bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of intranasal corticosteroid sprays in relieving clinical signs of Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials
Authors: Nibhanupudy Tara J. , Patel Aneesh , Trinh Caroline P. , Jenkins Elizabeth , Weber Peter C. , Levi Jessica R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveEustachian tube dysfunction is prevalent in both paediatric and adult populations. Current clinical guidelines recommend observation over topical intranasal corticosteroids for Eustachian tube dysfunction management, which remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically review randomised, controlled trials assessing topical intranasal corticosteroid efficacy in Eustachian tube dysfunction, and analyse effect through tympanometric normalisation.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All randomised, controlled trials assessing intranasal corticosteroids in adult or paediatric Eustachian tube dysfunction patients were included. A meta-analysis of proportions was used to evaluate tympanogram normalisation.ResultsOf 330 results, eight randomised, controlled trials met inclusion criteria and underwent qualitative data synthesis and risk-of-bias analysis. Meta-analysis of tympanometry data from four eligible trials (n = 512 ears) revealed no significant difference in tympanometric normalisation between intranasal corticosteroids and control (odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 0.65–2.24).ConclusionStudy results do not strongly support intranasal corticosteroids for Eustachian tube dysfunction. Data were limited, emphasising the need for larger, higher quality, randomised, controlled trials.
Gastrointestinal helminths of opossums (Mammalia: Didelphidae) from Bolivia
Authors: Jiménez F. Agustín , Campbell Mariel L. , Byles Beth , Scheibel Raymond Philip , Gardner Scott L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA total of 32 taxa of helminths were recovered from 52 individuals corresponding to 17 species of didelphiomorph marsupials collected across Bolivia. From these, 20 taxa are registered for the first time in this landlocked South American country, including the cestode Mathevotaenia bivittata, and the nematodes Moennigia sp., Travassostrongylus callis, Viannaia didelphis, V. hamata, V. metachirops, V. minispicula, V. philanderi, V. simplicispicula, V. skrjabini, V. viannai, Cruzia tentaculata, Monodelphoxyuris dollmeiri, Neohilgertia venusti, Pterygodermatites elegans, Pterygodermatites jeagerskioldi, Spirura guianensis, Gongylonemoides marsupialis, Turgida turgida and Trichuris reesali. We report for the first time parasites for Marmosops bishopi, Monodelphis emiliae, Monodeplhis glirina, Monodelphis sanctarosae, Monodelphis peruviana and Thylamys sponsorius and document 38 new records of parasites infecting marsupials. Twenty-six taxa of helminths infect 2 or more species of didelphiomorph marsupials, with the exception of Travassostrongylus callis, Viannaia didelphis, V. hamata, V. minispicula and V. hamate, which infected individuals of a single species.
An asymmetric S-curve trajectory planning based on an improved jerk profile
Authors: Han Chol Jun , Song Kwang Rim , Rim Un-Ryong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a method of planning the expanded S-curve trajectory of robotic manipulators is proposed to minimize the execution time as well as to achieve the smoother trajectory generation in the deceleration stage for point-to-point motions. An asymmetric parameter is added to the piecewise sigmoid function for an improved jerk profile. This asymmetric profile is continuous and infinitely differentiable. Based on this profile, two analytical algorithms are presented. One is applied to determine the suitable time intervals of trajectory satisfying the time optimality under the kinematic constraints, and the other is to determine the asymmetric parameter generating the minimum execution time. Also, the calculation procedure for the time-scaled synchronization for all joints is given to decrease unnecessary loads onto the actuators. The velocity, acceleration, jerk and snap (the derivative of jerk) of the joints and the end-effector are equal to zero at two end points of motion. The simulation results through 3 DOF and 6 DOF robotic manipulators show that our approach reduces the jerk and snap of the deceleration stage effectively while decreasing the total execution time. Also, the analysis for a single DOF mass-spring-damper system indicates that the residual vibration could be reduced to 10% more than the benchmark techniques in case velocity, acceleration and jerk are limited to 1.24 m/s, 6 m/s2 and 80 m/s3, respectively and displacement is set to 0.8m. These results manifest that the performance of reducing residual vibrations is good and demonstrate an important characteristic of the proposed profile suitable for point-to-point motion.
Feeling signs: Motor encoding enhances sign language learning in hearing adults
Authors: Morett Laura M. , Cieśla Mathew , Bray Mary E. , Emmorey Karen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractManual production enhances learning and recall of signs by hearing second language learners; however, the mechanisms enabling this effect are unclear. We examined whether the motor encoding (somatosensory feedback) that occurs during sign production benefits learning and whether it interacts with sign iconicity, which also enhances learning. American Sign Language (ASL) signs varying in iconicity were learned either via production (repetition) with the eyes closed or via observation without production. Signs learned via production were recalled more accurately than signs learned via observation, indicating that motor encoding from manual production enriches the representations of signs. Moreover, the effect of motor encoding interacted with iconicity, suggesting that motor encoding may particularly enhance the recall of signs low in iconicity. Together, these results reveal the importance of somatosensory feedback as a key mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of production on sign learning, demonstrating that feeling one’s own signing promotes learning and recall of signs.
The uses of stools in classical Athens: diphrophoroi in the Parthenon frieze, old comedy, Attic vases and beyond
Authors: Bednarek Bartłomiej 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe following article discusses the significance of a stool carried by persons referred to in ancient Greek sources (from Old Comedy to Plutarch) as diphrophoroi. As I argue, the iconography suggests that this piece of furniture was often used by attendants responsible for their mistresses’ outfit, make-up and hairstyle. By extension, the most famous representation of two girls with stools on their heads on the east Parthenon frieze can be interpreted as an allusion to the ritual dressing and embellishing of Athena's statue.
Temporal Clustering of Precipitation Driving Landslides Over the Italian Territory
Authors: Banfi F. , De Michele C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe occurrence of multiple precipitation events not‐independent in time, that is, a temporal clustering, is an example of a temporal compounding event. This type of forcing is of great relevance for the occurrence of different natural hazards, like floods and deep‐seated landslides, for which previous soil saturation plays an important role in shaping the associated hazard. Using ERA5‐Land data set and E‐OBS, we firstly investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of temporal clustering of precipitation over the Italian territory, and we relate it with two oscillation patterns, namely North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI), and with common synoptic conditions. Then, we explore the role of temporal compounding of precipitation in the generation of different movement types (complex, debris flow, fall, flow, and sliding) using the database of landslides from the Aree Vulnerate Italiane project (in Italian AVI, meaning Areas Affected by Landslides or Floods). From this study it emerges that below average values of NAO and MOI increase the probability of having clustered precipitation events. For all types of landslides, except rock falls, we observed that the majority of the events are preceded by a temporal clustering of precipitation, over longer time windows for complex events, shorter for debris flows. For rock falls, we found also a link with low minimum temperature and freeze‐thaw cycles for winter events and high maximum temperature for summer events. This work contributes to the investigation of temporal clustering of precipitation in connection with natural hazards characterized by a mechanism of saturation.
Energy Transport and Conversion Within Earth's Supercritical Bow Shock: The Role of Intense Lower‐Hybrid Whistler Waves
Authors: Hull Arthur J. , Muschietti Laurent , Agapitov Oleksiy V. , Chaston Christopher C. , Le Contel Olivier , Lindqvist Per‐Arne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDetailed analysis of a high Mach number quasiperpendicular Earth bow shock crossing by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft fleet reveal that lower‐hybrid (LH) whistler waves generated in the shock foot region transport energy predominately along the shock surface and slightly toward the shock ramp in the shock normal incidence frame, where wave energy accumulates and is dissipated into the plasma. This suggests the LH whistlers play an integral role in energy reconfiguration at high Mach number collisionless shocks with ramifications to plasma heating. The multipoint observations are used to quantify the wave characteristic parameters (via interferometry), Poynting fluxes, and energy conversion rates D, and to assess their scale dependencies and spatial and temporal properties. The whistler associated energy transport and conversion are found to depend on scale and location within the layer. High‐frequency electrostatic waves yield largest values of D. However, the dominant net energy exchange contribution is from the LH whistlers. In the foot spatially temporally coherent net energy exchange from the plasma to whistlers is observed, whereas deeper in the ramp net wave energy dissipation to the plasma is observed exhibiting significant space‐time variability. These results are consistent with the modified two stream instability driven by the relative drift between reflected ions and electrons as the mechanism for wave growth in the foot. Owing to strong electron heating, whistler energy dissipation in the ramp is attributed to Landau damping, which out‐competes the destabilizing effect of the reflected ion and electron drift.
Emetine induces oxidative stress, cell differentiation and NF-κB inhibition, suppressing AML stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Silva Suellen L. R. , Dias Ingrid R. S. B. , Rodrigues Ana Carolina B. da C. , Costa Rafaela G. A. , Oliveira Maiara de S. , Barbosa Gabriela A. da C. , Soares Milena B. P. , Dias Rosane B. , Valverde Ludmila F. , Rocha Clarissa A. G. , Roy Nainita , Park Christopher Y. , Bezerra Daniel P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fatal malignancy of the blood and bone marrow. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are a rare subset of leukemic cells that promote the development and progression of AML, and eradication of LSCs is critical for effective control of this disease. Emetine is an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug with antitumor properties; however, little is known about its potential against LSCs. Herein, we explored the antileukemic potential of emetine, focusing on its effects on AML stem/progenitor cells. Emetine exhibited potent cytotoxic activity both in hematologic and solid cancer cells and induced AML cell differentiation. Emetine also inhibited AML stem/progenitor cells, as evidenced by decreased expression of CD34, CD97, CD99, and CD123 in KG-1a cells, indicating anti-AML stem/progenitor cell activities. The administration of emetine at a dosage of 10 mg/kg for two weeks showed no significant toxicity and significantly reduced xenograft leukemic growth in vivo. NF-κB activation was reduced in emetine-treated KG-1a cells, as shown by reduced phospho-NF-κB p65 (S529) and nuclear NF-κB p65. DNA fragmentation, YO-PRO-1 staining, mitochondrial depolarization and increased levels of active caspase-3 and cleaved PARP (Asp214) were detected in emetine-treated KG-1a cells. Moreover, treatment with the pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD(OMe)-FMK partially prevented the apoptotic cell death induced by emetine. Emetine treatment also increased cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and emetine-induced apoptosis in KG-1a cells was partially prevented by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, indicating that emetine induces apoptosis, at least in part, by inducing oxidative stress. Overall, these studies indicate that emetine is a novel potential anti-AML agent with promising activity against stem/progenitor cells, encouraging the development of further studies aimed at its clinical application.
Tissue-specific features of innate lymphoid cells in antiviral defense
Authors: Piersma Sytse J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInnate lymphocytes (ILCs) rapidly respond to and protect against invading pathogens and cancer. ILCs include natural killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells and include type I, type II, and type III immune cells. While NK cells have been well recognized for their role in antiviral immunity, other ILC subtypes are emerging as players in antiviral defense. Each ILC subset has specialized functions that uniquely impact the antiviral immunity and health of the host depending on the tissue microenvironment. This review focuses on the specialized functions of each ILC subtype and their roles in antiviral immune responses across tissues. Several viruses within infection-prone tissues will be highlighted to provide an overview of the extent of the ILC immunity within tissues and emphasize common versus virus-specific responses.
Skin graft with dermis and appendages generated in vivo by cell competition
Authors: Nagano Hisato , Mizuno Naoaki , Sato Hideyuki , Mizutani Eiji , Yanagida Ayaka , Kano Mayuko , Kasai Mariko , Yamamoto Hiromi , Watanabe Motoo , Suchy Fabian , Masaki Hideki , Nakauchi Hiromitsu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAutologous skin grafting is a standard treatment for skin defects such as burns. No artificial skin substitutes are functionally equivalent to autologous skin grafts. The cultured epidermis lacks the dermis and does not engraft deep wounds. Although reconstituted skin, which consists of cultured epidermal cells on a synthetic dermal substitute, can engraft deep wounds, it requires the wound bed to be well-vascularized and lacks skin appendages. In this study, we successfully generate complete skin grafts with pluripotent stem cell-derived epidermis with appendages on p63 knockout embryos’ dermis. Donor pluripotent stem cell-derived keratinocytes encroach the embryos’ dermis by eliminating p63 knockout keratinocytes based on cell-extracellular matrix adhesion mediated cell competition. Although the chimeric skin contains allogenic dermis, it is engraftable as long as autologous grafts. Furthermore, we could generate semi-humanized skin segments by human keratinocytes injection into the amnionic cavity of p63 knockout mice embryos. Niche encroachment opens the possibility of human skin graft production in livestock animals.
CD8+ T-cell responses towards conserved influenza B virus epitopes across anatomical sites and age
Authors: Menon Tejas , Illing Patricia T. , Chaurasia Priyanka , McQuilten Hayley A. , Shepherd Chloe , Rowntree Louise C. , Petersen Jan , Littler Dene R. , Khuu Grace , Huang Ziyi , Allen Lilith F. , Rockman Steve , Crowe Jane , Flanagan Katie L. , Wakim Linda M. , Nguyen Thi H. O. , Mifsud Nicole A. , Rossjohn Jamie , Purcell Anthony W. , van de Sandt Carolien E. , Kedzierska Katherine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInfluenza B viruses (IBVs) cause substantive morbidity and mortality, and yet immunity towards IBVs remains understudied. CD8+ T-cells provide broadly cross-reactive immunity and alleviate disease severity by recognizing conserved epitopes. Despite the IBV burden, only 18 IBV-specific T-cell epitopes restricted by 5 HLAs have been identified currently. A broader array of conserved IBV T-cell epitopes is needed to develop effective cross-reactive T-cell based IBV vaccines. Here we identify 9 highly conserved IBV CD8+ T-cell epitopes restricted to HLA-B*07:02, HLA-B*08:01 and HLA-B*35:01. Memory IBV-specific tetramer+CD8+ T-cells are present within blood and tissues. Frequencies of IBV-specific CD8+ T-cells decline with age, but maintain a central memory phenotype. HLA-B*07:02 and HLA-B*08:01-restricted NP30-38 epitope-specific T-cells have distinct T-cell receptor repertoires. We provide structural basis for the IBV HLA-B*07:02-restricted NS1196-206 (11-mer) and HLA-B*07:02-restricted NP30-38 epitope presentation. Our study increases the number of IBV CD8+ T-cell epitopes, and defines IBV-specific CD8+ T-cells at cellular and molecular levels, across tissues and age.
Room-temperature low-threshold avalanche effect in stepwise van-der-Waals homojunction photodiodes
Authors: Wang Hailu , Xia Hui , Liu Yaqian , Chen Yue , Xie Runzhang , Wang Zhen , Wang Peng , Miao Jinshui , Wang Fang , Li Tianxin , Fu Lan , Martyniuk Piotr , Xu Jianbin , Hu Weida , Lu Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAvalanche or carrier-multiplication effect, based on impact ionization processes in semiconductors, has a great potential for enhancing the performance of photodetector and solar cells. However, in practical applications, it suffers from high threshold energy, reducing the advantages of carrier multiplication. Here, we report on a low-threshold avalanche effect in a stepwise WSe2 structure, in which the combination of weak electron-phonon scattering and high electric fields leads to a low-loss carrier acceleration and multiplication. Owing to this effect, the room-temperature threshold energy approaches the fundamental limit, Ethre ≈ Eg, where Eg is the bandgap of the semiconductor. Our findings offer an alternative perspective on the design and fabrication of future avalanche and hot-carrier photovoltaic devices.
Spatial decoupling of bromide-mediated process boosts propylene oxide electrosynthesis
Authors: Chi Mingfang , Ke Jingwen , Liu Yan , Wei Miaojin , Li Hongliang , Zhao Jiankang , Zhou Yuxuan , Gu Zhenhua , Geng Zhigang , Zeng Jie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical synthesis of propylene oxide is far from practical application due to the limited performance (including activity, stability, and selectivity). In this work, we spatially decouple the bromide-mediated process to avoid direct contact between the anode and propylene, where bromine is generated at the anode and then transferred into an independent reactor to react with propylene. This strategy effectively prevents the side reactions and eliminates the interference to stability caused by massive alkene input and vigorously stirred electrolytes. As expected, the selectivity for propylene oxide reaches above 99.9% with a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 91% and stability of 750-h (>30 days). When the electrode area is scaled up to 25 cm2, 262 g of pure propylene oxide is obtained after 50-h continuous electrolysis at 6.25 A. These findings demonstrate that the electrochemical bromohydrin route represents a viable alternative for the manufacture of epoxides.
Dynamics of Wnt/β-catenin reporter activity throughout whole life in a naturally short-lived vertebrate
Authors: Ogamino Shohei , Yamamichi Moeko , Sato Ken , Ishitani Tohru 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWnt/β-catenin signaling plays a major role in regulation of embryogenesis, organogenesis, and adult tissue homeostasis and regeneration. However, the roles played by Wnt/β-catenin and the spatiotemporal regulation of its activity throughout life, including during aging, are not fully understood. To address these issues, we introduced a Wnt/β-catenin signaling sensitive reporter into African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), a naturally ultra-short-lived fish that allows for the analysis of its whole life within a short period of time. Using this reporter killifish, we unraveled the previously unidentified dynamics of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during development and aging. Using the reporter strain, we detected Wnt/β-catenin activity in actively developing tissues as reported in previous reports, but also observed activation and attenuation of Wnt/β-catenin activity during embryonic reaggregation and diapause, respectively. During the aging process, the reporter was activated in the choroidal layer and liver, but its expression decreased in the kidneys. In addition, the reporter also revealed that aging disrupts the spatial regulation and intensity control of Wnt/β-catenin activity seen during fin regeneration, which interferes with precise regeneration. Thus, the employed reporter killifish is a highly useful model for investigating the dynamics of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during both the developmental and aging process.
PARKIN is not required to sustain OXPHOS function in adult mammalian tissues
Authors: Filograna Roberta , Gerlach Jule , Choi Hae-Na , Rigoni Giovanni , Barbaro Michela , Oscarson Mikael , Lee Seungmin , Tiklova Katarina , Ringnér Markus , Koolmeister Camilla , Wibom Rolf , Riggare Sara , Nennesmo Inger , Perlmann Thomas , Wredenberg Anna , Wedell Anna , Motori Elisa , Svenningsson Per , Larsson Nils-Göran 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLoss-of-function variants in the PRKN gene encoding the ubiquitin E3 ligase PARKIN cause autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that PARKIN is involved in multiple pathways of mitochondrial quality control, including mitochondrial degradation and biogenesis. However, these findings are surrounded by substantial controversy due to conflicting experimental data. In addition, the existing PARKIN-deficient mouse models have failed to faithfully recapitulate PD phenotypes. Therefore, we have investigated the mitochondrial role of PARKIN during ageing and in response to stress by employing a series of conditional Parkin knockout mice. We report that PARKIN loss does not affect oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle of aged mice. We also demonstrate that PARKIN deficiency does not exacerbate the brain defects and the pro-inflammatory phenotype observed in mice carrying high levels of mtDNA mutations. To rule out compensatory mechanisms activated during embryonic development of Parkin-deficient mice, we generated a mouse model where loss of PARKIN was induced in adult dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Surprisingly, also these mice did not show motor impairment or neurodegeneration, and no major transcriptional changes were found in isolated midbrain DA neurons. Finally, we report a patient with compound heterozygous PRKN pathogenic variants that lacks PARKIN and has developed PD. The PARKIN deficiency did not impair OXPHOS activities or induce mitochondrial pathology in skeletal muscle from the patient. Altogether, our results argue that PARKIN is dispensable for OXPHOS function in adult mammalian tissues.