bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulations and functions of proline utilization in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nishimura Akira 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
The quality of alcoholic beverages strongly depends on the metabolic characteristics of the yeast cells being used. To control the aroma and the taste of alcoholic beverages, as well as the production of ethanol in them, it is thus crucial to select yeast cells with the proper characteristics. Grape must contain a high concentration of proline, an amino acid that can potentially be a useful nitrogen source. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cannot utilize proline during the wine-making process, resulting in the elevated levels of proline in wine and consequent negative effects on wine quality. In this article, I review and discuss recent discoveries about the inhibitory mechanisms and roles of proline utilization in yeast. The information can help in developing novel yeast strains that can improve fermentation and enhance the quality and production efficiency of wine.
The fluid factor OVGP1 provides a significant oviductal microenvironment for the reproductive process in golden hamster
Authors: Yamatoya Kenji , Kurosawa Masaru , Hirose Michiko , Miura Yoshiki , Taka Hikari , Nakano Tomoyuki , Hasegawa Akiko , Kagami Kyosuke , Yoshitake Hiroshi , Goto Kaoru , Ueno Takashi , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Shinkai Yoichi , Kan Frederick W K , Ogura Atsuo , Araki Yoshihiko 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The mammalian oviductal lumen is a specialized chamber that provides an environment that strictly regulates fertilization and early embryogenesis, but the regulatory mechanisms to gametes and zygotes are unclear. We evaluated the oviductal regulation of early embryonic development using Ovgp1 (encoding an oviductal humoral factor, OVGP1)-knockout golden hamsters. The experimental results revealed the following: (1) female Ovgp1-knockout hamsters failed to produce litters; (2) in the oviducts of Ovgp1-knockout animals, fertilized eggs were sometimes identified, but their morphology showed abnormal features; (3) the number of implantations in the Ovgp1-knockout females was low; (4) even if implantations occurred, the embryos developed abnormally and eventually died; and (5) Ovgp1-knockout female ovaries transferred to wild-type females resulted in the production of Ovgp1-knockout egg-derived OVGP1-null litters, but the reverse experiment did not. These results suggest that OVGP1-mediated physiological events are crucial for reproductive process in vivo, from fertilization to early embryonic development. This animal model shows that the fate of the zygote is determined not only genetically, but also by the surrounding oviductal microenvironment.
Validating the risk of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy in a population-based cohort: plea for improved follow-up
Authors: Annebäck Matilda , Osterman Carolina , Arlebrink Jesper , Mellerstedt Simon , Papathanasakis Nicolas , Wallin Göran , Hessman Ola , Annerbo Maria , Norlén Olov 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
A previous nationwide study from Sweden showed that the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism is high and under-rated in the Swedish Quality Register. This retrospective population-based study aimed to validate the rate and diagnosis of permanent hypoparathyroidism found in the previous study. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between the rate of low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels within 24 h after surgery and the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Methods
All patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from 2005 to 2015 in a region of Sweden were included. Data were retrieved from local health records, the National Patient Registry, the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry, and the Swedish Quality Register. A strict definition of permanent hypoparathyroidism was used, including biochemical data and attempts to stop the treatment.

Results
A total of 1636 patients were included. Altogether, 143 patients (8.7 per cent) developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. Of these, 102 (6.2 per cent) had definitive permanent hypoparathyroidism, whereas 41 (2.5 per cent) had possible permanent hypoparathyroidism, because attempts to stop the treatment were lacking (28) or patients were lost to follow-up (13). The agreement between the Swedish Quality Register and the chart review was 29.3 per cent. A proportion of 23.2 per cent with a PTH level below the reference value corresponded to a 6.7 per cent rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusion
The risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy is high. Some patients are overtreated because attempts to stop the treatment are lacking. Quality registers might underestimate the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Approximately one-quarter of all patients with low PTH levels immediately after surgery developed permanent hypoparathyroidism.
A Battle of the Big Three?—Competing Conceptualizations of Personal Data Shaping Transnational Data Flows
Authors: Gao Raymond Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the unfolding digital era, personal data has increasingly been conceptualized in a hybrid way, primarily drawing on notions of economics, privacy, and national security. Such a sui generis nature makes personal data something of its own category, opening the door to different conceptualizations by different actors. This article identifies three primary conceptualizations of personal data adopted by three major powers (the US, the EU, and China) with respect to cross-border data transfers—namely, a factor of production, an embodiment of fundamental rights, and an element of national security. Highlighting different attributes of personal data, these conceptualizations differ in what they understand personal data to be, how they address the relationship between individuals, their data, and the governments, as well as what they frame as the most important normative goals for regulatory interventions. Moreover, these conceptualizations are embedded in different philosophies and ideologies, ranging from neo-liberalism to human rights and to sovereignty. These irreducible normative elements render the contestations among such conceptualizations unable to be easily resolved. Further, divergent conceptualizations of personal data mandate and justify different legal paradigms to institutionalize their basic logics and policy choices. Built on different primary conceptualizations of personal data, three major legal paradigms compete to regulate cross-border personal data flows: a trade paradigm, a privacy paradigm, and a security paradigm. Aligned with its major conceptual framing of personal data, a great power often embraces a particular paradigm as its dominant approach to regulate cross-border transfers of personal data. These paradigms strive to provide legal and regulatory solutions (including legal prescriptions, regulatory institutions, and enforcement tools) to address the salient problems identified and framed by different conceptualizations of personal data.
Associations between body composition and the risk of fracture according to bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a population-based database cohort study
Authors: Lee Jeongmin , Jung Jin-Hyung , Kim Jinyoung , Jeong Chaiho , Ha Jeonghoon , Kim Min-Hee , Lee Jung-Min , Chang Sang-Ah , Baek Ki-Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Lim Dong-Jun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to investigate the associations of body composition and the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women, stratified based on bone mineral density.

Methods
A population-based cohort study using the database of the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages with women aged 66 years was performed. Bone mineral density was categorized as normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. The following body mass index (BMI) categories for general obesity were used: underweight (&lt;18.5), normal (18.5-22.9), overweight (23-24.9), obese (25-29.9), and severely obese (≥30 kg/m2). Waist circumference (WC) used for central obesity assessment was categorized into 5 groups. Newly diagnosed fracture during the follow-up period defined based on ICD-10 codes was the primary outcome.

Results
During 7.7 ± 1.4 years of follow-up, 41 672 (17.9%) participants experienced any fracture, 20 326 (8.7%) experienced vertebral fractures (VFs), and 2883 (1.2%) experienced hip fractures (HFs). The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for any fracture showed a progressive increase with higher BMI and WC categories in individual with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Regarding VF, aHR was highest in severely obese individuals with osteoporosis (aHR [95% CI], 3.45 [2.99-3.97]) and in individuals with WC ≥ 95 cm with osteoporosis (4.79 [4.09-5.60]). The aHR [95% CI] for HF was highest in the underweight group with osteopenia (1.94 [1.16-3.27]) and osteoporosis (2.96 [2.15-4.10]). In central obesity individuals with WC ≥ 95 cm, aHR [95% CI] for HF was 2.80 [1.91-4.91].

Conclusions
General obesity and central obesity are not protective against any fracture, VF and HF in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Justice implications of health and food security policies for Indigenous peoples facing COVID-19: a qualitative study and policy analysis in Peru
Authors: Chicmana-Zapata Victoria , Arotoma-Rojas Ingrid , Anza-Ramírez Cecilia , Ford James , Galappaththi Eranga K , Pickering Kerrie , Sacks Emma , Togarepi Cecil , Perera Chrishma D , van Bavel Bianca , Hyams Keith , Akugre Francis A , Nkalubo Jonathan , Dharmasiri Indunil , Nakwafila Olivia , Mensah Adelina , Miranda Jaime J , Zavaleta-Cortijo Carol 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 in Peru resulted in the declaration of a national health emergency, in which Indigenous peoples were identified as being particularly vulnerable due to their pre-existing poor health indicators and disadvantaged social conditions. The aim of this paper is to examine how the Peruvian government responded to the health and food needs of the Shawi and Ashaninka Indigenous peoples of Peru during the first 18 months of the pandemic (March 2020–August 2021). This study uses both official policy documents and real-world experiences to evaluate policy responses in terms of their immediate impact and their longer-term sustainability and contribution to the improvement of health, well-being and justice for Indigenous communities. Four health and food security responses were evaluated: the Amazon Health Plan and Indigenous Command; food aid; cash aid; and COVID-19 vaccination. We employed the Multidimensional Injustice Framework to analyse the justice implications of the design and implementation of responses. Data collection included 71 interviews with government officials (n = 7), Indigenous leaders (n = 31) and community members (n = 33). The results show how national and regional governments released policies to address the health and food needs of Indigenous peoples directly or indirectly, as part of a broader focus on vulnerable people. However, justice implications were not sufficiently addressed in the design or implementation of the responses. On the distributive dimension, Indigenous communities were prioritized to receive health goods and services, nevertheless, the distribution had shortcomings that impeded their collection and Indigenous food systems and livelihoods were largely overlooked. On the procedural dimension, Indigenous representatives were included to provide culturally sensitive feedback on health interventions, but without funding, and furthermore, the community members had only passive participation. This paper points out the importance of considering and addressing justice implications for more effective and fairer health and food policy responses to current and future health crises.
Policy and practices shaping the delivery of health services to pregnant adolescents in informal urban settlements in Kenya
Authors: Okoth Linet , Steege Rosie , Ngunjiri Anne , Theobald Sally , Otiso Lilian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In Kenya, the pregnancy rate of 15% among adolescents aged 15–19 years is alarmingly high. Adolescent girls living in informal urban settlements are exposed to rapid socio-economic transitions and multiple intersecting health risks and may be particularly disadvantaged in accessing sexual reproductive health services. Understanding vulnerabilities and service-seeking behaviours from different perspectives is important in order to support the development and implementation of progressive policies and services that meet adolescents’ unique needs within urban informal settlements. This study explored policy makers, community health service providers’ and community members’ perceptions of access to, and delivery of, sexual reproductive health services for pregnant adolescents in one informal urban settlement in Nairobi. We employed qualitative methods with respondents throughout the health system, purposively sampled by gender and diversity of roles. We conducted focus group discussions with community members (n = 2 female-only; n = 2 male-only), key informant interviews with policy makers (n = 8), traditional birth attendants (n = 12), community health volunteers (CHVs) (n = 11), a nutritionist (n = 1), social workers (n = 2) and clinical officers (n = 2). We analysed the data using thematic analysis. Government policies and strategies on sexual and reproductive health for adolescents exist in Kenya and there are examples of innovative and inclusive practice within facilities. Key factors that support the provision of services to pregnant adolescents include devolved governance, and effective collaboration and partnerships, including with CHVs. However, inadequate financing and medical supplies, human resource shortages and stigmatizing attitudes from health providers and communities, mean that pregnant adolescents from informal urban settlements often miss out on critical services. The provision of quality, youth-friendly reproductive health services for this group requires policies and practice that seek to achieve reproductive justice through centring the needs and realities of pregnant adolescents, acknowledging the complex and intersecting social inequities they face.
Pretreatment prediction for IVF outcomes: generalized applicable model or centre-specific model?
Authors: Cai Jiali , Jiang Xiaoming , Liu Lanlan , Liu Zhenfang , Chen Jinghua , Chen Kaijie , Yang Xiaolian , Ren Jianzhi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
What was the performance of different pretreatment prediction models for IVF, which were developed based on UK/US population (McLernon 2016 model, Luke model, Dhillon model, and McLernon 2022 model), in wider populations?

SUMMARY ANSWER
For a patient in China, the published pretreatment prediction models based on the UK/US population provide similar discriminatory power with reasonable AUCs and underestimated predictions.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Several pretreatment prediction models for IVF allow patients and clinicians to estimate the cumulative probability of live birth in a cycle before the treatment, but they are mostly based on the population of Europe or the USA, and their performance and applicability in the countries and regions beyond these regions are largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A total of 26 382 Chinese patients underwent oocyte pick-up cycles between January 2013 and December 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
UK/US model performance was externally validated according to the coefficients and intercepts they provided. Centre-specific models were established with XGboost, Lasso, and generalized linear model algorithms. Discriminatory power and calibration of the models were compared as the forms of the AUC of the Receiver Operator Characteristic and calibration curves.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The AUCs for McLernon 2016 model, Luke model, Dhillon model, and McLernon 2022 model were 0.69 (95% CI 0.68–0.69), 0.67 (95% CI 0.67–0.68), 0.69 (95% CI 0.68–0.69), and 0.67 (95% CI 0.67–0.68), respectively. The centre-specific yielded an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI 0.71–0.72) with key predictors including age, duration of infertility, and endocrine parameters. All external models suggested underestimation. Among the external models, the rescaled McLernon 2022 model demonstrated the best calibration (Slope 1.12, intercept 0.06).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The study is limited by its single-centre design and may not be representative elsewhere. Only per-complete cycle validation was carried out to provide a similar framework to compare different models in the sample population. Newer predictors, such as AMH, were not used.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Existing pretreatment prediction models for IVF may be used to provide useful discriminatory power in populations different from those on which they were developed. However, models based on newer more relevant datasets may provide better calibrations.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 22176159], the Xiamen Medical Advantage Subspecialty Construction Project [grant number 2018296], and the Special Fund for Clinical and Scientific Research of Chinese Medical Association [grant number 18010360765].

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
The Microfoundations of Nuclear Proliferation: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Lee Kyung Suk 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
How do South Koreans shape their nuclear proliferation beliefs? Despite growing scholarly research on public attitudes toward nuclearization, we do not fully understand the underlying factors that influence mass opinion on nuclear weapon acquisition. This study tests the effects of structural- and individual-level factors on South Korean public support for nuclear weapon acquisition by creating a novel time-series dataset. Contrary to conventional wisdom, structural variables did not immediately shift South Koreans’ proliferation beliefs. Instead, the effects accumulated over time. North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and nuclear tests gradually increased South Koreans’ support for proliferation. Also, within a short time period, South Korea–U.S. summits had null effects but progressively dampened the armament preferences. Interestingly, North Korea’s denuclearization summits instantly reduced the proliferation beliefs, but, the support for nuclearization surged over time. Regarding individual-level factors, South Koreans’ fear of nuclear imbalance, desire to decide on their own nuclear war, and conservative party identification were positively associated with the support for proliferation. This study enriches existing literature by offering new empirical evidence and contributes to the scholarly debate on the impact of U.S. security assurances on South Koreans’ nuclear proliferation attitudes.
Pattern formation and travelling waves in a multiphase moving boundary model of tumour growth
Authors: Jepson Jacob M , O’Dea Reuben D , Billingham John , Fadai Nabil T 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We employ the multiphase, moving boundary model of Byrne et al. (2003, Appl. Math. Lett., 16, 567–573) that describes the evolution of a motile, viscous tumour cell phase and an inviscid extracellular liquid phase. This model comprises two partial differential equations that govern the cell volume fraction and the cell velocity, together with a moving boundary condition for the tumour edge, and here we characterize and analyse its travelling-wave and pattern-forming behaviour. Numerical simulations of the model indicate that patterned solutions can be obtained, which correspond to multiple regions of high cell density separated by regions of low cell density. In other parameter regimes, solutions of the model can develop into a forward- or backward-moving travelling wave, corresponding to tumour growth or extinction, respectively. A travelling-wave analysis allows us to find the corresponding wave speed, as well as criteria for the growth or extinction of the tumour. Furthermore, a stability analysis of these travelling-wave solutions provides us with criteria for the occurrence of patterned solutions. Finally, we discuss how the initial cell distribution, as well as parameters related to cellular motion and cell-liquid drag, control the qualitative features of patterned solutions.
The 3-Isogeny Selmer Groups of the Elliptic Curves y2=x3+n2
Authors: Chan Stephanie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Consider the family of elliptic curves $E_{n}:y^{2}=x^{3}+n^{2}$, where $n$ varies over positive cubefree integers. There is a rational $3$-isogeny $\phi $ from $E_{n}$ to $\hat {E}_{n}:y^{2}=x^{3}-27n^{2}$ and a dual isogeny $\hat {\phi }:\hat {E}_{n}\rightarrow E_{n}$. We show that for almost all $n$, the rank of $\operatorname {Sel}_{\phi }(E_{n})$ is $0$, and the rank of $\operatorname {Sel}_{\hat {\phi }}(\hat {E}_{n})$ is determined by the number of prime factors of $n$ that are congruent to $2\bmod 3$ and the congruence class of $n\bmod 9$.
Berberine inhibitsCandida albicansgrowth by disrupting mitochondrial function through the reduction of iron absorption
Authors: Zheng Dongming , Yue Daifan , Shen Jinyang , Li Dongmei , Song Zhen , Huang Yifu , Yong Jiangyan , Li Yan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate whether berberine (BBR) can inhibit the iron reduction mechanism of Candida albicans, lowering the iron uptake of the yeast and perhaps having antimicrobial effects.Methods and resultsWe determined that BBR may cause extensive transcriptional remodeling in C. albicans and that iron permease Ftr1 played a crucial role in this process through eukaryotic transcriptome sequencing. Mechanistic research showed that BBR might selectively inhibit the iron reduction pathway to lower the uptake of exogenous iron ions, inhibiting C. albicans from growing and metabolizing. Subsequent research revealed that BBR caused significant mitochondrial dysfunction, which triggered the process of mitochondrial autophagy. Moreover, we discovered that C. albicans redox homeostasis, susceptibility to antifungal drugs, and hyphal growth are all impacted by the suppression of this mechanism by BBR.ConclusionsThe iron reduction mechanism in C. albicans is disrupted by BBR, which disrupts mitochondrial function and inhibits fungal growth. These findings highlight the potential promise of BBR in antifungal applications.
Targeting the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain and its regulatory pathways to enhance cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chai Fangni , Li Pan , Liu Xin , Zhou Zhihui , Ren Haiyan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As a significant member of the immune checkpoint, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a critical role in cancer immune escape and has become an important target for cancer immunotherapy. Clinically approved drugs mainly target the extracellular domain of PD-L1. Recently, the small cytoplasmic domain of PD-L1 has been reported to regulate PD-L1 stability and function through multiple pathways. Therefore, the intracellular domain of PD-L1 and its regulatory pathways could be promising targets for cancer therapy, expanding available strategies for combined immunotherapy. Here, we summarize the emerging roles of the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain and its regulatory pathways. The conserved motifs, homodimerization, and posttranslational modifications of the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain have been reported to regulate the membrane anchoring, degradation, nuclear translocation, and glycosylation of PD-L1. This summary provides a comprehensive understanding of the functions of the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain and evaluates the broad prospects for targeted therapy.