthesis. Insect attack primes systemic acquired resistance in plants, preparing them to respond more swiftly and vigorously to subsequent insect assaults. Here, we found that Beauveria bassiana‐exposed maize plants can emit phytol upon infestation by Spodoptera frugiperda, inducing plant‐to‐plant (PTP) communication of alert signals for neighboring plants, and revealed the expansin protein EXP‐A20 as a pivotal node mediating maize defense responses in neighboring plants against the destructive pest Ostrinia furnacalis via stimulation of ethylene (ET) synthesis and lignin production. Through virus‐induced gene silencing, we showed that EXP‐A20 is essential for maize resistance, while downregulating ET and lignin pathways. Critically, protein–protein interactions determined via luciferase complementation and yeast two‐hybrid assays demonstrated that EXP‐A20 binds to and likely activates the ET‐forming enzyme gene ACO31 to initiate defense signaling cascades, representing a novel signaling modality for expansins. Treatment with the plant volatile phytol has known insecticidal/priming activity, but we found that its effectiveness requires EXP‐A20. This finding highlights the importance of EXP‐A20 upstream of hormone‐cell wall crosstalk in defense activation by volatiles. Overall, our multifaceted dissection of EXP‐A20 revealed key molecular intersections underlying inducible maize immunity against herbivores. Furthermore, we provide functional evidence that extensive cell growth processes directly stimulate defense programs in plants. Our work opens new avenues for enhancing durable, broad‐spectrum pest resistance in maize through the use of volatile organic compounds and PTP interactions.
Glutathione transferase VvGSTU60 is essential for proanthocyanidin accumulation and cooperates synergistically with MATE in grapes
Authors: Huang Congbo , Zhao Ting , Li Jinhua , Wang Ling , Tang Yujin , Wang Yuejin , Li Yan , Zhang Chaohong
Published: December 2024

Proanthocyanidin, synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and stored in vacuoles, is key to grape and wine quality. Glutathione S‐transferase (GST) plays a crucial role in proanthocyanidin accumulation. However, little is known about the mechanisms of GSTs in the process. Here, we found that a TAU‐type GST VvGSTU60 is required for proanthocyanidin accumulation in Vitis vinifera. Gene expression analysis revealed a favorable correlation between the expression pattern of VvGSTU60 and proanthocyanidin accumulation in the seed of V. vinifera. We discovered that the overexpression of VvGSTU60 in grapes resulted in a significant increase in proanthocyanidin content, whereas the opposite effect occurred when VvGSTU60 was interfered with. Biochemical analysis indicates that VvGSTU60 forms homodimers and heterodimers with VvGST1. Interestingly, we also found that VvGSTU60 interacts with VvDTX41B, a MATE transporter protein localized on the tonoplast. Heterologous expression of VvDTX41B in the Arabidopsis tt12 mutant rescues the proanthocyanidin deficiency, and interfering with VvDTX41B expression in grapes remarkably reduces the accumulation of proanthocyanidin. In addition, compared with the VvGSTU60‐OE callus, the content of proanthocyanidin in VvDTX41B‐RNAi + VvGSTU60‐OE callus was significantly decreased but higher than that in VvDTX41B‐RNAi callus. The results suggest that VvGSTU60 and VvDTX41B are coordinated in proanthocyanidin accumulation. These findings offer new insights into the accumulation mechanisms of proanthocyanidin in plants and provide the molecular basis for optimizing grape quality and wine production.
Stable polynomials and admissible numerators in product domains
Authors: Bickel Kelly , Knese Greg , Pascoe James Eldred , Sola Alan
Published: December 2024

Given a polynomial with no zeros in the polydisk, or equivalently the poly‐upper half‐plane, we study the problem of determining the ideal of polynomials with the property that the rational function is bounded near a boundary zero of . We give a complete description of this ideal of numerators in the case where the zero set of is smooth and satisfies a nondegeneracy condition. We also give a description of the ideal in terms of an integral closure when has an isolated zero on the distinguished boundary. Constructions of multivariate stable polynomials are presented to illustrate sharpness of our results and necessity of our assumptions.
Scalable Approach for Grafting Qubit Candidates onto the Surface of MOF-808 Framework
Authors: Tomilov A. S. , Yazikova A. A. , Melnikov A. R. , Smirnova K. A. , Poryvaev A. S. , Fedin M. V.
Published: December 2024

The development of quantum bits (qubits) is crucial for the progress of quantum technologies. Among various approaches, the qubits based on paramagnetic centers have decent advantages, including their diversity and possibilities of regular ordering, for example, within the structure of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In the present work a simple and scalable approach to obtain qubit candidates based on stable organic radical 3-carboxy-proxyl and MOF-808 framework has been demonstrated. Investigation of the obtained compounds with different radical amounts using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) demonstrates the presence of two fractions of radicals, which is supported by simulations. Sufficiently long phase memory time at room temperature for the radicals adsorbed into MOF (0.39 μs), as well as the observed Rabi nutations, allow considering this material as a platform for qubits design. The developed approach is capable of incorporating various amounts of paramagnetic centers into the MOF structure and can be employed to obtain other spin qubit candidates.
Baseline systolic blood pressure and efficacy of dual antiplatelet in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Cui Yu , Wang Yue , Chen Hui-Sheng
Published: December 2024

Objective

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) affects the risk of early neurological deterioration (END). This subgroup analysis of Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Mild to Moderate Ischemic Stroke (ATAMIS) trial aimed to explore whether SBP at admission affected the efficacy of different antiplatelet therapies in preventing END.

Methods

Based on the modified intention-to-treat analysis set of the ATAMIS trial, patients were divided into two subgroups according to whether SBP at admission was equal to or higher than 140 mm Hg, which were further subdivided into clopidogrel plus aspirin and aspirin alone treatments according to the randomised assignment. We conducted multivariable regression analyses to detect relationship between SBP at admission and END, as well as efficacy of different antiplatelet therapies in each SBP subgroup. Primary endpoint was END defined as ≥2-point increase in 7-day National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Safety endpoints included intracranial haemorrhage and bleeding events during the trial.

Results

This study included 2915 patients. Risk of END raised by 16% as SBP at admission increased by every 10 mm Hg (p<0.001). Clopidogrel plus aspirin resulted in significantly lower risk of END than aspirin alone in patients with SBP≥140 mm Hg (5.5% vs 7.9%; adjusted risk difference (RD) and 95% CI −2.5% (−4.1% to −1.0%)), but not in those with SBP<140 mm Hg (3.4% vs 4.2%; adjusted RD and 95% CI −0.8% (−3.2% to 1.7%)). Efficacy of different antiplatelet therapies and SBP did not show significant interaction (p=0.50). Safety endpoints were similar between treatments in SBP subgroups.

Conclusion

The risk of END increases with elevated SBP at admission among patients with acute mild-to-moderate ischaemic stroke who are not suitable for reperfusion treatments. Fewer END occurred following clopidogrel plus aspirin compared with aspirin alone across different SBP levels. The finding should be interpreted cautiously.
On the development of training programs for psychologists to work with substance abusers
Authors: Belokolodov Vladimir V.
Published: December 2024

Background. The study examines the factors determining the establishment of remission in the patients dependent on psychoactive substances (surfactants). The formation of remission, its stability and frequency is presented as a dynamic process, where failures of remission and relapse of the disease are considered as parts of the patient’s recovery process. The analysis shows the need for the specialists to support narcological patients at all stages of recovery. The key to the effectiveness of treatment is the professionalism and high competence of all specialists involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of surfactant addicts.
Objective. Identification of the necessary competencies to create unified training programs for the specialists working with people dependent on surfactants.
Results. In the process of interaction with surfactant addicts at all stages of their treatment and rehabilitation, the level of the specialists’ competence is the key factor that determines the quality of care provided. The knowledge and experience applied by psychologists and consultants when accompanying patients increases the trust of patients and also helps specialists to establish stable contact with them at all stages of treatment, rehabilitation, and post-treatment support.
Conclusions. To improve the quality of care provided to people dependent on surfactants, it is proposed to create a unified program for the training or retraining of psychologists and consultants on the basis of the state higher education institutions. The program should include knowledge of psychiatry, narcology, conflictology, and other subjects related to the manifestations of addictions at the stages of treatment and rehabilitation.
Psychoeducation in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
Authors: Baulina Maria E. , Varako Nataliya A. , Kovyazina Maria S. , Skvortsov Anatoliy A. , Vasilyeva Svetlana A.
Published: December 2024

Background. A lot of brain damage including traumatic brain injuries during war can lead to persistent cognitive disorders and followed impaired functioning in everyday life. The main focus in dealing with such disorders is made on the neuropsychological (cognitive) rehabilitation. Patients psychoeducation aimed to creating an adequate internal picture of the disease and increasing self-awareness of deficits and behavior is considered as the first and the most important step in their rehabilitation process. Yet, to date the theoretical and methodological foundations of psychoeducation are not clear formulated and developed so it makes this stage of the cognitive rehabilitation not much effective.
Objective. Review and analysis of the research literature in the fields of clinical psychology and neuropsychology concerning implementation of psychoeducation for neurological patients, as well as discussion of relevant issues in this problematic area.
Results. The literature review has shown that “psychoeducation” was first officially recommended for severe mental illnesses and continues to develop in the modern system of psychosocial rehabilitation for psychiatric and psychosomatic patients as a special type of psychosocial intervention in the structure of their treatment and rehabilitation process. Various authors particularly highlight the learning aspect of psychoeducation, associated with the patient's mastery of methods for recognizing the manifestations of his cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders.
Conclusions. Psychoeducation should be implemented in the practice of neuropsychological (cognitive) rehabilitation. In order to advance research and practice of psychoeducation for improving the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation, it is necessary to develop it as a typical educational process where each stage should be matched with adequate tools and practices. In addition, psychoeducation should be linked to the treatment process and to specific therapeutic and rehabilitation goals.
Professional self-determination of an entrepreneur: stages and factors
Authors: Cheremenskaia Maria A.
Published: December 2024

Background. Entrepreneurship in Russia continues to develop. In 2023, Russia registered 1.2 million small and medium-sized enterprises2
, though there is also
a significant number of organizations closed down. While the reasons for business closures often relate to financial or legal issues, there are also socio-psychological factors
that hinder an entrepreneur’s development in this field. Entrepreneurial self-determination (ESD) is seen as a journey consisting of professional choices and includes both
factors that encourage choosing entrepreneurship and those that deter it. Studying
ESD will help identify the challenges in an entrepreneur’s professional path and provide insights into what motivates entrepreneurs to choose this type of occupation from
the perspective of social psychology.
Objective. To create a model of socio-psychological factors influencing entrepreneurial self-determination.
Study Participants. The study involved 29 respondents aged 18 to 40 who currently
own or have owned a business, as well as 6 entrepreneurship experts.
Methods. Theoretical analysis in the form of systematization and generalization of
domestic and foreign research on socio-psychological factors of entrepreneurial selfdetermination, narrative interviews, expert interviews.
Results. The study allowed to construct the model including 9 stages of entrepreneurial self-determination and 4 crisis stages. Each stage is characterized by a complex of
socio-psychological factors that either push towards or pull away from entrepreneurial
activity. Socio-psychological factors are divided into groups: environmental factors,including micro- and macro-environmental factors, and personal factors, including
behavioral and internal factors.
Conclusions. An entrepreneur’s professional path consists of 9 sequential stages from
observation to stability. At each stage, certain socio-psychological factors play a decisive role in the ESD, determining the choice of entrepreneurship as the main professional activity. The proposed preliminary ESD model can serve as a basis for creating
a questionnaire for quantitative research into the socio-psychological factors of ESD.
Conscious self-regulation and readiness for self-realization in adolescence
Authors: Andreeva Alla D. , Lisichkina Alena G. , Morosanova Varvara I.
Published: December 2024

Background. Searching for social roles, ways and means of life self-determination is the most important task of the personality development in adolescence. In this regard, the study was focused on the personality traits, conscious self-regulation of achieving life goals and readiness for active self-realization.
Objective. To reveal the relationship between personality traits, conscious self-regulation, and readiness for active self-realization in adolescent students.
Sample. The study involved 462 students of Moscow universities (175 girls, 287 boys, average age 19.2 years).
Methods. The students’ personality features were assessed by means of the ultra-short version of the Big Five-2 Inventory (BFI-2-XS). The general level of conscious self-regulation development was evaluated with “Self-Regulation Profile Questionnaire by Morosanova — SSPM 2020”. The level of self-realization activity was determined using the “Questionnaire of Activity in Self-Realization” proposed by Andreeva, Lisichkina. Statistical data processing involved methods of correlation, cluster, variance, and multiple regression analysis included in SPSS 22.0.0 package.
Results. New data were obtained showing that all the considered psychological characteristics are closely interrelated at a high level of statistical significance and, possibly, influence the students’ readiness for self-realization. The cluster analysis allowed to identify three individual-typological groups of students differing in the level of conscious self-regulation development, the severity of personality traits, and their readiness for active self-realization. Students with high levels of conscious self-regulation, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience and low neuroticism demonstrate greater readiness for active self-realization compared to the students who have the opposite tendency in all the listed indicators. Regression analysis allowed to reveal a greater contribution of the conscious self-regulation to the readiness for active self-realization compared to extraversion and conscientiousness.
Conclusions. Conscious self-regulation and personality traits make a significant contribution to the formation of students' readiness for active self-realization in various spheres of life (studies, professional sphere, relationships, etc.). A high level of conscious self-regulation development is a psychological resource for the students’ active self-realization, allowing them to focus their efforts on planning both the near and distant future, to build a sequence of necessary steps being flexible and persistent in achieving their goals.
Taxonomy of the wolf spider genus Artoria in Western Australia (Araneae, Lycosidae, Artoriinae)
Authors: PRADO ANDRÉ W. DO , BAPTISTA RENNER LUIZ CERQUEIRA , FRAMENAU VOLKER W.
Published: December 2024

The Western Australian species of the wolf spider (Lycosidae Sundevall, 1833) genus Artoria Thorell, 1877 are revised to include 20 species, 13 of which are new to science: Artoria aculeata sp. nov., A. atrata sp. nov., A. cingulipes Simon, 1909, A. emu sp. nov., A. falcata sp. nov., A. flavimana Simon, 1909, A. impedita (Simon, 1909), A. incrassata sp. nov., A. inversa sp. nov., A. lamellata sp. nov., A. linnaei Framenau, 2008, A. pileata sp. nov., A. pinnata sp. nov., A. plicata sp. nov., A. retorta sp. nov., A. schizocoides Framenau & Hebets, 2007, A. taeniata sp. nov., A. taeniifera Simon, 1909, A. trifida sp. nov., and A. wilkiei Framenau & Baehr, 2018. Thirteen of these species are endemic to the state and of these, three are only known from their type localities. We propose Priority status for the following species in accordance with the Western Australian Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Artoria emu sp. nov., A. falcata sp. nov. and A. plicata sp. nov. (Priority 1), and two further species only known from two localities, A. lamellata sp. nov. (Priority 2) and A. retorta sp. nov. (Priority 1). Most species of Artoria in Western Australia are associated with more humid areas and their distribution patterns suggest that their range might be correlated with specific rainfall regimes. Wet pitfall traps collected 637 samples (= 62.3%) considered in this study and six species were exclusively detected using these traps, including the species here proposed for Priority listing. We therefore argue that wet pitfall traps are an imperative tool for studying the biodiversity of ground-dwelling arthropods as long as vertebrate by-catch can be minimised.
New larval host records, parasitoid records, and DNA barcoding data for North American leaf-mining leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea)
Authors: EISEMAN CHARLES S. , FELDMAN TRACY S. , PALMER MICHAEL W.
Published: December 2024

We discuss 46 species of North American leaf-mining leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Megalopodidae), plus one external feeder observed to spin its cocoon within the leaf mine of another insect. For each species, we review previous records of larval and adult hosts and associated hymenopteran parasitoids, augmenting these with our own observations, including the first accounts of oviposition and larval habits for many species. We present the first rearing records for 12 of these species: Anisostena californica Van Dyke, A. funesta (Baly), A. lecontii (Baly), A. perspicua (Horn), Microrhopala excavata (Olivier), Odontota floridana Butte, Stenopodius lateralis (Schaeffer), Altica lazulina LeConte, Dibolia obscura Parry, Monoxia inornata Blake, Zeugophora puberula Crotch, and Z. varians Crotch; as well as 18 new state and provincial records for chrysomeloids, although some of these are based on tentative identifications.
We also present original DNA barcoding data showing intra- and interspecific variation among 18 species of hispines (Chrysomelidae: Chalepini). Our data do not provide evidence for cryptic species within Baliosus nervosus (Panzer), Sumitrosis inaequalis (Weber), and S. rosea (Weber) hypothesized based on differences in larval hosts and leaf mines. However, they do suggest the possibility of cryptic species within Tilia-feeding B. nervosus, as well as within S. ancoroides (Schaeffer) and perhaps Microrhopala excavata and Odontota horni Smith. Our barcoding data also support the recognition of the Silphium-feeding M. laetula LeConte as distinct from the Solidago-feeding M. vittata (Fabricius).
Moving from HOPE to Choice: Childhood Inequalities and Mechanisms for Reducing Inequalities Across Mixed-Income Housing and Neighborhood Redevelopment Initiatives
Authors: Jabbari Jason , Foell Andrew , Jenkins DeMarcus A. , Chun Yung , Govindan Akshay , Johnson Odis
Published: December 2024

Despite the potential benefits, research has yet to synthesize the impact of mixed-income initiatives on educational opportunities for families. Moreover, the policy intentions of mixed-income initiatives, particularly concerning children's educational opportunities, remain largely untested and lack theoretical and conceptual foregrounding. To fill these knowledge gaps, we critically review the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere and Choice Neighborhoods Initiative policy components, summarize the empirical literature regarding impacts on educational opportunities, and develop a conceptual model of education inequalities informed by the empirical and theoretical literature. We close with implications for research, policy, and practice.
Motor outcomes in unilateral, bilateral rapid, and bilateral delayed staging deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sarmento Filipe , Daga Anshul , Wang Anson , Srikar Lavu Venkat , de Araújo Tiberio , Aghili Mehrizi Sina , Hilliard Justin D. , Forghani Reza , Okun Michael S. , Wong Joshua K.
Published: December 2024

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective in managing motor symptoms in select cases of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nonetheless, the ideal timing for surgery and the comparative outcomes of unilateral versus bilateral DBS procedures remain under-researched areas.

Objective

We aimed to compare the impact of unilateral and bilateral DBS on the motor manifestations of PD using standardized Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part-III (UPDRS-III).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of PD patients who underwent multidisciplinary DBS screening which made a formal recommendation for surgical approach. We compared unilateral, bilateral “rapid” (less than 2 months apart), and bilateral “staged” (5–11 months apart) implantation approaches. The study included 90 patients, 48 patients, and 42 patients from the 3 groups, respectively. The primary outcome was the percentage improvement in baseline off UPDRS-III scores compared to medication-off/DBS-on conditions at 3–6 months and 10–14 months post-surgery. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare scores within groups and across follow-up periods. The Kruskal-Wallis test assessed differences among groups. Furthermore, multiple regression analyses were performed to adjust for confounding variables.

Results

UPDRS-III scores improved significantly from baseline at both follow-up intervals regardless of the type of DBS staging approach. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed no significant differences in UPDRS-III percentage improvement among groups at 3–6 months (p = 0.125) and 10–14 months (p = 0.298) post-DBS.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that in a single experienced DBS center which employed multidisciplinary screening, assignment to unilateral and bilateral DBS, both rapid and staged, targeting the STN or GPi, effectively improved motor symptoms for up to 14 months.
Decline of olfactory function in Parkinson's disease: A ten-year longitudinal study
Authors: Roos Dareia S , Klein Martin , Doty Richard L , Berendse Henk W
Published: December 2024

Background

Olfactory dysfunction is a prodromal sign of Parkinson's disease (PD) present in up to 90% of patients. However, it is unclear whether or not olfactory function worsens over the course of the disease.

Objective

In this study we examined whether the rate of decline of olfactory function in PD patients exceeds the expected age-related decline.

Methods

Olfactory function was tested in 90 PD patients at baseline (age at baseline 58.3 years, 68.9% males) and an average 10 years later using the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). To screen for concomitant cognitive deficits as a potential confounder, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used.

Results

At baseline, the mean UPSIT score was 22 points. Over the average 10-year follow-up period olfactory function decreased in 81.1% of PD patients, even in the youngest patients in whom no age-related decline was expected. The mean decrease was six UPSIT points ( p < 0.001), which exceeds the expected age-related decline derived from a previous study. When excluding patients with an MMSE score below 24, reflecting cognitive deficits that might interfere with olfactory test performance, UPSIT score still decreased by almost 7 points over the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Olfactory function in PD declines more rapidly with increasing disease duration than can be explained by aging or cognitive decline alone. As such, olfactory function appears to be a clinical marker of disease progression in PD that can be measured non-invasively and deserves consideration as part of multimodal phenotyping to monitor disease progression.
Privacy-by-Design with Federated Learning will drive future Rare Disease Research
Authors: Süwer Simon , Ullah Md Shihab , Probul Niklas , Maier Andreas , Baumbach Jan
Published: December 2024

Up to 6% of the global population is estimated to be affected by one of about 10,000 distinct rare diseases (RDs). RDs are, to this day, often not understood, and thus, patients are heavily underserved. Most RD studies are chronically underfunded, and research faces inherent difficulties in analyzing scarce data. Furthermore, the creation and analysis of representative datasets are often constrained by stringent data protection regulations, such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation. This review examines the potential of federated learning (FL) as a privacy-by-design approach to training machine learning on distributed datasets while ensuring data privacy by maintaining the local patient data and only sharing model parameters, which is particularly beneficial in the context of sensitive data that cannot be collected in a centralized manner. FL enhances model accuracy by leveraging diverse datasets without compromising data privacy. This is particularly relevant in rare diseases, where heterogeneity and small sample sizes impede the development of robust models. FL further has the potential to enable the discovery of novel biomarkers, enhance patient stratification, and facilitate the development of personalized treatment plans. This review illustrates how FL can facilitate large-scale, cross-institutional collaboration, thereby enabling the development of more accurate and generalizable models for improved diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. However, challenges such as non-independently distributed data and significant computational and bandwidth requirements still need to be addressed. Future research must focus on applying FL technology for rare disease datasets while exploring standardized protocols for cross-border collaborations that can ultimately pave the way for a new era of privacy-preserving and distributed data-driven rare disease research.
A rare case of myopathy with fatigability due to PYROXD1 variation
Authors: Baskar Dipti , Thomas Aneesha , Boddu Vijay Kumar , Santhoshkumar Rashmi , Anjanappa Ram Murthy , Nashi Saraswati , Srivastava Kosha , Polavarapu Kiran , Arunachal Gautham , Kotambail Ananthapadmanabha , Rao Bhoomika , Mahadevan Anita , Nalini Atchayaram , Vengalil Seena
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Congenital myopathies are a group of heterogenous inherited muscle diseases. With advances in genetics, newer genes with novel features are being described. Pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase domain 1 ( PYROXD1) related myopathy is an ultrarare congenital myopathy. Only few cases have been reported worldwide till now. We report the first interesting case of PYROXD1 related myopathy from India.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study done from a quaternary neurology referral centre from southern India. All clinical, laboratory and electrophysiological data were collected from the medical records. Institutional ethics approval and informed consent from patient were obtained.

Results:

A 9 year-old-boy of non-consanguineous parentage presented with progressive fatigable proximo-distal weakness of upper and lower limbs with facial weakness from the age of 4 years. This was followed by chewing and swallowing difficulty. However speech was normal. There was profound proximal and distal joint hyperextensibility along with hip and ankle contractures. There was facial dysmorphism with high arched palate and retrognathism. Investigations showed normal serum creatine kinase levels. Nerve conduction studies showed axonal sensorimotor neuropathy. There was significant decremental response in tibialis anterior. Muscle biopsy showed both myopathic and neurogenic changes with novel findings of mitochondrial aggregates in subsarcolemmal and perinuclear regions. Next generation sequencing revealed a missense variant NM_024854.5:c.394C > T (NP_079130.2:p.Arg132Cys) of uncertain significance in exon 4 of PYROXD1 gene.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of PYROXD1 related myopathy from India. There were novel features of muscle fatigability, contractures, novel muscle biopsy features and a variant of uncertain significance expanding the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of this rare myopathy.
The role of ablative therapy for primary and oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Eid Marc , Semaan Karl , Saad Eddy , Saliby Renee Maria , Chehade Razane El Hajj , McGregor Bradley A
Published: December 2024

Ablation therapy is emerging as a compelling alternate approach for the management of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly patients who are not surgical candidates. These treatment modalities provide an excellent local control and minimal toxicity, with potential to delay systemic therapy for patients with oligometastatic RCC. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of ablative therapies in the management of patients with localized and oligometastatic RCC.
Retinal vascular changes are associated with PET-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: A pilot study
Authors: Leung Kristie Hing Chi , Chan Victor T.T. , Lam Bonnie Yin Ka , Mok Vincent CT , Cheung Carol Y
Published: December 2024

Background

Retina is a non-invasive channel for assessing changes in brain microvasculature, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies revealed significant relationship between clinically diagnosed AD and retinal vasculature. However, clinical diagnosis has limited sensitivity and specificity, and those investigations were conducted from traditional retinal fundus photographs which only captured a narrow section of the fundus.

Objective

Determining changes in retinal vasculature from larger area of retina between subjects with positron emission tomography (PET) biomarker-confirmed AD compared to controls.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the community and cognitive disorder clinics. Diagnosis of AD was confirmed by significant amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau uptake on PET scan. Retinal vasculature was imaged with ultra-widefield (UWF) scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and a series of vessel parameters were quantified using the semi-automated Singapore I Vessel Assessment (SIVA) software. Statistical analyses were adjusted for age, gender and systolic blood pressure. In addition, arteriole parameters were adjusted against the same measurements in venules, and vice versa.

Results

Out of the 39 patients, 18 had radiologically confirmed AD. These individuals with AD showed significantly smaller arteriolar fractal dimension ( p = 0.032) in UWF images and greater venular tortuosity ( p = 0.011) in standard fundus images compared with controls. Presence of significant Aβ and tau burden was associated with lower arteriolar caliber (OR 3.857; 95% CI 1.014–14.67; p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Reduction of fractal dimension in retinal arterioles observed in UWF imaging is associated with cerebral Aβ and tau burden in people with biomarker-confirmed AD. Wide field retinal imaging provides an alternative perspective in demonstrating microvascular alterations related to AD in this pilot study.
Development and microstructural characterization of ultra-lightweight aggregate concrete incorporating different sizes of polypropylene fibers
Authors: Chung Sang-Yeop , Oh Seo-Eun , Sikora Pawel , Stephan Dietmar , Abd Elrahman Mohamed , Al-kroom Hussein
Published: December 2024

In this study, ultra-lightweight concrete with an oven-dry density of 800 kg/m3 was produced using expanded glass as the lightweight aggregate. Polypropylene fibers of different sizes were incorporated into the specimens to examine their effects on the material properties, such as drying shrinkage and flexural strength. The target dry density was achieved by applying the packing density concept to optimize the mix grading and calculate the content of each concrete component. Specimens with different ratios of short and long fibers were produced. Their fresh state, mechanical performance, and physical properties were extensively analyzed using various methods, including X-ray micro-computed tomography to examine the microstructure. The experimental results indicated a significant reduction in drying shrinkage for the fiber incorporated specimens, dependent on the fiber length and content. The compressive strength of the specimens exceeded 12 MPa. Moreover, the inclusion of polypropylene fibers notably enhanced the flexural strength by approximately 60%, while the lower density contributed to substantially reduced thermal conductivity by up to 26%, which is beneficial for thermal insulation. These results confirm that polypropylene fibers can be used to produce ultra-lightweight concrete with self-leveling properties, without compromising mechanical and physical performance.
Quercetin mitigates iron-induced cell death in chicken granulosa cell
Authors: Wei Shuo , Amevor Felix Kwame , Du Xiaxia , Li Linxiang , Yi Zhixin , Shu Gang , Wang Yan , Zhao Xiaoling
Published: December 2024

Background

Granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis, ferroptosis, and other programmed cell death processes are markers of follicular aging. Quercetin has been shown to reduce ferroptosis, however, its effects on ferroptosis in poultry remains unexplored. Our preliminary study identified ferroptosis in aging ovaries. Therefore, in the present study, 540-day-old Mountain Plum-blossom chickens were fed with quercetin supplementation at varying doses (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/kg), and examined its molecular effects on GC ferroptosis using an in vitro Erastin-induced model.

Results

The results showed that quercetin supplementation significantly increased egg production, which confirmed its potential to alleviate ferroptosis in chicken ovarian tissue. The in vitro experiment revealed that quercetin and Fer-1 (positive control) mitigated Erastin-induced ferroptosis in GCs. Further, transcriptome analysis revealed that quercetin modulated key genes such as acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and transferrin receptor (TFRC), involved in ferroptosis regulation. The results further showed that quercetin also reduced Erastin-induced apoptosis and inflammation by modulating the expression of genes and proteins related to apoptosis and inflammatory factors (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10).

Conclusion

Taken together, the results showed that quercetin improves egg production performance in chickens and mitigates ovarian ferroptosis in aging hens, and inhibits Erastin-induced ferroptosis, inflammation, and apoptosis in GCs. These findings revealed the protective role of quercetin in poultry ovarian tissue and its cellular mechanisms against detrimental factors in poultry production.

Graphical Abstract