bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating nurses' psychological and operational preparedness for mass‐casualty events in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shubayr Nasser
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study assessed nurses' psychological and operational preparedness for mass‐casualty events in healthcare settings.

Background

Nurses are vital responders in mass‐casualty events, which demand quick and effective actions. Both psychological and operational preparedness are key to ensuring their ability to manage such high‐pressure situations.

Methods

A multicenter, cross‐sectional study was conducted among 156 emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System to assess psychological and operational preparedness. Data collection included demographic information, previous training, incident response experience, preparedness priorities for various mass‐casualty events, and perceived challenges and barriers to response. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Discrepancies were observed between training and response experience for mass‐casualty events, with natural disasters showing the highest alignment and priority, while transportation and fire‐related incidents had a greater response than training, suggesting reliance on practical experience rather than formal education. War injuries were among the highly prioritized, with training exceeding response, potentially reflecting geopolitical concerns. Psychological and operational preparedness were moderately rated, with a strong correlation between the two, indicating that enhancing psychological resilience could improve overall preparedness. Key perceived barriers included staff shortages, inadequate resources, psychological stress, insufficient training, and unclear protocols or lack of guidelines.

Conclusion

The study highlights moderate preparedness levels, with a need for more targeted training and systemic improvements to address identified barriers.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Health policies should prioritize comprehensive disaster preparedness programs with mental health support, clear protocols, and adequate training to improve nurse preparedness for mass‐casualty events. Addressing perceived barriers will strengthen the healthcare system's emergency response.
Emergent Discrimination: Should We Protect Algorithmic Groups?
Authors: Zeiser Jannik
Published: February 2025

Discrimination is usually thought of in terms of socially salient groups, such as race or gender. Some scholars argue that the rise of algorithmic decision‐making poses a challenge to this notion. Algorithms are not bound by a social view of the world. Therefore, they may not only inherit pre‐existing social biases and injustices but may also discriminate based on entirely new categories that have little or no meaning to humans at all, such as ‘being born on a Tuesday’. Should this prospect change how we theorize about discrimination, and should we protect these algorithmic groups, as some have suggested? I argue that the phenomenon is adequately described as ‘discrimination’ when a group is systematically disadvantaged. At present, we lack information about whether any algorithmic group meets this criterion, so it is difficult to protect such groups. Instead, we should prevent algorithms from disproportionately disadvantaging certain individuals, and I outline strategies for doing so.
Short‐Selling Threats and Corporate Tax Avoidance: Evidence From Regulation SHO
Authors: Maharjan Johan , Omer Thomas , Zhao Yijiang
Published: February 2025

We examine the effect of short‐selling threats on tax avoidance. To establish causality, we exploit a quasi‐experimental setting where the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC's) Regulation SHO (Reg SHO) pilot program relaxed an essential short‐selling constraint for a sample of NYSE‐listed pilot stocks, thus causing an exogenous increase in short‐selling threats in these stocks. Using quantile regression, we find that the relation between tax avoidance and short‐selling threats is significantly negative (positive) when tax avoidance is very high (low). This effect is observable for more opaque firms, firms whose managers have more job security concerns, and firms whose managers’ equity portfolios are more sensitive to share prices. Our results suggest that short sellers’ scrutiny of hidden agency problems underlying extreme tax avoidance would dampen stock price inflation and reduce managers’ welfare, thus motivating managers to reduce extreme tax avoidance in the first place.
Host‐Cleptoparasite Biogeographical Congruence Through Time: The Case of Cuckoo Oil Bees
Authors: Martins Aline C. , Freitas Felipe V. , Rocha‐Filho Léo C. , Branstetter Michael G. , Aguiar Antonio J. C. , Almeida Eduardo A. B. , Vasconcelos Thais
Published: February 2025

Aim

Insect brood parasites (i.e., cleptoparasites), like cuckoo bees, typically attack hosts within specific lineages, but seem to be less constrained by the biogeographical movements of their hosts compared to obligate parasites. Cuckoo bees depend on stable host populations, being particularly sensitive to environmental changes and thus valuable bioindicators of the bee community health. We here test the congruence between the biogeographical history of cuckoo oil bees and their oil bee hosts.

Location

The Americas.

Taxon

Bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae).

Methods

Using phylogenomic and Sanger sequence data, we present new time‐calibrated phylogenies for cuckoo oil bees in the ericrocidine line and their oil bee hosts, Centris and Epicharis. We estimate their ancestral ranges using six historical biogeographical models on a set of 100 trees, randomly sampled from the posterior distribution of phylogenies in each group, thus accounting for uncertainties in divergence time estimates and model selection.

Results

The origin of the hosts stem in the Cretaceous precedes the origin of their cleptoparasite's stem in the Palaeocene. Cleptoparasite and host crown origins were synchronous in the Eocene, and both took place in tropical South America. While the pair Rhathymini‐Epicharis remained mostly associated within this region, Centris and their cleptoparasites expanded their distribution to other parts of Neotropical and Nearctic regions in independent range expansions events. In all cases, host range shifts preceded the cleptoparasite shifts.

Main Conclusion

The biogeographical history of cleptoparasitic oil bees and oil‐collecting hosts is generally congruent in time and space. Events of range expansion mainly occurred in the more species‐rich lineages of cleptoparasites. Range shifts in cleptoparasites followed the distribution of their hosts and coincided with the distribution of oil‐producing plants visited by the host bees. Our results broaden our understanding of the complex biogeography of interacting partners and on how changes in host distributions may impact cleptoparasitic bees.
Unlocking the Potential of Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Li Hanbin , Wang Lu , Cheng Hongxin , Zhang Qing , Wang Shiqi , Zhong Wen , He Chengqi , Wei Quan
Published: February 2025

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are micro‐nanoscale biological particles encapsulated by phospholipid bilayers, which regulate cell migration, angiogenesis and tumour cell growth by transmitting various biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. EVs are composed of exosomes, microparticles and apoptotic bodies. Its benefits pass through biofilms and are not degraded by various enzymes, so it can be used as a biomarker in potential diseases and has attracted much attention from researchers. Current studies have found that EVs are involved in the development of various cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as heart failure and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. In addition, stem cell‐derived EVs play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of CVD. In this review, we present the biological features of EVs, the role of EVs in various CVD, and the challenges they encounter in the treatment of CVD.
Osteohistology of the unusually fast‐growing theropod dinosaur Ceratosaurus
Authors: Sombathy Riley , O'Connor Patrick M. , D'Emic Michael D.
Published: February 2025

Ceratosaurus is a large‐bodied non‐avian theropod dinosaur known from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation of North America and is remarkable both for its exceptionally fast annual growth rate and its status as the only theropod currently known with postcranial osteoderms. We describe the osteohistology of three hind limb bones, two dorsal ribs, and one osteoderm representing four individuals of Ceratosaurus. In addition to describing the tissues of these bones, we compared the annual growth rates from three individuals in our sample to those of five other ceratosaurians. We fit seven growth models to two of the specimens in our sample and compared the results of the best‐fit model(s) to those of two other ceratosaurians (Masiakasaurus knopfleri and Majungasaurus crenatissimus) for which sufficient growth data were available. The bone tissue of hind limbs in Ceratosaurus is highly vascularized, with dense plexiform or reticular vascular complexes and alternating strips of parallel or woven‐fibered matrix. Few lines of arrested growth were recorded in hind limbs prior to specimens achieving asymptotic body size. Both sampled dorsal ribs are highly remodeled, with only small portions of primary bone visible in each section, revealing parallel‐fibered bone with sparse primary osteons. Both dorsal ribs contain numerous lines of arrested growth throughout the cortex that allowed for more accurate estimates of individual age when paired with the data from hind limbs. The osteoderm is composed of a core of large Haversian canals and a perimeter of lamellar bone with dense Sharpey's fibers along the internal surface of the bone. Multiple LAGs are also present within the lamellar bone along the exterior margins. Maximum annual growth rates in Ceratosaurus were on average nine‐fold faster than those of other ceratosaurians. Our sample lacks data from juveniles so confidence in inferred growth models is limited. Thus, to begin to constrain Ceratosaurus growth patterns, we averaged the results of all models that possessed an Akaike Information Criterion score corrected for small sample size (AICc) within 10 of the lowest scoring model. We found that the monomolecular model exhibited the lowest AICc value, with the von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models possessing AICc values within 10 units of it. In contrast, the logistic and Gompertz models were confidently selected for Masiakasaurus and Majungasaurus, respectively. Irrespective of growth model, maximum relative annual growth rates for Ceratosaurus were several‐fold greater than those of Masiakasaurus and Majungasaurus. Both histological and growth model estimates of life history support an evolutionary trend towards more prolonged development in Ceratosauria through evolutionary time.
Temporal trends in treatment delays for oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil: An analysis of the national database
Authors: Borges Marcio Vinícius Campos , Pereira Erika Martins , Santos Raysa Theresa Pinheiro , de Oliveira Izabel Cristina Vieira , Thomaz Erika Barbara Abreu Fonseca , Rodrigues Vandilson
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study investigated regional trends in delays between the histological diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer and initiation of treatment across Brazil's federal units from 2013 to 2019.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted using secondary data from the Brazilian Health System Database (DATASUS) for the years 2013–2019. Variables collected included the year of treatment, sex, age group, anatomical location, disease stage, treatment method, and federal unit of Brazil. Thematic maps were generated, and time series were analyzed using joint‐point regression.

Results

A total of 72,062 cases were included in the study. Majority of cases were of men (79.32%) and individuals older than 45 years (91.15%). Treatment was initiated earlier in younger patients, in cases of lip cancer, and among those who had undergone surgery. In 11 states, a significant decrease was observed in initiating treatment for oral cancer 60 days from diagnosis, whereas a significant increase was observed in three states. For oropharyngeal cancer, a significant decrease was observed in initiating treatment at 60 days from diagnosis in three states, whereas a significant increase was observed in five states.

Conclusions

The findings revealed a high degree of heterogeneity in treatment delays for oral and oropharyngeal cancer across Brazil from 2013 to 2019. The northern states of Brazil exhibited a high percentage of treatment delays exceeding 60 days.
Exploring person‐centred sleep and rest–activity cycle dynamics over 6 months
Authors: Crosley‐Lyons Rachel , Li Jixin , Wang Wei‐Lin , Wang Shirlene D. , Huh Jimi , Bae Dayoung , Intille Stephen S. , Dunton Genevieve F.
Published: February 2025

Sleep and circadian characteristics are associated with health outcomes, but are often examined cross‐sectionally or using variable‐centred analyses. Person‐centred longitudinal research is needed to identify combined effects of sleep and circadian characteristics while allowing for change over time. We aimed to classify individuals into sleep‐circadian statuses (aim 1), determine whether they transitioned between statuses over time (aim 2), and explore associated covariates and health outcomes (aim 3). Young adults (N = 151) wore smartwatches continuously for 6 months. Sleep (total sleep time, wake after sleep onset) and circadian rest–activity cycle indicators (interdaily stability, intradaily variability, relative amplitude) were derived from acceleration data and aggregated into person‐means for months 1, 3, and 6. These values were entered into a latent transition model for aims 1 and 2. Multinomial logistic regressions, ANOVA, and ANCOVA addressed aim 3. Four statuses were extracted (entropy = 0.88): optimal sleepers, restless sleepers, short sleepers, and nappers. 10%–13% of optimal sleepers and 21% of restless sleepers became nappers, 7%–18% of nappers transitioned to other statuses, and 94%–100% of short sleepers remained unchanged. Males were more likely than females to be short versus optimal sleepers (p < 0.001). Restless sleepers had more physical dysfunction than nappers and short sleepers (p = 0.014, 0.022), while short sleepers reported more excessive sleepiness than optimal sleepers and nappers (p = 0.006, 0.060). This study identified four sleep‐circadian statuses and found evidence for change over time. Our longitudinal person‐centred approach could help inform the development of tailored diagnostic guidelines for sleep and circadian‐related disorders that fluctuate within‐individuals.
Textural and compositional characteristics of metallic spherules in impact melt from Monturaqui crater, Chile
Authors: Cukierski Daniel O. , Peate David W. , Ukstins Ingrid A. , Kloberdanz Christy , Foster C. Tom , Lim Chungwan
Published: February 2025

Samples of impactite from the small (~350 m diameter) Monturaqui crater in northern Chile contain Fe‐Ni metallic spherules sourced from the iron meteorite impactor. Textural characterization and quantification were done using SEM and μCT data. Two textural types are distinguished, with different size distributions. The smaller spherical objects (mostly <100 μm in diameter) follow a power law size distribution, while larger objects are mostly irregular‐shaped patches. These are analogous to the small (nm to 50 μm) immiscible spherical metal droplets and large (150–500 μm) irregular partly fused pieces of the iron meteorite projectile observed in highly shocked ejecta fragments during hypervelocity impact experiments. Compositions of both spherule types were determined using in situ methods (electron microprobe, LA‐ICP‐MS), as well as solution ICP‐MS on individual spherules separated from impact melt glass using electric pulse disintegration. Spherules are enriched in Ni and Co relative to Fe and W and relative to the inferred iron meteorite impactor composition, and PGEs show similar enrichments with limited fractionation between different PGEs, all consistent with selective oxidation processes. All spherules have similar chondrite‐normalized patterns that are also broadly similar to weathered fragments of the iron meteorite impactor. Ni‐Ge and Ni‐Ir data on large (>300 μm) spherules and weathered meteorite fragments suggest that the Monturaqui impactor was a group IAB iron meteorite.
Exploring pre‐clinical medical students' perception of and participation in active learning: A mixed‐methods transnational study
Authors: Heng Wendy , Ho Mei Hui , Mah Xiu Hui , Lim Jun Jie , Syamsury Nabilah Huda Binti Ahmad , Haagensen Emma , Ong Edmund Liang Chai , Hubbard Paul
Published: February 2025

Background

Active learning is a learning process that promotes student engagement in constructing knowledge and conceptual understanding, improves critical thinking skills and develops professional competency. In recent years there has been a significant shift of emphasis in higher education from passive teacher‐centred didactic teaching to active student‐led learning. Although there is abundant literature about active learning, there is a gap in the knowledge of students' perception regarding factors that affect engagement in active learning activities. This project aimed to explore pre‐clinical year medical students' perception of active learning and examine the factors that affect their participation in active learning activities.

Methods

A mixed‐method study was conducted with pre‐clinical medical students at Newcastle University Medical School, UK, and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. A total of 266 students participated in an online survey questionnaire, with 25 students participating in focus group discussions (FGD). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive analysis and qualitative data was analysed with thematic analysis.

Results

The majority of students (94.7%) recognised that active learning is important for their learning, but had a narrow definition of what active learning constituted, and familiarity with active learning techniques was lacking. Many students' independent learning techniques were centred around methods of ‘active recall’, with factors affecting the utilisation of active learning techniques mainly focused on time availability, group dynamics in active teaching sessions and teaching styles of educators.

Conclusion

Students acknowledged the importance of active learning but are generally unfamiliar with ways to effectively utilise a broad range of active learning strategies. This study demonstrated that it is important for educators to understand firstly how students define active learning as well as how students interact with active learning taught sessions, to ensure that they create an environment where students feel confident to engage in active learning techniques.
Identification and Application of the Heptad Repeat Domain in the CPR5 Protein for Enhancing Plant Immunity
Authors: Zhang Yuehui , Ge Yuting , Sun Keke , Pan Leiwen , Liang Zhilin , Wang Ping , Cai Yingfan , Wang Shui
Published: February 2025

Plant resistance to pathogens can be significantly enhanced through genetic modification, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. CONSTITUTIVE EXPRESSER OF PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENES 5 (CPR5) serves as a key negative regulator of plant immunity. Here we explored the functional domains of the CPR5 protein with the goal of dampening its activity to bolster plant immunity. Using hexapeptide asparagine–alanine–alanine–isoleucine–arginine–serine (NAAIRS) linker‐scanning analysis, we identified a heptad repeat domain (HRD) in the middle region of the CPR5 protein, which is highly conserved across the plant kingdom. The HRD is predicted to form an α‐helix structure and acts as an interface for CPR5 dimerization. Intriguingly, overexpression of the HRD in Arabidopsis wild‐type plants resulted in a phenotype similar to the cpr5 mutant and led to an enhancement of plant immunity, indicating that the introduced HRDs disrupt the native CPR5 dimers, thereby relieving the suppression of plant immunity. Furthermore, expression of the HRD under the control of a pathogen‐inducible promoter significantly improved the resistance of cotton plants to Verticillium dahliae, a destructive wilt pathogen affecting cotton production worldwide. These findings suggest that downregulating CPR5 activity by the pathogen‐inducible expression of its HRD could be a promising approach for strengthening plant immunity.
Associations of late‐life blood pressure with CERAD, Braak, and Thal: Findings from the National Alzheimer's coordinating center neuropathology dataset
Authors: Sin Mo‐Kyung , Dowling N. Maritza , Roseman Jeffrey M. , Ahmed Ali , Zamrini Edward
Published: February 2025

Mid‐life high blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). CERAD amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, Braak tau neurofibrillary tangles, and Thal Aβ plaque location are major scoring systems for quantifying neuropathological features of AD. We examined the association of late‐life systolic BP (SBP) with CERAD, Braak, and Thal in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Neuropathology Dataset. Of 1978 participants with data on CERAD, 762 had scores 0–1 (none to sparse) and 1216 had 2–3 (moderate to frequent). Of 1947 with data on Braak, 411 had stages 0–II (normal to mild) and 1536 had III–VI (moderately to very severe). Of 2132 with data on Thal, 438 had phases 0–I, 428 II–III, and 1266 IV–V. Using the mean of the last four SBP before death, SBP was categorized into <120 (references), 120–139, and ≥140 mmHg. Age‐sex‐adjusted ORs (95% CIs) associated with SBP ≥140 mmHg for CERAD 2–3 and Braak III–VI were 1.37 (1.03, 1.83, P = 0.03) and 1.26 (0.89, 1.78, P = 0.20), respectively. Similar association was observed for Thal II–III and IV–V. These associations essentially remained unchanged after additional adjustment for APOE and Lewy Body pathology. These findings suggest that higher late‐life SBP is associated with markers of presence and severity of neuropathological features of AD. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm the findings.
An interdisciplinary virtual group program addressing the FINER points of chronic pain management: An exploratory analysis of functional outcomes
Authors: Sarno Danielle L. , Gureck Ashley E. , Cardenas‐Rojas Alejandra , Eckley Marissa , Vu Kevin , Kurz Jennifer , Fu Melanie , Isaac Zacharia , Phillips Edward , Chin Bridget , Barron Daniel S.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Chronic pain is multifactorial and has large social and economic costs. Comprehensive pain management through an interdisciplinary approach addressing the biopsychosocial model of pain is beneficial. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and functional outcomes following participation in the 8‐week virtual interdisciplinary Functional Integrative Restoration (FINER) program.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Virtual platform (Zoom) utilized by participants and clinicians within a large academic institution.

Subjects

44 individuals with chronic pain meeting study criteria who participated in the virtual FINER program from September 2021 to April 2023 were included in final analysis.

Methods

Participants attended twice weekly seminars and group sessions focused on pain education, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, and psychological therapies virtually and completed pre‐ and post‐program surveys. Outcomes included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System‐29 (PROMIS‐29). Qualitative feedback was also obtained.

Results

From September 2021 to April 2023, 44 adult FINER participants with chronic low back and/or neck pain completed pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys. We observed significant improvements in PCS, TSK, and various domains of the PROMIS‐29, including pain interference, participation, physical function, and sleep, with modest effect sizes.

Conclusions

The FINER program reduced self‐reported functional outcomes related to the participants' chronic pain. Positive qualitative feedback from FINER participants suggested mental and physical health benefits. Future investigation will include a larger cohort and will deploy active (patient‐reported outcomes) and passive (mobility and sociability) digital measures to further characterize functional changes.
PbMADS49 Regulates Lignification During Stone Cell Development in ‘Dangshansuli’ (Pyrus bretschneideri) Fruit
Authors: Meng Dandan , Liu Xin , Cao Yunpeng , Cai Yongping , Duan Jinsheng
Published: February 2025

Lignified stone cell content is one of the critical factors affecting ‘Dangshansuli’ fruit quality. The function of MADS‐box transcription factors in regulating lignin biosynthesis in pear fruit is still less. In this study, PbMADS49 gene silencing inhibited the lignin biosynthesis and stone cell secondary wall development of pear fruit mainly through reducing the expression levels of lignin monomer polymerisation key enzymes (PbPRX33 and PbPRX45). PbMADS49 was a transcriptional repressor inhibiting its transcription by binding to the CArG element in the target gene promoter. Combined with the co‐expression network and promoter cis‐acting element analysis, we hypothesised that PbMADS49 positively regulates the transcription of PbPRX33 through PbWRKY63. The gene silencing effect of homologous genes PbPRX33‐1 and PbPRX33‐2 was consistent with PbMADS49, and PbPRX33‐2 was more significant than PbPRX33‐1. This study shows that PbMADS49 is a positive regulator of stone cell lignification, providing new insights into the development mechanism of pear stone cells.
Camp Wonder Provides Short‐Term Health‐Related Quality of Life Benefits for Participants With Chronic Skin Disease
Authors: Woodward Mani K. , Seshadri Rishi , Healy Thatcher , Leitenberger Sabra , Dhossche Julie
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Chronic skin diseases in children can significantly impair their quality of life (QOL) due to physical discomfort and psychosocial challenges. Disease‐focused summer camps, like Camp Wonder (CW), offer a supportive environment for children to engage in activities and build friendships, potentially improving their QOL.

Methods

This prospective cohort study evaluated the short‐term QOL benefits of CW as measured by the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Data were collected from 58 camp participants aged 8–17 years. The CDLQI was administered on the first and last days of CW. The paired sample t‐test was used to compare pre‐camp and post‐camp CDLQI scores. A multiple linear regression analysis examined predictors of QOL improvement, including age, diagnosis category, sex, and initial CDLQI severity.

Results

CW participants showed significant improvements in total CDLQI scores (mean change = −3.8 points, p < 0.0001) and in all constituent domains. Participants with “very large” initial QOL impacts experienced an average reduction of 8.4 points, while those with “extremely large” impacts had a reduction of 15.3 points relative to the reference group. Age, sex, and diagnosis were not significant predictors of QOL changes.

Conclusion

CW provides significant short‐term QOL benefits, particularly for children with severe impairments due to chronic skin disease. These findings suggest that summer camp experiences may be useful as part of a comprehensive care strategy, especially for pediatric patients with severe QOL impacts.
SLC13A5 plays an essential role in the energy shift to oxidative phosphorylation in cisplatin‐resistant mesothelioma stem cells
Authors: Kato‐Shinomiya Marie , Sugino Hirokazu , Wang Lei , Saito Yusuke , He Jintao , Tanei Zen‐ichi , Oda Yoshitaka , Tanikawa Satoshi , Tanino Mishie , Gong Jian Ping , Tsuda Masumi , Tanaka Shinya
Published: February 2025

Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor affecting an increasing number of patients worldwide. Owing to the poor clinical outcomes associated with current therapies, the development of novel therapies that target cancer stem cells (CSCs) is desirable. Here, we examined the applicability of our previously established hydrogel‐based rapid CSC generation method to human mesothelioma cell lines and further analyzed the characteristics of the induced mesothelioma stem cell (MesoSC) ‐like cells. Human mesothelioma cell lines cultured on hydrogels presented increased expression of pan‐stem cell markers and acquired spheroid formation and early tumorigenicity, suggesting that MesoSC‐like cells are highly malignant. Microarray analysis demonstrated that the expression of SLC13A5, a citrate transporter involved in TCA cycle, was significantly induced in the resulting MesoSC‐like cells. The overexpression of SLC13A5 resulted in a metabolic shift toward oxidative phosphorylation, increased phosphorylation of ERK and YAP, and increased SOX2 expression, leading to increased cisplatin resistance. scRNA‐seq database analysis revealed that clinical mesothelioma samples contained a small number of SLC13A5‐expressing cells. Our findings suggest that the hydrogel‐based CSC generation method is also effective for human mesothelioma cells and that SLC13A5 may contribute to MesoSC survival. The new properties of MesoSCs revealed in this study may provide clues for establishing future treatments.
Associations Between Snoring, Body Mass Index and Coronary Artery Diseases: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study in Asia
Authors: Zhu Yunqing , Lan Yongbing , Lv Jun , Sun Dianjianyi , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Millwood Iona Y. , Walters Robin G. , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Wang Jian , Yang Xiaoming , Stevens Rebecca , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Yu Canqing ,   the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: February 2025

Background and Objective

Previous observational studies reported a complex relationship between snoring and coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to estimate the causal associations between snoring and CAD among East Asian people, and the effects independent of BMI.

Methods

Based on 497,250 adults from China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), we performed a conventional prospective analysis between snoring and CAD outcomes, using the multivariable Cox regression. We also leveraged genome‐wide association (GWAS) summary statistics of snoring and BMI from CKB (n = 100,626, 47,208 snorers) and CAD outcomes from Biobank of Japan (BBJ, 5891–25,892 cases, 142,336–168,186 controls). Single‐variable and multivariable two‐sample bi‐directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 12.32 years, 48,997 participants developed CAD. Snoring and habitual snoring were associated with incident CAD and myocardial infarction (MI), habitual snoring was also associated with stable angina pectoris (SAP). The HRs (95% CIs) of habitual snoring were 1.06 (1.04, 1.08), 1.06 (1.04, 1.08) and 1.14 (1.03, 1.25). The associations remained among non‐adiposity participants. Genetically predicted habitual snoring was associated with CAD and MI, the corresponding IVW‐ORs (95% CIs) were 1.09 (1.005, 1.19) and 1.15 (1.05, 1.25). Further adjusted BMI, habitual snoring retained independent effects on MI and CAD, and showed impact on SAP (1.09 [1.01, 1.17]). No reverse associations were observed between CADs on snoring traits.

Conclusion

Habitual snoring elevated the risks of total CAD, MI and SAP. The causal associations were independent of BMI. These findings indicated that snoring intervention might contribute to the decrease of CAD risk among Asians.
Exploring ABI5 regulation: Post‐translational control and cofactor interactions in ABA signaling
Authors: Du Chang , Bai Haiyan , Yan Yujie , Liu Yurui , Wang Xiangying , Zhang Zhonghui
Published: February 2025

Abscisic acid insensitive 5 (ABI5) is a pivotal transcription factor in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, playing an essential role in plant growth and responses to abiotic stress. This key regulator is subject to multifaceted regulation, especially on post‐translational mechanisms. Recent research has shed light on the post‐translational regulation of ABI5, encompassing both post‐translational modifications (PTMs) and the modulation of its transcriptional activity. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge surrounding the post‐translational regulation of ABI5, along with the influence of various cofactors on its transcriptional activity and protein stability. The potential biological roles of PTMs of ABI5 in the context of ABA signaling and plant stress responses are also explored. As ABI5 is one of the most extensively studied proteins in the context of plant ABA signaling and environmental stress responses, a sophisticated and precise understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that govern ABI5 is not only beneficial for its application in genetic engineering but also helpful for our exploration in the fundamental principles of post‐translational regulation.
Lysine acetylation modulates drought stress responses in birch (Betula platyphylla) through metabolic and transcriptional pathway regulation
Authors: Sun Shilin , Han Xue , Wang Jiayi , Liu Mingshuang , Wu Siqi , Wu Di , Wang Yucheng
Published: February 2025

Acetylation modifies protein subcellular localization, stability, enzymatic activity, and protein–protein and protein‐DNA interactions, playing a crucial role in mediating protein function. However, research on non‐histone acetylation remains limited. This study investigates changes in lysine acetylation (Kac) in proteins of birch (Betula platyphylla) in response to drought using 4D label‐free quantitative lys‐acetylproteome analysis. We identified a total of 15 064 acetylated peptides across 4393 proteins, with 2486 Kac sites exhibiting significant changes: 246 prteins showed increased Kac levels, while 1406 displayed reductions. Notably, proteins associated with metabolic pathways, such as nucleotide sugar biosynthesis, proteasome, glutamate decarboxylase and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, were significantly impacted. The alterations in Kac levels correlated with various KEGG pathways, suggesting that acetylation plays a regulatory role in drought response mechanisms. Furthermore, we identified specific acetylation sites in transcription factors (TFs), highlighting their involvement in this process. Functional validation demonstrated that mutations in Kac sites of five randomly selected TFs resulted in significant changes in drought tolerance, emphasizing the critical role of lysine acetylation in modulating stress responses. Overall, our findings indicate that Kac modification serves as a key regulatory mechanism in birch adaptation to drought stress, influencing both metabolic processes and transcriptional regulation.
On volume and surface area of parallel sets. II. Surface measures and (non)differentiability of the volume
Authors: Rataj Jan , Winter Steffen
Published: February 2025

We prove that at differentiability points of the volume function of a compact set (associating to the volume of the ‐parallel set of ), the surface area measures of ‐parallel sets of converge weakly to the surface area measure of the ‐parallel set as . We further study the question which sets of parallel radii can occur as sets of nondifferentiability points of the volume function of some compact set. We provide a full characterization for dimensions and 2.
Not the Michigan State University of Old? A Critical Discourse Analysis of Crisis Communication
Authors: Frederick Evan , Pegoraro Ann , Sveinson Katherine
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine how Michigan State University (MSU), Mel Tucker, and Brenda Tracy engaged in crisis communication and image repair amid an ongoing crisis involving allegations of sexual assault. Specifically, this work moved beyond identifying the crisis-communication strategies being employed, answering the call to employ critical discourse analysis in scholarly examinations of crisis-communication efforts. MSU primarily employed bolstering (reminder) rooted in procedural discourse and corrective action rooted in discourse(s) of organizational change. Mel Tucker leveraged both rape myth and witch-hunt discourses in his utilization of attack accuser, victimization, and minimization (excuse). Tracy countered his tactics by employing discourse practices associated with the broader “Me Too” movement with her use of victimization, shifting blame, and attack accuser. This work illuminates the nuances of crisis communication beyond the strategies being employed, revealing how the strategies are linked to broader societal discourses. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that discourses and ideologies present in society at large manifest in the crisis-communication efforts of sport organizations and individuals, thereby providing a worthwhile contribution to the corpus of literature pertaining to crisis communication in sport.
Minimizing Running Load via Gentle Heel Strike Techniques: A Gait Modification Study
Authors: Shen Wei , Hou Zongchen , Wheeler Patrick C. , Fong Daniel T.P.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Running overuse injuries are among the most common running-related musculoskeletal injuries. Modifying gait has been recognized as an effective strategy for preventing running overuse injuries. This study investigates whether gentle heel strike (GHS) running decreases the impact loading rate during 30-minute runs in healthy participants. Methods: In this prospective cohort interventional study, 20 male participants underwent gait modification in a controlled laboratory setting, with the goal of reducing heel impact through real-time visual feedback. Comprehensive measurements, including plantar contact, force, pressure, and detailed kinetic and kinematic analyses, were employed to assess changes in gait dynamics. Results: GHS significantly shifted plantar pressure, reducing heel forces and increasing forefoot load. Mean heel force decreased by 0.32 (0.1) body weight (BW) and heel pressure reduced by 0.1 kPa/BW. Although peak vertical ground reaction force and anterior–posterior ground reaction force did not change significantly across the entire stance phase, early stance vertical ground reaction force (7%–12% of the gait cycle) was reduced, leading to the disappearance of the vertical impact peak. Vertical impact peak dropped from 1.45 (0.23) to 1.27 (0.25) BW. Significant reductions were also seen in the vertical instantaneous loading rate, which decreased from 68.32 (14.20) to 46.77 (13.95) BW/s, and the vertical average loading rate, which fell from 54.96 (14.38) to 38.84 (12.62) BW/s (P < .001). Discussion: GHS has the potential to modify running mechanics by redistributing plantar pressure and diminishing heel impact force. This reduction in heel impact force could lead to a change in landing pattern anteriorly and a decrease in loading rates, potentially reducing the risk of running overuse injuries. Conclusion: Visual biofeedback-guided GHS is feasible in healthy participants, and it effectively reduces the loading rate during running for 30 minutes.
An Examination of Physical Education Technology Courses in Physical Education Teacher Education
Authors: Cox Dannon G. , Krause Jennifer M. , O’Neil Kason , Brooks Collin
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study explored how physical education-specific technology courses within physical education teacher education (PETE) programs address students’ Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK), given that successful technology integration in PETE remains unclear. Method: A case study design was used to examine six PETE programs’ physical education-specific technology courses within the United States. Semistructured interviews with course instructors and course materials (e.g., syllabi, assignments) were inductively analyzed to explore how they addressed TPACK components and PETE technology standards. Results: All courses addressed varying components of TPACK and PETE technology standards. Additional thematic analysis showed that all courses encouraged (a) hands-on practical experience, (b) technology exploration, (c) empowering teachers, and (d) digital citizenship advocacy. Discussion: PETE programs currently with or those considering a physical education-specific course should ensure they enhance students’ TPACK by specifically addressing technology use in lesson planning, lesson delivery, assessment, and advocacy in program and course experiences.
Longitudinal analysis of rhesus macaque metabolome during acute SIV infection reveals disruption in broad metabolite classes
Authors: Hudson Andrew , Wu Peng , Kroll Kyle W. , Hueber Brady , Woolley Griffin , Shi Pixu , Reeves R. Keith
Published: February 2025

Persons living with HIV experience significant metabolic dysregulation, frequently resulting in immune and other cellular dysfunction. However, our understanding of metabolism and its relationship to immunity in the context of HIV remains incompletely understood, especially as it relates to the acute and early chronic phases of HIV infection. Herein, we employed mass spectrometry and a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaque model to characterize changes in over 500 plasma metabolites throughout SIV infection. This broad metabolomic approach recapitulated known pathogenic signatures of HIV, such as a perturbed tryptophan/kynurenine ratio, but also identified novel metabolic changes. We observed a general decrease in plasma amino acid concentrations, with the notable exceptions of elevated aspartate and glutamate. Acute infection was marked by a transient increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, indicating a shift toward anaerobic metabolism. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity, defined by the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, was significantly increased in both acute and chronic phases and strongly correlated with viral load. These results provide a comprehensive characterization of metabolic fluctuations during early lentiviral infection, furthering our understanding of the crucial interplay between metabolism and immune response. Our findings highlight systemic metabolic consequences of infection and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention or biomarkers of disease progression.

IMPORTANCE

Despite significant advances in antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV remains a global challenge. Understanding the underlying immune mechanisms is critical for improving HIV control and therapeutic development. Cellular metabolism represents a crucial yet underappreciated area of immune system function. Metabolite availability and metabolic pathway preferences directly influence the functional response capacity of immune cells and are highly dysregulated during HIV infection. To further the understanding of metabolic impacts of HIV infection, we utilized cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based metabolome interrogation to measure over 500 metabolites using an acute simian immunodeficiency virus infection model in rhesus macaques. Our comprehensive analysis provides insights into the dynamic metabolic landscape throughout early infection, revealing both known and novel metabolic signatures. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between metabolism and immunity in lentiviral infections, potentially informing new strategies for early detection, prevention, and treatment of HIV.
Synergistic action of mucoactive drugs and phages against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Sui Bingrui , Li Xiaoyu , Li Na , Tao Yang , Wang Lili , Xu Yongping , Hou Yumin , Hu Bijie , Tan Demeng
Published: February 2025

N
-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ambroxol hydrochloride (AMB) are commonly prescribed alongside antibiotics to alleviate sputum retention in lower respiratory tract infections, which are often caused by bacterial pathogens. With the rising threat of antibiotic resistance, phage therapy has emerged as a promising alternative alongside. However, no studies have explored the potential interactions between phages and these mucoactive agents despite their frequent concurrent use during phage therapy. Therefore, investigating the potential synergy and its subsequent impact on phage infection dynamics could enhance clinical strategies for treating bacterial infections with phages. Our study utilized
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain ZS-PA-35 and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain Kp36, alongside their respective phages, to investigate their interactions in the presence of NAC or AMB. Our findings indicate that, under specific conditions, these mucoactive agents can function as adjuvants to lytic phages, enhancing bacterial susceptibility to phage infection and facilitating subsequent phage proliferation. Our study revealed that these synergistic interactions are strongly influenced by the physiological characteristics of the phages, the surrounding microenvironments, and the physiology of host tissues, as varying outcomes of phage-host interactions were observed among different phages and across distinct media. Taken together, our results emphasize the complexity of interactions between phages and NAC or AMB, underscoring the need for caution when using combination treatments.

IMPORTANCE

N
-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ambroxol hydrochloride (AMB) are used in medical treatment of patients with acute and chronic bronchitis. Often, the choice of NAC or AMB is empirically determined by physicians. However, the potential impact of combining NAC or AMB with phage therapy remains unclear. To address this gap, a comprehensive understanding of their interplay is crucial to determine any potential synergistic effects. This study aims to elucidate how NAC or AMB influence phages targeting different receptors, thereby affecting their antibacterial activity against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Our results suggest that, under certain conditions, NAC or AMB provides an adjuvant effect by rendering the cells more susceptible to phage infection. These results contribute to advancing our understanding of the clinical combination of mucoactive agents and phage therapy, offering insights for optimizing treatment efficacy.