bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness of the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Undergoing Nonsurgical Treatment
Authors: Minetama Masakazu , Kawakami Mamoru , Teraguchi Masatoshi , Nakagawa Masafumi , Yamamoto Yoshio , Sakon Nana , Nakatani Tomohiro , Matsuo Sachika , Nakagawa Yukihiro
Published: March 2024

Study Design.

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Objective.

We investigated the ability to distinguish patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who improved from those who did not after receiving nonsurgical treatment. We used the disorder-specific Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) satisfaction subscale as an external anchor and estimated the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for the ZCQ symptom severity and physical function subscales.

Summary of Background Data.

The ZCQ satisfaction subscale effectively distinguishes surgical patients who improved from those who did not for LSS. However, its responsiveness in nonsurgical treatment has not been evaluated yet.

Methods.

Eighty-four patients with LSS who received supervised physical therapy or a home exercise program were included. Patients were classified as responders or nonresponders according to the cutoff of 2.5 for the ZCQ satisfaction subscales at six weeks and one year. The external responsiveness of the ZCQ satisfaction subscale was assessed using correlational and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. MCIDs for the ZCQ symptom severity and physical function subscales were estimated using anchor and distribution approaches.

Results.

Pearson correlation coefficients between the changes in outcomes and the ZCQ satisfaction subscale at six weeks and one year were 0.37 to 0.58 (symptom severity) and 0.40 to 0.45 (physical function subscales) (>0.30 is considered a good anchor). The area under the ROC curve values were 0.66 to 0.72 and 0.63 to 0.71 for the symptom severity and physical function subscales, respectively (>0.7 is considered acceptable). The MCIDs at six weeks and one year estimated from anchor-based approaches were –0.64 to –0.13 (symptom severity) and –0.39 to 0.10 (physical function), and those from the distribution-based approaches were –0.31 to –0.30 and –0.29 to –0.27, respectively.

Conclusions.

The findings of this study suggest that the ZCQ satisfaction subscale has less ability to distinguish patients with LSS who improved in the ZCQ symptom severity and physical function subscales from those who did not after nonsurgical treatment, compared to those after surgical treatment.
Phenotypic characterization of predictors for development and progression of geographic atrophy using optical coherence tomography.
Authors: Fragiotta Serena , Dysli Chantal , Parravano Mariacristina , Sacconi Riccardo , Fantaguzzi Federico , Servillo Andrea , Severo Alice Antonella , Tombolini Beatrice , Costanzo Eliana , De Geronimo Daniele , Capuano Vittorio , Souied Eric , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of optical coherence tomography (OCT) phenotypes preceding atrophy related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the progression of atrophic lesions.

Methods:

In this observational retrospective cohort study, a total of 70 eyes of 60 consecutive patients with intermediate AMD with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included. The atrophy was quantified using fundus autofluorescence, also considering the directionality of atrophy as centrifugal and centripetal progression rates.

Main outcome measures were geographic atrophy (GA) progression rate (mm2/year) and square root-transformation GA (mm2/year).

Results:

The best-fit model for GA (OR: 1.81, p<0.001) and square root-transformation GA (OR: 1.36, p<0.001) areas revealed that the main baseline predictor was the presence of an RPE-basal lamina-(BL)-Bruch’s membrane (BrM) splitting. Large drusen at baseline appeared protective for the GA area lesion expansion over time (OR: 0.52, p<0.001) when considered with other confounders.

Conclusion:

A thin RPE-BL-BrM splitting without evidence of neovascularization on OCT angiography likely represents an OCT signature for late basal laminar deposits. Identifying this phenotype can help identify individuals with a higher risk of rapid progression and atrophy expansion.
Licorice extract inhibits porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bai Wenfei , Zhu Qinghe , Wang Jun , Jiang Limin , Guo Donghua , Li Chunqiu , Xing Xiaoxu , Sun Dongbo
Published: March 2024

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe diarrhea and even death in piglets, resulting in significant economic losses to the pig industry. Because of the ongoing mutation of PEDV, there might be variations between the vaccine strain and the prevailing strain, causing the vaccine to not offer full protection against different PEDV variant strains. Therefore, it is necessary to develop anti-PEDV drugs to compensate for vaccines. This study confirmed the anti-PEDV effect of licorice extract (Le) in vitro and in vivo. Le inhibited PEDV replication in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. By exploring the effect of Le on the life cycle of PEDV, we found that Le inhibited the attachment, internalization, and replication stages of the virus. In vivo, all five piglets in the PEDV-infected group died within 72 h. In comparison, the Le-treated group had a survival rate of 80 % at the same time, with significant relief of clinical symptoms, pathological damage, and viral loads in the jejunum and ileum. Our results suggested that Le can exert anti-PEDV effects in vitro and in vivo. Le is effective and inexpensive; therefore it has the potential to be developed as a new anti-PEDV drug.
Downregulation of endogenous nectin1 in human keratinocytes by herpes simplex virus 1 glycoprotein D excludes superinfection but does not affect NK cell function
Authors: Kite Joanne , Hill Monica , Preston Natasha , Rubina Anzelika , Kollnberger Simon , Wang Eddie Chung Yern , Elliott Gillian
Published: March 2024

Many viruses downregulate their cognate receptors, facilitating virus replication and pathogenesis via processes that are not yet fully understood. In the case of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), the receptor binding protein glycoprotein D (gD) has been implicated in downregulation of its receptor nectin1, but current understanding of the process is limited. Some studies suggest that gD on the incoming virion is sufficient to achieve nectin1 downregulation, but the virus-encoded E3 ubiquitin ligase ICP0 has also been implicated. Here we have used the physiologically relevant nTERT human keratinocyte cell type – which we have previously shown to express readily detectable levels of endogenous nectin1 – to conduct a detailed investigation of nectin1 expression during HSV1 infection. In these cells, nectin1, but not nectin2 or the transferrin receptor, disappeared from the cell surface in a process that required virus protein synthesis rather than incoming virus, but did not involve virus-induced host shutoff. Furthermore, gD was not only required but was sufficient for nectin1 depletion, indicating that no other virus proteins are essential. NK cells were shown to be activated in the presence of keratinocytes, a process that was greatly inhibited in cells infected with wild-type virus. However, degranulation of NK cells was also inhibited in ΔgD-infected cells, indicating that blocking of NK cell activation was independent of gD downregulation of nectin1. By contrast, a superinfection time-course revealed that the ability of HSV1 infection to block subsequent infection of a GFP-expressing HSV1 was dependent on gD and occurred in line with the timing of nectin1 downregulation. Thus, the role of gD-dependent nectin1 impairment during HSV infection is important for virus infection, but not immune evasion, which is achieved by other mechanisms.
Comparison of compartmental analytical BOLD fMRI models against Monte Carlo simulations performed over cortical micro-angiograms
Authors: Charest Jordan , Walsh Mathieu , Genois Élie , Sévigny Emmanuelle , Schwarz Pierre-Olivier , Gagnon Louis , Desjardins Michèle
Published: March 2024

BOLD fMRI arises from a physiological and physical cascade of events taking place at the level of the cortical microvasculature which constitutes a medium with complex geometry. Several analytical models of the BOLD contrast have been developed but these have not been compared directly against detailed bottom-up modeling methods. Using a 3D modeling method based on experimentally measured images of mice microvasculature and Monte Carlo simulations, we quantified the accuracy of two analytical models to predict the amplitude of the BOLD response from 1.5T to 7T, for different TE and for both gradient echo and spin echo acquisition protocols. We also showed that accounting for the tridimensional structure of the microvasculature results in more accurate prediction of the BOLD amplitude, even if the values for SO2were averaged across individual vascular compartments. A secondary finding is that modeling the venous compartment as two individual compartments results in more accurate prediction of the BOLD amplitude compared to standard homogenous venous modeling, arising from the bimodal distribution of venous SO2across the microvasculature in our data.
Dynamic DNAN6-adenine methylation (6mA) governs the encystment process, showcased in the unicellular eukaryotePseudocohnilembus persalinus
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Niu Junhua , Ye Fei , Solberg Therese , Lu Borong , Wang Chundi , Nowacki Mariusz , Gao Shan
Published: March 2024

The formation of resting cysts commonly found in unicellular eukaryotes is a complex and highly regulated survival strategy against environmental stress that involves drastic physiological and biochemical changes. Although most studies have focused on the morphology and structure of cysts, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control this process. Recent studies indicate that DNAN6-adenine methylation (6mA) could be dynamically changing in response to external stimuli; however, its potential role in the regulation of cyst formation remains unknown. We used the ciliatePseudocohnilembus persalinus, which can be easily induced to form cysts to investigate the dynamic pattern of 6mA in trophonts and cysts. Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing reveals high levels of 6mA in trophonts that decrease in cysts, along with a conversion of symmetric 6mA to asymmetric 6mA. Further analysis shows that 6mA, a mark of active transcription, is involved in altering the expression of encystment-related genes through changes in 6mA levels and 6mA symmetric-to-asymmetric conversion. Most importantly, we show that reducing 6mA levels by knocking down the DNA 6mA methyltransferase PpAMT1 accelerates cyst formation. Taken together, we characterize the genome-wide 6mA landscape inP. persalinusand provide insights into the role of 6mA in gene regulation under environmental stress in eukaryotes. We propose that 6mA acts as a mark of active transcription to regulate the encystment process along with symmetric-to-asymmetric conversion, providing important information for understanding the molecular response to environmental cues from the perspective of 6mA modification.
Dynamical Resource Theory of Informational Nonequilibrium Preservability
Authors: Stratton Benjamin , Hsieh Chung-Yun , Skrzypczyk Paul
Published: March 2024

Information is instrumental in our understanding of thermodynamics. Their interplay has been studied through completely degenerate Hamiltonians whereby the informational contributions to thermodynamic transformations can be isolated. In this setting, all states other than the maximally mixed state are considered to be in informational nonequilibrium. An important yet still open question is how to characterize the ability of quantum dynamics to preserve informational nonequilibrium. Here, the dynamical resource theory of informational nonequilibrium preservability is introduced to begin providing an answer to this question. A characterization of the allowed operations is given for qubit channels and the n-dimensional Weyl-covariant channels—a physically relevant subset of the general channels. An operational interpretation of a state discrimination game with Bell state measurements is given. Finally, an explicit link between a channel’s classical capacity and its ability to preserve informational nonequilibrium is made.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Optimal channel selection considering price competition and information sharing under demand uncertainty
Authors: Chen Nan , Cai Jianfeng , Kannan Devika , Govindan Kannan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The rapid development of the Internet has led to an increasingly significant role for E-commerce business. This study examines how the green supply chain (GSC) operates on the E-commerce online channel (resell mode and agency mode) and the traditional offline channel with information sharing under demand uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds a multistage game model that considers the manufacturer selling green products through different channels. On the traditional offline channel, the competing retailers decide whether to share demand signals. Regarding the resale mode of E-commerce online channel, just E-tailer 1 determines whether to share information and decides the retail price. In the agency mode, the manufacturer decides the retail price directly, and E-tailer 2 sets the platform rate.

Findings

This study reveals that information accuracy is conducive to information value and profits on both channels. Interestingly, the platform fee rate in agency mode will inhibit the effect of a positive demand signal. Information sharing will cause double marginal effects, and price competition behavior will mitigate such effects. Additionally, when the platform fee rate is low, the manufacturer will select the E-commerce online channel for operation, but the retailers' profit is the highest in the traditional channel.

Originality/value

This research explores the interplay between different channel structures and information sharing in a GSC, considering price competition and demand uncertainty. Besides, we also considered what behaviors and factors will amplify or transfer the effect of double marginalization.
Practice Briefing Market indications and property returns in the UK
Authors: Papadakos Peter
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The intent of this Practice Briefing is to provide clarity on drivers of property pricing in a changing economic environment. The principal basis of this analysis is to investigate how properties have been priced relative to interest rates over the long haul. Such an insight may help investors navigate the world of property investment in a post zero interest-rate policy (ZIRP) world.

Design/methodology/approach

This practice briefing is an overview of the role of economic drivers in pricing property in different economic eras pre- and post-ZIRP. It looks at returns over time relative to risk criteria and growth.

Findings

This briefing is a review of property pricing and its relationship to economic drivers and discusses the concept of return premiums as a market indicator to spot under/over-priced property assets in the market.

Practical implications

This briefing considers the implications of identifying salient and pertinent market indicators over time as bellweathers for property pricing. Good property investment is grounded in understanding when assets are under and overpriced relative to investors’ expectations of growth and returns going forward. An understanding of markets and the current indicators thereof can provide investors with insights into those criteria.

Originality/value

This provides guidance on how to interpret markets and get an understanding of property pricing over time.
Reforming the Established Church: History and Proposals
Authors: Torrance David
Published: March 2024

While the term ‘establishment’ is ambiguous, it generally refers to a formal relationship between a church and the state in which it operates. This can range from parliamentary representation (as with the Church of England) to mere observance by the monarch (as at the Church of Scotland's annual General Assembly). Since the 1960s there have been proposals regarding Crown appointments and the number and status of the Lords Spiritual. There exists no major push for full disestablishment of the Church of England, but a bill is currently before Parliament.
Lip, oral and oropharyngeal cancer incidence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: First report from Australian population‐based cancer registry, 1999–2018
Authors: Sethi S , Ju X , Logan R , Hedges J , Garvey G , Jamieson L
Published: March 2024

Background

The Australian Burden of Disease Study has shown that cancer is the single most important entity responsible for the greatest cause of health burden in Australia. Unfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience a greater burden of this disease, with cancer of the lung, breast, bowel and prostrate being the most common. Lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer incidence is rapidly rising globally and is now the sixth most common cancer in Australia. This paper aims to summarize, for the first time, the incidence and prevalence trends of lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Australian Cancer Database (ACD), which is compiled at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) from 1999 to 2018 to estimate the incidence and prevalence of certain head and neck cancers (ICD‐10 codes C00–C10, C14). The other variables requested were age groups and sex.

Results

Results were stratified by ICD‐10 code, sex and age group at diagnosis and time period (i.e. grouped years of diagnosis). The total incidence of lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers increased by 1.3 times from 1999 to 2008 (107/100 000) to 2009–2018 (135/100 000). The overall 5‐year prevalence of lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers was 0.17% (0.24% for men and 0.09% for women).

Conclusions

The significantly increased incidence of lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia is concerning and should be explored. A targeted, comprehensive and culturally safe model of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with lip, oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers is imperative.
Macroeconomic Imbalance, External Debt, and the Financial System in Laos
Authors: Mieno Fumiharu , Demachi Kazue
Published: March 2024

External public debt exacerbation and macroeconomic destabilization in Laos are attributed to the subsequent complications of excessive foreign capital investments in the mining, power, and transport infrastructure sectors during the economic boom of the 2010s. This study examines the Lao economy from three perspectives: real sector growth, the characteristics of external fundraising, and the domestic financial system. Our findings suggest that the external debt issue still appears to be under control, real sector growth is expected to be strong in the medium term, and the less‐developed financial system has not realized its potential for fiscal financing and macroeconomic stability.
Sex differences on constitutive long non‐coding RNA expression: Modulatory effect of estradiol and testosterone in muscle cells
Authors: López‐Royo Tresa , Moreno‐Martínez Laura , Moreno‐García Leticia , Calvo Ana Cristina , Manzano Raquel , Osta Rosario
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Despite the growing awareness of sexual dimorphism between males and females under pathological and physiological conditions, sex bias in biomedical research in animal models and patients is still present nowadays. The main objective of this work was to investigate sex differences in constitutive long non‐coding RNA expression in spinal cord and skeletal muscle from wild‐type mice.

Materials and Methods

To assess the influence of gender on long non‐coding RNAs, we extracted RNA from tissues of male and female mice and analyzed the expression on nine long non‐coding RNAs, selected for being among the most commonly studied or exerting an important role in muscle, at 50, 60, and 120 days of age.

Results and Discussion

We observed age‐ and tissue‐dependent significant sex differences, being more prominent in skeletal muscle. We also studied the effect of sex steroid hormones on long non‐coding RNA expression in vitro, noticing a modulation of long non‐coding RNA levels upon estradiol and dihydrotestosterone treatment in muscle.

Conclusions

Taken together, results obtained evidenced sex differences on constitutive long non‐coding RNA expression and suggested an influence of steroid hormones complementary to other possible factors. These findings emphasize the importance of including both sexes in experimental design to minimize any potential sex bias.
Testicular niche repair after gonadotoxic treatments: Current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Mohammadi Amirhossein , Bashiri Zahra , Rafiei Sara , Asgari Hamidreza , Shabani Ronak , Hosseini SeyedJamal , Koruji Morteza
Published: March 2024

The testicular niche, which includes the germ cells, somatic cells, and extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functions of the testis. Gonadotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have significantly improved the survival rates of cancer patients but have also been shown to have adverse effects on the testicular microenvironment. Therefore, repairing the testicular niche after gonadotoxic treatments is essential to restore its function. In recent years, several approaches, such as stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, growth factor therapy, and pharmacological interventions have been proposed as potential therapeutic strategies to repair the testicular niche. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of testis damage and repair mechanisms. We will cover a range of topics, including the mechanism of gonadotoxic action, repair mechanisms, and treatment approaches. Overall, this review highlights the importance of repairing the testicular niche after gonadotoxic treatments and identifies potential avenues for future research to improve the outcomes for cancer survivors.
Precursors to infant sensorimotor synchronization to speech and non‐speech rhythms: A longitudinal study
Authors: Rocha Sinead , Attaheri Adam , Ní Choisdealbha Áine , Brusini Perrine , Mead Natasha , Olawole‐Scott Helen , Boutris Panagiotis , Gibbon Samuel , Williams Isabel , Grey Christina , Alfaro e Oliveira Maria , Brough Carmel , Flanagan Sheila , Ahmed Henna , Macrae Emma , Goswami Usha
Published: March 2024

Impaired sensorimotor synchronization (SMS) to acoustic rhythm may be a marker of atypical language development. Here, Motion Capture was used to assess gross motor rhythmic movement at six time points between 5‐ and 11 months of age. Infants were recorded drumming to acoustic stimuli of varying linguistic and temporal complexity: drumbeats, repeated syllables and nursery rhymes. Here we show, for the first time, developmental change in infants’ movement timing in response to auditory stimuli over the first year of life. Longitudinal analyses revealed that whilst infants could not yet reliably synchronize their movement to auditory rhythms, infant spontaneous motor tempo became faster with age, and by 11 months, a subset of infants decelerate from their spontaneous motor tempo, which better accords with the incoming tempo. Further, infants became more regular drummers with age, with marked decreases in the variability of spontaneous motor tempo and variability in response to drumbeats. This latter effect was subdued in response to linguistic stimuli. The current work lays the foundation for using individual differences in precursors of SMS in infancy to predict later language outcomes.

Research Highlight

We present the first longitudinal investigation of infant rhythmic movement over the first year of life

Whilst infants generally move more quickly and with higher regularity over their first year, by 11 months infants begin to counter this pattern when hearing slower infant‐directed song

Infant movement is more variable to speech than non‐speech stimuli

In the context of the larger Cambridge UK BabyRhythm Project, we lay the foundation for rhythmic movement in infancy to predict later language outcomes
Global patterns of allochthony in stream–riparian meta‐ecosystems
Authors: Allen Daniel C. , Larson James , Murphy Christina A. , Garcia Erica A. , Anderson Kurt E. , Busch Michelle H. , Argerich Alba , Belskis Alice M. , Higgins Kierstyn T. , Penaluna Brooke E. , Saenz Veronica , Jones Jay , Whiles Matt R.
Published: March 2024

Ecosystems that are coupled by reciprocal flows of energy and nutrient subsidies can be viewed as a single “meta‐ecosystem.” Despite these connections, the reciprocal flow of subsidies is greatly asymmetrical and seasonally pulsed. Here, we synthesize existing literature on stream–riparian meta‐ecosystems to quantify global patterns of the amount of subsidy consumption by organisms, known as “allochthony.” These resource flows are important since they can comprise a large portion of consumer diets, but can be disrupted by human modification of streams and riparian zones. Despite asymmetrical subsidy flows, we found stream and riparian consumer allochthony to be equivalent. Although both fish and stream invertebrates rely on seasonally pulsed allochthonous resources, we find allochthony varies seasonally only for fish, being nearly three times greater during the summer and fall than during the winter and spring. We also find that consumer allochthony varies with feeding traits for aquatic invertebrates, fish, and terrestrial arthropods, but not for terrestrial vertebrates. Finally, we find that allochthony varies by climate for aquatic invertebrates, being nearly twice as great in arid climates than in tropical climates, but not for fish. These findings are critical to understanding the consequences of global change, as ecosystem connections are being increasingly disrupted.
Frequency of ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage in patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) – A systematic review
Authors: Kaufmann Jana , Buecke Philipp , Meinel Thomas , Beyeler Morin , Scutelnic Adrian , Kaesmacher Johannes , Mujanović Adnan , Dobrocky Thomas , Arsany Hakim , Peters Nils , Z'Graggen Werner , Jung Simon , Seiffge David
Published: March 2024

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) may cause ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency of the afore‐mentioned outcomes.

Methods

We performed a PROSPERO‐registered (CRD42022355704) systematic review and meta‐analysis accessing PubMed until 7 November 2022. The inclusion criteria were: (1) original publication, (2) adult patients (≥18 years), (3) enrolling patients with PRES and/or RCVS, (4) English language and (5) outcome information. Outcomes were frequency of (1) ischaemic stroke and (2) intracranial haemorrhage, divided into subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH). The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used.

Results

We identified 848 studies and included 48 relevant studies after reviewing titles, abstracts and full text. We found 11 studies on RCVS (unselected patients), reporting on 2746 patients. Among the patients analysed, 15.9% (95% CI 9.6%–23.4%) had ischaemic stroke and 22.1% (95% CI 10%–39.6%) had intracranial haemorrhage. A further 20.3% (95% CI 11.2%–31.2%) had SAH and 6.7% (95% CI 3.6%–10.7%) had IPH. Furthermore, we found 28 studies on PRES (unselected patients), reporting on 1385 patients. Among the patients analysed, 11.2% (95% CI 7.9%–15%) had ischaemic stroke and 16.1% (95% CI 12.3%–20.3%) had intracranial haemorrhage. Further, 7% (95% CI 4.7%–9.9%) had SAH and 9.7% (95% CI 5.4%–15%) had IPH.

Conclusions

Intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke are common outcomes in PRES and RCVS. The frequency reported in the individual studies varied considerably.
Moving gender across, between and beyond the binaries: In conversation with Shona Bettany, Olimpia Burchiellaro and Rohan Venkatraman
Authors: Cheded Mohammed , Hutton Martina , Steinfield Laurel , Bettany Shona , Burchiellaro Olimpia , Venkatraman Rohan
Published: March 2024

This panel discussion explores why marketing and consumer behavior has struggled to move beyond the binary, the importance of disrupting the conventional binaries to recognize gender/sex/ual diversity, and the challenges in so doing. It raises to the fore concerns about institutional pressures, sanitization of work, academic positionalities, everyday encounters of discrimination against gender/sex/ual diversity, and the emancipatory but oppressive dynamics of categories. Yet the panelists also reflect on ways to challenge binaristic thinking. Just being in the academy and doing (small but) meaningful acts of institutional activism can produce ripple effects and open pathways for a better articulation of lived experiences and realities.
Divide and conquer: Spatial and temporal resource partitioning structures benthic cyanobacterial mats
Authors: Powell Maya E. , McCoy Sophie J.
Published: March 2024

Benthic cyanobacterial mats are increasing in abundance worldwide with the potential to degrade ecosystem structure and function. Understanding mat community dynamics is thus critical for predicting mat growth and proliferation and for mitigating any associated negative effects. Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling are the predominant forms of nutrient cycling discussed within the literature, while metabolic cooperation and viral interactions are understudied. Although many forms of nutrient cycling in mats have been assessed, the links between niche dynamics, microbial interactions, and nutrient cycling are not well described. Here, we present an updated review on how nutrient cycling and microbial community interactions in mats are structured by resource partitioning via spatial and temporal heterogeneity and succession. We assess community interactions and nutrient cycling at both intramat and metacommunity scales. Additionally, we present ideas and recommendations for research in this area, highlighting top‐down control, boundary layers, and metabolic cooperation as important future directions.
Five pathways into one profession: Fifty years of debate on differentiated nursing practice
Authors: Schalkwijk Hugo , Felder Martijn , Lalleman Pieterbas , Parry Manon S. , Schoonhoven Lisette , Wallenburg Iris
Published: March 2024

The persistence of multiple educational pathways into the nursing profession continues to occupy scholars internationally. In the Netherlands, various groups within the Dutch healthcare sector have tried to differentiate nursing practice on the basis of educational backgrounds for over 50 years. Proponents argue that such reforms are needed to retain bachelor‐trained nurses, improve quality of care and strengthen nurses' position in the sector. Opponents have actively resisted reforms because they would mainly benefit bachelor‐trained nurses and neglect practical experience and technical skills. This historical case study aims to provide insight in this apparent stalemate. Our analysis of this debate is informed by literature on institutional work and current debates within the historiography of nursing. This study contributes to a better understanding of this contemporary debate by examining a broader timeframe than is usually studied, and by highlighting nurses' roles in complex processes of change. We argue that, rather than being stuck in their professional development, different groups of nurses have forged their own path forward in their professional development, albeit via different strategies.
When “more for others, less for self” leads to co‐benefits: A tri‐MRI dyad‐hyperscanning study
Authors: Wang Le‐Si , Chang Yi‐Cing , Liou Shyhnan , Weng Ming‐Hung , Chen Der‐Yow , Kung Chun‐Chia
Published: March 2024

Unselfishness is admired, especially when collaborations between groups of various scales are urgently needed. However, its neural mechanisms remain elusive. In a tri‐MRI dyad‐hyperscanning experiment involving 26 groups, each containing 4 participants as two rotating pairs in a coordination game, we sought to achieve reciprocity, or “winning in turn by the two interacting players,” as the precursor to unselfishness. Due to its critical role in social processing, the right temporal–parietal junction (rTPJ) was the seed for both time domain (connectivity) and frequency domain (i.e., coherence) analyses. For the former, negative connectivity between the rTPJ and the mentalizing network areas (e.g., the right inferior parietal lobule, rIPL) was identified, and such connectivity was further negatively correlated with the individual's final gain, supporting our task design that “rewarded” the reciprocal participants. For the latter, cerebral coherences of the rTPJs emerged between the interacting pairs (i.e., within‐group interacting pairs), and the coupling between the rTPJ and the right superior temporal gyrus (rSTG) between the players who were not interacting with each other (i.e., within‐group noninteracting pairs). These coherences reinforce the hypotheses that the rTPJ–rTPJ coupling tracks the collaboration processes and the rTPJ–rSTG coupling for the emergence of decontextualized shared meaning. Our results underpin two social roles (inferring others’ behavior and interpreting social outcomes) subserved by the rTPJ‐related network and highlight its interaction with other‐self/other‐concerning brain areas in reaching co‐benefits among unselfish players.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*40:06:01:18 allele in a North Indian individual
Authors: Agarwal Samir , Jaiswal Nisha , Kumari Shikha , Kumar Vineeth , Kumar Rajnesh
Published: March 2024

HLA‐B*40:06:01:18 differs from HLA‐B*40:06:01:02 by one nucleotide change in the 5′UTR (T > C).
Superficial keratectomy for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in dogs
Authors: Irving William , McCarthy Paul , Reynolds Benjamin , Whittaker Cameron , Caruso Kelly , Smith Jeff , Annear Matthew
Published: March 2024

Objective

To report the outcome of superficial keratectomy with bandage contact lens placement for the treatment of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs.

Methods

Patients that underwent a superficial keratectomy with bandage lens placement for the treatment of one or more SCCEDs were retrospectively included in the study. Signalment, eye(s) affected, prior medical therapy and any procedures performed, post‐operative medical therapy, healing rate, and any post‐operative complications were recorded. Superficial keratectomy was performed to approximately one‐fifth of corneal depth under operating microscope guidance and a bandage lens was placed immediately post‐operatively. Corneas were considered healed when the fluorescein stain was negative.

Results

One hundred and seven dogs met the inclusion criteria with 121 SCCEDs. The mean age of patients was 8.34 ± 2.89 years (1–15). Ninety‐nine percent (120/121) of SCCEDS healed with no additional treatment within 21 days of surgery. One eye had a diamond burr debridement performed on Day 14 post‐operatively and healed 2 weeks following the additional procedure. No post‐operative complications were noted.

Conclusions

This study found superficial keratectomy with bandage lens placement to be an effective treatment for SCCEDs.
Whole-genome sequencing of four culturable endophytic bacteria from German hardneck garlic cloves (
Allium sativum
L.)
Authors: Kumar Girish , Gan Han Ming , Wengert Peter , Penix Trevor , Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Hudson André O. , Savka Michael A.
Published: March 2024

We present the whole-genome sequence of four bacterial endophytes associated with German hardneck garlic cloves (
Allium sativum
L.). Among them,
Agrobacterium fabrum
and
Pantoea agglomerans
are associated with plant protection, while
Rahnella perminowiae
and
Stenotrophomonas lactitubi
are pathogens. These data will facilitate the identification of genes to improve garlic.
Supplemental Material: Linking the terrestrial environmental record at Mason Spur volcanic complex with the middle Miocene–Pleistocene Ross Sea marine record, Antarctica: A history of subaerial (ice-free) eruptions and glaciovolcanism under variable ice thicknesses
Authors: Smellie John L. , et al.
Published: March 2024

Table S1: Lithostratigraphy, summary lithofacies descriptions, and interpretations of the Mason Spur volcanic complex, Antarctica.
Analyzing the physical properties of perovskite oxides CeBO3 (B=Be, Mg) for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications
Authors: Ali Aissani , Anissa Besbes , Radouane Djelti , Durukan Ilknur Kars
Published: March 2024

The structural, electronic, elastic, thermoelectric and optical properties of CeBO3 (B = Be, Mg) oxide perovskites were investigated using density functional theory. Exchange and correlation effects were addressed through the GGA approximation and the TB-mBJ potential. Thermodynamic stability was confirmed by assessing cohesive energy and formation enthalpy. The band structures reveal a semiconductor nature with a moderate indirect band gap of 0.73 (CeBeO3) and 0.51 (CeMgO3). The TB-mBJ approximation has enhanced the gap value with a 55% approaching rate. These compounds exhibited a rigid and elastically anisotropic behavior with chemical bonds manifesting as a mixture of metallic and covalent types. The CeBeO3 displayed ductility while CeMgO3 exhibited brittleness. The optical examination suggests that these oxides exhibit activity across a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Their strong reflectivity in the near-infrared region was particularly noteworthy suggesting potential use as effective shields in this domain. The replacement of beryllium with a magnesium atom enhanced thermoelectric performance by reducing thermal conductivity and increasing the merit factor. Based on the obtained results, the semiconductor perovskites CeBeO3 and CeMgO3 hold promise for efficient applications in optical and thermoelectric devices.
Broadband Green-Yellow KGaSi2O6:Eu2+ Phosphor with Excellent Thermal Stability for Near Ultraviolet-Pumped White-Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yang Gai , Sun Xianke , Yuan Honglei , Yang Weijie
Published: March 2024

Various types of Eu2+ activated phosphors show potential applications in light emitting diodes. In this work, the Eu2+ activated KGaSi2O6 phosphors were synthesized using high-temperature solid-state reactions. The crystallization and oxidation states, luminescence spectra, decay characteristics, and thermal stability were researched. Depending on excitation of NUV light, the Eu2+ activated KGaSi2O6 phosphors emitted green-yellow light originating from the 4f65d1 → 4f7 transitions of Eu2+. In the light of emission data measured at different temperatures, the activation energy was calculated as 0.33 eV. The warm white light with a correlated color temperature of 3909 K and a color rendering index of 81.9 was emitted by the WLED device consisting of near ultraviolet LED chips, KGaSi2O6:Eu2+ and CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphors.
Panaxynol improves crypt and mucosal architecture, suppresses colitis-enriched microbes, and alters the immune response to mitigate colitis
Authors: Bullard Brooke M. , McDonald Sierra J. , Cardaci Thomas D. , VanderVeen Brandon N. , Mohammed Ahmed D. , Kubinak Jason L. , Pierre Joseph F. , Chatzistamou Ioulia , Fan Daping , Hofseth Lorne J. , Murphy E. Angela
Published: March 2024

In the current study, we report that panaxynol ameliorates chemically induced murine colitis by improving colonic crypt and mucosal architecture, suppressing colitis-enriched microbes, reducing macrophages, and promoting the differentiation of regulatory T-cells in the colonic lamina propria. This study suggests that this novel natural compound may serve as a safe and effective treatment option for colitis patients.
The emerging role of extracellular vesicles in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Ransom Meaghan A. , Blatt Alexander M. , Pua Heather H. , Sucre Jennifer M. S.
Published: March 2024

Extracellular vesicle (EV) biology in neonatal lung development and disease is a rapidly growing area of investigation. Although EV research in the neonatal population lags behind EV research in adult lung diseases, recent discoveries demonstrate promise in furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the potential use of EVs in the clinical setting, as both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. This review article explores some of the recent advances in this field and our evolving knowledge of the role of EVs in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Modified Gravity Model fQ,T and Wormhole Solution
Authors: Sadatian S. Davood , Hosseini S. Mohamad Reza
Published: March 2024

We investigate wormhole solutions using the modified gravity model fQ,T with viscosity and aim to find a solution for the existence of wormholes mathematically without violating the energy conditions. We show that there is no need to define a wormhole from exotic matter and analyze the equations with numerical analysis to establish weak energy conditions. In the numerical analysis, we found that the appropriate values of the parameters can maintain the weak energy conditions without the need for exotic matter. Adjusting the parameters of the model can increase or decrease the rate of positive energy density or radial and tangential pressures. According to the numerical analysis conducted in this paper, the weak energy conditions are established in the whole space if α<0 and 12.56<β<25.12 or α>0 and β>25.12. The analysis also showed that the supporting matter of the wormhole is near normal matter, indicating that the generalized fQ,T model with viscosity has an acceptable parameter space to describe a wormhole without the need for exotic matter.
A New Mathematical Model for Cell Layout Problem considering Rotation of Unequal Dimensions of Cells and Machines
Authors: Alamiparvin Raheleh , Mehdizadeh Esmaeil , Soleimani Hamed
Published: March 2024

One of the main concepts in group technology (GT) is the cellular manufacturing system (CMS) with three main problems of cell formation (CF), cell layout (CL), and cell scheduling (CS). This paper studies the cell layout problem (CLP), aiming to find the optimal layout of machines within each cell (intracellular layout) and the optimal layout of cells in each workshop (intercellular layout). To adapt to reality, the dimensions of the cells and machines (inside each cell) were considered unequal, and also the cells and machines could rotate. We believe that a cellular layout that assumes unequal dimensions of the cells and machines can be used for batch production. This kind of production has a wide variety of low to medium demand. Furthermore, a cellular layout can be applied in CMSs and also in noncontinuous industries that have a job shop layout. Our main contribution is considering the possibility of rotating the cells and machines inside the cells. For this purpose, a mixed nonlinear programming model was developed to solve the CLP with the minimum cost of intracellular and intercellular material flows. The proposed nonlinear model was first converted into a linear model, and then a problem was generated and solved with GAMS software to validate the resulting linear model. This model finds the best layout of cells within the workshop and the best layout of machines inside each cell. Then, because of the NP-hardness of the CLP and the fact that even exact methods cannot solve large-scale examples in an acceptable computational time, an imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) was designed and used to solve the problem. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, its numerical results in small dimensions were compared with the results of GAMS software. In large dimensions, 30 random problems were created, and the results of ICA were compared with the results of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA). Finally, the parameters of the three meta-heuristic algorithms were set by the Taguchi method. Numerical results indicated that ICA was superior to both the PSO algorithm and GA. It could also achieve efficient solutions in a shorter computational time.
Data from The Nuclear Receptor Coactivator Amplified in Breast Cancer-1 Is Required for Neu (ErbB2/HER2) Activation, Signaling, and Mammary Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Fereshteh Mark P. , Tilli Maddalena T. , Kim Sung Eun , Xu Jianming , O'Malley Bert W. , Wellstein Anton , Furth Priscilla A. , Riegel Anna T.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Overexpression of the oncogene amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1)/steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) induces mammary tumorigenesis in mice. In breast cancer, high levels of AIB1/SRC-3 and the growth factor receptor HER2/neu predict resistance to endocrine therapy and poor outcome. However, a mechanistic relationship between AIB1/SRC-3 and HER2/neu in the development of breast cancer has not been shown. Here, we show that deletion of one allele of SRC-3 significantly delays Neu-induced mammary tumor development in mice. Homozygous deletion of SRC-3 in mice completely prevents Neu-induced tumor formation. By ages 3 to 4 months, Neu/SRC-3+/− mice exhibit a noticeable reduction in lateral side-bud formation, accompanied by reduced cellular levels of phosphorylated Neu compared with Neu/SRC-3wt mice. In Neu-induced tumors, high levels of SRC-3, phosphorylated Neu, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression are observed, accompanied by activation of the AKT and c-Jun NH2 kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. In comparison, phosphorylated Neu, cyclin D1, and cyclin E are significantly decreased in Neu/SRC-3+/− tumors, proliferation is reduced, and AKT and JNK activation is barely detectable. Our data indicate that AIB1/SRC-3 is required for HER2/neu oncogenic activity and for the phosphorylation and activation of the HER2/neu receptor. We predict that reducing AIB1/SRC-3 levels or activity in the mammary epithelium could potentiate therapies aimed at inhibiting HER2/neu signaling in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(10):3697–706]
Data from Identification of Genes Required for Protection from Doxorubicin by a Genome-Wide Screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Xia Ling , Jaafar Lahcen , Cashikar Anil , Flores-Rozas Hernan
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Anthracyclines are chemotherapeutic agents commonly used to treat a broad range of malignancies. Although effective, these drugs present serious complications, most notably cardiotoxicity. To determine the mechanisms that mediate cytoprotection from doxorubicin, we have screened the collection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae haploid gene deletion mutants. We have identified 71 deletion strains that display varying degrees of hypersensitivity to doxorubicin at a concentration that does not significantly reduce the viability of wild-type cells. Complementation of the doxorubicin-sensitive phenotype of the deletion strains with the wild-type genes proves that the sensitivity of the strain to doxorubicin is due to the gene deletion. The genes that mediate cytoprotection from doxorubicin belong to multiple pathways including DNA repair, RNA metabolism, chromatin remodeling, amino acid metabolism, and heat shock response. In addition, proteins with mitochondrial, osmosensing, vacuolar, and ribosomal functions are also required for protection from doxorubicin. We tested the sensitivity of the deletion strains to other cytotoxic agents, which resulted in different drug-specific sensitive groups. Most of the identified genes have mammalian homologues that participate in conserved pathways. Our data may prove useful to develop strategies aimed at sensitizing tumor cells to doxorubicin as well as protecting cardiac cells from its cytotoxic effects. [Cancer Res 2007;67(23):11411–8]