bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical and thoracic spinal cord gray matter atrophy is associated with disability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Wendebourg Maria Janina , Weigel Matthias , Weidensteiner Claudia , Sander Laura , Kesenheimer Eva , Naumann Nicole , Haas Tanja , Madoerin Philipp , Braun Nathalie , Neuwirth Christoph , Weber Markus , Jahn Kathleen , Kappos Ludwig , Granziera Cristina , Schweikert Kathi , Sinnreich Michael , Bieri Oliver , Schlaeger Regina
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there is an unmet need for more precise patient characterization through quantitative, ideally operator‐independent, assessments of disease extent and severity. Radially sampled averaged magnetization inversion recovery acquisitions (rAMIRA) magnetic resonance imaging enables gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) area quantitation in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord (SC) with optimized contrast. We aimed to investigate rAMIRA‐derived SC GM and SC WM areas and their association with clinical phenotype and disability in ALS.

Methods

A total of 36 patients with ALS (mean [SD] age 61.7 [12.6] years, 14 women) and 36 healthy, age‐ and sex‐matched controls (HCs; mean [SD] age 63.1 [12.1] years, 14 women) underwent two‐dimensional axial rAMIRA imaging at the inter‐vertebral disc levels C2/3–C5/C6 and the lumbar enlargement level Tmax. ALS Functional Rating Scale–revised (ALSFRS‐R) score, muscle strength, and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) were assessed.

Results

Compared to HCs, GM and WM areas were reduced in patients at all cervical levels (p < 0.0001). GM area (p = 0.0001), but not WM area, was reduced at Tmax. Patients with King's Stage 3 showed significant GM atrophy at all levels, while patients with King's Stage 1 showed significant GM atrophy selectively at Tmax. SC GM area was significantly associated with muscle force at corresponding myotomes. GM area at C3/C4 was associated with ALSFRS‐R (p < 0.001) and SNIP (p = 0.0016).

Conclusion

Patients with ALS assessed by rAMIRA imaging show significant cervical and thoracic SC GM and SC WM atrophy. SC GM area correlates with muscle strength and clinical disability. GM area reduction at Tmax may be an early disease sign. Longitudinal studies are warranted.
In vitro competition between two transmissible cancers and potential implications for their host, the Tasmanian devil
Authors: Gérard Anne‐Lise , Owen Rachel S. , Dujon Antoine M. , Roche Benjamin , Hamede Rodrigo , Thomas Frédéric , Ujvari Beata , Siddle Hannah V.
Published: March 2024

Since the emergence of a transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFT1), in the 1980s, wild Tasmanian devil populations have been in decline. In 2016, a second, independently evolved transmissible cancer (DFT2) was discovered raising concerns for survival of the host species. Here, we applied experimental and modelling frameworks to examine competition dynamics between the two transmissible cancers in vitro. Using representative cell lines for DFT1 and DFT2, we have found that in monoculture, DFT2 grows twice as fast as DFT1 but reaches lower maximum cell densities. Using co‐cultures, we demonstrate that DFT2 outcompetes DFT1: the number of DFT1 cells decreasing over time, never reaching exponential growth. This phenomenon could not be replicated when cells were grown separated by a semi‐permeable membrane, consistent with exertion of mechanical stress on DFT1 cells by DFT2. A logistic model and a Lotka–Volterra competition model were used to interrogate monoculture and co‐culture growth curves, respectively, suggesting DFT2 is a better competitor than DFT1, but also showing that competition outcomes might depend on the initial number of cells, at least in the laboratory. We provide theories how the in vitro results could be translated to observations in the wild and propose that these results may indicate that although DFT2 is currently in a smaller geographic area than DFT1, it could have the potential to outcompete DFT1. Furthermore, we provide a framework for improving the parameterization of epidemiological models applied to these cancer lineages, which will inform future disease management.
Evidence that variation in root anatomy contributes to local adaptation in Mexican native maize
Authors: McLaughlin Chloee M. , Li Meng , Perryman Melanie , Heymans Adrien , Schneider Hannah , Lasky Jesse R. , Sawers Ruairidh J. H.
Published: March 2024

Mexican native maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) is adapted to a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions. Here, we focus specifically on the potential role of root anatomical variation in this adaptation. Given the investment required to characterize root anatomy, we present a machine‐learning approach using environmental descriptors to project trait variation from a relatively small training panel onto a larger panel of genotyped and georeferenced Mexican maize accessions. The resulting models defined potential biologically relevant clines across a complex environment that we used subsequently for genotype–environment association. We found evidence of systematic variation in maize root anatomy across Mexico, notably a prevalence of trait combinations favoring a reduction in axial hydraulic conductance in varieties sourced from cooler, drier highland areas. We discuss our results in the context of previously described water‐banking strategies and present candidate genes that are associated with both root anatomical and environmental variation. Our strategy is a refinement of standard environmental genome‐wide association analysis that is applicable whenever a training set of georeferenced phenotypic data is available.
Leisure time and parenting in Europe: a more difficult equation for mothers?
Authors: Martinez Mendiola Anna , Cortina Clara
Published: March 2024

Objective

This paper analyzes gender inequalities in leisure time within coresident opposite‐sex couples with and without children at home in five European countries to evaluate the gendered parental impact in leisure time.

Background

In European societies, women continue to bear much of the physical and mental burden involved in running a household and managing family life resulting in greater levels of stress and time deprivation. Time spent in leisure has been associated with better physical and psychological wellness. Understanding how gender influences the distribution of leisure time among couples living with and without children at home, and how these effects differ across European countries, is important to understand individual and couples' well‐being.

Method

Drawing on information from the Multinational Time Use Study for 15,024 matched couples residing in Spain, Italy, France, Finland, and the United Kingdom, we conduct a series of ordinary‐least‐squares regression analyses with country fixed effects.

Results

The general trends reveal that women in Europe allocate less time to leisure and that mothers experience lower leisure of high quality compared to their partners when their children are below the age of 5. However, Finnish and British couples exhibit a more egalitarian distribution of leisure time regardless of their parental status, particularly when compared to Italian and Spanish ones.

Conclusion

This study unveils a gendered use of leisure time, as well as a gendered parental impact when children are young. However, the impact of women's second shift in leisure time varies across countries, suggesting a cultural and institutional effect.

Implications

These findings have implications for researchers, health professionals, and policymakers concerned with understanding and alleviating situations of overstress, time poverty, and depression among women, but especially among mothers of young children.
An analysis of fatigue crack features at various crack lengths through mating fracture surface pairs
Authors: Field Isaac , Kandare Everson , Dixon Ben , Barter Simon
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a novel high‐resolution direct analysis of mating AA7050‐T7451 fracture surfaces at crack lengths from 0.1 to 1.3 mm (Kmax of 4.51 to 16.39 MPa√m) for the purpose of analyzing the fatigue growth mechanisms. The various fractographic features observed at these crack lengths were then compared to the known accelerative effects of an applied loading sequence that contained underloads at regular intervals. A correlation was found between some of the observed features and the local fatigue crack growth rate. This study provides new insight into the prominent mechanisms that dictate crack growth rate and ultimately should assist with developing crack growth prediction methods that more accurately represent the physics of the fatigue crack growth mechanisms.
Highly stable CuFe1.2Al.8O4 catalyst with low CO selectivity for hydrogen production in HT‐PEMFCs application
Authors: Shen Qiuwan , Chen Gaokui , Ren Jinli , Yan Min , Andersson Martin , Li Shian
Published: March 2024

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is considered as an effective way to provide on‐board hydrogen production technology for fuel cell applications. CuFe1.2Al.8O4 spinel catalyst was synthesized by sol–gel method and the chemical and physical properties were studied in‐depth. X‐ray diffraction, hydrogen‐temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), BET, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the catalysts with reaction times of 20, 50, and 100 h. The results of H2‐TPR showed that 90% of spinel Cu2+ was released after 100 h reaction. BET results show that the specific surface area and pore characteristics of the catalyst have not changed greatly after reaction for 20, 50, and 100 h. Furthermore, in the unsteady‐state test, CuFe1.2Al.8O4 exhibited excellent catalytic activity and thermal stability under long‐term repeated start‐up and stop cycles. At 275°C, the methanol conversion rate remained around 94% and the CO selectivity remained below 1%. Therefore, the catalyst synthesized in this study has excellent stability and low CO selectivity, making it a highly promising on‐board hydrogen production catalyst in the field of HT‐proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).
On the importance of being clear about the level of analysis of interest: An illustration using the case of self‐compassion
Authors: Büchner Anabel , Ewert Christina , Hoffmann Cosma F. A. , Schröder‐Abé Michela , Horstmann Kai T.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Theories about within‐person (WP) variation are often tested using between‐person (BP) research, despite the well‐established fact that results may not generalize across levels of analysis. One possible explanation is vague theories that do not specify which level of analysis is of interest. We illustrate such a case using the construct of self‐compassion. The factor structure at the BP level has been highly debated, although the theory is actually concerned with relationships at the WP level.

Method

Multilevel confirmatory factor analysis was applied to experience‐sampling data of self‐compassion (N = 213, with n = 4052 measurement occasions).

Results

At both levels of analysis, evidence for a two‐factor model was found. However, the factors were moderately related at the WP level (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) but largely independent at the BP level (r = 0.04, p = 0.696). Exploratory analyses revealed considerable heterogeneity in the WP relationship among individuals.

Conclusion

We discuss how our results provide new impulses to move the debate around self‐compassion forward. Lastly, we outline how the WP level—which is of major interest for self‐compassion and other constructs in psychology—can guide the conceptualization and assessment to promote advancements of the theory and resulting applications.
White spot lesion–related perception of aesthetics and treatment satisfaction among orthodontic patients, orthodontists and other dental specialists
Authors: Huang Xinliang , Qin Danchen , Ngan Peter , Cao Lingyun , Hua Fang , He Hong
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the impact of various degrees of white spot lesions (WSLs) of maxillary anterior teeth on the aesthetic perception and treatment satisfaction among orthodontic patients, orthodontists and other dental specialists and to evaluate the differences among the three groups.

Methods

A total of 45 orthodontic patients (OP), 45 orthodontists (OR) and 45 other dental specialists (OS) were recruited. Subjective evaluations of perceived aesthetics and treatment satisfaction were performed towards eight digitally generated photographs of maxillary anterior teeth with incremental degrees of WSLs using a numerical visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 100. Data were collected and analysed with descriptive statistics, repeated one‐way analysis of variance and multivariable generalized estimating equations.

Results

A total of 135 valid questionnaires were collected. Regarding aesthetic scores for WSLs, OP gave more positive scores than OR and OS (p < .05) towards excessive white spot formation without colouration and were more tolerant than OR (p < .05) towards excessive white spot formation with slight colouration. The level of treatment satisfaction for slight to severe WSLs without cavitation was higher in OP than OR. Patients with higher education levels had more negative scores for aesthetic perception and treatment satisfaction (p < .05). Patients who brushed teeth more frequently scored lower in treatment satisfaction (p < .05).

Conclusions

Orthodontists were the most critical when evaluating aesthetics and treatment satisfaction for slight to severe WSLs without cavitation. For orthodontic patients, better oral hygiene habits and higher education levels were associated with more critical attitudes towards WSLs.
Pudendal nerve blockade for persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD): A clinical review and case report
Authors: Gyorfi Michael J. , Abd‐Elsayed Alaa
Published: March 2024

Background

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a condition characterized by unwanted and potentially painful genital sensations or spontaneous orgasms without stimulation. We present a case of a 55‐year‐old woman with refractory genital arousal disorder that was treated with serial pudendal nerve blocks.

Case

RW is a 55‐year‐old woman with chronic pelvic pain, pudendal neuralgia, MDD, SI, GAD, CRPS, and persistent genital arousal disorder for 11 years. Her PGAD was refractory to conservative management, physical therapy, and bilateral clitoral artery embolization. We performed bilateral pudendal nerve blocks with Kenalog and Bupivacaine, which provided almost complete relief for 2–3 months. We performed a bilateral pudendal nerve radiofrequency ablation; however, there was minimal benefit. RW continues to have significant relief with serial pudendal nerve blocks.

Summary and Conclusion

Persistent genital arousal disorder is often refractory to medication and physical therapy requiring significant intervention such as entrapment surgery or artery embolization. Our case demonstrates pudendal nerve blocks as a potential treatment modality with minimal side effects.
Justice and Housing
Authors: Halliday Daniel , Meyer Marco
Published: March 2024

This article surveys various topics that link questions about housing with considerations of economic justice. Housing has received increasing attention from philosophers within the last decade. In political philosophy, some aspects of a topic attract more attention than others. Presently, philosophical reflection focuses on the value of a home; homelessness; gentrification; segregation; and spatial justice, with a substantial body of literature developing on these interconnected themes. We highlight some of the recent contributions to the field of housing justice while also identifying areas that have received less attention. Specifically, we emphasize the importance of further philosophical exploration into how macroeconomic factors, like fiscal and monetary policy, impact housing justice. Additionally, we advocate for normative approaches that underscore justice issues not readily addressed by frameworks prioritizing human flourishing or relational equality.
The normatively troubling impact of attitudes toward the role of money in politics on external political efficacy
Authors: Haenschen Katherine , Collier Jessica R. , Tedesco John C.
Published: March 2024

Objective

We explore whether Americans’ attitudes about the role of money spent on political campaigns and separately their attitudes about the influence of corporations impact their external political efficacy (EE) or perception that the government is responsive to them.

Methods

We conduct three independent sample surveys (total N = 2789) to measure individuals’ attitudes toward the role of money in politics (ARMP), attitudes toward corporations, and EE. We also measure political partisanship to test for moderating effects.

Results

ARMP are strongly and positively associated with EE: those who are more favorable of the role money plays in politics view government as more responsive to them. This finding is specific to ARMP and does not extend to corporations, suggesting that public awareness of campaign spending is shaping individuals' views of government responsiveness. We find no evidence that this relationship is moderated by partisanship, despite differing views of money in politics between Democrats and Republicans.

Conclusion

Our results are normatively troubling and suggest that as campaign spending continues to rise, individuals will increasingly feel that the government is less responsive to their concerns.
All aboard? An analysis of public opinion regarding high‐speed rail
Authors: Johnson Sara , Elliott Euel
Published: March 2024

Objective

High‐speed rail is not well utilized in the United States. This study examines public interest in high‐speed rail and the role the apparent urban–rural political divide may play in its establishment.

Methods

Data from a sample of 1648 U.S. residents and 515 Texas residents surveyed in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 were analyzed to determine their likelihood of choosing high‐speed rail if it was available.

Results

Results found that 35 percent of national respondents and 52 percent of Texas respondents indicated they are likely to choose high‐speed rail. Characteristics such as age, education, gender, and political party affiliation had a statistically significant relationship with a respondent's likelihood of choosing high‐speed rail.

Conclusion

This analysis indicates an interest in high‐speed rail in both samples. Many of the characteristics of those likely to choose high‐speed rail are consistent with typical early adopters of innovation. Democrats seem more likely to consider high‐speed rail, however identifying as either a Republican or a Democrat resulted in a positive, statistically significant relationship with an interest in high‐speed rail in the Texas sample. While this discussion does appear to have a partisan divide, other characteristics seem to be a strong predictor of interest in high‐speed rail.
Impact of opponents’ race, gender, and party on U.S. congressional fundraising
Authors: Halcoussis Dennis
Published: March 2024

Objective

A donation for a candidate can be motivated by support for that candidate or by opposition to the candidate's opponent. This study tests the impact that race, gender, and party affiliation of the candidate and the candidate's opponent have on the candidate's fundraising.

Methods

This study uses data from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 U.S. congressional elections to estimate a regression model where the dependent variable is funds raised by each mainstream party candidate, with party, race, and gender of the candidate and the candidate's opponent accounted for in the model, as well as district competitiveness, district economic and demographic characteristics, and whether the seat is open.

Results

Female Democrats and non‐white male Democrats have a fundraising advantage when running against a white male Republican. Female Republicans or non‐white male Republicans do not have this advantage when running against white male Democrats.

Conclusion

The interaction effects of gender and race on fundraising for a candidate and opponent are different depending on party affiliation, and the characteristics of both the candidate and the candidate's opponent must be considered for these effects to be visible.
Investigation on the band narrowing and shifting effects of micro-perforated panel absorbers
Authors: Qian Yujie , Gao Zhengyuan , Zhang Jie , Wei Yuliang
Published: March 2024

Micro-perforated panel (MPP) absorbers exhibit multiple resonance bands with increased bandwidth narrowing and shifting in higher frequencies, limiting their effectiveness. This study investigates the effects of narrowing and shifting in higher-order resonance bands of MPP absorbers. First, an acoustic impedance model for MPP absorbers is introduced, and the narrowing and shifting coefficients are defined and modeled to quantify these effects. It is observed that a larger ratio of acoustic resistance to acoustic mass is favorable for reducing the narrowing and shifting effects. Subsequently, the theoretical model is validated using a numerical model, and a parametric study is conducted to explore the influence of geometric parameters on the narrowing and shifting effects. The study reveals that decreasing aperture and panel thickness, while increasing perforation ratio and cavity depth, reduces the narrowing and shifting coefficients. Remarkably, ultra-micro-perforated panels (UMPPs) with an aperture below 0.1 mm and perforation constant below 0.0046, having relatively larger acoustic resistance and smaller acoustic mass, demonstrate near-zero band narrowing and shifting. Finally, UMPPs are fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, and their normal absorption coefficients are measured. Results align with theoretical predictions, confirming UMPPs' ability to achieve zero narrowing and shifting compared to ordinary MPPs and verifying the study's findings.
Mediated Sports Money: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Sports Media Consumption and College Students’ Perceived Financial Understanding
Authors: Gentile Patrick C. , Arth Zachary W. , Dirks Emily J. , Buzzelli Nicholas R.
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the correlation between sports media consumption and its influence on college students’ perception of finances. Through the lens of cultivation theory, the study sought to gauge how financial information featured in sports media may impact college students’ perceptions about money. A survey was distributed to 225 participants across four states. Results indicate that students who consume a greater amount of sports media are more likely to have a higher perceived understanding of financial concepts, higher confidence when it comes to finances, and even an elevated perception of entry-level salaries when compared with non–sports fans. Overall, sports media consumption can influence how college student sports fans perceive finances.
Complete genome sequence of
Citroniella saccharovorans
DSM 29873, isolated from human fecal sample
Authors: Cheng George , Westerholm Maria , Schnürer Anna
Published: March 2024

A complete genome was recovered from
Citroniella saccharovorans,
strain DSM 29873, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The genome assembly contains 1,413,868 bp with 30.23% G+C content. The species belongs to the family
Peptoniphilaceae
and, as of yet, is the only cultivated representative of the genus
Citroniella
.
Deep Learning Ghost Polarimetry
Authors: Agapov D. , Ivchenko A. , Magnitskiy S.
Published: March 2024

The first application of neural networks in the problem of ghost polarimetry is reported. The proposed approach has enabled the reconstruction of the spatial distribution of object anisotropy in ghost polarimetry. The deep neural network processes a set of intensity correlation functions measured in various polarization states of classical light and reconstructs, point-by-point, the distribution of the type of anisotropy. In this work we use a numerical dataset. We investigated the applicability of the developed network for objects whose properties are determined by linear/circular amplitude/phase anisotropy. The probability of correctly predicting the type of anisotropy exceeds 95% according to the F1-score metric.
Challenges in Adopting and Sustaining Microservice-based Software Development
Authors: Vitharana Padmal , Daya Shahir A.
Published: March 2024

MS (microservice) has become the latest buzzword in software development. The MS approach to software development offers an alternative to the conventional monolith style. While benefits of MS-based development over monolith style are clear, industry experts agree that neither style provides an absolute advantage in all situations. Proponents contend that an MS approach to software development more readily facilitates mapping organizational changes manifesting from a more dynamic business environment to corresponding IT/IS (information technology/information systems) changes. This article identifies key challenges from the initial decision to adopt MSs to the ongoing task of sustaining the new paradigm over the long haul. It aims to provide insights to those considering MS-based software development.
Hydrodynamic Electronic Transport
Authors: Fritz L. , Scaffidi T.
Published: March 2024

The “flow” of electric currents and heat in standard metals is diffusive with electronic motion randomized by impurities. However, for ultraclean metals, electrons can flow like water with their flow being described by the equations of hydrodynamics. While theoretically postulated, this situation was highly elusive for decades. In the past decade, several experimental groups have found strong indications for this type of flow, especially in graphene-based devices. In this review, we give an overview of some of the recent key developments, on both the theoretical and experimental sides.
Financial Health Literacy and Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Davis Kimberly D. , Jones Terry L.
Published: March 2024

Aim. To examine and clarify the concept financial health literacy (FHL) within the context of aging and healthcare. Background. Older adults have a high chronic disease burden and low financial and health literacy levels which often leads to high healthcare costs and poor self-management. Clarification of the concept FHL is necessary to better support nursing care and successful self-management. Design. Concept analysis using literary synthesis. Data Sources. Electronic databases were used to find scientific literature (i.e., PubMed, CINAHL, and Business Source Complete), and online dictionaries were used to find basic definitions. Review Methods. Walker and Avant’s eight-step method was used as a guide to construct a concept analysis of FHL. Clinical, aging, financial, and economic studies were reviewed to determine defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of FHL on the older adult’s health. Results. FHL is defined as the knowledge, skills, and ability to make decisions that allow an individual to manage finances to optimally meet healthcare-related and household expenses, including resources to self-manage health, and plan for short-term, long-term, and end-of-life healthcare. Personal context, opportunity, and access are antecedents to FHL. There are 3 defining attributes: knowledge about health and financial-related concepts, skills in health and financial planning, and healthcare and financial-related decision-making behaviors. The 4 consequences of FHL include effective healthcare utilization, effective cost management, effective self-management, and positive health outcomes. Conclusions. FHL is a complex, multidimensional concept. A better understanding of this concept has significant nursing implications for research, clinical, practice, education, and policy development. Older adults have unique health and financial needs due to the complexity of retirement, living on a fixed income, and self-management of chronic diseases. Development of a FHL assessment tool and intervention is needed and may be supported based on the results of this concept analysis.
Figure S1 from Comprehensive Metabolic Tracing Reveals the Origin and Catabolism of Cysteine in Mammalian Tissues and Tumors
Authors: Yoon Sang Jun , Combs Joseph A. , Falzone Aimee , Prieto-Farigua Nicolas , Caldwell Samantha , Ackerman Hayley D. , Flores Elsa R. , DeNicola Gina M.
Published: March 2024

Figure S1 reports the status of common mutations in the cell lines used in this study.
Data from Comprehensive Metabolic Tracing Reveals the Origin and Catabolism of Cysteine in Mammalian Tissues and Tumors
Authors: Yoon Sang Jun , Combs Joseph A. , Falzone Aimee , Prieto-Farigua Nicolas , Caldwell Samantha , Ackerman Hayley D. , Flores Elsa R. , DeNicola Gina M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cysteine plays critical roles in cellular biosynthesis, enzyme catalysis, and redox metabolism. The intracellular cysteine pool can be sustained by cystine uptake or de novo synthesis from serine and homocysteine. Demand for cysteine is increased during tumorigenesis for generating glutathione to deal with oxidative stress. While cultured cells have been shown to be highly dependent on exogenous cystine for proliferation and survival, how diverse tissues obtain and use cysteine in vivo has not been characterized. We comprehensively interrogated cysteine metabolism in normal murine tissues and cancers that arise from them using stable isotope 13C1-serine and 13C6-cystine tracing. De novo cysteine synthesis was highest in normal liver and pancreas and absent in lung tissue, while cysteine synthesis was either inactive or downregulated during tumorigenesis. In contrast, cystine uptake and metabolism to downstream metabolites was a universal feature of normal tissues and tumors. However, differences in glutathione labeling from cysteine were evident across tumor types. Thus, cystine is a major contributor to the cysteine pool in tumors, and glutathione metabolism is differentially active across tumor types.
Significance:
Stable isotope 13C1-serine and 13C6-cystine tracing characterizes cysteine metabolism in normal murine tissues and its rewiring in tumors using genetically engineered mouse models of liver, pancreas, and lung cancers.
TABLE 1 from Rejuvenated iPSC-derived GD2-directed CART Cells Harbor Robust Cytotoxicity Against Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kinoshita Shintaro , Ishii Midori , Ando Jun , Kimura Takaharu , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Harada Sakiko , Takahashi Fumiyuki , Nakashima Kazutaka , Nakazawa Yozo , Yamazaki Satoshi , Ohshima Koichi , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Ando Miki
Published: March 2024

Primer and probe information
Supplementary Figure 4 from Rejuvenated iPSC-derived GD2-directed CART Cells Harbor Robust Cytotoxicity Against Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kinoshita Shintaro , Ishii Midori , Ando Jun , Kimura Takaharu , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Harada Sakiko , Takahashi Fumiyuki , Nakashima Kazutaka , Nakazawa Yozo , Yamazaki Satoshi , Ohshima Koichi , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Ando Miki
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Figure S4 presents flow cytometric analysis of PD-1, TIGIT, and CD226 expression on GD2-2840z-CARTs and GD2-CARrejTs after coculture with SCLC-J1 cells, based on three independent experiments. It also features real-time cell analysis (RTCA) showing tumor proliferation indices over 80 hours in various conditions: alone, in coculture with GD2-CARrejTs, and control T cells, with and without anti-TIGIT and anti-PD-1 antibodies. The data illustrate the effect of these treatments on tumor growth.
Supplementary Table 1-4 from Antibody–Drug Conjugate αEGFR-E-P125A Reduces Triple-negative Breast Cancer Vasculogenic Mimicry, Motility, and Metastasis through Inhibition of EGFR, Integrin, and FAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Sankar Ankita P. , Cho Hyun-Mi , Shin Seung-Uon , Sneh Tal , Ramakrishnan Sundaram , Elledge Christian , Zhang Yu , Das Rathin , Gil-Henn Hava , Rosenblatt Joseph D.
Published: March 2024

Extended table of differentially expressed genes from 2D to 3D
FIGURE 3 from Antibody–Drug Conjugate αEGFR-E-P125A Reduces Triple-negative Breast Cancer Vasculogenic Mimicry, Motility, and Metastasis through Inhibition of EGFR, Integrin, and FAK/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Sankar Ankita P. , Cho Hyun-Mi , Shin Seung-Uon , Sneh Tal , Ramakrishnan Sundaram , Elledge Christian , Zhang Yu , Das Rathin , Gil-Henn Hava , Rosenblatt Joseph D.
Published: March 2024

αEGFR-E-P125A inhibits EGFR, FAK, and STAT3 phosphorylation. A, Phospho-antibody array depicts changes in phosphorylation from MDA-MB-231-4175 cells plated on matrigel and undergoing the tube formation process to those plated on matrigel and treated with αEGFR-E-P125A for 16 hours in which tube formation was inhibited (left). Zoomed panel depicts decreased EGFR Y1069, FAK Y397, and STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation upon αEGFR-E-P125A treatment (right). B, Bubble plot depicts top downregulated phospho-sites as seen in the phospho-antibody array. Downregulated phospho-sites of interest which correlate to transcriptomic findings include EGFR Y1069, FAK Y397, and STAT3 Y705 sites. C–E, Quantification of EGFR Y1069, FAK Y397, and STAT3 Y705 downregulation from phospho-array. F–H, Western blots demonstrating downregulation of EGFR Y1069, FAK Y397, and STAT3 Y705 upon αEGFR-E-P125A treatment compared with controls. I–K, Immunofluorescence staining at 20x magnification demonstrating inhibition of tube formation and downregulation of EGFR Y1069, FAK Y397, and STAT3 Y705 upon αEGFR-E-P125A treatment. Staining was quantified by percent fluorescent area. **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001.
Facing the Unknown: An Inductive Analysis of the Lived Experience of Medical Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Guimarães-Fernandes Flávio , Benoit Laelia , de Oliveira Luiza Magalhães , Neto Paulo Chenaud , Feniman Débora Chou , Correia Aline Villalobo , de Oliveira Bosoni Nathaly , Macaya Daniela Medina , Miguel Euripedes Constantino , Ceron-Litvoc Daniela , Castellana Gustavo Bonini
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant repercussions for the everyday life and public health of society. Healthcare professionals were particularly vulnerable. Here, we interviewed medical residents about their lived experiences during the pandemic to offer a phenomenological analysis. To this end, we discuss their pandemic experiences considering Jaspers’ “limit situation” concept – that is, a radical shift from their everyday experiences, to one causing them to question the basis of their very existence. Methods: We interviewed 33 medical residents from psychiatry and other specialties from the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP) who either (a) worked directly with COVID-19 patients or (b) provided psychiatric care to other healthcare professionals. Semi-structured interviews were developed using the Inductive Process to Analyze the Structure of lived Experience (IPSE). Results: The descriptions of the lived experiences of medical residents during the pandemic were organized into four content themes: (a) existential defense, (b) limit situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, (c) changes in lived experience, and (d) new world meanings through lived experience. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical residents experienced what can be thought of as a “limit situation,” as they encountered the healthcare delivery challenges coupled with the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges included fear of infection and potential death, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional overload caused by the sharp increase in patient deaths. That said, after facing such a limit situation, residents reported feeling strengthened by this experience. This is consistent with the notion that when confronted with limit situations, we draw on our resources to overcome adversity and, in turn, reap existential gains. Health care providers might use these experiences to energize their own professional approach.
Therapeutic Effect and Adverse Event Rate of Different Treatment Methods in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Cui Lijuan , Ning Jing , Yang Rui , Wang Hainan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: This study involves the collation and analysis of clinical characteristics and laboratory findings in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) combined with renal insufficiency. The objective was to assess the impact of various treatment methods on patient outcomes and the incidence of adverse events in individuals with MM and renal insufficiency. Methods: We analyzed the correlation between clinical characteristics, gene loci, fluorescence in situ hybridization, treatment methods, and prognosis in patients with MM and renal insufficiency. The differences in hematological and therapeutic efficacy indexes between two groups subjected to different treatments were evaluated. The assessment of treatment effectiveness was based on the total effective rate, calculated as the sum of stringent CR rate, complete remission rate, very good partial remission rate, and partial remission rate. Results: (1) The renal insufficiency group exhibited higher percentages of bone marrow abnormal plasma cells, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood calcium, white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, and blood β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) levels compared to the normal renal function group. Conversely, hemoglobin levels and lymphocyte percentage were lower in the renal insufficiency group. Binary logistic regression analysis identified hemoglobin, blood calcium values, blood β2-MG, and LDH as independent risk factors for the development of renal insufficiency in patients with MM (p < 0.05). (2) Based on the Durie-Salmon staging criteria, the proportion of Stage III patients was the highest (up to 81.8%), indicating that patients with MM usually suffer from insidious disease, often with high tumor load and late-disease stage at the time of consultation. International Staging System (ISS) and Revised ISS staging also revealed a higher proportion of Stage III patients in the renal insufficiency group (p < 0.05), indicating a worse long-term prognosis in patients with MM and renal insufficiency. (3) Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the analysis of various indices. Complications such as sepsis, herpes zoster, peripheral neuropathy, thrombosis, secondary pulmonary infection, and cardiac complications were significantly lower in the BCD group (Bortezomib + Cyclophosphamide + Dexamethasone) compared to the BD group (Bortezomib + Dexamethasone) (χ2 = 6.333, p < 0.05), suggesting fewer complications with the BCD regimen. (4) The clinical treatment effects analysis indicated that the BCD group demonstrated a more significant impact than the BD group in the treatment of MM. Conclusion: The application of the BCD regimen in the treatment of MM has shown significant efficiency, effectively alleviating clinical symptoms with fewer adverse reactions and high safety.
Positive Pressure Ventilation in Preterm Infants in the Delivery Room: A Review of Current Practices, Challenges, and Emerging Technologies
Authors: Diggikar Shivashankar , Ramaswamy Viraraghavan V. , Koo Jenny , Prasath Arun , Schmölzer Georg M.
Published: March 2024

Background: A major proportion of preterm neonates require positive pressure ventilation (PPV) immediately after delivery. PPV may be administered through a face mask (FM) or nasal prongs. Current literature indicates that either of these are associated with similar outcomes. Summary: Nonetheless, FM remains the most utilized and the best choice. However, most available FM sizes are too large for extremely preterm infants, which leads to mask leak and ineffective PPV. Challenges to providing effective PPV include poor respiratory drive, complaint chest wall, weak thoracic muscle, delayed liquid clearance, and surfactant deficiency in preterm infants. Mask leak, airway obstruction, poor technique, and inappropriate size are correctable causes of ineffective PPV. Visual assessment of chest rise is often used to assess the efficacy of PPV. However, its accuracy is debatable. Though end tidal CO2 may adjudge the effectiveness of PPV, clinical studies are limited. The compliance of a preterm lung is highly dynamic. The inflating pressure set on T-piece is constant throughout the resuscitation, but the lung volume and dynamics changes with every breath. This leads to huge fluctuations of tidal volume delivery and can trigger inflammatory cascade in preterm infants leading to brain and lung injury. Respiratory function monitoring in the delivery room has potential for guiding and optimizing delivery room resuscitation. This is, however, limited by high costs, complex information that is difficult to interpret during resuscitation, and absence of clinical trials. Key Messages: This review summarizes the existing literature on PPV in preterm infants, the various aspects related to it such as the pathophysiology, interfaces, devices utilized to deliver it, appropriate technique, emerging technologies, and future directions.
Secondary Analysis of the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS): Effects of Potassium-Enriched Salt on Cardiac Outcomes
Authors: Yu Jie , Arnott Clare , Li Qiang , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Tian Maoyi , Huang Liping , Yin Xuejun , Zhang Xinyi , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Labarthe Darwin R. , Elliott Paul , Yan Lijing L. , Zhou Bo , Wu Yangfeng , Neal Bruce
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

The SSaSS (Salt Substitute and Stroke Study) has shown that use of a potassium-enriched salt lowers the risk of stroke, total cardiovascular events, and premature death. The effects on cause-specific cardiac outcomes are reported here.

METHODS:

SSaSS was an unblinded, cluster-randomised trial assessing the effects of potassium-enriched salt compared with regular salt among 20 995 Chinese adults with established stroke and older age and uncontrolled hypertension. Post hoc efficacy analyses were performed using an intention-to-treat method and a hierarchical Poisson regression model adjusting for clustering to obtain rate ratios and 95% CIs. We assessed acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death.

RESULTS:

Over a mean 4.74 years follow-up, there were 695 acute coronary syndrome events, 454 heart failure events, 230 arrhythmia events, and 1133 sudden deaths recorded. The rates of events were lower in potassium-enriched salt group for all outcomes but CIs were wide for most: acute coronary syndrome (6.32 versus 7.65 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.65–0.99]); heart failure (9.14 versus 11.32 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.60–1.28]); arrhythmia (4.43 versus 6.20 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.35–0.98]); and sudden death (11.01 versus 11.76 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.82–1.07]; all
P
>0.05 with adjustment for multiple comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that use of potassium-enriched salt is more likely to prevent than cause cardiac disease but the post hoc nature of these analyses precludes definitive conclusions.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02092090.
Links between Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Measured Cognition in Diverse Samples of UK Adults
Authors: Pesta Bryan J. , te Nijenhuis Jan , Fuerst John G. R. , Shibaev Vladimir
Published: March 2024

In the UK, immigrant groups frequently have lower mean socioeconomic status (SES) than do White British, which is a source of concern for the British government. Group-level SES tends to show positive relationships with cognitive ability scores. Thus, the authors estimate the mean cognitive and SES scores of various ethnic groups and test empirically if they correlate. They compute SES and cognitive ability scores using high-quality representative samples of adults. They then computed correlations between the two measures. General SES and group-cognitive ability correlated strongly at r = .59 to r = .79 (N = 18 groups). Finally, the authors computed cognitive scores predicted by the nation or region-of-origin of the ethnic groups and calculated correlations between these expected scores and the measured scores. The predicted and measured scores correlated strongly at r = .93 (N = 16 groups). The authors conclude that ethnic differences in SES are partly linked to differences in cognitive ability.
The Future of Metamodernism
Authors: Sheedy Matt
Published: March 2024

This paper provides a critical examination of Jason Josephson Storm’s Metamodernism: The Future of Theory (2021). While endorsing many of Storm’s positions, I pose a series of questions on several of his ideas. These include clarifications on possible applications of his theory, the various ways in which it makes claims on the study of religion, and, last but not least, questions about the author’s interesting proposal for a critical virtue ethics, which I endorse, albeit with some reservations.
A Kind of Social Theology for the Sake of Humanity
Authors: Singata Silakhe , van Wyngaard Cobus
Published: March 2024

In this contribution to a review symposium on Jason Storm’s book, Metamodernism, Silakhe Singata and Cobus van Wyngaard explore key aspects of Storm’s proposal on the future of studies in the humanities, relate these aspects to the task of theology when situated as part of the humanities and respond to Storm’s constructive proposal for the humanities by tracing South African and African reflections on rehumanisation.
Possession as Discourse by Other Means
Authors: Singata Silakhe
Published: March 2024

This article is an open exploration of an understanding of colonial and post-colonial spirit possession phenomena as discourse by other means. I begin with Bernhard Leistle’s phenomenological interpretation of demon possession as an entry point to the sort of understanding of possession this article seeks to approximate. From there I turn to Frantz Fanon’s notion of possession as a means of self-explanation, and then follow the way that Zorodzai Dube draws on this insight to develop the notion of demon possession as coded protest. This article does not stake a solid claim on any one of these three different phenomenological takes on possession but employs them to indicate the range of ways in which a phenomenological take on possession can be made. I then turn to two forms of possession the emerge amongst amaXhosa, one originating in the colonial period (amafufunyana), and another after apartheid (amakhosi). This article probes the fact that with these two spirit possession phenomena there is an opting for an interaction with deep structural societal issues that is not political in nature (and is therefore discourse by other means) and invites theological reflection on this.
Trespassers Will Be Charmed on Sight
Authors: Wilson Philip
Published: March 2024

In this article, I present an interpretation of violent episodes in the pastoral poetry of the third-century Latin author, Nemesianus. Drawing on comparison to depictions of sexual violence on apotropaic amulets and art, I argue that Nemesianus intended his own poetry to showcase the apotropaic power of pastoral songs and pastoral books. In so doing, Nemesianus continues a tradition of ancient pastoral authors who expended considerable effort to compare their hexameters and themselves to magical spells and practitioners of magic. I conclude with some thoughts on the Good Shepherd motif on sarcophagi roughly contemporary with Nemesianus.