bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the reconstruction of the spider tree of life: A roadmap for spider systematics and comparative studies
Authors: Kulkarni Siddharth , Wood Hannah M. , Hormiga Gustavo
Published: October 2023

In the last decade and a half, advances in genetic sequencing technologies have revolutionized systematics, transforming the field from studying morphological characters or a few genetic markers, to genomic datasets in the phylogenomic era. A plethora of molecular phylogenetic studies on many taxonomic groups have come about, converging on, or refuting prevailing morphology or legacy‐marker‐based hypotheses about evolutionary affinities. Spider systematics has been no exception to this transformation and the inter‐relationships of several groups have now been studied using genomic data. About 51 500 extant spider species have been described, all with a conservative body plan, but innumerable morphological and behavioural peculiarities. Inferring the spider tree of life using morphological data has been a challenging task. Molecular data have corroborated many hypotheses of higher‐level relationships, but also resulted in new groups that refute previous hypotheses. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the reconstruction of the spider tree of life and highlight areas where additional effort is needed with potential solutions. We base this review on the most comprehensive spider phylogeny to date, representing 131 of the 132 spider families. To achieve this sampling, we combined six Sanger‐based markers with newly generated and publicly available genome‐scale datasets. We find that some inferred relationships between major lineages of spiders (such as Austrochiloidea, Palpimanoidea and Synspermiata) are robust across different classes of data. However, several new hypotheses have emerged with different classes of molecular data. We identify and discuss the robust and controversial hypotheses and compile this blueprint to design future studies targeting systematic revisions of these problematic groups. We offer an evolutionary framework to explore comparative questions such as evolution of venoms, silk, webs, morphological traits and reproductive strategies.
The CT derived angle between the transseptal puncture site and the left atrial appendage as a predictor for complex interventional occlusion procedures
Authors: Nelles Dominik , Amli Hazem , Sugiura Atsushi , Vij Vivian , Beiert Thomas , Nickenig Georg , Kütting Daniel , Schrickel Jan Wilko , Sedaghat Alexander
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the role of the CT‐derived angle between the intra‐atrial septum (IAS) and the left atrial appendage (LAA) on procedural complexity and clinical outcomes in left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures.

Background

Given the broad variations in anatomy, LAAO remains one of the most challenging interventional procedures in structural heart disease. In recent years, preprocedural cardiac tomography (CT) has evolved as a valuable tool; however, prediction of procedural complexity remains cumbersome.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 47 patients that underwent LAAO at our center in whom pre‐procedural cardiac CT‐scans were available. Among other baseline parameters, we measured the angle between the LAA ostium and the preferred transseptal puncture site at the IAS. We compared patients with an angle above and below the median regarding procedural characteristics and procedural outcome.

Results

The median angle between the LAA and the IAS was 127.3° (IQR: 120.9–141.3). LAAO took longer in patients with a measured angle below the median (55.0 ± 22.7 min vs. 41.3 ± 17.5 min; p = .04), resulting in longer radiation times (13.0 ± 5.3 min vs. 9.8 ± 5.7 min; p = .04) and more contrast use (61.1 ± 47.5 mL vs. 33.6 ± 24.7 mL; p = .05). Moreover, the necessity for a sheath exchange was significantly higher (30.4% vs. 4.2%, p = .02) and device repositioning or device resizing trended to be more frequent (26.1% vs. 8.3%; p = .1 and 21.7% vs. 8.3%; p = .2). There were no differences in procedural outcome, device‐position and peri‐device leak (PDL).

Conclusions

The angle between the transseptal puncture site and the LAA ostium may serve as a predictor for more demanding LAAO interventions. In our study a steeper angle led to a prolonged procedure resulting in higher doses of contrast and radiation, but was not associated with a worse procedural outcome.
Microclimate reveals the true thermal niche of forest plant species
Authors: Haesen Stef , Lenoir Jonathan , Gril Eva , De Frenne Pieter , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Kopecký Martin , Macek Martin , Man Matěj , Wild Jan , Van Meerbeek Koenraad
Published: October 2023

Species distributions are conventionally modelled using coarse‐grained macroclimate data measured in open areas, potentially leading to biased predictions since most terrestrial species reside in the shade of trees. For forest plant species across Europe, we compared conventional macroclimate‐based species distribution models (SDMs) with models corrected for forest microclimate buffering. We show that microclimate‐based SDMs at high spatial resolution outperformed models using macroclimate and microclimate data at coarser resolution. Additionally, macroclimate‐based models introduced a systematic bias in modelled species response curves, which could result in erroneous range shift predictions. Critically important for conservation science, these models were unable to identify warm and cold refugia at the range edges of species distributions. Our study emphasizes the crucial role of microclimate data when SDMs are used to gain insights into biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change, particularly given the growing policy and management focus on the conservation of refugia worldwide.
Resource quantity and quality differentially control stream invertebrate biodiversity across spatial scales
Authors: Tumolo Benjamin B. , Collins Sarah M. , Guan Yawen , Krist Amy C.
Published: October 2023

Resource quantity controls biodiversity across spatial scales; however, the importance of resource quality to cross‐scale patterns in species richness has seldom been explored. We evaluated the relationship between stream basal resource quantity (periphyton chlorophyll a) and invertebrate richness and compared this to the relationship of resource quality (periphyton stoichiometry) and richness at local and regional scales across 27 North American streams. At the local scale, invertebrate richness peaked at intermediate levels of chlorophyll a, but had a shallow negative relationship with periphyton C:P and N:P. However, at the regional scale, richness had a strong negative relationship with chlorophyll a and periphyton C:P and N:P. The divergent relationships of periphyton chlorophyll a and stoichiometry with invertebrate richness suggest that autochthonous resource quantity limits diversity more than quality, consistent with patterns of eutrophication. Collectively, we provide evidence that patterns in resource quantity and quality play important, yet differing roles in shaping freshwater biodiversity across spatial scale.
Migraine worsening after COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 vaccination: Are we facing a nocebo effect?
Authors: Melgarejo Laura , Caronna Edoardo , Rosell‐Mirmi Joana , Elosua‐Bayés Iker , Alpuente Alicia , Torres‐Ferrus Marta , Gallardo Víctor J. , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

In clinical practice patients may report migraine worsening as a consequence of COVID‐19 (either infection or vaccines), however, data in this area are lacking. We aimed to investigate the link between COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 vaccination with migraine worsening and its associated factors.

Methods

An online survey was sent to migraine patients followed up in a Spanish Headache Clinic, collecting demographic data, and information regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination. We asked patients if they had noticed worsening of their migraine after these events and assessed concerns about infection, vaccination and migraine worsening. We also extracted data from participants' own electronic diaries (e‐diaries), including 1‐month data before and after their reported infection and/or vaccination. We compared participants who self‐reported migraine worsening since infection or vaccination with those who did not.

Results

Of 550 participants, 44.9% (247/550) reported having had COVID‐19 at least once and 83.3% (458/550) had been vaccinated. Sixty‐one patients reported migraine worsening since COVID‐19 and 52 since the vaccination. Among the risk factors for perceived migraine worsening in the two settings (infection and vaccination) was concern about migraine worsening itself (infection: odds ratio [OR] 2.498 [95% CI: 1.02–6.273], p = 0.046; vaccination: OR 17.3 [95% CI: confidence interval 5.3–68], p < 0.001). e‐diary information was available for 136 of the 550 patients, 38.2% (52/136) for COVID‐19 and 39.7% (54/136) for vaccination. We observed no significant difference in headache frequency 1 month before and after infection or vaccination, even when comparing patients with and without self‐reported migraine worsening.

Conclusions

Our preliminary data point to a negligible role of the infection and vaccination on migraine worsening and to the possible presence of a nocebo effect in these settings, as a remarkable proportion of patients had a clear perception of migraine worsening.
Anisotropic and elastoplastic mode‐I fracture toughnesses of three additively manufactured polymers fabricated via material extrusion and powder bed fusion
Authors: Zhang Gonghe , Ghorbani Jafar , Zheng Xiaodong , Heathman Nathaniel , Pan Diankun , Wang Qinglin , Zhao Kai , Tehrani Mehran , Xu Luoyu Roy
Published: October 2023

Two types of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, fused filament fabrication (FFF) and selective laser sintering (SLS), were employed to fabricate specimens from three widely used AM polymers: polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyamide (PA): the first two using FFF and PA using SLS. The single‐edge notch bending (SENB) test was employed to measure the mode‐I fracture toughnesses of bulk and AM specimens in three directions relative to the printing direction. Unlike their bulk counterparts, AM polymers exhibited anisotropic fracture toughness. The degree of anisotropy in FFF‐PLA was much larger than FFF‐ABS and SLS‐PA. The smallest fracture toughness value for each AM polymer was achieved along the transverse printing direction. Different AM techniques affect fracture toughness differently. For instance, FFF is shown to increase PLA's plastic deformation, while SLS reduces PA's ductility. The decrease in fracture toughness is consistently observed when transitioning from bulk polymers to AM ones, reaching as much as 75%. This study provides insights into the fracture toughness of AM parts made via popular plastics, which are crucial for designing structural parts using FFF and SLS processes.
Videtur Quod: On Method in Theology
Authors: Baker Anthony D.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Theological language has always faced a fundamental dilemma: it seeks to put the divine reality into limited human language. While this dilemma can obfuscate our theological pathways, it can also generate a new awareness of the task and possibilities of the discipline. New testimonials, or uniquely accented human experiential utterances, have emerged in theological discourse in the past decades, greatly increasing our vision of the expansiveness of theology. The tools for integration into systematic or discursive development are still, however, lacking. This article suggests that an extension of the innovative methodology of Thomas Aquinas, beginning and ending with ‘what seems’ to be the case, putting testimony into discursive forms, and testing for a fittingness with the mysterious and excessive mystery of the divine reality, offers a promising path for discerning common and trustworthy theological language.
Tolerability and efficacy of sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with type 2 diabetes mellitus: an observational study
Authors: Fishan Noor , Towers Kurt , Haurat Javier , Zimmermann Anthony , Radhakutty Anjana
Published: October 2023

Sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have renal and cardiovascular benefits in addition to their glucose‐lowering potential. Data on the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in Australian Aboriginal and Torres‐Strait Islanders are lacking. We conducted a single‐centre retrospective study assessing the safety and effects on glycaemic control and albuminuria of SGLT2i in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Queensland Inpatient Diabetes Survey (QuIDS): patient experience survey evaluation
Authors: Whillier Margaret , Hinton Nicola , Balcerek Matthew , MacLaughlin Helen L. , Donovan Peter
Published: October 2023

Background

Measurement of inpatient experience can allow for treatment tailored to patient preferences and needs. The patient experience of diabetes care has not been explored in Queensland hospitals.

Aims

To investigate the experiences of patients with diabetes when hospitalised using the Queensland Inpatient Diabetes Survey (QuIDS).

Methods

In 2019 and 2021, patient experience surveys were collected as part of the statewide QuIDS, a cross‐sectional study assessing the quality of inpatient care received by people with diabetes in Queensland, Australia. Patient responses were categorised and frequencies reported as percentages. Free text comments were analysed using thematic analysis methods. Pooled descriptive data were presented.

Results

Responses were collected from 27 hospitals in 2019 (n = 526, 52.4% of all patients with diabetes) and 35 hospitals in 2021 (n = 709, 55.5%). Overall, patients were satisfied with their inpatient diabetes care. Areas for improvement identified by surveyed patients include the choice and timing of meals, staff knowledge about diabetes and increased diabetes self‐management. Access to a specialist diabetes team was also identified as being potentially underutilised. Patient comments fell into four major themes: communication, food choices, patient autonomy and education.

Conclusion

Many patients reported positive inpatient experiences; however, patients also expressed dissatisfaction with their inpatient diabetes care. Our data provide unique insight and an opportunity to improve standards of care and service provision for inpatients with diabetes.
Genetic associations between stayability to consecutive calvings and traits of economic interest in taurine and zebu breeds
Authors: da Silva Morales Débora , Silva Diogo Osmar , Ayres Denise Rocha , Junior Mário Luiz Santana , Bignardi Annaiza Braga , Ventura Ricardo Vieira , de Oliveira Menezes Gilberto Romeiro , Carvalheiro Roberto , Piccoli Mário Luiz , Roso Vanerlei Mozaquatro , Pereira Rodrigo Junqueira
Published: October 2023

Stayability (STAY) is a way to evaluate the productive longevity of females. Measuring the STAY at each cow calving allows earlier indicators of longevity to be obtained. Our objective with this study was to verify the association between STAY and consecutive calvings and traits potentially used as selection criteria in beef cattle, such as age at first calving (AFC), days to calving (DC), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW). Data from the Nelore, Angus/Brangus, and Hereford/Braford breeds were used. The estimation of variance components and subsequent prediction of breeding values were performed for all traits. The estimated breeding values (EBV) were used to analyse the association between STAY and the other traits. The Pearson's correlation estimated between the EBV for the intercept coefficient for STAY to consecutive calvings and those of AFC, DC, WW (direct and maternal effects), and YW was favourable and of low magnitude (<0.25) depending on the breed studied. The influence of the genetic merit of AFC on the chance of selection for STAY was favourable and relevant regardless of the intensity of selection and breed. DC and WW (maternal effect) traits were favourably influenced by the chance of selection for STAY, irrespective of breed. The WW (direct effect) did not affect the chance of selection for STAY for the Nelore and Hereford/Braford breeds and negatively influenced, but to a small extent, the Angus/Brangus breed. For YW, an increase in genetic merit affected the chances of selection for STAY, depending on the breed and selection intensity evaluated. The influence of the genetic merit for AFC, DC, and WW (maternal effect) on the chance of selection for STAY to consecutive calvings was favourable and relevant regardless of the selection intensity scenario evaluated. The WW (direct effect) did not influence the chance of selection for STAY. For the scenario with high selection intensity, the selection for YW favourably influenced the chance of selection for STAY in Angus/Brangus and Hereford/Braford breeds but not in Nelore.
Navigating the integration of biotic interactions in biogeography
Authors: Thuiller Wilfried , Calderón‐Sanou Irene , Chalmandrier Loïc , Gaüzère Pierre , O'Connor Louise M. J. , Ohlmann Marc , Poggiato Giovanni , Münkemüller Tamara
Published: October 2023

Biotic interactions are widely recognised as the backbone of ecological communities, but how best to study them is a subject of intense debate, especially at macro‐ecological scales. While some researchers claim that biotic interactions need to be observed directly, others use proxies and statistical approaches to infer them. Despite this ambiguity, studying and predicting the influence of biotic interactions on biogeographic patterns is a thriving area of research with crucial implications for conservation. Three distinct approaches are currently being explored. The first approach involves empirical observation and measurement of biotic interactions' effects on species demography in laboratory or field settings. While these findings contribute to theory and to understanding species' demographies, they can be challenging to generalise on a larger scale. The second approach centers on inferring biotic associations from observed co‐occurrences in space and time. The goal is to distinguish the environmental and biotic effects on species distributions. The third approach constructs extensive potential interaction networks, known as metanetworks, by leveraging existing knowledge about species ecology and interactions. This approach analyses local realisations of these networks using occurrence data and allows understanding large distributions of multi‐taxa assemblages. In this piece, we appraise these three approaches, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. Instead of seeing them as conflicting, we advocate for their integration to enhance our understanding and expand applications in the emerging field of interaction biogeography. This integration shows promise for ecosystem understanding and management in the Anthropocene era.
Surgery based on computed tomography images might be feasible for primary aldosteronism patients with visible unilateral adenoma
Authors: Fang Chen , Dai Jun , Zhao Juping , Huang Xin , He Wei , Xu Jianzhong , Sun Fukang
Published: October 2023

Primary aldosteronism (PA) with unilateral adrenal disease can be cured or improved by adrenalectomy. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is recommended to identify patients for surgical management. However, surgeries based on computed tomography (CT) images are only advocated for PA patients aged <35 with visible unilateral adenoma. Herein, we aimed to compare CT‐based and AVS‐based surgery outcomes for PA patients with visible unilateral adenomas for different age groups. A total of 178 PA patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy between June 2018 and January 2021 were included in the study based on CT (n = 54) or AVS (n = 124). Demographics, diagnostics, and follow‐up data were retrospectively collected. Clinical and biochemical outcomes were analyzed according to Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) criteria at 1‐year follow‐up. Our results showed that complete clinical success (46.3% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.875) and complete biochemical success (88.8% vs. 91.9%, p = 0.515) were similar between the two groups. Age stratification revealed that patients >55 years old were likely to have worse biochemical outcomes; however, these were still not significantly different (21.4% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.220). Of the 114 AVS‐based patients who achieved complete biochemical success, 37 (32.4%) with bilateral normal or bilateral abnormal CT images changed treatment options according to AVS results, 1 (0.9%) avoided adrenalectomy on the wrong side. Our results indicated that surgery based on CT images might be feasible for highly selected PA patients with visible unilateral adenomas and less limited by age, while for those with normal adrenal or bilateral adrenal lesions, treatment strategy must be decided by AVS.
Drain fluid volume combined with amylase level predicts clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Ji Yuchen , Shen Ziyun , Li Jingwei , Zhou Yiran , Chen Haoda , Li Hongzhe , Xie Junjie , Deng Xiaxing , Shen Baiyong
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Several indicators are recognized in the development of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, drain fluid volume (DFV) remains poorly studied. We aimed to discover the predictive effects of DFV and guide clinical management.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients that received PD between January 2015 and December 2019 in a high‐volume center. DFV was analyzed as a potential risk factor and postoperative short‐term outcomes as well as drain removal time were compared stratified by different DFV levels. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under curves (AUC) were compared for DFV alone and DFV combined with drain fluid amylase (DFA). Subgroup analysis of DFV stratified by DFA evaluated the predictability of CR‐POPF.

Results

CR‐POPF occurred in 19.7% of 841 patients. Hypertension, postoperative day 3 (POD3) DFA ≥ 300 U/L, and POD3 DFV ≥ 30 mL were independent risk factors, while pancreatic main duct diameter ≥ 3 mm was a protective factor. POD3 DFV ≥ 30 mL increased the overall occurrences of CR‐POPF and major complications (P = 0.017; P = 0.029). POD3 DFV alone presented a low predictive value (AUC 0.602), while POD3 DFV combined with DFA had a high predictive value (AUC 0.759) for CR‐POPF. Subgroup analysis showed that the combination of POD3 DFV ≥ 30 mL and DFA ≥ 300 U/L led to higher incidences of CR‐POPF (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

CR‐POPF is common after PD, and high DFV combined with DFA may predict its occurrence and facilitate appropriate management.
Clinical outcomes of anti‐reflux mucosal ablation for gastroesophageal reflux disease: An international bi‐institutional study
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Inoue Haruhiro , Tanabe Mayo , Ushikubo Kei , Yamamoto Kazuki , Kimoto Yoshiaki , Nishikawa Yohei , Ando Ryohei , Sumi Kazuya , Navarro Marc Julius , Teruel Sanchez‐Vegazo Carlos , Peñas Beatriz , Parejo Sofía , Martínez Sánchez Alba , Vazquez‐Sequeiros Enrique , Onimaru Manabu , Albillos Agustín , Rodriguez de Santiago Enrique
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Anti‐reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) is an emerging endoscopic treatment aimed at enhancing the gastroesophageal junction flap valve. This study aimed to evaluate its feasibility, effectiveness, and safety.

Methods

Between May 2018 and December 2022, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms refractory to acid suppression medications or those dependent on such medications were enrolled for ARMA. This retrospective analysis utilized prospectively collected data from an international bi‐center study. GERD questionnaire, upper endoscopy, and 24‐h pH monitoring were conducted at 2–6 months and 12 months post‐ARMA. Clinical success was defined as a > 50% reduction in a validated GERD questionnaire.

Results

A total of 68 patients underwent ARMA. Definitive GERD was diagnosed in 44 (64.7%) patients, while 24 (35.3%) exhibited reflux hypersensitivity. Clinical success rates at 2–6 months and 1 year post‐ARMA were 60% (39/65) and 70% (21/30), respectively. The median GERD‐health‐related quality of life score significantly improved from 26 to 11 at 2–6 months (P < 0.001). Among the 51 patients (71.8%) who underwent 24‐h pH monitoring, the median acid exposure time decreased from 5.3% to 0.7% (P = 0.003), accompanied by a significant reduction in esophagitis rates (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis did not identify predictors of short‐term success. Nine (13.2%) patients experienced transient stenosis requiring balloon dilation.

Conclusions

ARMA demonstrates both technical feasibility and reproducibility as a safe procedure that effectively ameliorates GERD symptoms in approximately two‐thirds of patients during short‐term follow up. Both reflux hypersensitivity and confirmed GERD patients, regardless of their response to acid suppression medication, may be suitable candidates.
The impact of jejunostomy feeding on nutritional outcomes after oesophagectomy
Authors: Davies Sarah J. , Wheelwright Sally
Published: October 2023

Background

Nutritional status is compromised long‐term following oesophagectomy. Controversy surrounds the optimal route for nutrition support postoperatively and there is wide variation in the use of feeding jejunostomy tubes.

Methods

A retrospective service evaluation was conducted for all consecutive adults who underwent oesophagectomy for a cancer diagnosis within a specialist centre between April 2016 and July 2019 (n = 165). Nutritional and clinical outcomes were compared for patients who received jejunostomy feeding (n = 24), versus those who did not (n = 141).

Results

Patients with feeding jejunostomy lost significantly less weight at both 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared to those without jejunostomy (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). This remained statistically significant in multiple regression, controlling for age, gender, preoperative tumour staging and adjuvant treatment (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). Median length of home enteral feeding was 10 weeks after discharge in the jejunostomy group. We observed minor jejunostomy tube‐related complications in four patients (16.7%). Of those readmitted within 90 days of surgery in the non‐jejunostomy group, nutritional failure was a factor in 43.2% of these readmissions. “Rescue tube feeding” was required by 8.5% of the non‐jejunostomy group within the first postoperative year, including 6.4% within 90 days of surgery.

Conclusions

Use of short‐term supplementary jejunal feeding in addition to oral intake after hospital discharge is beneficial for maintaining weight after oesophagectomy. We suggest a future randomised‐controlled trial to confirm these findings.
α‐Synuclein induces deficiency in clathrin‐mediated endocytosis through inhibiting synaptojanin1 expression
Authors: Song Dong‐Yan , Yuan Lin , Cui Na , Feng Cong , Meng Lanxia , Wang Xin‐He , Xiang Man , Liu Di , Wang Chun , Zhang Zhentao , Li Jia‐Yi , Li Wen
Published: October 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age‐related chronic neurological disorder, mainly characterized by the pathological feature of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) aggregation, with the exact disease pathogenesis unclear. During the onset and progression of PD, synaptic dysfunction, including dysregulation of axonal transport, impaired exocytosis, and endocytosis are identified as crucial events of PD pathogenesis. It has been reported that over‐expression of α‐syn impairs clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) in the synapses. However, the underlying mechanisms still needs to be explored. In this study, we investigated the molecular events underlying the synaptic dysfunction caused by over‐expression of wild‐type human α‐syn and its mutant form, involving series of proteins participating in CME. We found that excessive human α‐syn causes impaired fission and uncoating of clathrin‐coated vesicles during synaptic vesicle recycling, leading to reduced clustering of synaptic vesicles near the active zone and increased size of plasma membrane and number of endocytic intermediates. Furthermore, over‐expressed human α‐syn induced changes of CME‐associated proteins, among which synaptojanin1 (SYNJ1) showed significant reduction in various brain regions. Over‐expression of SYNJ1 in primary hippocampal neurons from α‐syn transgenic mice recovered the synaptic vesicle density, clustering and endocytosis. Using fluorescence‐conjugated transferrin, we demonstrated that SYNJ1 re‐boosted the CME activity by restoring the phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate homeostasis. Our data suggested that over‐expression of α‐syn disrupts synaptic function through interfering with vesicle recycling, which could be alleviated by re‐availing of SYNJ1. Our study unrevealed a molecular mechanism of the synaptic dysfunction in PD pathogenesis and provided a potential therapeutic target for treating PD.
A life‐changing process when living with chronic kidney disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Frandsen Christina E. , Dieperink Hans , Trettin Bettina , Agerskov Hanne
Published: October 2023

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease and their family members experience a number of lifestyle changes caused by the illness. The value of advance care planning includes understanding health status and options for future care, communication between close family members, and identification of wishes and preferences for care and treatment in relation to family and everyday life.

Objective

Explore how patients with chronic kidney disease and their families experience everyday life and how they experience having to make choices about treatment.

Design

An explorative study using a qualitative method with a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Participants

Twelve patients with chronic kidney disease without kidney replacement therapy who were considering their treatment options and eight family members.

Approach

Individual semistructured interviews with a narrative approach were conducted between August 2021 and March 2022. The data were analysed using Ricoeur's interpretation theory on three levels: naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion.

Findings

One main theme was generated: Family dynamics in a life‐changing process. From this, three subthemes were derived: Living in an ordinary life placed in a waiting position, The dilemma of readiness to share and Feelings of being left alone.

Conclusion

There are changes in family roles and in identity and a desire to maintain the known and ordinary life. Living with chronic kidney disease as a part of daily life is managed differently in the family, which can lead to feelings such as sadness, frustration and loss of shared life and resilience.
Conscientious Objection in Healthcare: The Requirement of Justification, the Moral Threshold, and Military Refusals
Authors: Żuradzki Tomasz
Published: October 2023

A dogma accepted in many ethical, religious, and legal frameworks is that the reasons behind conscientious objection (CO) in healthcare cannot be evaluated or judged by any institution because conscience is individual and autonomous. This paper shows that this background view is mistaken: the requirement to reveal and explain the reasons for conscientious objection in healthcare is ethically justified and legally desirable. Referring to real healthcare cases and legal regulations, this paper argues that these reasons should be evaluated either ex ante or ex post and defends novel conceptual claims that have not been analyzed in the debates on CO. First, a moral threshold requirement: CO is only justified if the reasons behind a refusal are of a moral nature and meet a certain threshold of moral importance. Second, this paper considers the rarely discussed conceptual similarities between CO in healthcare and the legal regulations concerning military refusals that place the burden of proof on conscientious objectors. This paper concludes that conscientious objection in healthcare can be accommodated only in some cases of destroying or killing human organisms.
Sedentary Behavior and School Bullying in Adolescents: An Analysis Based on a National Survey in Colombia
Authors: Zapata‐López Jhoan Sebastián , Tonguino‐Rosero Stefanie , Méndez Fabián
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Sedentarism has been associated with poorer mental health, greater likelihood of bullying and suicide risk; however, studies with national coverage are needed to characterize contexts and allow comparisons between nations. The aim of this study was to examine the association between sedentary lifestyles with bullying in the social context of Colombian adolescents.

METHODS

Cross‐sectional study with 78,772 adolescents aged 13‐17 years participating in the 2017 National School Health Survey. Sedentary behavior was defined as sitting for 3+ hours/day of leisure time, while bullying was identified by self‐report of being victimized 1+ times/month. Relative frequencies were estimated and, using a log‐binomial regression model, prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 15.31% of students reported being victims of bullying. A higher probability to be bullied was estimated in sedentary adolescents (PR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.09‐1.29), as well as in females, ethnic minorities, those who went hungry in the last month due to lack of food, students with health problems, and private schools.

CONCLUSIONS

Bullying was related with sedentary leisure time, gender, ethnicity, type of educational institution, and presence of health problems. Being a multicausal phenomenon, bullying demands policies and programs with a greater focus on the most vulnerable groups.
The Breast‐Imaging Operations, Practices and Systems Inventory: A framework to examine mammography facility effects on screening in rural communities
Authors: Anderson Roger T. , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Camacho Fabian T. , Harvey Jennifer A. , Bonilla Gloribel , Batten George P. , Robinson Brenna , Safon Cara B. , Louis Chris
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Develop and test a measurement framework of mammogram facility resources, policies, and practices in Appalachia.

Methods

Survey items describing 7 domains of imaging facility qualities were developed and tested in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Medicare claims data (2016‐2018) were obtained on catchment area mammogram services. Construct validity was examined from associations with facility affiliation, community characteristics, mammogram screening uptake, and market reach. Analyses were performed with t‐tests and ANOVA.

Results

A total of 192 (of 377) sites completed the survey. Five factors were initially selected in exploratory factor analysis (FA) and refined in confirmatory FA: capacity, outreach & marketing, operational support, radiology review (NNFI = .94, GFI = 0.93), and diagnostic services (NNFI = 1.00, GFI = 0.99). Imaging capacity and diagnostic services were associated with screening uptake, with capacity strongly associated with catchment area demographic and economic characteristics. Imaging facilities in economically affluent versus poorer areas belong to larger health systems and have significantly more resources (P < .001). Facilities in economically distressed locations in Appalachia rely more heavily on outreach activities (P < .001). Higher facility capacity was significantly associated (P < .05) with larger catchment area size (median split: 48.5 vs 51.6), mammogram market share (47.4 vs 52.7), and screening uptake (47.6 vs 52.4).

Conclusions

A set of 18 items assessing breast imaging services and facility characteristics was obtained, representing policies and practices related to a facility's catchment area size, market share, and mammogram screening uptake.
Metasomatic alteration of coarse‐grained igneous calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions from CK3 carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Krot Alexander N. , Dunn Tasha L. , Petaev Michail I. , Ma Chi , Nagashima Kazuhide , Zipfel Jutta
Published: October 2023

We report on the primary and secondary mineralogies of three coarse‐grained igneous calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) (Compact Type A [CTA], Type B [B], and forsterite‐bearing type B [FoB]) from the Northwest Africa (NWA) 5343 (CK3.7) and NWA 4964 (CK3.8) carbonaceous chondrites, compare them with the mineralogy of igneous CAIs from the Allende (CV3.6) chondrite, and discuss the nature of the alteration processes that affected the CK and CV CAIs. The primary mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the CK3 CAIs studied are similar to those from Allende; however, primary melilite and anorthite are nearly completely absent. Although the secondary minerals identified in CK CAIs (Al‐diopside, andradite, Cl‐apatite, clintonite, forsterite, ferroan olivine, Fe,Ni‐sulfides, grossular, ilmenite, magnetite, plagioclase, spinel, titanite, and wadalite) occur also in the Allende CAIs, there are several important differences: (i) In addition to melilite and anorthite, which are nearly completely replaced by secondary minerals, the alteration of CK CAIs also affected high‐Ti pyroxenes (fassaite and grossmanite) characterized by high Ti3+/Ti4+ ratio and spinel. These pyroxenes are corroded and crosscut by veins of Fe‐ and Ti‐bearing grossular, Fe‐bearing Al,Ti‐diopside, titanite, and ilmenite. Spinel is corroded by Fe‐bearing Al‐diopside and grossular. (ii) The secondary mineral assemblages of grossular + monticellite and grossular + wollastonite, commonly observed in the Allende CAIs, are absent; the Fe‐bearing grossular + Fe‐bearing Al‐diopside ± Fe,Mg‐spinel, Fe‐bearing grossular + Fe,Mg‐olivine ± Fe,Mg‐spinel, and Ca,Na‐plagioclase + Fe‐bearing Al‐diopside + Fe‐bearing grossular assemblages are present instead. These mineral assemblages are often crosscut by veins of Fe‐bearing Al‐diopside, Fe,Mg‐olivine, Fe,Mg‐spinel, and Ca,Na‐plagioclase. The coarse‐grained secondary grossular and Al‐diopside often show multilayered chemical zoning with distinct compositional boundaries between the layers; the abundances of Fe and Ti typically increase toward the grain edges. (iv) Sodium‐rich secondary minerals, nepheline and sodalite, commonly observed in the peripheral portions of the Allende CAIs, are absent; Ca,Na‐plagioclase is present instead. We conclude that coarse‐grained igneous CAIs from CK3.7–3.8 s and Allende experienced an open‐system multistage metasomatic alteration in the presence of an aqueous solution–infiltration metasomatism. This process resulted in localized mobilization of all major rock‐forming elements: Si, Ca, Al, Ti, Mg, Fe, Mn, Na, K, and Cl. The metasomatic alteration of CK CAIs is more advanced and occurred under higher temperature and higher oxygen fugacity than that of the Allende CAIs.
How otariids walk: a comparative axial analysis of the hind limb movements of California and South American sea lions
Authors: Mizuno Fumihiro , Kohno Naoki
Published: October 2023

Seals exist at the intersection of land and water. This is especially true of eared seals (otariids), which are both highly adapted to forelimb swimming and retain the ability to walk on land. The precise nature and evolutionary history of their walking ability remains obscure, however. Here, we use axial analysis to compare the hind limb movements of California and South American sea lions with those of terrestrial plantigrades mammals. We show that, despite notable differences in foot orientation and joint position, all of our study species employ similar movements around the same centers of rotation. Our results suggest that otariid hind limbs and, in particular, the hallux play a substantial role in supporting and propelling the body during walking.
Iron: The silent culprit in your adipose tissue
Authors: Moreno‐Navarrete José María , Fernández‐Real José Manuel
Published: October 2023

Iron plays a vital role in essential biological processes and requires precise regulation within the body. Dysregulation of iron homeostasis, characterized by increased serum ferritin levels and excessive accumulation of iron in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle, is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Notably, iron excess in adipose tissue promotes adipose tissue dysfunction. As optimal adipose tissue function is crucial for maintaining a healthy phenotype in obesity, a comprehensive understanding of iron homeostasis in adipose tissue is imperative for designing new therapeutic approaches to improve and prevent adipose tissue dysfunction. Here, we conducted a review of relevant studies, focusing on and providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay between iron and adipose tissue. It sheds light on the impact of iron on adipogenesis and the physiology of both white and brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, we highlight the critical role of key modulators, such as cytosolic aconitase, mitochondria, and macrophages, in maintaining iron homeostasis within adipose tissue.
Diagnostic imaging in lipedema: A systematic review
Authors: van la Parra Raquel F. D. , Deconinck Christine , Krug Bruno
Published: October 2023

Background

Diagnosing lipedema remains a challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation, co‐existing diseases, and the lack of objective diagnostic imaging.

Objective

This systematic review aims to outline the currently available diagnostic imaging methods to characterize lipedema in the legs along with their diagnostic performance.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) tool was used for quality assessment.

Results

Thirty‐two studies describing a total of 1154 patients with lipedema were included for final analysis. Features for lipedema have been defined using ultrasound (increased subcutaneous adipose tissue), lymphoscintigraphy (slowing of the lymphatic flow and a frequent asymmetry between the lower extremities), computed tomography (symmetrical bilateral soft tissue enlargement without either skin thickening or subcutaneous edema), magnetic resonance imaging (increased subcutaneous adipose tissue), MR lymphangiography (enlarged lymphatic vessels up to a diameter of 2 mm), and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (fat mass in the legs adjusted for body mass index (BMI) ≥ 0.46 or fat mass in the legs adjusted for total fat mass ≥ 0.384).

Conclusion

The diagnostic performance of currently available imaging modalities for assessing lipedema is limited. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of each imaging modality. Imaging techniques focusing on the pathogenesis of the disease are needed.
Can methylated purine bases act as photoionization hotspots?
Authors: Zhou Qian , Guo Wenwen , Hu Zheng , Yan Shuyi , Jie Jialong , Su Hongmei
Published: October 2023

The direct photoionization of DNA canonical bases under ultraviolet radiation is difficult due to the high ionization potentials. According to previous quantum chemical calculations, methylation can have great influence on the ionization potential. Are methylated nucleobases prone to photoionization and cause DNA damage? As an important epigenetic modification in transcription, expression, and regulation of genes, it is of great biological significance to explore the effect of methylation on base photoionization from the experimental perspective. Herein, we study the photoionization behavior of methylated purines 6 mA and 6mG at 266 nm using a nanosecond transient UV–Vis spectroscopy. The hydrated electron and methylated base radicals are observed, indicating the occurrence of photoionization for both 6mG and 6 mA. We measured one‐photon ionization yields to be (5.0 ± 0.2) × 10−3 and (1.4 ± 0.2) × 10−3 for 6mG and 6 mA, respectively. These are higher than those of (dA)20 and (dA20)·(dT20) previously reported, indicating that methylation significantly promotes base photoionization with a stronger effect than base stacking, consistent with calculations in literature. Given that the hydrated electrons and methylated base radicals from photoionization can trigger a cascade of deleterious reactions, the methylated purine bases may act as hotspots of DNA photoionization damage of living organisms.
Plants lacking OST1 show conditional stomatal closure and wildtype‐like growth sensitivity at high VPD
Authors: Tulva Ingmar , Välbe Mikk , Merilo Ebe
Published: October 2023

Climate change‐associated rise in VPD (atmospheric vapor pressure deficit) results in increased plant transpiration and reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, biomass, and yield. High VPD‐induced stomatal closure of Arabidopsis is an active process regulated via the kinase SnRK2.6 (OPEN STOMATA 1, OST1). Here, we performed gas exchange, leaf water potential and rosette growth measurements to study, whether (1) high VPD‐induced stomatal closure is detected in plants carrying loss‐of‐function mutations in OST1 (ost1‐3) when they are grown at reduced soil water content or measured at increased air temperature; (2) ost1‐3 plants expressing OST1 construct with no ABA‐activation domain, but intact ABA‐independent activation, show stronger stomatal VPD response compared with ost1‐3 plants; and (3) rosette area and biomass of ost1‐3 are more affected by growth at high VPD compared with Col‐0. The stomata of well‐watered ost1‐3 plants were insensitive to high VPD regardless of air temperature, but in deficit‐irrigated ost1‐3, leaf water potential decreased the most and stomata closed at high VPD. Differences between VPD‐induced stomatal closures of ost1‐3 plants and ost1‐3 plants expressing OST1 with no ABA‐activation domain point at gradual VPD‐induced ABA‐independent activation of OST1. High VPD conditions led to similar reductions in rosette area and specific leaf area of well‐watered Col‐0 and ost1‐3 plants. Rosette dry mass was unaffected by high VPD. Our results show that OST1 loss‐of‐function plants display conditional stomatal closure and no extra sensitivity of rosette area growth compared with Col‐0 wildtype under high VPD conditions.
Dynamical analysis of a degenerate and time delayed virus infection model with spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Yang Yu , Chen Jing , Zou Lan
Published: October 2023

This paper is concerned with a degenerate and time delayed virus infection model with spatial heterogeneity and general incidence. The well‐posedness of the system, including global existence, uniqueness, and ultimately boundedness of the solutions, as well as the existence of a global attractor, is discussed. The basic reproduction number is defined and a characterization of is presented. Without the compactness of the solution semiflow, we establish the global dynamics of the system based on . In addition, when the system is spatially homogeneous, the unique infection steady state is globally asymptotically stable. Simulations are presented to illustrate our theoretical results.