bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Quality, Chromosome-Level Reference Genomes of the Viviparous Caribbean Skinks Spondylurus nitidus and S. culebrae
Authors: Rivera Danielle , Henderson James B , Lam Athena W , Hostetter Nathan J , Collazo Jaime A , Bell Rayna C
Published: April 2024

New World mabuyine skinks are a diverse radiation of morphologically cryptic lizards with unique reproductive biologies. Recent studies examining population-level data (morphological, ecological, and genomic) have uncovered novel biodiversity and phenotypes, including the description of dozens of new species and insights into the evolution of their highly complex placental structures. Beyond the potential for this diverse group to serve as a model for the evolution of viviparity in lizards, much of the taxonomic diversity is concentrated in regions experiencing increasing environmental instability from climate and anthropogenic change. Consequently, a better understanding of genome structure and diversity will be an important tool in the adaptive management and conservation of this group. Skinks endemic to Caribbean islands are particularly vulnerable to global change with several species already considered likely extinct and several remaining species either endangered or threatened. Combining PacBio long-read sequencing, Hi-C, and RNAseq data, here we present the first genomic resources for this group by describing new chromosome-level reference genomes for the Puerto Rican Skink Spondylurus nitidus and the Culebra Skink S. culebrae. Results indicate two high quality genomes, both ∼1.4 Gb, assembled nearly telomere to telomere with complete mitochondrion assembly and annotation.
Epigenetic/circadian clocks and PCOS
Authors: Vatier Camille , Christin-Maitre Sophie
Published: April 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6–20% of reproductive-aged women. It is associated with increased risks of metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mood disorders, endometrial cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although various susceptibility loci have been identified through genetic studies, they account for ∼10% of PCOS heritability. Therefore, the etiology of PCOS remains unclear. This review explores the role of epigenetic changes and modifications in circadian clock genes as potential contributors to PCOS pathogenesis. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA changes, have been described in diseases related to PCOS, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Furthermore, several animal models have illustrated a link between prenatal exposure to androgens or anti-Müllerian hormone and PCOS-like phenotypes in subsequent generations, illustrating an epigenetic programming in PCOS. In humans, epigenetic changes have been reported in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), adipose tissue, granulosa cells (GC), and liver from women with PCOS. The genome of women with PCOS is globally hypomethylated compared to healthy controls. However, specific hypomethylated or hypermethylated genes have been reported in the different tissues of these women. They are mainly involved in hormonal regulation and inflammatory pathways, as well as lipid and glucose metabolism. Additionally, sleep disorders are present in women with PCOS and disruptions in clock genes’ expression patterns have been observed in their PBMC or GCs. While epigenetic changes hold promise as diagnostic biomarkers, the current challenge lies in distinguishing whether these changes are causes or consequences of PCOS. Targeting epigenetic modifications potentially opens avenues for precision medicine in PCOS, including lifestyle interventions and drug therapies. However, data are still lacking in large cohorts of well-characterized PCOS phenotypes. In conclusion, understanding the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and circadian rhythms may provide valuable insights for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies in PCOS in the future.
Conditional Effects of the Spotlight: Electoral Institutions and the Enforcement of Global Corporate Norms
Authors: Lee Boram
Published: April 2024

Under what conditions do governments discipline powerful multinational companies for breaching global corporate norms? Existing international relations theories have shown that peer monitoring and transnational advocacy are crucial strategies that shine a spotlight on norm violations. Despite the importance of those strategies, governments in the Global North have not consistently condemned their home-grown multinational companies for breaking norms related to climate or human rights in the Global South. This paper argues that the effect of such spotlighting is crucially moderated by electoral institutions, and legislators in proportional representation systems are more likely than those in majoritarian systems to push multinational companies to comply with global norms when such issues are in the spotlight. I find supporting evidence from the OECD Guidelines’ Specific Instance process and case studies. This article shows that traditional strategies to promote norm compliance, such as transnational advocacy and peer pressure, work differently in different countries, and electoral systems in the Global North can have unintended distributional consequences for norm beneficiaries.
Negative association between host plant suitability and the fitness cost of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae)
Authors: Carrière Yves , Tabashnik Bruce E
Published: April 2024

Transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are commonly used for controlling insect pests. Nearby refuges of non-Bt host plants play a central role in delaying the evolution of resistance to Bt toxins by pests. Pervasive fitness costs associated with resistance, which entail lower fitness of resistant than susceptible individuals in refuges, can increase the ability of refuges to delay resistance. Moreover, these costs are affected by environmental factors such as host plant suitability, implying that manipulating refuge plant suitability could improve the success of the refuge strategy. Based on results from a previous study of Trichoplusia ni resistant to Bt sprays, it was proposed that low-suitability host plants could magnify costs. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the association between host plant suitability and fitness costs for 80 observations from 30 cases reported in 18 studies of 8 pest species from 5 countries. Consistent with the hypothesis, the association between plant suitability and fitness cost was negative. With plant suitability scaled to range from 0 (low) to 1 (high), the expected cost was 20.7% with a suitability of 1 and the fitness cost increased 2.5% for each 0.1 decrease in suitability. The most common type of resistance to Bt toxins involves mutations affecting a few types of midgut proteins to which Bt toxins bind to kill insects. A better understanding of how such mutations interact with host plant suitability to generate fitness costs could be useful for enhancing the refuge strategy and sustaining the efficacy of Bt crops.
Cytoskeleton remodeling: a central player in plant–fungus interactions
Authors: Sinha Jyotsna , Singh Yeshveer , Verma Praveen Kumar
Published: April 2024

The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is a complex scaffold consisting of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Although fungi and plants lack intermediate filaments, their dynamic structural network of actin filaments and microtubules regulates cell shape, division, polarity, and vesicular trafficking. However, the specialized functions of the cytoskeleton during plant–fungus interactions remain elusive. Recent reports demonstrate that the plant cytoskeleton responds to signal cues and pathogen invasion through remodeling, thereby coordinating immune receptor trafficking, membrane microdomain formation, aggregation of organelles, and transport of defense compounds. Emerging evidence also suggests that cytoskeleton remodeling further regulates host immunity by triggering salicylic acid signaling, reactive oxygen species generation, and pathogenesis-related gene expression. During host invasion, fungi undergo systematic cytoskeleton remodeling, which is crucial for successful host penetration and colonization. Furthermore, phytohormones act as an essential regulator of plant cytoskeleton dynamics and are frequently targeted by fungal effectors to disrupt the host’s growth–defense balance. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of cytoskeleton dynamics during plant–fungus interactions and provides novel insights into the relationship between phytohormones and cytoskeleton remodeling upon pathogen attack. We also highlight the importance of fungal cytoskeleton rearrangements during host colonization and suggest directions for future investigations in this field.
Attack principles in sequent-based argumentation theory
Authors: Corsi Esther Anna
Published: April 2024

Attack principles have been introduced in semi-abstract argumentation frameworks and, in the present work, we interpret them in sequent-based argumentation frameworks. Thus, we investigate the role of minimality and consistency of the support set of an argument. Through the notion of preservation of strength, we introduce a formal criterion to sort out the attack principles; isolate the more “acceptable” ones, i.e. those easier to justify; and recover a new argumentative semantics for the non-classical logic that arises from dropping the rules $(\neg , r)$, $(\land , r)$ and $(\supset , l)$ from Gentzen’s classical sequent calculus for classical logic $\textsf{LK}$.
“I Knew Then Who I Was. I Was a Negro”: Black Armed Defense in Walter White’s A Man Called White
Authors: Chaney Michael
Published: April 2024

This essay investigates literary and autobiographical representations of the defense of Black-owned property in the face of anti-Black mob violence during the first decades of the twentieth century. In his autobiography, A Man Called White (1948), NAACP leader Walter White represents guns as desperate tools of an always tenuous security marked by the violence of the world wars, lynchings, and racially motivated massacres. The backdrop for these struggles is woven from White’s youth amid terrifying events that will later come to be known as the Atlanta “race riot” of 1906. Repeating those events in his autobiography, White unmasks the juridical and sociopolitical order of its civilizing appurtenances and invokes the gun as a symbol of Black armed self-defense. In White’s autobiography, even as guns are used to enforce anti-Blackness they may yet be turned against the white mob to secure Black lives at the local level and turned into legal arguments by a Black collective at the national level via an organization such as the NAACP.
Cellular senescence of granulosa cells in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tanaka Tsurugi , Urata Yoko , Harada Miyuki , Kunitomi Chisato , Kusamoto Akari , Koike Hiroshi , Xu Zixin , Sakaguchi Nanoka , Tsuchida Chihiro , Komura Airi , Teshima Ayaka , Takahashi Nozomi , Wada-Hiraike Osamu , Hirota Yasushi , Osuga Yutaka
Published: April 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, but its pathology has not been fully characterized and the optimal treatment strategy remains unclear. Cellular senescence is a permanent state of cell-cycle arrest that can be induced by multiple stresses. Senescent cells contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, owing to an alteration in secretory profile, termed ‘senescence-associated secretory phenotype’ (SASP), including with respect to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Senolytics, a class of drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells, are now being used clinically, and a combination of dasatinib and quercetin (DQ) has been extensively used as a senolytic. We aimed to investigate whether cellular senescence is involved in the pathology of PCOS and whether DQ treatment has beneficial effects in patients with PCOS. We obtained ovaries from patients with or without PCOS, and established a mouse model of PCOS by injecting dehydroepiandrosterone. The expression of the senescence markers p16INK4a, p21, p53, γH2AX, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase and the SASP-related factor interleukin-6 was significantly higher in the ovaries of patients with PCOS and PCOS mice than in controls. To evaluate the effects of hyperandrogenism and DQ on cellular senescence in vitro, we stimulated cultured human granulosa cells (GCs) with testosterone and treated them with DQ. The expression of markers of senescence and a SASP-related factor was increased by testosterone, and DQ reduced this increase. DQ reduced the expression of markers of senescence and a SASP-related factor in the ovaries of PCOS mice and improved their morphology. These results indicate that cellular senescence occurs in PCOS. Hyperandrogenism causes cellular senescence in GCs in PCOS, and senolytic treatment reduces the accumulation of senescent GCs and improves ovarian morphology under hyperandrogenism. Thus, DQ might represent a novel therapy for PCOS.
The effect of capacity constraints on the slope of the Phillips curve
Authors: Holm Martin B , Lerdalen Lars O , Vines David
Published: April 2024

How do capacity constraints affect the slope of the Phillips curve? In particular, do changes in output affect prices by more when firms face more strongly diminishing returns? Intuitively, one may conjecture that the answer is yes. With more strongly diminishing returns, marginal costs increase more when production increases, also raising prices by more. But this intuition is incomplete in models with sticky prices à la Calvo. In the standard New Keynesian model with Calvo pricing frictions, more strongly diminishing returns actually flatten the Phillips curve. The reason is the reluctance of firms who alter their prices to let their prices get too far out of line with the prices set by firms that do not adjust. We explain how the Phillips curve might be amended to avoid this implausible feature, for example, by using Rotemberg pricing or introducing wage stickiness.
Framing contestation and public influence on policymakers: evidence from US artificial intelligence policy discourse
Authors: Schiff Daniel S
Published: April 2024

As artificial intelligence (AI) policy has begun to take shape in recent years, policy actors have worked to influence policymakers by strategically promoting issue frames that define the problems and solutions policymakers should attend to. Three such issue frames are especially prominent, surrounding AI’s economic, geopolitical, and ethical dimensions. Relatedly, while technology policy is traditionally expert-dominated, new governance paradigms are encouraging increased public participation along with heightened attention to social and ethical dimensions of technology. This study aims to provide insight into whether members of the public and the issue frames they employ shape—or fail to shape—policymaker agendas, particularly for highly contested and technical policy domains. To assess this question, the study draws on a dataset of approximately five million Twitter messages from members of the public related to AI, as well as corresponding AI messages from the 115th and 116th US Congresses. After using text analysis techniques to identify the prevalence of issue frames, the study applies autoregressive integrated moving average and vector autoregression modeling to determine whether issue frames used by the public appear to influence the subsequent messaging used by federal US policymakers. Results indicate that the public does lead policymaker attention to AI generally. However, the public does not have a special role in shaping attention to ethical implications of AI, as public influence occurs only when the public discusses AI’s economic dimensions. Overall, the results suggest that calls for public engagement in AI policy may be underrealized and potentially circumscribed by strategic considerations.
Who engages whom?—Deficit communication in participatory science governance as democratic deficit
Authors: Maia Loureiro Paulo , Horta Hugo
Published: April 2024

This article builds on the evolving relationship between science and society, focusing on the increasing emphasis on public participation in science decision-making processes. Public participation in science is often regarded as an embodiment of democratic principles that grant citizens the opportunity to engage with and influence scientific and technological developments. However, deficit models of science communication in participatory governance may be turning into democratic deficits. This article critically examines the deficit model of science communication, highlighting its potential democratic deficit. Drawing on empirical evidence from two case studies in a rural, socio-economically underdeveloped region in Portugal, the authors analyse the dynamics between agency and structure in hierarchical decision-making structures and power relations. We recommend policy implications to enhance the democratic quality of participatory science governance processes, based on convergence of initiatives, transparency, and new prospects for science communication.
Common and Uncommon Mimics of Thoracic Malignancy on PET/CT: Part 1—Pearls and Pitfalls of Pleura and Chest Wall Entities
Authors: Abuelroos Dena , Lima Carol , Odisho Luke , Kolderman Nathan , Lin David , Nandalur Kiran , Al-Katib Sayf
Published: April 2024

Within the thorax, a myriad of entities can demonstrate increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) concentration; the goal of this article is to review benign pleural and chest wall entities that may mimic thoracic malignancy on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. In addition, the article will review how clinical history, anatomic correlation, and imaging features can assist accurate identification of these thoracic malignancy mimickers. This review is divided into two parts: part 1 covers the pleura and chest wall; part 2 will cover lung parenchyma and mediastinum.
Trends in Reporting of Nuchal Translucency Measurements After the Clinical Introduction of Cell-Free DNA Screening
Authors: Wen Timothy , Thornburg Loralei L. , Norton Mary E. , Platt Lawrence D. , Dugoff Lorraine , Hesson Ashley , Spitz Jean L. , Toland Gregory , Bromley Bryann ,   for the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review Program of the Perinatal Quality Foundation
Published: April 2024

Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in conjunction with serum analytes has been used for first-trimester aneuploidy screening in the United States since 2005. We sought to analyze the trends in reporting of NT measurements to the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review program in all pregnancies beginning after the clinical introduction of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening for fetal aneuploidy in 2011. Overall, reported NT measurements decreased 74.3% from 2012 to 2022. A similar decline was noted among individuals with pregnancies at increased risk for aneuploidy based on patient age and twin gestations. The decrease in reporting aligns temporally with the availability of cfDNA screening and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Feeding pattern in preterm neonates admitted in neonatology unit: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Kiran Sneha , Bhatta Mukesh , Bhatta Nisha K. , Yadav Shankar P. , Subedi Rejeena , Shah Abhishek
Published: April 2024

Background:

The components of breast feeding including sucking, swallowing, and breathing, develop at different gestational ages, and are incomplete in preterm. Other modes of feeding like nasogastric/orogastric and cup are used till matured breast feeding skills appear.

Material and methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was done over a period of 1 year with objectives to observe the different feeding patterns in the preterm neonates, assess the time required to start feeding from the day of admission, and observe the time taken for transition from one feeding pattern to another feeding pattern. A total of 116 admitted preterm neonates born less than 34 weeks were included. The ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. The time of admission, the duration between the time of admission and start of feeding, type of feeding, mode of feeding, and progression of feeding from one mode to another was noted, and appropriate statistical analysis done.

Results:

Cup feeding (57.8%) was the most common mode of starting of feeding followed by orogastric feeding (42.2%). Mothers breast milk was the most common feed. The median duration of starting of feed from the day of admission was 2 days. The time gap between day of admission and starting of orogastric feed and cup feeding were 2 days and 5 days, respectively. The median time taken for transition from orogastric feed to cup feed and from cup feed to mothers breast feed was 5 days and 6 days, respectively. Babies with a higher age at starting of feeding took significantly lesser time to transit from cup feeding to mother’s breast feeding (P=0.01). Babies with Respiratory Distress Syndrome had a significantly higher transit time from orogastric feeding to cup feeding (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

The rate of advancement of feed depends on maturation of feeding skills, gestational age, birth weight, presence of comorbidities, and nursing care.
Previously unrecognized Morgagni’s hernia presenting with bowel obstruction: a rare case report
Authors: Slimi Youness , Mahmoudi Mohammed , Frikal Mohammed , Derkaoui Anas , Deflaoui Tarik , Jabi Rachid , Bouziane Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Introduction and importance:

Morgagni’s hernia (MH) is a rare entity, it is defined by the protrusion of abdominal viscera through an anterior retrosternal diaphragmatic defect. It is mainly diagnosed during the perinatal and neonatal periods. A few cases have been reported in adults. The objective of this study was to report the case of a patient with an unrecognized MH, review the current literature on Morgani hernias in the adult population, and assess their clinical characteristics and therapeutic approach reported in adults. We here describe a rare case of a MH presenting with bowel obstruction as the primary symptom in adult life.

Case presentation:

A 52-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a bowel obstruction. The abdominal CT tomography showed an intestinal bowel obstruction above the hiatal hernia with an intrathoracic ascending colon. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a bilateral strangulated diaphragmatic hernia of Morgagni. The patient underwent closure of the diaphragmatic defect under tension by X-stitch. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient is in good health after 12 months of follow-up.

Clinical discussion:

The Morgagni hernias are usually asymptomatic; complications such as strangulation of the herniated colon or herniated stomach by stricture are exceptional. Surgical treatment is always recommended for MH. Postoperative complications are rare in simple diaphragmatic hernias, and the course is generally favorable.

Conclusion:

MH is the rarest form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, with nonspecific symptomatology contributing to the delay in diagnosis. The cure is surgical, and the open surgical approach is preferable in emergency cases, while laparoscopic surgery is favored in elective settings and is associated with shorter hospitalization. Further studies are crucial in order to elucidate etiology and optimal therapeutic approach.
The fulfilled promise and unmet potential of umbilical cord blood
Authors: Ropa James , Van’t Hof Wouter
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

Here, we review classic and emerging uses of umbilical cord blood and highlight strategies to improve its utility, focusing on selection of the appropriate units and cell types for the intended applications.

Recent literature

Recent studies have shown advancements in cord blood cell utility in a variety of cellular therapies and have made strides in elucidating manners to select the best units for therapy and target new ways to improve the various cell subpopulations for their respective applications.

Umbilical cord blood is a proven source of cells for hematopoietic cell transplantation and research and is an important potential source for additional cellular therapies. However, cord blood utility is limited by low “doses” of potent cells that can be obtained from individual units, a limitation that is specific to cord blood as a donor source. In addition to traditional CD34+ progenitor cells, cord blood lymphocytes are being pursued as therapeutic entities with their own unique properties and characteristics. Thus, selection of ideal units depends on the intended therapeutic entity and target, and identification of differential potency parameters is critical to drive effective banking strategies accommodating successful clinical use of cord blood in broader cell therapy settings.
Combined Transcranial Doppler and Melatonin Levels to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Su Yan , Cao Yonggui , Zang Haoran , Gao Wuzhou , Liu Xuewu , Li Fuqing , An Qingming , Dai Zhicheng
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To investigate the early prediction value of transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) combined with serum melatonin level for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods:

This paper is a prospective study. A total of 120 patients with SAH treated were included. The patients were divided into the DCI group (40 cases) and non-DCI group (80 cases) according to whether DCI occurred 14 days after SAH (DCI usually occurs 4 to 14 d after bleeding). Baseline data, serum melatonin level, and TCD test results within 24 hours after admission were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of DCI after SAH. The value of serum melatonin level, middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity (MBFV) and their combination in predicting DCI in SAH patients was evaluated.

Results:

Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the proportion of Fisher grade, Hunt-Hess grade, serum melatonin level, middle cerebral artery systolic blood flow velocity (Vs), MBFV and pulse index (PI) between the 2 groups (P<0.05). Serum melatonin levels, middle cerebral artery Vs, MBFV, and PI in the DCI group were higher than those in non-DCI group. Logistic regression (LR) analysis showed that serum melatonin level (OR=1.796, 95% CI: 1.575-4.123) and middle cerebral artery MBFV (OR=3.279, 95% CI: 2.112-4.720] were the influencing factors for DCI in SAH patients (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Middle cerebral artery MBFV and serum melatonin levels were higher in patients with SAH complicated with DCI, and the combination of the 2 could provide a reference for early clinical prediction of DCI in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).
Should We Be Testing for Mycoplasma genitalium on Initial Presentation? Trends in Persistent/Recurrent Urethritis Among Men Presenting for Care in STD Clinics, 2015–2019, STD Surveillance Network
Authors: Llata Eloisa , Tromble Erin , Schumacher Christina , Huspeni Dawn , Asbel Lenore , Pathela Preeti , Kohn Robert , Kerani Roxanne P. , Barbee Lindley , Bachmann Laura
Published: April 2024

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium is a major contributor to persistent/recurrent urethritis cases. However, there are limited published studies on recent trends of persistent/recurrent urethritis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of men presenting with symptomatic urethritis in 16 sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics from 2015 to 2019. Poisson regression was used to assess trends in the annual proportions of urethritis episodes with follow-up (FU) characterized with persistent/recurrent urethritis symptoms. Results were also stratified by results of chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) testing and treatment prescribed.

Results

There were 99,897 urethritis episodes, from 67,546 unique men. The proportion of episodes with persistent/recurrent symptomatic FU visits increased 50.8% over a 4-year period (annual percentage change [APC], 11.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.5–16.3). Similar trends were observed in nonchlamydial nongonococcal urethritis episodes (APC, 12.7%; 95% CI, 6.8–18.9) but increases among those positive for NG (APC, 12.1%; 95% CI, −2.3 to -28.5) or for CT (APC, 7.3%; 95% CI, −6.7 to 23.5) were not statistically significant. Among episodes who received azithromycin as first-line treatment, increases in the proportion of persistent/recurrent FU visits were observed (APC, 12.6%; 95% CI, 8.6–16.7). For episodes where first-line treatment was doxycycline, no significant increases were detected (APC, 4.3%; 95% CI, −0.3 to 9.2).

Conclusions

We found an increase in the proportion of urethritis episodes with persistent or recurrent symptoms over time. Given these observed trends in episodes negative for NG or CT, an etiology not detectable by routine diagnostics was a likely factor in increased persistence, suggesting patients with urethritis may benefit from diagnostic testing for M. genitalium during an initial symptomatic presentation.
Pleckstrin Homology Domain Leucine-rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Etemad-Moghadam Shahroo , Mohammadpour Hadiseh , Emami Razavi Amirnader , Alaeddini Mojgan
Published: April 2024

The pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) family has been found to have both tumor-suppressor and oncogenic properties across various types and locations of cancer. Given that PHLPP has not been previously studied in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we conducted an assessment of the expression of both its isoforms in oral SCC tissues and cell lines and compared these findings to their corresponding normal counterparts. In addition, we assessed the relationship between PHLPP and clinicopathological factors and patient survival. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA levels of PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 in cancerous and normal cell lines in addition to 124 oral SCC and noncancerous adjacent epithelia (N = 62, each). Correlations between their expression rate and clinicopathological parameters were further evaluated in 57 patients. Data were statistically analyzed with t test and paired t test, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U, and Cox Regression tests (P < 0.05). We found significantly lower levels of both PHLPP isoforms in oral SCC tissues compared with noncancerous epithelia (P < 0.001, for both). However, in the cell lines, this difference was significant only for PHLPP1 (P = 0.027). The correlation between the two isoforms was significant only in cancerous tissues (P < 0.001). None of the clinicopathologic factors showed significant associations with either of the isoforms and there was no correlation with survival. We showed for the first time that PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 act as tumor suppressors in oral SCC at the mRNA level. The regulation of their mRNA appears to be different between normal and cancerous tissues.
Patients with Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma and Follicular Lymphoma Compared to Single Malignancy Controls
Authors: Cotta Claudiu V. , Bhavsar Shweta , Robertson Scott , Cook James R.
Published: April 2024

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) can arise in patients with low-grade B-cell lymphoma. The features of CHL arising in follicular lymphoma (FL) and its outcome are still unclear, mainly due to the very few cases reported. This study compares 17 patients with CHL and FL to 2 control groups: 1 of 26 patients with FL and a second of 60 patients older than 40 when diagnosed with CHL. Of the FL and CHL patients, 8 had simultaneous FL and CHL, while 9 had FL first, followed by CHL 4.7 years later on average. The age at the diagnosis of FL was 61 years for patients with synchronous FL and CHL and of 60 years for FL, followed by CHL at 65 years. Patients with FL only were, on average, 59 years old at presentation, while CHL patients were 61. FL was grade 1-2 in 75% of FL and CHL patients and 67% of FL first and CHL second patients, lower proportions than in the FL control group-92%. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected in a lower fraction (29%) of the FL and CHL group than in CHL-only controls (46%). BCL2 translocations were detected in 4 of the 7 cases with FL, but in positive cases, the rearrangement was also present in the CHL component, indicating a clonal relationship between FL and CHL. Patients with FL and CHL treated for CHL had an initial outcome more similar to FL than to CHL controls.
RIvER Clinic: Rethinking Incarceration and Empowering Recovery—An Innovative Postincarceration Care Delivery Model Implemented During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dauria Emily F. , Lapinski Joslyn , Hawk Mary , Egan James E. , Venkat Divya , Robertson Thomas
Published: April 2024

The Rethinking Incarceration and Empowering Recovery (RIvER) Clinic was launched in June 2021 to address the health disparities experienced during and after incarceration. The RIvER Clinic’s multidisciplinary, community-centered team engages patients during jail detention and after release via telehealth, collocated in community locations, on a mobile van, and in clinic. The clinic serves as a bridge between incarceration and the establishment of permanent health care and social services in the community. In 2022, a total of 479 visits were completed. The clinic provided multidisciplinary substance use support to all eligible patients, paying for 104 medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescriptions for uninsured patients. Twenty-five percent of patients were transitioned to community-based care, and less than 5% of patients were reincarcerated. Despite some limitations, results demonstrate that the RIvER Clinic is successfully reintegrating a marginalized population into its community. The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation and preliminary outcomes of this postincarceration clinic.
Estimating the Cost of the COVID-19 Response for Local Health Departments: Evidence From Ohio
Authors: Singh Simone R.
Published: April 2024

This study assessed the staffing allocations and associated costs incurred by Ohio local health departments (LHDs) in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were extracted from the annual financial reports of Ohio LHDs for 2020 and 2021, encompassing a sample of 38 LHDs in 2020 and 60 LHDs in 2021. Descriptive analysis showed that Ohio LHDs committed substantial resources to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there was considerable variability across LHDs, median staffing and compensation collectively constituted 22% of total staffing and compensation. Multivariate regression analysis found minimal associations between the examined agency and community-level variables and the differences in staffing allocations and associated costs incurred by LHDs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After decades of underfunding and understaffing, securing sustainable funding will be crucial to equip LHDs across the country with the necessary resources to deliver comprehensive public health services in their communities.
Genome-based reclassification of Salipiger manganoxidans (Rajasabapathy et al. 2016) Wirth et al. 2018 as a later heterotypic synonym of Salipiger marinus (Lai et al. 2011) Wirth et al. 2018
Authors: Yang Yuxue , Ni Keqing , Wang Di , Wu Xinlei , Wei Yuli
Published: April 2024

Salipiger manganoxidans VSW210T was compared with Salipiger marinus CK-I3-6T to examine the taxonomic relationship between the two type strains. In phylogenetic trees drawn using whole genome sequences and 16S rRNA gene sequences, S. manganoxidans VSW210T and S. marinus CK-I3-6T clade together and showed a 99.6 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity. The average amino acid identity (AAI), average nucleotide identity (ANIb and ANIm) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between S. manganoxidans VSW210T and S. marinus CK-I3-6T were below 97.5, 97.4, 98.4 and 85.1±2.5 %, respectively, all of which were greater than the species delineation threshold AAI value (95.5 %), ANI value (95–96 %) and dDDH value (70 %). Most phenotypic features between both species were almost identical, although there were some differences. The present results show that Salipiger manganoxidans is a later heterotypic synonym of Salipiger marinus.
Achromobacter seleniivolatilans sp. nov. and Buttiauxella selenatireducens sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of selenium hyperaccumulator Cardamine hupingshanesis
Authors: Zhang Sasa , Liu Yi , Wang Hao , Xu Zhongnan , Peng Jing , Xu Qiaolin , Li Kui , Wang Haoyang , Guo Yanbin
Published: April 2024

Two Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, R39T and R73T, were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of the selenium hyperaccumulator Cardamine hupingshanesis in China. Strain R39T transformed selenite into elemental and volatile selenium, whereas strain R73T transformed both selenate and selenite into elemental selenium. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses indicated that strain R39T belonged to the genus Achromobacter, while strain R73T belonged to the genus Buttiauxella. Strain R39T (genome size, 6.68 Mb; G+C content, 61.6 mol%) showed the closest relationship to Achromobacter marplatensis LMG 26219T and Achromobacter kerstersii LMG 3441T, with average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 83.6 and 83.4 %, respectively. Strain R73T (genome size, 5.22 Mb; G+C content, 50.3 mol%) was most closely related to Buttiauxella ferragutiae ATCC 51602T with an ANI value of 86.4 %. Furthermore, strain A111 from the GenBank database was found to cluster with strain R73T within the genus Buttiauxella through phylogenomic analyses. The ANI and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strains R73T and A111 were 97.5 and 80.0% respectively, indicating that they belong to the same species. Phenotypic characteristics also differentiated strain R39T and strain R73T from their closely related species. Based on the polyphasic analyses, strain R39T and strain R73T represent novel species of the genera Achromobacter and Buttiauxella, respectively, for which the names Achromobacter seleniivolatilans sp. nov. (type strain R39T=GDMCC 1.3843T=JCM 36009T) and Buttiauxella selenatireducens sp. nov. (type strain R73T=GDMCC 1.3636T=JCM 35850T) are proposed.
Addressing Cervical Cancer Screening Through Self-Sampling and HPV Testing Among Under-Screened Women: A Case Study in the Decentralized Portuguese Setting
Authors: Pereira Sara da Graça , Nobre Luís , Ribeiro Marina , Carvalho Patrícia , Morais Ana , Sousa Rita , Moniz Ana Paula , Matos Francisco , Fernandes Graça , Pimentel João Pedro , Marinho José Carlos , Sá José Luís e , Ilhéu Olga , Rebelo Teresa , Fonseca-Moutinho José , Prazeres Hugo , Nobre Rui Jorge , Loureiro Fernanda
Published: April 2024

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) screening is crucial for reducing its incidence. However, encouraging participation among under-screened women remains challenging. Portugal’s decentralized health regions provide an ideal case study due to a significant proportion of eligible women avoiding regular screening. Globally, self-sampling has emerged as a promising solution to enhance screening attendance. This study aims to assess self-sampling acceptance among under-screened women in central Portugal, contributing to the existing knowledge of self-sampling in CC screening.

Methods

801 women aged 30-59, not participating in the Central Region’s CC Screening for 4 or more years, were randomly recruited. Women who accepted to participate in the study received cervicovaginal self-sampling kits at home. Women with a positive high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) test result were invited for gynaecological follow-up.

Results

Among the 687 eligible women, 307 (44.7%) accepted, and 198 (28.8%) provided specimens for hr-HPV testing. Out of twelve positive cases, eleven underwent gynaecological follow-up, identifying six cervical lesions.

Conclusions

The study highlights the potential of self-sampling and HPV testing to enhance CC screening in Portugal, with encouraging acceptance and effective detection of cervical lesions. These findings offer a promising solution for addressing under-screening among eligible women in the decentralized health regions of Portugal.
Predictive posture stabilization before contact with moving objects: equivalence of smooth pursuit tracking and peripheral vision
Authors: Sinha Oindrila , Rosenquist Taylor , Fedorshak Alyssa , Kpankpa John , Albenze Eliza , Bonnet Cedrick , Bertucco Matteo , Kurtzer Isaac , Singh Tarkeshwar
Published: April 2024

Postural stabilization is essential to effectively interact with our environment. Humans preemptively adjust their posture to counteract impending disturbances, such as those encountered during interactions with moving objects, a phenomenon known as anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs). APAs are thought to be influenced by predictive models that incorporate object motion via retinal motion and extra-retinal signals. Building on our previous work that examined APAs in relation to the perceived momentum of moving objects, here we explored the impact of object motion within different visual field sectors on the human capacity to anticipate motion and prepare APAs for contact between virtual moving objects and the limb. Participants interacted with objects moving towards them under different gaze conditions. In one condition, participants fixated on either a central point (central fixation) or left-right of the moving object (peripheral fixation), while in another, they followed the moving object with smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM). We found that APAs had the smallest magnitude in the central fixation condition and that no notable differences in APAs were apparent between the SPEM and peripheral fixation conditions. This suggests that the visual system can accurately perceive motion of objects in peripheral vision for posture stabilization. Using Bayesian Model Averaging, we also evaluated the contribution of different gaze variables, such as eye velocity and gain (ratio of eye and object velocity) and showed that both eye velocity and gain signals were significant predictors of APAs. Taken together, our study underscores the roles of oculomotor signals in modulation of APAs.

New and Noteworthy

We show that the human visuomotor system can detect motion in peripheral vision and make anticipatory adjustments to posture before contact with moving objects, just as effectively as when the eye movement system tracks those objects through smooth pursuit eye movements. These findings pave the way for research into how age-induced changes in spatial vision, eye movements, and motion perception could affect the control of limb movements and postural stability during motion-mediated interactions with objects.
Inactivation of a non-canonical gp130 signaling arm attenuates chronic systemic inflammation and multimorbidity induced by a high-fat diet
Authors: Lee Youngjoo , Sarkar Arijita , Tassey Jade , Levi Jonathan N. , Lee Siyoung , Liu Nancy Q. , Drake Andrew C. , Magallanes Jenny , Stevic Una , Lu Jinxiu , Ge Dawei , Tang Hanhan , Mkaratigwa Tadiwanashe , Bian Fangzhou , Shkhyan Ruzanna , Bonaguidi Michael , Evseenko Denis
Published: April 2024

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine for which the levels in plasma demonstrate a robust correlation with age and body mass index (BMI) as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. IL-6 cytokines also play a crucial role in metabolic homeostasis and regenerative processes, primarily via the canonical STAT3 pathway. Thus, selective modulation of IL-6 signaling may offer a unique opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Recently, we discovered that a non-canonical signaling pathway downstream of tyrosine (Y) 814 within the intracellular domain of gp130, the IL-6 co-receptor, is responsible for the recruitment and activation of SRC family of kinases (SFK). Mice with constitutive genetic inactivation of gp130 Y814 (F814 mice) show accelerated resolution of inflammatory response and superior regenerative outcomes in skin wound healing and posttraumatic models of osteoarthritis. The current study was designed to explore if selective genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the non-canonical gp130-Y814/SFK signaling reduces systemic chronic inflammation and multimorbidity in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced model of accelerated aging. F814 mice showed significantly reduced inflammatory response to HFD in adipose and liver tissue, with significantly reduced levels of systemic inflammation compared to wild type mice. F814 mice were also protected from HFD-induced bone loss and cartilage degeneration. Pharmacological inhibition of gp130-Y814/SFK in mice on HFD mirrored the effects observed in F814 mice on HFD; furthermore, this pharmacological treatment also demonstrated a marked increase in physical activity levels and protective effects against inflammation-associated suppression of neurogenesis in the brain tissue compared to the control group. These findings suggest that selective inhibition of SFK signaling downstream of gp130 receptor represents a promising strategy to alleviate systemic chronic inflammation. Increased degenerative changes and tissue senescence are inevitable in obese and aged organisms, but we demonstrated that the systemic response and inflammation-associated multi-morbidity can be therapeutically mitigated.
In vivo evaluation of thermally drawn biodegradable optical fibers as brain neural interfaces
Authors: Abdollahian Parinaz , Sui Kunyang , Li Guanghui , Wang Jiachen , Zhang Cuiling , Wang Yazhou , Berg Rune W. , Meneghetti Marcello , Markos Christos
Published: April 2024

Optical fiber technology has a critical role in modern neuroscience towards understanding the complex neuronal dynamics within the nervous system. In this study, we manufactured amorphous thermally drawn poly D, L-lactic acid (PDLLA) optical fibers in different diameters. These fibers were then implanted into the lateral posterior (LP) region of the mouse brain for 4 months, allowing us to assess their degradation characteristics. The gradual dissolution of the implanted PDLLA optical fibers in the brain was confirmed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), molecular weight measurements, and light transmission spectroscopy. The results indicate that the degradation rate was mainly pronounced during the first week. Degradation after 4 months resulted in the formation of micropores on the surface of the implanted fiber within the gray matter region of the brain. Moreover, the current PDLLA optical fiber implant offers efficient light transmission in the short-wavelength near-infrared (SW-NIR) range. SW-NIR enables deeper tissue penetration and reduced light scattering, making it ideal for optogenetics and functional imaging with therapeutic potential in neurological disorders. We believe that the provided PDLLA optical fiber in this study constitutes a promising candidate for the development of next-generation biocompatible, soft, and biodegradable bi-directional neural interfaces