bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation, Experimentation or Conservation? The Use of Differentiated Implementation Under the Energy Efficiency Directive
Authors: Hoppe Alexander , Hübner Michael , Princen Sebastiaan , Svec Martin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this article, we introduce an innovative theoretical framework to analyse the use of differentiated implementation in the implementation process of European Union (EU) Directives. We identify rationales for offering flexibility in EU Directives as well as motives for policy‐makers to make use of the discretion. We analyse patterns and drivers of differentiated implementation under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) in four member states in order to assess whether practices of differentiated implementation conform to the rationales for offering flexibility. We show that member states mainly use the flexibility offered to retain existing policies. In addition, the EED led to some mutual learning based on experimentation, although this effect is limited. Whilst the EED offered a high potential for mutual learning, the member states did not use this opportunity. Overall, the implementation of the EED offers mixed evidence for the use of differentiated implementation to support differentiation.
Characteristics of children with a psychiatric disorder in 1999, 2004 and 2017: an analysis of the national child mental health surveys of England
Authors: Armitage Jessica M. , Newlove‐Delgado Tamsin , Ford Tamsin , McManus Sally , Collishaw Stephan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundWhile research has described the profile of children with poor mental health, little is known about whether this profile and their needs have changed over time. Our aim was to investigate whether levels of difficulties and functional impact faced by children with a psychiatric disorder have changed over time, and whether sociodemographic and family correlates have changed.MethodsSamples were three national probability surveys undertaken in England in 1999, 2004 and 2017 including children aged 5–15 years. Psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Development and Well‐Being Assessment (DAWBA), a standardised multi‐informant diagnostic tool based on the tenth International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10). The impact and difficulties of having a disorder (emotional, behavioural or hyperkinetic) were compared over time using total difficulty and impact scores from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Analyses explored the impact of having any disorder, as well as for each disorder separately. Regression analyses compared associations between disorders and sociodemographic factors over time.ResultsParent‐ and adolescent‐reported total SDQ difficulty and impact scores increased between 1999 and 2017 for children and adolescents with disorders. No differences were noted when using teacher ratings. No differences in total SDQ difficulty score were found for children without a disorder. Comparison of sociodemographic correlates across the surveys over time revealed that ethnic minority status, living in rented accommodation and being in the lowest income quintile had a weaker association with disorder in 2017 compared to 1999.ConclusionsOur study reveals a concerning trend; children with a disorder in 2017 experienced more severe difficulties and greater impact on functioning at school, home and in their daily lives, compared to children with a disorder in earlier decades. Research is needed to identify and understand factors that may explain the changing nature and level of need among children with a disorder.
Beyond the classic players: Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor member X2 role in pruritus and skin diseases
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Choi Ye Gi , Wong Trevor , Li Philip H. , Chow Billy K. C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis and rosacea are highly prevalent inflammatory skin conditions which impose a significant burden on patients' quality of life. Their pathophysiology is likely multifactorial, involving genetic, immune and environmental factors. Recent advancements in the field have demonstrated the key role of mast cells (MC) in the pathophysiology of these conditions. The Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) has emerged as a promising non‐IgE‐mediated MC activation receptor. MRGPRX2 is predominately expressed on MC and activated by endogenous and exogenous ligands, leading to MC degranulation and release of various pro‐inflammatory mediators. Mounting evidence on the presence of endogenous MRGPRX2 agonists (substance P, cortistatin‐14, LL37, PAMP‐12 and VIP) and its high expression among patients with CSU, AD, rosacea, psoriasis and chronic pruritus emphasizes the pathogenic role of MRGPRX2 in these conditions. Despite the currently available treatments, there remains a pressing need for novel drug targets and treatment options for these chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Here, we reviewed the pathogenic role of MRGPRX2 and its potential as a novel therapeutic target and provided an update on future research directions.
Esophageal cancer mortality disparities between Black and White adults in the United States, 1999–2020: insights from CDC‐WONDER
Authors: Pan Chun‐Wei , Wang Yichen , Abboud Yazan , Dominguez Alejandro Nieto , Lo Chun‐Han , Pang Maoyin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimEsophageal cancer significantly contributes to US cancer mortality, with notable racial disparities. This study aims to provide updated esophageal cancer mortality trends among Black and White adults from 1999 to 2020.MethodsCDC‐WONDER was used to identify Black and White adults in the United States from 1999 to 2020. We calculated age‐standardized mortality rates, absolute rate differences, and rate ratios to compare the mortality differences between these populations.ResultsFrom 1999 to 2020 in the United States, there were 303 267 esophageal cancer deaths, with significant racial disparities. The age‐adjusted mortality rate for Black adults fell from 6.52 to 2.62 per 100 000, while for White adults, it declined from 4.19 to 3.97 per 100 000, narrowing the racial mortality gap. Gender‐wise, the study showed a decrease in the mortality rate from 3.31 to 2.29 per 100 000 in Black women, but an increase from 1.52 to 1.99 per 100 000 in White women. Among young men, the rate dropped in Black men from 12.82 to 6.26 per 100 000 but rose in White men from 9.90 to 10.57 per 100 000. Regionally, Black adults in the Midwest and South initially had higher mortality rates than Whites, but this gap reduced over time. By 2020, Black men had lower mortality rates across all regions.ConclusionsOver the last two decades, age‐adjusted esophageal cancer mortality decreased in Black adults but stabilized in White adults, reflecting distinct cancer trends and risk factors. The study highlights the importance of tailored public health strategies for healthcare access and risk factor management.
Hepatic‐specific Pgc‐1α ablation drives fibrosis in a MASH model
Authors: Arconzo Maria , Piccinin Elena , Pasculli Emanuela , Cariello Marica , Loiseau Nicolas , Bertrand‐Michel Justine , Guillou Hervé , Matrella Maria L. , Villani Gaetano , Moschetta Antonio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsMetabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a growing cause of chronic liver disease, characterized by fat accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis, which development depends on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Highly expressed in the liver during fasting, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) regulates mitochondrial and oxidative metabolism. Given the relevant role of mitochondrial function in MASH, we investigated the relationship between PGC‐1α and steatohepatitis.MethodsWe measured the hepatic expression of Pgc‐1α in both MASH patients and wild‐type mice fed a western diet (WD) inducing steatosis and fibrosis. We then generated a pure C57BL6/J strain loss of function mouse model in which Pgc‐1α is selectively deleted in the liver and we fed these mice with a WD supplemented with sugar water that accurately mimics human MASH.ResultsWe observed that the hepatic expression of Pgc‐1α is strongly reduced in MASH, in both humans and mice. Moreover, the hepatic ablation of Pgc‐1α promotes a considerable reduction of the hepatic mitochondrial respiratory capacity, setting up a bioenergetic harmful environment for liver diseases. Indeed, the lack of Pgc‐1α decreases mitochondrial function and increases inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in the scenario of MASH. Intriguingly, this profibrotic phenotype is not linked with obesity, insulin resistance and lipid disbalance.ConclusionsIn a MASH model the hepatic ablation of Pgc‐1α drives fibrosis independently from lipid and glucose metabolism. These results add a novel mechanistic piece to the puzzle of the specific and crucial role of mitochondrial function in MASH development.
Horizontally transferred mitochondrial DNA tracts become circular by microhomology‐mediated repair pathways
Authors: Roulet M. Emilia , Ceriotti Luis Federico , Gatica‐Soria Leonardo , Sanchez‐Puerta M. Virginia 
Published: July 2024

Summary

The holoparasitic plant Lophophytum mirabile exhibits remarkable levels of mitochondrial horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Gathering comparative data from other individuals and host plants can provide insights into the HGT process.

We sequenced the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) from individuals of two species of Lophophytum and from mimosoid hosts. We applied a stringent phylogenomic approach to elucidate the origin of the whole mtDNAs, estimate the timing of the transfers, and understand the molecular mechanisms involved.

Ancestral and recent HGT events replaced and enlarged the multichromosomal mtDNA of Lophophytum spp., with the foreign DNA ascending to 74%. A total of 14 foreign mitochondrial chromosomes originated from continuous regions in the host mtDNA flanked by short direct repeats. These foreign tracts are circularized by microhomology‐mediated repair pathways and replicate independently until they are lost or they eventually recombine with other chromosomes. The foreign noncoding chromosomes are variably present in the population and likely evolve by genetic drift.

We present the ‘circle‐mediated HGT’ model in which foreign mitochondrial DNA tracts become circular and are maintained as plasmid‐like molecules. This model challenges the conventional belief that foreign DNA must be integrated into the recipient genome for successful HGT.
Leptin is a potential biomarker of childhood obesity and an indicator of the effectiveness of weight‐loss interventions
Authors: Al Zein Mohammad , Akomolafe Aishat Funmilayo , Mahmood Fathima R. , Khrayzat Ali , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Pintus Gianfranco , Kobeissy Firas , Eid Ali H. 
Published: July 2024

SummaryChildhood obesity represents a significant public health concern, imposing a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Furthermore, weight‐loss programs often exhibit reduced effectiveness in adults who have a history of childhood obesity. Therefore, early intervention against childhood obesity is imperative. Presently, the primary method for diagnosing childhood obesity relies on body mass index (BMI), yet this approach has inherent limitations. Leptin, a satiety hormone produced by adipocytes, holds promise as a superior tool for predicting both childhood and subsequent adulthood obesity. In this review, we elucidate the tools employed for assessing obesity in children, delve into the biological functions of leptin, and examine the factors governing its expression. Additionally, we discuss maternal and infantile leptin levels as predictors of childhood obesity. By exploring the relationship between leptin levels and weight loss, we present leptin as a potential indicator of the effectiveness of obesity interventions.
Leveraging normative power in co‐production to redress power imbalances
Authors: Chen Yaru , Croft Charlotte , Currie Graeme 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this article, we explore how less dominant actors, service users in our case, utilize different types of power to influence more dominant professional groups during processes of co‐production. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with 48 service users involved in healthcare improvement research, we illuminate the crucial role of normative power during processes of co‐production. In contrast to extant co‐production literature, which largely focuses on structural or resource power, we show how normative power is created by service users to leverage influence over more dominant actors. We highlight the relationship between structural, resource, and normative power during processes of co‐production, extending understandings of the dynamic nature of co‐production and generating implications for public involvement policy and practice.
Public health nurses leaving remote islands: An investigation into the turnover rate of remote island PHNs in Japan
Authors: Hirata Mako , Otsuka Kazunori 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study investigated the number of public health nurses (PHNs) and the turnover rates of PHNs working in small municipal administrations on remote islands throughout Japan.MethodsA questionnaire survey was administered on 359 remote islands, each with a population of less than 5000, including islands connected to the Japanese mainland by a bridge or road. The survey questionnaire asked about the number of PHNs stationed on the remote islands, their length of service, the number of retirees, and the ages of those who had retired.ResultsOf the 353 islands which responded, 30 islands had a total of 77 PHNs. Of those 30 islands, 29 were isolated islands that were not connected to the mainland by a bridge or road. The turnover rate of PHNs on the 29 islands was 13.3%.ConclusionThe turnover rate of 13.3% for PHNs on remote islands (with no bridge or road) with a population of less than 5000 was higher than the 7.9% turnover rate for PHNs in municipalities of equal size. To maintain the quality of life of island residents, preventing PHNs from leaving their jobs is an important challenge.
The efficacy of long‐term psoralen plus ultraviolet A and low‐dose interferon‐a combination therapy in mycosis fungoides: A literature review
Authors: Şanlı Hatice , Yıldızhan İncilay Kalay , Gündüz Kaan , Akay Bengü Nisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground/PurposeInterferon (IFN)‐a is often used in combination with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) refractory to skin—targeted therapies in early or advanced stages. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PUVA and low‐dose IFN‐α‐2a therapy in patients with early‐ and advanced‐stage MF.MethodsSixty‐eight patients who received a combination of PUVA twice or thrice a week and INF‐a 3 MU thrice a week for at least 3 months were reviewed retrospectively. The treatment response was evaluated as complete remission (CR), partial remission, stable disease, or progression.ResultsAt the initiation, the majority of patients (66.2%) had early‐stage disease. In 27.9% of cases, this was the initial treatment administered following the diagnosis of MF. The median duration of combination therapy was 11 months. Complete remission was achieved in 45.6% of the patients with an overall response rate of 60.3%. The mean duration of response was 5 months. Complete remission was statistically significantly higher in early‐stage patients (p < .05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between CR and gender, histopathological features, or laboratory parameters. In patients with CR, 80% experienced relapse, significantly higher in early‐stage patients (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in disease‐free survival between early and advanced stages (p > .05).ConclusionsThe study results indicated that PUVA + low‐dose INF‐a combination therapy was more effective in the early stage than in the advanced stage. Additionally, there was a high relapse rate after the cessation of treatment in patients who achieved CR.
A footloose capital model of economic development
Authors: Tabuchi Takatoshi , Wang Congcong , Zhu Xiwei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe present a footloose capital model in a two‐country economy and the manufacturing and natural resource sectors with heterogeneous manufacturing firms to analyze the impacts of trade liberalization and technological progress on the net capital flows, net export, and social welfare. Our main analytical result is that a lagged country initially experiences capital outflow due to the high technological gap in the manufacturing sector with increasing returns to scale, then capital inflow due to the home market effect. This corresponds with the fact that China was a net importer of manufactured goods initially, and became a net exporter recently. These results are consistent with the data obtained after the reform and opening‐up policy in 1978.
The rising incidence of feline and cat‐transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin America
Authors: Santos Mariana Tibúrcio , Nascimento Luiz Fernando de Jesus , Barbosa Ana Andrea Teixeira , Martins Maira Pompeu , Tunon Gabriel Isaias Lee , Santos Patrícia Oliveira Meira , Dantas‐Torres Filipe , Dolabella Silvio Santana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionSporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of thermodimorphic fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix. These fungi may affect a wide range of warm‐blooded animals, including humans, dogs and, mainly, cats.MethodsIn this article, we conducted a narrative literature review about the status of feline and cat‐transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin American countries, with emphasis on Brazil.ResultsFrom a global perspective, Latin America is one of the main foci of human and feline sporotrichosis. In humans, the disease has been reported in several countries, with endemic transmission occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most common species identified in human cases in Brazil, whereas Sporothrix schenckii predominates in other countries.ConclusionDomestic cats are the main source of infection in the zoonotic transmission cycle of sporotrichosis in Latin America. Cases of feline sporotrichosis have been reported in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.
E3 ligase RNF2 inhibits porcine circovirus type 3 replication by targeting its capsid protein for ubiquitination-dependent degradation
Authors: Wang Dedong , Zhao Jie , Yang Xiaoyu , Ji Ying , Yu Ju , Li Zhaoyang , Shi Yongyan , Guo Jinshuo , Zhou Jianwei , Hou Lei , Liu Jue 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is closely associated with various diseases, such as the porcine dermatitis, nephropathy syndrome, and multisystemic clinicopathological diseases. PCV3-associated diseases are increasingly recognized as severe diseases in the global swine industry. Ring finger protein 2 (RNF2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase exclusively located in the nucleus, contributes to various biological processes. This ligase interacts with the PCV3 Cap. However, its role in PCV3 replication remains unclear. This study confirmed that the nuclear localization signal domain of the Cap and the RNF2 N-terminal RING domain facilitate the interaction between the Cap and RNF2. Furthermore, RNF2 promoted the binding of K48-linked polyubiquitination chains to lysine at positions 139 and 140 (K139 and K140) of the PCV3 Cap, thereby degrading the Cap. RNF2 knockdown and overexpression increased or decreased PCV3 replication, respectively. Moreover, the RING domain-deleted RNF2 mutant eliminated the RNF2-induced degradation of the PCV3 Cap and RNF2-mediated inhibition of viral replication. This indicates that both processes were associated with its E3 ligase activity. Our findings demonstrate that RNF2 can interact with and degrade the PCV3 Cap via its N-terminal RING domain in a ubiquitination-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting PCV3 replication.

IMPORTANCE
Porcine circovirus type 3 is a recently described pathogen that is prevalent worldwide, causing substantial economic losses to the swine industry. However, the mechanisms through which host proteins regulate its replication remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ring finger protein 2 inhibits porcine circovirus type 3 replication by interacting with and degrading the Cap of this pathogen in a ubiquitination-dependent manner, requiring its N-terminal RING domain. Ring finger protein 2-mediated degradation of the Cap relies on its E3 ligase activity and the simultaneous existence of K139 and K140 within the Cap. These findings reveal the mechanism by which this protein interacts with and degrades the Cap to inhibit porcine circovirus type 3 replication. This consequently provides novel insights into porcine circovirus type 3 pathogenesis and facilitates the development of preventative measures against this pathogen.
Prediction of differential Gag versus Env responses to a mosaic HIV-1 vaccine regimen by HLA class I alleles
Authors: Nelson George W. , van Duijn Janine , Yuki Yuko , Pau Maria G. , Tomaka Frank , Lavreys Ludo , DeRosa Steven C. , McElrath M. Juliana , Kirk Gregory D. , Michael Nelson L. , Haas David W. , Deeks Steven G. , Wolinsky Steven , Walker Bruce , Barouch Dan H. , Stieh Daniel , Carrington Mary 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

HLA
class I variation has the strongest effect genome-wide on outcome after HIV infection, and as such, an understanding of the impact of
HLA
polymorphism on response to HIV vaccination may inform vaccine design. We sought
HLA
associations with HIV-directed immunogenicity in the phase 1/2a APPROACH vaccine trial, which tested vaccine regimens containing mosaic inserts in Ad26 and MVA vectors, with or without a trimeric gp140 protein. While there were no
HLA
allelic associations with the overall cellular immune response to the vaccine assessed by ELISpot (Gag, Pol, and Env combined), significant associations with differential response to Gag compared to Env antigens were observed. Notably,
HLA
class I alleles known to associate with disease susceptibility in HIV natural history cohorts are associated with stronger Env-directed responses, whereas protective alleles are associated with stronger Gag-directed responses. Mean viral loads determined for each
HLA
allele in untreated individuals correlated negatively with the strength of the Gag response minus the Env response in Black vaccinees based on both ELISpot and CD8
+
T cell ICS responses. As the association of T cell responses to conserved Gag epitopes with lower viral load in untreated individuals is well established, our data raise the possibility that the Ad26.Mos.HIV vaccine may induce more effective cellular responses in those with HLA alleles that confer improved virologic control in untreated HIV infection.

IMPORTANCE
No vaccine tested to date has shown sufficient efficacy against HIV infection. A vaccine that induces robust responses in one individual may fail to do so in another individual due to variation in HLA class I genes, loci central to the immune response. Extensive data have shown the strong effect of HLA variation on outcome after HIV infection, but very little is known about the effect of such variation on HIV vaccine success. Here, we identify a link between the effect of HLA variation on HIV disease outcome and immune responses to an HIV vaccine. HLA variants associated with better HIV control after infection also induce stronger responses against the HIV Gag protein relative to the Env protein after vaccination. Given the virologic control conferred by responses to Gag in natural history of HIV infection, these data suggest that HLA alleles conferring protection after HIV infection may also support a more effective cellular response to HIV vaccination.