bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of unequal vaccination coverage and migration on long-term pathogen evolution in a metapopulation
Authors: Walter Alicia , Gandon Sylvain , Lion Sébastien 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Worldwide inequalities in vaccine availability are expected to affect the spread and spatial distribution of infectious diseases. It is unclear, however, how spatial variation in vaccination coverage can affect the long-term evolution of pathogens. Here we use an analytical model and numerical simulations to analyse the influence of different imperfect vaccines on the potential evolution of pathogen virulence in a two-population model where vaccination coverage varies between populations. We focus on four vaccines, with different modes of action on the life cycle of a pathogen infecting two host populations coupled by migration. We show that, for vaccines that reduce infection risk or transmissibility, spatial heterogeneity has little effect on pathogen prevalence and host mortality, and no effect on the evolution of pathogen virulence. In contrast, vaccines that reduce pathogen virulence can select for more virulent pathogens and may lead to the coexistence of different pathogen strains, depending on the degree of spatial heterogeneity in the metapopulation. This heterogeneity is driven by two parameters: pathogen migration and the difference in the vaccination rate between the two populations. We show that vaccines that only reduce pathogen virulence select mainly for a single pathogen strategy in the long term, while vaccines that reduce both transmission and virulence can favor the coexistence of two pathogen genotypes. We discuss the implications and potential extensions of our analysis.
“Conscientious Guardian” vs. “Commercialized Jungle”: Pharmacists and Pharmacy Design in the Postwar United States
Authors: Richert Lucas , Carter Gabriel Lake 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pharmacists and pharmacies are key drivers in the American marketplace. They serve as an endpoint of the pharmaceutical supply chain and are the dispensers of a range of consumer goods, some nonthreatening and others potentially harmful to public health. In adding pharmacies to the roster of consumerist locales in the postwar period, scholars might draw even deeper connections about the transformation of health, corporate medicine, and American economic power. To understand the interface of consumerism, corporatism, and health in postwar America, this article holds the postwar pharmacy as a key site of commodity exchange and business and positions it within the larger American firmament, paying attention to the design of pharmacies. In particular, the article will add to the knowledge about the tangible ways that medical and health care spaces are constructed, organized, and designed to best generate profits. Besides prescription medications, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-rich products were also vital elements of the postwar pharmacy and will be featured in this article. What is more, this article focuses on a central debate between pharmacists during the postwar period about how pharmacies were shifting from the role of healer to that of a retailer — from a “conscientious guardian” to a “commercialized jungle” — in order to highlight how the public health role of pharmacies was undermined by industry pressures for profit. Based on unused corporate guides and manuals, company records, photographs, and management documents, this article will spotlight the underexplored interiority of pharmacies – the store’s insides, processes of organization, and design features related to potentially habit-changing substances.
Arctigenin attenuated spatial memory impairment in pR5 mice by regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism
Authors: Yang Chao , Dan Ding , Xu Jia , Qiu Chaoming , He Kaiwu , Zhang Chang-E , Li Shangming , Yang Xifei , Xu Pingyi , Zhu Feiqi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Arctigenin (ATG) is a natural product with a variety of biological activity, which can improve the pathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice through multiple mechanisms. This study aims to further elucidate the potential mechanism by which ATG improves memory impairment in AD mice.

Methods
Here, we used pR5 mice as an experimental model, and ATG was administered continuously for 90 days. Novel object recognition, Y-maze, and Morris water maze were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ATG on memory impairment in AD mice. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses were used to evaluate the effects of ATG on tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation, respectively. Finally, proteomics techniques were used to explore the possible mechanism of ATG.

Key findings
ATG significantly improved memory impairment in pR5 mice and inhibited tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus and neuroinflammation in the cortex. According to the proteomic analysis, the altered cognitive function of ATG was associated with the proteins of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain.

Conclusion
These results suggest that ATG is a potential therapeutic agent for diseases related to aberrant energy metabolism that can treat AD by improving mitochondrial function.
Are tube fill volumes below 90% a rejection criterion for all coagulation tests?
Authors: Sena Odabasi Merve , Yalcinkaya Kara Zeynep Mine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Rejected samples lead to prolonged turnaround time and delayed diagnosis and treatment of patients. This study was conducted to determine minimum acceptable sample volume in Sarstedt brand coagulation tubes to reduce high sample rejection rate.

Methods
Blood samples were drawn from 20 participants (10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients receiving oral anticoagulant) into coagulation tubes. Six samples were taken from each participant, with tube fill volumes of 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%. Prothrombin time (PT), active partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen tests were analyzed.

Results
According to quality performance specifications, the tube fill volume must be at least 70% for PT and aPTT and 50% for fibrinogen. There was no statistical difference in samples from healthy volunteers for PT, aPTT, and fibrinogen tests when the minimum tube fill volume was at least 80%, 90%, and 50%, respectively. These percentages were 50%, 70%, and 60%, respectively, in patients receiving oral anticoagulant.

Conclusions
Sarstedt tubes meet quality standard specifications at a 70% fill rate for PT and aPTT and a 50% fill rate for fibrinogen. Comprehensive studies with larger populations are needed to accept these values as sample acceptance criteria for the laboratory.
Reallocating desk workers’ sitting time to standing or stepping: associations with work performance
Authors: Lin C-Y , Shibata A , Ishii K , Koohsari M J , Hadgraft N , Dunstan D W , Owen N , Oka K 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Studies have suggested that sitting time at work may lead to underperformance but they may underestimate the benefits to desk workers’ performance of reducing occupational sitting time without considering the relative effects of the specific activities replaced.

Aims
To estimate differences in work performance (presenteeism, absenteeism and engagement) when occupational sitting time is reallocated to standing/stepping in desk workers.

Methods
Data for middle-aged desk workers were from a Japan-wide online survey (n = 2228). Self-report proportion of occupational sitting and standing/stepping, work hours and work performance indicators, including absolute (ratings relating only to self) and relative (ratings of self, compared to others) presenteeism and absenteeism, and dimensions of work engagement, were collected. Partition and isotemporal substitution models were used to investigate the associations of occupational sitting and standing/stepping time with work performance, including their reallocation effects.

Results
In partition models, longer occupational sitting time was associated with a lower absolute presenteeism score (i.e. less productivity), lower absolute absenteeism (i.e. longer-than-expected work hours), and lower engagement. Longer occupational standing/stepping time was associated with lower absolute absenteeism and more engagement. Isotemporal substitution models showed that each hour of occupational sitting reallocated to standing/stepping was favourably associated with overall work engagement (B = 0.087; 95% confidence interval 0.051, 0.122) and its dimensions (B ranged from 0.078 to 0.092), but was not associated with presenteeism or absenteeism.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that management support and practical initiatives to encourage desk workers to replace portions of their sitting time with standing/stepping may contribute to enhanced work engagement.
Computer simulations predict the impact of neuronal atrophy on the calcium dynamics in Huntington's disease
Authors: Sameni Sara , Bartol Thomas M , Corey-Bloom Jody , Sejnowski Terrence J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
One of the early hallmarks of Huntington's disease (HD) is neuronal cell atrophy, especially in the striatum, underlying motor dysfunction in HD. Here using a computer model, we have predicted the impact of cell shrinkage on calcium dynamics at the cellular level. Our model indicates that as cytosolic volume decreases, the amplitude of calcium transients increases and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) becomes more leaky due to calcium-induced calcium release and a “toxic” positive feedback mechanism mediated by ryanodine receptors that greatly increases calcium release into the cytosol. The excessive calcium release from ER saturates the calcium buffering capacity of calbindin and forces further accumulation of free calcium in the cytosol and cellular compartments including mitochondria. This leads to imbalance of calcium in both cytosol and ER regions. Excessive calcium accumulation in the cytosol can damage the mitochondria resulting in metabolic dysfunction in the cell consistent with the pathology of HD. Our computational model points toward potential drug targets and can accelerate and greatly help the experimental studies of HD paving the way for treatments of patients suffering from HD.
Interaction with YAP underlies the species differences between humans and rodents in CAR-dependent hepatocyte proliferation
Authors: Shizu Ryota , Makida Natsuki , Sobe Keiichiro , Ishimura Mai , Takeshita Aki , Hosaka Takuomi , Kanno Yuichiro , Sasaki Takamitsu , Yoshinari Kouichi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), a nuclear receptor predominantly expressed in the liver, is activated by diverse chemicals and induces hepatocyte proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for CAR-dependent hepatocyte proliferation remains unclear. Importantly, this phenomenon has not been observed in the human liver. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying CAR-induced hepatocyte proliferation and to explore the species differences in hepatocyte proliferation between humans and rodents. Treatment of mice with the CAR activator TCPOBOP induced hepatocyte proliferation and nuclear accumulation of yes-associated protein (YAP), a known liver cancer inducer. This induction was abolished in CAR-knockout mice. Exogenously expressed YAP in cultured cells was accumulated in the nucleus by the coexpression with mouse CAR but not human CAR. Pull-down analysis of recombinant proteins revealed that mouse CAR interacted with YAP, whereas human CAR did not. Further investigations using YAP deletion mutants identified the WW domain of YAP as essential for interacting with CAR and showed that the PY motif (PPAY) in mouse CAR was crucial for binding to the WW domain, whereas human CAR with its mutated motif (PPAH) failed to interact with YAP. A mouse model harboring the Y150H mutation (PPAY to PPAH) in CAR displayed drastically attenuated TCPOBOP-induced hepatocyte proliferation and nuclear accumulation of YAP. CAR induces the nuclear accumulation of YAP through the PY motif-WW domain interaction to promote hepatocyte proliferation. The absence of this interaction in human CAR contributes to the lack of CAR-dependent hepatocyte proliferation in human livers.
Spine Surgeon Health and Well-being
Authors: Federico Vincent P. , Gabriel Samy , Roca Andrea , Anwar Fatima , Salazar Luis , Vucicevic Rajko , Sayari Arash 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As spine surgeons continue to strive for high-quality patient care in an ever-changing health care environment, their individual health can often be put on the back burner. Under the stress of caring for and operating on the spine patient, surgeons must juggle additional hardships in the form of occupational exposures such as intraoperative radiation, degenerative conditions secondary to ergonomics and the inherent physical tax of spine surgery, and an increasing incidence of mental health disorders. In this review, we discuss the current body of literature as it relates to physical, mental, and occupational tolls placed on surgeons.
Addressing nursing shortages and patient safety using Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Authors: Giuffrida Patricia , Davila Shannon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Healthcare staffing shortages in the US were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the multifaceted challenges and their impact on healthcare organizations, and proposes a framework rooted in Maslow's, hierarchy of needs to guide healthcare organizations in mitigating these shortages and improving patient safety and quality of care.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis identifies immune-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition prognostic biomarkers and immune infiltrates in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhang Peng , Zhou Shu-Chang , Liu Qing-Xu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer, particularly lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), is highly lethal. Understanding the critical interaction between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the immune status of patients is imperative for clinical assessment.

Methods
We conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify potential immune-related EMT (iEMT) prognostic genes and explored the immune status in LUAD. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GSE68465, differentially expressed genes, were identified, and a risk model was constructed. Cluster analysis was conducted using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways.

Results
Our findings revealed 69 differentially expressed iEMT genes, with risk values demonstrating independent prognostic significance for both The Cancer Genome Atlas and GSE68465 samples. The risk value was positively correlated with tumor stage. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed a significant decrease in resting dendritic cells and an increase in CD4 memory T cells in high-risk groups with poor survival prognoses. The immunotherapy analysis revealed weak immunotherapeutic effects in the high-risk group.

Conclusions
This study provides insights into potential aberrant differential iEMT genes and risk models and explores immune landscapes that inform personalized immunotherapy in patients with LUAD.
Eosinophil disorders: an update on diagnosis and management
Authors: Lu Chuanyi M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Eosinophilia can be seen in almost all medical subspecialty patients. Delay in diagnostic workup and treatment is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical vigilance and timely referral for diagnostic evaluation are critical. Causes of hypereosinophilia (HE) are diverse and can be grouped under 3 categories: primary (neoplastic), secondary (reactive), and idiopathic. Advances in molecular genetic diagnostics have led to elucidation of the genetic basis for many neoplastic hypereosinophilic disorders. One common molecular feature is formation of a fusion gene, resulting in the expression of an aberrantly activated tyrosine kinase (TK). The World Health Organization endorsed a biologically oriented classification scheme and created a new major disease category, namely, myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase gene fusions. Rearrangement of other TK genes and activating somatic mutation(s) in TK genes have also been reported in eosinophilic neoplasms. Diagnostic evaluation of HE involves a combination of clinical, histopathologic, and immunophenotypic analyses, as well as molecular genetic testing, including next-generation sequencing–based mutation panels. The management of primary HE is largely guided by the underlying molecular genetic abnormalities. Good knowledge of recent advances in HE is necessary to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and to help optimize patient care.
Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular pathogenesis and clinical research progress
Authors: Li Xuesong , Xia Feng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is advancing rapidly in the 21st century. Although there are various treatment methods, the most promising breakthrough seems to be in immunotherapy. Recent guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Association for the Study of the Liver have recommended immunotherapies with strong antitumor effects for HCC treatment. Emerging systemic therapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with targeted therapy or local treatment, are among the most promising for improving overall and tumor-free survival times in patients with HCC. This review analyzes the molecular mechanisms of existing immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor–T cells; summarizes the latest progress in relevant clinical research; and outlines future trends and opportunities for HCC immunotherapy.
Searches for beyond-standard-model physics with astroparticle physics instruments
Authors: Ackermann Markus , Helbing Klaus 
Published: December 2023

Many instruments for astroparticle physics are primarily geared towards multi-messenger astrophysics, to study the origin of cosmic rays and to understand high-energy astrophysical processes. Since these instruments observe the Universe at extreme energies and in kinematic ranges not accessible at accelerators these experiments provide also unique and complementary opportunities to search for particles and physics beyond the standard model of particle physics. In particular, the reach of IceCube, Fermi and KATRIN to search for and constrain Dark Matter, Axions, heavy Big Bang relics, sterile neutrinos and Lorentz invariance violation will be discussed. The contents of this article are based on material presented at the Humboldt–Kolleg ‘Clues to a mysterious Universe—exploring the interface of particle, gravity and quantum physics’ in June 2022.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The particle-gravity frontier’.
Dual-phase xenon time projection chambers for rare-event searches
Authors: Baudis Laura 
Published: December 2023

In the past decade, dual-phase xenon time projection chambers (Xe-TPCs) have emerged as some of the most powerful detectors in the fields of astroparticle physics and rare-event searches. Developed primarily towards the direct detection of dark matter particles, experiments presently operating deep underground have reached target masses at the multi-tonne scale, energy thresholds of approximately 1 keV and radioactivity-induced background rates similar to those from solar neutrinos. These unique properties, together with demonstrated stable operation over several years, allow for the exploration of new territory via high-sensitivity searches for a plethora of ultra-rare interactions. These include searches for particle dark matter, for second-order weak decays, and the observation of astrophysical neutrinos. We first review some properties of xenon as a radiation detection medium and the operation principles of dual-phase Xe-TPCs together with their energy calibration and resolution. We then discuss the status of currently running experiments and of proposed next-generation projects, describing some of the technological challenges. We end by looking at their sensitivity to dark matter candidates, to second-order weak decays and to solar and supernova neutrinos. Experiments based on dual-phase Xe-TPCs are difficult and, like all good experiments, they are constantly pushed to their limits. Together with many other endeavours in astroparticle physics and cosmology they will continue to push at the borders of the unknown, hopefully to reveal profound new knowledge about our cosmos.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The particle-gravity frontier’.
Balance laws as test of gravitational waveforms
Authors: Heisenberg Lavinia 
Published: December 2023

Gravitational waveforms play a crucial role in comparing observed signals with theoretical predictions. However, obtaining accurate analytical waveforms directly from general relativity (GR) remains challenging. Existing methods involve a complex blend of post-Newtonian theory, effective-one-body formalism, numerical relativity and interpolation, introducing systematic errors. As gravitational wave astronomy advances with new detectors, these errors gain significance, particularly when testing GR in the nonlinear regime. A recent development proposes a novel approach to address this issue. By deriving precise constraints—or balance laws—directly from full nonlinear GR, this method offers a means to evaluate waveform quality, detect template weaknesses and ensure internal consistency. Before delving into the intricacies of balance laws in full nonlinear GR, we illustrate the concept using a detailed mechanical analogy. We will examine a dissipative mechanical system as an example, demonstrating how mechanical balance laws can gauge the accuracy of approximate solutions in capturing the complete physical scenario. While mechanical balance laws are straightforward, deriving balance laws in electromagnetism and GR demands a rigorous foundation rooted in mathematically precise concepts of radiation. Following the analogy with electromagnetism, we derive balance laws in GR. As a proof of concept, we employ an analytical approximate waveform model, showcasing how these balance laws serve as a litmus test for the model’s validity.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘The particle-gravity frontier’.
Experimental perspectives on the matter–antimatter asymmetry puzzle: developments in electron EDM and H¯ experiments
Authors: Comparat D. , Malbrunot C. , Malbrunot-Ettenauer S. , Widmann E. , Yzombard P. 
Published: December 2023

In the search for clues to the matter–antimatter puzzle, experiments with atoms or molecules play a particular role. These systems allow measurements with very high precision, as demonstrated by the unprecedented limits down to

10

−
30

e cm on electron EDM using molecular ions, and relative measurements at the level of

10

−
12

in spectroscopy of antihydrogen atoms. Building on these impressive measurements, new experimental directions offer potential for drastic improvements. We review here some of the new perspectives in those fields and their associated prospects for new physics searches.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The particle-gravity frontier’.