bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent liver injury following avacopan discontinuation in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: A rare case of liver biopsy in the chronic phase of liver injury
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Fujii Nayu , Shimizu Hideki
Published: November 2024

Drug-induced liver injury is a major concern associated with the use of avacopan, a new therapeutic agent for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Here, we report a rare instance of liver biopsy performed for persistent liver injury following discontinuation of avacopan in an elderly woman with microscopic polyangiitis. The patient developed cholestatic liver injury after 2 months of avacopan therapy, which led to drug cessation. Despite the discontinuation of avacopan followed by supportive care, the liver enzyme levels remained elevated, necessitating liver biopsy. Histological examination revealed residual inflammation and focal necrosis around the portal vein, indicating ongoing liver injury despite avacopan withdrawal. This case report highlights the hepatotoxic potential of avacopan, the importance of vigilant liver function monitoring, and the value of liver biopsy in the chronic phase of avacopan-induced liver injury. Further research is required to elucidate avacopan hepatotoxicity mechanisms and identify potential risk factors for drug-induced liver injury in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
X-ray fluorescence mapping of brain tissue reveals the profound extent of trace element dysregulation in stroke pathophysiology
Authors: Pushie M Jake , Sylvain Nicole J , Hou Huishu , Pendleton Nicole , Wang Richard , Zimmermann Liam , Pally Maxwell , Cayabyab Francisco S , Peeling Lissa , Kelly Michael E
Published: November 2024

The brain is a privileged organ with regard to its trace element composition and maintains a robust barrier system to sequester this specialized environment from the rest of the body and the vascular system. Stroke is caused by loss of adequate blood flow to a region of the brain. Without adequate blood flow ischaemic changes begin almost immediately, triggering an ischaemic cascade, characterized by ion dysregulation, loss of function, oxidative damage, cellular degradation, and breakdown of the barrier that helps maintain this environment. Ion dysregulation is a hallmark of stroke pathophysiology and we observe that most elements in the brain are dysregulated after stroke. X-ray fluorescence-based detection of physiological changes in the neurometallome after stroke reveals profound ion dysregulation within the lesion and surrounding tissue. Not only are most elements significantly dysregulated after stroke, but the level of dysregulation cannot be predicted from a cell-level description of dysregulation. X-ray fluorescence imaging reveals that the stroke lesion retains <25% of essential K+ after stroke, but this element is not concomitantly elevated elsewhere in the organ. Moreover, elements like Na+, Ca2+, and Cl− are vastly elevated above levels available in normal brain tissue (>400%, >200%, and >150%, respectively). We hypothesize that weakening of the blood–brain barrier after stroke allows elements to freely diffuse down their concentration gradient so that the stroke lesion is in equilibrium with blood (and the compartments containing brain interstitial fluid and cerebrospinal fluid). The change observed for the neurometallome likely has consequences for the potential to rescue infarcted tissue, but also presents specific targets for treatment.
Smoking cessation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events and mortality in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Joo Young Su , Yun Hae-Ryoung , Kim Hyung Woo , Koh Hee Byung , Jung Chan-Young , Chang Tae-Ik , Park Jung Tak , Park Sue Kyung , Hyun Young Youl , Kim Yeong Hoon , Sung Suah , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Oh Kook-Hwan , Kang Shin-Wook , Han Seung Hyeok ,   the KNOW-CKD (KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease) Investigators
Published: November 2024

Background

Smoking cessation is recommended to reduce excess atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, this recommendation is largely based on observational studies on the general population Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of smoking dose and smoking cessation duration with ASCVD and mortality in patients with CKD.

Methods

We compiled a comprehensive pooled dataset comprising 66 245 participants with CKD from the KNOW-CKD and the UK Biobank cohort. Additionally, we included 307 353 participants without CKD from the UK Biobank cohort. Participants were categorized according to smoking dose and duration of smoking cessation base on a questionnaire. The primary outcome was a composite of ASCVD events or all-cause mortality.

Results

Over a median follow-up period of 13.2 years, 14 671 (22.1%) participants reached the primary outcome. In the pooled CKD cohort, compared to never smokers, and former and current smokers exhibited a 1.30- and 2.14-fold higher risk of the primary outcome, respectively. Among former smokers, the hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for smoking loads <20 and ≥20 pack-years were 1.05 (1.00–1.10) and 2.14 (2.05–2.25), respectively. The increased risk of the primary outcome was attenuated by longer smoking cessation. The HRs (95% CIs) for smoking cessation of <10 years, 10–20 years, and ≥20 years were 1.75 (1.65–1.86), 1.43 (1.34–1.52), and 1.11 (1.06–1.16), respectively, compared with never smokers. This association was also observed in individuals without CKD, but the risk was comparable between former smokers with smoking cessation ≥20 years and non-smokers, suggesting that a longer cessation is required in patients with CKD to offset the smoking-related adverse effects.

Conclusions

Among former smokers with CKD, the risk of ASCVD or mortality was substantially attenuated with less smoking load and a longer duration of smoking cessation.
Establishment of a brain tumor consortium of Africa: Advancing collaborative research and advocacy for brain tumors in Africa
Authors: Odukoya Lateef A , Darko Kwadwo , Zerd Francis , Ghomsi Nathalie C , Kabare Gloria , Kamson David O , Eckel-Passow Jeanette E , Jenkins Robert B , Kitange Gaspar J , Akinjo Andrea O , Badmos Kabir B , Bankole Olufemi , Idowu Olufemi E , Karekezi Claire , Edrick Elias , Ekhator Chukwuyem , Katasi Victoria M , Brown Desmond A , Huse Jason , Llewellyn Henry , Magambo Margreth , Magoha Michael , Barrie Umaru , Ngaiza Advera , Nyalundja Arsene D , Okemwa Minda , Osei-Tutu Lawrence , Petershie Bernard , Yevudza W Elorm , Anunobi Charles C , Tiamiyu Liadi , Gankpe Gbetoho Fortuné , Heronima Kashaigili , Higgins Dominique , Schroeder Kristin , Totimeh Teddy , Balogun James , Cheserem Beverly , Etame Arnold B , Fonkem Ekokobe
Published: November 2024

Background

Brain tumors represent a significant global health challenge, with rising incidence and mortality impacting individuals worldwide and contributing to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. In Africa, this burden is exacerbated by limited access to advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and multidisciplinary care, compounded by the absence of standardized cancer registration and tumor biobanking. The introduction of molecular diagnostics, as outlined in the 2021 World Health Organization central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification, adds complexity to brain tumor management, particularly in regions with scarce resources.

Methods

To address these issues, the Brain Tumor Consortium for Africa (BTCA) was established in 2023, bringing together experts to improve CNS tumor diagnosis, patient care, and research. The initial project, conducted via an electronic questionnaire, aimed to assess neuro-oncology capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Results

The study revealed significant gaps, with a limited number of institutions incorporating molecular subtyping into their diagnostic algorithms. The consortium’s efforts focus on enhancing local data use, informing public policy, and promoting collaboration to advance neuro-oncology practices in Africa. By fostering a network enlisting the expertise of collaborators in the fields of neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, anatomic pathology, and medical and radiation oncology, the BTCA seeks to improve brain tumor management through better diagnostics, infrastructure, and policy advocacy. Future directions include expanding molecular diagnostic capabilities, standardizing brain tumor biobanking, enhancing data collection, and advocating for improved brain tumor care in national health agendas.

Conclusions

The BTCA represents a pioneering model of collaboration and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of brain tumor care in Africa.
Deep learning-based postoperative glioblastoma segmentation and extent of resection evaluation: Development, external validation, and model comparison
Authors: Cepeda Santiago , Romero Roberto , Luque Lidia , García-Pérez Daniel , Blasco Guillermo , Luppino Luigi Tommaso , Kuttner Samuel , Esteban-Sinovas Olga , Arrese Ignacio , Solheim Ole , Eikenes Live , Karlberg Anna , Pérez-Núñez Ángel , Zanier Olivier , Serra Carlo , Staartjes Victor E , Bianconi Andrea , Rossi Luca Francesco , Garbossa Diego , Escudero Trinidad , Hornero Roberto , Sarabia Rosario
Published: November 2024

Background

The pursuit of automated methods to assess the extent of resection (EOR) in glioblastomas is challenging, requiring precise measurement of residual tumor volume. Many algorithms focus on preoperative scans, making them unsuitable for postoperative studies. Our objective was to develop a deep learning-based model for postoperative segmentation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also compared our model’s performance with other available algorithms.

Methods

To develop the segmentation model, a training cohort from 3 research institutions and 3 public databases was used. Multiparametric MRI scans with ground truth labels for contrast-enhancing tumor (ET), edema, and surgical cavity, served as training data. The models were trained using MONAI and nnU-Net frameworks. Comparisons were made with currently available segmentation models using an external cohort from a research institution and a public database. Additionally, the model’s ability to classify EOR was evaluated using the RANO-Resect classification system. To further validate our best-trained model, an additional independent cohort was used.

Results

The study included 586 scans: 395 for model training, 52 for model comparison, and 139 scans for independent validation. The nnU-Net framework produced the best model with median Dice scores of 0.81 for contrast ET, 0.77 for edema, and 0.81 for surgical cavities. Our best-trained model classified patients into maximal and submaximal resection categories with 96% accuracy in the model comparison dataset and 84% in the independent validation cohort.

Conclusions

Our nnU-Net-based model outperformed other algorithms in both segmentation and EOR classification tasks, providing a freely accessible tool with promising clinical applicability.
Integrated multi-omics characterization across clinically relevant subgroups of long COVID
Authors: Ai Jingwen , Guo Jingxin , Lin Ke , Cai Jianpeng , Zhang Haocheng , Zhu Feng , Sun Gangqiang , Xue Quanlin , Zhu Kun , Yang Yixuan , Yuan Guanmin , Song Jieyu , Fu Zhangfan , Qi Xiao , Sun Yuhan , Lin Weifang , Qiu Chao , Jiang Ning , Wang Sen , Zhang Wenhong
Published: November 2024

With SARS-CoV-2 became regional epidemics, substantial amount of patients suffers from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, aka long COVID). Exploring the pathogenesis and especially the heterogenicity features of long COVID subgroups is of paramount importance for etiology understandings. In this study, through integrative multi-omics analyses encompassing transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, long COVID patients exhibited overall elevated MAPK pathway activation, while patients recovered from long COVID showed down-regulation of this response. Long COVID heterogenicity is described by multi-omics distinct signatures for each subgroup. Multisystemic (MULTI) symptoms subgroup is characterized by enhanced glycerophospholipid and ether lipid metabolism, Neurological (NEU) by augmented glycoprotein synthesis metabolism, Cardio cerebral (CACRB) by increased pyruvate metabolism and suppressed macrophage polarization, Musculoskeletal + Systemic (MSK + SYST) by elevated glycerophospholipid metabolism, and Cardiopulmonary (CAPM) by inhibited NF-κB signaling pathways. ABHD17A, CSNK1D, PSME4 and SYVN1 were general long COVID combination biomarkers, while CRH (MULTI), FPGT (NEU), CBX6 (CACRB) and RBBP4 (CAPM) were selected as serum-specific subgroup proteins. Our study provides commonly shared and distinct pathophysiology explanation underpinning PASC, paving the way for the future diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
A History of Interdisciplinarity in Archaeology
Authors: Kristiansen Kristian
Published: November 2024

The history of interdisciplinarity in archaeology is traced through three major science revolutions: the Darwinian revolution and the formation of archaeology; the C14 revolution and the formation of absolute chronologies; and the genetic revolution and its impact on the mobility and migration of human genes. Each of these revolutions provided new science-based evidence, independent of archaeological evidence, and thus expanded the knowledge base of archaeology. The chapter outlines historical process of the three revolutions and their impact on archaeological method and theory, showing both commonalities and divergencies. Each revolution created theoretical and interpretative responses, moving the discipline forward. Archaeology is, thus, a creative, borrowing discipline. Throughout its history, it has successfully applied many methods and theories from a variety of disciplines, ranging from social anthropology, history, and philosophy to various branches of science, including geology, zoology, physics, and genetics.
Foreign Schools in the Mediterranean in Historical Perspective
Authors: Whitling Frederick
Published: November 2024

This chapter outlines the history and organization of national “foreign schools,” research institutes primarily in Italy and Greece, from the early nineteenth century onwards. It presents a critical discussion of the emergence and evolution of foreign schools in both national and international terms, with national funding and prestige at stake in the internationalism of the scientific world, in scholarly communities and in international politics. From the perspective of the history of archaeology, the chapter also discusses the role of the foreign schools in the global organization of the study of antiquity, scholarship, and journals, as well as in the accumulation of European (and American) museum collections. It also emphasizes the role of foreign schools in the development of research networks and power relationships in academia, as well as in relation to legislation and the appropriation of archaeological artifacts.
Museums of Archaeology
Authors: Martins Ana Cristina
Published: November 2024

This chapter delves into the rich history of archaeological collecting, the creation and development of archaeological museums, and museums with significant archaeological collections. It explores how the production of archaeological knowledge and heritage has been intricately shaped by the evolution of these collections, influenced by scientific advancements, ideological and political agendas—often nationalist—and the growing tourist industry. These ongoing shifts have prompted new perspectives on territories and communities, necessitating continuous updates to museum narratives to remain relevant and engaging. The chapter emphasizes the bidirectional relationship between archaeological collections and the societies they represent, as seen in the varied textual and iconographic narratives in these museums. By thoroughly reviewing key aspects of this extensive history, particularly in Europe, the chapter aims to provide deep and nuanced insight into the European context, which is essential for understanding the broader, interconnected world we inhabit.
Archaeology and Orientalism
Authors: Marchand Suzanne
Published: November 2024

This chapter argues that Edward Said’s conception of “orientalism” is an inadequate lens through which to understand the history of European archaeological engagements in the Near East, South Asia, and East Asia. First, Europeans did not think of the “Orient” as entirely Other; as Christians, they knew their own civilization had originated in the Near East. Second, Said does not appreciate the important relationships between oriental scholarship and the interpretation of the Bible, and the deep ways in which Europeans after the Reformation were inclined to seek texts rather than objects in the East. Third, long before the great age of empire-founding, Europeans had already adopted aesthetic norms which inclined them to treat Asian artifacts as the monstrous or curious rather than beautiful. All of these factors shaped European collecting habits even before the founding of the Continent’s major public museums and the birth of archaeology proper. Understanding these factors allows for a deeper grasp of the unfolding of the various antiquities rushes during the period of Europe’s imperial dominance; it also permits us to see how much the collecting of previously little-appreciated “oriental” artifacts actually did disrupt long-held prejudices and prepared the way for multicultural understandings.
The History of the Influence of Free Market Economics on Archaeology
Authors: Tomlinson Peter Colin
Published: November 2024

This chapter examines historical evolution of economic theories in relation to archaeological patrimony and explains the concepts and methodologies that economists apply to the subject. Economic considerations have become increasingly important when decisions are taken over the allocation of scarce resources for the preservation and conservation of archaeological remains. A whole new field of study called cultural economics has emerged to allow economists to assess the value, both cultural and economic, that they would assign to archaeological sites and artifacts. The chapter explores the history of growing international trade in antiquities, both legal and illicit, along with the history and impact of the growth in cultural tourism and the role of the UNESCO World Heritage List in promoting such tourism. The chapter explains how tourism, though providing economic benefits, also threatens fragile archaeological sites with destruction and can lead to the commodification and appropriation of heritage.
A History of Historical Archaeology
Authors: Orser Charles E.
Published: November 2024

This chapter explores the history of historical archaeology using research on colonialism as an example. The overview shows that the discipline has transitioned from an exclusive focus on Europeans to a more inclusive perspective that also investigates African, Indigenous, and descendant communities’ histories. The growth of historical archaeology has meant that today’s field, with its diverse subjects and perspectives, is an exciting pursuit practiced throughout the world. Since the late 1960s, historical archaeology in eastern North America has shifted from a narrow focus on European-built settlements to a broader, more inclusive approach. Initially, the discipline largely ignored Indigenous and African peoples, with theories centered on acculturation. As the field matured, it began embracing diverse voices, leading to more nuanced interpretations of cultural interactions. Researchers increasingly explored Native perspectives and descendant communities, while European settlements were reinterpreted with greater sensitivity. International growth further enhanced the discipline’s theoretical robustness, with colonialism as a central, though not exclusive, focus.
Cerberus, Hound of Hades
Authors: Joyce Derrek
Published: November 2024

Despite evidence of the hound of Hades first appearing in the written record as early as Hesiod’s Theogony, the impact Cerberus has had on the imagination of his audiences resonates even now, with the beast still making appearances in various forms of media. By examining his role in classical mythology, both through etymological and more biological lenses, as well as following the narratives in which he is featured through the Roman imperial period, it is possible to gain an understanding of not only how he became less monstrous over time, but also why. Cerberus’ primary roles as the guard dog of the underworld and as an obstacle for a great hero to face prove to be rather functional, mirroring his fantastical properties. Not only this, but his actions often lend themselves to comparisons with the house pets with which both ancient and modern audiences would be incredibly familiar.
Down the Sinkhole
Authors: Deacy Susan
Published: November 2024

This chapter traces the Hydra as a serpentine, many-headed creature born at the gates of the underworld beneath a plane tree in the marshlands of Lerna. It explores the Hydra’s origins among the array of uncanny creatures in Hesiod and notes the enduring popularity of the Hydra as a metaphor for any seemingly insurmountable problem. It notes too the quest to solve the ‘problem’ of what the Hydra was through rationalizing explanations, most recently those concerning drainage efforts in the Argive plain. It examines the Hydra as the Hera-nourished foe decapitated by Heracles whose venom ultimately fatally poisons the hero. Conversely, it examines how, rather than behaving like an animal, who would die when decapitated, the Hydra flourishes like—or as—a coppiced tree. The chapter considers how far, like the monster as proposed by J. J. Cohen, the Hydra eludes classification and keeps returning.
Cyclopes
Authors: Aguirre Mercedes , Buxton Richard
Published: November 2024

This chapter investigates the monstrosity, both physiological and behavioural, of the Cyclopes. The principal focus is on antiquity, though a concluding section discusses modern reception. There were three main types of Cyclopes: the monumental builders, the weapons-making metalworkers, and the pastoral ogres, notably Polyphemus. The builders were incredibly strong, but virtually never characterized as monstrous. The metalworkers were sometimes depicted as monstrous, as in Hesiod and Callimachus. The pastoral ogres were repeatedly represented as monstrous, though their monstrosity varies greatly from Homer and Euripides to Vergil and Ovid. In ancient art there were again wide variations: from muscular and handsome to wild and anthropophagous. The eye(s), in particular, is/are a locus of variability: ancient Cyclopes are not always monocular. In post-classical reception, the variability continues, with one major exception: it eventually becomes unthinkable—especially in cinema and the visual arts—that any creature called a Cyclops should have more than one eye. Thus the rich complexity of the ancient tradition is reduced to singularity.
The Sphinx
Authors: López-Ruiz Carolina
Published: November 2024

The sphinx is a hybrid creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, with the most common variant in the falcon-headed griffins. This chapter traces the trajectory of the sphinx in the Near East and its spread from the Levant to the Aegean and the western Mediterranean, where the winged, female-headed sphinx became inseparable from orientalizing iconography influenced by Phoenician motifs. Despite its popularity in multiple artistic media, sphinxes do not have an extensive mythological life outside the famous Oedipus myth from Greek sources, where the monster acts as a ‘plague’ and a guardian of the empty throne in Thebes. The sphinx’s iconography reveals a broader symbolic realm, however, as a protective hybrid associated with royalty, sacred spaces, and the funerary world, with an added ambivalent, malignant twist illustrated by images of youth-snatching and in the amulets from Arslan-Tash in Syria.
The Minotaur
Authors: Trzaskoma Stephen M.
Published: November 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the Minotaur. A central component of the myths of the Athenian hero Theseus, this half-man, half-bull creature is well attested in ancient art and literature across many centuries, media, and genres. The evidence for the narrative components of the tale and its representation is surveyed from the earliest period to trace its development in Greek poetic and prose texts, as well as in later Roman testimonies. Particular attention is paid to rationalized accounts of the monster—those in which fantastic details are transformed through explanations that accord with real-world experience—and to the appearance of the Minotaur in artistic representations. The chapter closes with consideration of the monster’s most obvious feature—its hybridity—and its/his unusual place among Greek mythical monsters between human and beast.
Monsters in Ancient Near Eastern Myth and Religion
Authors: Richey Madadh
Published: November 2024

Monsters are characteristic of ancient Near (or Middle) Eastern visual art and texts from before the rise of writing (c.3000 bce) to the Hellenistic conquests and beyond. This chapter considers hybrid beings as diverse and complex entities within their ancient Middle Eastern contexts—Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant—as well as influences on monsters of the Mediterranean world. Monumental art, magic amulets, Akkadian epics like Enūma eliš, Gilgamesh, and Anzû, and the Hebrew Bible are discussed with the goal of showing that (1) ancient Middle Eastern monsters frequently act as pets or guardians of gods and heroes, which complicates simplistic characterizations of monsters as chaos emblems; (2) though associated with the frontier, monsters were prominently incorporated into the iconography of central palaces, like those of the Assyrians; and (3) Mesopotamian monster-discourse influenced that of the Levant—the Phoenicians, Aramaeans, etc.—on its way to informing Greek and Roman articulations.
The Monstrous Animals and Animal Monsters of Ancient Greece
Authors: Kitchell Kenneth F.
Published: November 2024

The ancient Greek world is populated with monsters, real and imagined, plausible or impossible, whose appearance is based on that of various common animals. This chapter identifies several categories into which monstrous animals can be divided and demonstrates that some occupy multiple categories at once. It then uses these categories to discuss the various aspects of these creatures that make them ‘monstrous’ when seen against the Greeks’ presuppositions concerning the natural world. Anomalies such as inappropriate size, behaviour, or appetite, and breaking the natural laws concerning the generation and composition of animals make them monsters. The chapter includes discussion of Aristotle’s ‘dualizers’ and thoughts on hybrids and their sterility. It will conclude by studying specific cases, including monsters that have their origin in a misunderstanding of the natural world, frequently that of far-off lands.
Managing Radical Uncertainty with Scenario Planning Techniques
Authors: Hodgkinson Gerard P.
Published: November 2024

Dating back to the classic work of economist Frank H. Knight in 1921, decision scientists routinely distinguish uncertainty from risk, based on the basic idea that, whereas risks are quantifiable in terms of their likelihoods of occurrence, uncertainties are not quantifiable in such probabilistic terms. It thus follows that the tools commonly employed for the analysis and management of risks are unsuitable for the analysis and management of uncertainties. Although uncertainties are inherently unquantifiable, they are, nonetheless, potentially manageable, and scenario planning, a set of narrative-based techniques, has been widely promulgated for this purpose. Despite their popularity, however, when viewed from the standpoint of behavioral strategy, an emerging interdisciplinary subfield at the interfaces of strategic management and the social and behavioral sciences, scenario techniques are grossly undertheorized, and there is a paucity of (high-quality) psychological evidence pertaining to their efficacy. Drawing selectively on recent advances in behavioral strategy, in particular the notion of dynamic managerial capabilities, this chapter reviews the limited body of psychological evidence accumulated with respect to these techniques and sets out an agenda for advancing the science and practice of scenario planning as a basis for managing better the many and varied uncertainties confronting organizational decision makers and policy makers.
Food choice mimicry on a large university campus
Authors: Gligorić Kristina , Chiolero Arnaud , Kıcıman Emre , White Ryen W , Horvitz Eric , West Robert
Published: November 2024

Social influence is a strong determinant of food consumption, which in turn influences the environment and health. Purchasing mimicry, a phenomenon where a person copies another person’s purchases, has been identified as the key governing mechanism. Although consistent observations have been made on the role of purchasing mimicry in driving similarities in food consumption, much less is known about the precise prevalence, the affected subpopulations, and the food types most strongly associated with mimicry effects. Here, we study social influence on food choice through carefully designed causal analyses, leveraging the sequential nature of shop queues on a large university campus. In particular, we consider a large number of adjacent purchases where a focal user immediately follows another user (“partner”) in the checkout queue and both make a purchase. Across food additions purchased during lunchtime together with a meal, we find that the focal user is significantly more likely to purchase the food item when the partner buys the item, vs. when the partner does not, increasing the purchasing probability by 14% in absolute terms, or by 83% in relative terms. The effect is observed across all food types, but largest for condiments. Furthermore, purchasing mimicry is present across age, gender, and status subpopulations, but strongest for students and the youngest. We elucidate the behavioral mechanism of purchasing mimicry, and derive direct implications for interventions improving dietary behaviors on campus, such as facilitating preordering to reduce detrimental interactions.
Nationalist Erosion after Protest and Repression
Authors: Desposato Scott , Zurich Cal , Wu Jason Y
Published: November 2024

The leaders of authoritarian regimes often invoke nationalist themes to garner support from their populations. However, negative experiences with the regime may effectively inoculate individuals against nationalist campaigns, reducing the ability of the regime to sway public opinion. In this paper, we study the long-term effects of mobilization and repression on nationalist attitudes. We exploit a discontinuity in exposure to a student movement, by comparing alumni who were in college and on campus during the movement with alumni who only enrolled after the movement was suppressed. We find that alumni who were in college during the movement are substantially less nationalistic than those who enrolled shortly thereafter. Our findings are consistent across a range of specifications and show that exposure to mass mobilization and state repression is associated with lower support for nationalism. These differences are observable more than twenty-five years later, despite sustained state censorship.
PP2C Phosphatase Pic6 Suppresses MAPK Activation and Disease Resistance in Tomato
Authors: Chakraborty Joydeep , Sobol Guy , Xia Fan , Zhang Ning , Martin Gregory B. , Sessa Guido
Published: November 2024

Type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) are essential for regulating plant immune responses to pathogens. Our study focuses on the tomato PP2C-immunity associated candidate 6 (Pic6), elucidating its role in negatively regulating pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) signaling pathways in tomato. Using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we observed that treatment with microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs)—flg22 and flgII-28—significantly increased Pic6 mRNA levels in wild-type (RG-PtoR) tomato plants. Pic6 features a conserved N-terminal kinase-interacting motif (KIM) and a C-terminal PP2C domain. We produced variants of Pic6 with mutations in these regions, demonstrating their involvements in negatively regulating tomato immunity. Agrobacterium-mediated transient overexpression of Pic6 resulted in enhanced growth of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato ( Pst) strain DC3000Δ hopQ1-1 compared with a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) control. Additionally, Pic6 overexpression inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in response to flg22 and flgII-28 treatments. Importantly, Pic6 exhibited phosphatase activity and interacted with tomato Mkk1/Mkk2 proteins and dephosphorylated them in a KIM-dependent manner. Furthermore, we generated RG-pic6 loss-of-function mutants by CRISPR/Cas9, revealing that the absence of Pic6 heightened MAPK activity and increased resistance to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria strain 85-10 ( Xe 85-10) when compared with the wild-type (RG-PtoR) plants. Transcript analyses showed that after flg22/flgII-28 treatment, PTI-reporter genes NAC and Osmotin were significantly upregulated in RG-pic6 mutants in comparison to the wild-type (RG-PtoR) plants. Overall, our findings indicate that Pic6 acts as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling and plays a pivotal role in modulating tomato immunity against bacterial pathogens.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Reduction of Plasmodiophora brassicae infection on Brassica rapa through host-induced gene silencing of two secreted genes
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Yihan , Zhao Yushan , Shu Yinping , Xu Yushu , Liu Yi , Du Junbo , Wang Wenming
Published: November 2024

Clubroot disease caused by the biotrophic pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most serious threats to cruciferous crops production worldwide. P. brassicae is known for rapid adaptive evolution to overcome resistance in varieties. It is urgent to establish alternative management to control P. brassicae. In this study, we identified two P. brassicae secretory proteins that were up-regulated during infection and effected plant defense. We established a method for transient expression in the roots of seedlings and demonstrated that P. brassicae could take up substances from the environment of root cells. Using a RNA interference (RNAi)-based host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) by expression of hairpin RNAi constructs with sequence homology to P. brassicae effector Pb48 or Pb52 in susceptible Brassica rapa plants enhanced host disease resistance. After silencing these two effectors, the transcription levels of cytokinin biosynthesis gene IPT1 and the regulation gene of auxin homeostasis GH3.5 were down-regulated. These results suggested that RNAi-based HIGS of effectors has a great practical application of improving crop resistance against P. brassicae and can contribute to environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Genetic reduction of skeletal muscle glycogen synthase 1 abundance reveals that the refeeding‐induced reversal of elevated insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake after exercise is not attributable to achieving a high muscle glycogen concentration
Authors: Kwak Seong Eun , Wang Haiyan , Pan Xiufang , Duan Dongsheng , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: November 2024

One exercise session can increase subsequent insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake (ISGU) by skeletal muscle. Postexercise refeeding induces reversal of postexercise (PEX)‐enhanced ISGU concomitant with attaining high muscle glycogen in rats. To test the relationship between high glycogen and reversal of PEX‐ISGU, we injected one epitrochlearis muscle from each rat with adeno‐associated virus (AAV) small hairpin RNA (shRNA) that targets glycogen synthase 1 (GS1) and injected contralateral muscles with AAV‐shRNA‐Scrambled (Scr). Muscles from PEX and sedentary rats were collected at 3‐hour PEX (3hPEX) or 6‐hour PEX (6hPEX). Rats were either not refed or refed rat‐chow during the recovery period. Isolated muscles were incubated with [3H]‐3‐O‐methylglucose, with or without insulin. The results revealed: (1) GS1 abundance was substantially lower for AAV‐shRNA‐GS1‐treated versus AAV‐shRNA‐Scr‐treated muscles; (2) reduced GS1 abundance in refed‐rats induced much lower glycogen in AAV‐shRNA‐GS1‐treated versus AAV‐shRNA‐Scr‐treated muscles at 3hPEX or 6hPEX; (3) PEX‐ISGU was elevated in not refed‐rats at either 3hPEX or 6hPEX versus sedentary controls, regardless of GS1 abundance; (4) PEX‐ISGU was not reversed by 3 h of refeeding, regardless of GS1 abundance; (5) despite substantially lower glycogen in AAV‐shRNA‐GS1‐treated versus AAV‐shRNA‐Scr‐treated muscles, elevated PEX‐ISGU was eliminated at 6hPEX in both of the paired muscles of refed‐rats; and (6) 3hPEX versus sedentary non‐refed rats had greater AMP‐activated protein kinase‐γ3 activity in both paired muscles, but this exercise effect was eliminated in both paired muscles by 3 h of refeeding. In conclusion, the results provided compelling evidence that the reversal of exercise‐enhanced ISGU by refeeding was not attributable to the accumulation of high muscle glycogen concentration.
Association of Inpatient Postpartum Quality of Recovery With Postpartum Depression: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ben Hayoun D.H. , Carvalho B. , Guo N. , Orbach-Zinger S. , Rozeznic J. , Sultan P. , Weiniger C.F.
Published: November 2024

(J Clin Anesth. 2023;91:111263 I, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinane.2023.111263 I)

Nearly 7% to 9% of postpartum women have postpartum depression (PPD), which is a significant mood disorder. PPD can adversely influence postpartum recovery areas such as maternal-infant bonding, sleep, pain, cognitive function, and overall functionality. Suicide is a leading cause of death up to 1 year postpartum, highlighting the importance of identifying women at risk for PPD to facilitate early interventions and reduce depressive symptoms. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends routine screening, generally conducted at 6 weeks postpartum in the United States and Israel. However, about one-third of women do not attend the 6-week postpartum visit, presenting a challenge in timely identification and intervention.
What is in Your Transfusion? A Bedside Guide to Blood Products and Their Preparation
Authors: Hess A.S.
Published: November 2024

(Anesthesiology. 2024; 140:144–156. I doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000004655)

A comprehensive understanding of blood products and their modifications is crucial for physicians to make informed transfusion decisions. Blood separation into products optimizes every donation, extending the utility and lifespan of each component, addressing specific hematologic needs, and benefiting multiple patients from a single donation. Modifications to these products aim to prevent clotting, extend shelf life, enhance efficacy, and minimize adverse events, all designed with patient benefit in mind. However, these modifications have consequences that anesthesiologists must consider. For example, the development of Massive Transfusion Protocols and balanced “1:1:1” transfusions emerged as a response to the inadvertent harms caused by separating whole blood into components like red cells, plasma, and platelets. Due to the limited blood supply and various clinical demands, it is crucial to understand the specific components being transfused.
Teaching Airway Management Using Virtual Reality: A Scoping Review
Authors: Duffy C.C. , Bass G.A. , Yi W. , Rouhi A. , Kaplan L.J. , O’Sullivan E.
Published: November 2024

(Anesth Analg. 2024;138(4):782–793. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006611)

Airway management is a term that refers to the safe and effective increase in oxygen provided by ventilation or oxygenation in individuals that are sedated or unconscious, and the procedure is performed only by trained professionals. Training for this skill set is often done on the job, during a residency program for anesthesia or acute care. Recent advances in training environments have allowed for safer skill acquisition through simulations that allow for practice without any possibility of harming a patient, blending the need for supervision from experienced faculty with relevant situations that present no risk. These programs are expensive and labor intensive to implement and maintain; one potential solution to this is virtual reality (VR), which could blend all of the advantages of simulation education without the disadvantages of required faculty presence at all times. The immersive technology can also be implemented to simulate more diverse situations with less effort and allows for assessment of skill and training. This article is a review that evaluates VR as an effective tool for simulation education for both routine and emergency airway management.
MRI of Caval Compression During Left-Lateral Tilt in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Fujita N , Higuchi H , Yonekura Y
Published: November 2024

(Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2024;41:122–128. doi:10.1097/EJA.0000000000001937)

Women with twin pregnancies often undergo cesarean delivery (CD) and have a higher chance of supine hypotension than women with singleton pregnancies, due to the increase in aortocaval compression by a larger gravid uterus. It is usually recommended to use at least 15 degrees left pelvic tilt during CD to avoid aortocaval compression. However, this optimal left-lateral tilt angle practice has recently been questioned, especially for women pregnant with twins.
Baseline Hemoglobin Variability by Measurement Technique in Pregnant People on the Day of Childbirth
Authors: Caulfield K.C. , McMahon O. , Dennis A.T.
Published: November 2024

(Anaesthesia. 2024;79:178–185. DOI:10.1111/anae.16174)

Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with over 44,000 deaths annually, mostly in low-income and middle-income countries. It primarily occurs after vaginal birth in late pregnancy. Despite advanced medical interventions, high-income countries still face maternal morbidity from hemorrhage due to high anemia rates, placental adhesive disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Accurate assessment of hemoglobin concentration is crucial for managing hemorrhage, but traditional lab tests are slow.
Risk Factors for Preeclampsia in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Comparison With the Evidence
Authors: Elawad T. , Scott G. , Bone J.N. , Elwell H. , Escalona Lopez C. , Filippi V. , Green M. , Khalil A. , Kinshella M.-L.W. , Mistry H.D. , Pickerill K. , Shanmugam R. , Singer J. , Townsend R. , Tsigas E.Z. , Vidler M. , Volvert M.-L. , von Dadelszen P. , Magee L.A. ,   the PRECISE Network
Published: November 2024

(BJOG. 2024;131:46–62. DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17320)

Preeclampsia affects 2% to 4% of pregnancies globally, with a rising incidence linked to increasing maternal age and body mass. This hypertensive disorder poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, making it a key focus of prenatal care through blood pressure and proteinuria screening. Despite the lack of an approved treatment to modify the disease, current best practices involve identifying at-risk women, administering preventative therapy, managing hypertension, and other organ impacts if preeclampsia develops, and ultimately, timing the birth to resolve the condition.
Repeat Placental Growth Factor-Based Testing in Women With Suspected Preterm Preeclampsia (PARROT-2): A Multicenter, Parallel-Group, Superiority, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hurrell A. , Webster L. , Sparkes J. , Battersby C. , Brockbank A. , Clark K. , Duhig K.E. , Gill C. , Green M. , Hunter R.M. , Seed P.T. , Vowles Z. , Myers J. , Shennan A.H. , Chappell L.C. ,   on behalf of the PARROT-2 Trial Group
Published: November 2024

(Lancet. 2024;403: 619–631. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02357-7)

Hypertensive disorders affect 10% of pregnant women, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, which impacts 2.8% of pregnancies. Preeclampsia, especially when preterm, increases maternal and perinatal complications. Suspected preeclampsia complicates about 10% of pregnancies but lacks an ICD-10 code, complicating accurate identification. Better early detection and risk stratification methods are needed to reduce complications and optimize resources. Abnormal levels of PlGF and sFlt-1 were linked to preeclampsia 25 years ago. Studies show PlGF is lower and sFlt-1 higher in preeclampsia cases. The PARROT-1 trial found that PlGF testing improved diagnosis time and reduced severe maternal outcomes. NICE and ISSHP recommend PlGF testing. Further evaluation is needed to determine the benefits of repeat PlGF testing.
Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine as an Adjuvant to Regional Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xiang J. , Cao C. , Chen J. , Kong F. , Nian S. , Li Z. , Li N.
Published: November 2024

(J Clin Anesth. 2024;94:111415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinane.2024.111415)

Effective management of perioperative pain is crucial for patients and surgeons due to the potential adverse effects of the body’s physiological response to surgical pain. Proper perioperative analgesia not only improves patient recovery but also decreases the incidence of chronic postoperative pain. Regional anesthesia is vital for perioperative pain control, reducing opioid use, and enhancing pain management. However, the limited duration of single-shot nerve blocks is a significant drawback. To address this, anesthesiologists have been exploring ways to extend the benefits of single-shot regional anesthesia, such as adding perineural adjuncts to local anesthetics (LA).
Insights Into Rural Youth Physical Activity
Authors: Folk Amanda L. , Kramer-Kostecka Eydie N. , Friend Sarah , Clark Justin M. , Linde Jennifer A. , Barr-Anderson Daheia J. , Fulkerson Jayne A.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Physical activity (PA) environments at micro- (eg, home) and macro-levels (eg, built) may be associated with rural children’s PA, an underrepresented population in research. A secondary data analysis of New Ulm at HOME, a family-based childhood obesity prevention RCT, examined which environmental supports explain variation in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), vigorous PA (VPA), and total PA. Methods: Gold standard measurement tools (geospatial analysis; accelerometry) and surveys were used to assess children’s (N = 105, age 7-10) PA environments and behaviors. Environmental supports were evaluated in a block-wise manner. Each variable was placed into 1 block (ie, sociodemographic characteristics, physical supports, or social supports). Blocks were added in a sequential manner to multiple linear regression models, controlling for sociodemographic variables, and analyzed for their groupwise ability to explain variation in MVPA, VPA, and total PA. Results: At micro- and macro-levels, differences in MVPA were explained by physical supports (ΔR2 = 0.06, P = .03; ΔR2 = 0.13, P = .04). Explained variance in VPA was improved by neither physical nor social supports at either level. Physical supports explained differences in total PA at the micro- (ΔR2 = 0.09, P = .01) and macro-levels (ΔR2 = 0.17, P = .01). Conclusions: Further research is warranted to explore if expanding access to PA equipment and infrastructure supports mitigates inactivity in rural youth.