bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterase 5 and its inhibitors with ischaemic heart disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis and a real-world study
Authors: Xiao Jun , Zhang Naiqi , Gao Ziting , Wei Yajing , Wei Hongye , Qiu Ziyi , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Ji Jianguang , Huang Wuqing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Accumulating studies reported that several phosphodiesterases (PDEs) inhibitors might have cardiovascular benefits.

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the relationship between genetically-predicted PDEs and ischaemia heart disease via drug target Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, and then examine the effect of inhibitors of identified target on the outcomes by using real-world data.

Methods and results
In the two-sample MR study, the expression of genes encoding PDEs was used to proxy the level of PDEs and available expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for each target gene were identified as the genetic instruments. The outcomes included coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). In the real-world study, a retrospective cohort was conducted to compare the incidence of outcomes between PDE5 inhibitors and alprostadil use by linking Swedish nationwide registers. MR analyses identified two types of PDEs, PDE5, and PDE8, genetically-predicted expression in blood of the encoded genes was significantly associated with the risk of CHD [odds ratio (OR)PDE5A = 1.22,95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.40; ORPDE8A = 1.26,95% CI = 1.07–1.49] and MI (ORPDE5A = 1.27,95% CI = 1.09–1.48; ORPDE8A = 1.24,95% CI = 1.04–1.48). Notably, the highest expression of PDE5A was observed in artery aorta, which was also positively related to CHD (OR = 1.17,95% CI = 1.05–1.32) and MI (OR = 1.15,95% CI = 1.02–1.30). Real-world study provided supportive evidence that as compared to alprostadil use, PDE5 inhibitors use significantly reduced the incidence of CHD (adjusted HR = 0.70,95% CI = 0.66–0.73) and MI (adjusted HR = 0.79,95% CI = 0.73–0.84).

Conclusion
This study provided observational and genetic evidence about the protective role of PDE5 inhibition against ischaemic heart disease, indicating the potential of these drugs to be repurposed for ischemia heart disease prevention and treatment.
Genetic structure and common ancestry expose the dingo-dog hybrid myth
Authors: Weeks Andrew R , Kriesner Peter , Bartonicek Nenad , van Rooyen Anthony , Cairns Kylie M , Ahrens Collin W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The evolutionary history of canids has been shown to be complex, with hybridization and domestication confounding our understanding of speciation among various canid lineages. The dingo is a recent canid lineage that was completely isolated from other canids for over 5000 years on the Australian mainland, but the introduction of domestic dogs in 1788 has placed doubt on its independence, with recent studies highlighting hybridization between dingoes and domestic dogs. Using genomic single nucleotide polymorphism data from 434 Australian canid samples, we explicitly test for introgression between closely related canid groups and dingoes. We found no evidence of introgression between dingoes and domestic dogs and show that previous work has likely mischaracterized shared ancestral genetic variation as evidence for hybridization. Further, New Guinea Singing Dogs are the only canid group that significantly shared genetic variation with dingoes, which fits with our understanding of previous phylogenetic analyses. Despite more recent sympatric distributions with dogs, dingoes have likely maintained their independence since their arrival in Australia, even in areas with high lethal control, indicating that their evolutionary trajectory is currently being conserved. The future conservation of the dingo lineage will require policies that promote coexistence pathways between humans and dingoes that protect rangeland systems and the dingoes’ evolutionary future.
Adoption, acceptance, and use of a decision support tool to promote timely investigations for cancer in primary care
Authors: Chima Sophie , Hunter Barbara , Martinez-Gutierrez Javiera , Lumsden Natalie , Nelson Craig , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Emery Jon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The complexities of diagnosing cancer in general practice has driven the development of quality improvement (QI) interventions, including clinical decision support (CDS) and auditing tools. Future Health Today (FHT) is a novel QI tool, consisting of CDS at the point-of-care, practice population-level auditing, recall, and the monitoring of QI activities.

Objectives
Explore the acceptability and usability of the FHT cancer module, which flags patients with abnormal test results that may be indicative of undiagnosed cancer.

Methods
Interviews were conducted with general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs), from practices participating in a randomized trial evaluating the appropriate follow-up of patients. Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory (CP-FIT) was used to analyse and interpret the data.

Results
The majority of practices reported not using the auditing and QI components of the tool, only the CDS which was delivered at the point-of-care. The tool was used primarily by GPs; GPNs did not perceive the clinical recommendations to be within their role. For the CDS, facilitators for use included a good workflow fit, ease of use, low time cost, importance, and perceived knowledge gain. Barriers for use of the CDS included accuracy, competing priorities, and the patient population.

Conclusions
The CDS aligned with the clinical workflow of GPs, was considered non-disruptive to the consultation and easy to implement into usual care. By applying the CP-FIT theory, we were able to demonstrate the key drivers for GPs using the tool, and what limited the use by GPNs.
Improving the Z3EV promoter system to create the strongest yeast promoter
Authors: Higuchi Rina , Fujita Yuri , Namba Shotaro , Moriya Hisao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Promoters for artificial control of gene expression are central tools in genetic engineering. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a variety of constitutive and controllable promoters with different strengths have been constructed using endogenous gene promoters, synthetic transcription factors and their binding sequences, and artificial sequences. However, there have been no attempts to construct the highest strength promoter in yeast cells. In this study, by incrementally increasing the binding sequences of the synthetic transcription factor Z3EV, we were able to construct a promoter (P36) with ~1.4 times the strength of the TDH3 promoter. This is stronger than any previously reported promoter. Although the P36 promoter exhibits some leakage in the absence of induction, the expression induction by estradiol is maintained. When combined with a multicopy plasmid, it can express up to ~50% of total protein as a heterologous protein. This promoter system can be used to gain knowledge about the cell physiology resulting from the ultimate overexpression of excess proteins and is expected to be a useful tool for heterologous protein expression in yeast.
Research progress in the climate change vulnerability of urban forests
Authors: Xing Xiaoyi , Jiang Yarong , Li Song , Yang Lin , Zhang Li , Zhu Wenli 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In recent years, the escalating threats of climate change, characterized by a surge in both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, along with ongoing global warming, have presented unprecedented challenges to urban forests worldwide. To bolster climate adaptation and the eco-functional sustainability of urban forests, there is an urgent need for more scholarly attention toward the climate change vulnerability (CCV) of urban forests. This paper provides a comprehensive review of global research progress regarding the CCV of urban forests, aiming to raise global awareness in this field and offer theoretical foundation and insights for subsequent studies. The synthesis of pertinent literature indicates that prior research works were mainly centered in North America, Australia, and China, focusing on the CCV assessment of urban tree species (including the evaluation of potential impacts, adaptive capacity, and participatory assessment), ecosystem vulnerability assessment of urban forests, and exploring the influence of urban environment on the CCV of urban trees. Despite the increasing scientific interest in this field since 2006, some limitations and research gaps remain, warranting further investigation. These gaps include insufficient field-data support and validation in the CCV assessment of tree species, inadequate exploration on the vulnerability of functions and ecological processes in ecosystem-level research, lack of incorporation of trees’ below-ground processes in vulnerability assessments, and unclear multifaceted impact mechanism of urban habitats on the CCV of urban trees, which suggest promising avenues for future research. Addressing these gaps is imperative to advance our comprehension of this research domain.
Forecasting future earthquakes with deep neural networks: application to California
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhan Chengxiang , Huang Qinghua , Sornette Didier 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARY
We use the spatial map of the logarithm of past estimated released earthquake energies as input of fully convolutional networks (FCN) to forecast future earthquakes. This model is applied to California and compared with an elaborated version of the epidemic type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model. Our long-term earthquake forecast simulations show that the FCN model is close to the ETAS model in forecasting earthquakes with $M \ge 3.0,\,\,4.0,\,\,{\rm{and\,\,}}5.0$ according to the Molchan diagram. Moreover, training and implementing the FCN model is 2000–4000 times faster than calibrating the ETAS model and generating its probabilistic forecasts. The FCN model is straightforward in terms of its neural network structure and feature engineering. It does not require extensive knowledge of statistical seismology or the analysis of earthquake catalogue completeness. Using the earthquake catalogue with $M \ge 0$ as FCN input can enhance the model's performance in some time–magnitude forecasting windows.
Extending Statutory Protection to Action Short of Dismissal for Participating in Industrial Action: The Supreme Court on the Right to Strike in Secretary of State for Business and Trade v Mercer
Authors: Sanders Astrid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Supreme Court in Mercer v Secretary of State for Business and Trade found there was a violation of the right to strike, under article 11 ECHR, when there is no legal protection against detriment short of dismissal for taking part in industrial action. Section 146 Trade Union Labour Relations Consolidation Act (‘TULRCA’) 1992, as currently construed, does not cover this situation. While the Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeal that it would not be appropriate to use section 3 Human Rights Act (‘HRA’) 1998 to re-interpret section 146 TULRCA in a Convention-compliant way; unlike the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court issued a rare declaration of incompatibility under section 4 HRA. It is suggested in this note that Mercer is significant for two main reasons. First and foremost, Mercer is significant for the Supreme Court’s recognition of, and finding of, a violation of, the right to strike. Second, Mercer contributes to the wider debate about the interplay between sections 3 and 4 HRA. The final part of the note reflects on the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Strasbourg case law whereby the Court in Mercer found article 11 ECHR requires stricter protection in this respect for public authority workers.
Systems Vaccinology: Navigating the Future of Personalized Immunity and Next-Generation Vaccines
Authors: Dib Serena Maria , Wimalasena Sonia , Graciaa Daniel S , Rouphael Nadine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Systems vaccinology integrates a range of “omics” technologies to identify key immune signatures and enhance vaccine development. This approach aids in understanding variations in immune responses, driven by genetics, health status, and the microbiome. Consequently, systems vaccinology helps pave the way for personalized vaccination strategies, essential for addressing diverse populations.
JunB is required for CD8+ T cell responses to acute infections
Authors: Sarkar Shukla , Taira Naoyuki , Hsieh Tsung-Han , Chien Hsiao-Chiao , Hirota Masato , Koizumi Shin-ichi , Sasaki Daiki , Tamai Miho , Seto Yu , Miyagi Mio , Ishikawa Hiroki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Basic-leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like (BATF) and interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) are crucial transcription factors for the generation of cytotoxic effector and memory CD8+ T cells. JunB is required for expression of genes controlled by BATF and IRF4 in CD4+ T cell responses, but the role of JunB in CD8+ T cells remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that JunB is essential for cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses. JunB expression is transiently induced, depending on the T cell receptor signal strength. JunB deficiency severely impairs the clonal expansion of effector CD8+ T cells in response to acute infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Junb-deficient CD8+ T cells fail to control transcription and chromatin accessibility of a specific set of genes regulated by BATF and IRF4, resulting in impaired cell survival, glycolysis, and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell differentiation. Furthermore, JunB deficiency enhances the expression of co-inhibitory receptors, including programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM3) upon activation of naive CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that JunB, in collaboration with BATF and IRF4, promotes multiple key events in the early stage of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses.
Aesthetics as Philosophy of Art, or Hegel’s Reconciliation of Kantian Dualism
Authors: Siani Alberto L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Despite the extraordinary influence of Hegel’s aesthetics, the very term “aesthetics” features very seldom in his body of work. Considering both ongoing radical uncertainty as to the status of aesthetics as well as Hegel’s profound and persistent influence on aesthetics, it is worth reflecting on the reasons for, and potential alternatives to, Hegel’s use of the term “aesthetics.” This is the goal of this paper, which combines a reconstruction of Hegel’s variations on the topic with a broader perspective on what they can still teach us today. I begin by discussing Hegel’s presentations of the topic of his lectures on aesthetics (Section II). In Section III, I argue that both Hegel’s ambivalence towards aesthetics and his eventual identification of the latter with a philosophy of art are rooted in his confrontation with Kant’s seminal, yet insufficient, attempt to surmount dualism through his theory of reflective judgment. The attempt to address Kant’s unresolved dualism ultimately leads to the equivalence, both conceptual and terminological, of aesthetics and philosophy of art, and to the autonomy of art as a form of the absolute spirit (Section IV). In the concluding section, I outline the fundamental tensions left open by this equivalence as open challenges in contemporary aesthetics (Section V).
Effects of continuous and transgenerational rearing in peanut leaves on the performance and enzyme activity of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Yao Feng-Luan , Wu Yao-Yao , Zhou Shu-Jing , Ding Xue-Ling , Guan Zhi-Xiu , Lu Xue-Song , Zheng Yu , Ramirez-Romero Ricardo , Desneux Nicolas , Weng Qi-Yong , He Yu-Xian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a polyphagous pest that significantly threatens crops worldwide. FAW may undergo adaptation, enhancing its ability to infect specific plant hosts. However, there is limited knowledge on this topic. After 8 generations of constant rearing on peanut leaves, the performance and enzyme activities of FAW were investigated in this study. Compared to FAW fed on the peanut cultivars ‘Fuhua 8’ and ‘Quanhonghua 1’ for 2 generations, those grown on leaves for 5 to 8 generations had significantly shorter pre-adult development times and total preoviposition periods. Fecundity also increased significantly, resulting in an overall improvement in population fitness as measured by demographic parameters. However, the F2 generation of FAW fed on corn leaves outperformed the F8 generation of FAW fed on peanut leaves. In the F2 generation, the FAW peanut population exhibited 30–55% supernumerary larval molts, which decreased substantially in the F5 and F8 generations. Notably, supernumerary larval molts displayed pupation and emergence rates comparable to normal larvae, regardless of the peanut cultivar or rearing generation. The activities of lipase and acetylcholinesterase increased significantly from the F2 to F8 generations, showing substantial negative and positive correlations with larval development time and fecundity, respectively. In conclusion, FAW demonstrated inferior performance on peanut leaves compared to corn leaves, despite its performance was significantly improved after 5 to 8 generations of acclimation. These results suggest that corn will continue to be the primary target crop for FAW in China.
Maize plants can recover from fall armyworm damage under optimum crop production conditions in humid tropical agro-ecologies
Authors: Abang Albert Fomumbod , Nanga Nanga Samuel , Agbodzavu Mawufe Komi , Kuate Fotso Apollin , Suh Christopher , Masso Cargele , Bamba Zoumana , Fiaboe Komi Kouma Mokpokpo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Farmers in Africa perceive the impact of fall armyworm (FAW) on maize to be significant, but field assessments have shown that yield losses are not significant enough to warrant pesticide interventions. This suggests that relationships between the crop stages, time, and duration of attack can affect the yield. Therefore, assessing the plant’s recovery from damage using individual plants based on defoliation levels could guide whether and when pesticides should be applied. To study this, we selected 120 labeled maize plants corresponding to six levels of FAW defoliation, replicated 20 times, based on an initial damage rating. The rating scale ranged from 1 (no defoliation) to 5 (&gt;75% defoliation) during four planting seasons. Plants with a rating scale of 1 were replicated and treated with a chemical insecticide to keep them undefoliated, and that served as a control. Damage severity was recorded weekly on all plants, starting from emergence until maturity, using the same damage rating scale. Results showed that damage severity varied significantly among different defoliation levels during all seasons. Higher levels of defoliation during dry seasons resulted in significant yield loss only for plants with damage levels 4 and 5, with damage severity ranging from 38.7% to 57.5%. These results indicate that FAW control is unnecessary in the rainy season. In contrast, pesticide interventions should be envisaged in seasons of erratic rainfall, with a significant defoliation threshold level of around 50%, occurring at 8 and 5 wk after planting weeks after planting, respectively for the early and late dry season.
How do termite baits work? implication of subterranean termite colony demography on the successful implementation of baits
Authors: Chouvenc Thomas 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In 1995, the launch of the first commercial chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait led to the transformation of the subterranean termite control industry around the world. Their slow mode of action, which relies on both their ability to be transferred among nestmates and termite molting biology, has made them cost-effective solutions for subterranean termite colony elimination while minimizing the introduction of pesticides into the soil toward an environmentally sustainable strategy. However, despite successful commercial implementations, the acceptance of their use varies within the pest control industry around the world. Notably, the nuanced complexity of how CSI baits lead to colony elimination upon feeding by termite foragers has, in part, remained elusive for the past 3 decades, allowing for long-lasting misconceptions to persist. A recent series of studies has since provided complementary elements of understanding how CSI baits utilize termites’ inherent colony demography, behavior, and physiology to trigger colony elimination after a characteristic succession of events within the colony collapse process. I here provide a synthetic overview of subterranean termite colony characteristics when exposed to CSI baits using Coptotermes (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Heterotermitidae) as a primary model system. The changes in colony demography through the colony collapse reflect how the mode of action of CSI baits makes them a prime solution for sustainable subterranean termite pest management. Following decades of innovation, ongoing interactions among termite researchers, bait product manufacturers, and pest management providers must continue to bring solutions to existing and emerging termite pest problems around the world.
Musk and Ambergris Aphrodisiacs in the Premodern Intercultural Origins of Endocrine Pharmacy
Authors: Moore Alison M Downham 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article explores the historical uses of two animal medicines that are understood in current biomedicine to have potential endocrine activity: deer musk and whale ambergris, which were prized as aphrodisiacs in the early-modern world. It diverges from the focus in existing scholarship on nineteenth-century gonadal organotherapy as the precursor for the modern discovery of the sex-steroid hormones, looking instead at the older examples of deer musk and whale ambergris that were commonly prescribed both in medieval Islamicate and early-modern European Christianate medical sources. The early-modern Latin, French, German and English description of these substances as fertility, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenative remedies indicates a direct exchange of pharmacological concepts and substances relating to the human sexual and reproductive systems between Europe and the Middle East from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The article explores how musk and ambergris were used in early-modern Western medicine, and how knowledge of them circulated across cultures. I argue that musk and ambergris, which were both thought to have effects on vitality, fertility, and potency in medieval Middle Eastern and early-modern European traditions, trouble the view of the origins of sex-steroid hormone endocrinology as deriving purely from modern European gonadal opotherapy. The valuing of these substances as fertility, vitality, and aphrodisiac remedies in the work of early-modern European physicians was indicative of both the globalization of medical knowledge, and an increased commercial trade in pharmacological material goods, confirming the view of medical globalization as a multi-directional historical process constituted in both conceptual and material terms.