bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Border Regions as Nuclei of European Integration? Evidence From Germany
Authors: Rehm Moritz , Schröder Martin , Wenzelburger Georg 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhat role do border regions play in fostering a European identity? The European Union considers them relevant places of integration and has dedicated €10 billion to cross‐border co‐operation between 2014 and 2020. This action relies on the idea that border regions are hot spots of integration, as they allow citizens to engage in transnational activities, stimulating a sense of cross‐border community, which is said to increase attachment to Europe. However, it remains unclear whether individuals in border regions are indeed more attached to Europe, as theory would predict. We address this research question by comparing the attachment to Europe of 25,257 German border and non‐border residents, analysing several factors that could impact attachment to Europe in these regions. Our results indicate that living in a border region is unrelated to increased attachment to Europe. This finding casts doubt on the thesis of border regions as hot spots of an emerging European identity.
Factors associated with dietitian referrals to support long‐term care residents advancing towards the end of life
Authors: Morrison‐Koechl Jill , Heckman George , Banerjee Albert , Keller Heather 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDietitians are central members of the multidisciplinary long‐term care (LTC) healthcare team. The overall aim of this current investigation is to gain a better understanding of dietitian involvement in LTC resident's end‐of‐life care via referrals.MethodsRetrospective chart reviews for 164 deceased residents (mean age = 88.3 ± 7.3; 61% female) in 18 LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, identified dietitian referrals and documented eating challenges recorded over 2‐week periods at four time points (i.e., 6 months, 3 months, 1 month and 2 weeks) prior to death. Nutrition care plans at the beginning of these time points were also noted. Logistic mixed effects regression models identified time‐varying predictors of dietitian referrals. Bivariate tests identified associations between nutrition orders and dietitian referrals that occurred in the last month of life.ResultsNearly three‐quarters (73%) of participants had at least one dietitian referral across the four observations. Referrals increased significantly with proximity to death; 45% of residents had a referral documented in the last 2 weeks of life. Dietitian referrals were associated with the number of eating challenges (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27, 1.58). Comfort‐focused nutrition care orders were significantly more common when a dietitian was referred (25%) compared with when a dietitian was not referred (12%) in the final month of life (p = 0.04).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that dietitians are involved in end‐of‐life and comfort‐focused nutrition care initiatives, yet they are not engaged consistently for this purpose. This presents a significant opportunity for dietitians to upskill and champion palliative approaches to nutrition care within the multidisciplinary LTC team.
Distribution and diversity of emergent Banana bunchy top virus infecting banana and plantain in Cameroon, Central Africa
Authors: Ngatat Sergine , Hanna Rachid , Doumtsop Fotio Armand R. P. , Lienou Jules A. , Nanga Nanga Samuel , Fotso Kuate Apollin , Osundahunsi Bolaji , Fiaboe Komi K. M. , Ndemba Bertrand , Dossa Gerbert S. , Alabi Tunrayo , Kumar P. Lava 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInvasions of arthropod vectors and viruses are the main factors associated with emerging plant viral diseases. The presence of the Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV, genus Babuvirus), an aphid‐transmitted virus responsible for the banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), was first confirmed in 2008 in the South region of Cameroon. This study reports on surveys over 14 years to determine the status of BBTV spread and virus diversity in Cameroon. A total of 544 fields extending through 81 districts in 7 regions were surveyed in 5 phases: (1) 2009–10, (2) 2012, (3) 2013–14, (4) 2016–17, and (5) 2022. BBTV was detected in 36 sites, all located in the Ambam district in the South region, with an incidence in the virus‐affected fields ranging from 5% to 40%, with an average incidence of 14.8%. The findings indicate BBTV expansion from the location of first detection in 2008 to about 4–25 km in all directions, with the virus spread range of about 700 km2, as of the last survey in 2022. Phylogenetic analysis using complete nucleotide sequences of the BBTV‐R and BBTV‐S gene aligned Cameroon isolates with the sub‐Saharan Africa subgroup of the Pacific‐Indian Oceans (PIO) group of BBTV isolates, suggesting a likely virus invasion from neighbouring central African countries where BBTV presence had been reported in the 1980s. Knowledge of BBTV distribution provided through the detection and delimiting surveys has contributed to the efficient targeting of interventions to limit the expansion of an emerging virus threat to banana production in Cameroon.
Transcriptional responses to salinity‐induced changes in cell wall morphology of the euryhaline diatom Pleurosira laevis
Authors: Kamakura Shiho , Bilcke Gust , Sato Shinya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiatoms are unicellular algae with morphologically diverse silica cell walls, which are called frustules. The mechanism of frustule morphogenesis has attracted attention in biology and nanomaterials engineering. However, the genetic regulation of the morphology remains unclear. We therefore used transcriptome sequencing to search for genes involved in frustule morphology in the centric diatom Pleurosira laevis, which exhibits morphological plasticity between flat and domed valve faces in salinity 2 and 7, respectively. We observed differential expression of transposable elements (TEs) and transporters, likely due to osmotic response. Up‐regulation of mechanosensitive ion channels and down‐regulation of Ca2+‐ATPases in cells with flat valves suggested that cytosolic Ca2+ levels were changed between the morphologies. Calcium signaling could be a mechanism for detecting osmotic pressure changes and triggering morphological shifts. We also observed an up‐regulation of ARPC1 and annexin, involved in the regulation of actin filament dynamics known to affect frustule morphology, as well as the up‐regulation of genes encoding frustule‐related proteins such as BacSETs and frustulin. Taken together, we propose a model in which salinity‐induced morphogenetic changes are driven by upstream responses, such as the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ levels, and downstream responses, such as Ca2+‐dependent regulation of actin dynamics and frustule‐related proteins. This study highlights the sensitivity of euryhaline diatoms to environmental salinity and the role of active cellular processes in controlling gross valve morphology under different osmotic pressures.
The rough Hawkes Heston stochastic volatility model
Authors: Bondi Alessandro , Pulido Sergio , Scotti Simone 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe study an extension of the Heston stochastic volatility model that incorporates rough volatility and jump clustering phenomena. In our model, named the rough Hawkes Heston stochastic volatility model, the spot variance is a rough Hawkes‐type process proportional to the intensity process of the jump component appearing in the dynamics of the spot variance itself and the log returns. The model belongs to the class of affine Volterra models. In particular, the Fourier‐Laplace transform of the log returns and the square of the volatility index can be computed explicitly in terms of solutions of deterministic Riccati‐Volterra equations, which can be efficiently approximated using a multi‐factor approximation technique. We calibrate a parsimonious specification of our model characterized by a power kernel and an exponential law for the jumps. We show that our parsimonious setup is able to simultaneously capture, with a high precision, the behavior of the implied volatility smile for both S&P 500 and VIX options. In particular, we observe that in our setting the usual shift in the implied volatility of VIX options is explained by a very low value of the power in the kernel. Our findings demonstrate the relevance, under an affine framework, of rough volatility and self‐exciting jumps in order to capture the joint evolution of the S&P 500 and VIX.
Long‐term Outcome of Isobar TTL System for the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Diseases
Authors: Li Junhu , Li Qiujiang , Deng Zhipeng , Wang Linnan , Wang Lei , Song Yueming 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe Isobar TTL dynamic fixation system has demonstrated favorable outcomes in the short‐term treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases (LDDs). However, there is a paucity of extensive research on the long‐term effects of this system on LDDs. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with LDDs who underwent treatment utilizing the Isobar TTL dynamic fixation system.MethodsThe study analyzed the outcomes of 40 patients with LDDs who underwent posterior lumbar decompression and received single‐segment Isobar TTL dynamic internal fixation at our hospital between June 2010 and December 2016. The evaluation of clinical therapeutic effect involved assessing postoperative pain levels using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), both before surgery, 3 months after, and the final follow‐up. To determine the preservation of functional motion in dynamically stable segments, we measured the range of motion (ROM) and disc height of stabilized and adjacent segments preoperatively and during the final follow‐up. Additionally, we investigated the occurrence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD).ResultsForty patients were evaluated, with an average age of 44.65 years and an average follow‐up period of 79.37 months. Fourteen patients belonged to the spondylolisthesis group, while the remaining 26 were categorized under the stenosis or herniated disc group. The preoperative ROM of the stabilized segment exhibited a significant reduction from 8.15° ± 2.77° to 5.00° ± 1.82° at the final follow‐up (p < 0.001). In contrast, there was a slight elevation in the ROM of the adjacent segment during the final follow‐up, increasing from 7.68° ± 2.25° before surgery to 9.36° ± 1.98° (p < 0.001). The intervertebral space height (IH) in the stabilized segment exhibited a significant increase from 10.56 ± 1.99 mm before surgery to 11.39 ± 1.90 mm at the one‐week postoperative follow‐up (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a notable decrease in the IH of the adjacent segment from 11.09 ± 1.82 mm preoperatively to 10.86 ± 1.79 mm at the one‐week follow‐up after surgery (p < 0.001). The incidence of ASD was 15% (6/40) after an average follow‐up period of 79.37 months, with a rate of 15.38% (4/26) in the stenosis or herniated disc group and 14.29% (2/14) in the spondylolisthesis group; however, no statistically significant difference was observed in the occurrence of ASD among these groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe Isobar TTL dynamic fixation system is an effective treatment for LDDs, improving pain relief, quality of life (QoL) and maintaining stabilized segmental motion. It has demonstrated excellent long‐term clinical and radiographic results.
Leaf day respiration involves multiple carbon sources and depends on previous dark metabolism
Authors: Abadie Cyril , Lalande Julie , Dourmap Corentin , Limami Anis M. , Tcherkez Guillaume 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDay respiration (Rd) is the metabolic, nonphotorespiratory process by which illuminated leaves liberate CO2 during photosynthesis. Rd is used routinely in photosynthetic models and is thus critical for calculations. However, metabolic details associated with Rd are poorly known, and this can be problematic to predict how Rd changes with environmental conditions and relates to night respiration. It is often assumed that day respiratory CO2 release just reflects ‘ordinary’ catabolism (glycolysis and Krebs ‘cycle’). Here, we carried out a pulse‐chase experiment, whereby a 13CO2 pulse in the light was followed by a chase period in darkness and then in the light. We took advantage of nontargeted, isotope‐assisted metabolomics to determine non‐‘ordinary’ metabolism, detect carbon remobilisation and compare light and dark 13C utilisation. We found that several concurrent metabolic pathways (‘ordinary’ catabolism, oxidative pentose phosphates pathway, amino acid production, nucleotide biosynthesis and secondary metabolism) took place in the light and participated in net CO2 efflux associated with day respiration. Flux reconstruction from metabolomics leads to an underestimation of Rd, further suggesting the contribution of a variety of CO2‐evolving processes. Also, the cornerstone of the Krebs ‘cycle’, citrate, is synthetised de novo from photosynthates mostly in darkness, and remobilised or synthesised from stored material in the light. Collectively, our data provides direct evidence that leaf day respiration (i) involves several CO2‐producing reactions and (ii) is fed by different carbon sources, including stored carbon disconnected from current photosynthates.
The metabolism of melanin synthesis—From melanocytes to melanoma
Authors: Snyman Marelize , Walsdorf Rachel Elizabeth , Wix Sophia Nicole , Gill Jennifer Gibson 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMelanin synthesis involves the successful coordination of metabolic pathways across multiple intracellular compartments including the melanosome, mitochondria, ER/Golgi, and cytoplasm. While pigment production offers a communal protection from UV damage, the process also requires anabolic and redox demands that must be carefully managed by melanocytes. In this report we provide an updated review on melanin metabolism, including recent data leveraging new techniques, and technologies in the field of metabolism. We also discuss the many aspects of melanin synthesis that intersect with metabolic pathways known to impact melanoma phenotypes and behavior. By reviewing the metabolism of melanin synthesis, we hope to highlight outstanding questions and opportunities for future research that could improve patient outcomes in pigmentary and oncologic disease settings.
Oral sirolimus for the treatment of juvenile xanthogranuloma: Report of two pediatric cases
Authors: Toker Michelle , Hassonjee Fatema Esaa , Amodio John , Edelman Morris C. , Emeghebo Kristina I. , Levy Carolyn Fein , Shaigany Sheila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractJuvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) with extensive cutaneous or visceral organ involvement is often associated with high morbidity and treatment commonly involves surgical excision, radiotherapy, systemic steroids, or chemotherapy. Sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, is an oral antitumor and immunosuppressive therapy used to treat various neoplastic disorders, including histiocytic disorders. We report two pediatric cases of JXG successfully treated with oral sirolimus monotherapy, and postulate that sirolimus may induce rapid disease resolution and long‐term remission for patients with both skin‐limited and multisystemic JXG. Our findings warrant further investigation of the relationship between the mTOR pathway and JXG.
The TSANZ and Lung Foundation Australia 2023 landscape survey of lung cancer care across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Nash Jessica , Leong Tracy , Dawkins Paul , Stone Emily , Marshall Henry , Brims Fraser ,   the LUCAP investigator team
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveUnwarranted variations in lung cancer care have been well described in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with shortfalls in hospital‐based workforce and infrastructure previously demonstrated. A survey of lung cancer clinicians was performed to gain an updated understanding of current workforce and infrastructure.MethodsAn online Qualtrics survey included questions on institutional demographics, estimated lung cancer case load, multidisciplinary team (MDT) characteristics including workforce and local infrastructure. We sought to obtain one response from every institution treating lung cancer in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.ResultsResponses were received from 89 institutions, estimated to include 85% centres treating lung cancer in Australia and 100% of public hospitals in Aotearoa New Zealand. Lung cancer nurse specialist and Nuclear Medicine are poorly represented in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) with just 34/88 (38%) institutions fulfilling recommended core workforce for MDT meetings. Case presentation is low with 32/88 (36%) regularly discussing all lung cancer patients at MDT. Metropolitan institutions appear to have a more comprehensive range of services on site, compared to non‐metropolitan institutions. Few (4/88) institutions have embedded smoking cessation services. Compared to the previous 2021 Landscape Survey, thoracic surgery representation and core MDT workforce have improved, with modest change in specialist nurse numbers.ConclusionThis wide‐reaching survey has identified persistent deficiencies and variations in lung cancer workforce and gaps in infrastructure. Multidisciplinary collaboration and care coordination are needed to ensure all patients can access timely and equitable lung cancer care.image
An Improvised Cost‐Effective Repair Technique for Management of Broken Luer Connections of Tunneled Dialysis Catheter and Salvage Existing Catheter
Authors: Behera Vineet , Gireesh Reddy Giddaluru , Shreedhara C. G. , Kishan A. , Kalra Kapil , Ananthakrishnan R. , Subramaniam J. , Balasubramaniam J. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTMechanical problems like break or crack in Luer connectors or hubs, clamps, and tubings are common non‐infectious complications of tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC), which may lead to other TDC complications and the need to insert a new catheter. These can be tackled using TDC repair kits or spare parts, which are often not available, resulting in the insertion of a new TDC that increases morbidity, TDC‐related procedures, and healthcare costs. We discuss two cases of broken Luer connections of TDC, which were managed by exchanging the broken Luer connector of TDC with the similar Luer connector of a temporary dialysis catheter. Both the repaired TDCs are thereafter functioning well. This improvised technique provides an easy, effective, long‐lasting option that salvages the existing TDC and reduces the cost factor.
Determining who military service members deem credible to discuss firearm safety for suicide prevention
Authors: Bond Allison E. , Moceri‐Brooks Jayna , Bandel Shelby L. , Crifasi Cassandra , Bryan Craig J. , Capron Daniel W. , Bryan Annabelle O. , Anestis Michael D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo examine rankings of credible sources for discussing secure storage within a representative sample of firearm‐owning service members, and examine how combinations of demographic variables impact the ranking of credible sources.MethodsThe probability‐based sample was collected with the help of Ipsos. Participants were US service members who owned a firearm at the time of the survey (n = 719).ResultsThe total sample ranked service members, Veterans, and members of law enforcement as the most credible sources and faith leaders, casual acquittances, and celebrities as the least credible sources. Black men ranked the NRA as a highly credible source whereas Black females ranked the NRA as one of the least preferred sources. Regardless of political preference, those who lived in non‐metropolitan rural environments ranked members of law enforcement as highly credible sources. Those who lived in non‐metropolitan rural and urban settings and identified as liberal ranked the National Shooting Sports Foundation as a highly credible source.ConclusionsLaw enforcement officers, military members, and Veterans are ranked as highly credible sources by most subgroups of firearm‐owning service members. Leveraging these voices in firearm safety conversations is necessary, may increase adherence to secure storage recommendations, and ultimately reduce suicide.
Disordered spatial pattern of redness signal on facial skin and visual perception of health, stress, and hidden aging
Authors: Omotezako Tatsuya , Neo Eleanor , Zhu Hong , Ehrman Matthew 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWell‐being is commonly communicated across industries; however, experimental understanding how human perceive skin health and skin stresses are not sufficient.Materials and MethodsImage analysis algorithm, a* gradient, was developed to evaluate spatial pattern and shape of red signal on skin. Human perception for skin health and stresses were compared with technical measurements in two visual perception studies.Resultsa* gradient correlated with perceived Inflamed Skin (R = 0.73, p < 0.01), Stressed Skin (R = 0.79, p < 0.01), Sensitive Skin (R = 0.75, p < 0.01), Healthy Skin (R = ‐0.83, p < 0.01), and Start Aging (R = 0.75, p < 0.01).ConclusionsDisordered spatial pattern of redness signal drives human perception of skin health, stress, and aging. This new skin index of redness signal shows higher correlation with those human perception than basal a* mean, unevenness of a*, and other conventional skin color attributes.
Effect of biochar addition on water–salt distribution and growth of winter wheat in coastal saline‐alkali soils under brackish water irrigation
Authors: Wu Wei , Chai Hongxing , Gao Peiling , Gao Penghao , Zhang Xue , Li Mengzhao , Guo Xianglin , Lv Qingxin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo investigate water‐saving and yield‐enhancing improvement programmes suitable for saline‐alkali soils in the Yellow River Delta region, this study conducted outdoor pot experiments utilizing local moderately saline‐alkali soils as research subjects. The primary focus was to examine the impact of biochar addition on water and salt distribution in saline‐alkali soils and its effect on winter wheat growth under brackish water irrigation conditions. The study design established three different irrigation water mineral concentrations (0, 2 and 4 g L−1) during the research. Two types of biochar, wheat straw biochar (WB) and corn straw biochar (CB), were used with four different applications (0, 5, 10 and 20 t ha−1). There were 21 treatments; each replicated three times. These findings demonstrated that brackish water irrigation and biochar application contributed to a notable increase in soil water content (SWC), with increases ranging from 12.8 to 83.9% across treatments. Using brackish water for irrigation increases soil salt content (SSC) and exacerbates soil salinization. However, the application of biochar counteracts this effect by reducing soil salinity and mitigating the degree of salinization. Treatments applying biochar mostly increased SSC, but proper application had a salinity‐reducing effect, reducing SSC by up to 15.2%. And biochar reduced the soil sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), mitigating the adverse effects of high salinity on winter wheat. Finally, the application of biochar promoted the growth of winter wheat and increased yield, with the treatment applying 10 t ha−1 of CB (K2Y10) producing the greatest yield under brackish water irrigation conditions and increased by 18% compared with the treatment without biochar (CK0). In summary, considering the aspects of water conservation, salt reduction and yield increase, the most effective saline land improvement programme for this region involved using 2 g L−1 brackish water for irrigation in combination with applying K2Y10. This approach balances addressing soil salinity, enhancing water conservation and maximizing crop yields.