bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nationwide survey of diagnostic procedures for abnormal uterine bleeding in Japan
Authors: Kitahara Yoshikazu , Hiraike Osamu , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Kugu Koji , Takai Yasushi , Yoshino Osamu , Ono Masanori , Maekawa Ryo , Ota Ikuko , Iwase Akira
Published: June 2024

Aim

To clarify the diagnostic process of the causative disease of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in Japan according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics AUB diagnostic system.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with AUB were included in a nationwide survey of AUB conducted during any 2‐week period between December 2019 and January 2020. The second survey included information on patient background, AUB symptoms, examinations for diagnosing AUB, the order in which they were performed, and the causative diseases of AUB.

Results

Correspondence analysis showed an association between hormonal testing, hysterosalpingography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with amenorrhea, and heavy menstrual bleeding was strongly correlated with various examinations, such as coagulation tests, pelvic MRI, and endometrial cytology or biopsy. The results also indicated that each AUB causative disease can be diagnosed based on a specific examination profile.

Conclusion

We clarified the process of diagnosing the causative disease of AUB in our country and determined that it was mainly diagnosed by imaging and pathological examination in cases of structural disease. The high rate of AUB‐E and the low rate of AUB‐C are possibly associated with specific examination trends in Japan. The results of this study will be useful for the development of a standard protocol for AUB diagnosis in our country.
Linguistics of the heart and mind: Negotiating in one's native language is comfortable but not efficient
Authors: Diaz Adrian Barragan , Marin Jimena Y. Ramirez , Poliakova Elena , Medina Francisco J.
Published: June 2024

When negotiating with partners from abroad, which language should we choose: a native or a foreign one? To answer this question, we leverage dual‐process theory to investigate how using a native versus foreign language affects negotiation strategies and outcomes and explore the moderating role of emotions. Across three studies that use dual‐language speakers of four of the five most common languages in the world (English, Chinese, Spanish and French), our findings consistently show that, while the native language is the preferred option for negotiation (Study 1), the consequences are more emotional expression, more passive strategies and worse outcomes (Studies 2 and 3). Anger in a native versus foreign language makes negotiators compromise more, which results in worse outcomes (Study 3). Our contribution is threefold: We are the first to explore the effects of language (foreign vs. native) in an empirical negotiation setting; we separate the intrapersonal from the interpersonal effects of language by using the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model; and we establish that the language effects are independent of culture. Our results suggest that managers should use their native language with caution when negotiating, since they might unconsciously display higher levels of emotion and use more passive negotiation strategies.
Various factors affecting the gel properties of surimi: A review
Authors: Xie Dongfei , Tang Yu , Dong Gua
Published: June 2024

As an important aquatic prepared food, surimi products are favored by consumers due to their unique viscoelastic properties and high nutritional value. Gel properties are the main indicators to measure the quality of surimi products. The gelation of surimi mainly involves intramolecular (conformational change) and intermolecular (chemical force) changes. Factors such as processing treatments, raw fish species and exogenous additives affect surimi protein structure, chemical forces and endogenous enzyme activities, which further affect the gel properties of surimi products. This review focuses on the mechanism of surimi heat‐induced gel, mainly including protein chain expansion and aggregation through various chemical forces to form a three‐dimensional network structure. In addition, the mechanism and application of different factors on the gel properties of surimi were also discussed, providing a reference for the selection of fish species, the control of heating conditions in the gel process of surimi products, the selection of additives and other measures to improve the gel performance.
The Equitable Benefit Approach to guide the assessment of medical and psychosocial factors in liver transplant candidacy
Authors: Craxì Lucia , Cottone Provvidenza M. , Sacchini Dario , Burra Patrizia , Toniutto Pierluigi
Published: June 2024

Lack of available organs poses a significant challenge in meeting the needs of patients with life‐threatening liver disease who could benefit from liver transplantation (LT). Psychosocial vulnerability markers have been linked to post‐transplant outcomes, raising questions about their use in patient selection. However, their incorporation into selection criteria raises concerns about health equity and potential discrimination. As a result, there is a pressing need to refine fair allocation systems that consider both clinical and psychosocial factors to ensure equitable access and optimize post‐transplant outcomes. The Equitable Benefit Approach (EBA) proposed in this paper by the multidisciplinary group of clinical experts in LT from the Italian Society for the Study of the Liver seeks to address these concerns. It presents four procedural principles, the two allocative principles usually applied in transplantation (urgency and utility) and introduces a new one, the principle of health equity. The EBA aims to prioritize patients with the highest transplant benefit while addressing health inequalities. It emphasizes evidence‐based decision‐making and standardized assessment tools to reliably evaluate psychosocial risk factors. Implementing the EBA involves a multi‐step process, including stakeholder engagement, prospective studies to validate its efficacy, development of institutional policies and algorithms, and ongoing monitoring and revision. By following these steps, health care providers can ensure that LT allocation decisions are transparent and responsive to evolving clinical and social contexts. Ultimately, the EBA should offer a comprehensive framework for fair patient selection in LT, considering both biomedical and psychosocial aspects.
The evolving hierarchy of naturalized philosophy: A metaphilosophical sketch
Authors: Rivelli Luca
Published: June 2024

Some scholars claim that epistemology of science and machine learning are actually overlapping disciplines studying induction, respectively affected by Hume's problem of induction and its formal machine‐learning counterpart, the “no‐free‐lunch” (NFL) theorems, to which even advanced AI systems such as LLMs are not immune. Extending Kevin Korb's view, this paper envisions a hierarchy of disciplines where the lowermost is a basic science, and, recursively, the metascience at each level inductively learns which methods work best at the immediately lower level. Due to Hume's dictum and NFL theorems, no exact metanorms for the good performance of each object science can be obtained after just a finite number of levels up the hierarchy, and the progressive abstractness of each metadiscipline and consequent ill‐definability of its methods and objects makes science—as defined by a minimal standard of scientificity—cease to exist above a certain metalevel, allowing for a still rational style of inquiry into science that can be called “philosophical.” Philosophical levels, transitively reflecting on science, peculiarly manifest a non–empirically learned urge to self‐reflection constituting the properly normative aspect of philosophy of science.
Preventive effects of prenatal administration of OM‐85/BV on asthma and respiratory infection risk in the offspring: A review of animal models
Authors: Rahbek‐Hansen Signe Hahn , Mikkelsen Marianne , Stokholm Jakob , Bønnelykke Klaus , Chawes Bo L. , Brustad Nicklas
Published: June 2024

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood affecting the daily lives of many patients despite current treatment regimens. Therefore, the need for new therapeutic approaches is evident, where a primary prevention strategy is the ultimate goal. Studies of children born to mothers in farming environments have shown a lower risk of respiratory infections and asthma development. Already at birth, these newborns have demonstrated accelerated maturation and upregulation of host defense immune functions suggesting a prenatal transplacental training of the innate immune system through maternal microbial exposure. This mechanism could possibly be utilized to help prevent both respiratory infections and asthma in young children. Human studies exploring the potential preventative effects of pregnancy bacterial lysate treatment on asthma and respiratory infections are lacking, however, this has been studied in experimental studies using mice through administrations of the bacterial lysate OM‐85. This review will present the current literature on the immunomodulatory effects relevant for respiratory infections and asthma in the offspring of mice treated with OM‐85 throughout pregnancy. Further, the review will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these effects. In conclusion, we found promising results of an accelerated immune competence and improved resistance to airway challenges as a result of prenatal bacterial lysate treatment that may pave the way for implementing this in human trials to prevent asthma and respiratory infections.
I believe I can fly… New implications for the mode of life and palaeoecology of the Late Triassic Ozimek volans based on its unique long bone histology
Authors: Konietzko‐Meier Dorota , Teschner Elżbieta M. , Tańczuk Agnieszka , Sander P. Martin
Published: June 2024

The small diapsid reptile Ozimek volans is one of the most enigmatic representatives of the Late Triassic fauna of Krasiejów, Poland. Phylogenetically, Ozimek was identified as a ‘protorosaurian’ related to tanystropheids, but the extremely elongated limbs and presumed gliding abilities are unusual for this group. This raises the question of whether the lifestyle inferred for this taxon is reflected in its bone histology.

Two long bones from a single bone association of Ozimek (humerus UOPB 1148a and femur UOPB 1148b) were sectioned at the midshaft to obtain details of the histological framework. A large medullary cavity, thin walls of lamellar bone with numerous lamellae, and only very few simple vascular canals are shared by both bones. Application of a modified 3‐front model (introducing a fourth front) of cortical growth reveals that the femur is ontogenetically younger when compared to the humerus.

Ozimek limb bones, with their small diameter, compact structure, low vascularization, no remodelling, and a lack of pneumaticity, are histologically similar to those of modern small bats. The characteristic cortex of both may have been well suited to withstand high loads while limiting weight. The well‐ordered collagen fibres in successive lamellae along the bone may be a key adaptation for the better distribution of the load generated during gliding. © 2024 The Palaeontological Association.
Successful endoscopic approach for peripheral neuroblastic tumors in children
Authors: Kawakubo Naonori , Maniwa Junnosuke , Irie Keiko , Tamaki Akihiko , Fukuta Atsuhisa , Souzaki Ryota , Obata Satoshi , Nagata Kouji , Matsuura Toshiharu , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: June 2024

Background

Recently, reports of endoscopic approaches for neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma (peripheral neuroblastic tumor; PNTs) have been increasing. This study aimed to clarify the indications for endoscopic surgery for PNTs.

Methods

Pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for PNTs at our institution were included in this study. Image‐defined risk factors (IDRFs) were analyzed using preoperative computed tomography (CT).

Results

Twenty‐four patients underwent endoscopic surgery for PNTs. The diagnoses included neuroblastoma (n = 11), ganglioneuroma (n = 10), and ganglioneuroblastoma (n = 3). Regarding the tumor site, there were 18 cases of adrenal tumors, five cases of mediastinal tumors, and one case of retroperitoneal tumors. Image‐defined risk factors were positive in eight cases (contacted with a renal vessel, n = 6; compression of principal bronchi, n = 2). Complete resection was accomplished in 21 cases (14 of 16 IDRF‐negative cases and seven of eight IDRF‐positive cases). All patients survived without recurrence during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

The CT findings of contact with renal vessels and compression of principal bronchi do not seem to be indicators of incomplete resection. An endoscopic approach to PNTs in pediatric patients is feasible with a good prognosis if patients are selected strictly.
Varicella‐Zoster Virus Reactivation After Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Single‐Center Experience of Acyclovir Prophylaxis
Authors: Arıcı Galip , Ince Elif , Ince Erdal , Ileri Talia , Ciftci Ergin , Dogu Figen , Ozdemir Halil , Cakmakli Hasan Fatih , Ertem Mehmet
Published: June 2024

Background

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is the most common infectious complication in the late posthematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) period and is reported as 16%–41%. Acyclovir prophylaxis is recommended for at least 1 year after HSCT to prevent VZV infections. However, studies on the most appropriate prophylaxis are ongoing in pediatric patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT between January 1, 1996 and January 1, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to outline the characteristics of VZV reactivation after allogeneic HSCT in pediatric patients using 6 months acyclovir prophylaxis.

Results

There were 260 patients and 273 HSCTs. Median age was 10.43 (0.47–18.38), and 56% was male. Median follow‐up was 2325 days (18–7579 days). VZV reactivation occurred in 21.2% (n = 58) at a median of 354 (55–3433) days post‐HSCT. The peak incidence was 6–12 months post‐HSCT (43.1%). Older age at HSCT, female gender, history of varicella infection, lack of varicella vaccination, low lymphocyte, CD4 count, and CD4/CD8 ratio at 9 and 12 months post‐HSCT was found as a significant risk for herpes zoster (HZ) in univariate analysis, whereas history of varicella infection and low CD4/CD8 ratio at 12 months post‐HSCT was an independent risk factor in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Tailoring acyclovir prophylaxis according to pre‐HCT varicella history, posttransplant CD4 T lymphocyte counts and functions, and ongoing immunosuppression may help to reduce HZ‐related morbidity and mortality.
Overview of transcriptome changes and phenomic profile of sanitized artichoke vis‐à‐vis non‐sanitized plants
Authors: Spanò R. , Petrozza A. , Summerer S. , Fortunato S. , de Pinto M. C. , Cellini F. , Mascia T.
Published: June 2024

Plant tissue in vitro culture is increasingly used in agriculture to improve crop production, nutritional quality, and commercial value. In plant virology, the technique is used as sanitation protocol to produce virus‐free plants. Sanitized (S) artichokes show increased vigour compared to their non‐sanitized (NS) counterparts, because viral infections lead to a decline of growth and development.

To investigate mechanisms that control the complex traits related to morphology, growth, and yield in S artichokes compared to NS plants, RNAseq analysis and phenotyping by imaging were used. The role of peroxidases (POD) was also investigated to understand their involvement in sanitized plant development.

Results showed that virus infection affected regulation of cell cycle, gene expression and signal transduction modulating cellular response to stimulus/stress. Moreover, primary metabolism and photosynthesis were also influenced, contributing to explain the main morphological differences observed between S and NS artichokes. Sanitized artichokes are also characterized by higher POD activity, probably associated with increased plant growth, rather than strengthening of cell walls.

Overall, results show that the differences in development of S artichokes may be derived from the in vitro culture stressor, as well as through pathogen elimination, which, in turn, improve qualitative and quantitative artichoke production.
Morphological diversity of the velamen radicum in the genus Anthurium (Araceae)
Authors: Tay J. Y. L. , Werner J. C. , Zotz G.
Published: June 2024

Epiphytes develop anatomical features to improve efficiency of the uptake of water and nutrients, such as absorptive foliar scales or a velamen radicum. Despite substantial studies on the occurrence, morphology, development and phylogeny of the velamen, most of the available literature is focused on Orchidaceae, making current knowledge on velamen clearly biased. A recent publication firmly established that velamina are common in Anthurium species. Thus, this study provides further insights by describing velamen morphological characteristics of Anthurium species and classifying them into different velamen types. Furthermore, we investigate if the different velamen morphological traits are clade‐specific and phylogenetically conserved within the genus.

Using SEM, we performed a morphological study on 89 Anthurium species, describing six micromorphological traits of velamen and exodermis, following traits used to classify Orchidaceae velamen by Porembski & Barthlott (1988).

We distinguished nine velamen types, including two that are unique to Anthurium and not similar to any type found in Orchidaceae. Comparing velamen morphology within the phylogenetic tree of Anthurium revealed clear phylogenetic signals.

This study provides detailed morphological descriptions among 89 species of Anthurium from the Araceae, and substantially broadens our knowledge of this tissue. However, velamen function has been even less studied, with hardly anything known about functional significance of having secondary cell wall thickening and perforations on velamen cell walls. Therefore, a logical next step would be to connect these anatomical features to their functions.
Nontarget effects of herbicides on annual forbs and seeded grass in the Great Basin, United States, are partially offset by planting depth and application rate
Authors: Shriver Laura C. , Tull John C. , Leger Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2024

Pre‐emergent herbicides can reduce the abundance of invasive annual plants, but they can also harm native plants, particularly annuals or perennial seedlings, including seeds planted during restoration. We assessed the effects of imazapic and indaziflam on invasive target and nontarget native plants in the Great Basin, a region with extensive invasive annual grasses. We tested nontarget effects on native annual forbs in an agricultural field previously used to grow native annual forbs, which contained a large seed bank. We seeded perennial grass (Elymus elymoides) at multiple depths to determine susceptibility and resistance. Herbicides were applied at full and reduced rates to mimic the effect of litter in natural systems. We observed reductions in most non‐native species in all treatments, but also extensive reductions of native annual forbs, although these were offset at lower application rates, and some species (e.g. Amsinckia tessellata and Microsteris gracilis) were less susceptible than others. Herbicides, particularly indaziflam, reduced E. elymoides emergence, but planting seeds at 2–3 cm depths improved emergence, particularly for imazapic, with 15–68% greater emergence than seeds planted at 1 cm. We suggest surveys for native annual forbs and resistant invaders before applying herbicides and field testing to determine whether reduced rates could provide weed control while maintaining annual forbs. We suggest planting E. elymoides at 2–3 cm when applying herbicides, an approach that may be effective for other species. Herbicide use can be an effective tool, but our results indicate that mitigation of nontarget effects will be needed to maintain native plant diversity.
Countryside, Borderlands, Nature—Public Art beyond the City☆
Authors: Izdebska Karolina
Published: June 2024

This article emphasizes several primary realms of contemporary artistic endeavors in public art, specifically those unfolding outside urban metropolises. I analyzed the examined practices in terms of their functions and goals, the forms they take, and the problematic areas they address. This allowed for identifying certain symptomatic areas of artistic activities; domains shaped by diverse perceptions of the Polish countryside and rural life. Some feature an exploration of folk beliefs, ritual practices, religiosity, liturgy, and a connection to the land and the rhythms of nature—an ethnographic trend. Others delve into themes associated with historical heritage and the legacy of serfdom (an emancipatory trend). Moreover, I identify a trend focused on the specificity of “borderlands” and an ecological trend. The analysis focuses on questions: How does public art manifest itself beyond urban areas, particularly in rural settings? What social functions does it serve? And what significance does the examination of artistic activities hold for advancing research in rural sociology? The main aim of the article is to transpose Polish public art practice into the realm of public art in rural studies.
Different contexts – different stories: Adolescents' experiences of how ethnicity is addressed in schools and sports and on social media in Sweden
Authors: Sandberg David J. , Berne Sofia , Hwang C. Philip , Frisén Ann
Published: June 2024

Ethnicity plays a significant role in adolescents' everyday lives, but there is a limited understanding of adolescents' own experiences with how ethnicity is addressed in different contexts. Three contexts of importance during adolescence are investigated in the present study: schools, social media, and sports. A closer contextual examination has the potential to provide insights into how multiple contexts shape experiences with ethnicity. The aim of the study was to understand more about adolescents' experiences of how ethnicity is addressed in schools, on social media, and in sports. Six focus groups with a total of 21 adolescents (Mage = 14.5, SDage = 0.5, female = 76%) discussed their experiences. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a close‐to‐data, inductive thematic analysis. The analysis resulted in three main themes and seven subthemes, indicating that ethnicity was addressed differently in the three studied contexts. For the main theme of how ethnicity was addressed in schools, the subthemes were: Addressing ethnicity is important; Ethnicity is addressed through stereotypes and Everyday racism. The main theme of ethnicity on social media consisted of two subthemes: Sharing ethnic and cultural narratives and Hateful remarks. The main theme of ethnicity in sports also consisted of two subthemes: On equal terms and Clear consequences for racist behaviors. To better understand the multiple contexts, the results are discussed guided by the ecological systems theory. The adolescents highlighted that there are many benefits of addressing ethnicity and that it is important to do so in multiple contexts of adolescent life, just not in the same way. When ethnicity was addressed carelessly, such as through stereotypes or via racism masked as jokes, it had the potential to cause harm. When ethnicity was addressed with reflection, it instead had the potential to build understanding, lead to positive experiences, and provide learning opportunities.
Everything for the people, but trust? Exploring the link between populist attitudes and social trust in Italy, Portugal, and Spain
Authors: Marcos‐Marne Hugo , Sendra Mariana
Published: June 2024

While it is largely unquestioned that populist individuals are more likely to distrust politics and politicians, the empirical association between populist attitudes and social trust is far less clear. In principle, the people‐centrist component of populism could trigger higher levels of social trust among individuals with stronger populist attitudes. Empirically, however, the relationship seems more complex and could be influenced by the boundaries of the group identified as ‘the people’. This paper examines this association using data from three South European countries: Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The main results show that stronger populist attitudes correlate with lower levels of generalized social trust but with higher levels of trust towards the group identified with ‘the people’. These results underline the conceptual consistence of populist attitudes and help to theorize about the effects of widespread populist attitudes.
Preservice secondary science and mathematics teachers' readiness to teach multilingual learners: An investigation across four teacher education programs
Authors: Carpenter Stacey L. , Meier Valerie , Moon Sungmin , Spina Alexis D. , Bianchini Julie A.
Published: June 2024

In this mixed methods study, we analyzed survey and interview data from 100 preservice secondary science and mathematics teachers enrolled in four teacher education programs (TEPs) to investigate their readiness to teach multilingual learners. We defined readiness as preservice teachers' sense of preparedness to teach multilingual learners and their understanding of effective multilingual learner instruction. We examined participants' self‐reported levels of preparedness, their understanding of effective multilingual learner instruction, and sources contributing to and/or limiting their readiness. We found that participants' readiness to teach multilingual learners significantly increased between the beginning and end of their TEPs. We also found that participants' understanding of effective multilingual learner instruction was significantly associated with a higher sense of preparedness. Furthermore, we found that participants enrolled in graduate TEPs reported higher levels of preparedness than participants enrolled in an undergraduate TEP. Likewise, participants whose first language was other than or in addition to English reported higher levels of preparedness. Finally, participants identified field placement experiences, personal and professional background, and coursework as factors contributing to their readiness to teach multilingual learners. We close with recommendations for teacher educators intent on helping preservice teachers better understand and implement effective instruction for multilingual learners.
Hofer–Zehnder capacity of disc tangent bundles of projective spaces
Authors: Bimmermann Johanna
Published: June 2024

We compute the Hofer–Zehnder capacity of disc tangent bundles of the complex and real projective spaces of any dimension. The disc bundle is taken with respect to the Fubini–Study resp. round metric, but we can obtain explicit bounds for any other metric. In the case of the complex projective space, we also compute the Hofer–Zehnder capacity for the magnetically twisted case, where the twist is proportional to the Fubini–Study form. For arbitrary twists, we can still give explicit upper bounds.
An Opinion on the Interpretation of Bone Turnover Markers Following Acute Exercise or Nutrition Intervention and Considerations for Applied Research
Authors: Hutson Mark J. , Varley Ian
Published: June 2024

It is important for athlete and public health that we continue to develop our understanding of the effects of exercise and nutrition on bone health. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) offer an opportunity to accelerate the progression of bone research by revealing a bone response to exercise and nutrition stimuli far more rapidly than current bone imaging techniques. However, the association between short-term change in the concentration of BTMs and long-term bone health remains ambiguous. Several other limitations also complicate the translation of acute BTM data to applied practice. Importantly, several incongruencies exist between the effects of exercise and nutrition stimuli on short-term change in BTM concentration compared with long-term bone structural outcomes to similar stimuli. There are many potential explanations for these inconsistencies, including that short-term study designs fail to encompass a full remodeling cycle. The current article presents the opinion that data from relatively acute studies measuring BTMs may not be able to reliably inform applied practice aiming to optimize bone health. There are important factors to consider when interpreting or translating BTM data and these are discussed.
Stability and Change in Sports Fandom Over Time: A Longitudinal Study of U.S. Women’s Professional Soccer Fandom
Authors: Allison Rachel , Kossakowski Radosław , Pope Stacey
Published: June 2024

Scholars have recognized that sports fandom is not static, but temporal and fluid. However, little longitudinal research has traced the development of fandom over time. This analysis makes a new contribution to the sociology of fandom and women’s sport by drawing from interviews with 35 U.S. adults who attended the 2019 Women’s World Cup and were reinterviewed after the 2023 Women’s World Cup to consider how and why fandom of U.S. women’s professional soccer develops over time. Findings show stability in high levels of identification but fluctuating practices. Themes of the life course and opportunity structure show the importance of individual and team/league changes to fans’ ability to engage in a range of behavioral expressions associated with their fandom and also account for the small number of participants whose attachment to women’s soccer waned. By offering new insights into the factors that shape (changing) fan attachments and practices, we advance knowledge about women’s sport fans at a time when women’s soccer is undergoing rapid change. Our findings can also inform future longitudinal work in other sport contexts.
“They Seem to Only Know About Bleeding and Cramps”: Menstruation, Gendered Experiences, and Coach–Athlete Relationships
Authors: Goorevich Anna , Zipp Sarah
Published: June 2024

Menstruation is a barrier to women’s sport participation through stigmas, silence, a lack of coach and athlete education, discomfort in communication, and risk of menstrual disorders, especially at nonelite levels. This study provides a qualitative and quantitative, poststructuralist feminist examination of the barriers and facilitators to positive coach–athlete communication and relationships around menstruation. The aim of the study is to create a gender-responsive model of coaching about menstruation. An online questionnaire was completed by 494 athletes aged 16 years or older. Utilizing poststructuralist feminist theory, qualitative and quantitative analysis highlighted women athletes’ experiences with menstruation, particularly surrounding coach–athlete communication. The results illustrated the heterogeneity of menstruation experiences, with athletes’ previous gendered experiences leading them to resist and/or uphold traditional, masculine-centric gender norms in sport. Most athletes experienced negative menstruation symptoms, but many did not speak with coaches about menstruation, highlighting menstruation’s current position as a siloed topic in sport, usually reserved just for women coaches. Athletes did not discuss menstruation due to discomfort, coach ignorance, menstruation stigmas, and fears of consequences. Athletes largely agreed coaches knowing and discussing menstruation would bring benefits, such as performance improvements, stronger coach–athlete relationships, and erasure of menstruation stigma. Overall, barriers to menstruation discussions include stigma, antagonism and pessimism, and maintenance of a masculine norm. A model of gender-responsive coaching around menstruation is proposed for coaches and sport organizations, which promotes integration and proactivity, tolerance and trust, and protection of athlete voice and agency.
Lactate transported by MCT1 plays an active role in promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and enhancing TCA flux in skeletal muscle
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Xin Chenhao , Wang Shuo , Zhuo Shixuan , Zhu Jing , Li Zi , Liu Yuyi , Yang Lifeng , Chen Yan
Published: June 2024

Once considered as a “metabolic waste,” lactate is now recognized as a major fuel for tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Our metabolic flux analysis reveals that skeletal muscle mainly uses lactate to fuel TCA cycle. Lactate is transported through the cell membrane via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in which MCT1 is highly expressed in the muscle. We analyzed how MCT1 affects muscle functions using mice with specific deletion of MCT1 in skeletal muscle. MCT1 deletion enhances running performance, increases oxidative fibers while decreasing glycolytic fibers, and enhances flux of glucose to TCA cycle. MCT1 deficiency increases the expression of mitochondrial proteins, augments cell respiration rate, and elevates mitochondrial activity in the muscle. Mechanistically, the protein level of PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is elevated upon loss of MCT1 via increases in cellular NAD
+
level and SIRT1 activity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that MCT1-mediated lactate shuttle plays a key role in regulating muscle functions by modulating mitochondrial biogenesis and TCA flux.
Attosecond chronoscopy of the photoemission near a bandgap of a single-element layered dielectric
Authors: Potamianos Dionysios , Schnitzenbaumer Maximilian , Lemell Christoph , Scigalla Pascal , Libisch Florian , Schock-Schmidtke Eckhard , Haimerl Michael , Schröder Christian , Schäffer Martin , Küchle Johannes T. , Riemensberger Johann , Eberle Karl , Cui Yang , Kleineberg Ulf , Burgdörfer Joachim , Barth Johannes V. , Feulner Peter , Allegretti Francesco , Kienberger Reinhard
Published: June 2024

We report on the energy dependence of the photoemission time delay from the single-element layered dielectric HOPG (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite). This system offers the unique opportunity to directly observe the Eisenbud-Wigner-Smith (EWS) time delays related to the bulk electronic band structure without being strongly perturbed by ubiquitous effects of transport, screening, and multiple scattering. We find the experimental streaking time shifts to be sensitive to the modulation of the density of states in the high-energy region (
E
≈ 100 eV) of the band structure. The present attosecond chronoscopy experiments reveal an energy-dependent increase of the photoemission time delay when the final state energy of the excited electrons lies in the vicinity of the bandgap providing information difficult to access by conventional spectroscopy. Accompanying simulations further corroborate our interpretation.
Kirigami enabled reconfigurable three-dimensional evaporator arrays for dynamic solar tracking and high efficiency desalination
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Weixin , Liao Xi , Xu Lizhi
Published: June 2024

A kirigami-engineered composite hydrogel membrane is exploited for the construction of three dimensional (3D) solar-tracking evaporator arrays with outstanding evaporation performance and salt tolerance. The hybrid nanofiber network in the hydrogel membrane offers favorable water transport dynamics combined with excellent structural robustness, which are beneficial for the engineering of 3D dynamic structures. Periodic triangular cuts patterned into the membrane allow formation and reconfiguration of 3D conical arrays controlled by uniaxial stretching. With these structures, the tilt angles of the membrane surface are actively tuned to follow the solar trajectory, leading to a solar evaporation rate ~80% higher than that of static planar devices. Furthermore, the tapered 3D flaps and their micro-structured surfaces are capable of localized salt crystallization for prolonged solar desalination, enabling a stable evaporation rate of 3.4 kg m
−2
hour
−1
even in saturated brine. This versatile design may facilitate the implementation of solar evaporators for desalination and provide inspirations for other soft functional devices with dynamic 3D configurations.
SimPLE, a visuotactile method learned in simulation to precisely pick, localize, regrasp, and place objects
Authors: Bauza Maria , Bronars Antonia , Hou Yifan , Taylor Ian , Chavan-Dafle Nikhil , Rodriguez Alberto
Published: June 2024

Existing robotic systems have a tension between generality and precision. Deployed solutions for robotic manipulation tend to fall into the paradigm of one robot solving a single task, lacking “precise generalization,” or the ability to solve many tasks without compromising on precision. This paper explores solutions for precise and general pick and place. In precise pick and place, or kitting, the robot transforms an unstructured arrangement of objects into an organized arrangement, which can facilitate further manipulation. We propose SimPLE (Simulation to Pick Localize and placE) as a solution to precise pick and place. SimPLE learns to pick, regrasp, and place objects given the object’s computer-aided design model and no prior experience. We developed three main components: task-aware grasping, visuotactile perception, and regrasp planning. Task-aware grasping computes affordances of grasps that are stable, observable, and favorable to placing. The visuotactile perception model relies on matching real observations against a set of simulated ones through supervised learning to estimate a distribution of likely object poses. Last, we computed a multistep pick-and-place plan by solving a shortest-path problem on a graph of hand-to-hand regrasps. On a dual-arm robot equipped with visuotactile sensing, SimPLE demonstrated pick and place of 15 diverse objects. The objects spanned a wide range of shapes, and SimPLE achieved successful placements into structured arrangements with 1-mm clearance more than 90% of the time for six objects and more than 80% of the time for 11 objects.
Biohybrid microrobots regulate colonic cytokines and the epithelium barrier in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Li Zhengxing , Duan Yaou , Zhang Fangyu , Luan Hao , Shen Wei-Ting , Yu Yiyan , Xian Nianfei , Guo Zhongyuan , Zhang Edward , Yin Lu , Fang Ronnie H. , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph
Published: June 2024

Cytokines have been identified as key contributors to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet conventional treatments often prove inadequate and carry substantial side effects. Here, we present an innovative biohybrid robotic system, termed “algae-MΦNP-robot,” for addressing IBD by actively neutralizing colonic cytokine levels. Our approach combines moving green microalgae with macrophage membrane–coated nanoparticles (MΦNPs) to efficiently capture proinflammatory cytokines “on the fly.” The dynamic algae-MΦNP-robots outperformed static counterparts by enhancing cytokine removal through continuous movement, better distribution, and extended retention in the colon. This system is encapsulated in an oral capsule, which shields it from gastric acidity and ensures functionality upon reaching the targeted disease site. The resulting algae-MΦNP-robot capsule effectively regulated cytokine levels, facilitating the healing of damaged epithelial barriers. It showed markedly improved prevention and treatment efficacy in a mouse model of IBD and demonstrated an excellent biosafety profile. Overall, our biohybrid algae-MΦNP-robot system offers a promising and efficient solution for IBD, addressing cytokine-related inflammation effectively.
Proteomic analysis of Alzheimer’s disease cerebrospinal fluid reveals alterations associated with
APOE
ε4 and atomoxetine treatment
Authors: Dammer Eric B. , Shantaraman Anantharaman , Ping Lingyan , Duong Duc M. , Gerasimov Ekaterina S. , Ravindran Suda Parimala , Gudmundsdottir Valborg , Frick Elisabet A. , Gomez Gabriela T. , Walker Keenan A. , Emilsson Valur , Jennings Lori L. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Western Daniel , Cruchaga Carlos , Lah James J. , Wingo Thomas S. , Wingo Aliza P. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Levey Allan I. , Johnson Erik C. B.
Published: June 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently defined by the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins in the brain. Although biofluid biomarkers are available to measure Aβ and tau pathology, few markers are available to measure the complex pathophysiology that is associated with these two cardinal neuropathologies. Here, we characterized the proteomic landscape of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes associated with Aβ and tau pathology in 300 individuals using two different proteomic technologies—tandem mass tag mass spectrometry and SomaScan. Integration of both data types allowed for generation of a robust protein coexpression network consisting of 34 modules derived from 5242 protein measurements, including disease-relevant modules associated with autophagy, ubiquitination, endocytosis, and glycolysis. Three modules strongly associated with the apolipoprotein E ε4 (
APOE
ε4) AD risk genotype mapped to oxidant detoxification, mitogen-associated protein kinase signaling, neddylation, and mitochondrial biology and overlapped with a previously described lipoprotein module in serum. Alterations of all three modules in blood were associated with dementia more than 20 years before diagnosis. Analysis of CSF samples from an AD phase 2 clinical trial of atomoxetine (ATX) demonstrated that abnormal elevations in the glycolysis CSF module—the network module most strongly correlated to cognitive function—were reduced by ATX treatment. Clustering of individuals based on their CSF proteomic profiles revealed heterogeneity of pathological changes not fully reflected by Aβ and tau.
Coordinated adaptation of
Staphylococcus aureus
to calprotectin-dependent metal sequestration
Authors: Reyes Ruiz Valeria M. , Freiberg Jeffrey A. , Weiss Andy , Green Erin R. , Jobson Mary-Elizabeth , Felton Emily , Shaw Lindsey N. , Chazin Walter J. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: June 2024

The host protein calprotectin inhibits the growth of a variety of bacterial pathogens through metal sequestration in a process known as “nutritional immunity.”
Staphylococcus aureus
growth is inhibited by calprotectin
in vitro
, and calprotectin is localized
in vivo
to staphylococcal abscesses during infection. However, the staphylococcal adaptations that provide defense against nutritional immunity and the role of metal-responsive regulators are not fully characterized. In this work, we define the transcriptional response of
S. aureus
and the role of the metal-responsive regulators, Zur, Fur, and MntR, in response to metal limitation by calprotectin exposure. Additionally, we identified genes affecting the fitness of
S. aureus
during metal limitation through a Transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) approach. Loss of function mutations in
clpP
, which encodes a proteolytic subunit of the ATP-dependent Clp protease, demonstrate reduced fitness of
S. aureus
to the presence of calprotectin. ClpP contributes to pathogenesis
in vivo
in a calprotectin-dependent manner. These studies establish a critical role for ClpP to combat metal limitation by calprotectin and reveal the genes required for
S. aureus
to outcompete the host for metals.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis. Antibiotic treatment failures during
S. aureus
infections are increasingly prevalent, highlighting the need for novel antimicrobial agents. Metal chelator-based therapeutics have tremendous potential as antimicrobials due to the strict requirement for nutrient metals exhibited by bacterial pathogens. The high-affinity transition metal-binding properties of calprotectin represents a potential therapeutic strategy that functions through metal chelation. Our studies provide a foundation to define mechanisms by which
S. aureus
combats nutritional immunity and may be useful for the development of novel therapeutics to counter the ability of
S. aureus
to survive in a metal-limited environment.
Pangenome reconstruction of
Lactobacillaceae
metabolism predicts species-specific metabolic traits
Authors: Ardalani O. , Phaneuf P. V. , Mohite O. S. , Nielsen L. K. , Palsson B. O.
Published: June 2024

Strains across the
Lactobacillaceae
family form the basis for a trillion-dollar industry. Our understanding of the genomic basis for their key traits is fragmented, however, including the metabolism that is foundational to their industrial uses. Pangenome analysis of publicly available
Lactobacillaceae
genomes allowed us to generate genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions for 26 species of industrial importance. Their manual curation led to more than 75,000 gene-protein-reaction associations that were deployed to generate 2,446 genome-scale metabolic models. Cross-referencing genomes and known metabolic traits allowed for manual metabolic network curation and validation of the metabolic models. As a result, we provide the first pangenomic basis for metabolism in the
Lactobacillaceae
family and a collection of predictive computational metabolic models that enable a variety of practical uses.

IMPORTANCE

Lactobacillaceae
, a bacterial family foundational to a trillion-dollar industry, is increasingly relevant to biosustainability initiatives. Our study, leveraging approximately 2,400 genome sequences, provides a pangenomic analysis of
Lactobacillaceae
metabolism, creating over 2,400 curated and validated genome-scale models (GEMs). These GEMs successfully predict (i) unique, species-specific metabolic reactions; (ii) niche-enriched reactions that increase organism fitness; (iii) essential media components, offering insights into the global amino acid essentiality of
Lactobacillaceae
; and (iv) fermentation capabilities across the family, shedding light on the metabolic basis of
Lactobacillaceae
-based commercial products. This quantitative understanding of
Lactobacillaceae
metabolic properties and their genomic basis will have profound implications for the food industry and biosustainability, offering new insights and tools for strain selection and manipulation.
Surgical fixation of traumatic sternal manubrium dislocation and right-sided rib fractures following a motorcycle accident
Authors: Cassimatis Nicholas Dean , Rifai Yasmine , Sharma Rishi , Diroma Frank
Published: June 2024

This brief report discusses the diagnosis, management and surgical intervention of a man in his 30s presenting with a rare traumatic sternal manubrium dislocation following a motorcycle crash, accompanied by multiple concomitant rib fractures. The severity and complexity of the patient’s injuries necessitated an operative approach for his sternomanubrial dislocation, emphasising the importance of multidisciplinary coordination, accurate diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention. The report provides valuable insights into the successful application of open reduction and internal fixation with plating in a real-world setting, which resulted in positive patient outcomes, despite the rarity and severity of this type of trauma. It further underscores the need for additional research to advance best practices for managing traumatic sternal manubrium dislocations in the context of high-impact injuries.
Management of an extensive soft tissue deficiency prior to immediate implant in the aesthetic zone: a 4-year follow-up
Authors: Villa-Campos Oswaldo , Reis Isabella Neme Ribeiro dos , César-Neto João Batista , Romito Giuseppe Alexandre
Published: June 2024

Soft tissue deficiency in a tooth extraction site in the aesthetic area is a common and challenging clinical situation. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of extensive gingival recession and buccal bone dehiscence associated with a hopeless tooth. Initially, a connective tissue graft was used to cover the root and thicken the soft tissue. After 2 months, the tooth was extracted, an implant was immediately placed, and a temporary restoration was installed. After 3 months, the soft tissue exhibited a natural and harmonious architecture. A custom zirconia abutment and crown were then fabricated and placed. At the 4-year follow-up, the peri-implant tissue displayed satisfactory aesthetics, with a well-structured buccal bone plate and healthy peri-implant indicators. This two-stage approach, addressing gingival recession first and proceeding with immediate implant placement after soft tissue healing, proved to be a safe and effective method with stable long-term results.