bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction by distraction: how high-tempo music enhances medical experts’ debunking TikTok videos
Authors: Li Mengyu , Li Gaofei , Yang Sijia
Published: August 2024

The spread of multimodal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) misinformation on social media poses considerable public health risks. Yet limited research has addressed the efficacy of citizen-contributed, multimodal debunking messages, especially the roles of audiovisual structural features. In a between-subject online experiment, we assessed the impacts of misleading TikTok videos promoting the false claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility and compared the effectiveness of debunking videos from medical experts vs. laypeople. We independently varied the presence of background music. Results showed that while misleading TikTok videos increased misperceptions, most debunking videos effectively countered such misinformation. Notably, compared with laypeople’s testimonial corrections, expert didactic videos benefited more from incorporating high-tempo background music, primarily through the suppression of counterarguing rather than through enhanced encoding. These findings underscore the importance to consider audiovisual structural features, such as background music, as well as the cognitive pathway through distracted counterarguing, in future research on multimodal misinformation and correction.
Beyond “buzz”: knowledge interactions, innovation, and neighborhood characteristics
Authors: Matsiuk Nadiia , Doloreux David , Shearmur Richard
Published: August 2024

We examine the link between neighborhood characteristics, the importance of knowledge exchange, and firm innovation in Montreal. To this end we combine two sources of data: place-of-residence census data from Statistics Canada and the results of an original firm survey. Through principal component analysis and subsequent clustering, we define five types of neighborhoods. The results revealed that firms assign higher importance to local knowledge exchange when located in dense, walkable neighborhoods with higher educated residents. Knowledge exchange, both local and global, correlates with incremental and radical innovation. Moreover, firms are innovative in any neighborhood, provided they engage in knowledge exchange.
Model-based abductive cognition: What thought experiments teach us
Authors: Magnani Lorenzo , Arfini Selene
Published: August 2024

In this article, we want to demonstrate how thoughts experiments (TEs) incorporate cognitive structures—abductive inferences as conceptual metaphors—that reliably underpin everyday thinking and are enhanced and rendered more effective in scientific and philosophical contexts. Indeed one might successfully rethink the inferential structure at the heart of thought experiment production as the application of a generative abductive procedure. We shall characterize TES as possessing two characteristics that are essential to the definitions of abductive and metaphorical thinking, but when considered in relation to TE’s description, can excuse mild bewilderment: both knowledge-enhancing and ignorance-preserving features. In sum, we will say that TEs realize extended conceptual metaphors, which instantiate forms of abductive reasoning and, therefore, partially preserve the ignorance of the authors who produce them (even if they also increase a bit their knowledge by—so to speak—mitigating ignorance). In certain fortunate and exceptional instances, however, TEs can also provide a purely knowledge-enhancing benefit; in order to do this, a reference to the innovative and creative function of thought experiments in Galileo’s findings is also included.
Ambient ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and risk of melanoma in a nationwide United States cohort, 1984-2014
Authors: Cahoon Elizabeth K , Mandal Soutrik , Pfeiffer Ruth M , Wheeler David C , Sargen Michael R , Alexander Bruce H , Kitahara Cari M , Linet Martha S , Mai Jim Z
Published: August 2024

Background

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the primary risk factor for melanoma, although the relationship is complex. Compared with radiation from UVB wavelengths, UVA makes up a majority of the surface solar UVR, penetrates the skin more deeply, is the principal range emitted by tanning beds, and is less filtered by sunscreens and window glass. Few studies have examined the relationship between ambient UVA and UVB and melanoma risk.

Methods

Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the association between satellite-based ambient (based on residential history) UVA, UVB, and melanoma in non-Hispanic White participants using data from the United States Radiologic Technologists study, a large, nationwide prospective cohort. Associations of UVA and UVB quartile (Q) were examined in mutually adjusted and stratified models, additionally adjusted for demographic and sun sensitivity characteristics.

Results

There were 837 incident melanoma cases among 62 785 participants. Incidence of melanoma was statistically significantly increased for the highest quartile of childhood UVA exposure after adjustment for UVB (IRR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.46 to 5.44) but not for higher childhood UVB after adjustment for UVA. Childhood UVA was associated with increased melanoma risk within strata of UVB. Childhood UVB was not associated with melanoma after adjustment for UVA, but there was some evidence of lower risk with increased lifetime ambient UVB after UVA adjustment.

Conclusions

Melanoma risk was elevated among participants living in locations with high annual childhood and lifetime UVA after controlling for UVB. With confirmation, these findings support increased protection from solar UVA for melanoma prevention.
Keeping Fake Simple
Authors: Guerrini Janek
Published: August 2024

In this paper, I argue against two common claims about so-called privative adjectives like ‘fake’: first, I argue against the idea that their semantic complexity requires a richer notion of lexical meaning than the standard one (see, e.g., Del Pinal, 2018); second, I argue against the idea that ‘fake’ is a subsective adjective ‘in disguise’ and does not semantically negate its input (see, e.g., Partee, 2010). I propose that a fake P is (i) intended to resemble a P and (ii) is not a P. This makes correct predictions for multiple applications of ‘fake’, a task at which other theories fail. In cases of double application of ‘fake’, the interaction between its conjunctive meaning and the negation hard-coded into clause (ii) yields a complex meaning, compatible with a variety of objects, which aligns with intuitions about what should count as a fake N. While the core meaning of ‘fake’ is quite simple, its mode of composition bears some complexity. In line with Martin (2022), I propose that ‘fake’ can alternatively (a) combine directly with the noun via Functional Application or (b) saturate its property argument via an implicit, contextually provided variable via Functional Application and then combine with the noun via Predicate Modification. Mode of composition (a) is clearly visible in syntactic parses that only allow for Functional Application: for instance, in Italian, if pre-nominal, ‘fake’ can only directly take the noun as an input (cf. Cinque, 2010). Positing (b) correctly predicts readings where ‘fake’ is not apparently privative: ‘fake watch’ can designate a watch that is made to resemble a Rolex but isn’t one, i.e. a fake(-as-a-Rolex) watch. When the intersection between the $[\![ \mathit{fake} ]\!] (*\mathit{implicit\ argument}*)$ complex and the noun is empty, rescuing principles originally proposed by Partee kick in to rescue from vacuous modification: this explains why we can refer to a fake gun as a gun, as in the sentence ‘this gun is fake’. As a result, besides correctly predicting iterated ‘fake’, this theory provides clear predictions on when and how Partee’s pragmatic principles of noun modulation apply. I conclude the paper arguing that this view of privatives calls for a classification of adjectives in terms of their mode of composition, rather than in terms of their emergent entailment pattern.
Increasing biochar diversity promotes the impacts of plant diversity on remediating cadmium in soil
Authors: Yuan Hao-Ming , Xue Wei , Roiloa Sergio , Yao Jun , Yu Fei-Hai
Published: August 2024

Biochar is a promising material for soil remediation. However, most studies testing the roles of biochar in soil remediation have considered the use of single types of biochar, and the role of biochar diversity, as well as its interaction with species diversity of plant communities, has rarely been considered. We hypothesize that biochar diversity can influence the impacts of plant diversity on soil remediation. We grew grassland communities consisting of three or six plant species in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil mixed with one, two or four types of biochar, with no grassland community and no biochar addition as the controls. Without plant communities or with communities consisting of three species, total Cd was significantly lower in the soil mixed with four types of biochar than in the soil without biochar or mixed with one or two types of biochar. With communities consisting of six species, total Cd decreased with the increasing number of biochar types. Without biochar addition, soil total Cd was not influenced by species richness, but with biochar addition, it was lower in the presence of communities with six species than in the absence of plant communities irrespective of how many types of biochar were added. Also, soil total Cd was lower in the presence of communities with six than with three plant species when two or four types of biochar were added. Our study indicates that increasing biochar diversity can promote the impact of plant diversity on remediating soil contaminated by heavy metals such as Cd.
Minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement through a left anterior minithoracotomy in young patients with pectus excavatum. The procedure of choice
Authors: Ioannou Stelios , Shiakos George , Ocker Volker , Rousounides Andreas , Tzanavaros Ioannis
Published: August 2024

This case series presents two young patients with severe pulmonary valve regurgitation and pectus excavatum. Both patients underwent surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary valvulotomy, respectively, during infancy and remained under close cardiological monitoring thereafter. After the diagnosis of severe pulmonary regurgitation was confirmed, both were referred to our center for pulmonary valve replacement. Minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement was performed through a left anterior minithoracotomy. The swift recovery and return to daily activities observed in the presented cases suggest that minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement through a left anterior minithoracotomy could indeed be considered the procedure of choice for patients with pectus excavatum.
Colonial Anxieties about Meat in Singapore, 1890s–1910s
Authors: Tarulevicz Nicole
Published: August 2024

Meat mattered in the British Empire, reflecting both ideas about cultural and nutritional status and anxieties about safety, quality, and supply. Animals and their flesh persevered in various forms, circulated in complicated ways across the empire, as did ideas about meat. Singapore, the tropical Southeast Asian city-state, was an important trading port, and one that relied on global markets for meat supplies and for circulating ideas about food safety. By the early twentieth century, newspaper readers in Singapore were very familiar with international food scandals. The publication of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle in 1905, and the ensuing exposes of the American meat-packing industry, generated hundreds of newspaper columns in Singaporean publications. Canned foods, but especially meat, was at the intersection of anxiety about industrial food production and tropical necessity. The anxiety about the safety of food was discursively globalized, as were the responses, and we can trace elements of both the regulatory and legislative responses in Singapore to The Jungle in some complex ways. Doing so we see that imperial anxieties about food safety reveal influences broader than those of empire, and illustrate how imperialisms are entangled and overlap.
Beyond the Urban Kitchen: Refrigeration and Domesticity across Australia and the Pacific Islands, 1920s–1940s
Authors: Steel Frances
Published: August 2024

Histories of the rise of domestic refrigeration conventionally situate the appliance within the urban household. An emphasis on the spread of electrification and notions of idealized femininity, abundance, and scientific home management together attribute an emblematic “Americanness” to the refrigerator. Moving beyond the confines of the urban kitchen to rural and tropical regions of Australia and across the island Pacific, this article examines the appeal and influence of the home appliance in areas remote from reliable or affordable electricity, as well as from accessible supplies of perishable foods produced elsewhere. In such locations the refrigerator was understood differently, centering ideals of white settler self-sufficiency, masculine mastery of the environment, and notions of colonizing capacity. Examining the early history of this appliance in these places also reveals how technological influences and cultural aspirations moved between Australia and the islands and vice versa, intensifying in the immediate aftermath of World War II. In repositioning the refrigerator through such engagements and entanglements, this article offers new insights into patterns and practices of colonial domesticity, provisioning, and consumption.
Food, Empire, and Mobility: An Introduction
Authors: Steel Frances , Lowrie Claire
Published: August 2024

Imperial and global histories of commodity and food trades predominantly emphasize a South-to-North orientation. This emphasis has tended to obscure lateral networks between colonies and smaller-scale geographies of exchange, particularly across the tropics. The five articles in this special issue address different ways in which food production, trade, and consumption evolved under colonial influence across Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, and variously through transcolonial and trans-imperial connections. This introduction briefly surveys the historiography, summarizes the articles' connecting themes, and outlines the new angles of vision they offer into histories of commodities and colonial modernity.
Central sensitization symptoms in vulvodynia: exploring the role of temperament, personality traits, childhood adverse events, defense mechanisms, and mental pain on quality of life
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Renzi Alessia , Mesce Martina , Limoncin Erika , Galli Federica
Published: August 2024

Background

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by persistent vulvar pain, occurring without clinically identifiable disorders. Central sensitization (CS) is suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of vulvodynia, as for other nociplastic pain conditions.

Aim

This study delves into the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and CS burden in women with vulvodynia, aiming to identify potential predictors (temperament, personality traits, childhood adverse events, defense mechanisms, and mental pain) and understand their impact on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

A cohort-based cross-sectional web survey of 357 women with vulvodynia.

Outcomes

Outcomes included 8 self-report measures to assess the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and psychological variables, including sensory processing sensitivity, traumatic experiences, personality traits, defense mechanisms, and mental pain.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted in study 1, revealing that the following predicted higher CSI scores in women with vulvodynia: higher emotional overexcitability, decreased low sensory threshold, increased bodily threat experiences, elevated psychoticism, greater use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, and heightened mental pain. The final regression model identified the following as the strongest predictors of CS: low sensory threshold (β = 0.316), bodily threat experiences (β = 0.145), neurotic defenses (β = 0.210), and mental pain (β = 0.269). In study 2, the model presented interactions among these psychological factors in predicting CSI values explaining 48.9% of the variance in CS, 30.3% in psychological QoL, and 57.1% in physical QoL.

Clinical Translation

This model opens discussion for tailored psychological interventions aimed to improve overall QoL in women with vulvodynia.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of the study include innovative insights into the interplay between psychological variables and the construct of CS and quality of life. As a limitation, the research was conducted as a cross-sectional study with self-reported measures.

Conclusion

The study calls for comprehensive assessments that consider physical and mental aspects, paving the way for holistic health care approaches in the management of vulvodynia.
External quality assurance experience with Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Program at an academic hospital in South Africa
Authors: Mokoka Ngwanatala Sophia , Schapkaitz Elise , Louw Susan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Laboratories use their performance in external quality assurance (EQA) to establish quality planning strategies and to assess whether testing processes require improvement.

Methods

The EQA performance of the hematology and coagulation test parameters on the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia EQA program was evaluated over a 4-year cycle at an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. The test performance was determined from analytical quality specification (APS) and/or z-scores. Bias and imprecision were used to calculate sigma (σ) metric scores. Specifications from European Federation of Laboratory Medicine and/or biological variation were applied.

Results

The laboratory achieved a mean testing score of 98.7 ± 4.0%. There were 103 (10.7%) unacceptable results. On investigation, root causes included: presurvey issues (83%), transcription errors (9%), random errors (6%), and test performance errors (3%). All test parameters evaluated achieved an acceptable median APS during the study period. The mean z-scores, however, were >2 and unacceptable for mean cell hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit. On investigation, this was attributed to significant delay in transport and storage of full blood count samples. White cell count and d-dimer achieved a σ ≥ 6.

Conclusion

EQA participation assisted the laboratory in maintaining a quality system. Close monitoring is necessary for international laboratories to avoid sample delays that can affect result quality.
Assessment of oxygen kinetic parameters for closely related ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Saha Pallabita , Kniggendorf Ann-Kathrin , Pommerening-Röser Andreas , Nogueira Regina
Published: August 2024

The reaction kinetics of lithotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are strongly dependent on dissolved oxygen (DO) as their metabolism is an aerobic process. In this study, we estimate the kinetic parameters, including the oxygen affinity constant (Km[O2]) and the maximum oxygen consumption rate (Vmax[O2]), of different AOB species, by fitting the data to the Michaelis–Menten equation using nonlinear regression analysis. An example for three different species of Nitrosomonas bacteria (N. europaea, N. eutropha, and N. mobilis) in monoculture is given, finding a Km[O2] of 0.25 ± 0.05 mg l−1, 0.47 ± 0.09 mg l−1, and 0.28 ± 0.08 mg l−1, and a Vmax[O2] of 0.07 ± 0.04 pg h−1cell−1, 0.25 ± 0.06 pg h−1cell−1, and 0.02 ± 0.001 pg h−1cell−1 for N. europaea, N. eutropha, and N. mobilis, respectively. This study shows that of the analyzed AOB, N. europaea has the highest affinity towards oxygen and N. eutropha the lowest affinity towards oxygen, indicating that the former can convert ammonia even under low DO conditions. These results improve the understanding of the ecophysiology of AOB in the environment. The accuracy of mathematically modelled ammonia oxidation can be improved, allowing the implementation of better management practices to restore the nitrogen cycle in natural and engineered water systems.
A Concept of Local Coordination Number for the Characterization of Solute Clusters within Atom Probe Tomography Data
Authors: Lazarev Mykola , Banhart John
Published: August 2024

Identifying clusters of solute atoms in a matrix of solvent atoms helps to understand precipitation phenomena in alloys, for example, during the age hardening of certain aluminum alloys. Atom probe tomography datasets can deliver such information, provided that appropriate cluster identification routines are available. We investigate algorithms based on the local composition of the neighborhood of solute atoms and compare them with traditional approaches based on the local solute number density, such as the maximum separation distance method. For an ideal solid solution, the pair correlation functions of the kth nearest solute atom in the coordination number representation are derived, and the percolation threshold and the size distribution of clusters are studied. A criterion for selecting optimal control parameters based on maximizing the phase separation by the degree of clustering is proposed for a two-phase system. A map of phase compositions accessible for cluster analysis is constructed. The coordination number approach reduces the influence of density variations commonly observed in atom probe tomography data. Finally, a practical cluster analysis technique applied to the early stages of aluminum alloy aging is described.
High-latitude coronal mass ejections on the young solar-like star AB Dor
Authors: Strickert K M , Evensberget D , Vidotto A A
Published: August 2024

AB Dor is a young solar-type star with a surface large-scale magnetic field $10^2$ to $10^3$ times stronger than the that of the Sun. Although strong magnetic fields are thought to inhibit coronal mass ejections (CMEs), dimming signatures typically associated with an eruptive CME were recently observed in AB Dor. The uninterrupted, long-duration dimming signal suggests that a CME took place at a high latitude, where it remained in view as the star rotates. A high-latitude CME is also consistent with observations that indicate that AB Dor hosts polar active regions. To investigate magnetic confinement in AB Dor, we conduct a parametric modelling study of 21 CMEs at latitudes ${\sim} 60^\circ$, varying the location, mass, and magnetic field strength of an injected flux rope. 12 models had the flux rope located in an open magnetic field region, while the remaining nine were in a closed region. Results show that CMEs in open-field regions are in general more likely to erupt. The four eruptive CMEs from closed regions had high free magnetic energies ${\gtrsim} 3\times 10^{35}$ erg, and 10 CMEs predominantly from the closed-field regions (8/10) were confined. CMEs in closed-field regions exhibited lower kinetic energies, since part of the CME energy was expended to overcome magnetic tension and break open the overlying field. In conclusion our work suggests that eruptive CMEs in AB Dor may occur in high-latitude regions of open magnetic field, as the magnetic tension in such regions does not significantly inhibit the eruption.
Why does the Milky Way have a bar?
Authors: Khoperskov Sergey , Minchev Ivan , Steinmetz Matthias , Ratcliffe Bridget , Walcher Jakob C , Libeskind Noam I
Published: August 2024

There is no doubt that the Milky Way is a barred galaxy; however, factors that establish its prominent morphology remain largely elusive. In this work, we attempt to constrain the history of the MW by tracing the present-day parameters and evolution of a set of MW and M31 analogues from the TNG50 simulations. We find that the strength of bars at $z=0$ correlates well not only with the stellar mass build-up but also, more crucially, with the time of onset of stellar discs. Discs of strongly barred galaxies form early ($z \gtrsim 2-3$), compared to weakly and non-barred galaxies ($z \approx 1-1.5$). Although we are cautious to draw ultimate conclusions about the governing factor of discs formation due to the complexity and correlations between different phenomena, the observed morphological diversity can be tentatively explained by a substantial variation in the gas angular momentum around proto-galaxies already at $z\approx 3-5$; in such a way, early discs formed from gas with larger angular momentum. By comparing the formation time-scales of discs of barred galaxies in the TNG50 sample, we infer that the MW has a strong bar ($0.35\lt A_2\lt 0.6$), and that its stellar disc started to dominate over the spheroidal component already at $z \approx 2$, with a mass of $\approx 1 \pm 0.5 \times 10^{10} M_\odot$. We conclude that the presence of a strong bar in the MW is a natural manifestation of the early formation of the stellar disc, which made possible bursty but highly efficient star formation at high redshift.
Defective autophagy of pericytes enhances radiation-induced senescence promoting radiation brain injury
Authors: Luo Na , Zhu Wenjun , Li Xiaoyu , Fu Min , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Feng , Zhang Yiling , Chen Ziqi , Zhang Qiang , Peng Bi , Li Qianxia , Chen Xin , Liu Yuanhui , Hu Guangyuan , Peng Xiaohong
Published: August 2024

Background

Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) represents a major challenge for cancer patients undergoing cranial radiotherapy. However, the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of RBI remain inconclusive. With the continuous exploration of the mechanisms of RBI, an increasing number of studies have implicated cerebrovascular dysfunction as a key factor in RBI-related cognitive impairment. As pericytes are a component of the neurovascular unit, there is still a lack of understanding in current research about the specific role and function of pericytes in RBI.

Methods

We constructed a mouse model of RBI-associated cognitive dysfunction in vivo and an in vitro radiation-induced pericyte model to explore the effects of senescent pericytes on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and normal central nervous system cells, even glioma cells. To further clarify the effects of pericyte autophagy on senescence, molecular mechanisms were explored at the animal and cellular levels. Finally, we validated the clearance of pericyte senescence by using a senolytic drug and all-trans retinoic acid to investigate the role of radiation-induced pericyte senescence.

Results

Our findings indicated that radiation-induced pericyte senescence plays a key role in BBB dysfunction, leading to RBI and subsequent cognitive decline. Strikingly, pericyte senescence also contributed to the growth and invasion of glioma cells. We further demonstrated that defective autophagy in pericytes is a vital regulatory mechanism for pericyte senescence. Moreover, autophagy activated by rapamycin could reverse pericyte senescence. Notably, the elimination of senescent cells by senolytic drugs significantly mitigated radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that pericyte senescence may be a promising therapeutic target for RBI and glioma progression.
Electronic Cigarette and Heated Tobacco Product Use and Their Association With Tobacco Control Factors Among Adults in Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines
Authors: Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T , Shu Syuen Matthew Ooi , Hon Muhammad Imaan , Daher Aqil M
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Data on e-cigarette (EC) and heated tobacco product (HTP) use and the reasons for their use are useful for policy making. We report comparable nationally representative estimates of EC and HTP use and their associated factors.

Aims and Methods

Global Adult Tobacco Survey data from Indonesia (2021), Kazakhstan (2019), and the Philippines (2021) were analyzed. The weighted prevalence rates and 95% CI of EC and HTP awareness, current use, and ever use, and their distribution by cigarette smoking status were calculated. Binary logistic regression analyses assessed socioeconomic, and tobacco control factors associated with EC and HTP use.

Results

The prevalence (%) of EC awareness, ever use and current use were 48.7–69.4, 3.6–8.8, and 1.9–3.0, respectively. The prevalence(%) of HTP awareness, ever use and current use were 2.7–21.7, 0.2–2.1, and 0.1–1.2, respectively. The main reasons for EC and HTP use were attractive flavors(45.8%–73.9%), less harmful than smoking(23.0%–70.1%), and enjoyment(40.8%–76.7%). Avoiding going back to smoking(0.9%–54.4%) and quitting smoking(19.4%–49.8%) were less frequently cited reasons (except in the Philippines). EC/HTP use was associated with younger age, higher education and wealth, current/past smoking, exposure to information about the dangers of tobacco use, and advertisements about tobacco products and smoke-free rules at home.

Conclusions

The prevalence of EC and HTP use was higher among younger men with higher education and wealth, and current/past smoking. EC and HTP use should be closely monitored. Regulations to restrict the widespread marketing and sales of EC and HTP are needed to prevent the escalation of their use.

Implications

The population-level data provide the benchmark for future monitoring use of e-cigarettes and HTPs and identify population subgroups for future surveillance in low- and middle-income countries. The association of EC/HTP use with tobacco control-related factors provides leads for policies that should be formulated and implemented to regulate the product contents, marketing, and sales of EC and HTP.
Comparative Effectiveness of Switching to Bictegravir From Dolutegravir-, Efavirenz-, or Raltegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Among Individuals With HIV Who are Virologically Suppressed
Authors: Núñez Isaac , Caro-Vega Yanink , MacDonald Conor , Mosqueda-Gómez Juan Luis , Piñeirúa-Menéndez Alicia , Matthews Anthony A
Published: August 2024

Background

We aimed to determine the effectiveness of switching to bictegravir in maintaining an undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL) among people with HIV (PWH) as compared with continuing dolutegravir-, efavirenz-, or raltegravir-based antiretroviral therapy using nationwide observational data from Mexico.

Methods

We emulated 3 target trials comparing switching to bictegravir vs continuing with dolutegravir, efavirenz, or raltegravir. Eligibility criteria were PWH aged ≥16 years with a viral load <50 copies/mL and at least 3 months of current antiretroviral therapy (dolutegravir, efavirenz, or raltegravir) between July 2019 and September 2021. Weekly target trials were emulated during the study period, and individuals were included in every emulation if they continued to be eligible. The main outcome was the probability of an undetectable viral load at 3 months, which was estimated via an adjusted logistic regression model. Estimated probabilities were compared via differences, and 95% CIs were calculated via bootstrap. Outcomes were also ascertained at 12 months, and sensitivity analyses were performed to test our analytic choices.

Results

We analyzed data from 3 028 619 PWH (63 581 unique individuals). The probability of an undetectable viral load at 3 months was 2.9% (95% CI, 1.9%–3.8%), 1.3% (95% CI, .9%–1.6%), and 1.2% (95% CI, .8%–1.7%) higher when switching to bictegravir vs continuing with dolutegravir, efavirenz, and raltegravir, respectively. Similar results were observed at 12 months and in other sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that switching to bictegravir could be more effective in maintaining viral suppression than continuing with dolutegravir, efavirenz, or raltegravir.
The Emergence and Impact of the M1UK Lineage on Invasive Group A Streptococcus Disease in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Vesty Anna , Ren Xiaoyun , Sharma Prachi , Lorenz Natalie , Proft Thomas , Hardaker Allan , Straub Christina , Morgan Julie , Tiong Audrey , Anderson Anneka , Webb Rachel H , Bennett Julie , Carter Philip E , Moreland Nicole J
Published: August 2024

M1UK is associated with current surges in invasive infection globally, partly due to increased production of superantigen streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A. We show that M1UK is now the dominant invasive emm1 lineage in Aotearoa New Zealand and is genomically related to community infections, suggesting that measures that effectively prevent group A Streptococcus pharyngitis in children could reduce invasive disease.
Delayed presentation of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma: a case report and review of the pertinent literature
Authors: Isaji Taiki , Yukiue Tadato , Amano Takayuki
Published: August 2024

A delayed presentation of traumatic spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare disease in which most patients are asymptomatic for days to weeks after the injury, followed by pain and then a neurological deficit. A 66-year-old woman who suffered a fractured right clavicle due to a bicycle accident 42 days previously, presented with left shoulder pain and left hemiplegia. The manual muscle test (MMT) scores of the left upper and lower limbs were all 1. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed no cervical fracture but showed cervical epidural hematoma. She underwent surgery for the removal of the SEH. Her MMT score improved to 4 at 10 days after surgery. Even in cases with a delayed presentation, suspecting SEH can help clinicians make an early diagnosis. Additionally, the prompt surgical evacuation of the SEH can lead to favorable neurological outcomes in symptomatic cases.
Closing the gap: prognostic and predictive biomarker validation for personalized care in a Latin American hormone-dependent breast cancer cohort
Authors: Alves da Quinta Daniela , Rocha Darío , Retamales Javier , Giunta Diego , Artagaveytia Nora , Velazquez Carlos , Daneri-Navarro Adrian , Müller Bettina , Abdelhay Eliana , Bravo Alicia I , Castro Mónica , Rosales Cristina , Alcoba Elsa , Acosta Haab Gabriela , Carrizo Fernando , Sorin Irene , Di Sibio Alejandro , Marques-Silveira Márcia , Binato Renata , Caserta Benedicta , Greif Gonzalo , Del Toro-Arreola Alicia , Quintero-Ramos Antonio , Gómez Jorge , Podhajcer Osvaldo L , Fernández Elmer A ,   LACRN Investigators, Llera Andrea S
Published: August 2024

Background

Several guidelines recommend the use of different classifiers to determine the risk of recurrence (ROR) and treatment decisions in patients with HR+HER2− breast cancer. However, data are still lacking for their usefulness in Latin American (LA) patients. Our aim was to evaluate the comparative prognostic and predictive performance of different ROR classifiers in a real-world LA cohort.

Methods

The Molecular Profile of Breast Cancer Study (MPBCS) is an LA case-cohort study with 5-year follow-up. Stages I and II, clinically node-negative HR+HER2− patients (n = 340) who received adjuvant hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy, were analyzed. Time-dependent receiver-operator characteristic-area under the curve, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression (CPHR) models were used to compare the prognostic performance of several risk biomarkers. Multivariate CPHR with interaction models tested the predictive ability of selected risk classifiers.

Results

Within this cohort, transcriptomic-based classifiers such as the recurrence score (RS), EndoPredict (EP risk and EPClin), and PAM50-risk of recurrence scores (ROR-S and ROR-PC) presented better prognostic performances for node-negative patients (univariate C-index 0.61-0.68, adjusted C-index 0.77-0.80, adjusted hazard ratios [HR] between high and low risk: 4.06-9.97) than the traditional classifiers Ki67 and Nottingham Prognostic Index (univariate C-index 0.53-0.59, adjusted C-index 0.72-0.75, and adjusted HR 1.85-2.54). RS (and to some extent, EndoPredict) also showed predictive capacity for chemotherapy benefit in node-negative patients (interaction P = .0200 and .0510, respectively).

Conclusion

In summary, we could prove the clinical validity of most transcriptomic-based risk classifiers and their superiority over clinical and immunohistochemical-based methods in the heterogenous, real-world node-negative HR+HER2− MPBCS cohort.
Multi-site enhancement of osteogenesis: peptide-functionalized GelMA hydrogels with three-dimensional cultures of human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Liang Leyi , Wang Shuze , Zhang Xiyue , Yan Tao , Pan Xiyun , Gao Yuzhong , Zhang Xing , Wang Qiang , Qu Liu
Published: August 2024

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) have demonstrated greater proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential in certain studies compared to other types of mesenchymal stem cells, making them a promising option for treating craniomaxillofacial bone defects. However, due to low extracting concentration and long amplifying cycles, their access is limited and utilization rates are low. To solve these issues, the principle of bone-forming peptide-1 (BFP1) in situ chemotaxis was utilized for the osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs to achieve simultaneous and synergistic osteogenesis at multiple sites. BFP1-functionalized gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel provided a 3D culture microenvironment for stem cells. The experimental results showed that the 3D composite hydrogel scaffold constructed in this study increased the cell spread area by four times compared with the conventional GelMA scaffold. Furthermore, the problems of high stem cell dosage and low rate of utilization were alleviated by orchestrating the programmed proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. In vivo, high-quality repair of critical bone defects was achieved using hDPSCs extracted from a single tooth, and multiple ‘bone island’-like structures were successfully observed that rapidly induced robust bone regeneration. In conclusion, this study suggests that this kind of convenient, low-cost, island-like osteogenesis strategy involving a low dose of hDPSCs has great potential for repairing craniomaxillofacial critical-sized bone defects.
Molecular phylogeny of Trictenotomidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea): insights into species validation and biogeography of genus Autocrates
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Drumont Alain , Telnov Dmitry , Lee Seunghwan , Bai Ming
Published: August 2024

Trictenotomidae, one of the most charismatic and enigmatic groups of beetles, known for their large size and distinctive mandibles, is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. New species are continually being discovered, and the known range of the group has been expanded considerably by the discovery of Autocrates maqueti Drumont in the Korean Peninsula, ~2,000 km from its previously known distribution in the Chinese mainland highlands. A comprehensively sampled multigene phylogenetic tree of Trictenotomidae, including all six species of Autocrates and five species of Trictenotoma, was reconstructed using multigene data. Using the resulting phylogeny, we performed divergence time estimation, biogeographical assessments, and molecular species delimitation. All six known species of the genus Autocrates were found to be valid in all four molecular species delimitation scenarios, indicating the need for further taxonomic research on these poorly understood taxa. The A. maqueti population in South Korea forms a genetically distinct clade in all genetic analyses, suggesting that it is a natural distribution rather than a result of anthropogenically driven spread. The Korean A. maqueti population is likely to have been isolated since ~1.8 Mya, when the Yellow Sea was still a landmass, highlighting the need for targeted conservation measures in South Korea.
First Report of Puccinia leontodontis on Scorzoneroides autumnalis from Iceland
Authors: Torres-Cruz Terry J. , Aime M. Catherine
Published: August 2024

Scorzoneroides autumnalis, commonly known as fall dandelion or autumn hawkbit, is a perennial plant with branched stems and several flower heads with bright yellow florets. In September 2023, rust disease was observed on 25% of plants present in two areas of Iceland showing reddish-yellow spots on the older leaves of the basal rosette. Morphological characteristics and sequencing analysis identified the rust species as Puccinia leontodontis. Our analyses confirm that P. leontodontis and P. hieracii are different species distinguishable through DNA analyses and by host genera, despite previously being regarded as synonyms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. leontodontis in Iceland.
Fungicide Sensitivity of Neofusicoccum caryigenum, the Causal Pathogen of Pecan Leaf Dieback
Authors: Arthur Erin , Doucet Makayla , Nesbitt Monte , Jo Young-Ki
Published: August 2024

Neofusicoccum caryigenum is a fungal pathogen responsible for the emerging disease pecan leaf dieback. This disease causes defoliation of pecan trees, potentially decreasing pecan nut yield, and leaves the trees more susceptible to stress. Currently, there are no management strategies based on cultural practices or fungicide applications. Pecan leaf dieback has been observed in Texas pecan orchards where multiple fungicides were already sprayed for other fungal diseases including pecan scab ( Venturia effusa). We hypothesize that N. caryigenum has different sensitivities to the commonly used fungicides in pecan orchards. In this study, N. caryigenum isolates from five pecan orchards in Texas were screened for fungicide sensitivities to dodine, fentin hydroxide, and tebuconazole. We determined the effective concentrations of these active ingredients that inhibited mycelial growth by 50% (EC50) and the single discriminatory concentrations for each active ingredient, which allowed for rapid fungicide assays. The single discriminatory concentration and average EC50 values of N. caryigenum were 50 and 56.86 µg a.i./ml for dodine, 1 and 1.17 µg a.i./ml for fentin hydroxide, and 0.25 and 0.227 µg a.i./ml for tebuconazole, respectively. This indicates that N. caryigenum may have decreased sensitivity to dodine, while tebuconazole and fentin hydroxide are still effective in controlling pecan leaf dieback.
Restoration of miR‐299‐3p promotes efferocytosis and ameliorates atherosclerosis via repressing CD47 in mice
Authors: Zhu Yingli , Ren Shuang , Huang Haijuan , Wu Jiale , You Xiangyan , Gao Jie , Ren Yuzhi , Wang Ruize , Zhao Wenfeng , Tan Shuhua
Published: August 2024

Atherosclerotic plaque formation is largely attributed to the impaired efferocytosis, which is known to be associated with the pathologic upregulation of cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), a key antiphagocytic molecule. By gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets analysis, we identified that four miRNAs are aberrantly downregulated in atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and obesity. Of them, hsa‐miR‐299‐3p (miR‐299‐3p) was predicted to target the 3′UTR of human CD47 mRNA by bioinformatics analysis. Further, we demonstrated that miR‐299‐3p negatively regulates CD47 expression by binding to the target sequence “CCCACAU” in the 3′UTR of CD47 mRNA through luciferase reporter assay and site‐directed mutagenesis. Additionally, we found that miR‐299‐3p was downregulated by ~32% in foam cells in response to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) stimulation, thus upregulating CD47 and contributing to the impaired efferocytosis. Whereas, restoration of miR‐299‐3p reversed the ox‐LDL‐induced upregulation of CD47, thereby facilitating efferocytosis. In high‐fat diet (HFD) fed ApoE−/− mice, we discovered that miR‐299‐3p was downregulated thus leading to upregulation of CD47 in abdominal aorta. Conversely, miR‐299‐3p restoration potently suppressed HFD‐induced upregulation of CD47 and promoted phagocytosis of foam cells by macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques, thereby reducing necrotic core, increasing plaque stability, and mitigating atherosclerosis. Conclusively, we identify miR‐299‐3p as a negative regulator of CD47, and reveal a molecular mechanism whereby the ox‐LDL‐induced downregulation of miR‐299‐3p leads to the upregulation of CD47 in foam cells thus contributing to the impaired efferocytosis in atherosclerosis, and propose miR‐299‐3p can potentially serve as an inhibitor of CD47 to promote efferocytosis and ameliorate atherosclerosis.
Analysis of the DNA‐binding properties of TGF‐β‐activated Smad complexes unveils a possible molecular basis for cellular context‐dependent signaling
Authors: Itoh Yuka , Miyake Kunio , Koinuma Daizo , Omata Chiho , Saitoh Masao , Miyazawa Keiji
Published: August 2024

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that modulates a wide variety of cellular responses by regulating target gene expression. It principally transmits signals via receptor‐activated transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3, which form trimeric complexes with Smad4 upon activation and regulate gene expression by binding to genomic DNA. Here, we examined the mechanisms by which TGF‐β regulates the transcription of target genes in a cell context‐dependent manner by screening a double‐stranded DNA oligonucleotide library for DNA sequences bound to endogenous activated Smad complexes. Screening was performed by cyclic amplification of selected targets (CASTing) using an anti‐Smad2/3 antibody and nuclear extracts isolated from three cell lines (A549, HepG2, and HaCaT) stimulated with TGF‐β. The preference of the activated Smad complexes for conventional Smad‐binding motifs such as Smad‐binding element (SBE) and CAGA motifs was different in HepG2 than in the other two cell lines, which may indicate the distinct composition of the activated Smad complexes. Several transcription factor‐binding motifs other than SBE or CAGA, including the Fos/Jun‐binding motifs, were detected in the enriched sequences. Reporter assays using sequences containing these transcription factor‐binding motifs together with Smad‐binding motifs indicated that some of the motifs may be involved in cell type‐dependent transcriptional activation by TGF‐β. The results suggest that the CASTing method is useful for elucidating the molecular basis of context‐dependent Smad signaling.
Association Between Smoking Abstinence and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms After Hospital Discharge: The Helping HAND 4 Trial
Authors: Nagawa Catherine S. , Rigotti Nancy A. , Chang Yuchiao , Levy Douglas E. , Streck Joanna M. , Ylioja Thomas , Lee Scott S. , Tindle Hilary A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Some people who stop smoking experience improved mood, but few studies have examined this relationship after hospitalization or accounted for concomitant substance use and psychological factors. We examined associations between smoking abstinence after a hospital discharge and change in depression and anxiety symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Helping HAND 4 smoking cessation trial, which enrolled people who used tobacco when admitted to three academic medical center general hospitals. Participants (n = 986) were categorized as continuously abstinent (CA) or not. We used linear and logistic regression to model continuous and binary measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8] ≥/<10), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment [GAD-7], ≥/<8) over 6 months, adjusting for baseline mood, psychological factors, and substance use. Binary outcomes were defined using established clinical thresholds to aid in the clinical interpretation of the results.

Results

Mean age was 52.3 years, 56.5% were female, and the baseline mean cigarettes/day was 16.2 (SD: 3.2). In the adjusted analyses, depression and anxiety scores improved more in CA than non-CA participants over 6 months (difference-in-improvement, 2.43 [95% CI: 1.50–3.36] for PHQ-8; 3.04 [95% CI: 2.16–3.93] for GAD-7). At 6 months, CA participants were more likely to have a PHQ-8 score <10 (aOR = 2.07 [95% CI: 1.36–3.16]) and a GAD-7 score <8 (aOR = 2.90 [95% CI: 1.91–4.39]).

Conclusions

Individuals who were CA, compared to those who were not, had fewer depression and anxiety symptoms at 6 months, and were twice as likely to score below the population screening thresholds for major depression and anxiety disorders. Clinicians should emphasize the association between continuous abstinence and improved mood symptoms after hospital discharge.