bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional profiling of plant‐based meat alternatives and ground beef
Authors: Hernandez M. Sebastian , Coyle Katherine , Siebecker Matthew G. , Woerner Dale R. , Brooks J. Chance , Legako Jerrad F.
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional profile of plant‐based meat alternatives (PBMA) and ground beef (GB). Beyond Beef (BEY); Impossible Burger (IMP), a third available product of plant‐based protein, including SWEET EARTH, Incogmeato, Open Nature, and Good & Gather (GEN); and two lean levels of GB (regular [80%–85% lean, regular ground beef] and Lean [>93% lean, lean ground beef, LGB]) were purchased from retail stores across the United States. Proximate composition, mineral content, fatty acid profile, amino acid profile, and B‐vitamin content were measured in raw products. Generally, PBMA had increased ash content which coincided with increased mineral concentration compared to GB, namely sodium, calcium, and zinc (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for B‐vitamins. The fatty acid profile of IMP was primarily saturated due to lauric acid (12:0) and myristic acid (14:0) concentrations. Both BEY and GEN were highly unsaturated because of linoleic acid concentration (18:2n6). LGB possessed the greatest total amino acid concentration and total essential amino acid content (p < 0.05). Phenylalanine was increased in PBMA compared to GB (p < 0.05). Overall, these data show differences and similarities between the nutritional profile of PBMA and GB. However, the bioavailability of these nutrients and associated health outcomes, particularly in PBMA, require further investigation.
Auditor political connections and SEC oversight
Authors: Krishnan Jagan , Li Meng , Park Hyun Jong
Published: November 2024

We examine whether auditor political connections are associated with the SEC's oversight of audit clients. Specifically, we test whether auditors' political action committee contributions are associated with three SEC oversight actions: comment letters, investigations, and Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (AAERs). Consistent with higher political connections inducing heightened scrutiny from the SEC, we find that the clients of auditors with higher political connections are more likely to receive comment letters and face SEC investigations. However, conditional on SEC investigation, we find no association between auditor political connections and the issuance of AAERs. We consider heightened attention from investors and analysts toward audit clients as one possible mechanism leading to increased SEC scrutiny because auditor political connections could be perceived as a red flag. Using EDGAR downloads and the number of earnings forecast revisions, we document evidence consistent with the existence of this mechanism. These findings add to our understanding of how auditor political connections could influence SEC oversight over audit clients.
Effect of screw placement order on range of proximal tibial fragment rotation adjustment and osteotomy gap formation when using manual reduction during tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO)
Authors: Tay LYC , Snelling SR
Published: December 2024

Aim

To determine the optimal first proximal screw position which permits proximal tibial fragment rotation adjustment while minimising osteotomy gap formation when a manual reduction technique is used for TPLO in dogs.

Methods

TPLOs were performed on bone models using Synthes 3.5‐mm TPLO implants with a jig but without the use of an anti‐rotational pin. The osteotomy was held in manual reduction with pointed reduction forceps placed across the proximal tibial fragment while the first three screws were applied. The first two screws were placed in the non‐locking holes of the distal stem of the plate as per manufacturer's screw placement order guidelines. The third screw was placed in one of the three locking screw positions in the head of the plate, denoted as the ‘cranial’, ‘proximal’ and ‘caudal’ screw positions. After the first three screws were placed, the range of possible proximal tibial fragment rotation change (up to 6 mm in each direction) and the resultant cranial and caudal osteotomy gaps were measured.

Results

The proximal screw position minimises cranial osteotomy gap formation with negative rotation changes to the proximal tibial fragment. The caudal screw position minimises caudal osteotomy gap formation with positive rotation changes to the proximal tibial fragment. Rotation change had a greater effect on cranial osteotomy gaps compared to caudal osteotomy gaps. The cranial screw position had the most limited osteotomy rotation change.

Conclusion

The proximal screw position should be placed first in the head of the plate to allow proximal tibial fragment rotation adjustment while minimising osteotomy gap formation when using a manual reduction technique when performing a TPLO.
Influence of gut bile acid composition on the glucose‐lowering effect and safety of metformin
Authors: Yoon Deok Yong , Kim Jungeun , Cho Joo‐Youn , Chung Jae‐Yong
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study evaluates how changes in intestinal bile acid composition, induced by cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant, affect metformin's pharmacodynamics (PD).

Methods

An open‐label, 2‐period 1‐sequence crossover study was conducted with healthy male adults. Each period consisted of both before and after metformin treatments. Cholestyramine was administered during the second period to change the bile acid pool. For, PD assessment, an oral glucose tolerance test was conducted at each treatment in both periods. Metformin was administered 3 times during each period, and cholestyramine was administered 3 times per day for 7 days during the second period. Maximum serum glucose concentration, area under the glucose concentration curve and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were calculated. Baseline‐corrected PD parameters were derived by subtracting pre‐metformin values from post‐metformin values. Lipid and panels and bile acid profiles in stool were measured. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

Results

Fourteen subjects completed the study. The mean values of 3 PD parameters were all decreased after metformin administration in both periods. Cholestyramine administration led to a further decrease in baseline‐corrected PD parameters, significantly reducing the area under the glucose concentration curve by 44.7%. Diarrhoea, the most common adverse event, was reported in 10 subjects during the metformin alone treatment and in 1 subject during the cholestyramine combined treatment (P < .01).

Conclusion

Cholestyramine affected the glucose‐lowering effect of metformin by the possible change in the bile acid pool in the gut, and metformin‐associated diarrhoea was improved by cholestyramine.
BCPT perspectives on studies involving natural products, traditional Chinese medicine and systems pharmacology
Authors: Tveden‐Nyborg Pernille , Yang Baoxue , Simonsen Ulf , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: December 2024

Natural products constitute a vast source of bioactive compounds with the potential of providing valuable insight for future medicines. However, from a pharmacological perspective, natural product studies are also often accompanied by serious limitations due to, for example, the complex nature of biological extracts, the challenge of reproducibly characterizing the extract and providing an exhaustive list of constituents and, consequently, the difficulties in linking the observed pharmacological effects to specific chemical entities. The present paper discusses the major challenges of studies with natural products and provides a guideline to be followed by authors submitting research findings involving data from natural products, and their derivatives, to Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology.
Outcomes of Lung Transplantation in Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis: Analysis of UNOS Database
Authors: Nandavaram Sravanthi , Mei Xiaonan , Khan Tahir , Faruqi Muhammad Asad , Fyffe Zachary , Keshavamurthy Suresh , Chandrashekaran Satish
Published: December 2024

Background

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) poses a significant burden on affected individuals and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Lung transplantation (LT) is the only effective treatment for this progressive and fatal lung disease. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of patients who have undergone LT for primary diagnosis of CWP. 

Methods

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data from the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) was queried to identify recipients who underwent lung transplantation (LT) between May 2005 and June 2021 in the lung allocation score (LAS) era across all transplant centers reporting to SRTR. A comparison was conducted between baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and post‐transplant outcomes of patients who underwent LT for CWP and those who received LT for other indications. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to assess graft and patient survival post LT.

Results

Between May 2005 and June 2021, 158 patients underwent LT for CWP. Overall graft survival (Log‐rank p = 0.889) and patient survival (Log‐rank p = 0.910) were not significantly different between the two groups. CWP group was noted to have higher mean pulmonary artery pressures, LAS, need for prolonged intubation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at 72 h and the need for dialysis at the time of discharge.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent LT for coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) had comparable post‐transplant outcomes to those with other diagnoses. Therefore, LT for CWP can be safely performed. It is crucial to recognize the severity of the illness and be aware of the potential challenges in the perioperative transplant course to effectively manage this population.
Neuronal activity features of the subthalamic nucleus associated with optimal deep brain stimulation electrode insertion path in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zakharov Nikita , Belova Elena , Gamaleya Anna , Tomskiy Alexey , Sedov Alexey
Published: December 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a standard treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The precise positioning of the electrode can significantly influence the results of DBS and the overall improvement in the quality of life for PD patients receiving this therapy. We hypothesize that single unit activity (SUA) features can serve as a valid marker of the optimal DBS‐electrode insertion trajectory, leading to the most favorable outcome of STN‐DBS surgery. We analyzed spontaneous SUA data recorded during microelectrode recording (MER) for 21 patients with PD who underwent DBS surgery. We compared 29 linear and six nonlinear characteristics of the STN neural activity recorded along different microelectrode insertion paths to determine features corresponding to favorable stimulation outcomes. Our research indicated that the SUA features of pause neurons in a dorsal STN region significantly affected stimulation outcomes. For the trajectories chosen for lead insertion, firing rate, burst rate and oscillatory activity at 8–12 and 12–20 bands were significantly decreased. Moreover, nonlinear feature analysis showed a significant increase in mutual information for the chosen trajectories. Our findings highlight the significance of specific indicators, such as the activity of pause neurons in the dorsal region and numerous linear SUA characteristics, in determining the optimal lead installation trajectory. Furthermore, our findings emphasize the importance of investigating paths rejected during test stimulation to understand motor impairment in Parkinson's disease and its treatment mechanisms.
Translingual Practice as a Communicative Resource in the Discourse of Foreign Language Teaching Researchers
Authors: Bilginer Hayriye , Rathert Stefan
Published: December 2024

This paper reports on a self‐examination of two researchers’ translingual practices while working on a study. The researchers’ translingual practice emerged in the cross‐cutting area of different factors: The first author (Hayriye) was born to Turkish parents and grew up in Germany until the age of 19 before moving to Turkey. Living in Turkey for 32 years, Turkish became her dominant language. The second author (Stefan) is a German native speaker who had lived in Turkey for 22 years. He had acquired Turkish in Turkey without receiving formal instruction. The research site was a Turkish state university. Hayriye was assistant professor in the department of German language and literature, Stefan assistant professor in the English language teaching department. This paper's results are based on the discourse Hayriye and Stefan had while analyzing two German as a foreign language coursebooks. The transcribed discourse was analyzed using code‐switching as the theoretical framework to identify juxtapositions of the three languages used by the researchers (German, Turkish and English), language frequencies and directions as well as syntactic integration, thereby detecting patterns in the researchers’ translingual practices. Also, conversation analysis was employed to identify functions of code‐switches. The results show distinct patterns of each speaker and identified functions that document how language alternation serves as a communicative resource to co‐construct knowledge. Besides, instances of translingual practices can be connected to specific factors of the discourse context, and evidence is provided for multilingual speakers’ awareness of languages as separable systems.
Rationale, objectives and design of a national prospective database for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: the Australian Myositis Registry
Authors: Parker Matthew J. S. , Kim Paul S. W. , Beer Kelly , Panniker Annik , Fong Genevieve , Needham Merrilee
Published: November 2024

Background

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of autoimmune diseases characterised by inflammation of skeletal muscle and other organ systems. They have high morbidity and mortality but, in part because of their rarity and heterogeneity, improving understanding and outcomes remains challenging. To address these problems, numerous IIM registries exist globally, but no national registry yet exists in Australia.

Aims

The Australian Myositis Registry (AMR) is a national prospective cohort database designed to record clinical, laboratory and patient‐experience data of Australian IIM patients with the potential for wide‐reaching research impact.

Methods

The AMR was built on the Research Electronic Data Capture secure database system. An extensive set of data fields informed by a contemporary understanding of IIM pathogenesis and clinically relevant features are available to help capture the full breadth of disease phenotype and treatment. Data fields include current classification criteria, all currently available autoantibodies and the internationally accepted core set measures. After an extended period of design, collaboration and review, the AMR launched in 2023 across two sites in New South Wales and Western Australia. The AMR is seeking to expand with more sites across Australia.

Results

As of August 2024, 170 participants are enrolled.

Conclusions

The AMR is the first nationwide registry in Australia for patients with IIMs and one of the very few national registries for IIMs globally. It aims to provide valuable insight into the epidemiology and clinical experience of IIMs in Australia to help address multiple research agendas.
Do Facial Masks Impact Infants' Joint Attention? A Within‐Participant Laboratory Study
Authors: Wermelinger Stephanie , Moersdorf Lea , Baldenweg Charlotte , Daum Moritz M.
Published: November 2024

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, children were repeatedly confronted with people wearing facial masks. Little is known, however, about how this affected young children's interactions with their caregivers. This preregistered experimental within‐participants study explored whether facial masks influence young children's initiation and response to joint attention. Using two structured tasks and one free‐play task, we measured joint attention episodes in interactions of 12‐ to 15‐month‐old Swiss infants with one of their caregivers during the pandemic. In one experimental condition, the caregivers wore a facial mask; in the other, they did not. The results show no significant differences in infants' joint attention between the two conditions. Infants may have interacted with their caregivers wearing facial masks enough previously not to be influenced by masks; alternatively, even with a partially covered face, a person provides enough information via eyes and other body parts that help infants to guide their attention.
Rapid and Safe Neutralization Assay for Circulating H5N1 Influenza Virus in Dairy Cows
Authors: Miyakawa Kei , Ota Makoto , Sano Kaori , Momose Fumitaka , Okura Takashi , Kishida Noriko , Arita Tomoko , Suzuki Yasushi , Shirakura Masayuki , Asanuma Hideki , Watanabe Shinji , Ryo Akihide , Hasegawa Hideki
Published: December 2024

Rapid and safe neutralization assays are required for highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, including a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 subtype recently found in cows. Here, we report a neutralization assay using luminescent virus‐like particles. This assay has lower biosafety requirements and provides a larger dynamic range than conventional methods. We applied this technique to evaluate the cross‐reactivity of neutralizing antibodies induced by clade 2.3.4.4b candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) with the cow‐derived H5N1 virus. Our findings indicate that these CVVs share antigenic characteristics with the cow‐derived H5N1 virus, suggesting the potential efficacy of vaccines developed using these CVVs.
Impact of structural changes of Ge–Sb–Se chalcogenide glasses on their acousto‐optic properties
Authors: Jin Lijia , Liu Hongjun , Zhu Chaojun , Jiang Lingling , Wu Wei , Wu Zhongchao , Chen Feifei , Gao Chengwei , Dai Shixun , Lin Changgui
Published: December 2024

Acousto‐optic (AO) devices are known for their high parallel processing capabilities and efficient transduction, essential for real‐time processing systems. As a vital AO medium, chalcogenide glasses exhibit high AO figures of merit (M2), yet high M2 is often coupled with high acoustic attenuation (α). Thus, to obtain the trade‐off between M2 and α, a series of xGeSe2−(100−x)Sb2Se3 (40 ≤ x ≤ 85) is investigated for their AO properties. When GeSe2 content reaches 50%, a stable network of [GeSe4] and [Se2Sb–Se–SbSe2] units forms, minimizing energy loss and α while maintaining a high M2. Compared with conventional AO materials, this composition achieves an exceptional equilibrium between high M2 and reduced α, offering a distinct advantage in optimizing performance. This unique composition balance provides valuable insights for developing advanced chalcogenide glasses in AO applications.
Abnormal shrinkage behavior and sintering mechanism of alumina nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Dangqiang , Li Jun , Liu Lisheng , Mei Hai , Zhang Jinyong
Published: November 2024

High temperature and ultrafast heating rate, the characteristics of ultrafast high‐temperature sintering (UHS) process, make it difficult to capture the evolution of sintering behavior and explore sintering mechanism of alumina ceramics. In this study, molecular dynamic simulations are adopted to describe the sintering behaviors of equal‐sized and unequal‐sized alumina nanoparticles, particularly about shrinkage behaviors, microstructure evolution and atomic migration. Results show that high temperature and ultrafast heating rate can yield two different abnormal shrinkage behaviors, accelerating the polymerization of the nanoparticles. The main mechanism for this phenomenon is that high temperature causes the amorphization of crystal structure of nanoparticles, and ultrafast heating rates retain larger sintering driving forces at high temperatures, leading to the reduction of diffusion activation entropy and migration barriers. In particular, the appearance of viscous flow further enhances the shrinkage of the nanoparticles. In addition, surface diffusion is found to dominate the growth of sintering neck during this period. These findings are expected to deepen the understanding of ultrafast high‐temperature sintering mechanism.
A Template Thematic Analysis of Self‐Concept and Self‐Compassion in People Living With Endometriosis: Analysis of Qualitative Survey Responses
Authors: Mazalin Kristi , Evans Subhadra , Van Niekerk Leesa
Published: December 2024

Aims

To explore the influence of endometriosis on an individual's self‐concept and the potential applicability of self‐compassion in addressing alterations to self‐concept.

Design

Qualitative deductive template analysis study.

Methods

Written reflections completed by women (n = 157) with a self‐reported diagnosis of endometriosis were reviewed using a deductive template approach to gain an understanding of how people living with endometriosis view themselves in the face of the diagnosis.

Results

Utilising Neff's (2003) definition of self‐compassion, a series of themes emerged, with a higher number of reflections noted for each of the negative components of self‐compassion (self‐judgement, isolation, overidentification). Themes associated with negative changes to self‐concept centred around reflections of inadequacy, self‐blame, loneliness, withdrawal and avoidance, feeling misunderstood and judged by others, feeling like a burden and emotional suppression and numbing.

Conclusions

Endometriosis influences three core domains of self‐concept for the person (personal, social and physical). These findings indicate that the components of self‐compassion therapy may be of relevance for healthcare providers in addressing the alterations to self‐concept experience by individuals living with endometriosis.

Implications for Patient Care

This study supports the need for access to timely diagnosis and interdisciplinary care to buffer against the negative consequences for self‐concept. Nurses and allied healthcare professionals can use these findings to provide compassion‐focused care, with an emphasis on self‐kindness, common humanity and mindfulness for individuals with endometriosis.

Impact

This lived experience research highlights the influence of endometriosis on the personal, social and physical components of self‐concept, indicating a critical need to address self‐concept as part of endometriosis‐related treatment. Alterations to self‐concept may emphasise negative perpetuating cognitions and reinforce isolation, suppression of personal needs and self‐silencing.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Changes in Distribution Ranges of Abies Species Dominating in the Forests of Northeast Asia Since the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Petrenko Tatyana , Dzizyurova Violetta , Altman Jan , Doležal Jiří , Kislov Dmitriy , Korznikov Kirill
Published: November 2024

Aim

Climate variations within the stadial–interstadial cycles drive shifts in the distribution of forest dominants. This study examines how climate dynamic alters the distribution ranges of two boreal and one cold‐temperate Abies species dominating in Northeast Asia.

Location

Northeast Asia: China, Japan, Korea and Russia.

Taxon

Abies nephrolepis, A. sachalinensis (sect. Balsamea) and A. holophylla (sect. Pseudopicea).

Methods

We developed climate envelope species distribution models (SDMs) using warmth and coldness indices, the continentality index, and proxies of rain and snow precipitation indices. We interpolated SDMs on reconstructed climates for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the Holocene Climatic Optimum (HCO) and to predicted climates for 2070 under global warming scenarios RCP2.6 and RCP8.5.

Results

During the LGM, the climatic optimum for all species covered extensive areas on the shelves of the Japanese and Yellow Seas, facilitated by the global sea level drop. The interglacial climatic optimum supports the expansion of A. nephrolepis and A. sachalinensis compared to the LGM, whereas the range of A. holophylla climatic niche range experiences a reduction.

Main Conclusions

Our findings highlight the significant impact of climatic oscillations on the spatial distribution and ecological dynamics of Abies species in Northeast Asia. The contrasting responses of boreal and temperate fir species to glacial and interglacial periods underscore the complex interplay between climate change and the distribution of forest dominants. Projections under future warming scenarios suggest that Abies species will face further range shifts, emphasising the need for adaptive forest management and conservation strategies, especially in the southern part of their distribution.
Hepatocyte‐Specific HuR Protects Against Acetaminophen‐Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Lu Linlin , Chen Jicui , Jiang Hui , Li Ni , Li Xiaojie , Liu Yinghao , Zong Chen
Published: November 2024

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) in many countries. Hepatocyte proliferation, autophagy and antioxidant capacity are crucial to the prognosis of APAP‐induced liver injury, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we found that human antigen R (HuR) protein expression was markedly increased in the model of APAP‐induced liver injury, and conditional hepatocyte‐specific HuR knockout aggravated APAP‐induced liver injury in mice. Further investigation of the underlying mechanisms of HuR's protective effects showed that conditional hepatocyte‐specific HuR knockout reduced the protein expression of cyclin A1, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, CDK2, ATG3, ATG5, ATG7 and NRF2 in mice, reducing hepatocyte proliferation, autophagy and antioxidant capacity. Mechanistically, HuR could physically associate with the 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of cyclin A1, cyclin B1, cyclin D1, Cdk2, Atg3, Atg5, Atg7 and Nrf2 mRNAs, thereby regulating their translation. These findings suggest that HuR attenuates APAP‐induced liver injury by regulating hepatocyte proliferation, autophagy and antioxidant capacity.
Katarium polorum n. sp., n. g., a novel thecofilosean amoeba (Cercozoa, Rhizaria) from the polar oceans
Authors: Solbach Marcel Dominik , Bonkowski Michael , Dumack Kenneth
Published: November 2024

Thecate amoebae play important roles in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This study introduces a novel thecofilosean amoeba from Arctic and Antarctic sea sediments. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA sequence places it in the family Chlamydophryidae (order Tectofilosida, class Thecofilosea). However, the novel organism exhibits a significant genetic divergence and distinct morphology from its closest relatives, prompting us to erect the novel genus Katarium with its type species Katarium polorum. K. polorum is a consumer of diatoms and prokaryotes, indicating an important role in nutrient cycling in the polar marine food webs.
TCR Repertoire Analysis During Therapeutic Interventions in Liver Diseases Using Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Nakakuki Natsuko , Maekawa Shinya , Takano Shinichi , Osawa Leona , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Takada Hitomi , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Sato Mitsuaki , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

The T cell receptor (TCR) can recognize a vast number of antigens and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases including autoimmune diseases and malignancies. However, the clinical significance of the TCR repertoire and its post‐treatment changes remain unclear in liver diseases.

Methods

We performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based TCR analysis using DNA obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors (HD, n = 5), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC, n = 5), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH, n = 5), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 5) and evaluated the changes after treatment.

Results

Baseline TCR repertoire analysis demonstrated that TCR clonotype usage is restricted and diversity is low in all three disease groups (PBC, AIH, and HCC), particularly in PBC and AIH compared to HD (p < 0.05). Following treatment, clonotype usage and diversity did not change significantly, except in AIH, where diversity decreased further (p < 0.05 for clone Shannon diversity and clone evenness). Disease‐specific usage of TCR beta genes and specific changes after therapy were observed in all groups. Analysis of clonotypes shared with other individuals (public clonotypes) revealed that nine public clonotypes in PBC, eight in AIH, and eight in HCC disappeared after treatment. Motif analysis identified one characteristic motif (NQPQH) in PBC.

Conclusions

The diversity of the TCR repertoire, TCR beta chain usage, clonotypes, and motifs and their post‐treatment changes are disease‐specific in each liver disease, indicating that further TCR repertoire studies are needed to accelerate the understanding of liver disease pathogenesis from an immunological perspective.
RBB1 negatively regulates rice disease resistance by modulating protein glycosylation
Authors: Zhang Bin , Guo Mingliang , Liu Xiangpei , Zhang Bintao , Cui Yan , Cao Xinglan , Zhang Zhipeng , Shi Chuanlin , Wei Hua , He Huiying , Zhang Hong , Zhu Yiwang , Wang Xianmeng , Lv Yang , Yu Xiaoman , Chen Dandan , Yuan Qiaoling , Teng Sheng , Sun Tongjun , Qian Qian , Shang Lianguang
Published: December 2024

Glycosylation, a prevalent post‐translational modification in eukaryotic secreted and membrane‐associated proteins, plays a pivotal role in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Although UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc) is essential for this modification, the specific glycosylation mechanisms during plant leaf senescence and defense responses remain poorly understood. In our research, we identified a novel rice mutant named rbb1 (resistance to blast and bacterial blight1), exhibiting broad‐spectrum disease resistance. This mutant phenotype results from a loss‐of‐function mutation in the gene encoding glucosamine‐6‐phosphate acetyltransferase, an important enzyme in D‐glucosamine 6‐phosphate acetylation. The rbb1 mutant demonstrates enhanced defense responses, evident in increased resistance to rice blast and bacterial blight, along with the upregulation of defense‐response genes. Various biochemical markers indicate an activated defense mechanism in the rbb1 mutant, such as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, reduced enzyme activity and UDP‐GlcNAc content, and decreased expression of N‐glycan and O‐glycan modifying proteins. Moreover, proteome analysis of N‐glycosylation modifications reveals alterations in the N‐glycosylation of several disease‐resistance‐related proteins, with a significant reduction in Prx4 and Prx13 in rbb1‐1. Additionally, the knockout of Prx4 or Prx13 also enhances resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae). This study uncovers a novel mechanism of defense response in rice, suggesting potential targets for the development of disease‐resistant varieties.
Situating legal consciousness and legal compliance: how Dutch welfare clients think and act in relation to the law
Authors: HERTOGH MARC
Published: November 2024

How does legal consciousness matter for compliance? Thus far, this issue has been addressed by two bodies of literature that each focus on one side of the equation but do not speak to each other. Legal consciousness studies analyse how people understand the law but focus less on their compliance with the law. Conversely, most legitimacy studies focus on people's compliance with the law but do not analyse their perceptions of the law. This article draws on the findings from an online survey among Dutch welfare clients to empirically bridge both literatures. I look not only at clients’ own (first‐order) legal consciousness, but also at their second‐order legal consciousness: clients’ assessment of welfare officials’ beliefs about the law. I argue that the connection between legal consciousness and legal compliance is not a unitary phenomenon, but must be situated in relation to particular laws and social hierarchies.
Two new species of Late Devonian seed Cosmosperma from Zhejiang and Anhui, South China
Authors: Liu Le , Wang De‐Ming , Zhou Yi , Qin Min , Xu Peng , Mu Jia‐Jun
Published: December 2024

The earliest ovules or seeds widely reported from the Late Devonian (Famennian) are crucial for understanding the evolution of seed plants. Cosmosperma, the first Devonian seed documented in China and East Asia, is characterized by cupules with multiple segments enclosing a single ovule and covered by prickles. Two new Cosmosperma species, Cosmosperma dicrana sp. nov. and Cosmosperma lepta sp. nov., are now identified from the Upper Devonian (Wutong Formation) of Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, China, respectively. C. dicrana exhibits dichotomized fertile branches terminating in pairs of cupulate ovules, with centrifugally extending cupule segments at their distal portions. C. lepta displays slender cupulate ovules on pinnate fertile branches. Both species possess prickles on their cupules. A comparison with coeval seed plant taxa reveals differences in fertile branch types and suggests different evolutionary levels. The potentially weak dispersal ability of Cosmosperma is suggested by the absence of specialized structures for wind or water transport. Prickles on Cosmosperma cupules do not suggest adaptations for epizoochory but facilitate entanglement and friction. The adaptations for short‐distance dispersal can be advantageous in a disturbed and heterogeneous environment. The presence of Late Devonian seed plant taxa with dispersal‐adapted traits hints at habitat divergence, with some possibly inhabiting uplands or areas away from the coast. The prickles may also be an adaptation for maintaining stability in small‐ to medium‐sized plants of the Late Devonian coastal communities.
Mexico under the universal human rights system: The case of the committee on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families
Authors: Iza Daniela González
Published: December 2024

The relationship between Mexico and human rights treaty bodies has been paradigmatic due to the adoption of a foreign policy based on an openness to international scrutiny that is not reflected in the internal situation of human rights. An example of this contradiction is the case of the rights of migrants in Mexico. The objective of this article is to analyze the effects of mechanisms of the United Nations System of Human Rights, specifically the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families in Mexico, to determine the scope of the impact of civil society on the guarantee of human rights of migrants despite the lack of international consensus regarding the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
Applying benefits theory to rationalize property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations
Authors: Calabrese Thad D.
Published: December 2024

Current public policy grants nonprofits property tax exemptions simply because of their status, often assuming they are “charitable,” “educational,” or “health‐related.” This research note argues exemptions should be based on the public or private benefits provided, and not be given to all nonprofits. According to benefits theory, public funds should not finance private benefits; beneficiaries should cover those costs. Property tax exemptions should be reserved for organizations offering public goods or services. In New York City, these exemptions are costly, yet only a small portion supports nonprofits that produce public goods or services.
Supporting Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Youth During Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Alexander Kelsi , Goodall Joanne , Allen Brittany J.
Published: December 2024

As gender diversity becomes more understood and accepted in mainstream culture, medical systems and health care providers must learn to provide comprehensive and affirming care to gender diverse individuals. As the number of gender diverse pediatric patients continues to grow, these patients will be cared for by pediatric solid‐organ transplant programs. This review summarizes the basic principles of gender‐affirming care and describes how transplant teams can provide equitable and affirming care to young gender diverse patients undergoing solid organ transplant (SOT). In addition, this review uses kidney transplant as a framework to explore gender‐affirming hormone therapy and gender‐affirming surgery in the setting of transplant, laboratory value interpretation in gender diverse individuals, and the importance of an individualized approach in care of the gender diverse transplant recipient.
The Isodon serra genome sheds light on tanshinone biosynthesis and reveals the recursive karyotype evolutionary histories within Lamiales
Authors: Hou Liqiang , Niu Zhimin , Zheng Zeyu , Zhang Jin , Luo Changhong , Wang Xiaojuan , Yang Yongzhi , Li Ying , Chen Qiao
Published: November 2024

Lamiales is one of the largest orders of angiosperms with a complex evolutionary history and plays a significant role in human life. However, the polyploidization and chromosome evolution histories within this group remain in mystery. Among Lamiales, Isodon serra (Maxim.) Kudô shines for its abundance of diterpenes, notably tanshinones, long used in East Asia to combat toxicity and inflammation. Yet, the genes driving its biosynthesis and the factors governing its regulation linger in obscurity. Here, we present the telomere‐to‐telomere genome assembly of I. serra and, through gene‐to‐metabolite network analyses, pinpoint the pivotal tanshinone biosynthesis genes and their co‐expressed transcription factors. Particularly, through luciferase (LUC) assays, we speculate that IsMYB‐13 and IsbHLH‐8 may upregulate IsCYP76AH101, which is the key step in the biosynthesis of the tanshinone precursor. Among Lamiales, Oleaceae, Gesneriaceae and Plantaginaceae successively sister to a clade of seven Lamiales families, all sharing a recent whole‐genome duplication (designated as α event). By reconstructing the ancestral Lamiales karyotypes (ALK) and post‐α event (ALKα), we trace chromosomal evolution trajectories across Lamiales species. Notably, one chromosomal fusion is detected from ALK to ALKα, and three shared chromosomal fusion events are detected sequentially from ALKα to I. serra, which fully supports the phylogeny constructed using single‐copy genes. This comprehensive study illuminates the genome evolution and chromosomal dynamics of Lamiales, further enhancing our understanding of the biosynthetic mechanisms underlying the medicinal properties of I. serra.
Effects of theory‐guided unsupervised exercise on depression, sleep quality, and sense of control in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weng Min‐Hsueh , Chou Hung‐Chieh , Chang Yue‐Cune , Liaw Jen‐Jiuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Unsupervised exercise is beneficial for pregnant women, and ongoing exercise may affect the course of pregnancy. Therefore, promoting continued exercise among women is critical.

Aims

To implement a home‐based exercise program, guided by the COM‐B model theory, and assess its effects on depression, sleep quality, and sense of control among pregnant women.

Methods

Pregnant women (N = 100) were selected and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or the control group. Both groups received exercise instruction. The intervention group received an additional intervention based on the COM‐B model theory. Depression and sleep quality were evaluated at 28 and 35 weeks of gestation, while women's sense of control was assessed at 35 weeks of gestation.

Results

In total, 91 participants completed the study, with 100 included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. The intervention group showed improvement in depression at 28 and 35 weeks of gestation and in sleep quality at 35 weeks. Although there was no significant difference in the sense of control between the groups, the intervention group demonstrated better emotional control.

Linking Evidence to Action

A theory‐guided exercise intervention shows benefits in improving third‐trimester depression, sleep quality, and emotional control. Therefore, exercise programs during pregnancy should consider to encompass capacities, opportunities, and motivations to encourage exercise behavior.
Tensor categories of weight modules of sl̂2$\widehat{\mathfrak {sl}}_2$ at admissible level
Authors: Creutzig Thomas
Published: November 2024

The category of weight modules of the simple affine vertex algebra of at an admissible level is neither finite nor semisimple and modules are usually not lower‐bounded and have infinite‐dimensional conformal weight subspaces. However, this vertex algebra enjoys a duality with , the simple principal ‐algebra of at level (the super conformal algebra) where the levels are related via . Every weight module of is lower‐bounded and has finite‐dimensional conformal weight spaces. The main technical result is that every weight module of is ‐cofinite. The existence of a vertex tensor category follows and the theory of vertex superalgebra extensions implies the existence of vertex tensor category structure on for any admissible level . As applications, the fusion rules of ordinary modules with any weight module are computed, and it is shown that is a ribbon category if and only if is, in particular, it follows that for admissible levels and and , the category is a ribbon category.
Impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in a prenatally‐androgenized rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome in later life
Authors: Farhadi‐Azar Mahbanoo , Noroozzadeh Mahsa , Mousavi Maryam , Saei Ghare Naz Marzieh , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh
Published: November 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive‐aged women, is associated with metabolic disturbances. The present study aimed to examine changes in body weight (BW) and glucose and insulin tolerance in a prenatally‐androgenized (PNA) rat model of PCOS compared to control with increasing age. Pregnant rats in the experimental group were subcutaneously injected with 5 mg of free testosterone on the 20th day of pregnancy, while the control group received the solvent. Female offspring of both groups, PNA rats (rat model of PCOS) and control, were examined in terms of changes in BW, glucose and insulin tolerance at 3, 6, 12 and 20 months of age. BW at birth (6.53 ± 0.89 vs. 5.60 ± 1.18 g; P = 0.038), 15 (25 ± 1.15 vs. 22.36 ± 3.98 g; P = 0.019) and 30 (59.37 ± 10.19 vs.49.9 ± 9.39 g; P = 0.022) days of age was significantly increased in the rat model of PCOS compared to control, but no significant differences were observed in BW of the rat model of PCOS compared to control at 60 (P = 0.155) and 75 (P = 0.932) days or at 3 (P = 0.239), 6 (P = 0.782), 12 (P = 0.755) and 20 (P = 0.092) months of age. Rat model of PCOS showed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at 3 months of age (P = 0.020) and insulin resistance (IR) with increasing age (3–20 months of age) compared to control. Increased BW before puberty, IGT at 3 months of age and IR with increasing age were observed in our rat model of PCOS. This rat model may contribute to a better understanding of underlying mechanisms of changes in BW, IGT and IR in future studies.
Oxidative modifications control aberrant tyrosine kinase activity
Authors: Schulan Paul , Wende Kristian , von Woedtke Thomas , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , Bekeschus Sander , Clemen Ramona
Published: December 2024

Therapy resistance is a major reason for the fatal consequences of cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) often is associated with the production of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are capable of introducing oxidative post-translational modifications (oxPTMs) to proteins targeted in cancer therapy, such as tyrosine kinases (TKs), and ROS could render their functionality. However, little is known about the occurrence or magnitude of such processes, partially because mimicking the TME producing several short-lived ROS types at once is technically challenging. Gas plasma technology, a partially ionized gas generating a multitude of ROS types simultaneously and at high concentrations, was used to model pro-oxidative conditions in the TME and study the functional consequences in three TKs (epidermal growth factor receptor, sarcoma, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) targeted clinically. TKs dissolved in liquids were exposed to gas plasma, and a drastic reduction in their activity was observed. Hypothesizing that this was due to gas plasma-generated ROS, plasma-treated TKs were analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry for the type and quantity of oxPTM types using an in-house database. Preferred oxidation targets were identified as sulfur-containing and aromatic amino acids. OxPTMs were detected on amino acid residues that have important structural or catalytic functions in TKs, such as the adenosine triphosphate-binding site, but also on amino acid residues that are targets for therapeutic applications, such as TK inhibitors. While the practical relevance of these findings remains to be discovered, our results suggest that excessive ROS concentrations potentially contribute to TK activity reduction in the TME. The mass spectrometry data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD056912.
Supplemental Material: Timing of and pressure-temperature constraints on deformation in the Toxaway dome, eastern Blue Ridge: Evidence for continuous deformation from the Neoacadian to the Alleghanian orogenies
Authors: Levine Jamie S.F. , al. et
Published: December 2024

Tables S1 and S2 include microprobe data for garnet, biotite, muscovite, and plagioclase used to determine the pressure-temperature conditions in Toxaway dome samples. Table S3 includes Cameca Ultrachron electron microprobe data for monazite dated in this study. We include dates and errors as well as compositional data from each sample. 
Supplemental Material: Regional differences in millennial-scale climate variability in northeastern Tibet loess deposits spanning 34 ka to 8 ka
Authors: Gao Zihan , Wang Zhixiang , al. et
Published: December 2024

The processes of OSL dating and Bayesian age-depth model of Xiongxian and Huangcheng loess sites, and provide OSL data in these two loess sites.
Pulmonary thromboembolism presenting with hoarseness of voice
Authors: Reddy Sreenivas , Kaur Navkiran , Kaur Manpreet kaur , Boora Sakshi
Published: December 2024

A young man in his late 30s with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis presented with complaints of hoarseness of voice persisting for 6 months. Chest auscultation revealed diminished breath sounds over the right lung field. An initial chest X-ray showed collapse of the right lung with mediastinal shift towards right. Fibreoptic laryngoscopy revealed sluggish movement of the left vocal cord. CT neck showed focal nodular thickening in the left false vocal cord and thrombus in the right main pulmonary artery. The subsequent CT pulmonary angiogram performed revealed right pulmonary thromboembolism and dilated main pulmonary artery which were treated with anticoagulants. There was a partial improvement of symptoms. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening condition often presenting with dyspnoea, chest pain and haemoptysis. However, atypical presentations can challenge diagnosis and delay treatment initiation. Timely diagnosis and initiation of anticoagulation therapy are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes in patients with PTE presenting with unusual manifestations.