bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the human gut microbiome on the treatment of autoimmune disease
Authors: Nayak Renuka R. , Orellana Diego A. 
Published: June 2024

SummaryAutoimmune (or rheumatic) diseases are increasing in prevalence but selecting the best therapy for each patient proceeds in trial‐and‐error fashion. This strategy can lead to ineffective therapy resulting in irreversible damage and suffering; thus, there is a need to bring the promise of precision medicine to patients with autoimmune disease. While host factors partially determine the therapeutic response to immunosuppressive drugs, these are not routinely used to tailor therapy. Thus, non‐host factors likely contribute. Here, we consider the impact of the human gut microbiome in the treatment of autoimmunity. We propose that the gut microbiome can be manipulated to improve therapy and to derive greater benefit from existing therapies. We focus on the mechanisms by which the human gut microbiome impacts treatment response, provide a framework to interrogate these mechanisms, review a case study of a widely‐used anti‐rheumatic drug, and discuss challenges with studying multiple complex systems: the microbiome, the human immune system, and autoimmune disease. We consider open questions that remain in the field and speculate on the future of drug–microbiome–autoimmune disease interactions. Finally, we present a blue‐sky vision for how the microbiome can be used to bring the promise of precision medicine to patients with rheumatic disease.
Exploring the Impact of a Nontoxic Foliar Fungal Endophyte on Regrowth Post‐Defoliation in Tall Fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) Plants
Authors: Ueno Andrea C. , Casas Cecilia , Hourcastagne Martín , Gundel Pedro E. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTPlants employ various strategies to mitigate the impact of herbivory and one such strategy involves the associations with fungal endophytes. Some cool‐season forage grasses benefit from protection against herbivores by Epichloë fungal endophytes. However, since the maintenance of symbiosis relies on the plant, costs of hosting endophytes have been also observed. This becomes particularly crucial when forage varieties, inoculated with endophytes that are nontoxic to livestock but still protect host against insect herbivores, experience significant foliage loss (defoliation). We investigated the impact of a nontoxic Epichloë endophyte on the responses of tall fescue plants to defoliation across two morphotype varieties, Continental and Mediterranean, and different seasonal contexts. Under specific defoliation treatments, endophyte‐symbiotic plants showed reduced postdefoliation recovery, indicating the costs of hosting the endophyte for host plants. However, these conditions were not the most severe for plant growth. Regardless of the endophyte's presence, plants from Continental morphotype exhibited superior recovery than those from Mediterranean morphotype, an effect that was more pronounced in summer. Notably, the endophyte promoted plant growth after defoliation in winter for both morphotypes. Our study offers insights into mitigating endophyte‐associated costs on plant recovery postdefoliation by strategically managing cutting intensity and frequency, considering the seasonal variation.
Impact of TiB2 source on the microstructure and properties of TiB2–SiC–B4C ceramics
Authors: Smith Steven M. , Filipovic Suzana , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Baldisserri Carlo , Silvestroni Laura 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo date, the thermal and electrical properties of three‐phase ceramics containing a boride phase, silicon carbide, and boron carbide have not been studied in detail. Further, the effect of the source of the boride powder has also not been investigated. This study produced three‐phase ceramics containing titanium diboride, silicon carbide, and boron carbide using three different TiB2 sources: commercial powder, TiB2 synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction, or (Ti,Cr)B2 synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction to address the effect of the TiB2 source. Ceramics containing synthesized TiB2 or (Ti,Cr)B2 reached >99% relative density, while the ceramic produced from commercial powder reached ∼93% relative density. The addition of Cr reduced both the thermal and electrical conductivities, but had little effect on the Vickers hardness. The (Ti,Cr)B2–SiC–B4C ceramic had a thermal conductivity of ∼33 W/m K, an electrical conductivity of ∼105 S/m, and a hardness of ∼61 GPa at 0.49 N. The highest hardness of ∼66 GPa at a load of 0.49 N was for the TiB2–SiC–B4C ceramic made with synthesized TiB2 powder.
Supporting self‐determination of individuals with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities according to relatives and healthcare professionals: A concept mapping study
Authors: Kúld P. B. , Frielink N. , Schuengel C. , Embregts P. J. C. M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to identify perspectives of relatives and healthcare professionals regarding self‐determination support for people with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, highlighting agreements and differences in their viewpoints.MethodFollowing a concept mapping study, online focus group meetings yielded statements on self‐determination support from relatives (residential facilities:n = 6, family homes:n = 7) and healthcare professionals (residential facilities:n = 9, family home:n = 5). Participants clustered and rated statements, resulting in four concept maps interpreted by experts (N = 6).ResultsThe 285 statements were categorised into 5–7 clusters per map, revealing key strategies for self‐determination support: communication and choice making (facilitated by aids), sensitivity, familiarity, and collaboration among involved parties.ConclusionEach group placed different emphasis on these strategies, highlighting importance of continuous support in their implementation. Future research should prioritise practical implementations of these strategies to enhance self‐determination.
AAV mediated repression of Neat1 lncRNA combined with F8 gene augmentation mitigates pathological mediators of joint disease in haemophilia
Authors: Sarangi Pratiksha , Senthilkumar Mohankumar B. , Amit Sonal , Kumar Narendra , Jayandharan Giridhara R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHaemophilic arthropathy (HA), a common comorbidity in haemophilic patients leads to joint pain, deformity and reduced quality of life. We have recently demonstrated that a long non‐coding RNA, Neat1 as a primary regulator of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 and MMP13 activity, and its induction in the target joint has a deteriorating effect on articular cartilage. In the present study, we administered an Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) 5 vector carrying an short hairpin (sh)RNA to Neat1 via intra‐articular injection alone or in conjunction with systemic administration of a capsid‐modified AAV8 (K31Q) vector carrying F8 gene (F8‐BDD‐V3) to study its impact on HA. AAV8K31Q‐F8 vector administration at low dose, led to an increase in FVIII activity (16%–28%) in treated mice. We further observed a significant knockdown of Neat1 (~40 fold vs. untreated injured joint, p = 0.005) in joint tissue of treated mice and a downregulation of chondrodegenerative enzymes, MMP3, MMP13 and the inflammatory mediator‐ cPLA2, in mice receiving combination therapy. These data demonstrate that AAV mediated Neat1 knockdown in combination with F8 gene augmentation can potentially impact mediators of haemophilic joint disease.
Associations of mid‐to‐late‐life inflammation with late‐life mobility and the influences of chronic comorbidities, race, and social determinants of health: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Parker Kirby G. , Windham B. Gwen , Blackshear Chad , Walker Keenan A. , Parker Sara B. , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Kucharska‐Newton Anna , Palta Priya , Selvin Elizabeth , Vassilaki Maria , Mosley Thomas H. , Griswold Michael E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundRelationships of midlife inflammation with late‐life mobility and influences of chronic health conditions, race, and social determinants of health (SDoH) on these relationships are poorly understood.MethodsAmong 4758 community‐dwelling participants (41% men, 20% Black), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured over 20+ years: in midlife at study visit 2 (V2: 1990–1992, 47–68 years); at V4 (1996–1998, 53–74 years); and with concurrent late‐life 4‐m gait speed at V5 (2011–2013, 67‐88 years, mean 75 years). SDoH measures included race, the national‐rank area deprivation index, education, and income. We examined associations of late‐life gait speed with midlife hsCRP (V2 continuous and clinically high ≥3 mg/L), with 20‐year hsCRP history from midlife (V2–V5 average continuous hsCRP and clinically high ≥3 mg/L) and with inflammation accumulation (visits and years with high hsCRP). Regression models adjusted for demographic, cardiovascular, and SDoH measures; effect modification by the presence of other common chronic conditions (obesity, diabetes, hypertension) and race were examined, with and without accounting for SDoH.ResultsHigh midlife hsCRP was associated with slower late‐life gait speed, even among those without chronic conditions in midlife: −4.6 cm/s (95% CI: −6.4, −2.8). Importantly, sustained high hsCRP was associated with a 20‐year slowing of −10.0 cm/s (−14.9, −5.1) among those who never experienced obesity, diabetes, or hypertension over the 20‐year period. Associations were similar between Black participants, −3.8 cm/s (−6.9, −0.7) and White participants −3.3 (−4.5, −2.2) per interquartile range of midlife hsCRP; effect modifications by chronic conditions and race were unsupported throughout. Results were robust to accounting for SDoH or otherwise; however, worse SDoH was associated with higher inflammation and slower gait speed in both Black and White participants.ConclusionsInflammation in midlife may contribute to clinically meaningful late‐life slowing of gait speed, even among otherwise healthy‐appearing adults and regardless of race and socioeconomic disadvantage. Regular monitoring and interventions for inflammation may be warranted from midlife.
Sustained IL‐6 and sTNF‐αR1 levels after hip fracture predict 5‐year mortality: A prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies
Authors: Câmara Saionara M. A. , Hochberg Marc C. , Miller Ram , Ryan Alice S. , Orwig Denise , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Guralnik Jack , Magder Laurence S. , Feng Zhaoyong , Falvey Jason R. , Beamer Brock A. , Magaziner Jay 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPersistent inflammation is associated with adverse health outcomes, but its impact on mortality has not been investigated previously among hip fracture patients. This article aims to investigate the influence of changes in levels of cytokines in the 2 months after a hip fracture repair on 5‐year mortality.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies (BHS) with 191 community‐dwelling older men and women (≥65 years) who had recently undergone surgical repair of an acute hip fracture, with recruitment from May 2006 to June 2011. Plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor1 (sTNFα‐R1), and interleukin‐1 receptor agonist (IL‐1RA) were obtained within 22 days of admission and at 2 months. All‐cause mortality over 5 years was determined. Logistic regression analysis tested the associations between the cytokines' trajectories and mortality over 5 years, adjusted for covariates (age, sex, education, body mass index, lower extremity physical activities of daily living, and Charlson comorbidity index).ResultsHigh levels of IL‐6 and sTNFα‐R1 at baseline with small or no decline at 2 months were associated with higher odds of 5‐year mortality compared with those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline at 2 months after adjustment for age, and other potential confounders (OR = 4.71, p = 0.01 for IL‐6; OR = 15.03, p = 0.002 for sTNFα‐R1). Similar results that failed to reach significance were found for IL‐1RA (OR = 2.40, p = 0.18). Those with higher levels of cytokines at baseline with greater decline did not have significantly greater mortality than the reference group, those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline.ConclusionPersistent elevation of plasma IL‐6 and sTNFα‐R1 levels within the first 2 months after hospital admission in patients with hip fracture is associated with higher 5‐year mortality. These patients may benefit from enhanced care and earlier intensive interventions to reduce the risk of death.
Why and How to Include Comparative Law Examples in Today's Business Law or Legal Environment Course
Authors: Murphy Tonia Hap 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIncreasing numbers of international students attend American universities. Many study business. This article advocates comparative law examples in an introductory Business Law or Legal Environment course, toward signaling respect and inclusion to international students and fostering in American students critical thinking and a global mindset. The article provides background on comparative law and suggestions for how to incorporate comparative law examples on the jury system, eminent domain, defamation, contract law, and employment at‐will.
Happiness and well‐being: Is it all in your head? Evidence from the folk
Authors: Kneer Markus , Haybron Daniel M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite a voluminous literature on happiness and well‐being, debates have been stunted by persistent dissensus on what exactly the subject matter is. Commentators frequently appeal to intuitions about the nature of happiness or well‐being, raising the question of how representative those intuitions are. In a series of studies, we examined lay intuitions involving happiness‐ and well‐being‐related terms to assess their sensitivity to internal (psychological) versus external conditions. We found that all terms, including ‘happy’, ‘doing well’ and ‘good life’, were far more sensitive to internal than external conditions, suggesting that for laypersons, mental states are the most important part of happiness and well‐being. But several terms, including ‘doing well’, ‘good life’ and ‘enviable life’ were substantially more sensitive to external conditions than others, such as ‘happy’, consistent with dominant philosophical views of well‐being. Interestingly, the expression ‘happy’ was completely insensitive to external conditions for about two thirds of our participants, suggesting a purely psychological concept among most individuals. Overall, our findings suggest that lay thinking in this domain divides between two concepts, or families thereof: a purely psychological notion of being happy, and one or more concepts equivalent to, or encompassing, the philosophical concept of well‐being. In addition, being happy is dominantly regarded as just one element of well‐being. These findings have considerable import for philosophical debates, empirical research and public policy.
Bowel‐associated dermatosis‐arthritis syndrome, a diagnostic challenge in a young child with very early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fiz Benito Esther , Feito Rodríguez Marta , Souza Rafaela de Moraes , López Eva Paola Sánchez , de Lucas Laguna Raúl 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA 14‐month‐old girl with very early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO‐IBD) was admitted with a flare of her bowel disease and subsequently developed high fevers, joint pain, and skin lesions during her hospitalization. Workup demonstrated bowel‐associated dermatosis‐arthritis syndrome in the setting of VEO‐IBD, a neutrophilic dermatosis rarely reported in children that can be challenging to diagnose and treat, with limited literature for patients under 2 years of age.
Comparative transcriptome reprogramming in oak galls containing asexual or sexual generations of gall wasps
Authors: Bellows E. , Heatley M. , Shah N. , Archer N. , Giles T. , Fray R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Oak gall wasps have evolved strategies to manipulate the developmental pathways of their host to induce gall formation. This provides shelter and nutrients for the developing larva. Galls are entirely host tissue; however, the initiation, development, and physical appearance are controlled by the inducer. The underlying molecular mechanisms of gall formation, by which one or a small number of cells are reprogrammed and commit to a novel developmental path, are poorly understood. In this study, we sought a deeper insight into the molecular underpinnings of this process.

Oak gall wasps have two generations each year, one sexual, and one asexual. Galls formed by these two generations exhibit a markedly different appearance. We sequenced transcriptomes of both the asexual and sexual generations of Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Neuroterus numismalis. We then deployed Nanopore sequencing to generate long‐read sequences to test the hypothesis that gall wasps introduce DNA insertions to determine gall development.

We detected potential genome rearrangements but did not uncover any non‐host DNA insertions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that transcriptomes of the sexual generations of distinct species of wasp are more similar than inter‐generational comparisons from the same species of wasp.

Our results highlight the intricate interplay between the host leaves and gall development, suggesting that season and requirements of the gall structure play a larger role than species in controlling gall development and structure.
Sustainability and the sunlight of disclosure: ESG disclosure in three Asian financial centres
Authors: Phang Rachel , Chia Yaru 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe prevailing paradigm of sustainable finance places great importance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) information and, therefore, on the mechanism of reporting and disclosure. This article presents, analyses and compares the approaches to ESG disclosure in three Asian financial centres: Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The article uncovers commonalities and divergences in the drivers, dynamics, content and trends of ESG disclosure in the selected jurisdictions. In doing so, it looks forwards, seeking to anticipate and shape the development of ESG disclosure in Asia. At the same time, it looks beyond ESG disclosure, remaining mindful that the mechanism itself is only a means toward, and should not constrain, the pursuit of the ultimate goal of sustainable development in Asia.
Diversity, morphology, and phylogeny of freshwater mussels of the genus Nodularia (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from China, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Wu Ruiwen , Liu Lili , Zhang Liping , Liu Xiongjun , Hu Zhengkun , Jin Dandong , Zhang Zepeng , Wu Xiaoping , Xie Zhicai , Li Zhengfei , Lopes‐Lima Manuel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFreshwater bivalves (Bivalvia, Unionida) are one of the most threatened groups of animals in the world. Defining species boundaries and understanding the phylogeny and genetic diversity of these species is key to guiding their conservation and management. However, the presence of significant phenotypic plasticity and convergence within this group complicates species delimitation. This includes the freshwater mussel genus Nodularia, endemic to East Asia, for which a comprehensive understanding of species diversity and phylogenetic relationships remains elusive due to inadequate sampling in previous studies, particularly in China, a widely recognized biodiversity hotspot for freshwater mussels. Here, we conduct comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses of Nodularia species based on extensive sampling across 23 provinces in China and multiple data sources, including shell morphology, soft body anatomy, six‐gene (COI + ND1 + 16S + 18S + 28S + histone H3) and mitogenome datasets. The integrative systematics approach used here reveals 10 distinct species in this genus, four of which are new to science, i.e. Nodularia hanensis sp. nov., Nodularia huana sp. nov., Nodularia fusiformans sp. nov., Nodularia dualobtusus sp. nov. and two of which are new records for China, i.e. Nodularia dorri (Wattebled [Journal de Conchyliologie, 34, 1886, 54]) and Nodularia micheloti (Morlet [Journal de Conchyliologie, 34, 1886, 75]). We also propose that the nominal species Nodularia jourdyi (Morlet [Journal de Conchyliologie, 34, 1886, 75]) syn. nov. is a new synonym for Nodularia douglasiae (Griffith & Pidgeon, 1833) based on molecular data. BI, ML, and BEAST analyses based on the six‐gene dataset and mitochondrial phylogenomics consistently support the following phylogenetic relationships: (N. dorri + (N. hanensis sp. nov. + N. micheloti)) + (N. breviconcha + (N. huana sp. nov. + (N. fusiformans sp. nov. + ((N. nuxpersicae + N. nipponensis) + (N. dualobtusus sp. nov. + N. douglasiae))))). The molecular clock with fossil calibration indicates that Nodularia originated in the Late Cretaceous period (ca. 73.78 Mya). It then diverged into two independent clades during the Middle Paleogene (ca. 45.01 Mya), followed by a rapid burst of extant speciation during the Neogene (mean age 28.28 to 4.79 Mya). Nodularia breviconcha is the earliest differentiated taxon among the 10 Nodularia taxa, appearing during the Paleogene‐Neogene transition (28.28 Mya; 95% HPD = 14.35–48.44 Mya). Taken together, we provide a robust systematic framework for Nodularia species, addressing phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, and evolutionary history of this group.
Cooling Heat Transfer Attributions of Supercritical CO2 in a Spiral Groove Tube Casing Heat Exchanger: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Wang Dong , Deng Sensen , Tao Yinshuang , Jiang Tiancheng , Li Mengxue , Lu Yuehong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
To improve the performance of the CO2 heat pump water heater, the spiral groove tube casing heat exchanger is used as a gas cooler. At present, the flow mode of supercritical CO2 (SCO2) flowing between inner and outer tube channels is mainly adopted. However, the efficiency of the gas cooler is studied rarely when the SCO2 flows in the inner tube channel (ITC). So, the heat transfer of SCO2 in the two flow channels are studied and compared in this paper. A physical model of the cooling heat transfer of SCO2 is established for the spiral groove tube casing. The impact of SCO2 pressure, the mass flow ratios of SCO2, and water on the heat transfer attributions of SCO2 in the tube are analyzed using numerical simulation. The conclusions designate that the flow channel in the exchanger can affect the heat transfer attributions of SCO2. When the mass flow ratio of SCO2 becomes lower, the average heat transfer coefficient (h) of SCO2 flowing between inner and outer tube channels is higher, with about 2.09%. As the mass flow ratio of SCO2 rises, the average h of SCO2 flowing in the ITC is higher, with about 3.90%. Moreover, both the safety performance of the system operation and the heat transfer attributions of the working medium should be considered; the flow mode of SCO2 flowing in the ITC is recommended.