bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular inflammaging: Endothelial CEACAM1 expression is upregulated by TNF‐α via independent activation of NF‐κB and β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Götz Lisa , Rueckschloss Uwe , Reimer Andreas , Bömmel Heike , Beilhack Andreas , Ergün Süleyman , Kleefeldt Florian
Published: October 2024

Chronic inflammation with progressive age, called inflammaging, contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have shown increased vascular expression of the Carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in aged mice and humans, presumably via mutual upregulation with the pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. CEACAM1 is critical for aging‐associated vascular alterations like endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and sustained inflammation and can be regarded as a main contributor to vascular inflammaging. This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying endothelial CEACAM1 upregulation by TNF‐α in detail. Using wildtype (WT) and TNF‐α knockout (Tnf−/−) mice, we confirmed that the aging‐related upregulation of endothelial CEACAM1 critically depends on TNF‐α. The underlying mechanisms were analyzed in an endothelial cell culture model. TNF‐α time‐dependently upregulated CEACAM1 in vitro. In pharmacological experiments, we identified an early NF‐κB‐ and a delayed β‐catenin‐mediated response. Involvement of β‐catenin was further substantiated by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the β‐catenin‐targeted transcription factor TCF4. Both signaling pathways acted independent from each other. Elucidating the delayed response, co‐immunoprecipitation analysis revealed release of β‐catenin from adherens junctions by TNF‐α. Finally, TNF‐α activated Akt kinase by increasing its Ser473 phosphorylation. Consequently, Akt kinase facilitated β‐catenin signaling by inhibiting its degradation via phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9 and by increased phosphorylation of β‐catenin at Ser552 that augments its transcriptional activity. Taken together, our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the aging‐related, inflammation‐mediated endothelial upregulation of CEACAM1. Beyond the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, these findings may be significant to all fields of inflammaging.
The politics of teachers' union endorsements
Authors: Hartney Michael T. , Kogan Vladimir
Published: October 2024

School board candidates supported by local teachers' unions overwhelmingly win, and we examine the causes and consequences of the “teachers' union premium” in these elections. First, we show that union endorsement information increases voter support. Although the magnitude of this effect varies across ideological and partisan subgroups, an endorsement rarely hurts a candidate's prospects with the electorate. Second, we benchmark the size of the endorsement premium to other well‐known determinants of vote choice in local elections. Perhaps surprisingly, we show the effect can be as large as the impact of shared partisanship, and substantially larger than the boost from endorsements provided by other stakeholders. Finally, examining real‐world endorsement decisions, we find that union support for incumbents hinges on self‐interested pecuniary considerations and is unaffected by performance in improving student academic outcomes. The divergence between what endorsements mean and how voters interpret them has troubling normative democratic implications.
Diversity in old age: Stereotyping of subgroups of older people across cultures
Authors: Vauclair Christin‐Melanie , Esteves Carla Sofia , Eyssel Friederike , Harb Charles
Published: October 2024

An ageing population is increasingly recognised as a critical concern in the social sciences, especially in regard to the issue of ageism. The literature suggests that older people are subject to ambivalent and paternalistic judgements. However, this does not consider diversity within the older population and that cultures may differ in how they perceive and evaluate diverse groups of older people. To address these gaps, a pre‐study was conducted employing a freelisting task to identify old age subgroups. In the main study, participants from the United States and Germany (individualistic‐loose cultures) and Japan, Lebanon and Portugal (collectivistic‐tight cultures) were asked to evaluate 19 distinct subgroups of older people by using stereotype content measures. The results suggest that subgroups' clusters were generally perceived as low, medium, or high on both the competence and warmth dimensions providing no support for clearly ambivalent old age subgroup stereotypes. As expected, competence and warmth were consistently associated with the socio‐structural variables perceived status and threat. Overall, the results point to similar patterns across cultures with different subgroups being evaluated in a similar fashion on stereotype content measures. This highlights the importance of promoting a more nuanced understanding of older people when addressing ageism in different cultures.
Us or them: How COVID‐19 vaccine priority influences perceptions of local‐migrant worker relations
Authors: Huang Tengjiao , Zhou Haochen , Jones Liz , Cong Chin Wen
Published: October 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic laid bare pre‐existing societal fault lines, placing immense strain on intergroup relations and giving rise to xenophobic sentiments. Drawing on Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) and Social Identity Approach (SIA), our study examined how the public allocation of COVID‐19 variant vaccines could influence the dynamics between local citizens and migrant workers, and under what conditions. One key idea is that valued resource distribution that favour migrant workers may produce increased perceptions of realistic threats among local citizens which could lead to exacerbated negative attitudes and behaviours of high‐status local citizens towards low‐status migrants, whereas higher fairness perceptions of such resource distributions could potentially mitigate these negative attitudes and behaviours. To investigate these predictions, we employed a cross‐cultural approach and conducted an experiment in both an Asian country (Malaysia; N = 197) and a Western country (Australia; N = 210). We manipulated vaccine prioritisation, assessed local citizens' perceptions of the realistic threat and fairness of vaccine prioritisation, and measured their attitudinal responses towards migrant workers. Our results showed that the perceived unfairness in migrant‐favouring vaccine prioritisation, rather than realistic threat, negatively affected local citizens' perceptions of the migrant workers. We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of intergroup relations.
The active ingredient of Evodia rutaecarpa reduces inflammation in knee osteoarthritis rats through blocking calcium influx and NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Sixiang , Gao Yuehong , Yang Li
Published: October 2024

Chronic inflammation significantly contributes to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), and an anti‐inflammatory small molecule derived from medicinal herbs could be a potential drug candidate for OA. Herein, we investigated the function and mechanism of Evodiamine (EAE), the active ingredient from Evodia rutaecarpa, in chondrocytes and macrophages in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity of EAE was determined using an MTT assay. And the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation effects of EAE were investigated using qRT‐PCR, western blot (WB), immunofluorescence (IF). Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP‐AES), Fluo‐4 AM, IF and AutoDock were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways of the reducing‐inflammatory properties of EAE on chondrocytes in vitro. Moreover, the effect of EAE on macrophage polarization was detected by IF and flow cytometry (FC). Ultimately, we explored the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of EAE in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)‐induced OA model. The finding demonstrated that EAE blocked the phosphorylation of IKBα and Ca2+ influx, thereby curbing inflammation and ECM degradation. Additionally, EAE can prevent the polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Thus, our findings suggest that EAE has great potential as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of OA.
Comparative effectiveness of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion vs open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Gabriel Pierre‐Etienne , Pinar Ugo , Lenfant Louis , Parra Jérôme , Vaessen Christophe , Mozer Pierre , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Rouprêt Morgan , Seisen Thomas
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To assess the comparative effectiveness of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer (BC).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a real‐life monocentric study including all consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD or ORC for BC at our institution from 2014 to 2023. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to compare perioperative, oncological and stricture outcomes between both groups by calculating odds (ORs) and hazard (HRs) ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively.

Results

Overall, 316 patients underwent either RARC with ICUD (n = 228 [72.2%]) or ORC (n = 88 [27.8%]). The perioperative benefits of RARC vs ORC included decreased risks of major blood loss (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04–0.23; P < 0.001), perioperative transfusion (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.57; P < 0.001), 90‐day major complications (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29–0.99; P = 0.04), and prolonged initial length of hospital stay (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09–0.35; P < 0.001), as well as more days alive and out of the hospital within 90 days of surgery (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.46–4.6; P < 0.01). In addition, the use of RARC vs ORC was associated with a higher lymph node (LN) count (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.83–6.30; P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in recurrence‐free (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49–1.07; P = 0.1), cancer‐specific (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43–1.10; P = 0.1), overall (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.47–1.20; P = 0.3) and uretero‐ileal stricture‐free (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.62–2.25; P = 0.6) survival between both groups after a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 42.3 (16.4–73.8) months.

Conclusion

Our real‐world study supports the effectiveness of RARC with ICUD vs ORC for BC. We generally observed better perioperative outcomes, as well as similar oncological—except for higher LN count—and uretero‐ileal stricture outcomes after RARC with ICUD vs ORC.
IMPACT organizational survey highlighting provision of services for patients with locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Harji Deena , Vallance Abigail , Ibitoye Temi , Wilkin Richard , Boyle Jemma , Clifford Rachael , Convie Liam , Duff Michael , Elavia Ken , Evans Martyn , Fleming Christina , Griffiths Ben , Jenkins John T , Mohan Helen , Morris E. J. , Taylor Clare , Thorpe Gabrielle , Tiernan Jim , Fearnhead Nicola ,   ACPGBI IMPACT
Published: October 2024

Aim

Locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer represents a complex clinical entity, which requires multidisciplinary decision‐making and management. The aim of this work is to understand the provision of clinical services in this cohort of patients across Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) as a key essential step to help facilitate future service development and improvement.

Method

A cross‐sectional, organizational survey was sent to all colorectal cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) across GB&I. It consisted of 12 key questions addressing the provision of specialist services and advanced surgical techniques. Results are reported in line with the CHERRIES guideline.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐five MDTs across GB&I participated, with 142 English, 13 Welsh, 14 Scottish, 3 Northern Irish and 3 Irish MDTs. The overall response rate was 93.5% (175/187). Ninety (51.4%) hospital sites reported having a specialist dedicated or subsection MDT. Specialist advanced nursing support was available in 46 (26.2%) hospitals, with a dedicated advanced colorectal cancer outpatient clinic available in 31 (17.7%) hospitals. One hundred and thirteen MDTs (64.5%) offered surgery for advanced colonic cancer, 82 (46.8%) for recurrent colonic cancer, 58 (33.1%) for advanced rectal cancer and 39 (22.2%) for recurrent rectal cancer. A variable number of MDTs offered specialist surgical techniques, including distal sacrectomy [33 (18.9%)], high sacrectomy [16 (9.1%)], complex vascular resection ± reconstruction [33 (18.9%)] and extended lymphadenectomy (pelvic sidewall or para‐aortic) [44 (25.1%)].

Conclusion

The IMPACT organizational survey highlights the current variation in the delivery and provision of clinical services for patients with advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland.
Using eDNA Sampling to Identify Correlates of Species Occupancy Across Broad Spatial Scales
Authors: McColl‐Gausden Emily F. , Griffiths Josh , Weeks Andrew R. , Tingley Reid
Published: October 2024

Aim

Species presence–absence data can be time‐consuming and logistically difficult to obtain across large spatial extents. Yet these data are important for ensuring changes in species distributions are accurately monitored and are vital for ensuring appropriate conservation actions are undertaken. Here, we demonstrate how environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling can be used to systematically collect species occupancy data rapidly and efficiently across vast spatial domains to improve understanding of factors influencing species distributions.

Location

South‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We use a widely distributed, but near‐threatened species, the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), as a test case and undertake an environmentally stratified systematic survey to assess the presence–absence of platypus eDNA at 504 sites across 584,292 km2 of south‐eastern Australia, representing ~37% of the species' extensive distribution. Site occupancy‐detection models were used to analyse how landscape‐ and site‐level factors affect platypus occupancy, enabling us to incorporate uncertainty at the different levels inherent in eDNA sampling (site, water sample replicate and qPCR replicate).

Results

Platypus eDNA was detected at 272 sites (~54%) with platypuses more likely to occupy sites in catchments with increased runoff and less zero‐flow days, and sites with access to banks suitable for burrowing. Platypuses were less likely to occupy sites in catchments with a high proportion of shrubs and grasslands, or agricultural land use.

Main Conclusions

These data provide an important large‐scale validation of the landscape‐ and site‐level factors influencing platypus occupancy that can be used to inform future conservation efforts. Our case study shows that systematically designed, stratified eDNA surveys provide an efficient means to understand how environmental characteristics affect species occupancy across broad environmental gradients. The methods employed here can be applied to aquatic and semi‐aquatic species globally, providing unprecedented opportunities to understand biodiversity status and change and provide insights for current and future conservation actions.
The effect of sarcopenic obesity on glycaemic status based on fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lou Yiling , Xie Yulin , Jiang Qingqing , Huang Shen , Wang Xiaohan , Wang Linlin , Wang Hengchang , Cao Shiyi
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate the effect of sarcopenic obesity on the progression of glycaemic status in middle‐aged and older adults without diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This research involved 4637 participants without diabetes from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2015. Sarcopenic obesity at baseline was evaluated based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. According to the American Diabetes Association criteria, we used fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin to define glycaemic status. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to obtain adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The mean age of included participants was 58.98 ± 8.82 years, and 45.35% were men. During 18,497 person‐years of follow‐up, 1743 (37.59%) cases with glycaemic status progression were identified. Compared with participants without sarcopenia and obesity, participants with sarcopenic obesity, but not sarcopenia only or obesity only, exhibited a higher risk of progression from normoglycaemia to diabetes (HR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.10–4.04). Moreover, participants with sarcopenic obesity (HR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04–2.63), sarcopenia only (HR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.11–2.86), or obesity only (HR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.29–3.12) had increased the risk of progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

Conclusions

The effect of sarcopenic obesity on the progression of glycaemic status based on fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin may be more pronounced than that of sarcopenia only or obesity only.
Parent and adolescent perspectives on family problems during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Implications for family resilience
Authors: Allen Katherine R. , Crossler Robert E. , Bélanger France , Resor Jessica , Kissel Heather A.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To understand how parents and adolescents perceive the major family problems they faced during a global pandemic, focusing on implications for family resilience.

Background

Families are challenged by the upheaval in contemporary life due to a global health pandemic and unrelenting changes to work, school, civic, and home routines. Family resilience theory guided our understanding of how families perceive and understand the problems they faced during a major disruption in their lives.

Method

A diverse sample of parent–adolescent pairs was surveyed at two points in time. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze open‐ended questions asking about family members' perceptions of the major problems they faced as a family during the pandemic.

Results

Most participants reported a major family problem during the pandemic (e.g., unemployment, online learning, isolation, fear of COVID‐19), with financial issues being the most prevalent problem. Parents were more likely to identify a major family tension, compared with adolescents, who were more likely to say they were unaware of any major family problems.

Conclusion

Parents and adolescents reported substantial family stress and tension, especially around financial strain and social isolation, indicating their heightened awareness of the new risks they were facing. Both parents and adolescents also described a willingness to pull together on behalf of family well‐being and adaptation.

Implications

Support mechanisms through public policy and from family life practitioners can help families navigate pandemic‐related stressors, assess adverse events in adolescence, promote new pathways in navigating disrupted routines, and enhance family resilience.
Stoichiometry of ligand binding and role of C‐terminal lysines in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human GAPDH multifunctionality
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kumar Rajender , Boradia Vishant Mahendra , Malhotra Himanshu , Kumar Adarsh , Seth Sriraj , Garg Prabha , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Raje Manoj , Iyengar Raje Chaaya
Published: October 2024

Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate‐dehydrogenase (GAPDH; EC1.2.1.12) has several functions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the human host. Apart from its role in glycolysis, it serves both as a cell surface and a secreted receptor for plasmin(ogen) (Plg/Plm), transferrin (Tf), and lactoferrin (Lf). Plg sequestration by Mtb GAPDH facilitates bacterial adhesion and tissue invasion, while an equivalent interaction with host GAPDH regulates immune cell migration. In both, host and microbe, internalization of Tf/Lf‐GAPDH complexes serves as a route for iron acquisition. To date, the structure of Mtb GAPDH or the residues involved in these moonlighting interactions have not been identified. This study provides the first known X‐ray crystal structure of Mtb GAPDH. Through further mutagenesis and functional assays, we found that the C‐terminal lysines of Mtb and human GAPDH affect enzyme activity and ligand binding. We also establish the stoichiometry of Plg, Tf and Lf interactions with the GAPDH tetramer. Lastly, molecular simulation studies reveal the interactions of the C‐terminal lysine residues.
Thioredoxin reductase inhibition and glutathione depletion mediated by glaucocalyxin A promote intracellular disulfide stress in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Wang Ling , Sun Shibo , Liu Haowen , Zhang Qiuyu , Meng Yao , Sun Fan , Zhang Jianjun , Liu Haiyan , Xu Weiping , Ye Zhiwei , Zhang Jie , Sun Bingbing , Xu Jianqiang
Published: October 2024

Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) has been identified as one of the promising chemotherapeutic targets in cancer cells. Therefore, a novel TXNRD1 inhibitor could accelerate chemotherapy in clinical anticancer research. In this study, glaucocalyxin A (GlauA), a natural diterpene extracted from Rabdosia japonica var. glaucocalyx, was identified as a novel inhibitor of TXNRD1. We found that GlauA effectively inhibited recombinant TXNRD1 and reduced its activity in gastric cancer cells without affecting the enzyme's expression level. Mechanistically, the selenocysteine residue (U498) of TXNRD1 was irreversibly modified by GlauA through a Michael addition. Additionally, GlauA formed a covalent adduct with glutathione (GSH) and disrupted cellular redox balance by depleting cellular GSH. The inhibition of TXNRD1 and depletion of GSH by GlauA conferred its cytotoxic effects in spheroid culture and Transwell assays in AGS cells. The disulfide stress induced cytotoxicity of GlauA could be mitigated by adding reducing agents, such as DTT and β‐ME. Furthermore, the FDA‐approval drug auranofin, a TXNRD1 inhibitor, triggered oligomerization of the cytoskeletal protein Talin‐1 in AGS cells, indicating that inhibiting TXNRD1 triggered disulfide stress. In conclusion, this study uncovered GlauA as an efficient inhibitor of TXNRD1 and demonstrated the potential of TXNRD1 inhibition as an effective anticancer strategy by disrupting redox homeostasis and inducing disulfide stress.
Nonstationary Characteristics of Structural Response and Fatigue Life Calculation Under Base Stationary Excitation
Authors: Wang Jie , Chen Huaihai
Published: October 2024

When a structure is randomly excited by its installation base, significant vibration stress may be caused within it, thus causing damage to the structure. The authors find in the vibration fatigue test that when the notched slender beam specimen is excited by stationary Gaussian random base movement, the measured acceleration response and strain response of the specimen have obvious nonstationary characteristics. The vibration responses of the specimen under Gaussian and non‐Gaussian random base excitations are calculated by the finite element method and corresponding vibration fatigue tests were completed. The nonstationary characteristics of the responses from calculations and experiments are analyzed. Finally, a method for calculating the fatigue life of the specimen under nonstationary response is given, and the calculated results are compared with the measured data. The results indicate that the method proposed in this article performed excellent calculation fatigue life with measured strain data.
Microstructural Anisotropy, Mechanical Properties, and Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of AA2050‐T84 Alloy
Authors: Tufan Begüm Ata , Kibar Alp Aykut , Gürbüz Rıza
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on characterizing the microstructure and mechanical properties of AA2050‐T84 alloy produced in two different thicknesses, 20 and 130 mm. A comparative analysis between the two thicknesses aims to understand how the rolling operation for achieving thin plates influences the alloy's microstructure and overall mechanical performance. Microstructural analyses showed a highly anisotropic grain structure and preferred crystallographic orientation in the 20‐mm‐thick plate, causing anisotropic tensile properties. Also, a significant fatigue crack deviation was observed for the 20‐mm‐thick plate during fatigue crack growth tests due to its microstructure. This result was attributed to the microcrack formations perpendicular to the crack growth direction and slip bands at the intermediate ΔK, when the loading was parallel to the rolling direction. The findings from this study offer critical insights into how the rolling operation for achieving thin plates influences the microstructure and overall performance of the alloy.
Response of Root Respiration to Warming and Nitrogen Addition Depends on Tree Species
Authors: Muratore T. J. , Knorr M. A. , Simpson M. J. , Stephens R. B. , Phillips R. P. , Frey S. D.
Published: October 2024

Roots contribute a large fraction of CO2 efflux from soils, yet the extent to which global change factors affect root‐derived fluxes is poorly understood. We investigated how red maple (Acer rubrum) and red oak (Quercus rubra) root biomass and respiration respond to long‐term (15 years) soil warming, nitrogen addition, or their combination in a temperate forest. We found that ecosystem root respiration was decreased by 40% under both single‐factor treatments (nitrogen addition or warming) but not under their combination (heated × nitrogen). This response was driven by the reduction of mass‐specific root respiration under warming and a reduction in maple root biomass in both single‐factor treatments. Mass‐specific root respiration rates for both species acclimated to soil warming, resulting in a 43% reduction, but were not affected by N addition or the combined heated × N treatment. Notably, the addition of nitrogen to warmed soils alleviated thermal acclimation and returned mass‐specific respiration rates to control levels. Oak roots contributed disproportionately to ecosystem root respiration despite the decrease in respiration rates as their biomass was maintained or enhanced under warming and nitrogen addition. In contrast, maple root respiration rates were consistently higher than oak, and this difference became critical in the heated × nitrogen treatment, where maple root biomass increased, contributing significantly more CO2 relative to single‐factor treatments. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for the root component of respiration when assessing soil carbon loss in response to global change and demonstrate that combining warming and N addition produces effects that cannot be predicted by studying these factors in isolation.
Freshwater Mussel (Unio pictorum) Shells Reveal Hydrological and Environmental Change From 1300 BC to the Present Day
Authors: Ollard Isobel , Ballantyne Rachel , Aldridge David C.
Published: October 2024

Preserved biological communities can provide baseline data about the historical ecosystems and environmental conditions that preceded recent anthropogenic alteration. Freshwater mussel shells show particularly good preservation, and the shell assemblages commonly found during archaeological excavations can offer insights into past ecosystems. We studied assemblages of Unio pictorum mussel shells from palaeochannel silts associated with the Late Bronze Age site of Must Farm in eastern England (c. 850 BC), on an ancient tributary of the modern‐day River Nene. We compared archaeological shells from two sediment horizons (broadly 1300–700 BC) to live individuals collected from two analogous sites on the present‐day Nene. Size and growth rate, interannual growth variability and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) composition were compared between the populations. Size and the von Bertalanffy growth parameter L∞ differed among all four populations. Mean lengths and L∞ were higher in the two modern populations (mean lengths 77.3 ± SE 0.8 and 73.8 ± SE 1.1 mm, L∞ 91.8 ± 5.4 and 79.0 ± 8.1 mm) than the ancient populations (mean lengths 58.1 ± SE 1.6 mm and 68.4 ± SE 0.9 mm; L∞ 71.5 ± 16.9 and 76.8 ± 6.2 mm). Modern individuals also showed greater variation in age‐corrected year‐to‐year growth. δ13C was lower in modern shells (−11.8‰ for modern shells, −9.03‰ and −9.02‰ for ancient shell populations), potentially reflecting altered hydrological and nutrient regimes. δ18O and δ13C were positively correlated for all but one sampled ancient shell, but not modern shells. These results reflect changes in local environmental conditions, particularly the transition from a shallow, slow‐flowing tributary to a deeper, canalised river with faster flow, as well as effects of anthropogenic nutrient enrichment. The findings demonstrate the importance of long‐term data in studying anthropogenic ecosystem alteration and avoiding shifting baseline syndrome in conservation planning.
A novel gene editing lexicon strategy for the haemophilia community: Research plan for development and preliminary results
Authors: Hermans Cedric , Valentino Leonard A. , Thornburg Courtney D. , Unzu Carmen , Kay Mark A. , Peyvandi Flora , Smith Penni , Miesbach Wolfgang , McKeown William , Pierce Glenn F. , Khair Kate , Pipe Steven W. , Starcevic Katarina , Pillai Monisha , Jones Micheala , Chiao Megan , Antonino Ilia , Kessler Craig
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Despite the progress in gene editing platforms like CRISPR/Cas9 with the potential to transform the standard of care for haemophilia, the language used to explain and discuss gene editing is not aligned across the haemophilia community. Here, we present the objective and rationale for developing a clear, consistent, and globally aligned gene editing lexicon to address these communication gaps.

Methods

Effectively communicating complex gene editing concepts requires a clear and consistent vocabulary. Through collaboration with a diversity of haemophilia stakeholders, our main goal is to develop an accurate, informative lexicon which avoids overpromising or highly technical terminology. Using an innovative process, representatives from several patient and scientific haemophilia organizations and select biotechnology companies will develop and refine language concepts to be tested with approximately seventy participants across the United States of America, United Kingdom, and Germany. Participants will include lived experience experts (LEEs) and haematologists. The process will be overseen by the Lexicon Steering Committee of global experts from leading scientific and patient organizations in the haemophilia and gene editing fields.

Results

Initial feedback provided a robust foundation and rationale for building clear, consistent language around gene editing. This lexicon development framework will allow for increased understanding across the haemophilia community, including the development of valid informed consent and shared decision‐making materials.

Conclusion

Results provide important building blocks for stimuli development and highlight the need for a novel gene editing lexicon. In the next phase, language stimuli will be tested with LEEs and haematologists to better understand audience preferences and help shape the final lexicon.
High‐temperature deformation and consolidation of polycrystalline α‐SiC by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Demirskyi Dmytro , Sepehri‐Amin Hossein , Vasylkiv Oleg O.
Published: October 2024

The main objective of this investigation is the consolidation and flexural strength of alpha silicon carbide ceramics produced without additives by spark plasma sintering. Using the design of the experiment method, we optimized temperature and dwell to achieve fully dense silicon carbide bulks. The consolidation process of silicon carbide was analyzed similarly to the creep of bulk ceramics, and it was determined that the activation energy for the densification process was 596 ± 39 kJ/mol, while the stress exponent n was below 2. Bulk additive‐free silicon carbide ceramics gradually increased flexural strength as the temperature rose to 2000°C. The flexural strength at 2000°C was influenced by the loading rate, and under 2.5 mm/min, it reached a maximum of 2.08 GPa. To explain this phenomenon, a deformation mechanisms map was created, indicating that diffusion creep is the most probable mechanism for the strain sensitivity of SiC at 2000°C. Transmission electron microscopy indicated a substantial rise in twin density within the α‐SiC grains at 2000°C, indicating the activation of a previously unreported self‐reinforcing mechanism.
Preparation and characterization of quartz ceramic proppant replacing natural quartz sand by solid waste silica fume
Authors: Wen Hanxiao , Hao Jianying , Zhu Zhenguo , Bai Shuo , Wu Jianguo
Published: October 2024

The improper disposal of industrial wastes will cause environmental pollution and economic losses due to the loss of active ingredients. Solid waste silica fume and pyrolusite powder were used to synthesize quartz ceramic proppant by pelleting and sintering to replace natural quartz sand for unconventional oil and gas exploitation. The effects of pyrolusite powder content and sintering temperature on the apparent density, breakage ratio, and acid solubility of the proppant were thoroughly studied. The phase composition and microstructure of the proppant were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results revealed that the main crystal phase of the proppant prepared without pyrolusite was cristobalite, while that with pyrolusite was cristobalite and quartz, and the content of quartz phase increased gradually with increasing the pyrolusite content. The addition of pyrolusite remarkably increased the density and improved the performance of the proppant due to the resulting glass phase at high temperatures and the presence of andradite. As adding 20% pyrolusite, the apparent density of the proppant sintered at 900°C was 2.26 g/cm3, while the breakage ratio under 28 MPa closed pressure and acid solubility reached the minimum, 9.89% and 5.3%, respectively, meeting the industrial standard requirements.
The Effect of Stigmatization on Diabetes Health Promotion Self‐Care Behaviours and Predictors of Stigma and Self‐Care Behaviours in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: İşleyen Eda Kilinç , Özdemir İrem Nur
Published: October 2024

Background

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk of delaying or not performing diabetes health promotion self‐care behaviours because of their social or self‐stigmatization.

Aim

The study aimed to reveal the effect of stigmatization on diabetes health promotion self‐care behaviours and predictors of stigma and diabetes health promotion self‐care behaviours in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 235 individuals with type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS) and Diabetes Health Promotion Self‐Care Scale (DHPSCS) were used for data collection.

Results

There was a significant, negative correlation between the DSAS and DHPSCS scores. High mean scores on the DSAS and its subscales treated differently, blame/judgement and self‐stigma were predictors of a negative effect on diabetes self‐care behaviours. Poor health status, alcohol intake and diabetes complications are predictive of stigma. Insulin use and self‐monitoring blood glucose are predictors of self‐care behaviours.

Conclusion

Stigma negatively affects diabetes self‐care behaviours in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Nurses could provide education on improvement of health status, harms of alcohol intake and management of diabetes complications. Counselling for coping with stigma and performing self‐care could be provided. Nurses could organize interventions to raise awareness about diabetes in society.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer People's Experiences of Stigma Across the Spectrum of Inpatient Psychiatric Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Clark Kristen D. , Jewell Jaylyn , Sherman Athena D. F. , Balthazar Monique S. , Murray Shawn B. , Bosse Jordon D.
Published: October 2024

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identity groups (LGBTQ+) face high rates of poor mental health. In the most severe and emergent of instances, inpatient psychiatric care may be required. LGBTQ+ people report experiences of mistreatment in healthcare settings broadly, such as denial of healthcare services and harassment from healthcare providers and other patients. However, little is known about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in inpatient psychiatric care settings, specifically. The purpose of this review was to assess the existing literature for descriptions of LGBTQ+ people's experiences within inpatient psychiatric care. We searched multiple databases (i.e., PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for peer‐reviewed articles that described the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within inpatient psychiatric care that were published in English. The included articles (N = 14) were analysed using a conceptual model of stigma and organised within those strata (structural, interpersonal and individual stigma) across the inpatient experience, (admission, inpatient unit, and discharge). Themes identified included: noninclusive intake tools and pervasive misgendering during the admission process; lack of healthcare infrastructure, inadequate training and lack of cultural humility, pervasive discrimination and victimization, silencing of LGBTQ+ patients, and feelings of fear and shame while on inpatient units, and lack of community resources during the discharge process. Clinicians should consider the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people to enact identity‐affirming care practices that may increase mental healthcare engagement and improve long‐term mental health outcomes.
Misorientations across interfaces in spark plasma–sintered WC–Co cemented carbides
Authors: Yuan Xiaokun , Zhao Shixian , Wei Chongbin , Liu Xingwei
Published: October 2024

This interdisciplinary work concerns misorientations across various interfaces in spark plasma–sintered (SPSed) WC–Co cemented carbides, as well as how these misorientations affect the intergranular fracture. The whole boundaries in cemented carbides were divided according to the phases on the two sides of the boundary plane, and carbide/carbide grain boundaries were further divided according to the misorientation across the boundary plane. Stereological statistics and five‐parameter analysis were comprehensively performed on the concerned boundary types. For Σ2 carbide/carbide boundaries, multiple boundary structures are observed. How Σ2 twist inhibits intergranular fracture and how such boundary structure is formed are analyzed. For random carbide/carbide boundaries, the habit planes that they are terminated by are calibrated, and their responses to intergranular fracture are examined according to their energy anisotropy. For WC/α‐cobalt and WC/β‐cobalt phase boundaries, misorientations across these boundary planes and the corresponding crack propagation routines are illustrated. On these bases, approaches to improve the fracture strength of SPSed cemented carbides are suggested.
The Current High Bird Colonisation Rate in a Major Mediterranean Island is Consistent With a More Intense Past Defaunation Compared to Nearby Mainland
Authors: Martínez‐Abraín Alejandro , Rebassa Maties , Crespo Jorge , Jiménez Juan
Published: October 2024

Aim

We expand here previous own biogeographic work on the determinants of avian colonisation of a major land‐bridge Mediterranean island. So far we have explained mechanistically the high current rate of colonisation of the island which proceeds by overflow of mainland species with growing population trends and with prior experience as winter visitors. However, here we focus on the historical factors that have led to such a high colonisation rate.

Location

Majorca Island and a nearby Iberian mainland coastal region with equivalent characteristics (Alicante province).

Time Period

Twenty‐five years (1991–2015).

Major Taxa Studied

Birds.

Methods

We compared the pattern of species gain and loss in Majorca and Alicante during the study period.

Results

We found that while Alicante only gained eight new species and lost one, Majorca lost none and gained 21 species as breeders (odds ratio 2.6). The process of species gains in 5‐year periods since 1991 showed a nonlinear pattern in both regions, with an abrupt decline in Alicante starting in 2006–2010 and final stagnation during 2011–2015, but just a smooth and recent pattern of slowdown in Majorca (2011–2015 on). Taxonomic diversity of colonising species at the family level, as well as habitat of colonisation, were quite similar between regions, but larger body size species were more common in Majorca.

Main Conclusions

We conclude that current differential colonisation rates between both regions are consistent with a more intense past defaunation of the resource‐poor region (Majorca) prior to modern rural flight that happened simultaneously in both regions. While Alicante could be approaching a theoretical carrying capacity in the number of species, Majorca is farther from it. We predict that the island will continue gaining species in the next few decades. Worldwide, further research on comparing wildlife recovery rates between regions with differential intensity of past wildlife defaunation is badly needed to understand biodiversity recovery processes.
Efficacy and limitation of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Fukui Akira , Hirota Kei , Mitarai Kazuki , Kondo Hidekazu , Yamaguchi Takanori , Shinohara Tetsuji , Takahashi Naohiko
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the long‐term outcomes and subclinical HF after nonparoxysmal AF ablation in HFpEF patients have not been fully evaluated.

Methods and Results

One‐hundred‐ninety nonparoxysmal AF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% who underwent first‐time AF ablation were studied. HFpEF was diagnosed from a history of congestive HF and/or combined criteria of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration and transthoracic echocardiogram parameters, including average septal‐lateral E/e' and tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity. Ninety‐five patients with HFpEF (HFpEF group) were compared with 95 patients without HF (CNT group). Low voltage area (LVA) was defined as an area with a bipolar electrogram of <0.5 mV covering >5% of the total left atrial surface. The primary endpoint was a composite of death from any cause or hospitalization for worsening HF. The secondary endpoint was subclinical HFpEF defined from NT‐proBNP concentration and average septal‐lateral E/e' or tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity at 6–12 months after the procedure irrespective of the rhythm. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the primary composite endpoint did not differ between the two groups (mean follow‐up period 707 ± 75 days, log‐rank p = 0.5330). However, significantly more patients in the HFpEF group reached the secondary endpoint (42 [44%] vs. 13 [14%], p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a high preablation NT‐proBNP (odds ratio [OR] 1.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001–1.002, p = 0.0040) and the existence of LVA (OR 5.983, 95% CI 1.463–31.768, p = 0.0194) independently predicted the secondary endpoint in HFpEF patients.

Conclusion

After nonparoxysmal AF ablation, mortality of HFpEF patients was not inferior compared to patients without coexisting HF. However, subclinical HF occasionally persisted especially in HFpEF patients with a high preprocedure NT‐proBNP concentration and LVA.
Condition states in anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) revealed by energy and proximate composition relationships
Authors: Favreau Aurélien , Doray Mathieu , Spitz Jérôme , Le Mestre Sophie , Huret Martin
Published: October 2024

Energy content has long been proposed as a fundamental, integrated, and reliable indicator of the condition of individuals as it reflects past bioenergetics and influences future life‐history traits. There is a direct biochemical link between energy density and body composition described by four main compounds in fish (protein, lipid, ash, and water), with proteins and lipids being the sources of energy. If relationships between water content, or lipid content, and energy density have been well described in relative terms, the absolute mass variations in the proximate composition have been overlooked and thus their interpretation is often equivocal. In our study, based on a large and unique dataset on the proximate composition and energy density of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) from sampling in the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, we aimed to better explain the patterns between water content and other proximate components or energy density, based on the dynamics of proteins, lipids, and water absolute masses. For the first time, we defined good, intermediate, and poor condition states in wild fish, based on water content, corresponding to the different dynamics of lipids and proteins in the metabolism of individuals. Anchovy and sardine exhibited remarkably similar patterns of variation in the compounds and in the limits between the condition states with respect to water content. Those patterns revealed that water mass remained constant for a given fish size whatever its condition state, and that variability in water content only resulted from the variation in lipid and protein masses. Furthermore, the differential dynamics of proteins and lipids, with only lipids mobilized in the good condition state, only proteins in the poor condition state, and both proteins and lipids in the intermediate condition state, elucidates the nonlinear pattern observed in the relationship between energy density and water content. Overall, our results highlight the importance of monitoring the intraspecific variations in water content to predict the proximate composition and energy content in small pelagic fish and better assess individual and population conditions in changing ecosystems as well as to better parameterize bioenergetic models.
Functional diversity explores the maintenance mechanism and driving factors of the invasion equilibrium state of the icefish (Neosalanx taihuensis Chen) in Lake Fuxian, China
Authors: Ge You , Gu Xiaohong , Zeng Qingfei , Mao Zhigang , Chen Huihui , Yang Huiting , Luo Wenlei
Published: October 2024

Biodiversity loss caused by biological invasions is an ecological problem on a global scale, and understanding the mechanism of biological invasion is the basis for managing non‐native species. The biotic resistance hypothesis proposes that species‐rich native communities are less susceptible to invasion because of the limited resources available to non‐native species, therefore comparing the resource utilization patterns of different communities can reveal the invasion mechanisms of specific non‐native species at the community level. We selected Lake Taihu, where icefish (Neosalanx taihuensis Chen) originated, and Lake Fuxian, where icefish invaded, as the research objects. We calculated the fish functional diversity indexes, including functional richness (FRic), functional evenness (FEve), and functional divergence (FDiv), to reflect differences in ecological niche and resource utilization based on four quarterly fish survey data from two lakes. The random forests model explored the relationship between functional diversity indexes and biotic and environmental variables. Our results showed that more diverse resource utilization (high FRic), more niche space (low FEve), and less competitive pressure (high FDiv) in Lake Fuxian were identified as the critical important factors for maintaining the current equilibrium state after successful invasion of icefish. The bottom‐up effects mainly affected the functional diversity indexes in Lake Fuxian. They differed from those in Lake Taihu and were primarily influenced by top‐down effects. Enhancing the top‐down effects in Lake Fuxian and limiting the zooplankton available to icefish are critical to controlling the invasion of icefish. This study offers a new perspective for studying the non‐native fish invasion mechanism, and provides scientific guidance for managing non‐native fish in Lake Fuxian.