bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing Quality Indicators and Implementation Priorities for Post‐Stroke Aphasia Services Through End‐User Involvement
Authors: Shrubsole Kirstine , Stone Marissa , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Kilkenny Monique F. , Power Emma , Lynch Elizabeth , Pierce John E. , Copland David A. , Godecke Erin , Burton Bridget , Brogan Emily , Wallace Sarah J. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCurrently, there are no agreed quality standards for post‐stroke aphasia services. Therefore, it is unknown if care reflects best practices or meets the expectations of people living with aphasia. We aimed to (1) shortlist, (2) operationalise and (3) prioritise best practice recommendations for post‐stroke aphasia care.MethodsThree phases of research were conducted. In Phase 1, recommendations with strong evidence and/or known to be important to people with lived experience of aphasia were identified. People with lived experience and health professionals rated the importance of each recommendation through a two‐round e‐Delphi exercise. Recommendations were then ranked for importance and feasibility and analysed using a graph theory–based voting system. In Phase 2, shortlisted recommendations from Phase 1 were converted into quality indicators for appraisal and voting in consensus meetings. In Phase 3, priorities for implementation were established by people with lived experience and health professionals following discussion and anonymous voting.FindingsIn Phase 1, 23 best practice recommendations were identified and rated by people with lived experience (n = 26) and health professionals (n = 81). Ten recommendations were shortlisted. In Phase 2, people with lived experience (n = 4) and health professionals (n = 17) reached a consensus on 11 quality indicators, relating to assessment (n = 2), information provision (n = 3), communication partner training (n = 3), goal setting (n = 1), person and family‐centred care (n = 1) and provision of treatment (n = 1). In Phase 3, people with lived experience (n = 5) and health professionals (n = 7) identified three implementation priorities: assessment of aphasia, provision of aphasia‐friendly information and provision of therapy.InterpretationOur 11 quality indicators and 3 implementation priorities are the first step to enabling systematic, efficient and person‐centred measurement and quality improvement in post‐stroke aphasia services. Quality indicators will be embedded in routine data collection systems, and strategies will be developed to address implementation priorities.Patient and Public ContributionProtocol development was informed by our previous research, which explored the perspectives of 23 people living with aphasia about best practice aphasia services. Individuals with lived experience of aphasia participated as expert panel members in our three consensus meetings. We received support from consumer advisory networks associated with the Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation and Recovery and the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre.
The utility of DNA methylation profiling in the diagnosis of un‐, de‐ and trans‐differentiated melanoma: a series of 11 cases
Authors: Erdem Zeynep Betul , Ameline Baptiste , Bovée Judith V M G , van Boven Hester , Baumhoer Daniel , Chrisinger John S A , Fritchie Karen J 
Published: September 2024

AimsMelanomas are recognised for their remarkable morphological plasticity. Some tumours may lose conventional features and/or acquire non‐melanocytic characteristics, referred to as undifferentiated, dedifferentiated and transdifferentiated melanoma. Despite this phenotypical variability, melanomas typically maintain their cancer driver aberrations, affecting genes such as BRAF, NRAS and NF1. Currently, little is known about whether the DNA methylation profile follows the loss or change of differentiation or is retained despite extensive morphological transformation.Methods and resultsIn this study we analysed 11 melanoma cases, comprising six males and five females, with a median age of 67 years, including five undifferentiated, four trans‐differentiated and two de‐differentiated melanomas. Undifferentiated and trans‐differentiated tumours either arose in a patient with known melanoma and/or presented in the groin/axilla with molecular alterations consistent with melanoma. Cases with heterologous differentiation resembled chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma both morphologically and immunohistochemically, while undifferentiated tumours resembled undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Methylome profiling was performed, and unsupervised clustering analysis revealed nine cases (five undifferentiated, three trans‐differentiated and one de‐differentiated) to cluster closely together with conventional melanomas from a reference set. Two cases clustered separately with a distinct group of conventional melanomas exhibiting H3K27me3 loss.ConclusionsDespite loss of differentiation and phenotypical plasticity, methylation patterns seem to be retained in undifferentiated, de‐differentiated and trans‐differentiated melanomas and represent useful diagnostic tools to enhance diagnostic precision in these diagnostically challenging cases.
The emergence of epistemic agency in researching multilingually: An autoethnography of a Chinese researcher's academic publishing practices
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Zheng Yongyan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlobal knowledge production and dissemination through academic publishing plays a critical role in achieving epistemic inclusion for peripheral scholars. This paper reports on an autoethnographic study of the 15 years of academic publishing efforts by the first author, Jiaqi Liu (JL). We used the theoretical lens of epistemic agency to explore how JL navigates the challenges posed by the structural constraints of academic publishing. We adopted the framework of “researching multilingually” (RM‐ly) as an analytical framework to examine the specifics of how JL exercises her epistemic agency. The findings indicate that linguistic injustice was associated with epistemic exclusion, but JL developed her epistemic agency by drawing on the intentionality, spatiality, and relationality dimensions of RM‐ly practices. She took responsibility for the advancement of her own knowledge, and generated new insights and practices in order to enhance her epistemic participation between English‐, Japanese‐, and Chinese‐mediated research worlds. The paper suggests that instead of perceiving epistemic exclusion as an insurmountable difficulty, peripheral multilingual scholars can foster epistemic agency through the alternative approach of RM‐ly and engage in multi‐directional knowledge production and dissemination.
The Janus (dual) model of immunoglobulin isotype evolution: Conservation and plasticity are the defining paradigms
Authors: Flajnik Martin F. 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe study of antibodies in jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) provides every immunologist with a bird's eye view of how human immunoglobulins (Igs) came into existence and subsequently evolved into their present forms. It is a fascinating Darwinian history of conservation on the one hand and flexibility on the other, exemplified by the Ig heavy chain (H) isotypes IgM and IgD/W, respectively. The cartilaginous fish (e.g., sharks) Igs provide a glimpse of “how everything got off the ground,” while the amphibians (e.g., the model Xenopus) reveal how the adaptive immune system made an about face with the emergence of Ig isotype switching and IgG‐like structure/function. The evolution of mucosal Igs is a captivating account of malleability, convergence, and conservation, and a call to arms for future study! In between there are spellbinding chronicles of antibody evolution in each class of vertebrates and rather incredible stories of how antibodies can adapt to occupy niches, for example, single‐domain variable regions, cold‐adapted Igs, convergent mechanisms to dampen antibody function, provision of mucosal defense, and many more. The purpose here is not to provide an encyclopedic examination of antibody evolution, but rather to hit the high points and entice readers to appreciate how things “came to be.”
Activating UCHL1 through the CRISPR activation system promotes cartilage differentiation mediated by HIF‐1α/SOX9
Authors: Shi Shanwei , Ge Yang , Yan Qiqian , Wan Shuangquan , Li Mingfei , Li Maoquan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeveloping strategies to enhance cartilage differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and preserve the extracellular matrix is crucial for successful cartilage tissue reconstruction. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and chondrocyte phenotype, thus serving as a key regulator in chondral tissue engineering strategies. Recent studies have shown that Ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is involved in the deubiquitylation of HIF‐1α. However, the regulatory role of UCHL1 in chondrogenic differentiation has not been investigated. In the present study, we initially validated the promotive effect of UCHL1 expression on chondrogenesis in adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). Subsequently, a hybrid baculovirus system was designed and employed to utilize three CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) systems, employing dead Cas9 (dCas9) from three distinct bacterial sources to target UCHL1. Then UCHL1 and HIF‐1α inhibitor and siRNA targeting SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) were used to block UCHL1, HIF‐1α and SOX9, respectively. Cartilage differentiation and chondrogenesis were measured by qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence and histological staining. We observed that the CRISPRa system derived from Staphylococcus aureus exhibited superior efficiency in activating UCHL1 compared to the commonly used the CRISPRa system derived from Streptococcus pyogenes. Furthermore, the duration of activation was extended by utilizing the Cre/loxP‐based hybrid baculovirus. Moreover, our findings show that UCHL1 enhances SOX9 expression by regulating the stability and localization of HIF‐1α, which promotes cartilage production in ADSCs. These findings suggest that activating UCHL1 using the CRISPRa system holds significant potential for applications in cartilage regeneration.
Vertical mergers without foreclosure
Authors: Kadner‐Graziano Alessandro S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe typical concern about vertical mergers is the foreclosure of downstream rivals. In a vertically related industry where downstream firms have a common supplier, margins can reveal whether upstream competition constrains that supplier. I develop a test (based on margins) to identify whether the supplier is constrained premerger and, consequently, cannot raise input prices postmerger. However, even without foreclosure in equilibrium, vertical mergers can harm consumers. Vertical mergers increase consumer prices and benefit all firms, including downstream rivals, when downstream (horizontal) competition weakens sufficiently. This theory of harm differs from typical theories, which pit the merged entity against downstream rivals.
Optimizing Byproduct Processing for Clean Label Foods: Avocado and MSM‐Tambaqui With a Focus on Zero Waste
Authors: Presenza Leandro , Teixeira Bianca Ferraz , de Freitas Fabrício Luis Felipe , Grimaldi Renato , Galvão Juliana Antunes , de Souza Vieira Thais Maria Ferreira 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAgricultural byproducts, often discarded, possess significant nutritional value and technological potential. This study investigates the efficacy of ethanolic‐water extracts from avocado (Persea americana Mill.) byproducts, obtained with minimal solvent use through optimized extraction, in enhancing the stability of mechanically separated meat‐tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) burgers, a high‐fat Amazonian fish. 2000 ppm of avocado seed and peel extract were applied in shelf‐life tests conducted under refrigeration and freezing conditions to evaluate the stability of the burgers. The results demonstrated that the bioactive compounds from avocado byproducts resulted in lower TBARS values, indicating strong antioxidant properties, reduced formation of volatile nitrogen compounds, and color maintenance than sodium erythorbate. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were preserved using bioactive ethanolic‐water extracts, and the protein content was improved compared to the control, enhancing nutritional quality. This study highlights the potential of using agri‐food byproducts, especially for application in highly perishable items such as fish, promoting the development of clean label products, thus supporting a more efficient and environmentally friendly food industry focusing on the circular economy.
Profiling of Phakopsora pachyrhizi transcriptome revealed co‐expressed virulence effectors as prospective RNA interference targets for soybean rust management
Authors: Ouyang Haibing , Sun Guangzheng , Li Kainan , Wang Rui , Lv Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhichao , Zhao Rong , Wang Ying , Shu Haidong , Jiang Haibin , Zhang Sicong , Wu Jinbin , Zhang Qi , Chen Xi , Liu Tengfei , Ye Wenwu , Wang Yan , Wang Yuanchao 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTSoybean rust (SBR), caused by an obligate biotrophic pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a devastating disease of soybean worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying plant invasion by P. pachyrhizi are poorly understood, which hinders the development of effective control strategies for SBR. Here we performed detailed histological characterization on the infection cycle of P. pachyrhizi in soybean and conducted a high‐resolution transcriptional dissection of P. pachyrhizi during infection. This revealed P. pachyrhizi infection leads to significant changes in gene expression with 10 co‐expressed gene modules, representing dramatic transcriptional shifts in metabolism and signal transduction during different stages throughout the infection cycle. Numerous genes encoding secreted protein are biphasic expressed, and are capable of inhibiting programmed cell death triggered by microbial effectors. Notably, three co‐expressed P. pachyrhizi apoplastic effectors (PpAE1, PpAE2, and PpAE3) were found to suppress plant immune responses and were essential for P. pachyrhizi infection. Double‐stranded RNA coupled with nanomaterials significantly inhibited SBR infection by targeting PpAE1, PpAE2, and PpAE3, and provided long‐lasting protection to soybean against P. pachyrhizi. Together, this study revealed prominent changes in gene expression associated with SBR and identified P. pachyrhizi virulence effectors as promising targets of RNA interference‐based soybean protection strategy against SBR.
Burden of illness and treatment attitudes among participants meeting Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome: A nationwide survey in the United States
Authors: Lacy Brian E. , Xu Yanqing , Taylor Douglas C. A. , Kosch Katherine J. , Dobrescu Rachel , Morlock Amy , Morlock Robert , Rooker Ceciel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, with patient‐perceived dissatisfaction of treatment symptom control. We assessed disease burden, satisfaction with medication use, and impact on activities, in participants with IBS with constipation (IBS‐C) and diarrhea (IBS‐D).MethodsThis study assessed data from a large, United States survey of adults querying demographics, comorbid conditions, quality of life, medication use, satisfaction with symptom control, and work productivity. Participants were grouped into the IBS‐C or IBS‐D cohort if they met Rome IV criteria, with controls matched 1:1 according to age, sex, race, region, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. All data were self‐reported.Key ResultsNine hundred and ten participants with IBS‐C and 669 with IBS‐D were matched to controls. The most reported symptoms were abdominal discomfort for IBS‐C and abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort for IBS‐D. Among the IBS‐C and IBS‐D cohorts, 74.2% and 65.9%, respectively, took prescription and/or over‐the‐counter medication for their symptoms. Respondents were more dissatisfied than satisfied with control of their symptoms. Respondents taking prescription medication(s) with or without over‐the‐counter medication(s) reported better symptom control than respondents only taking over‐the‐counter medications (p < 0.001). There was significantly higher mean presenteeism, work productivity loss, and daily activity impairment (p < 0.001 for all) in respondents with IBS compared with controls.Conclusions and InferencesThis study provides insight into respondents' experiences of IBS symptoms, including the impact on daily activity, as well as satisfaction with control of symptoms and prescription and over‐the‐counter medications.
Defining lower esophageal sphincter physiomechanical states among esophageal motility disorders using functional lumen imaging probe panometry
Authors: Arndorfer Daniel , Pezzino Elena C. , Pandolfino John E. , Halder Sourav , Kahrilas Peter J. , Carlson Dustin A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundFunctional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry assesses esophageal motility in response to controlled volumetric distension. This study aimed to describe the physiomechanical states of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in response to serial filling/emptying regimes for esophageal motility disorders.MethodsFourty‐five patients with absent contractile response on FLIP and diagnoses of normal motility (n = 6), ineffective esophageal motility (IEM; n = 8), scleroderma (SSc; n = 10), or nonspastic achalasia (n = 21) were included, as were 20 patient controls with normal motility on FLIP and manometry. LES diameter and pressure were measured after stepwise FLIP filling at 60 mL, 70 mL, and emptying to 60 mL with relative changes used to define physiomechanical states.Key ResultsPassive dilatation after FLIP filling occurred in 63/65 (97%) patients among all diagnoses. After FLIP emptying, passive shortening occurred in 12/14 (86%) normal motility/IEM, 10/10 (100%) SSc, 9/21(43%) achalasia, and 16/20 (80%) controls, with auxotonic relaxation seen in 2/14 (14%) normal motility/IEM, 12/21 (57%) achalasia, and 4/20 (20%) controls. After achalasia treatment (LES myotomy), 21/21 (100%) achalasia had passive shortening after FLIP emptying.Conclusions & InferencesPhysiomechanical states of the LES can be determined via response to FLIP filling and emptying regimes. While passive shortening was the general response to FLIP emptying, auxotonic relaxation was observed in achalasia, which was disrupted by LES myotomy. Further investigation is warranted into the clinical impact on diagnosis and treatment of esophageal motility disorders.
The effect of fiber supplementation with agave fructans or psyllium plantago in symptoms of constipation and its relation with whole and regional transit time and pH
Authors: Coss‐Adame Enrique , Arenas‐Martínez Josealberto Sebastiano , García‐Cedillo María Fernanda , Nosthas Lorena Cassis , Bustillo‐Armendriz Gustavo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundSupplementation with the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans is a feasible treatment option for functional constipation (FC). However, its effects on colonic function have not yet been studied. This study assessed whole gut transit time (WGTT) and regional transit time using a wireless motility capsule (WMC) before and after supplementation with different fiber treatments in patients with FC.MethodsA secondary analysis was performed on data collected from a randomized, double‐blind clinical trial comparing agave fructans with psyllium plantago. WGTT, regional transit time, contractility, and pH were measured using WMC before and after fiber supplementation. Comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests.Key ResultsTwenty patients with FC were evaluated, with a median age of 39 (25–54 years), and 18 (90%) were women. Five patients were included in each intervention group. There were no changes in WGTT or regional transit times between the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no differences in the changes experienced by regional or general contractility among the groups (p > 0.05). The cecal pH profile did not differ between the groups before and after fiber supplementation (p > 0.05). The percentages of clinical responses and consistency of bowel movements between the groups were similar.Conclusions & InferencesFC presents a clinical response to a fiber challenge, regardless of the administered intervention. However, this response was not associated with improvement in contractility or regional transit time. We speculate that there are other mechanisms by which fiber consumption may improve FC.
The Efficacy of Modified Ilizarov Distraction‐Tension Device on Limb Wound Difficult to Cover with Skin Flaps
Authors: Zhu Yueliang , Pan Sunwen , Xu Yongqing , Shi Jian , Shi Zhen 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionClosure of complex limb wounds poses challenges and requires innovative approaches. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified distraction‐tension device using Ilizarov external fixation for wound closure in challenging cases.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients with extremity wounds that were difficult to cover with skin flaps between January 2019 and December 2022. Tension‐relieving traction was applied using the Ilizarovexternal fixator apparatus, tailored to individual wound characteristics. Three types of wire–pin connections were used in this study. The distraction begins on the third postoperative day, with a speed of 0.5mm/d. Clinical wound healing scores were evaluated at 5 and 30 days postoperatively. Complications were documented following the Paley classification system.ResultsTraction using modified Ilizarovexternal fixation promoted a significant reduction in wound size. The mean traction period was 11.2 ± 7.3 days, and the mean healing duration was 17.0 ± 3.7 days. The clinical wound healing score improved from 3.7 ± 2.9 at 5 days to 1.7 ± 0.7 at 30 days postoperatively (p < 0.05). Complications were minimal, with no significant obstacles or sequelae observed. Direct closure healing was achieved in 21 cases, skin graft healing in 13 cases, and suture healing in 9 cases. No recurrences were reported. Using Paley's classified complications, there were 17 problems, 9 obstacles, and 0 sequelae.ConclusionThe Ilizarov tension‐relieving traction shows promise in facilitating wound closure that is challenging to manage with skin flaps. The modified three types of pin–skin connection configuration could satisfy various types of wound closure.