bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of primary care professionals regarding community activities: a descriptive study
Authors: Mosteiro-Miguéns Diego G , Zapata-Cachafeiro Maruxa , Novío Silvia , Vieito-Pérez Natalia , Alfonso-González Tania , Rodríguez-Fernández Almudena
Published: October 2024

Background

Promoting health via a community approach is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the current incidence of chronic diseases. Primary care (PC), through the implementation of community activities (CA), has the potential to achieve this goal. Yet the implementation of CA at health centers is not standardized and is often thanks only to the voluntariness of health professionals.

Objective

To ascertain the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PC professionals regarding the implementation of CA.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study by circulating a self-administered online questionnaire on CA, across the period December 2022 through June 2023 in Galicia (Spain). All health professionals working in the Galician Health Service PC setting were invited to participate.

Results

A total of 521 health professionals participated in the study. They included all types of PC health professionals (physicians, general and specialist nurses -midwives, pediatrics, family and community, mental health- and social workers), including residents in training. Only 14.8% and 12.5% of professionals correctly identified CAs and social prescription (SPr) interventions, respectively. Furthermore, 93.9% recognized that the development of CA in health centers was deficient. Despite this, 76.5% showed a good attitude toward participation in CA.

Conclusions

PC professionals find it difficult to identify CA and SPr interventions. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the training of these professionals in the implementation of CA with a view to enhancing population health, reducing the incidence of chronic diseases, and helping lessen the healthcare burden of the health system.
PePalA/B/C are required for virulence and patulin biosynthesis by regulating the PePacC-processing proteolytic activity in Penicillium expansum
Authors: He Xinghui , Chen Yong , Tian Shiping , Li Boqiang
Published: October 2024

Background

The Pal/Rim signaling pathway is crucial for fungal responses to ambient pH conditions. It comprises the transcription factor PacC/Rim101 and six upstream peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (Pal) proteins. While the role of PacC has been extensively studied, there is limited information on the functions of the upstream Pal proteins.

Results

In the genome of Penicillium expansum, genes encoding the endosomal membrane complex (PalA/B/C) were identified. Among these, only the expression of PePalB, not PePalA or PePalC, is pH-dependent. Subcellular localization and functional analyses showed that PePalA/B/C are localized to the cytosol and peripheral punctate structures. Deletion of PePalA/B/C resulted in reduced growth and conidiation of P. expansum across various pH conditions. The virulence of the ΔPePalA/B/C mutant was significantly reduced in pear and apple fruits. Additionally, the mutants exhibited a loss of patulin production under both acidic and alkaline conditions and the downregulation of genes in the patulin biosynthetic cluster. pH shift experiments further demonstrated that PePalA/B/C are essential for both the PePacC expression and the pH-dependent proteolytic activation of PePacC.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the significant roles of PePalA/B/C in regulating growth, conidiation, virulence, and patulin production in P. expansum, thereby enhancing our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the Pal/Rim signaling pathway.
Cooperation of Wnt/β-catenin and Dll1-mediated Notch pathway in Lgr5-positive intestinal stem cells regulates the mucosal injury and repair in DSS-induced colitis mice model
Authors: Ou Weijun , Xu Weimin , Wang Yaosheng , Hua Zhebin , Ding Wenjun , Cui Long , Du Peng
Published: October 2024

Background

Lgr5-positive cells located in the basal layer of crypts have self-regenerative and proliferative differentiation potentials of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), maintaining a balance of regeneration–repair in mucosal epithelium. However, the mechanisms of mucosal repair that are regulated by ISCs in ulcerative colitis (UC) remain unclear.

Method

Colon tissues from patients with UC were collected to test β-catenin and Notch1 expression by using Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). β-cateninfl/fl mice, β-cateninTg mice, and Dll1tm1 Gos mice were used to cross with Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-creERT2 mice to generate mice of different genotypes, altering the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and Dll1-mediated Notch signaling in ISCs in vivo. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce a colitis mice model. Intestinal organoids were isolated and cultured to observe the proliferation and differentiation levels of ISCs.

Result

β-catenin and Notch1 expression were significantly increased in the inflamed colon tissues from patients with UC. Wnt/β-catenin activation and Dll1-mediated Notch pathway inhibition in Lgr5-positive stem cells promoted the expressions of E-cadherin, CK20, and CHGA in colonic organoids and epithelium, implying the promotion of colonic epithelial integrity. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin and suppression of Dll1-mediated Notch pathway in Lgr5-positive ISCs alleviated the DSS-induced intestinal mucosal inflammation in mice.

Conclusions

Lgr5-positive ISCs are characterized by self-renewal and high dividend potential, which play an important role in the injury and repair of intestinal mucosa. More importantly, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway cooperates with the Notch signaling pathway to maintain the function of the Lgr5-positive ISCs.
A chromosome-level genome assembly for the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), a reptile model for physiological and evolutionary ecology
Authors: Westfall Aundrea K , Telemeco Rory S , Grizante Mariana B , Waits Damien S , Clark Amanda D , Simpson Dasia Y , Klabacka Randy L , Sullivan Alexis P , Perry George H , Sears Michael W , Cox Christian L , Cox Robert M , Gifford Matthew E , John-Alder Henry B , Langkilde Tracy , Angilletta Michael J , Leaché Adam D , Tollis Marc , Kusumi Kenro , Schwartz Tonia S
Published: October 2024

Background

High-quality genomic resources facilitate investigations into behavioral ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations, and the evolution of genomic architecture. Lizards in the genus Sceloporus have a long history as important ecological, evolutionary, and physiological models, making them a valuable target for the development of genomic resources.

Findings

We present a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly, SceUnd1.0 (using 10X Genomics Chromium, HiC, and Pacific Biosciences data), and tissue/developmental stage transcriptomes for the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus. We performed synteny analysis with other snake and lizard assemblies to identify broad patterns of chromosome evolution including the fusion of micro- and macrochromosomes. We also used this new assembly to provide improved reference-based genome assemblies for 34 additional Sceloporus species. Finally, we used RNAseq and whole-genome resequencing data to compare 3 assemblies, each representing an increased level of cost and effort: Supernova Assembly with data from 10X Genomics Chromium, HiRise Assembly that added data from HiC, and PBJelly Assembly that added data from Pacific Biosciences sequencing. We found that the Supernova Assembly contained the full genome and was a suitable reference for RNAseq and single-nucleotide polymorphism calling, but the chromosome-level scaffolds provided by the addition of HiC data allowed synteny and whole-genome association mapping analyses. The subsequent addition of PacBio data doubled the contig N50 but provided negligible gains in scaffold length.

Conclusions

These new genomic resources provide valuable tools for advanced molecular analysis of an organism that has become a model in physiology and evolutionary ecology.
Comments of the GRUR Committee for Design Law on the Request for a Preliminary Ruling in Case C-211/24 – LEGO A/S v. Pozitív Energiaforrás Kft
Authors: Hartwig Henning , Nilgen Oliver
Published: October 2024

The German Association for Intellectual Property Law (hereinafter the ‘GRUR Association’), established in 1891, is a recognized non-profit scientific association of members of all professional groups and organizations active in the field of intellectual property law; these are, in particular, academics, judges, civil servants, lawyers, patent attorneys and representatives of associations and companies. The GRUR Committee for Design Law (hereinafter the ‘GRUR Committee’) has been established to determine the positions of the GRUR Association and is made up of design law experts from academia, the judiciary, the legal profession and industry. No member of the GRUR Association or the GRUR Committee who participated in or was involved in the proceedings prior to the request for a preliminary ruling participated in the present comments. The same is true for any member who is a party or participant in the proceedings. Participation in comments is reserved exclusively to members of the GRUR Association.
Medigap-guaranteed issue associated with Medicare Advantage disenrollment for beneficiaries administered a part B drug
Authors: Liu Angela , Pittman David , Anderson Gerard , Xu Jianhui
Published: October 2024

While many Medicare beneficiaries are enrolling in Medicare Advantage (MA), some beneficiaries may want to return to traditional Medicare and purchase Medigap, especially beneficiaries who have greater medical needs. Beyond minimal federal regulations, states impose additional regulations that impact Medigap affordability. Beneficiaries in some states have greater difficulty obtaining Medigap coverage because the states where they live allow Medigap insurers to experience rate the beneficiary, which can make Medigap insurance prohibitively expensive. We examined beneficiaries who received physician-administered drugs, which can be expensive and subject to high cost sharing, to see if disenrollment from MA for these beneficiaries was greater in states with Medigap consumer protection policy levels. In 2020, we find a 1.0% average baseline average probability of MA disenrollment. For beneficiaries who received a physician-administered drug in our sample, the probability of MA disenrollment is 3.7 (95% CI, 2.6-4.8; P < .001) percentage points higher in Medigap-guaranteed issue states compared with states with no protections. We find a greater association between MA disenrollment and Medigap protection policies with higher cost drugs. These findings suggest that beneficiaries who receive a high-volume and high-spending physician-administered drug are more likely to disenroll from MA back to traditional Medicare when Medigap is more affordable.
Density of the Free Additive Convolution of Multi-cut Measures
Authors: Moreillon Philippe
Published: October 2024

We consider the free additive convolution semigroup $\lbrace \mu ^{\boxplus t}:\,t\ge 1\rbrace $ and determine the local behavior of the density of $\mu ^{\boxplus t}$ at the endpoints and at any singular point of its support. We then study the free additive convolution of two multi-cut probability measures and show that its density decays either as a square root or as a cubic root at any endpoint of its support. The probability measures considered in this paper satisfy a power law behavior with exponents strictly between $-1$ and $1$ at the endpoints of their supports.
Identifying and quantifying the contribution of maize plant traits to nitrogen uptake and use through plant modelling
Authors: Lu Jie , Stomph Tjeerd Jan , Mi Guohua , Yuan Lixing , Evers Jochem
Published: October 2024

Breeding for high nitrogen-use efficient crops can contribute to maintaining or even increasing yield with less nitrogen. Nitrogen use is co-determined by N uptake and physiological use efficiency (PE, biomass per unit of N taken up), to which soil processes as well as plant architectural, physiological and developmental traits contribute. The relative contribution of these crop traits to N use is not well known but relevant to identify breeding targets in important crop species like maize. To quantify the contribution of component plant traits to maize N uptake and use, we used a functional-structural plant model. We evaluated the effect of varying both shoot and root traits on crop N uptake across a range of nitrogen levels. Root architectural traits were found to play a more important role in root N uptake than physiological traits. Phyllochron determined the structure of the shoot through changes in source: sink ratio over time which, in interaction with light and temperature, resulted in a significant effect on PE and N uptake. Photosynthesis traits were more relevant to biomass accumulation rather than yield, especially under high nitrogen conditions. The traits identified in this study are potential targets in maize breeding for improved crop N uptake and use.
Introduction into natural environments shifts the gut microbiome of captivity-raised filter-feeding bivalves
Authors: Vaughn Stephanie N , Hopper Garrett W , González Irene Sánchez , Bucholz Jamie R , Garrick Ryan C , Lozier Jeffrey D , Johnson Paul D , Atkinson Carla L , Jackson Colin R
Published: October 2024

The gut microbiome is influenced by host species and the environment, but how the environment influences the microbiome of animals introduced into a new ecosystem has rarely been investigated. Freshwater mussels are aquatic fauna, with some threatened or endangered species propagated in hatcheries and introduced into natural systems as part of conservation efforts. The effects of the environment on the freshwater mussel gut microbiome were assessed for two hatchery-propagated species (Lampsilis ovata, Lampsilis ornata) introduced into rivers within their natural range. Mussels were placed in rivers for 8 weeks, after which one subset was collected, another subset remained in that river, and a third subset was reciprocally transplanted to another river in the same river basin for a further 8 weeks. Gut microbiome composition and diversity were characterized for all mussels. After the initial 8 weeks, mussels showed increased gut bacterial species richness and distinct community composition compared to hatchery mussels, but gut microbiome diversity then decreased for mussels that remained in the same river for all 16 weeks. The gut bacterial community of mussels transplanted between rivers shifted to resemble that of mussels placed initially into the recipient river and that remained there for the whole study. All mussels showed high proportions of Firmicutes in their gut microbiome after 8 weeks, suggesting an essential role of this phylum in the gut of Lampsilis species. These findings show that the mussel gut microbiome shifts in response to new environments and provide insights into conservation strategies that involve species reintroductions.
Quantifying interstellar extinction at high Galactic latitudes
Authors: O’Callaghan Matthew , Gilmore Gerry , Mandel Kaisey S
Published: October 2024

A detailed map of the distribution of dust at high Galactic latitudes is essential for future cosmic microwave background polarization experiments because the dust, while diffuse, remains a significant foreground in these regions. We develop a Bayesian model to identify a region of the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram suited to constrain the single-star extinction accurately at high Galactic latitudes. Using photometry from Gaia, 2MASS (Two Micron All-Sky Survey), and AllWISE, and parallax from Gaia, we employ nested sampling to fit the model to the data and analyse the posterior over stellar parameters for both synthetic and real data. Charting low variations in extinction is complex due to systematic errors and degeneracies between extinction and other stellar parameters. The systematic errors can be minimized by restricting our data to a region of the HR diagram where the stellar models are most accurate. Moreover, the degeneracies can be reduced by including astrophysical priors and spectroscopic constraints. We show that accounting for the measurement error of the data and the assumed inaccuracies of the stellar models are critical in accurately recovering small variations in extinction. We compare the posterior distribution for individual stars with spectroscopic stellar parameter estimates from the LAMOST (Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope) and Gaia ESO and illustrate the importance of estimating extinction and effective temperature as a joint solution.
Improving DM estimates using low-frequency scatter-broadening estimates
Authors: Singha Jaikhomba , Joshi Bhal Chandra , Krishnakumar M A , Kareem Fazal , Bathula Adarsh , Dwivedi Churchil , Jacob Shebin Jose , Desai Shantanu , Tarafdar Pratik , Arumugam P , Arumugam Swetha , Bagchi Manjari , Batra Neelam Dhanda , Dandapat Subhajit , Deb Debabrata , Debnath Jyotijwal , Gopakumar A , Gupta Yashwant , Hisano Shinnosuke , Kato Ryo , Kikunaga Tomonosuke , Marmat Piyush , Nobleson K , Paladi Avinash K , B. Arul Pandian , Prabu Thiagaraj , Rana Prerna , Srivastava Aman , Surnis Mayuresh , Susobhanan Abhimanyu , Takahashi Keitaro
Published: October 2024

A pulsar’s pulse profile gets broadened at low frequencies due to dispersion along the line of sight or due to multipath propagation. The dynamic nature of the interstellar medium makes both of these effects time-dependent and introduces slowly varying time delays in the measured times-of-arrival similar to those introduced by passing gravitational waves. In this article, we present an improved method to correct for such delays by obtaining unbiased dispersion measure (DM) measurements by using low-frequency estimates of the scattering parameters. We evaluate this method by comparing the obtained DM estimates with those, where scatter-broadening is ignored using simulated data. A bias is seen in the estimated DMs for simulated data with pulse-broadening with a larger variability for a data set with a variable frequency scaling index, $\alpha$, as compared to that assuming a Kolmogorov turbulence. Application of the proposed method removes this bias robustly for data with band averaged signal-to-noise ratio larger than 100. We report the measurements of the scatter-broadening time and $\alpha$ from analysis of PSR J1643$-$1224, observed with upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope as part of the Indian Pulsar Timing Array experiment. These scattering parameters were found to vary with epoch and $\alpha$ was different from that expected for Kolmogorov turbulence. Finally, we present the DM time-series after application of this technique to PSR J1643$-$1224.
Enhanced extra mixing in low-mass stars approaching the RGB tip and the problem of Li-rich red-clump stars
Authors: Denissenkov Pavel A , Blouin Simon , Herwig Falk , Stott Jacob , Woodward Paul R
Published: October 2024

A few per cent of red giants are enriched in lithium with $A(\mathrm{Li}) \gt 1.5$. Their evolutionary status has remained uncertain because these Li-rich giants can be placed both on the red giant branch (RGB) near the bump luminosity and in the red clump (RC) region. However, thanks to asteroseismology, it has been found that most of them are actually RC stars. Starting at the bump luminosity, RGB progenitors of the RC stars experience extra mixing in the radiative zone separating the H-burning shell from the convective envelope followed by a series of convective He-shell flashes at the RGB tip, known as the He-core flash. The He-core flash was proposed to cause fast extra mixing in the stars at the RGB tip that is needed for the Cameron–Fowler mechanism to produce Li. We propose that the RGB stars are getting enriched in Li by the RGB extra mixing that is getting enhanced and begins to produce Li, instead of destroying it, when the stars are approaching the RGB tip. After a discussion of several mechanisms of the RGB extra mixing, including the joint operation of rotation-driven meridional circulation and turbulent diffusion, the azimuthal magnetorotational instability (AMRI), thermohaline convection, buoyancy of magnetic flux tubes, and internal gravity waves, and based on results of (magneto-) hydrodynamics simulations and asteroseismology observations, we are inclined to conclude that it is the mechanism of the AMRI or magnetically enhanced thermohaline convection, that is most likely to support our hypothesis.
apostle–auriga: effects of stellar feedback subgrid models on the evolution of angular momentum in disc galaxies
Authors: Yang Hang , Liao Shihong , Fattahi Azadeh , Frenk Carlos S , Gao Liang , Guo Qi , Shao Shi , Wang Lan , Wright Ruby J , Zeng Guangquan
Published: October 2024

Utilizing the apostle–auriga simulations, which start from the same zoom-in initial conditions of Local Group-like systems, but run with different galaxy formation subgrid models and hydrodynamic solvers, we study the impact of stellar feedback models on the evolution of angular momentum in disc galaxies. At $z = 0$, auriga disc galaxies tend to exhibit higher specific angular momenta compared to their cross-matched apostle counterparts. By tracing the evolution history of the Lagrangian mass tracers of the in-situ star particles in the $z = 0$ galaxies, we find that the specific angular momentum distributions of the gas tracers from the two simulations at the halo accretion time are relatively similar. The present-day angular momentum difference is mainly driven by the physical processes occurring inside dark matter haloes, especially galactic fountains. Due to the different subgrid implementations of stellar feedback processes, auriga galaxies contain a high fraction of gas that has gone through recycled fountain (${\sim } 65$ per cent) which could acquire angular momentum through mixing with the high angular momentum circumgalactic medium (CGM). In apostle, however, the fraction of gas that has undergone the recycled fountain process is significantly lower (down to ${\sim } 20$ per cent for Milky Way-sized galaxies) and the angular momentum acquisition from the CGM is marginal. As a result, the present-day auriga galaxies overall have higher specific angular momenta.
Constraining accreted neutron star crust shallow heating with the inferred depth of carbon ignition in X-ray superbursts
Authors: Meisel Zach
Published: October 2024

Evidence has accumulated for an as-yet unaccounted for source of heat located at shallow depths within the accreted neutron star crust. However, the nature of this heat source is unknown. I demonstrate that the inferred depth of carbon ignition in X-ray superbursts can be used as an additional constraint for the magnitude and depth of shallow heating. The inferred shallow heating properties are relatively insensitive to the assumed crust composition and carbon fusion reaction rate. For low-accretion rates, the results are weakly dependent on the duration of the accretion outburst, so long as accretion has ensued for enough time to replace the ocean down to the superburst ignition depth. For accretion rates at the Eddington rate, results show a stronger dependence on the outburst duration. Consistent with earlier work, it is shown that urca cooling does not impact the calculated superburst ignition depth unless there is some proximity in depth between the heating and cooling sources.
Anaphylaxis and prolonged allergic reactions caused by intra-articular injection of diclofenac etalhyaluronate in knee osteoarthritis: A case report
Authors: Takeshige Tomohito , Koyama Ryo , Hotchi Yuta , Kawai Kenji , Kohmaru Makiko , Akimoto Takashi , Watanabe Junko , Yae Toshifumi , Kido Kenji , Sugita Manabu , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: October 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition. The treatment of knee OA aims to improve the quality of life and clinical symptoms, mainly knee pain. To develop a new treatment option, diclofenac etalhyaluronate (ONO-5704/SI-613; trade name: JOYCLU) was developed. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects have been demonstrated. Conversely, adverse events have also been reported. Here, we report the case of a 71-year-old female who presented with anaphylaxis and prolonged allergic reactions after an intra-articular injection of JOYCLU. A basophil activation test (BAT) was performed to determine the cause of the anaphylaxis. BAT showed no positive findings. As the incidence of knee OA increases, the number of cases of JOYCLU use is expected to grow; therefore, careful administration is required. In this case, the cause was unknown by BAT. Thus, further development of appropriate testing methods is necessary. Intra-articular allergic reactions in knee OA may be modified and worsened besides normal allergic reactions; therefore, caution is required.
Network-based modelling reveals cell-type enriched patterns of non-coding RNA regulation during human skeletal muscle remodelling
Authors: Mcleod Jonathan C , Lim Changhyun , Stokes Tanner , Sharif Jalil-Ahmad , Zeynalli Vagif , Wiens Lucas , D’Souza Alysha C , Colenso-Semple Lauren , McKendry James , Morton Robert W , Mitchell Cameron J , Oikawa Sara Y , Wahlestedt Claes , Chapple J Paul , McGlory Chris , Timmons James A , Phillips Stuart M
Published: October 2024

A majority of human genes produce non-protein-coding RNA (ncRNA), and some have roles in development and disease. Neither ncRNA nor human skeletal muscle is ideally studied using short-read sequencing, so we used a customized RNA pipeline and network modelling to study cell-type specific ncRNA responses during muscle growth at scale. We completed five human resistance-training studies (n = 144 subjects), identifying 61% who successfully accrued muscle-mass. We produced 288 transcriptome-wide profiles and found 110 ncRNAs linked to muscle growth in vivo, while a transcriptome-driven network model demonstrated interactions via a number of discrete functional pathways and single-cell types. This analysis included established hypertrophy-related ncRNAs, including CYTOR—which was leukocyte-associated (false discovery rate [FDR] = 4.9 × 10−7). Novel hypertrophy-linked ncRNAs included PPP1CB-DT (myofibril assembly genes, FDR = 8.15 × 10−8), and EEF1A1P24 and TMSB4XP8 (vascular remodelling and angiogenesis genes, FDR = 2.77 × 10−5). We also discovered that hypertrophy lncRNA MYREM shows a specific myonuclear expression pattern in vivo. Our multi-layered analyses established that single-cell-associated ncRNA are identifiable from bulk muscle transcriptomic data and that hypertrophy-linked ncRNA genes mediate their association with muscle growth via multiple cell types and a set of interacting pathways.
Asymmetric temperature effect on leaf senescence and its control on ecosystem productivity
Authors: He Lei , Wang Jian , Peñuelas Josep , Zohner Constantin M , Crowther Thomas W , Fu Yongshuo , Zhang Wenxin , Xiao Jingfeng , Liu Zhihua , Wang Xufeng , Li Jia-Hao , Li Xiaojun , Peng Shouzhang , Xie Yaowen , Ye Jian-Sheng , Zhou Chenghu , Li Zhao-Liang
Published: October 2024

Widespread autumn cooling occurred in the northern hemisphere (NH) during the period 2004–2018, primarily due to the strengthening of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Siberian High. Yet, while there has been considerable focus on the warming impacts, the effects of natural cooling on autumn leaf senescence and plant productivity have been largely overlooked. This gap in knowledge hinders our understanding of how vegetation adapts and acclimates to complex climate change. In this study, we utilize over 36,000 in situ phenological time series from 11,138 European sites dating back to the 1950s, and 30 years of satellite greenness data (1989–2018), to demonstrate that leaf senescence dates (LSD) in northern forests responded more strongly to warming than to cooling in autumn. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in temperature caused 7.5 ± 0.2 days' delay in LSD, whereas a 1 °C decrease led to an advance of LSD with 3.3 ± 0.1 days (P < 0.001). This asymmetry in temperature effects on LSD is attributed to greater preoverwintering plant-resource acquisition requirements, lower frost risk, and greater water availability under warming than cooling conditions. These differential LSD responses highlight the nonlinear impact of temperature on autumn plant productivity, which current process-oriented models fail to accurately capture. Our findings emphasize the need to account for the asymmetric effects of warming and cooling on leaf senescence in model projections and in understanding vegetation–climate feedback mechanisms.
It’s Not Just Trump: Americans of Both Parties Support Liberal Democratic Norm Violations More Under Their Own President
Authors: Littvay Levente , McCoy Jennifer L , Simonovits Gabor
Published: October 2024

There is a growing worry about the health of American democracy, and political scientists and pundits alike are looking for possible explanations. Surveys conducted during the Trump presidency showed considerable citizen support for liberal democratic norm erosions, especially among Republicans. However, recent experimental research also shows that voters of both parties are more tolerant of norm erosion committed by politicians of the party they prefer. In this note, we aim to reconcile these contradictory findings by analyzing surveys spanning from 2006 to 2021 on the public’s tolerance of executive concentration of power. We also collect original data under both the Trump and Biden administrations gauging support for a broad array of liberal democratic norm erosions. Support for such erosions, in fact, has been relatively similar across Democrats and Republicans once we account for the party of the president. Support for executive aggrandizement has been prevalent among supporters of the president’s party at least since the second term of the Bush administration. Increased checks and balances on the executive, through divided government, amplifies this effect further. Taken together, these findings suggest that universal support for the liberal democratic status quo has been weaker among those who support the president’s party, well before and since the Trump presidency.
Formulas for Autocratic Stability: A Review Article
Authors: Huang Min-Hua , Huang Osbern , Kuo Chi-Hsien
Published: October 2024

Drawing on the analytical framework of Johannes Gerschewski's The Two Logics of Autocratic Rule, we explore the complexities of autocratic stability by examining the mechanisms through which autocrats preserve their regimes. We review Gerschewski's data set and arguments and provide our assessment regarding the empirical validity of Gerschewski's theory and tests. While Gerschewski's two logics of autocratic rule offer insightful understandings, the role of situational dynamics, international intervention, and political succession in influencing autocratic stability are underrated or neglected. The survival of an autocratic regime is not solely based on the prevention and preemption of challenges from political opponents, but also depends on the performance of regular governance functions along with a monopoly of political power and the resolution of leadership issues. The path-dependent nature of autocratic stability requires analysis of autocratic regime subtypes to effectively contextualize and generalize the patterns of political succession under different logics of autocratic rule. Lacking a comprehensive characterization of autocratic subtypes, the main contribution of Gerschewski's book is more theoretical than empirical.
Firm Inattention and the Efficacy of Monetary Policy: A Text-Based Approach
Authors: Song Wenting , Stern Samuel
Published: October 2024

This paper provides empirical evidence of the importance of firm attention to macroeconomic dynamics. We construct a text-based measure of attention to macroeconomic news and document that attention is polarized across firms and countercyclical. Differences in attention lead to asymmetric responses to monetary policy: expansionary monetary shocks raise the market values of attentive firms more than those of inattentive firms, and contractionary shocks lower the values of attentive firms by less. Attention also mitigates the effects of macroeconomic uncertainty on firm performance. In a quantitative rational inattention model that is calibrated with this new text-based measure, inattention drives monetary non-neutrality. As average attention varies over the business cycle, so does the efficacy of monetary policy.
Efficacy and Safety of Lenvatinib in Combination With Other Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jamil Abdur , Qureshi Zaheer , Siddique Rimsha , Altaf Faryal , Akram Hamzah
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib, both as monotherapy and in combination with other (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) TKIs, compared with other TKIs in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment.

Methods:

We searched for relevant studies from inception to February 2024 using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Eligible studies reported on the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib alone or in combination with other TKIs versus other TKIs for metastatic RCC. Primary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), adverse events (AEs), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Results:

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Lenvatinib, especially in combination therapies, significantly improved PFS (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.38-0.54, P<0.001) and OS (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70-0.91, P<0.001) compared with other TKIs. Quality of life analyses showed mixed results, with EQ-5D demonstrating significant improvement (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.90-1.53, P<0.001), while EORTC QLQ-C30 was not statistically significant. ORR analysis indicated a higher likelihood of achieving a complete or partial response with lenvatinib (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.15-2.93, P=0.00). The analysis of total AEs above grade 3 showed no significant difference between lenvatinib and other TKIs (OR: -0.08, 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.06, P=0.26).

Conclusions:

Lenvatinib significantly enhances survival outcomes in metastatic RCC patients compared with other TKIs. While associated with various adverse events, its safety profile is comparable to other TKIs.
An Assessment and Comparison of Adverse Effect Rates in Differing Absorbable Thread Lift Suture Materials
Authors: Ojha Avaneesh Sean , Farahbakhsh Navid , Saikaly Sami K.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Thread lifting, a minimally invasive alternative to facial rhytidectomy, has shifted from using nonabsorbable to absorbable sutures. Although many thread lift options exist, the impact of these different properties on complication rates remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically compare thread lift complication rates across different suture materials, textures, fixation methods, and lift locations.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A systematic review was conducted through February 2024, following PRISMA guidelines, using multiple databases. The study focused on absorbable sutures, excluding nonabsorbable materials. Statistical analysis used Chi-Square tests with Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies, encompassing 1,406 patients, met inclusion criteria. A total of 876 complications were reported. Ecchymosis (19.49%), swelling (16.79%), and tenderness (9.96%) were the most frequent complications, while hematoma (0.64%), paresthesia (1.14%), and infection (2.49%) were least frequent. Complications varied significantly among the studied factors. Swelling and ecchymosis were more associated with polycaprolactone sutures, barbed threads, and midface lifts. Barbed threads were associated with more complications than smooth or coned threads, as were floating threads compared with fixed threads.

CONCLUSION

Variations in thread lift suture materials and fixation technique were associated with different complication rates. Thread lifts using absorbable sutures exhibited complication rates under 5%, suggesting a generally favorable safety profile.
Low-Field MRI for Dental Imaging in Pediatric Patients With Supernumerary and Ectopic Teeth
Authors: Willershausen Ines , Evangeliou Stefania , Fautz Hans-Peter , Amarteifio Patrick , May Matthias Stefan , Stroebel Armin , Zeilinger Martin , Uder Michael , Goelz Lina , Kopp Markus
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study sought to elucidate the diagnostic performance of 0.55 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pediatric dental imaging, specifically in terms of the image quality (IQ) for detecting ectopic and/or supernumerary teeth, compared with routine ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) of the jaw.

Materials and Methods

A total of 16 pediatric patients (mean age: 12.4 ± 2.6 years, range: 9–17 years) with ectopic and/or supernumerary teeth screened from January 2023 to January 2024 were enrolled in this prospective, single-center study. All patients underwent ULD-CT as the clinical reference standard and 0.55 T MRI as the study scan on the same day. A 0.6-mm isotropic 3-dimensional T1w FLASH sequence was developed with a dedicated field of view of the upper and lower jaws. ULD-CT was performed using a new single-source computed tomography (CT) scanner equipped with a tin filter (Sn100, slice thickness: 1 mm, quality reference mAs: 24). The IQ for the tooth axis, the tooth length, the tooth root, root resorptions, cysts, the periodontal ligament space, and the mandibular canal was evaluated twice by 3 senior readers using a 5-point Likert scale (LS) (LS score of 1: insufficient, 3: reduced IQ but sufficient for clinical use, and 5: perfect) and compared between both methods. Subsequently, the results were dichotomized into nonvalid (LS score of ≤2) and valid (LS score of ≥3) for clinical use.

Results

A total of 49 ectopic and/or supernumerary teeth in 16 pediatric patients were investigated using ULD-CT (CTDI: 0.43 ± 0.09 mGy) and 0.55 T MRI. The mean MRI acquisition time was 9:45 minutes. Motion artifacts were nonsignificantly different between 0.55 T MRI and ULD-CT (P = 0.126). The IQ for the tooth axis, the tooth root, root resorptions, and cysts was similar between the methods. The IQ for the periodontal ligament space and tooth length favored ULD-CT by 14% (confidence interval [CI]: 4.3%–24%) and 7.5% (CI: 1.8%–13%), respectively, whereas that for the mandibular canal favored 0.55 T MRI by −35% (CI: −54%–16%). Sufficient IQ was found especially for cystic lesions (CT: 100% sufficient, MRI: 95% sufficient), the tooth root (CT: 100%, MRI: 98%), root resorptions (CT: 94%; MRI: 85%), the tooth axis (CT: 100%; MRI: 98%), and the tooth length (CT: 99%; MRI: 91%).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that 0.55 T MRI is a feasible, radiation-free technique for delineating ectopic and/or supernumerary teeth in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, to date, 0.55 T MRI has not yet been able to provide an optimal IQ for all anatomical tooth and jaw structures. In cases of advanced clinical indications that require optimal spatial resolution, high-resolution CT or cone-beam CT may still be necessary.
High 18F-FDG Uptake in Phosphoglyceride Crystal Deposition Disease of the Humerus Mimicking Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Matsutani Hiroki , Komori Tsuyoshi , Baba Ichiro , Kurisu Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Osuga Keigo
Published: October 2024

A 82-year-old man presented with left humerus pain. MRI revealed a lesion in the left humerus appearing hyperintense on T2WI and hyperintense on DWI. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated high FDG uptake in the lesion. Surgical resection was performed under the preoperative diagnosis of chondrosarcoma. However, a histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of phosphoglyceride crystal deposition disease (PGDD). PGDD is an extremely rare disease, and this is the first report of PGDD occurring in the humerus. Bone lesions showing high uptake of FDG are usually malignant lesions; however, it is important to consider the possibility of benign diseases such as PGDD.
18F-FDG PET/CT Findings of Isolated Renal Metastasis From Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Jun , Li Yang , Yang Xue , Ren Dongdong , Chen Cong
Published: October 2024

We present the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of a 64-year-old man with isolated renal metastasis. He had a history of radical surgery for squamous cell lung cancer 14 months ago, followed by chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The renal metastasis presented as a small focus of increased FDG uptake in the restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, which was regarded as renal cortical tracer retention. The renal metastasis was more prominent on the second PET/CT performed 5 months later. The patient subsequently underwent radical nephrectomy, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of renal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis.
Identification of a Regenerative Protocol for Recellularizing Human Auricular Cartilage Scaffolds
Authors: Ziegler Mary E. , Alaniz Leonardo , Khan Nawal , Lem Melinda , Pham Jason , Sherafat Arya , Melkonian Jacklyn , Prabhakar Nikhil , Shay Madelyn , Oyur Kadir B. , Pfaff Miles J. , Widgerow Alan D.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Utilizing biological scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering is a promising tool for improving auricular reconstruction. Decellularized auricular scaffolds provide a means of regenerating cartilage for in vivo implantation, but identifying the ideal regenerative mix remains challenging.

Methods

Human cadaver auricular cartilage was decellularized and recellularized with either auricular chondrocytes alone, auricular chondrocytes with adipose-derived stem cells, or both cells with platelet-rich plasma. Confirmation of decellularization and recellularization was done by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Extracellular matrix preservation and production were determined by Masson's trichrome, Alcian blue, and Verhoeff-van Gieson staining. Collagen II assessments were made using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Decellularization of cadaver auricular cartilage was confirmed by the absence of cells, reduction in glycosaminoglycans, and the preservation of collagen and elastin. Recellularization was more efficient when chondrocytes were seeded with adipose-derived stem cells, which was enhanced by adding platelet-rich plasma. Coculture with platelet-rich plasma yielded better total collagen (56% increase) and glycosaminoglycan (47% increase) induction. Moreover, when platelet-rich plasma was added, collagen II induction was significantly increased (42%; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We identified a regenerative protocol that included auricular chondrocytes, adipose-derived stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma, which stimulated chondrogenesis on decellularized auricular cartilage. This finding provides a model to explore cartilage formation and the potential for improving auricular and cartilage-based reconstruction.
Enhancing African coelacanth monitoring using environmental DNA
Authors: Oliver Jody-Carynn , Shum Peter , Mariani Stefano , Sink Kerry Jennifer , Palmer Ryan , Matcher Gwynneth Felicity
Published: October 2024

Coelacanths are rare, elusive, ancient lobe-finned fish species, residing in poorly accessible tropical marine caves and requiring close monitoring and protection. Environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches are being increasingly applied in the detection of rare and threatened species. Here we devise an eDNA approach to detect the presence of African coelacanths (
Latimeria chalumnae
) off the eastern coast of South Africa. Novel coelacanth-specific primers were designed to avoid cross-amplification with other fish lineages and validated for specificity. These primers were tested on field samples in conjunction with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) visual surveys. Samples were collected from a known coelacanth habitat and two adjacent slope habitats a few kilometres apart. Coelacanth DNA was detected from three of 15 samples collected. Two of these positive eDNA detections occurred in the presence of coelacanths, as evidenced by ROV footage, while the third positive detection was at a station where coelacanths had not been previously observed. eDNA detections are discussed in relation to the species’ metabolic rate, movement patterns and population size, as well as the local oceanographic features. We demonstrate that eDNA can provide a non-invasive method to extend the knowledge of coelacanth distribution ranges and boost research efforts around these iconic fishes.
Fucoidan-Copper Nanoparticles to Potentiate Synergistic Cancer Cell Cuproptosis and Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Hao-Hong , Pang Xiao-hui , Wang Qian-hui , Chen Ziye , Zhuang Li-li , Luo Jia-yuan , Zheng Qian-xi , Zhong Rui-fang , Zhan Xiao-mei , Yang Li , Zhu Liang , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: October 2024

Cuproptosis, a newly characterized form of regulated cell death initiated by copper binding to lipoylated components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, presents a promising target for cancer therapy. Here, we report the development of fucoidan-copper nanoparticles (Fu-Cu) that exploit this mechanism to selectively induce cytotoxicity in HuH-7 liver cancer cells. The Fu-Cu was synthesized using fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide with inherent anticancer properties, as a natural nanocarrier for copper ions. Characterization confirmed successful copper incorporation and the formation of stable nanoparticles. Fu-Cu treatment enhanced intracellular copper levels and oxidative stress, triggering cuproptosis mediated by mitochondrial carrier homolog 2. Knockout of ferredoxin 1 in HuH-7 cells mitigated the cytotoxic effects, underscoring its critical role in copper-induced cell death. Invivostudies using a subcutaneous tumor model in BALB/c nude mice demonstrated that Fu-Cu effectively inhibited tumor growth and stimulated antitumor immunity, evidenced by increased infiltration of T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. These findings highlight Fu-Cu as a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC, leveraging the mechanism of cuproptosis and immune activation to suppress tumor progression.
The protease interpain A ofPrevotella intermediapromotes human OSCC cells proliferation and migration
Authors: Chang Szu-Min , Huang I-Hsiu , Ciou Yun-Jhen , Wang Wen-Rong , Wu Ni-Hung , Chuu Chih-Pin , Hsiao Jenn-Ren , Chang Jeffrey S , Chang Jang-Yang , Chen Jenn-Wei
Published: October 2024

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer worldwide. Oral microbiota dysbiosis causes periodontal diseases and may lead to OSCC. The oral microbiome analysis has indicated that the oral pathogen Prevotella intermedia was more abundant in OSCC patients than in healthy people. Therefore, we investigated the roleP. intermediaplayed during OSCC carcinogenesis.

Methods

Human oral epithelial cell line SG as well as OSCC cell lines SCC-15 and SAS were treated withP. intermediaconditioned medium (CM). Effect of CM on migration of SCC-15 and SAS cells were examined by wound healing assay and transwell assay. We testedP. intermediain the colorectal cancer mouse model.

Results

CM ofP. intermediaATCC 25611 CM increased cell proliferation of SG, but the CM from clinical strains didn’t affect cell proliferation. Comparing the CM proteins composition of cell proliferation-promoting strain ATCC 25611 with other strains, interpain A (InpA) appeared to be the potential key factor promoting cell proliferation. InpA is a cysteine protease secreted byP. intermediaand might activate proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) signaling pathway. SG cell proliferation was inhibited by adding protease inhibitor E64 or PAR-2 antagonist (FSLLRY-NH2). This phenomenon was also observed in SCC-15 and SAS cells. Additionally, InpA promoted migration of SCC-15 and SAS cells, and enhancement was inhibited by E64 or FSLLRY-NH2.P. intermediaincreased colorectal tumors development in murine model.

Conclusion

Our results identified InpA as a potential key virulence factor secreted highly by some oral microbiota, such as ATCC 25611. These strains may, therefore, play a role in OSCC development via regulation of PAR-2 signaling pathway.