bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the reliability of local earthquake tomography for crustal imaging: 30 yr of records in the Western Alps as a case study
Authors: Virieux J , Paul A , Langlais M , Janex G , Guéguen P , Helmstetter A , Stehly L 
Published: September 2023

SUMMARY
Local earthquake tomography (LET) is a popular method for inverting arrival time picks of local-regional earthquakes for P- and S-wave velocities and hypocentre parameters in seismically active regions. This popularity is due to some robust and well-documented open-source codes that are sometimes used as black boxes. The availability of a very complete time-pick database on the Western Alps gives us a chance to thoroughly investigate the influence of the numerous processes and parameters involved when applying LET to the Western Alps or similar targets. From a subset of high-quality manual picks (1989–2014), we compute preliminary P and S velocity models that are used to predict arrival times for later events and allow the selected fusion of picks downloaded from different seismological agencies for a consistent 33-yr database (1989–2021). Different model reconstructions are proposed by selecting different subsets of the arrival time data set. Aside data input into the LET, influence of initial stratified or 3-D velocity models and related initial earthquake locations is investigated together with grid discretization, Laplacian smoothing and damping parameters in the standard penalty approach commonly used by LET codes. These numerical parameters account for the expected limited resolution of seismic waves due to their finite-frequency content. Parameter selection is handled by the user, whereas frequency impact is only implicit in the onset picks.
The earthquake distribution allows a reconstruction down to 40-km depth over an area of ∼500 × 500 km2. Robust features such as the high-velocity Ivrea body anomaly, and a deep low-velocity anomaly associated with crustal thickening underneath the mountain belt survive whatever the tomography strategy and parameters. Finally, a comparison with previous LET reconstructions suggests that finite-frequency content be explicitly incorporated through wave equation tomography to improve spatial resolution. This would fully exploit observables collected from seismograms, albeit with a significant increase in computer costs.
Upregulation of the NKG2D Ligand ULBP2 by JC Polyomavirus Infection Promotes Immune Recognition by Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Jost Stephanie , Ahn Jenny , Chen Sarah , Yoder Taylor , Gikundiro Kayitare Eunice , Lee Esther , Gressens Simon B , Kroll Kyle , Craemer Melissa , Kaynor G Campbell , Lifton Michelle , Tan C Sabrina 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a potentially fatal complication of severe immune suppression with no effective treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in defense against viral infections; however, NK-cell response to JCPyV infection remains unexplored.

Methods
NK- and T-cell responses against the JCPyV VP1 were compared using intracellular cytokine staining upon stimulation with peptide pools. A novel flow cytometry-based assay was developed to determine NK-cell killing efficiency of JCPyV-infected astrocyte-derived SVG-A cells. Blocking antibodies were used to evaluate the contribution of NK-cell receptors in immune recognition of JCPyV-infected cells.

Results
In about 40% of healthy donors, we detected robust CD107a upregulation and IFN-γ production by NK cells, extending beyond T-cell responses. Next, using the NK-cell–mediated killing assay, we showed that coculture of NK cells and JCPyV-infected SVG-A cells leads to a 60% reduction in infection, on average. JCPyV-infected cells had enhanced expression of ULBP2—a ligand for the activating NK-cell receptor NKG2D, and addition of NKG2D blocking antibodies decreased NK-cell degranulation.

Conclusions
NKG2D-mediated activation of NK cells plays a key role in controlling JCPyV replication and may be a promising immunotherapeutic target to boost NK-cell anti-JCPyV activity.
A novel opsonic eCIRP inhibitor for lethal sepsis
Authors: Nofi Colleen P , Tan Chuyi , Ma Gaifeng , Kobritz Molly , Prince Jose M , Wang Haichao , Aziz Monowar , Wang Ping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSepsis is a life-threatening inflammatory condition partly orchestrated by the release of various damage-associated molecular patterns such as extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP). Despite advances in understanding the pathogenic role of eCIRP in inflammatory diseases, novel therapeutic strategies to prevent its excessive inflammatory response are lacking. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-VIII (MFG-E8) is critical for the opsonic clearance of apoptotic cells, but its potential involvement in the removal of eCIRP was previously unknown. Here, we report that MFG-E8 can strongly bind eCIRP to facilitate αvβ3-integrin-dependent internalization and lysosome-dependent degradation of MFG-E8/eCIRP complexes, thereby attenuating excessive inflammation. Genetic disruption of MFG-E8 expression exaggerated sepsis-induced systemic accumulation of eCIRP and other cytokines, and consequently exacerbated sepsis-associated acute lung injury. In contrast, MFG-E8–derived oligopeptide recapitulated its eCIRP binding properties, and significantly attenuated eCIRP-induced inflammation to confer protection against sepsis. Our findings suggest a novel therapeutic approach to attenuate eCIRP-induced inflammation to improve outcomes of lethal sepsis.
Targeting hepatic ceruloplasmin mitigates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating bile acid metabolism
Authors: Jiang Quanxin , Wang Ning , Lu Sijia , Xiong Jie , Yuan Yanmei , Liu Junli , Chen Suzhen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition that progresses from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. It has the potential to develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer, and currently no effective pharmacological treatment is available. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting ceruloplasmin (Cp), a copper-containing protein predominantly secreted by hepatocytes, for treating NASH. Our result show that hepatic Cp is remarkedly upregulated in individuals with NASH and the mouse NASH model. Hepatocyte-specific Cp ablation effectively attenuates the onset of dietary-induced NASH by decreasing lipid accumulation, curbing inflammation, mitigating fibrosis, and ameliorating liver damage. By employing transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches, we have discovered that hepatic deletion of Cp brings about remarkable restoration of bile acid (BA) metabolism during NASH. Hepatic deletion of Cp effectively remodels BA metabolism by upregulating Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1, which subsequently leads to enhanced BA synthesis and notable alterations in BA profiles. In conclusion, our studies elucidate the crucial involvement of Cp in NASH, highlighting its significance as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.
Loss of susceptibility, an underexplored approach for durable resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes
Authors: Kyndt Tina 
Published: September 2023

This article comments on:Noureddine Y, da Rocha M, An J, Médina C, Mejias J, Mulet K, Quentin M, Abad P, Zouine M, Favery B, Jaubert-Possamai S. 2023. AUXIN RESPONSIVE FACTOR8 regulates development of the feeding site induced by root-knot nematodes in tomato. Journal of Experimental Botany 74, 5752–5766.
Asymmetric Evolution of Protein Domains in the Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase Family of Plant Signaling Proteins
Authors: Man Jarrett , Harrington T A , Lally Kyra , Bartlett Madelaine E 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The coding sequences of developmental genes are expected to be deeply conserved, with cis-regulatory change driving the modulation of gene function. In contrast, proteins with roles in defense are expected to evolve rapidly, in molecular arms races with pathogens. However, some gene families include both developmental and defense genes. In these families, does the tempo and mode of evolution differ between genes with divergent functions, despite shared ancestry and structure? The leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLKs) protein family includes members with roles in plant development and defense, thus providing an ideal system for answering this question. LRR-RLKs are receptors that traverse plasma membranes. LRR domains bind extracellular ligands; RLK domains initiate intracellular signaling cascades in response to ligand binding. In LRR-RLKs with roles in defense, LRR domains evolve faster than RLK domains. To determine whether this asymmetry extends to LRR-RLKs that function primarily in development, we assessed evolutionary rates and tested for selection acting on 11 subfamilies of LRR-RLKs, using deeply sampled protein trees. To assess functional evolution, we performed heterologous complementation assays in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). We found that the LRR domains of all tested LRR-RLK proteins evolved faster than their cognate RLK domains. All tested subfamilies of LRR-RLKs had strikingly similar patterns of molecular evolution, despite divergent functions. Heterologous transformation experiments revealed that multiple mechanisms likely contribute to the evolution of LRR-RLK function, including escape from adaptive conflict. Our results indicate specific and distinct evolutionary pressures acting on LRR versus RLK domains, despite diverse organismal roles for LRR-RLK proteins.
Human Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G Response and Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Adolescents: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Swanepoel Jeremi , van Zyl Gert , Hesseling Anneke C , Johnson Sarah M , Moore David A J , Seddon James A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Emerging evidence suggests a link between infection with herpes viruses, particularly human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and progression to tuberculosis disease.

Methods
An unmatched case-control study was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 years enrolled in an observational study (Teen TB) between November 2020 and November 2021, in Cape Town, South Africa. Fifty individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis and 51 healthy tuberculosis-exposed individuals without tuberculosis were included. Demographics and clinical data were obtained, and serum samples collected at enrolment were tested for HCMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgG using 2 automated enzyme immunoassays. Odds ratios were estimated using unconditional logistic regression.

Results
The median age of 101 participants was 15 years (interquartile range, 13–17 years); 55 (54%) were female. All participants were HCMV IgG seropositive, and 95% were EBNA IgG seropositive. Individuals with tuberculosis had higher HCMV IgG titers than healthy controls (P = .04). Individuals with upper-tertile HCMV IgG titers had 3.67 times greater odds of pulmonary tuberculosis than those with IgG titers in the lower tertile (95% confidence interval, 1.05–12.84; P = .04). There was a trend for increasing odds of pulmonary tuberculosis with increasing titers of HCMV IgG (P = .04). In contrast, there was no association between tuberculosis and higher EBNA IgG values.

Conclusions
There is a high prevalence of sensitization to HCMV and EBV among adolescents in this high-tuberculosis-burden setting. Higher HCMV IgG titers were associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in adolescents.
The Natural History of Antibiotic-Treated Lower Limb Cellulitis: Analysis of Data Extracted From a Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Williams O Martin , Hamilton Fergus , Brindle Richard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Although cellulitis is a relatively common skin infection, there remains uncertainty about management, particularly the length and route of antimicrobials required. Further information on the symptomatology and biomarker changes associated with cellulitis over time would guide clinicians and patients as to the expected natural history.

Methods
We extracted data from a randomized clinical trial (NCT01876628) of clindamycin as adjunctive therapy in cellulitis to illustrate the evolution of local parameters (pain, swelling, local erythema, and warmth) and the resolution of biomarkers over time.

Results
Data from 247 individuals with mild to moderate unilateral lower limb cellulitis, who attended at least 1 face-to-face interview following recruitment, were used to examine response dynamics. Although there was a local improvement in swelling, warmth, erythema, and pain by day 5 compared with baseline, some individuals still had evidence of local inflammation at 10 days. Most biomarkers demonstrated a return to normal by day 3, although the initial fall in albumin only returned to baseline by day 10.

Conclusions
Although there was initial resolution, a significant number of individuals still had local symptoms persisting to day 10 and beyond. Clinicians can use these data to reassure themselves and their patients that ongoing local symptoms and signs after completion of antibiotic treatment do not indicate treatment failure or warrant extension of the initial antibiotic treatment or a change in antibiotic class or mode of administration.
Mass Media's Role in Terrorism: The Issue of Frame Sending and Terrorist Communication
Authors: Oswald Michael T , Fürst Kristina , Johann Michael 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The propaganda videos of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) became a widespread issue throughout the Western world between 2014 and 2017. The problem was not that the videos went viral on social media but that people learned about them and their content through the news. Each ISIL video posted on social media provoked some kind of media reaction that generated public attention. Given that a common framing effect leads people to think through the frames offered to them, journalists and media outlets can pick up frames and send them via their reporting. Based on a qualitative content analysis of news articles in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, this article shows that media outlets often sent ISIL’s frames and discussed related problems using the frames set by ISIL. Therefore, the media played a crucial role in the logic of this terrorist organization and its communication strategy by sending specific strategic communicator frames to the public. However, this analysis reveals that media framing changed over time: reporting became more balanced and, in some cases, even contested ISIL’s frames.
Artesunate-mefloquine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety
Authors: de Freitas Beatriz Sales , Fernandes Gabriel Haiek , Pereira Ana Carolina Esteves da Silva , Peixoto Henry Maia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
To provide a continuous update on the safety and efficacy of artesunate-mefloquine (ASMQ) compared with other artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) schemes used in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, this study updated and expanded the results of the systematic literature review published in 2016. Only randomised controlled clinical trials published from 1 January 2001 to 12 June 2023 from five databases were included in this study. The results related to efficacy, expressed through RR, were summarized in meta-analyses, performed according to the compared ACTs and with the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The results related to safety were synthesized in a descriptive manner. Thirty-two studies were included, of which 24 had been analysed in the 2016 review and eight new ones were added. Although the methodological quality of most studies was considered moderate, the body of evidence gathered indicates that ASMQ continues to be safe and effective for the treatment of uncomplicated infections caused by P. falciparum compared with other ACTs. However, the inclusion of two new studies, which identified failure rates exceeding 10%, suggests a possible reduction in the efficacy of ASMQ in the analysed locations. The incidence of serious adverse effects, such as seizure, encephalopathy and cardiac arrhythmia, was infrequent in both the ASMQ group and the comparison groups. After including new evidence, ASMQ is still recommended as a first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum, although local aspects need to be considered.
Who Is Holding the Syringe? A Survey of Truth in Advertising Among Medical Spas
Authors: Hogan Sara , Wood Emily , Mishra Vineet 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND
The degree of supervision and level of expertise required for performing cosmetic procedures differs significantly from state to state. Medical spas providing cosmetic procedures have seen exponential growth since 2020.

OBJECTIVE
To provide a representative sample of the medical spa industry in the Unites States regarding the expertise among providers performing cosmetic procedures and the degree of oversight at medical spas offering these procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHOD
Descriptive study based on a standardized telephone interview performed by a secret shopper in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Data were then extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS
Of 127 medical spas reviewed, a supervising physician was not on-site at 81.1% of the facilities. Patients were informed of this at 64.6% of the surveyed medical spas.

CONCLUSION
There is considerable variation in the oversight and in the training among those performing cosmetic procedures at surveyed medical spas. As cosmetic procedures become increasingly popular among the public, further regulation of medical spas is warranted to protect patient safety.
Suicide Attempts and Ideation Among Veterans/Service Members and Non-Veterans Over 5 Years Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Combined NIDILRR and VA TBI Model Systems Study
Authors: Klyce Daniel W. , Perrin Paul B. , Ketchum Jessica M. , Finn Jacob A. , Juengst Shannon B. , Gary Kelli W. , Fisher Lauren B. , Pasipanodya Elizabeth , Niemeier Janet P. , Vargas Tiffanie A. , Campbell Thomas A. 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
This study compared rates of suicide attempt (SA) and suicidal ideation (SI) during the first 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans and service members (V/SMs) in the Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Model Systems National Databases to each other and to non-veterans (non-Vs) in the NIDILRR database.

Setting:
Twenty-one NIDILRR and 5 VA TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the United States.

Participants:
Participants with TBI were discharged from rehabilitation alive, had a known military status recorded (either non-V or history of military service), and successful 1-, 2-, and/or 5-year follow-up interviews completed between 2009 and 2021. The year 1 cohort included 8737 unique participants (8347 with SA data and 3987 with SI data); the year 2 (7628 participants) and year 5 (4837 participants) cohorts both had similar demographic characteristics to the year 1 cohort.

Design:
Longitudinal design with data collected across TBIMS centers at 1, 2, and 5 years post-injury.

Main Outcomes and Measures:
History of SA in past year and SI in past 2 weeks assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and rehabilitation outcomes were also assessed.

Results:
Full sample rates of SA were 1.9%, 1.5%, and 1.6%, and rates of SI were 9.6%, 10.1%, and 8.7% (respectively at years 1, 2, and 5). There were significant differences among groups based on demographic, injury-related, mental/behavioral health, and functional outcome variables. Characteristics predicting SA/SI related to mental health history, substance use, younger age, lower functional independence, and greater levels of disability.

Conclusions:
Compared with participants with TBI in the NIDILRR system, higher rates of SI among V/SMs with TBI in the VA system appear associated with risk factors observed within this group, including mental/behavioral health characteristics and overall levels of disability.
Litigation, Performance Validity Testing, and Treatment Outcomes in Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mikolic Ana , Panenka William J. , Iverson Grant L. , Cotton Erica , Burke Matthew J. , Silverberg Noah D. 
Published: September 2023

Objective:
To investigate whether involvement in litigation and performance validity test (PVT) failure predict adherence to treatment and treatment outcomes in adults with persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Setting:
Outpatient concussion clinics in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were assessed at intake (average 12.9 weeks postinjury) and again following 3 to 4 months of rehabilitation.

Participants:
Adults who met the World Health Organization Neurotrauma Task Force definition of mTBI. Litigation status was known for 69 participants (n = 21 reported litigation), and 62 participants completed a PVT (n = 13 failed the Test of Memory Malingering) at clinic intake.

Design:
Secondary analysis of a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03972579).

Main Measures:
Outcomes included number of completed sessions, homework adherence, symptoms (Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire), disability ratings (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), and patient-rated global impression of change.

Results:
We did not observe substantial differences in session and homework adherence associated with litigation or PVT failure. Disability and postconcussion symptoms generally improved with treatment. Involvement in litigation was associated with a smaller improvement in outcomes, particularly disability (B = 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25-4.89], P = .03) and patient-reported global impression of change (odds ratio [OR] = 4.19, 95% CI [1.40-12.57], P = .01). PVT failure was not associated with considerable differences in treatment outcomes. However, participants who failed the PVT had a higher rate of missing outcomes (31% vs 8%) and perceived somewhat less global improvement (OR = 3.47, 95% CI [0.86-14.04]; P = .08).

Conclusion:
Adults with mTBI who are in litigation or who failed PVTs tend to adhere to and improve following treatment. However, involvement in litigation may be associated with attenuated improvements, and pretreatment PVT failure may predict lower engagement in the treatment process.