bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus fermentum WC2020 increased the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans via JNK‐mediated antioxidant pathway
Authors: Yang Ximiao , Chen Jianwen , Liao Zhenlin , Xia Zenghui , Huang Huiting , Huang Jieyuxuan , Chen Luoyao , Fang Xiang , Gao Chenghai , Wang Jie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLactobacillus fermentum can exert antiaging effects, but their roles are strain‐specific, and little is known about the molecular mechanisms in some strains. This study investigated the antiaging effects of L. fermentum WC2020 (WC2020) isolated from Chinese fermented pickles and the underlying mechanism of the action in Caenorhabditis elegans. WC2020 enhanced the mean lifespan of L1‐stage and L4‐stage worms by 22.67% and 12.42%, respectively, compared with Escherichia coli OP50 (OP50), a standard food source for C. elegans. WC2020‐induced longevity was accompanied by an increase in body length and mitochondrial transmembrane potential and a reduction in lipid accumulation and the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Moreover, WC2020 increased the production of glutathione, superoxide dismutases, and catalases and altered the transcripts of many phenotype‐related genes. Furthermore, WC2020‐fed jnk‐1 rather than akt‐2 or pmk‐1 loss‐of‐function mutants showed similar lifespans to OP50‐fed worms. Correspondingly, WC2020 significantly upregulated the expression of jnk‐1 rather than genes involved in insulin‐like, p38 MAPK, bate‐catenin, or TGF‐beta pathway. Moreover, the increase in body length, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and antioxidant capability and the decrease in lipid accumulation induced by WC2020 were not observed in jnk‐1 mutants. Additionally, WC2020 increased the expression of daf‐16 and the proportion of daf‐16::GFP in the nucleus, and increased lifespan disappeared in WC2020‐fed daf‐16 loss‐of‐function mutants. In conclusion, WC2020 activated the JNK/DAF‐16 pathway to improve mitochondria function, reduce oxidative stress, and then extend the longevity of nematodes, suggesting WC2020 could be a potential probiotic targeting JNK‐mediated antioxidant pathway for antiaging in food supplements and bioprocessing.Practical ApplicationAging has a profound impact on the global economy and human health and could be delayed by specific diets and nutrient resources. This study demonstrated that Lactobacillus fermentum WC2020 could be a potential probiotic strain used in food to promote longevity and health via the JNK‐mediated antioxidant pathway.
Small state adaptation and relational autonomy: The case of the United Arab Emirates and South America
Authors: Mason Robert , Rebello Paulo Cesar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFrom the Summit of South American–Arab Countries (ASPA) created in 2005, UAE–South American relations have continued to develop based on a combination of pragmatism, threat perception, political support and expanding economic interests. We argue that the strength of UAE engagement in this region is consistent with its attempts to build, deploy and benefit from soft power globally through economic statecraft in a mutually reinforcing series of bilateral and multilateral relationships. These include forums such as the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the expanding BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The article draws on primary and secondary data in English, Portuguese and Spanish, focusing mainly on UAE relations with Brazil and Venezuela. We find that through a myriad of growing investment relations and first‐mover advantage on arms and industrial cooperation, the UAE is well positioned vis‐à‐vis other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to benefit from the economic, diplomatic and security ties that could boost its relational autonomy in a competitive and uncertain regional and international environment.
Affirmative action without competition
Authors: Bengtson Andreas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAffirmative action is standardly pursued in relation to admissions to prestigious universities, in hiring for prestigious jobs, and when it comes to being elected to parliament. Central to these forms of affirmative action is that they have to do with competitive goods. A good is competitive when, if we improve A's chances of obtaining the good, we reduce B's chances of obtaining the good. I call this Competitive Affirmative Action. I distinguish this from Noncompetitive Affirmative Action. The latter has to do with noncompetitive goods, for example, being granted early parole or freedom from arbitrary arrest. I argue that some of the most prominent objections against affirmative action—in particular, the reverse discrimination objection and the merit objection—speak less against Noncompetitive Affirmative Action. And that some of the most prominent arguments in favor of affirmative action, insofar as they justify Competitive Affirmative Action, also justify Noncompetitive Affirmative Action.
Immunophenotypic clustering in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Liu Hui , Wu Kefei , Hu Wenting , Chen Xiaoxiao , Tang Yanjing , Ma Yani , Chen Changcheng , Xie Yangyang , Yu Lisha , Huang Jun , Shen Shuhong , Wang Xiang 
Published: April 2024

SummaryAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease, exhibiting diverse subtypes according to the characteristics of tumour cells. The immunophenotype is one of the aspects acquired routinely through flow cytometry in the diagnosis of AML. Here, we characterized the antigen expression in paediatric AML cases across both morphological and molecular genetic subgroups. We discovered a subgroup of patients with unfavourable prognosis that can be immunologically characterized, irrespective of morphological FAB results or genetic aberrations. Cox regression analysis unveiled key antigens influencing the prognosis of AML patients. In terms of underlying genotypes, we observed that the antigenic profiles and outcomes of one specific group, primarily composed of CBFA2T3::GLIS2 and FUS::ERG, were analogous to the reported RAM phenotype. Overall, our data highlight the significance of immunophenotype to tailor treatment for paediatric AML.
Household food wasting in a net‐zero energy neighbourhood: Analyzing relationships between household food waste and pro‐environmentalism
Authors: Everitt Haley , van der Werf Paul , Seabrook Jamie A. , Gilliland Jason A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo address the prominent “value‐action gap” within pro‐environmental behaviour, this novel, cross‐sectional study investigated relationships between household food wasting and pro‐environmentalism. Research was undertaken in 11 neighbourhoods across London, Ontario, Canada, including a net‐zero energy neighbourhood. A direct measurement methodology was used to measure household food waste, and a survey was created to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to food wasting. Households in the net‐zero energy neighbourhood sent between 2.59 kg and 2.80 kg of food waste to landfill per week, of which 68% was classified as avoidable and the remaining 32% as unavoidable. Households in this neighbourhood sent less total (p < 0.001) and unavoidable (p < 0.001) food waste to landfill than households in “regular” neighbourhoods within the same city. While participants in the net‐zero neighbourhood had strong, self‐reported pro‐environmental worldviews, pro‐environmentalism was not found to be stronger in this neighbourhood compared to the rest of the city. The presence of stronger, self‐reported pro‐environmental worldviews was associated with a decrease in unavoidable food waste generation (p < 0.01). As the first study of its kind, further research is needed to verify the role of pro‐environmentalism in household food wasting in Canada and beyond.
Import tariffs and transport prices
Authors: Boddin Dominik , Stähler Frank 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper discusses how import tariffs interact with transport prices in episodes of trade liberalization. We develop a model of a transport industry that operates under imperfect competition and economies of scale. Double marginalization due to market power reduces the effects of trade liberalization, while a larger trade volume may support them due to economies of scale. We use a large data set of maritime transport data and combine them with tariff data to find that economies of scale beat market power: a decline in the tariff implies a decline in freight rates.
Half‐ and full‐grafting alveolar ridge preservation with different sealing materials: A three‐arm randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lin Cho‐Ying , Chiu Meng‐Yao , Kuo Pe‐Yi , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the effect of different alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) approaches on bone resorption and their potential for facilitating implant placement.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent one or two tooth extractions with a desire for restoration were included in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for ARP. The groups were as follows: (1) Half grafting of bovine bone mineral (DBBM‐C) covered with non‐resorbable dense polytetrafluoroethylene (dPTFE) membrane (Test 1 group); (2) Half grafting of bovine bone mineral (DBBM‐C) covered with collagen membrane (Test 2 group); and (3) Full grafting with collagen membrane (DBBM‐C + Collagen membrane) as the Control group. After 6‐month healing period, the evaluation encompassed clinical, radiographic, implant‐related outcomes, and the factors contributing to hard and soft tissue alterations.ResultsEnrollment in this study comprised 56 patients. At the 6‐month follow‐up, radiographic analysis in computed beam computed tomography images was conducted for 18, 19, and 19 patients with 18, 20, and 20 tooth sites in Test 1, Test 2, and Control groups, respectively. Additionally, a total of 15, 17, and 17 patients with 15, 18, and 17 implants were evaluated. Based on radiographic analysis, all groups showed limited ridge resorption at 1 mm from crest horizontally (Test 1: 1.29 ± 1.37; Test 2: 1.07 ± 1.07; Control: 1.54 ± 1.33 mm, p = 0.328), while the Control group showed greater radiographic bone height gain in mid‐crestal part vertically (Test 1: 0.11 ± 1.02; Test 2: 0.29 ± 0.83; Control: −0.46 ± 0.95 mm, p = 0.032). There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of keratinized mucosal width, bone density, insertion torque, and the need of additional bone graft. However, the use of a dPTFE membrane resulted in a significantly higher vertical mucosal thickness (Test 1: 2.67 ± 0.90; Test 2: 3.89 ± 1.08; Control: 2.41 ± 0.51 mm, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study showed comparable dimensional preservation with limited vertical shrinkage, while thin buccal bone plate, non‐molar sites, and large discrepancy between buccal and palatal/lingual height may contribute to greater shrinkage. Thicker mucosa with dPTFE membrane required further investigation for interpretation.Clinical trial registration numberNCT06049823. This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization.
A meta‐analysis of the association between RBP4 rs3758539 genotype and metabolic syndrome factors
Authors: Wu Wen‐Chieh , Wu Pei‐Yu , Lee Ming‐Fen , Chang Chin‐Ming , Chan Chien‐Yi , Huang Chun‐Yin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimTo explore the link between the RBP4 rs3758539 genotype and metabolic syndrome risk factors and whether the impact of this genetic variation displays any potential race discrepancy.Materials and MethodsThis meta‐analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42023407999). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Airiti Library and CINAHL databases were used for the study search until October 2023. We evaluated the methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and determined the correlation using a random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that individuals with the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype had a higher risk profile, including lower high‐density lipoprotein levels [correlation: −0.045, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.080 to −0.009, p = .015, I2 = 46.9%] and higher body mass index (correlation: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.036‐0.197, p = .005, I2 = 82.0%), body fat (correlation: 0.098, 95% CI: 0.004‐0.191, p = .041, I2 = 64.0%), and low‐density lipoprotein levels (correlation: 0.074, 95% CI: 0.010‐0.139, p = .024, I2 = 0%), of developing metabolic syndrome than those with the GG genotype. The subgroup analysis maintained a significantly positive correlation between the rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and body mass index (correlation: 0.163, 95% CI: 0.031‐0.289, p = .016, I2 = 88.9%) but a negative correlation with high‐density lipoprotein levels (correlation: −0.047, 95% CI: −0.087 to −0.006, p = .025, I2 = 65.7%) in the Asian group only.ConclusionThe current meta‐analysis supports a significant link between the RBP4 rs3758539 GA/AA genotype and the metabolic syndrome.
Over 30 years of STEP: The Pittsburgh experience with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Wood Helen J. , Jones Nev , Eack Shaun M. , Chengappa K. N. Roy , Prasad Konasale M. , Kelly Christian , Montrose Debra , Schooler Nina R. , Ganguli Rohan , Carter Cameron S. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Sarpal Deepak K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsFor over 30 years, combined research and treatment settings in the US have been critical to conceptualizing care for first‐episode psychosis (FEP). Here we describe an early example of such a context, the Services for the Treatment of Early Psychosis (STEP) clinic, which is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh.MethodsWe describe STEP's historical roots and establishment in the early 1990s; STEP's research and treatment contributions, alongside its growth and ongoing leadership.ResultsResearch‐based clinics, like STEP, preceded and helped pave the way for the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode project in the US and the ensuing Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) approach, now widely adopted in the US. Early clinic‐based research at STEP helped establish protocols for psychopharmacology, the relevance of effective early treatment, including psychosocial approaches, and highlighted disparities in treatment outcomes across race/ethnicity. Multidisciplinary collaboration and dialogue with consumers contributed to early treatment, combining psychosocial and pharmacological approaches. STEP adopted CSC and is situated within a bi‐state Learning Health System. STEP has retained a relatively unique 5‐year treatment model and exists within continuum of care ideally suited to studying psychotic illness and treatment outcomes.ConclusionsSTEP remains the largest academic FEP clinic in Pennsylvania. Academic FEP clinics like STEP will have a critical role within Learning Health Systems nationally to model participatory approaches, sustain early intervention treatment quality and ongoing treatment developments.
Questionnaire survey on hands‐on simulation training using a dental humanoid robot (SIMROID®)
Authors: Kitahara Sayaka , Kusakabe Shusuke , Takagaki Tomohiro , Ishigure Hiroshi , Shimizu Shojiro , Ikeda Masaomi , Burrow Michael F. , Nikaido Toru 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionA dental humanoid robot, SIMROID®, is able to replicate the actions characteristic of human beings and enable training for communicating with patients and coping with unexpected situations. This study assessed user experiences via a survey questionnaire following hands‐on training on the SIMROID®.Materials and MethodsA total of 112 participants, consisting of 50 high school students who visited AUSD (Asahi University School of Dentistry) to participate in open campus events, 42 fourth‐year students at AUSD and 20 dental students from Mexico State Autonomy University, University of Siena and Peking University took the survey. The participants observed the movements and reactions of a SIMROID® robot placed on a dental unit for approximately 20 min after which they completed a questionnaire survey. Both Japanese and English versions of the questionnaire were prepared for local and visiting foreign dental students. The questionnaire comprised 8 items, with a further two items for those undertaking dental training and an open comment field.ResultsAll participants who observed the SIMROID® completed the questionnaire giving a 100% response rate. Generally, simulation training with SIMROID® was highly appreciated by all participants. The comprehensive evaluation score for SIMROID® was 4.56 ± 0.50 points for high school students, 4.05 ± 0.82 points for students at AUSD and 4.70 ± 0.47 points for foreign dental students, showing all participants had a very positive experience and impression of the SIMROID®.ConclusionsTherefore, simulation training using SIMROID® seems beneficial learning tool.
White matter fibre density in the brain's inhibitory control network is associated with falling in low activity older adults
Authors: Simon Colin , Bolton David A. E. , Meaney James F. , Kenny Rose Anne , Simon Vivienne A. , De Looze Céline , Knight Silvin , Ruddy Kathy L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent research has indicated that the relationship between age‐related cognitive decline and falling may be mediated by the individual's capacity to quickly cancel or inhibit a motor response. This longitudinal investigation demonstrates that higher white matter fibre density in the motor inhibition network paired with low physical activity was associated with falling in elderly participants. We measured the density of white matter fibre tracts connecting key nodes in the inhibitory control network in a large sample (n = 414) of older adults. We modelled their self‐reported frequency of falling over a 4‐year period with white matter fibre density in pathways corresponding to the direct and hyperdirect cortical–subcortical loops implicated in the inhibitory control network. Only connectivity between right inferior frontal gyrus and right subthalamic nucleus was associated with falling as measured cross‐sectionally. The connectivity was not, however, predictive of future falling when measured 2 and 4 years later. Higher white matter fibre density was associated with falling, but only in combination with low levels of physical activity. No such relationship existed for selected control brain regions that are not implicated in the inhibitory control network. Albeit statistically robust, the direction of this effect was counterintuitive (more dense connectivity associated with falling) and warrants further longitudinal investigation into whether white matter fibre density changes over time in a manner correlated with falling, and mediated by physical activity.
Macaque claustrum, pulvinar and putative dorsolateral amygdala support the cross‐modal association of social audio‐visual stimuli based on meaning
Authors: Froesel Mathilda , Gacoin Maëva , Clavagnier Simon , Hauser Marc , Goudard Quentin , Ben Hamed Suliann 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSocial communication draws on several cognitive functions such as perception, emotion recognition and attention. The association of audio‐visual information is essential to the processing of species‐specific communication signals. In this study, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging in order to identify the subcortical areas involved in the cross‐modal association of visual and auditory information based on their common social meaning. We identified three subcortical regions involved in audio‐visual processing of species‐specific communicative signals: the dorsolateral amygdala, the claustrum and the pulvinar. These regions responded to visual, auditory congruent and audio‐visual stimulations. However, none of them was significantly activated when the auditory stimuli were semantically incongruent with the visual context, thus showing an influence of visual context on auditory processing. For example, positive vocalization (coos) activated the three subcortical regions when presented in the context of positive facial expression (lipsmacks) but not when presented in the context of negative facial expression (aggressive faces). In addition, the medial pulvinar and the amygdala presented multisensory integration such that audiovisual stimuli resulted in activations that were significantly higher than those observed for the highest unimodal response. Last, the pulvinar responded in a task‐dependent manner, along a specific spatial sensory gradient. We propose that the dorsolateral amygdala, the claustrum and the pulvinar belong to a multisensory network that modulates the perception of visual socioemotional information and vocalizations as a function of the relevance of the stimuli in the social context.Significance statementUnderstanding and correctly associating socioemotional information across sensory modalities, such that happy faces predict laughter and escape scenes predict screams, is essential when living in complex social groups. With the use of functional magnetic imaging in the awake macaque, we identify three subcortical structures—dorsolateral amygdala, claustrum and pulvinar—that only respond to auditory information that matches the ongoing visual socioemotional context, such as hearing positively valenced coo calls and seeing positively valenced mutual grooming monkeys. We additionally describe task‐dependent activations in the pulvinar, organizing along a specific spatial sensory gradient, supporting its role as a network regulator.
The 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine enhances early visual processing for salient socio‐emotional stimuli
Authors: Haggarty Connor J. , Bershad Anya K. , Kumar Mahesh K. , Lee Royce , de Wit Harriet 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has long been used non‐medically, and it is currently under investigation for its potential therapeutic benefits. Both uses may be related to its ability to enhance empathy, sociability, emotional processing and its anxiolytic effects. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these effects, and their specificity to MDMA compared to other stimulants, are not yet fully understood. Here, using electroencephalography (EEG), we investigated the effects of MDMA and a prototypic stimulant, methamphetamine (MA), on early visual processing of socio‐emotional stimuli in an oddball emotional faces paradigm. Specifically, we examined whether MDMA or MA enhance the processing of facial expressions, compared to placebo, during the early stages of visual perception. MDMA enhanced an event‐related component that is sensitive to detecting faces (N170), specifically for happy and angry expressions compared to neutral faces. MA did not affect this measure, and neither drug altered other components of the response to emotional faces. These findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of MDMA on socio‐emotional processing and may have implications for the therapeutic use of MDMA in the treatment of social anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.