bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin inflammatory signatures, as measured by disordered spatial redness patterns, predict current and future skin ageing attributes
Authors: Omotezako Tatsuya , Zhao Wenzhu , Rodrigues MyriamRubecca , Ehrman Matthew , Deng Denny , Lau HiuFung , Hakozaki Tomohiro
Published: August 2024

Facial skin redness can be an indicator of skin inflammation, however the physiological connection between facial redness and inflammatory status, as well as its role in age‐related skin changes, remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the association between the pattern of facial skin redness and biological inflammatory status, as well as age‐related changes occurring in the skin. Four studies were conducted recruiting healthy Northern Asian females. Disordered spatial patterns of facial skin redness signals were assessed using image analysis, i.e., the a* gradient algorithm, which quantifies the disordered shape and pattern of localized redness signals on facial skin. This redness pattern was compared with (1) inflammatory protein markers (IL‐1Ra/ IL‐1α and IL‐8) measured from stripped corneocyte samples, (2) gene expression profiles obtained through transcriptome analysis using skin biopsy samples, and (3) the distribution pattern of blood vessel measured using a photoacoustic microscope. The association between the skin redness pattern and current and future ageing‐related skin changes was examined through a longitudinal study tracking the same subjects for 10 years. A significant correlation was observed between the a* gradient and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1Ra/IL‐1α and IL‐8). Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of genes related to acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, cellular senescence, and angiogenesis in subjects with higher a* gradients. The high a* gradient group exhibited an extension of blood vessel diameter and increased blood vessel density, while the medium a* gradient group only exhibited blood vessel extension. Lastly, the 10‐year longitudinal study demonstrated that the a* gradient was associated with current and future skin ageing‐related attributes, such as increased skin texture and wrinkle formation. The spatial pattern of localized redness on the skin reflects the biological inflammatory status, and this inflammatory condition helps predict current and future age‐related skin changes.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure associated with increased risk of psoriasis
Authors: Zhou Shu , Lei Li , Jiang Ling , Fu Chuhan , Wen Yaqing , Huang Jiangfeng , Zhang Keyi , Huang Jinhua , Chen Jing , Zeng Qinghai
Published: August 2024

Psoriasis is considered to be multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in the environment, originating from sources such as cigarette smoke, exhaust emissions, grilled foods, smoked foods and urban air. Researchs have established a link between PAHs exposure and autoimmune disorders; however, specific effects of PAHs on psoriasis remain underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between PAHs exposure and susceptibility to psoriasis. We analysed eight monohydroxy PAHs (1‐Hydroxynaphthalene (1‐NAP), 2‐Hydroxynaphthalene (2‐NAP), 3‐Hydroxyfluorene (3‐FLU), 2‐Hydroxyfluorene (2‐FLU), 1‐Hydroxyphenanthrene (1‐PHE), 1‐Hydroxypyrene (1‐PYR), 2‐Hydroxyphenanthrene (2‐PHE) and 3‐Hydroxyphenanthrene (3‐PHE)) in 5996 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We employed multivariate logistic regression, trend analysis, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to investigate the relationship between PAHs exposure and psoriasis risk. Multivariate logistic regression and trend analysis revealed that monohydroxy PAHs, including 2‐NAP, 3‐FLU, 2‐FLU and the mixture of 2‐PHE and 3‐PHE, are associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. Additionally, WQS regression showed a significant positive correlation between combined exposure to monohydroxy PAHs and psoriasis risk, with the mixture of 2‐PHE and 3‐PHE (47.3%) being the most influential factor. RCS regression further corroborated these findings. Specifically, 2‐FLU can increase the expression of psoriasis‐related inflammatory factors in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, PAHs exposure increases the risk of developing psoriasis. Efforts to reduce PAHs levels in the environment and minimise exposure are crucial for public health strategies aimed at preventing psoriasis.
The activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc) functions in a cell type‐ and sex‐specific manner in the adult nucleus accumbens to regulate non‐contingent cocaine behaviors
Authors: Wood Daniel J. , Huebschman Jessica L. , Martinez Dalia , Tsvetkov Evgeny , Snyder Kirsten , Tjhia Raymond , Kumar Jaswinder , Hughes Brandon W. , Taniguchi Makoto , Smith Laura N. , Cowan Christopher W. , Penrod Rachel D.
Published: August 2024

Repeated cocaine use produces adaptations in brain function that contribute to long‐lasting behaviors associated with cocaine use disorder (CUD). In rodents, the activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc) can regulate glutamatergic synaptic transmission, and cocaine regulates Arc expression and subcellular localization in multiple brain regions, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc)—a brain region linked to CUD‐related behavior. We show here that repeated, non‐contingent cocaine administration in global Arc KO male mice produced a dramatic hypersensitization of cocaine locomotor responses and drug experience‐dependent sensitization of conditioned place preference (CPP). In contrast to the global Arc KO mice, viral‐mediated reduction of Arc in the adult male, but not female, NAc (shArcNAc) reduced both CPP and cocaine‐induced locomotor activity, but without altering basal miniature or evoked glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Interestingly, cell type‐specific knockdown of Arc in D1 dopamine receptor‐expressing NAc neurons reduced cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization, but not cocaine CPP; whereas, Arc knockdown in D2 dopamine receptor‐expressing NAc neurons reduced cocaine CPP, but not cocaine‐induced locomotion. Taken together, our findings reveal that global, developmental loss of Arc produces hypersensitized cocaine responses; however, these effects cannot be explained by Arc's function in the adult mouse NAc since Arc is required in a cell type‐ and sex‐specific manner to support cocaine‐context associations and locomotor responses.
Cr2AlC ceramic–modified carbon/quartz fiber composites with enhanced ablation resistance and thermal insulation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Guixiang , Dai Bo , Fu Shuai , Wan Detian , Bao Yiwang , Chu Longsheng , Feng Qingguo , Hu Chunfeng
Published: August 2024

Carbon‐bonded carbon fiber composites (CBCF) are renowned for their lightweight and thermal insulation properties. However, the brittleness and susceptibility to oxidation hinder the widespread application of CBCF. In this work, the carbon‐bonded carbon/quartz hybrid fiber composites (CBCQF) were prepared by pressure filtration and modified by Cr2AlC ceramics. The microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal insulation, and ablation behaviors were investigated. Cr2AlC ceramics notably enhanced the compressive strength of CBCQF in the XY direction and reduced the room‐temperature thermal conductivity in the Z direction. Most importantly, Cr2AlC ceramics significantly improved the ablation resistance of CBCQF. When 40% Cr2AlC ceramics were added, the linear and mass ablation rates of CBCQF were reduced by 38.0% and 93.2%, respectively, compared to the reference sample. Moreover, the study of ablation mechanisms revealed that the improvement in ablation resistance was primarily derived from the formation of the surface protective oxides as well as the reinforcement of oxidation resistance. Overall, this study presents a promising avenue for the application of Cr2AlC ceramics and the modification of fiber composites.
Exploring the differences in sauce‐flavour Daqu from different regions and its contribution to Baijiu brewing based on microbial communities and flavours
Authors: Li Weiwei , Han Meiyue , Zhang Hui , Zhang Qiumei , Lang Ying , Hu Shenglan , Li Xiuting , Sun Baoguo
Published: August 2024

Daqu is an essential saccharification and fermentation agent in Baijiu brewing, and its characteristics affect the yield, quality, and flavour of Baijiu. The fundamental reason is that Daqu can provide rich microbial resources, complex enzyme systems, and raw materials for the Baijiu brewing process. In this study, three sauce‐flavour Daqu from two production areas, Beijing and Guizhou, were selected to focus on discussing and analysing the main contributions of sauce‐flavour Daqu itself to Baijiu brewing without interference from the external environment. The differences in the flavour composition and microbial communities of three Daqu were analysed. Microbial biomarkers were analysed by Lefse multilevel discriminant analysis for three Daqu. We found that different regions have their own biomarkers. Citrobacter, Rhodococcus, and Pseudomonas, were biomarkers of HD Daqu. Oceanobacillus, Aspergillus and Pichia were biomarkers of MT Daqu. Bacillus, Pediococcus and Fusarium were biomarkers of WM Daqu. A solid‐state simulation fermentation experiment was carried out to analyse changes in the flavour composition and microbial communities of fermented grains after 35 days of fermentation. The results showed that the microbial communities and the flavour composition in the Daqu and fermented samples differed significantly. The dominant microorganism genus evolved from Citrobacter, Rhodococcus, and Thermomyces to Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Pichia HD sample. The dominant microorganism genus in WM sample changed from Virgibacillus, Oceanobacillus, and Thermomyces to Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Pichia. Whereas in MT sample, the dominant microorganism genus evolved from Virgibacillus, Kroppenstedtia, and Thermomyces to Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Pichia. Additionally, the main flavour composition also changed after fermentation, which in the late fermentation period were phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl palmitate, tetramethylpyrazine, and 3‐methylbutanoic acid. These findings can provide support to explain the importance and contribution of sauce‐flavour Daqu in Baijiu brewing scientifically.
Plasma‐flash sintering: Metastable phase stabilization and evidence of ionized species
Authors: Gil‐González Eva , Taibi Ahmed , Perejón Antonio , Sánchez‐Jiménez Pedro E. , Pérez‐Maqueda Luis A.
Published: August 2024

The first demonstration of plasma‐flash sintering (PFS) is presented in this work. PFS is performed under a low‐pressure atmosphere that consecutively generates plasma and flash events. It is shown, by using several combined characterization techniques, that PFS stabilizes metastable phases on the surface of the material, which may be partially, but not solely, attributed to the generation of oxygen vacancies, and induces the absorption of ionized species, if a reactive atmosphere is employed. Even though additional research is required to understand the fundamentals of PFS, it is evidenced its potential to be used as a material surface engineering tool, which may widen the technological capabilities of flash sintering.
Barriers and facilitators for reducing low‐value home‐based nursing care: A qualitative exploratory study among homecare professionals
Authors: Cremers Milou , Wendt Benjamin , Huisman‐de Waal Getty , van Bodegom‐Vos Leti , van Dulmen Simone A. , Schipper Elise , van Dijk Monique , Ista Erwin
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore barriers and facilitators for reducing low‐value home‐based nursing care.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Method

Seven focus group interviews and two individual interviews were conducted with homecare professionals, managers and quality improvement staff members within seven homecare organizations. Data were deductively analysed using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist.

Results

Barriers perceived by homecare professionals included lack of knowledge and skills, such as using care aids, interactions between healthcare professionals and general practitioners creating expectations among clients. Facilitators perceived included reflecting on provided care together with colleagues, clearly communicating agreements and expectations towards clients. Additionally, clients' and relatives' behaviour could potentially hinder reduction. In contrast, clients' motivation to be independent and involving relatives can promote reduction. Lastly, non‐reimbursement and additional costs of care aids were perceived as barriers. Support from organization and management for the reduction of care was considered as facilitator.

Conclusion

Understanding barriers and facilitators experienced by homecare professionals in reducing low‐value home‐based nursing care is crucial. Enhancing knowledge and skills, fostering cross‐professional collaboration, involving relatives and motivating clients' self‐care can facilitate reduction of low‐value home‐based nursing care.

Implications for profession and patient care: De‐implementing low‐value home‐based nursing care offers opportunities for more appropriate care and inclusion of clients on waitlists.

Impact

Addressing barriers with tailored strategies can successfully de‐implement low‐value home‐based nursing care.

Reporting Method

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used.

No patient or public contribution.
Attitudes of direct support professionals and management staff towards intellectual disability in specialised services
Authors: Assouline Isabelle , Morin Diane
Published: August 2024

Background

Attitudes towards intellectual disability play an important role in the social inclusion and well‐being of persons with intellectual disability. Few studies have examined attitudes of staff working in the specialised service industry, which may have an even greater impact. This study aimed to better understand these attitudes.

Methods

A sample of 157 direct support professionals and 38 managers working with persons with intellectual disability completed the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID; Morin, Rivard, et al. (2013).Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 57, 279–292). Attitudes were assessed along affective, cognitive, and behavioural dimensions.

Results

Results revealed generally positive attitudes in both groups, but more paternalistic attitudes among managers and less positive attitudes in the general population. Positive attitudes were associated with level of education, frequency and quality of contact, and knowledge about intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion

Workplace training programs addressing the aetiology of intellectual disability and interventions promoting self‐determination may help enhance staff attitudes towards intellectual disability.
Tracking data as an alternative to resighting data for inferring population ranges
Authors: Linssen Hans , van Loon E. Emiel , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy Z. , Vergin Lisa , Leyrer Jutta , Nolet Bart A.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Large‐scale space use and geographical ranges of animal populations are central topics in ecology. Whereas they are traditionally often based on citizen science or professional sightings of (marked) animals, recent technological developments have presented GPS tracking as an alternative method for inferring space use at the population level. Tracking devices are however much more expensive than traditional marks, rings or collars, leading to datasets that typically consist of much fewer individuals. We study how GPS tracking data and citizen science resighting data of marked individuals compare as alternative sources for inferring range size.

Location

Northwestern Europe.

Taxon

Bewick's swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii).

Methods

We calculated Bewick's swan range sizes from a wealth of GPS tracking and resighting data during winter, the period of the year when both data types are abundant. We examined the effect of the number of individuals and the total number of spatial records (either resightings or GPS fixes) on the inferred range size. Moreover, we combined GPS tracks with resightings of the same individuals to empirically determine spatial variation in resighting rates.

Results

Tracked individuals generated records across an area 1.5–2 times larger than individuals that were merely resighted. Moreover, any given number of daily GPS records (rather than GPS‐tracked individuals) yielded an area 1.5 times larger than that same number of resighting records. A small number of GPS‐tracked individuals (~20) was sufficient to yield a larger range size compared to much higher numbers of resighted individuals (well over 400). Spatial variation in resighting rates corresponded well with the differences in range size from the two data types, indicating that spatial gaps in observer effort can hamper range estimations.

Main Conclusions

When combined with resighting data, tracking data can be used to indicate areas of low observer effort. Although citizen science resightings are essential for collecting various types of biological information, we show that GPS tracking presents a highly efficient alternative to traditional marking for assessing large‐scale space use and population ranges, requiring far fewer individuals to be used.
Prevention, resolution, or counseling: Testing three approaches to reducing debt payment delinquencies in a large‐scale field experiment
Authors: Roll Stephen , Chun Yung , Despard Mathieu , Bufe Sam , Kondratjeva Olga
Published: August 2024

In this study, we partnered with a large credit union to conduct a 10‐arm field experiment aimed at reducing delinquent payments on installment debts. This experiment tested common behavioral interventions such as payment reminders against more novel approaches such as magnet reminders and savings accounts that automated emergency savings. It also tested the impact of offering financial counseling services. Our findings indicate that the email reminders—which emphasized resolving current delinquencies in some treatments and preventing future delinquencies in others—were effective at reducing moderate and severe payment delinquency rates. Other, more intensive treatments, which required participants to enroll in a new account or financial counseling, likely did not have an impact due to low takeup rates. We also find limited evidence that certain interventions were more effective for individuals with higher credit risk.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of concentrated growth factors for hair growth promotion in androgenetic alopecia patients: A retrospective single‐centre, single‐arm study
Authors: Cao Saisai , Zhu Mengyi , Bi Ye
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of injections of concentrated growth factors (CGF) for hair growth promotion in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of AGA patients treated with injections of CGF at our center from October 2021 to April 2023 was performed. A total of 3 injections were administered every 3–4 weeks apart, and evaluation were performed before the first injection and at 3 months, 6 months later. The outcomes were assessed by trichoscopy photomicrographs and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).

Results

At 3 months after the first injection, the hair density and hair growth ratio were significantly improved. Significant improvements were found in GAIS score by both patients and independent doctors and the hair growth promotion was sustained for 6 months after first treatment.

Conclusions

According to this tiny single‐arm trial, the use of CGF injection may help AGA by increasing terminal hair density and hair density. No severe topical or systemic adverse events occurred during the treatment.
Infant feeding for women with an eating disorder: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Leeming Dawn , Barnsley‐Bridger Samantha , Shabir Rumaanah , Hinsliff Sophie , Marshall Joyce
Published: August 2024

Mothers with eating disorders can face additional challenges with infant feeding, and there is evidence they are likely to cease breastfeeding earlier than intended. However, there is little research exploring this. The present study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experience of infant feeding for mothers suffering from or recovering from an eating disorder. Semistructured interviews were conducted with six women—five who had breastfed and one who formula‐fed. The women experienced two incompatible worlds—motherhood and an eating disorder. Tensions were sometimes resolved by reducing eating disordered behaviour alongside immersion in motherhood. Two participants did not find infant feeding particularly important for their journey into motherhood. Four recounted a positive shift in their relationship to their body through breastfeeding and felt their embodied experience of mothering provided a route out of eating disordered behaviour. However, doubts about their mothering and infant feeding capabilities could be amplified by feeling mistrusted by others and by the relative silence around eating disorders within maternity care services. Respectful dialogue with health care professionals was particularly valued where this occurred. Although long‐term outcomes for the participants are unknown, the study suggests women with a history of eating disorders can form successful breastfeeding relationships and may be motivated to engage in collaborative risk assessment. However, they need support in managing emotional challenges. Training around eating disorders for maternity care professionals is likely to be useful for enhancing confidence in engaging mothers proactively to share concerns about eating, weight and body shape.
Effect of adiposity status on salivary Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus
Authors: Deng Qianyi , Wong Hai Ming , Peng Simin
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effect of adiposity status, salivary physicochemical parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers on the salivary abundance of the two main cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus among Hong Kong adolescents.

Subjects and Methods

This study included 180 adolescents aged 12–15 years from Hong Kong local secondary schools. Anthropometric measurements and oral health examinations were performed. Saliva samples were collected to measure salivary physicochemical parameters, protein biomarker levels, and salivary abundance of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and total bacteria.

Results

Adolescents with general overweight/obesity or central obesity had significantly higher salivary Streptococcus mutans abundance and total bacterial load, lower stimulated salivary flow rate, and lower secretory phospholipase A2 group IIA levels than the lean controls. Adolescents with general overweight/obesity (OR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.28–8.65) and those with central obesity (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.02–6.00) had a significantly higher chance of having high salivary abundance of Streptococcus mutans than the lean controls after adjusting for confounders, with a similar detection rate of salivary Streptococcus sobrinus.

Conclusion

General overweight or obesity and central obesity were associated with a high salivary abundance of Streptococcus mutans but had no significant effect on salivary Streptococcus sobrinus.
Distinct profiles of plant immune resilience revealed by natural variation in warm temperature‐modulated disease resistance among Arabidopsis accessions
Authors: Rossi Christina A. M. , Patel Dhrashti N. , Castroverde Christian Danve M.
Published: August 2024

Elevated temperature suppresses the plant defence hormone salicylic acid (SA) by downregulating the expression of master immune regulatory genes CALMODULIN BINDING PROTEIN 60‐LIKE G (CBP60g) and SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT1 (SARD1). However, previous studies in Arabidopsis thaliana plants have primarily focused on the accession Columbia‐0 (Col‐0), while the genetic determinants of intraspecific variation in Arabidopsis immunity under elevated temperature remain unknown. Here we show that BASIC HELIX LOOP HELIX 059 (bHLH059), a thermosensitive SA regulator at nonstress temperatures, does not regulate immune suppression under warmer temperatures. In agreement, temperature‐resilient and ‐sensitive Arabidopsis accessions based on disease resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 did not correlate with bHLH059 polymorphisms. Instead, we found that temperature‐resilient accessions exhibit varying CBP60g and SARD1 expression profiles, potentially revealing CBP60g/SARD1‐dependent and independent mechanisms of immune resilience to warming temperature. We identified thermoresilient accessions that exhibited either temperature‐sensitive or ‐insensitive induction of the SA biosynthetic gene ICS1 (direct target gene of CBP60g and SARD1) and SA hormone levels. Collectively, this study has unveiled the intraspecific diversity of Arabidopsis immune responses under warm temperatures, which could aid in predicting plant responses to climate change and provide foundational knowledge for climate‐resilient crop engineering.
Nucleolar actions in plant development and stress responses
Authors: Lee Soeui , Seo Ye‐Eun , Choi Jeen , Yan Xin , Kim Taewon , Choi Doil , Lee Joo Hyun
Published: August 2024

The nucleolus is conventionally acknowledged for its role in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome biogenesis. Recent research has revealed its multifaceted involvement in plant biology, encompassing regulation of the cell cycle, development, and responses to environmental stresses. This comprehensive review explores the diverse roles of the nucleolus in plant growth and responses to environmental stresses. The introduction delves into its traditional functions in rRNA synthesis and potential participation in nuclear liquid–liquid phase separation. By examining the multifaceted roles of nucleolar proteins in plant development, we highlight the impacts of various nucleolar mutants on growth, development, and embryogenesis. Additionally, we reviewed the involvement of nucleoli in responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Under abiotic stress conditions, the nucleolar structure undergoes morphological changes. In the context of biotic stress, the nucleolus emerges as a common target for effectors of pathogens for manipulation of host immunity to enhance pathogenicity. The detailed exploration of how pathogens interact with nucleoli and manipulate host responses provides valuable insights into plant stress responses as well as plant growth and development. Understanding these processes may pave the way for promising strategies to enhance crop resilience and mitigate the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses in agricultural systems.
Structure learning for continuous time Bayesian networks via penalized likelihood
Authors: Ca̧kała Tomasz , Miasojedow Błażej , Rejchel Wojciech , Shpak Maryia
Published: August 2024

Continuous time Bayesian networks (CTBNs) represent a class of stochastic processes, which can be used to model complex phenomena, for instance, they can describe interactions occurring in living processes, social science models or medicine. The literature on this topic is usually focused on a case when a dependence structure of a system is known and we are to determine conditional transition intensities (parameters of a network). In the paper, we study a structure learning problem, which is a more challenging task and the existing research on this topic is limited. The approach, which we propose, is based on a penalized likelihood method. We prove that our algorithm, under mild regularity conditions, recognizes a dependence structure of a graph with high probability. We also investigate properties of the procedure in numerical studies.
What's Wrong With Family Diversity? Five Cultural Assumptions About the Standard North American Family
Authors: Harris Scott R.
Published: August 2024

Acceptance of family diversity has increased. However, families that differ from the standard North American family (SNAF) are still confidently portrayed as the cause of numerous social problems, even when evidence may be lacking or mixed. This article describes and critiques five assumptions that inform advocates' claims: the belief that the heterosexual nuclear family is the most (1) real, (2) divine, (3) natural, (4) longstanding, and (5) functional form of kinship. These ideas, though dubious, can exert harmful influence on Americans in their personal lives and in public policymaking.
Living with financial insecurity: Analysing the impact of the cost‐of‐living crisis on older ethnic minority people
Authors: Lewis Camilla , Yarker Sophie , Phillipson Chris
Published: August 2024

This article analyses the impact of the cost‐of‐living crisis on older ethnic minority people. The discussion suggests that while the UK is experiencing the greatest living standards crisis in modern times, the pressures facing older people are not new. They should be understood in the context of austerity and the impact of COVID‐19 on the older population, which drastically rationed support of all kinds. The analysis focuses on qualitative data from interviews with older people from ethnic minority backgrounds and community organisations supporting them in Greater Manchester, UK. The findings suggest that the cost‐of‐living crisis is having a particularly profound impact on older Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities, who tend to be poorer, have lower quality housing, lower pensions and are often in poorer health. The inequalities faced by ethnic minority people are driven by entrenched structural and institutional racism and racial discrimination leading to their disproportionate representation in insecure and low‐paid employment, overcrowded housing, and deprived neighbourhoods. The paper argues that the rising cost‐of‐living in the UK is not being uniformly felt, due to inequalities that place ethnic minority groups at a greater risk from high inflation and a stalling economy. To conclude, the paper suggests that since the older population is set to become more ethnically diverse in the years ahead, tackling inequalities between older groups should be a priority as the older population becomes more varied.
Postface: Concluding Remarks on Relevance and Impact of Political Science in Switzerland
Authors: Ingold Karin , Stadelmann‐Steffen Isabelle
Published: August 2024

We feel honored to contribute the postface to this debate which reflects on the relevance and impact of our discipline for the Swiss Political Science Review. In what follows, we have summarized the “take‐home messages” that we identified when reading the debate. We have therefore synthesized those elements of the relevance and impact of political science that should hold true in a more generalizable or global context. In the second part, we put the insights from this debate in a Swiss context, whether academic, political, or societal. Most importantly, we elaborate on the peculiarities of the Swiss system and their implications for Swiss political science to be relevant and create an impact.
The Potential for Political Scientists to Remain Relevant: A Comment on Flinders
Authors: Brans Marleen , Timmermans Arco
Published: August 2024

Brans and Timmermans respond to Flinders' concerns about the potential irrelevance of political science due to the pressures of impact regimes. Based on a 2018 survey of 12,400 European political scientists, they show that 80% of political scientists actively engage in policy advising. They identify four advisory roles: Pure Academic, Expert, Opinionating Scholar, and Public Intellectual, with most political scientists fitting the Opinionating Scholar type. Contrary to Flinders' fears of depoliticization, most political scientists make normative statements and engage on intrinsically political topics. Rather than being confined to a dyadic relationship with policymakers, their engagements are diverse, targeting civil society actors, government agencies, and think tanks. They are moreover driven by professional duty rather than extrinsic incentives. Based on the study's results the contribution refutes the notion that increased policy engagement leads to irrelevance: political scientists have the potential to maintain criticality and influence in policy advisory systems across Europe.
VC‐PCR: A prediction method based on variable selection and clustering
Authors: Marion Rebecca , Lederer Johannes , Goevarts Bernadette , Sachs Rainer von
Published: August 2024

Sparse linear prediction methods suffer from decreased prediction accuracy when the predictor variables have cluster structure (e.g., highly correlated groups of variables). To improve prediction accuracy, various methods have been proposed to identify variable clusters from the data and integrate cluster information into a sparse modeling process. But none of these methods achieve satisfactory performance for prediction, variable selection and variable clustering performed simultaneously. This paper presents Variable Cluster Principal Component Regression (VC‐PCR), a prediction method that uses variable selection and variable clustering in order to solve this problem. Experiments with real and simulated data demonstrate that, compared to competitor methods, VC‐PCR is the only method that achieves simultaneously good prediction, variable selection, and clustering performance when cluster structure is present.
Chemotherapy affects the development of pathological scarring after general thoracic surgery in children
Authors: Cheng Xinwei , Huang Jiaxi , Shan Shengzhou , He Yining , Zheng Hongkun , Jin Lu , Chen Gang , Zhou Jia
Published: August 2024

Globally, a great number of children have been suffering from physical dysfunction and psychological stress due to uncontrollable scar growth and a lack of effective modalities. Despite chemotherapy's established role as a primary treatment for pathological scarring in adults, its efficacy in preventing or minimizing scar formation in paediatric patients remains underexplored. This retrospective cohort study aimed to refine the relevant clinical evidence and investigate the effect of chemotherapy on pathological scars in children. In this single‐centre retrospective cohort study, the data of children aged ≤18 years who underwent thoracic surgery at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University between 1 January 2018, and 31 December 2021 were assessed. The primary outcome was pathological scarring, and the secondary outcomes were subjective symptoms accompanying pathological scarring, such as pain and itching. To mitigate indication bias, analysis was performed by inverse probability weighting (IPTW) log‐binomial regression models. The cohort comprised 102 children, among whom 36 received adjuvant chemotherapy perioperatively, while 66 did not. Under the IPTW model, a statistically significant difference in pathological scarring incidence was observed between the chemotherapy and non‐chemotherapy groups (16.7% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.027). And the children received chemotherapy post‐operatively had a lower relative risk of pathological scarring, compared with those received chemotherapy both before and after surgery (19.8% vs. 28.8%). Adjuvant chemotherapy treatment after surgery may reduce the incidence of post‐operative pathological scarring in children.
Pathophysiological role of connexin and pannexin hemichannels in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Vásquez Walter , Toro Carlos A. , Cardozo Christopher P. , Cea Luis A. , Sáez Juan C.
Published: August 2024

A growing body of research has provided evidence thatde novoexpression of connexin hemichannels and upregulation of pannexin hemichannels (Cx HCs and Panx HCs, respectively) in the cytoplasmic membrane of skeletal muscle (sarcolemma) are critical steps in the pathogenesis of muscle dysfunction of many genetic and acquired muscle diseases. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of Cx and Panx HCs in skeletal muscle, as well as their roles in both muscle physiology and pathologies. Additionally, it addresses existing gaps in knowledge and outlines future challenges in the field.

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The Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel TMEM16B shapes the response time course of olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: Reisert Johannes , Pifferi Simone , Guarneri Giorgia , Ricci Chiara , Menini Anna , Dibattista Michele
Published: August 2024

Mammalian olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) generate an odorant‐induced response by sequentially activating two ion channels, which are in their ciliary membranes. First, a cationic, Ca2+‐permeable cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel is opened following odorant stimulation via a G protein‐coupled transduction cascade and an ensuing rise in cAMP. Second, the increase in ciliary Ca2+ opens the excitatory Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel TMEM16B, which carries most of the odorant‐induced receptor current. While the role of TMEM16B in amplifying the response has been well established, it is less understood how this secondary ion channel contributes to response kinetics and action potential generation during single as well as repeated stimulation and, on the other hand, which response properties the cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channel determines. We first demonstrate that basic membrane properties such as input resistance, resting potential and voltage‐gated currents remained unchanged in OSNs that lack TMEM16B. The CNG channel predominantly determines the response delay and adaptation during odorant exposure, while the absence of the Cl− channels shortens both the time the response requires to reach its maximum and the time to terminate after odorant stimulation. This faster response termination in Tmem16b knockout OSNs allows them, somewhat counterintuitively despite the large reduction in receptor current, to fire action potentials more reliably when stimulated repeatedly in rapid succession, a phenomenon that occurs both in isolated OSNs and in OSNs within epithelial slices. Thus, while the two olfactory ion channels act in concert to generate the overall response, each one controls specific aspects of the odorant‐induced response.

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Key points

Mammalian olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) generate odorant‐induced responses by activating two ion channels sequentially in their ciliary membranes: a Na+, Ca2⁺‐permeable cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channel and the Ca2⁺‐activated Cl⁻ channel TMEM16B.

The CNG channel controls response delay and adaptation during odorant exposure, while TMEM16B amplifies the response and influences the time required for the response to reach its peak and terminate.

OSNs lacking TMEM16B display faster response termination, allowing them to fire action potentials more reliably during rapid repeated stimulation.

The CNG and TMEM16B channels have distinct and complementary roles in shaping the kinetics and reliability of odorant‐induced responses in OSNs.
A Simplified Thermal Hydraulic Model for Solid Pin-Fueled Molten Salt Reactors Under Low-Flow Accident Scenarios
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sriram , Garimella Srinivas
Published: August 2024

Fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) are an emerging category of next generation reactors. A thermal hydraulic modeling tool that can perform fluid flow and heat transfer analyses in the core region of the reactor during normal operation and under postulated accident scenarios is essential to enable the further development of preconceptual FHRs. While accident scenarios that involve high core inlet flow rates, such as loss of heat sink and reactivity insertion accidents can be analyzed using simpler flow models, accidents involving low-flow situations such as loss of forced flow due to coolant pump failure typically require more complex models with tight coupling between momentum and energy equations due to the buoyancy dominated flows in these postulated accident scenarios. This study develops a core-level thermal hydraulic model with simplifications to provide a conservative estimate for core temperatures during loss of forced flow accidents. The key simplification is that the model neglects reversed and recirculating flows that could exist in buoyancy-driven flows, which have the net effect of reducing the transverse temperature gradient in the fuel assembly pin bundle regions, thus reducing the core temperatures encountered during the natural circulation accident. The objective of this simplified model is to provide a first-pass, conservative estimate of the peak fuel, graphite, and coolant temperatures, which is particularly useful when evaluating different safety system designs. Further optimization of a few down selected safety systems could use more complex models that would incur a substantially higher computational expense.
Performance Analysis and Optimum Design of a Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell Fueled With Mixed Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Xiuqin , Yang Zhimin , Chen Jincan
Published: August 2024

The full oxidation of ethanol in a direct alcohol fuel cell remains a significant technical obstacle. A thermodynamic model of the cell has been developed, incorporating a mixed solution of methanol and ethanol, which considers the oxidation of methanol as well as the complete and incomplete oxidations of ethanol. If the activities of the catalysts at electrodes are stable, the effects of C–C bond cleavage in alcohol and further oxidation of intermediates on the performance of the cell can be quantitatively described. The physical driving force of the electrochemical reactions is displayed by using thermodynamics, then the irreversible losses from the ionization activity, ohm resistance, and finite-rate diffusion of fuels are considered, and finally, the optimization criterion is determined. The optimum power density and optimum efficiency are monotonically decreasing functions of the molar concentration of ethanol in the solution. However, the molar concentration of ethanol in the cell is suggested smaller than 0.0107 mol/cm3 to balance the two performance indicators. In such a range, the optimum power density and optimum efficiency are greater than 0.7626 J/s/cm2 and 19.6%, respectively, and the required molar composition of alcoholic solution at the inlet of the channel, the molar concentration of methanol, and three partial current densities in the cell are proposed. The research supplies a novel way to improve the performance of direct alcohol fuel cells.
Single-molecule structural and kinetic studies across sequence space
Authors: Severins Ivo , Bastiaanssen Carolien , Kim Sung Hyun , Simons Roy B. , van Noort John , Joo Chirlmin
Published: August 2024

At the core of molecular biology lies the intricate interplay between sequence, structure, and function. Single-molecule techniques provide in-depth dynamic insights into structure and function, but laborious assays impede functional screening of large sequence libraries. We introduce high-throughput Single-molecule Parallel Analysis for Rapid eXploration of Sequence space (SPARXS), integrating single-molecule fluorescence with next-generation sequencing. We applied SPARXS to study the sequence-dependent kinetics of the Holliday junction, a critical intermediate in homologous recombination. By examining the dynamics of millions of Holliday junctions, covering thousands of distinct sequences, we demonstrated the ability of SPARXS to uncover sequence patterns, evaluate sequence motifs, and construct thermodynamic models. SPARXS emerges as a versatile tool for untangling the mechanisms that underlie sequence-specific processes at the molecular scale.
Pulling back the curtain
Authors: Cohen Jon , Tsanni Abdullahi
Published: August 2024

Mpox circulated in Nigeria for 8 years before it sparked a global outbreak. Could it have been stopped?
Livestock virus hits Europe with a vengeance
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: August 2024

Bluetongue spreads rapidly in sheep and cattle in six countries despite vaccination efforts
Genetic evidence for a regulated cysteine protease catalytic triad in LegA7, a
Legionella pneumophila
protein that impinges on a stress response pathway
Authors: Hershkovitz Dar , Chen Emy J. , Ensminger Alexander W. , Dugan Aisling S. , Conway Kaleigh T. , Joyce Alex C. , Segal Gil , Isberg Ralph R.
Published: August 2024

Legionella pneumophila
grows within membrane-bound vacuoles in phylogenetically diverse hosts. Intracellular growth requires the function of the Icm/Dot type-IVb secretion system, which translocates more than 300 proteins into host cells. A screen was performed to identify
L. pneumophila
proteins that stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, using Icm/Dot translocated proteins ectopically expressed in mammalian cells. In parallel, a second screen was performed to identify
L. pneumophila
proteins expressed in yeast that cause growth inhibition in MAPK pathway-stimulatory high-osmolarity medium. LegA7 was shared in both screens, a protein predicted to be a member of the bacterial cysteine protease family that has five carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeats. Three conserved residues in the predicted catalytic triad of LegA7 were mutated. These mutations abolished the ability of LegA7 to inhibit yeast growth. To identify other residues important for LegA7 function, a generalizable selection strategy in yeast was devised to isolate mutants that have lost function and no longer cause growth inhibition on a high-osmolarity medium. Mutations were isolated in the two carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeats, as well as an inter-domain region located between the cysteine protease domain and the ankyrin repeats. These mutations were predicted by AlphaFold modeling to localize to the face opposite from the catalytic site, arguing that they interfere with the positive regulation of the catalytic activity. Based on our data, we present a model in which LegA7 harbors a cysteine protease domain with an inter-domain and two carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeat regions that modulate the function of the catalytic domain.

IMPORTANCE

Legionella pneumophila
grows in a membrane-bound compartment in macrophages during disease. Construction of the compartment requires a dedicated secretion system that translocates virulence proteins into host cells. One of these proteins, LegA7, is shown to activate a stress response pathway in host cells called the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The effects on the mammalian MAPK pathway were reconstructed in yeast, allowing the development of a strategy to identify the role of individual domains of LegA7. A domain similar to cysteine proteases is demonstrated to be critical for impinging on the MAPK pathway, and the catalytic activity of this domain is required for targeting this path. In addition, a conserved series of repeats, called ankyrin repeats, controls this activity. Data are provided that argue the interaction of the ankyrin repeats with unknown targets probably results in activation of the cysteine protease domain.