bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of machine learning-assisted screening of PKC ligands: PKC binding affinity and activation
Authors: Maki Jumpei , Oshimura Asami , Shiotani Yudai , Yamanaka Maki , Okuda Sogen , Yanagita Ryo C , Kitani Shigeru , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Saito Yutaka , Sakakibara Yasubumi , Tsukano Chihiro , Irie Kazuhiro
Published: January 2025

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine kinases, and PKC ligands have the potential to be therapeutic seeds for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, in addition to desired therapeutic effects, most PKC ligands also exhibit undesirable pro-inflammatory effects. The discovery of new scaffolds for PKC ligands is important for developing less inflammatory PKC ligands, such as bryostatins. We previously reported that machine learning combined with our knowledge of the pharmacophore yielded 15 PKC ligand candidates, but we did not evaluate their PKC binding affinities fully. In this paper, PKC binding affinities of four candidates were examined to assess their potential as PKC ligands and to validate machine learning-assisted screening. Although compound 3′ did not bind to PKC C1 domains, 1a, 2′, and 4a exhibited moderate PKC binding affinities, suggesting that machine learning-assisted screening is advantageous in identifying new PKC ligand scaffolds.
TPepRet: a deep learning model for characterizing T-cell receptors–antigen binding patterns
Authors: Wang Meng , Fan Wei , Wu Tianrui , Li Min
Published: January 2025

Motivation

T-cell receptors (TCRs) elicit and mediate the adaptive immune response by recognizing antigenic peptides, a process pivotal for cancer immunotherapy, vaccine design, and autoimmune disease management. Understanding the intricate binding patterns between TCRs and peptides is critical for advancing these clinical applications. While several computational tools have been developed, they neglect the directional semantics inherent in sequence data, which are essential for accurately characterizing TCR-peptide interactions.

Results

To address this gap, we develop TPepRet, an innovative model that integrates subsequence mining with semantic integration capabilities. TPepRet combines the strengths of the Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) network for capturing bidirectional sequence dependencies with the Large Language Model framework to analyze subsequences and global sequences comprehensively, which enables TPepRet to accurately decipher the semantic binding relationship between TCRs and peptides. We have evaluated TPepRet to a range of challenging scenarios, including performance benchmarking against other tools using diverse datasets, analysis of peptide binding preferences, characterization of T cells clonal expansion, identification of true binder in complex environments, assessment of key binding sites through alanine scanning, validation against expression rates from large-scale datasets, and ability to screen SARS-CoV-2 TCRs. The comprehensive results suggest that TPepRet outperforms existing tools. We believe TPepRet will become an effective tool for understanding TCR-peptide binding in clinical treatment.

Availability and implementation

The source code can be obtained from https://github.com/CSUBioGroup/TPepRet.git.
‘Intertwined worlds’: How religion as a cultural system shapes social workers’ motivation for policy engagement
Authors: Nouman Hani , Ravitz Ruth
Published: January 2025

In an era of increasing social inequality, social workers are increasingly called upon to engage in policy shaping processes to advance social justice. In multicultural societies, this may include social workers whose cultural systems are often characterized by shared religious beliefs, values, and lifestyles. However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding how these cultural systems influence social workers’ motivation for engagement in policy arenas. This article addresses this gap by conducting a qualitative study that included twenty-five in-depth interviews with religious social workers who were employed in public welfare agencies in localities with a large concentration of ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel. The research explores how their religious-cultural system influences their motivation for policy practice engagement, and it identifies ways that may increase this engagement. The findings reveal that cultural systems encompassing religious beliefs, cultural behaviours, and religious community affiliation shape social workers’ motivation regarding policy practice. Building on these insights, the study emphasizes that increasing engagement in policy practice in multicultural societies necessitates providing culturally contextualized knowledge, resources, and opportunities tailored to the unique backgrounds of social workers.
Exploring unintentional ‘carer harm’—Insights from family carers and professionals: An Irish case study
Authors: Donnelly Sarah , Milne Alisoun , O’Brien Marita , Dunne Nikki , O’Donnell Deirdre
Published: January 2025

This article explores the poorly understood and under-researched topic of carer harm, where family carers experience harm from the person they are caring for. Nine narrative interviews were conducted with family carers of people living with dementia and autism, and two with professionals. Three focus groups were convened with professionals, including social workers, nurses, and advocacy organizations, with four to five participants in each (n = 14). Four key themes emerged: ‘Understanding Carer Harm’, ‘Stigma and Guilt’, ‘Types of Harm Experienced’, and ‘Expectations, Responses and Systems that Harm’. Conflicts existed for many professionals when balancing the needs, safety, and protection of all family members. We conclude that a range of intersecting enforceable legal rights would help to ensure that carers are better protected. These rights would include the right to an assessment of need for both the carer and the child or adult with care and support needs, as well as a statutory entitlement to services that the assessment identifies for both parties. Proactive support from a social worker could go some way to addressing the challenges, putting in place a range of supports that prevent harm, reduce risk, and meet the needs of all family members.
Commentary on “Is there an innate sense of number in the brain?” by Lorenzi, Kobylkov, and Vallortigara
Authors: Butterworth Brian
Published: January 2025

Is there an innate sense of number? Lorenzi et al. (2025) argue that the ability to extract numerical information from the environment is vital for a wide range of species, suggesting “a likely common origin”. Studies in different species show that the neural mechanism for doing this—numerosity-selective neurons—can be found in animals with no opportunity to learn. This leaves open important questions: How do numerosity-selective neurons code for numerosities? Is the code the same in different species? How do the neurons participate in arithmetical operations?
Patient Determinants and Effects on Adherence of Adverse Drug Reactions to Tuberculosis Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Tzelios Christine A , Malatesta Samantha , Carney Tara , White Laura F , Weber Sarah E , Thomson Sarah , Theron Danie , Myers Bronwyn , Parry Charles D H , Warren Robin M , Horsburgh C Robert , Farhat Maha R , Jacobson Karen R
Published: January 2025

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to tuberculosis (TB) medications make treatment completion challenging. We investigated the impact of alcohol, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other patient determinants on ADRs and treatment adherence.

Methods

We administered monthly ADR questionnaires to participants with TB in Worcester, South Africa. Adherence was defined as the proportion of observed doses on days when directly observed therapy was attempted. We used regression modeling to identify associations between age, sex, HIV status, alcohol, and smoked substance use with ADRs and adherence.

Results

Of 286 participants, 70 (24.5%) had moderate alcohol use (phosphatidylethanol [PEth], 20–200 ng/mL), 81 (28.3%) had heavy alcohol use (PEth, >200 ng/mL), and 81 (28.3%) had HIV. A total of 156 (54.5%) reported ≥1 ADR, with maximum severity of moderate (75.6%) or mild (22.4%). Alcohol use and HIV were not associated with ADRs. The presence of ≥1 comorbidity compared with none was associated with a 46% increase in the risk of ADRs (P = .01). Nearly 70% of participants had ≥80% adherence. Among participants with moderate or severe ADRs, HIV with CD4 count <200 cells/µL compared with no HIV (rate ratio = 1.71, P = .01), moderate or severe alcohol use compared with low (rate ratio = 1.55, P = .01 and rate ratio = 1.69, P = .01), and smoked substance use compared with none (rate ratio = 1.37, P = .04) were associated with increased missed doses.

Conclusions

Half of participants on TB treatment experienced ADRs, but most remained adherent to treatment. Among participants with moderate or severe ADRs, those with poorly controlled HIV, alcohol use, or smoked substance use had lower adherence.
Association Between Delayed Broad-Spectrum Gram-negative Antibiotics and Clinical Outcomes: How Much Does Getting It Right With Empiric Antibiotics Matter?
Authors: Baghdadi Jonathan D , Goodman Katherine E , Magder Laurence S , Claeys Kimberly C , Sutherland Mark E , Harris Anthony D
Published: January 2025

Background

Clinicians often start unnecessarily broad-spectrum empiric gram-negative antibiotics out of the concern that delaying effective therapy could lead to a worse clinical outcome. This study examined the consequences of delayed initiation of broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of adult inpatients from 928 US hospitals, we compared clinical outcomes after (1) empiric narrow-spectrum antibiotics escalated to broad-spectrum antibiotics (delayed broad-spectrum therapy [DBT]) and (2) empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics continued as post-empiric therapy (early broad-spectrum therapy [EBT]) using Win Ratios. DBT and EBT patients were matched on hospital, admitting diagnosis, and propensity scores incorporating 28 clinical variables. The outcome of interest was a ranked composite of mortality, readmission, and adverse drug events.

Results

Out of 746 880 inpatients, 82 276 (11%) received DBT and 664 604 (89.0%) received EBT. Among the 67 046 with DBT who were matched to 67 046 with EBT, mortality was 8.7% after DBT and 9.5% after EBT (P = .022), readmission was 10.5% after DBT and 11.8% after EBT (P < .0001), and the rate of adverse drug events was 8.4% after DBT and 7.2% after EBT (P < .0001). Among matched patients, clinical outcomes were superior after DBT compared with EBT (win-ratio 1.06; P < .0001).

Conclusions

On average, among a large sample of adult inpatients who ultimately received broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, delaying initiation of a broad-spectrum antibiotic was not associated with worse outcomes. Although broad-spectrum empiric therapy is undoubtedly sometimes warranted, this finding challenges the common belief that is it safer to err towards overly broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy.
Impact of Type of Vascular Access on Clinical Outcomes in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Transitioning to Haemodialysis: An ANZDATA Study
Authors: Cheikh Hassan Hicham I , Murali Karumathil , Chen Jenny H.C , Mullan Judy
Published: January 2025

Background

Vascular access on haemodialysis corresponds with long term outcomes. However, the effect of access on haemodialysis transfer for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has not been fully explored.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of incident adult PD patients from the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry who transferred to haemodialysis between 2004-2022. Associations between vascular access on transfer (central venous catheter [CVC] or arterio-venous access [AVA]) and clinical outcomes (all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, kidney transplantation and return to PD) were compared using Cox proportional hazards analysis and competing risk models.

Results

Of 6,824 patients, 65% used a CVC on transfer and 35% an AVA. Variability of access type at transfer between centres was high (range 13% to 98% for CVC). AVA transfer was associated with a longer PD vintage (1.6 versus 1.2 years, P<0.001) and inadequate PD as a cause of transfer (29% versus 15%, P<0.001). All-cause mortality was lower for AVA transfer compared to a CVC (hazard ratio (HR) 0.71, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.66- 0.77). The risk was lowest for infection-related mortality (HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.45- 0.77) Kidney transplantation was more likely in AVA transfer compared to a CVC (HR 1.18, 95%CI 1.05- 1,33), but return to PD was less likely (HR 0.67, 95%CI 0.59- 0.71). Results remained consistent in the competing risk analysis.

Conclusions

Patients who transferred with an AVA, compared to a CVC, showed better survival and kidney transplantation rates, but were less likely to return to PD.
MuST-GAN MFAS: Multi-semantic spoof tracer GAN with transformer layers for multi-modal face anti-spoofing
Authors: Liu Shu , Ul Abideen Zain , Wan Tongming , Shahzad Inzamam , Waseem Abbas , Pan Yushan
Published: January 2025

In the field of multi-modal face anti-spoofing (MFAS), where RGB, depth, and infrared data are integrated, remarkable advancements have been seen. However, despite the advancement, there still exist challenges when it comes to adaptability, particularly in dealing with unseen attacks. In this paper, a novel model called MuST-GAN MFAS is presented. This model employs a generative network that incorporates modality-specific encoders and transformer layers. It is significant that the model efficiently disentangles multi-semantic spoof traces by utilizing the power of cross-modal attention mechanisms and a transformer-based spoof trace generator. The training process involves bidirectional adversarial learning, ensuring identity consistency, intensity, center, and classification losses are taken into consideration. Through precise evaluations, it has been shown that the proposed model surpasses existing frameworks, showing remarkable performance when evaluating several modal samples. In the end, MuST-GAN MFAS makes an impressive contribution to the field of face anti-spoofing by offering results that are easy to interpret and emphasizing how important it is to learn multi-semantic spoof traces in order to improve generalization and adaptability to unseen attacks. The code is available at https://github.com/ZainUlAbideenMalik/Must-GAN-MFAS.
Generative AI (GenAI) and pre-service teacher agency in ELT
Authors: Lee Seongyong , Jeon Jaeho , Choe Hohsung
Published: January 2025

Despite abundant research on the pedagogical benefits of generative AI (GenAI) in ELT, teachers’ agentive use of GenAI in an instructional context has not been fully explored. How pre-service teachers utilize GenAI in teacher-training courses also remains unclear. Thus, grounded in the framework of teacher agency and professional development, this study explored pre-service English teachers’ perceptions of engaging in a GenAI-enhanced lesson design project. Thematic analysis of interviews and reflection papers from eighteen pre-service English teachers who participated in lesson design with diverse GenAI tools revealed their agentive use of GenAI in two aspects: (1) agentive role in teacher–GenAI collaboration; (2) responsible GenAI use to address its constraints. The findings highlight the importance of pre-service teacher agency in leveraging GenAI for ELT. Pedagogical implications for training pre-service teachers in GenAI literacy are discussed.
Diverging evolutionary trajectories for palm seed sizes in mainland Africa and Madagascar
Authors: Pham Karen V , Liow Lee Hsiang , Ivory Sarah J
Published: January 2025

Seed size is a trait which determines survival rates for individual plants and can vary as a result of numerous trade-offs. In the palm family (Arecaceae) today, there is great variation in seed sizes. Past studies attempting to establish drivers for palm seed evolution have sometimes yielded contradictory findings in part because modern seed size variations are complicated by long-term legacies, including biogeographic differences across lineages. Here, we examined palm seed size evolution in two adjacent regions (mainland Africa and Madagascar) utilizing single- and multi-regime Brownian Motion and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes. We explicitly take into account species’ evolutionary histories to investigate whether there may be shared evolutionary pressures over regional scales. We found that regional selection pressures do exist for palm seed lengths, but these pressures are distinct in mainland Africa and Madagascar, despite the two regions’ proximity. Our study indicates that evolutionary drivers may differ in these two regions, highlighting the importance of re-considering the widespread assumption to view mainland Africa and Madagascar as a single evolutionary region.
Deserving Special Treatment? The Effect of Psychological Entitlement on Support for International Law
Authors: Justwan Florian , Berejikian Jeffrey D , Mazdeyasnan Shawn
Published: January 2025

Previous studies in Psychology have identified Psychological Entitlement (PE) as an important variable that affects a wide variety of attitudes and behaviors in humans. PE is an individual-level character trait that describes a tendency to expect unwarranted and unearned rewards. In this paper, we build on existing research in Psychology and we investigate the effect of PE on foreign policy attitudes. Theoretically, we expect that those who score high on PE will score higher on American exceptionalism and—as a result—they will have more negative attitudes toward international law. We test our hypotheses on a nationally representative sample of the United States adult population. Respondents were asked a number of questions designed to tap into their PE scores, foreign policy attitudes, and general demographic characteristics. Our models provide broad support for our theoretical expectations. An experimental follow-up analysis (in which entitlement levels were manipulated) corroborates our findings.
Slightly acidic electrolyzed water enhances the storability and quality maintenance of Chinese olive fruit during storage
Authors: Huang Zhenlu , Chen Yunman , Feng Shujuan , Lin Yifen , Chen Yihui , Hung Yen-Con , Lin Hetong
Published: January 2025

Postharvest Chinese olives are prone to quality deterioration, spoilage, and decay, which lead to postharvest loss and shorten the shelf life of fresh Chinese olives. Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) is an economical, safe, and environmentally friendly postharvest technology for fresh produce. The effects of SAEW at 40 mg/L available chlorine concentration (ACC) on the storage behaviour and quality performance of Chinese olives were explored. In contrast with the control sample, SAEW-treated Chinese olives presented a lower pericarp greenness (−)-redness (+) (a*) value, a lower percentage of fruit weight loss, a lower fruit respiration rate, a higher percentage of healthy fruit, and higher values of pericarp lightness (L*), blueness (−)-yellowness (+) (b*), chroma (C), and hue angle (h°). Additionally, SAEW treatment helped delay the declines in the levels of pericarp chlorophyll, pulp sucrose, total soluble solids, titratable acid, vitamin C, and total soluble sugars, as well as reduce the increases in pericarp carotenoid and pulp reducing sugar. These data suggest that SAEW treatment could efficaciously elevated the storage performance and quality maintenance of postharvest Chinese olives, thereby lengthening the storage life of fresh Chinese olives.
Testosterone concentration and incident depression in older men: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Forbes Malcolm , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Tran Cammie , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Woods Robyn L , McNeil John , Berk Michael
Published: January 2025

Background

Testosterone has been implicated in mood regulation, yet its role in the development and treatment of depression remains unclear. This study investigated the association between testosterone concentrations and the incidence of depression in older men.

Methods

We utilized data from 4,107 men aged 70 years and older who participated in the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) and ASPREE-XT studies. Serum total testosterone concentrations were measured at baseline and year 3. Depressive symptoms were assessed annually using the CES-D-10 scale, with incident depression defined as a CES-D-10 score of ≥ 8. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) for incident depression, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.4 years, 1,449 participants experienced an episode of depression. Baseline total testosterone concentrations were not significantly associated with the risk of incident depression, whether treated as continuous variables (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.01) or when categorized into quintiles. Similarly, changes in testosterone concentrations from baseline to year 3 did not predict incident depression (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99-1.08). A subgroup analysis focusing on men with biochemical evidence of hypogonadism also found no association with incident depression.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support an association between testosterone concentrations and the risk of developing depression in older men. These results suggest that testosterone is not an important factor in the pathogenesis of depression in this population. There may still be individual variability in response to testosterone changes and its potential impact on mood disorders.
"I Won't Put Myself or My Family Through That": Decision Preferences, Family Experiences, and Kidney Disease Decision-Making
Authors: Hamler Tyrone C , Cutforth Asia , O’Donnell Kari , Miller Emily K
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern that uniquely impacts older Black Americans, a population also likely to have family members also diagnosed with CKD. This study aimed to (1) describe how participants viewed their decision preferences considering the experiences of family, and friends previously diagnosed with CKD, and (2) to understand how these social complexities informed their own decisions for future CKD care.

Research Design and Methods

Utilizing a phenomenologically-informed approach, this study explored participants’ perceptions of how patients and their family members’ experiences with CKD influenced treatment-related decision-making. A reflexive, thematic content analysis was conducted to identify patterns across participant responses (N=52). Participants were pre-dialysis, diagnosed with stage four or five chronic kidney disease, and were receiving outpatient nephrology care at a large, urban midwestern hospital.

Results

Three primary themes emerged: (1) uncertainty regarding decision-making, (2) lived experience of racism, and (3) impact of quality of care, information, and education on decision-making. These three interconnected themes centered on factors that influenced why and how decisions related to chronic kidney disease were made and how racial identity and prior family experiences with CKD influenced these decisions.

Discussion and Implications

Over the next 40 years, the population of Black Americans aged ≥ 65 years will nearly triple. Because of the complex support requirements and burden(s) of care for CKD patients, there are implications for reshaping the negative and disorienting narratives that influence decision-making conflicts.
Aseismicslip history after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in the Suruga Trough, Central Japan
Authors: Ozawa Shinzaburo , Munekane Hiroshi , Suito Hisashi , Kuwahara Masaki
Published: January 2025

Detailed investigations of aseismic slow slip events (SSEs) are crucial for estimating the strain budget and SSE mechanisms within subduction zones. The Suruga Trough, which includes the Tokai seismic gap, is an important area in Japan from a hazardous perspective. However, the aseismic slip history of this trough following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake is difficult to determine as a result of post-seismic deformation caused by the earthquake. In this study, we provided detailed imaging of the interplate aseismic slip in the Suruga Trough after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake by applying a network inversion filter to global navigation satellite system data and considering viscoelastic deformation and afterslip caused by the earthquake. The analysis revealed the 2012 Shima long-term SSE (l-SSE), 2013–2016 Tokai l-SSE, 2017–2020 Shima l-SSE and 2023–2024 Atsumi + Tokai l-SSE, with the slip area expanding to the area adjacent to the Tokai seismic gap from 2023 July, consequently changing the stress state to promote the anticipated Tokai earthquake. The findings of this study suggest that the recurrence interval of the Tokai slow slip ranges from 10 to 13 yr, with a duration of approximately 4–5 yr and a total magnitude ranging from 6.5 to 7.1. The l-SSE zone shows that the upper-limit temperature threshold, which is the temperature at the upper bound of the l-SSE zone aligning the 350 °C isothermal line in the Tokai segment, does not hold in the Suruga Trough. The change in strike direction of the l-SSE zone suggests that a discontinuous factor controls the l-SSE occurrence, such as high pore pressure caused by fluid infiltration to the plate interface. Furthermore, we explored a gap between the short-term SSE (s-SSE) and l-SSE zones, and the findings indicated a non-continuous transition from l-SSE to s-SSE, thus providing insights into the discontinuous factors that regulate l-SSE and s-SSE generation. The recurrence interval (10–13 yr) and duration (4–5 yr) of the Tokai SSEs are long, and their moment rates (1015.8 Nm d−1) are low compared to those of the l-SSEs in other regions. The SSE parameters suggest that the scaling law may not apply to SSEs in the Suruga–Nankai Trough with the prolonged duration.
Meeting clean air targets could reduce the burden of hypertension among women of reproductive age in India
Authors: Singh Taruna , Chaudhary Ekta , Roy Ambuj , Ghosh Santu , Dey Sagnik
Published: January 2025

Background

Air pollution is one of the leading risk factors for hypertension globally. However, limited epidemiological evidence exists in developing countries, specifically with indigenous health data and for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) composition. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap in India.

Methods

Using a logistic regression model, we estimated the association between hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) prevalence among women of reproductive age (WRA, 15–49 years) from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey and long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its composition, after adjusting for confounders. We also explored the moderating effects of socioeconomic indicators through a multiplicative interaction with PM2.5.

Results

Hypertension prevalence increased by 5.2% (95% uncertainty interval: 4.8%–5.7%) for every 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5 exposure. Significant moderating effects were observed among smokers against nonsmokers and for various sociodemographic parameters. Among PM2.5 species, every interquartile range increase in black carbon (BC) and sulphate exposure was significantly associated with higher odds of hypertension than for organic carbon and dust. We estimated that achieving the National Clean Air Program target and World Health Organization air quality guidelines can potentially reduce hypertension prevalence by 2.42% and 4.21%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that increasing ambient PM2.5 exposure is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension among WRA in India. The risk is not uniform across various PM2.5 species and is higher with BC and sulphate. Achieving clean air targets can substantially reduce the hypertension burden in this population.
Skein and Cluster Algebras with Coefficients for Unpunctured Surfaces
Authors: Ishibashi Tsukasa , Kano Shunsuke , Yuasa Wataru
Published: January 2025

We propose a skein model for the quantum cluster algebras of surface type with coefficients. We introduce a skein algebra $\mathscr{S}_{\Sigma ,\mathbb{W}}^{A}$ of a walled surface$(\Sigma ,\mathbb{W})$, and prove that it has a quantum cluster structure. The walled surfaces naturally generalize the marked surfaces with multi-laminations, which have been used to describe the cluster algebras of geometric type for marked surfaces by Fomin–Thurston [ 11]. As a result, this paper gives a simultaneous generalization of Fomin–Thurston and Muller [ 20], incorporating both quantization and (not necessarily normalized) coefficients. Moreover, we give skein theoretic interpretation for some of quasi-homomorphisms [ 14] between these quantum cluster algebras.
Influence of feeding thermally peroxidized lipids on the performance of growing pigs
Authors: Kerr Brian J , Wilson Victoria C , Zhang Junwei , Chen Chi
Published: January 2025

Feeding pigs lipids containing high levels of lipid oxidation products (LOP) has been shown to reduce growth performance, but data is lacking on quantitative relationships between LOP and pig growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Four experiments (EXP) were conducted using soybean oil (SO) in EXP 1, 2, and 3, as well as SO, choice white grease and palm oil (PO) in EXP 4, to evaluate the impact of feeding diets containing different amounts of LOP on pig performance. Lipid peroxidation was carried out using variable heating temperatures and durations to generate lipids with a broad range of peroxide (PV, mEq) and anisidine value (AnV, unitless). Lipids were added to the diets at 10%, 10%, 8%, and 7.5% for EXP 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with dietary PV and AnV calculated using lipid peroxidation concentrations of PV and AnV times the dietary lipid inclusion rate. Within each experiment, pig performance (6.2 to 13.4 kg, EXP 1; 13.5 to 23.7 kg, EXP 2; 20.3 to 36.9 kg, EXP 3; 29.6 to 44.1 kg, EXP 4) was affected differently depending on dietary PV and AnV concentrations. Using the control-fed pigs within each experiment as a baseline of 100%, correlations of pooled relative pig performance data (dependent variables of ADG, ADFI, and GF) from EXP 1, 2, 3, and 4 with their respective dietary LOP values (independent variables of dietary PV and AnV due their ability to be measured commercially) resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.01) regression equations for relative ADG [ADG, % = 101.2 − [(0.321 × PV) + (1.019 × AnV)], R2 = 0.81], ADFI [ADFI, % = 100.8 − [(0.320 × PV) + (0.629 × AnV)], R2 = 0.68], and GF [GF, % = 101.3 − [(0.016 × PV) + (0.525 × AnV)], R2 = 0.70], albeit PV was not a significant regression coefficient in the GF model (P = 0.90). This data shows that the values of primary and secondary LOP (i.e., PV and AnV, respectively) could be effectively used in predicting the effect of feeding oxidized lipids on growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency in growing pigs.
Labor regimes, long-distance commuting, and the spaces of production and social reproduction in large-scale mining
Authors: Irarrazaval Felipe , Atienza Miguel
Published: January 2025

The modern mining industry’s capital–labor dynamic centers on mobilizing workers from distant urban areas to extraction sites, operating under roster and long-distance commuting (LDC) system. Commonly explained as a cost-saving strategy or individual worker choice, this study challenges prevailing interpretations by embedding LDC within mining labor regimes to show the broader socio-ecological contexts that explain this phenomenon. Through a qualitative work, it unveils how LDC is grounded in the spheres of production, social reproduction, and ecology, in which the environmental conditions of the workplace and mining-related pollution in the spaces for social reproduction are critical.
α-Synuclein distribution in olfactory mucosa and skin nerves in Parkinson disease associated with an EIF4G1 gene mutation
Authors: Braccia Arianna , Elia Antonio Emanuele , Devigili Grazia , Lombardi Raffaella , Luppino Alessia , Mazzetti Samanta , Panteghini Celeste , Colangelo Isabel , Suerz Marta , Portaleone Sara Maria , Perilli Anna Maria , De Luca Chiara Maria Giulia , Ciullini Arianna , Dellarole Ilaria Linda , Telese Roberta , Garavaglia Barbara , Moda Fabio , Eleopra Roberto
Published: January 2025

The EIF4G1 gene has been considered an autosomal dominant cause of Parkinson disease (PD), even if its role is still debated. The objective of this study was to describe the phenotype and α-synuclein distribution in peripheral tissues in 2 related PD patients (mother and daughter), who are carriers of the same variant in exon 10 of EIF4G1 (c.1216G>A, p.Gly406Arg). We used the Burghart Sniffin Sticks test for olfactory function. α-Synuclein distribution in the olfactory mucosa and skin samples was analyzed using RT-QuIC, double immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining. Both patients presented with a mild motor syndrome associated with hyposmia as prominent traits; pathological α-synuclein deposits were found in the olfactory mucosa but not in the skin. The phenotype and the findings in peripheral tissues suggest that PARK18 could manifest as a “benign” form of PD associated with hyposmia, with a slow progression and sparse α-synuclein accumulation in the peripheral nervous system.
The interplay of Islamic principles of construction in English court: the case of NIOC v Crescent Petroleum
Authors: Dehdashti Ali
Published: January 2025

This article explores how principles of construction from a civil law-oriented Islamic jurisdiction can be interpreted in an English court, highlighting the extent of misconceptions that may arise in such contexts, using recent case law as an example. The different methods each legal system employs to determine the mutual intent of the parties can lead to misunderstandings between jurisdictions. Unlike the common law’s objective and more literal approach, civil law systems often exhibit more subjectivity. Islamic legal systems, however, are even more rigorous in uncovering the parties' mutual intentions. This case demonstrates that foreign law experts may blur the distinctions between the true nature of the applicable law and the court’s approach to construction. Conversely, the court may perceive the foreign law as similar to English law, even though the applicable law significantly differs from English law.
Family functioning in adolescents and young adults with differences of sex development
Authors: Papadakis Jaclyn L , Buchanan Cindy L , Chan Yee-Ming , Crerand Canice E , Hansen-Moore Jennifer , Nahata Leena , Rausch Joseph R , Tishelman Amy C , Chen Diane
Published: January 2025

Objective

Family functioning influences various psychosocial outcomes for individuals with pediatric chronic health conditions (e.g., Leeman, J., Crandell, J. L., Lee, A., Bai, J., Sandelowski, M., & Knafl, K. (2016). Family Functioning and the Well-Being of Children With Chronic Conditions: a Meta-Analysis. Research in Nursing & Health, 39, 229–243), but this has not been examined among families of youth with differences of sex development (DSD). The objective of this study was to examine (a) differences in family functioning based on DSD-related and demographic characteristics, (b) the associations between family functioning and psychosocial outcomes, and (c) the moderating effects of current age.

Methods

Participants were 57 adolescents and 40 young adults (AYA) ages 12–25 years (M  = 16.97) with DSD resulting in atypical genital appearance and/or discordance between phenotypic and chromosomal sex who participated in a cross-sectional study examining psychosocial outcomes. Participants completed the Family Environment Scale, the McMaster Family Assessment Device, the Perceived Acceptance Scale, and outcome measures including the Youth Self-Report/Adult Self-Report and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Analyses included t-tests and linear regressions with moderation effects.

Results

AYA reported better family functioning if they were diagnosed at a younger age, learned about their diagnosis at a younger age, had 46, XY karyotype, and identified as male. General family functioning, family conflict, and family acceptance had the strongest associations with psychosocial outcomes. Greater family acceptance was associated with fewer total problems, and this association was stronger for adolescents (ps < .05).

Conclusions

AYA with certain DSD-related characteristics may demonstrate more adaptive family functioning. Family functioning is strongly associated with psychosocial outcomes for AYA with DSD. Results highlight the importance of developing family-focused interventions to promote psychosocial functioning in AYA with DSD.
A union of two rare pathologies: small bowel diverticula perforation secondary to impacted gallstone ileus
Authors: Choi Joseph Do Woong , de Silva Pranesh , Lynch Craig , Pillinger Stephen , Ravindran Praveen
Published: January 2025

An 84-year-old lady presented with 1 day history of sudden onset generalized abdominal pain, fevers, and peritonism. Computed tomography was suggestive of a mid-small bowel perforation associated with a distal ovoid soft tissue density structure without pneumobilia. An urgent laparotomy demonstrated two areas of jejunal diverticula necrosis and perforation associated with a 3 cm luminal mass in the proximal ileum, and proximal small bowel dilatation. A 100 cm small bowel resection incorporating the mass and perforated jejunal diverticula and primary stapled anastomosis were performed. Histopathology surprisingly demonstrated cholelithiasis consistent with a gallstone ileus and necrotic, perforated jejunal diverticulitis. The patient had no recurrent symptoms at 6 weeks follow-up. The authors report an uncommon and unexpected occurrence of small bowel diverticulitis perforation as a rare complication of gallstone ileus.
Third case of gallbladder hemangioma associated with gallstones: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Boujguenna Imane , Moujane Soumia , Boukis Fatima , Abdouh Soufiane , Elguazzar Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Gallbladder hemangiomas are extremely rare benign tumors. Eighteen cases have been reported in the literature, with only two associated with gallstones. We report the third case of a gallbladder hemangioma associated with gallstones in a 54-year-old Moroccan woman, along with a comprehensive review of the literature. Gallbladder hemangiomas are likely underdiagnosed, underscoring the need for careful examination of cholecystectomy specimens.
Restorative option for hemisected root canal treated mandibular molar: two case reports
Authors: Lin Tian Shih , Allosias Jacqueline Ann , Halim Mohamad Syahrizal , Ahmed Naseer , Heboyan Artak
Published: January 2025

The success of hemisection is based on meticulous case selection, considering the quality and quantity of bone surrounding the remaining roots. Additionally, a well-devised prosthetic plan is crucial to direct forces along the preserved roots, and ongoing maintenance is imperative for long-term success. This case report aims to present two different restorative designs for the pontic on the edentulous space after the hemisection of a molar tooth. The treatment approach included initial root canal treatment, followed by periodontal intervention involving hemisection. The hemisected tooth was restored through a fixed partial denture, utilizing premolar, or molar as abutments. Hemisection is an excellent option for retaining the molar tooth in the mouth. The restorative option might be chosen between original molar anatomy or transformation into premolars. This must be in accordance with the patient’s wishes as well.
Constructed wetland–microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) mediated bio-electrodegradation of azo dyes from textile wastewater
Authors: Kundu Nikita , Yadav Smriti , Bhattacharya Ananya , Aseri G K , Jain Neelam
Published: January 2025

Azo dyes constitute 60%–70% of commercially used dyes and are complex, carcinogenic, and mutagenic pollutants that negatively impact soil composition, water bodies, flora, and fauna. Conventional azo dye degradation techniques have drawbacks such as high production and maintenance costs, use of hazardous chemicals, membrane clogging, and sludge generation. Constructed wetland–microbial fuel cells (CW–MFCs) offer a promising sustainable approach for the bio-electrodegradation of azo dyes from textile wastewater. CW–MFCs harness the phytodegradation capabilities of wetland plants like Azolla, water hyacinth, and Ipomoea, along with microalgae such as Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Chlorella, and Anabaena, to break down azo dyes into aromatic amines. These intermediates are then reduced to CO2 and H2O by microalgae in the fuel cells while simultaneously generating electricity. CW–MFCs offer advantages including low cost, sustainability, and use of renewable energy. The valorization of the resulting algal and plant biomass further enhances the sustainability of this approach, as it can be used for biofuel production, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and bio-composting. Implementing CW–MFCs as a tertiary treatment step in textile industries aligns with the circular economy concept and contributes to achieving several sustainable development goals.
Genito-Urinary Trauma in the War Context: A Review of Two Decades of Experience From the French Armed Forces
Authors: Vincent Yohann , Chiron Paul , Agüero Christopher , Savoie Pierre-Henrie , Peyrottes Arthur , Depaquit Thibaut Long
Published: January 2025

Background

In recent conflicts, injuries to urogenital organs ranged from 5 to 7.2% of all combat-related injuries. Open surgery remains the main approach in combat settings, and in the French military, urgent surgical procedures are mostly performed by general surgeons with no specialization in urological care. To explore the specific needs in advanced surgery courses, we aimed to describe the epidemiology and management of genito-urinary traumas in recent conflicts in French Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs).

Methods

Data were extracted from the OPEX® registry, which prospectively recorded surgical activity from 2001 to 2021. All patients treated in French Role 2 Enhanced or 3 MTFs requiring emergency surgery for urogenital injury were included. The mechanism of trauma, type of genito-urinary injury (GUI), and surgical management were reported.

Results

After screening, a total of 4,603 patients were admitted for emergency or delayed emergency surgery. Among them, 31 (0.67%) patients had urogenital injuries requiring immediate management. Most injuries were combat-related (77.4%), caused by gunshots (45%) and explosions (29%). Ten patients (32%) were hemodynamically unstable at initial management. Bladder and testicular injuries were the most common (12 [39%] and 8 [25.8%], respectively). Kidney injuries were rare but led to organ extirpation in 60% of the cases. Associated digestive injuries occurred in 45.2% of the cases. All procedures used the open approach.

Conclusion

This study is the first to examine genito-urinary traumas in overseas operations during French army deployments. The results highlight the relatively low incidence of urological trauma, with most injuries involving the bladder and testis. Our findings highlight the importance of equipping military surgeons with the skills necessary to manage complex cases.
The profound effect of diabetes mellitus control on outcomes of coccidioidomycosis
Authors: El Kurdi Rawan , McGary Alyssa , Buras Matthew R , Verona Patricia M , Cook Curtiss B , Blair Janis E
Published: January 2025

Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection caused by the soil-dwelling Coccidioides. One prior study showed that persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) with elevated glucose at the time of coccidioidomycosis had poorer coccidioidal outcomes compared to persons without DM. We aimed to assess the association between hemoglobin A1C (A1C) and outcomes among persons with coccidioidomycosis and coexisting DM. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of patients with DM (cases) and without DM (controls) with coccidioidomycosis to assess the effect of glycemic control on outcomes in patients with DM. From January 1, 2017, to October 13, 2022, we identified 138 DM patients with coccidioidomycosis and compared them with 283 non-DM control patients with coccidioidomycosis. Compared with controls, cases were more likely to require hospitalization (OR 1.20, P < .001), have a lung cavity (OR 1.36, P < .001) and cavitary complications (OR 1.09, P = .001), require surgical management (OR 1.07, P = .016), and experience relapsed infection (OR 1.09, P = .041). Among the cases, when baseline A1C was assessed as a continuous variable, each 1-unit increase of A1C had a significant effect on coccidioidomycosis-related hospitalizations (A1C OR 1.59, P = .005) and the presence of cavities (OR 1.42, P = .01). Controlling for Charlson Comorbidity Index did not change the significance of A1C influence on outcomes of hospitalization and lung cavities. DM patients with A1C levels ≤8.0 at presentation did not have increased adverse coccidioidomycosis outcomes. In summary, glycemic control profoundly impacts the outcomes of diabetic patients with coccidioidomycosis.
The effects of super-Eddington accretion and feedback on the growth of early supermassive black holes and galaxies
Authors: Huško Filip , Lacey Cedric G , Roper William J , Schaye Joop , Briggs Jemima Mae , Schaller Matthieu
Published: January 2025

We present results of cosmological zoom-in simulations of a massive protocluster down to redshift $z\approx 4$ (when the halo mass is $\approx 10^{13}$ M$_\odot$) using the swift code and the eagle galaxy formation model, focusing on supermassive black hole (BH) physics. The BH was seeded with a mass of $10^4$ M$_\odot$ at redshift $z\approx 17$. We compare the base model that uses an Eddington limit on the BH accretion rate and thermal isotropic feedback by the active galactic nuclei, with one where super-Eddington accretion is allowed, as well as two other models with BH spin and jets. In the base model, the BH grows at the Eddington limit from $z=9$ to $z=5.5$, when it becomes massive enough to halt its own and its host galaxy’s growth through feedback. We find that allowing super-Eddington accretion leads to drastic differences, with the BH going through an intense but short super-Eddington growth burst around $z\approx 7.5$, during which it increases its mass by orders of magnitude, before feedback stops further growth (of both the BH and the galaxy). By $z\approx 4$ the galaxy is only half as massive in the super-Eddington cases, and an order of magnitude more extended, with the half-mass radius reaching values of a few physical kpc instead of a few hundred pc. The BH masses in our simulations are consistent with the intrinsic BH mass–stellar mass relation inferred from high-redshift observations by JWST. This shows that galaxy formation models using the $\Lambda$cold dark matter cosmology are capable of reproducing the observed massive BHs at high redshift. Allowing jets, either at super- or sub-Eddington rates, has little impact on the host galaxy properties, but leads to lower BH masses as a consequence of higher feedback efficiencies.
The vertical shear instability in protoplanetary discs as an outwardly travelling wave − I. Linear theory
Authors: Ogilvie Gordon I , Latter Henrik N , Lesur Geoffroy
Published: January 2025

We revisit the global linear theory of the vertical shear instability (VSI) in protoplanetary discs with an imposed radial temperature gradient. We focus on the regime in which the VSI has the form of a travelling inertial wave that grows in amplitude as it propagates outwards. Building on previous work describing travelling waves in thin astrophysical discs, we develop a quantitative theory of the wave motion, its spatial structure, and the physical mechanism by which the wave is amplified. We find that this viewpoint provides a useful description of the large-scale development of the VSI in global numerical simulations, which involves corrugation and breathing motions of the disc. We contrast this behaviour with that of perturbations of smaller scale, in which the VSI grows into a non-linear regime in place without significant radial propagation.