bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Membrane-localized orientation of NONPHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL3 affects the necessity of its phosphorylation for phototropism
Authors: Zhu Jin-dong , Liang Yu-ping , Yan Hong-ru , Wu Qi-qi , Zhang Yue-yue , Zhou Fang-yuan , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Xiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
NONPHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL3 (NPH3) is a key regulator of hypocotyl phototropism under both low- and high-intensity blue light (LBL/HBL), mediating phototropin1 (phot1) and phot2 signaling. NPH3 undergoes dephosphorylation and is released from the plasma membrane (PM) upon blue light irradiation. However, how its phosphorylation status and PM localization mediate phot1 and phot2 signaling in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) remains elusive. In this study, we found that fusing NPH3 with GFP at its C-terminus (N3G) impaired its release from the PM, a defect exacerbated by a phosphorylation-deficient mutation, resulting in a dephosphorylated NPH3-GFP (N3AG). Unlike N3G, transgenic lines expressing N3AG exhibited defective hypocotyl phototropism under HBL, which could be rescued by myristoylation at the N-terminus of N3AG (mN3AG), indicating that NPH3 phosphorylation is not essential for HBL-induced phototropic responses when it is artificially anchored at the PM via its N-terminus. Furthermore, genetic analysis revealed that N3AG anchored to the PM by its N-terminus (as in mN3AG) only rescues phot1-mediated HBL responses, which require RPT2. However, N3AG failed to regulate phot2-mediated HBL signaling, regardless of its PM orientation. Taken together, our results revealed that NPH3 phosphorylation is essential for phot2-mediated hypocotyl phototropism under HBL, but is not required for phot1-mediated HBL signaling when the NPH3 N-terminus is PM-anchored.
Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction enhances macrophage oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake and atherogenesis
Authors: Atcha Hamza , Kulkarni Daanish , Meli Vijaykumar S , Veerasubramanian Praveen Krishna , Wang Yuchun , Cahalan Michael D , Pathak Medha M , Liu Wendy F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Macrophages in the vascular wall ingest and clear lipids, but abundant lipid accumulation leads to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis, a pathological condition often characterized by tissue stiffening. While the role of biochemical stimuli in the modulation of macrophage function is well studied, the role of biophysical cues and the molecules involved in mechanosensation are less well understood. Here, we use genetic and pharmacological tools to show extracellular oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) stimulate Ca2+ signaling through activation of the mechanically gated ion channel Piezo1. Moreover, macrophage Piezo1 expression is critical in the transduction of environmental stiffness and channel deletion suppresses, whereas a gain-of-function mutation exacerbates oxLDL uptake. Additionally, we find that depletion of myeloid Piezo1 protects from atherosclerotic plaque formation in vivo. Together, our study highlights an important role for Piezo1 and its respective mutations in macrophage mechanosensing, lipid uptake, and cardiovascular disease.
Skin organoid transplantation promotes tissue repair with scarless in frostbite
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Liu Pu , Zhu Wendi , Li Tianwei , Wang Ying , Wang Yujie , Li Jun , Ma Jie , Leng Ling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Frostbite is the most common cold injury and is caused by both immediate cold-induced cell death and the gradual development of localized inflammation and tissue ischemia. Delayed healing of frostbite often leads to scar formation, which not only causes psychological distress but also tends to result in the development of secondary malignant tumors. Therefore, a rapid healing method for frostbite wounds is urgently needed. Herein, we used a mouse skin model of frostbite injury to evaluate the recovery process after frostbite. Moreover, single-cell transcriptomics was used to determine the patterns of changes in monocytes, macrophages, epidermal cells, and fibroblasts during frostbite. Most importantly, human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived skin organoids combined with gelatin-hydrogel were constructed for the treatment of frostbite. The results showed that skin organoid treatment significantly accelerated wound healing by reducing early inflammation after frostbite and increasing the proportions of epidermal stem cells. Moreover, in the later stage of wound healing, skin organoids reduced the overall proportions of fibroblasts, significantly reduced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition by regulating the integrin α5β1-FAK pathway, and remodeled the extracellular matrix (ECM) through degradation and reassembly mechanisms, facilitating the restoration of physiological ECM and reducing the abundance of ECM associated with abnormal scar formation. These results highlight the potential application of organoids for promoting the reversal of frostbite-related injury and the recovery of skin functions. This study provides a new therapeutic alternative for patients suffering from disfigurement and skin dysfunction caused by frostbite.
Proton Decay and Gauge Coupling Unification in an Extended SU(5) GUT with 45D Higgs
Authors: Haba Naoyuki , Nagano Keisuke , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Yamada Toshifumi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We present a comprehensive study of an extended SU(5) grand unified theory (GUT) that incorporates a 45D Higgs representation to address the shortcomings of the minimal SU(5) GUT, such as the inability to generate realistic fermion mass hierarchies and insufficient proton stability. By considering a hierarchical mass spectrum for the scalar components of the 45D Higgs, we demonstrate that successful gauge coupling unification (GCU) can be achieved. The color octet scalar, color triplet scalar, and color antitriplet scalar play crucial roles in realizing GCU when their masses are significantly lighter than other components of the 45D Higgs. We focus on the proton decay channels mediated by the exchange of the color antitriplet scalar. Assuming that the 45D Higgs couples to all three generations of fermions, we determine the 45D Higgs Yukawa couplings with which the observed fermion mass matrices at low energies are realized. We calculate proton decay rates using the Yukawa couplings obtained from renormalization group evolutions and matching conditions at the GUT scale, thereby exploring the dependence of proton decay rates on model parameters. We find that the $p \rightarrow \nu \pi$ mode imposes the most stringent constraint on the mass of the color antitriplet scalar $M_{S_1}$. We also study the correlations between the lower bounds on $M_{S_1}$ derived from different proton decay modes.
The effect of the expansion of the Personal Assistance Service Program on the uptake of the National Health Screening in people with severe disability
Authors: Kim Woorim , Choi Mingee , Shin Jaeyong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Korea operates the Personal Assistance Service (PAS) program, a social service program that assists with the daily activities and coping needs of individuals with disabilities. In January 2013, the eligibility to enroll in the PAS program was expanded to include all individuals with severe disabilities.

Objective
As supporting individuals with disabilities is important in reducing disparities related to the uptake of health screening, this study investigated whether eligibility expansion of the PAS program was associated with increased participation in the National Health Screening Program (NHSP) among adults with severe disabilities.

Methods
Nationwide data from Korea that included 24 701 individuals were used. The treatment group included individuals with severe disabilities, while the control group included those with mild disabilities. The difference-in-difference approach was used to estimate differences in participation in the NHSP between the two groups before and after the intervention period. A negative binomial distribution model was applied in the analysis with adjustment for all independent variables.

Results
The expansion of the PAS program was directly related to an increase in NHSP uptake by people with severe disabilities (increase by 0.044 times compared to the control group following the implementation of the policy).

Conclusions
Expanding the eligibility for the PAS program was associated with an increase in NHSP participation among individuals with severe disabilities. These findings suggest the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities by increasing participation in health screenings to reduce potential related health disparities.
Isotopic steady state or non-steady state transpiration? Insights from whole-tree chambers
Authors: Harwood Richard , Cernusak Lucas A , Drake John E , Barton Craig V M , Tjoelker Mark G , Barbour Margaret M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Unravelling the complexities of transpiration can be assisted by understanding the oxygen isotope composition of transpired water vapour (δE). It is often assumed that δE is at steady state, thereby mirroring the oxygen isotope composition of source water (δsource), but this assumption has never been tested at the whole-tree scale. This study utilized the unique infrastructure of 12 whole-tree chambers enclosing Eucalyptus parramattensis E.C.Hall trees to measure δE along with concurrent temperature and gas exchange data. Six chambers tracked ambient air temperature and six were exposed to an ambient +3 °C warming treatment. Day time means for δE were within 1.2‰ of δsource (−3.3‰) but varied considerably throughout the day. Our observations show that E. parramattensis trees are seldom transpiring at isotopic steady state over a diel period, but transpiration approaches source water isotopic composition over longer time periods.
Assessment of Radiotherapy as a Standalone Treatment Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Loap Pierre , Kirova Youlia 
Published: October 2024

Objectives:
Traditional breast cancer management involves surgery followed by systemic therapies. However, advancements in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) raise questions about the necessity of surgery in cases with an excellent response to NACT. This study investigates the outcomes of radiotherapy without surgery in selected patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer after a complete or substantial response to NACT.

Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted using the SEER database, reviewing records from 2010 to 2020 for patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer who received NACT, associated with a clinical response, followed by radiotherapy alone. The population included 123 patients, stratified into complete clinical response (cCR) and non-cCR (partial or unspecified clinical response) cohorts. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:
The median follow-up was 41 months. Among the patients, 17 (13.82%) achieved cCR. The 5-year OS and CSS for the entire cohort were 65.8% and 71%, respectively, with the cCR group achieving 100% rates for both. Age above 60 and larger tumor size (T3 to T4) were associated with lower OS. The non-cCR group showed a 5-year OS of 61.5% and CSS of 67.1%.

Conclusions:
This study indicates that omitting surgery in patients with a cCR to NACT may be feasible, as evidenced by this subgroup's 100% OS and CSS rates at 5 and 10 years. These promising results support further research into less invasive breast cancer management. However, prospective studies must validate these findings and identify suitable patients for nonsurgical approaches.
Coronary artery injury in pulsed field ablation
Authors: Higuchi Satoshi , Gerstenfeld Edward P. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review
Although pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as an innovative nonthermal catheter ablation modality, recent reports raise concerns about its potential impact on nearby coronary arteries. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and future directions regarding the effects of PFA on or near coronary arteries.

Recent findings
Clinical studies have demonstrated the risks of acute transient vasospasm after delivery of PFA, especially with ablation of structures in proximity to the coronary arteries, such as the cavotricuspid and mitral isthmuses. The clinical incidence has been reported to be approximately 0.14%, according to the largest multicenter registry. Nitroglycerin pretreatment has been demonstrated to mitigate vasospastic events. However, early preclinical models indicate that chronic neointimal hyperplasia, tunica media fibrosis and mild coronary artery narrowing may occur, suggesting long-term coronary injury after delivering PFA near coronary arteries.

Summary
Despite reducing collateral tissue damage compared with thermal methods, PFA near coronary arteries may require careful procedural planning and proactive use of nitroglycerin to reduce coronary vasospasm. Further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying PFA-induced coronary spasm, optimize catheter design and placement, and assess the long-term coronary health implications.
Effects of a Smartphone App-Based Intervention on Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: SHAO Jung-Hua , YU Kuang-Hui , KAO Yi-Chun , LIANG Yen-Chiu , CHEN Su-Hui 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Self-management programs can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop strategies to address their disease-related problems. However, accessibility to traditional self-management programs is often limited.

Purpose
This study was developed to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a smartphone-delivered self-management program application (app) for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods
A two-arm (intervention vs. control) randomized controlled trial was used. Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited from the rheumatology departments of a medical center. Study enrollment capabilities were limited by current pandemic restrictions. The patients who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (N = 46) were enrolled as participants and randomly assigned either to the intervention group (n = 25), which received instructions on the use of a smartphone app designed to facilitate the self-management of rheumatoid arthritis, or to the control group (n = 21), which received instructions on related self-management only. The outcome variables were assessed at baseline and at 8 and 12 weeks. Differences in between-group outcomes over time were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Feasibility and acceptability were also evaluated. Data were collected between August 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022.

Results
At baseline, no differences were detected between the two groups in terms of the demographic and disease characteristics of concern. Outcome measures for the intervention group improved significantly more than the control group for self-efficacy of pain at 8 weeks (B = 6.39, p < .05) and for both of self-efficacy of pain and self-management behavior at 12 weeks (B = 9.16, p < .05, and B = 4.25, p < .001, respectively). Factors related to app ease of use included limiting pop-ups and windows and having no time restrictions. Most of the participants reported the app as acceptable and easy to use, although challenges relating to using technology limited the usability of the app for some.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The smartphone app was shown to improve self-efficacy of pain and self-management behaviors. However, an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of the app and generalizability of the findings is limited by the smaller-than-desired sample size due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technological challenges. A greater understanding of how to overcome technological challenges is needed to optimize the delivery of self-management programs via smartphone-based apps. Studies reevaluating this app on a larger sample size should be conducted.
Insights into Overuse: Ergonomic Trends and Pain Prevalence Among Orthotics and Prosthetics Practitioners in the United States
Authors: Sherman Jeremy , Gregg Keelan , Parker Taylor 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The field of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) combines patient care and craftsmanship, with professionals working in a physically challenging atmosphere. Despite studies in related health care professions, there is a lack of research on ergonomics within O&P in the United States.

Methods
A 45-question survey was developed with questions focusing on demographics, pain locations, ergonomic setup, and daily ergonomic demands. Respondents included certified orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, technicians, fitters, residents, students, and educators.

Results
A total of 152 completed responses were analyzed, with 62.50% of O&P professionals reporting chronic, acute, or both types of pain. Younger and less experienced professionals were more likely to report pain. Pain was commonly experienced in the lumbar and cervical spines and the right upper limb. Activities like fabrication work, computer-based tasks, and frequent reaching above shoulder height correlated with the presence of pain.

Conclusions
The study highlights the prevalence of pain among US O&P professionals, emphasizing the need for targeted ergonomic interventions. Diverse body positions during tasks indicate a lack of standardized ergonomic approaches in O&P clinics. In addition, the presence of clinic amenities such as adjustable-height patient beds did not have an effect on the presence of pain. This suggests that, in addition to new interventions, the implementation of existing ergonomic solutions must be revisited. Maintaining ergonomic principles, such as maintaining ideal working height and neutral postures, is crucial for mitigating the risk of overuse injuries.

Clinical Relevance
The study indicates a high prevalence of pain among O&P professionals, which disproportionately affects those who are younger and less experienced. This suggests practice guidelines and interventions should be designed to address the needs of this demographic, potentially focusing on standardizing procedures, optimizing work processes, and minimizing prolonged exposure to physically demanding tasks.
The diagnostic value of combining preoperative serum CA19-9, ALBI score, and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in preoperative resectability of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yang Shuli , Ma Ruixue , Wu Jing 
Published: October 2024

Objective
Pancreatic cancer is an increasing cause of cancer-related mortality, with persistently low survival rates. We investigated the clinical diagnostic value of the combination of preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score, and 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET integrated with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging in pancreatic cancer preoperative resectability.

Methods
This study included 143 pancreatic cancer patients, including 68 preoperative resectable and 75 preoperative unresectable pancreatic cancer patients. Meanwhile, 67 patients with non-pancreatic cancer were included as the control group. The clinical data were collected. Serum CA19-9 level was measured by ELISA. The levels of total bilirubin and albumin were determined using a biochemical analyzer, with the ALBI score calculated. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. The consistency of the diagnosis was evaluated by the Kappa test. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. The diagnostic efficacy of these parameters was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the optimal ROC curve thresholds were obtained using the Youden index.

Results
The preoperative serum CA19-9 and ALBI score of patients with preoperative resectable pancreatic cancer were increased, which helped diagnose preoperative resectable pancreatic cancer. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging had diagnostic value for preoperative resectable pancreatic cancer. Preoperative serum CA19-9, ALBI score, and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging were independent influencing factors for pancreatic cancer preoperative resectability, and their combination had higher diagnostic value for preoperative resectable pancreatic cancer than any single of these indexes.

Conclusion
The combination of preoperative serum CA19-9, ALBI score, and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging had high diagnostic value for pancreatic cancer preoperative resectability.
Retrospective Data-Driven Motion Correction of 18F-FDG Brain PET
Authors: Maurer Alexander , Spangler-Bickell Matthew G. , Mader Cäcilia E. , Kotasidis Fotis , Huellner Martin W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A 51-year-old man with severe multifactorial neurocognitive disorders subsequent to delirium, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and preexisting psychiatric illness was referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT brain imaging in order to rule out an underlying neurodegenerative cause of the symptoms, particularly frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Imaging was impaired by severe motion artifacts, leading to a false-positive result. However, utilizing retrospective data-driven motion correction facilitated a change in diagnosis, ruling out the presence of neurodegenerative disease. The implementation of motion correction of the 18F-FDG PET dataset proved crucial for the patient, as the exclusion of frontotemporal lobar degeneration formed the basis for continuing psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment.
Upper bill bending as an adaptation for nectar feeding in hummingbirds
Authors: Rico-Guevara Alejandro , Sustaita Diego , Hurme Kristiina J. , Hanna Jenny E. , Jung Sunghwan , Field Daniel J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObservations of maxillary (upper bill) bending in hummingbirds have been considered an optical illusion, yet a recent description of out-of-phase opening and closing between their bill base and tip suggests a genuine capacity for bill bending. We investigate bill kinematics during nectar feeding in six species of hummingbirds. We employed geometric morphometrics to identify bending zones and combined these data with measurements of bill flexural rigidity from microCT scans to better understand the flexing mechanism. We found that the mandible remains in place throughout the licking cycle, while the maxilla undergoes significant shape deformation, such that the distal portion of the upper bill bends upwards. We propose that bill bending is a key component of the drinking mechanism in hummingbirds, allowing the coordination of bill function (distal wringing and basal expansion) and tongue function (raking/squeegeeing) during intraoral transport. We present a fluid analysis that reveals a combination of pressure-driven (Poiseuille) and boundary-driven (Couette) flows, which have previously been thought to represent alternative drinking mechanisms. Bill bending allows for separation of the bill tips while maintaining a tightly closed middle section of the bill, enabling nectar exploitation in long and narrow flowers that can exclude less efficient pollinators.