bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Focus on senescence: Clinical significance and practical applications
Authors: Boccardi Virginia , Orr Miranda Ethel , Polidori M. Cristina , Ruggiero Carmelinda , Mecocci Patrizia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe older population is increasing worldwide, and life expectancy is continuously rising, predominantly thanks to medical and technological progress. Healthspan refers to the number of years an individual can live in good health. From a gerontological viewpoint, the mission is to extend the life spent in good health, promoting well‐being and minimizing the impact of aging‐related diseases to slow the aging process. Biologically, aging is a malleable process characterized by an intra‐ and inter‐individual heterogeneous and dynamic balance between accumulating damage and repair mechanisms. Cellular senescence is a key component of this process, with senescent cells accumulating in different tissues and organs, leading to aging and age‐related disease susceptibility over time. Removing senescent cells from the body or slowing down the burden rate has been proposed as an efficient way to reduce age‐dependent deterioration. In animal models, senotherapeutic molecules can extend life expectancy and lifespan by either senolytic or senomorphic activity. Much research shows that dietary and physical activity‐driven lifestyle interventions protect against senescence. This narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge on targeting senescent cells to reduce the risk of age‐related disease in animal models and their translational potential for humans. We focused on studies that have examined the potential role of senotherapeutics in slowing the aging process and modifying age‐related disease burdens. The review concludes with a general discussion of the mechanisms underlying this unique trajectory and its implications for future research.
Behavioural therapy for shift work disorder improves shift workers' sleep, sleepiness and mental health: A pilot randomised control trial
Authors: Vallières Annie , Pappathomas Alric , Garnier Séverine de Billy , Mérette Chantal , Carrier Julie , Paquette Tyna , Bastien Célyne H. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe present study evaluates the efficacy of behavioural therapy adapted for shift work disorder with a randomised control design in a healthcare population. Forty‐three night shift workers (m. age: 34 years; 77% women) experiencing shift work disorder were randomised to either the behavioural therapy for shift work disorder (BT‐SWD) or a waiting‐list control group offered after the waiting period. Participants completed questionnaires on insomnia, sleepiness and mental health pre‐ and post‐treatment, pre‐ and post‐waiting, and at follow‐up, and a sleep diary. As night shift workers alternate between sleeping during the day after their night shifts and transitioning to nighttime sleep on days off, insomnia severity and sleep variables were analysed for daytime and nighttime sleep. The BT‐SWD involved sleep restriction therapy, stimulus control and fixed sleep periods in the dark. Statistical analyses were performed under intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol approaches. Repeated‐measures two‐way ANCOVA analysis, controlling for age, sex and pre‐treatment daytime total sleep time, was performed with Bonferroni corrections, and between‐group effect sizes computed. Fourteen participants dropped out after randomisation. Under the intent‐to‐treat analysis, BT‐SWD participants had a significant greater decrease in daytime insomnia severity and an increase in daytime total sleep time at post‐treatment than the control group, with large between‐group effect sizes (−1.25 and 0.89). These corresponding results were also significant with large effect sizes under the per‐protocol analysis. Sleepiness, anxiety and depression levels improved at post‐treatment and maintained at follow‐up when the BT‐SWD treated controls were added to the BT‐SWD group. The behavioural therapy for shift work disorder can be used to improve the sleep and mental health of healthcare night workers.
Public goods and diversity in democracies and non‐democracies
Authors: Raabe Roxanne , Sander Christian J. , Schneider Andrea 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes how ethnic diversity affects the provision of public goods in democratic and non‐democratic societies when political parties compete for voter support by offering a mix of private and public goods. Our model implies that increasing diversity that leads to more heterogeneous preferences for public goods decreases the provision of public goods in democracies, where political power is distributed equally among citizens, while there is a weaker or no effect in non‐democracies, where political power is distributed unequally among citizens. When measuring diversity by ethnic fractionalization and public good provision by either levels of government expenses, expenditures on health, or life expectancy, we indeed observe a negative association between diversity and the provision of public goods in democracies but no or only a weak association in non‐democracies.
Population genomics of flat‐tailed horned lizards (Phrynosoma mcallii) informs conservation and management across a fragmented Colorado Desert landscape
Authors: Gottscho Andrew D. , Mulcahy Daniel G. , Leaché Adam D. , de Queiroz Kevin , Lovich Robert E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhrynosoma mcallii (flat‐tailed horned lizards) is a species of conservation concern in the Colorado Desert of the United States and Mexico. We analysed ddRADseq data from 45 lizards to estimate population structure, infer phylogeny, identify migration barriers, map genetic diversity hotspots, and model demography. We identified the Colorado River as the main geographic feature contributing to population structure, with the populations west of this barrier further subdivided by the Salton Sea. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that northwestern populations are nested within southeastern populations. The best‐fit demographic model indicates Pleistocene divergence across the Colorado River, with significant bidirectional gene flow, and a severe Holocene population bottleneck. These patterns suggest that management strategies should focus on maintaining genetic diversity on both sides of the Colorado River and the Salton Sea. We recommend additional lands in the United States and Mexico that should be considered for similar conservation goals as those in the Rangewide Management Strategy. We also recommend periodic rangewide genomic sampling to monitor ongoing attrition of diversity, hybridization, and changing structure due to habitat fragmentation, climate change, and other long‐term impacts.
Cost‐effectiveness of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for advanced chronic kidney patients in Singapore
Authors: Chay Junxing , Choo Jason C. J. , Finkelstein Eric A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionHyperkalaemia (HK) is prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure, especially if they are treated with renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi). This study evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of a newly developed anti‐HK therapy, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), to the current standard of care for treating HK in advanced CKD patients from the Singapore health system perspective.MethodsWe adapted a global microsimulation model to simulate individual patients' potassium level trajectories with baseline potassium ≥5.5 mmol/L, CKD progression, changes in treatment, and other fatal and non‐fatal events. Effectiveness data was derived from ZS‐004 and ZS‐005 trials. Model parameters were localised using CKD patients' administrative and medical records at the Singapore General Hospital Department of Renal Medicine. We estimated the lifetime cost and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of each HK treatment, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of SZC.ResultsSZC demonstrated cost‐effectiveness with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratsio of SGD 45 068 per QALY over a lifetime horizon, below the willingness‐to‐pay threshold of SGD 90 000 per QALY. Notably, SZC proved most cost‐effective for patients with less severe CKD who were concurrently using RAASi. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, accounting for alternative parameter values and statistical uncertainty.ConclusionThis study establishes the cost‐effectiveness of SZC as a treatment for HK, highlighting its potential to mitigate the risk of hyperkalaemia and optimise RAASi therapy. These findings emphasise the value of integrating SZC into the Singapore health system for improved patient outcomes and resource allocation.
Mandibular second molar extraction: A retrospective cohort study of spontaneous occlusal changes in adolescent patients
Authors: Færøvig Lucete Fernandes , Pandis Nikolaos , Johal Ama , Vandevska‐Radunovic Vaska 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesEvaluate long‐term spontaneous occlusal changes following L7 extraction in adolescent patients.Materials and MethodsStudy models of 144 participants (63 males, 81 females) retrospectively assessed prior to L7 extraction (9–16 years old; T1) and following L8 eruption (14–25 years old; T2). All received upper fixed appliances. A sub‐group (n = 86) received no lower fixed appliances and acted as controls. Occlusal changes were compared between treatment (lower fixed appliance) and control (no lower fixed appliance) groups using PAR index. At T2, L8 occlusal outcome was assessed using ABO grading system.ResultsMean follow‐up period 6 (SD 2) years. At T1, lower scores observed in control group for Lower Anterior (P < .001), Midline (P = .033) and Lateral Segments (P = .040) components. At T2, lower scores continued being observed in control group for Midline (P < .001) and Lateral segment (P = .019) components. Higher decrease in Lower Anterior PAR scores observed in treatment group (<.001) with comparable scores between groups at T2 (P = .057). Similar PAR score changes between groups for Lateral Segments, Overjet and Overbite components. At T2, no significant difference observed in Total PAR score reduction between control (83%) and treatment (82%) groups. Good‐to‐acceptable occlusal outcome of the L8 observed in 81.55% of cases at T2 with no difference between groups.ConclusionIn growing patients with mild mandibular crowding, extraction of L7 followed by upper fixed appliance therapy, leads to favourable occlusal changes over a 6‐year follow‐up period, with or without lower fixed appliance therapy, being an alternative extraction protocol where lower fixed appliance therapy is not recommended.
Four‐month‐old with severe PIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum disorder successfully treated with alpelisb
Authors: Cossio María‐Laura , Rodríguez Josefina , Flores Juan Carlos , De Barbieri Florencia , Flores Álvaro , Marín José , Florin Carla , Cuevas Francisco , Gutiérrez Monserrat 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) encompasses different clinical entities caused by somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA. Among PROS, CLOVES syndrome represents a severe phenotype with poor survival rate. We present the case of a 4‐month‐old girl with CLOVES syndrome successfully treated with alpelisib, a PIKC3A inhibitor.
Application of TNB in dual photo‐controlled release of phenamacril, imidacloprid, and imidacloprid synergist
Authors: Yin Qi , Fu Wen , Hu Xinyue , Xu Zhiping , Li Zhong , Shao Xusheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPesticides can improve crops' yield and quality, but unreasonable applications of pesticides lead to waste of pesticides which are further accumulated in the environment and threaten human health. Developing the release of controlled drugs can improve the utilization rate of pesticides. Among these methods, light‐controlled release is a new technology of controlled release, which can realize spatiotemporal delivery of drugs by light. Four compounds, named Imidacloprid‐Thioacetal o‐nitrobenzyl‐Phenamacril (IMI‐TNB‐PHE), Imidacloprid‐Thioacetal o‐nitrobenzyl‐ Imidacloprid (IMI‐TNB‐IMI), Phenamacril‐Thioacetal o‐nitrobenzyl‐Phenamacril (PHE‐TNB‐PHE), and Imidacloprid‐Thioacetal o‐nitrobenzyl‐Imidacloprid Synergist (IMI‐TNB‐IMISYN), were designed and synthesized by connecting thioacetal o‐nitrobenzyl (TNB) with pesticides TNB displaying simple and efficient optical properties in this work. Dual photo‐controlled release of pesticides including two molecules of IMI or PHE, both IMI and PHE, as well as IMI and IMISYN were, respectively, studied in this paper. Insecticidal/fungicidal activities of the photosensitive pesticides showed 2–4 times increments if they were exposed to light. In addition, a synergistic effect was observed after the light‐controlled release of IMI‐TNB‐IMISYN, which was consistent with the effect of IMISYN. The results demonstrated whether dual photo‐controlled release of the same or different pesticide molecules could be achieved with a TNB linker with spatiotemporal precision. We envisioned that TNB will be an innovative photosensitive protective group for light‐dependent application of agrochemicals in the future.
Frontline employees' responses to citizens' communication of administrative burdens
Authors: Halling Aske , Petersen Niels Bjørn Grund 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe literature on administrative burdens demonstrates that citizens may experience different kinds of administrative burdens when interacting with the state. However, we know little about whether citizens' communication of these experiences affects how frontline employees implement compliance demands. Building on the street‐level bureaucracy and administrative burden literature, we hypothesize that citizens' communication of direct and indirect psychological costs affects frontline employees' inclination to accommodate citizens. Furthermore, we expect this effect to be stronger for members of the ethnic majority than for ethnic minority members. We test these expectations using a preregistered survey experiment on a sample of 1048 Danish public caseworkers from 32 employment agencies. Results show that frontline employees are indeed more willing to reduce demands and help citizens that communicate their experiences of direct and indirect psychological costs. Further, we find some evidence that frontline employees are more responsive to citizens from the ethnic majority.
Horizontal necklines correction with absorbable braided polydioxanone threads: Case series
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Kim Soo‐Bin , Chua Deborah , Stefanelli Matthieu Beustes , Alfertshofer Michael , Vachiramon Vasanop 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of horizontal neck lines as a cosmetic concern is widely acknowledged, yet the available treatment options are limited, and no studies have investigated the use of polydioxanone‐barbed threads. These threads, characterized by a finely braided structure, function as a scaffold to attract regenerative factors and facilitate the migration and proliferation of cells. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of concurrent application of braided polydioxanone‐barbed threads for addressing horizontal neck wrinkles.MethodologyA retrospective case series involving four female participants (aged 41, 43, 45, and 46) treated with polydioxanone‐barbed threads for horizontal neck wrinkles between January 2023 and July 2023 was conducted. Adult patients were assessed at an 8‐week follow‐up, revealing a significant reduction in wrinkle intensity based on the Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity Scale.ResultsThe analysis of horizontal neck lines demonstrated a notable decrease in wrinkle intensity according to the Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity Scale at the 8‐week mark, and this improvement maintained statistical significance. Both patient Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores (90%–100%) and physician GAIS scores (100%) were rated as excellent.ConclusionThe subdermal application of polydioxanone‐barbed threads for horizontal neck lines proves to be a secure and efficacious approach for treating horizontal neck wrinkles, with no observed Tyndall effect. This technique shows promise for rejuvenating the skin in the horizontal neckline region.
Winners and losers in U.S.–China trade disputes: A dynamic compositional analysis of foreign direct investment
Authors: Jung Yoo Sun , Park Yohan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe trade conflicts between the United States and China have significantly disrupted global trade and economic growth. In today's globalized economy where the production of goods and services spans across multiple nations, these disputes have far‐reaching consequences that extend beyond the involved parties and impact the broader global economy.ObjectiveWe examine the effects of the U.S.‐China trade disputes on multinational investment patterns in China and Southeast Asia.MethodsUsing a dynamic compositional approach, we analyze data on firm‐level greenfield foreign direct investment.ResultsWe observe European firms increasing their investments in China to enhance market penetration, while American firms are withdrawing, redirecting their focus toward Southeast Asia to mitigate dependence on the Chinese market.ConclusionThis shift highlights broader international business strategy trends amid geopolitical and economic changes. The results indicate significant transformations in global supply chains, shedding light on the extensive effects of U.S.–China trade tensions on global economic equilibrium and how these tensions are reshaping international investment and supply chain dynamics.
The role of T‐type calcium channels in elderly human vascular function: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iepsen Ulrik Winning , Hjortdal Andreas R. , Thuesen Anne D. , Finsen Stine H. , Hansen Pernille B. L. , Mortensen Stefan P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction develops with age and may precede cardiovascular disease. Animal data suggest that T‐type calcium channels play an important role in endothelial function, but data from humans are lacking. This study included 15 healthy, sedentary, elderly males for a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. For 8 weeks, they were given 40 mg/day of either efonidipine (L‐ and T‐type calcium channel blocker (CCB)) or nifedipine (L‐type CCB). Vascular function was evaluated by graded femoral arterial infusions of acetylcholine (ACh; endothelium‐dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium‐independent vasodilator) both with and without co‐infusion of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC; antioxidant). We measured leg blood flow and mean arterial pressure and calculated leg vascular conductance to evaluate the leg vascular responses. Despite no significant change in blood pressure in either group, we observed higher leg blood flow responses (Δ 0.43 ± 0.45 l/min, P = 0.006) and leg vascular conductance (Δ 5.38 ± 5.67 ml/min/mmHg, P = 0.005) to intra‐arterial ACh after efonidipine, whereas there was no change in the nifedipine group, and no differences between groups. We found no upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies within or between groups. Smooth muscle cell responsiveness was unaltered by efonidipine or nifedipine. Intravenous co‐infusion of NAC did not affect endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in either of the CCB groups. These results suggest that 8 weeks’ inhibition of T‐ and L‐type calcium channels augments endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory function in healthy elderly males. Further studies are required to elucidate if T‐type calcium channel inhibition can counteract endothelial dysfunction.
Multitasking functions of bacterial extracellular DNA in biofilms
Authors: Sharma Dhirendra Kumar , Rajpurohit Yogendra Singh 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacterial biofilms are intricate ecosystems of microbial communities that adhere to various surfaces and are enveloped by an extracellular matrix composed of polymeric substances. Within the context of bacterial biofilms, extracellular DNA (eDNA) originates from cell lysis or is actively secreted, where it exerts a significant influence on the formation, stability, and resistance of biofilms to environmental stressors. The exploration of eDNA within bacterial biofilms holds paramount importance in research, with far-reaching implications for both human health and the environment. An enhanced understanding of the functions of eDNA in biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance could inspire the development of strategies to combat biofilm-related infections and improve the management of antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive review encapsulates the latest discoveries concerning eDNA, encompassing its origins, functions within bacterial biofilms, and significance in bacterial pathogenesis.
HtrA, fatty acids, and membrane protein interplay in
Chlamydia trachomatis
to impact stress response and trigger early cellular exit
Authors: Strange Natalie , Luu Laurence , Ong Vanissa , Wee Bryan A. , Phillips Matthew J. A. , McCaughey Laura , Steele Joel R. , Barlow Christopher K. , Cranfield Charles G. , Myers Garry , Mazraani Rami , Rock Charles , Timms Peter , Huston Wilhelmina M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia trachomatis
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that undergoes a biphasic developmental cycle, consisting of intracellular reticulate bodies and extracellular infectious elementary bodies. A conserved bacterial protease, HtrA, was shown previously to be essential for
Chlamydia
during the reticulate body phase, using a novel inhibitor (JO146). In this study, isolates selected for the survival of JO146 treatment were found to have polymorphisms in the acyl-acyl carrier protein synthetase gene (
aasC
)
. AasC
encodes the enzyme responsible for activating fatty acids from the host cell or synthesis to be incorporated into lipid bilayers. The isolates had distinct lipidomes with varied fatty acid compositions. A reduction in the lipid compositions that HtrA prefers to bind to was detected, yet HtrA and MOMP (a key outer membrane protein) were present at higher levels in the variants. Reduced progeny production and an earlier cellular exit were observed. Transcriptome analysis identified that multiple genes were downregulated in the variants especially stress and DNA processing factors. Here, we have shown that the fatty acid composition of chlamydial lipids, HtrA, and membrane proteins interplay and, when disrupted, impact chlamydial stress response that could trigger early cellular exit.

IMPORTANCE

Chlamydia trachomatis
is an important obligate intracellular pathogen that has a unique biphasic developmental cycle. HtrA is an essential stress or virulence protease in many bacteria, with many different functions. Previously, we demonstrated that HtrA is critical for
Chlamydia
using a novel inhibitor. In the present study, we characterized genetic variants of
Chlamydia trachomatis
with reduced susceptibility to the HtrA inhibitor. The variants were changed in membrane fatty acid composition, outer membrane proteins, and transcription of stress genes. Earlier and more synchronous cellular exit was observed. Combined, this links stress response to fatty acids, membrane proteins, and HtrA interplay with the outcome of disrupted timing of chlamydial cellular exit.