bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts identifies a prognostic signature in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Zhishen , Zhang Zijian , You Xiaotong , Ye Li , Lin Weimin , Liu Liu , Cao Yubin , Pan Jian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to determine their prognostic values.Materials and MethodsSingle‐cell subpopulation identification and communication analysis identified crosstalk markers. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox analysis identified key prognostic features by integrating the bulk transcriptome and clinical parameters. Functional analysis and immune infiltration were explored to determine possible mechanisms.ResultsInteractions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts primarily involve MIF, MK, PTN, IGF, EGF, and PERIOSTIN, whereas T cells interact with epithelial cells and fibroblasts through MIF, CXCL, PAR, IFN, and EGF signals. We constructed a novel prognostic feature comprising 13 crosstalk genes: HBEGF, FGF7, GRN, ITGB5, CXCR6, ERBB2, AREG, F2RL2, NAMPT, KLK12, HMGB2, TUBA1B, and KLRD1. Patients were stratified based on the RiskScore. Functional analysis revealed that the high‐risk group was enriched in immunosuppressive pathways (p < 0.001). Immune checkpoints including PD‐1, PD‐L1, and CTLA4 were more highly expressed in the high‐risk group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe crosstalk network among T cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts is complex and may have implications for prognosis and clinical treatments of OSCC patients.
Taxation, democracy, and inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Relevant linkages for sustainable development goals
Authors: Adegboye Alex , Adegboye Kofo , Uwuigbe Uwalomwa , Ojeka Stephen , Fasanu Eyitemi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGiven that the linear linkage between taxation and income inequality remains unclear, especially in Sub‐Saharan African countries, it is critical to explore how the redistribution channel of the tax system could mitigate income inequality within democratic institutions. Using the instrumental variable approach for robust analysis, this study explores the panel dataset of 42 Sub‐Saharan African countries from 1996–2014. The following findings are documented. First, both unconditional linkages between taxation and democracy overwhelmingly reduce income inequality. Second, harnessing democracy with taxation has a net effect that reduces income inequality. Overall, this study establishes that a strong democratic system strengthens the tax system for an income redistribution strategy to enhance income equality. This study is relevant for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 1 on poverty reduction, SDG 10 on inequality, and SDG 16 on strong institutions.Related ArticlesGatchair, Sonia D. 2015. “Ideology and Interests in Tax Administration Reform in Jamaica.” Politics & Policy 43(6): 887–913. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12139.Nchofoung, Tii, Simplice Asongu, Vanessa Tchamyou, and Ofeh Edoh. 2022. “Gender, Political Inclusion, and Democracy in Africa: Some Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 51(1): 137–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12505.Wang, Yingyao. 2017. “Why Tax Policy Is Not Politics in China: Public Finance and China's Changing State‐Society Relations.” Politics & Policy 45(2): 194–223. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12200.
Identification of Piper species that are resistant to Phytophthora capsici, Meloidogyne incognita, and waterlogging in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Hai Thi Hong , Rasphone Sonexay , Nguyen Bao Le Quy , Ho Han Ngoc , Nguyen Co Quang , Tran Tu Thi , Hoang Thao Xuan , Duong Thuy Thanh 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBlack pepper (Piper nigrum) is a spice commonly used in kitchens throughout the world. Black pepper production is devastated by a range of pathogenic agents, including Phytophthora capsici and Meloidogyne incognita. Many efforts have been directed towards finding black pepper cultivars that are resistant to these pathogens. In this work, a 39‐accession germplasm panel of species in the Piper family collected throughout Vietnam was described. Preliminary tests using P. capsici inoculation onto leaves were carried out to identify potentially resistant accessions. Next, candidate plants were inoculated with P. capsici mycelial suspension and survival rates were assessed 15, 30 and 45 days postinoculation. In addition, Piper plants were challenged with M. incognita by adding larvae/juveniles to growing pots. Resistance to M. incognita was determined by the number of root galls and the percentage of plants with yellow leaves 1, 2 and 4 months after treatment. Piper accessions were also subjected to a 4‐day waterlogged treatment. Two accessions (HUIB_PH30 and HUIB_PD36) demonstrated high levels of resistance to all biological and water stresses. Micromorphological characterizations revealed that the amount of intercellular spaces in the root cortex correlated with the resistance to P. capsici and waterlogging tolerance. Hence, the abundance of intercellular spaces can serve as a guide for further selection of black pepper accessions that are resistant to common diseases and tolerant to waterlogged conditions.
Fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) are upregulated by salicylic acid together with defense‐related genes in non‐fructan accumulating plants
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hanh , Leclerc Laëtitia , Manzanares‐Dauleux Maria J. , Gravot Antoine , Vicré Maïté , Morvan‐Bertrand Annette , Prud'homme Marie‐Pascale 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe identification of several fructan exohydrolases (FEHs, EC 3.2.1.80) in non‐fructan accumulating plants raised the question of their roles. FEHs may be defense‐related proteins involved in the interactions with fructan‐accumulating microorganisms. Since known defense‐related proteins are upregulated by defense‐related phytohormones, we tested the hypothesis that FEHs of non‐fructan accumulating plants are upregulated by salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the agronomically relevant and genetically related species Brassica napus. By sequence homologies with the two known FEH genes of A. thaliana, At6‐FEH, and At6&1‐FEH, the genes coding for the putative B. napus FEHs, Bn6‐FEH and Bn6&1‐FEH, were identified. Plants were treated at root level with SA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC). The transcript levels of defense‐related and FEH genes were measured after treatments. MeJA and ACC did not upregulate FEHs, while HEL (HEVEIN‐LIKE PREPROTEIN) expression was enhanced by both phytohormones. In both species, the expression of AOS, encoding a JA biosynthesis enzyme, was enhanced by MeJA and that of the defensine PDF1.2 and the ET signaling transcription factor ERF1/2 by ACC. In contrast, SA not only increased the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial proteins (PR1 and HEL) and the defense‐related transcription factor WRKY70 but also that of FEH genes, in particular 6&1‐FEH genes. This result supports the putative role of FEHs as defense‐related proteins. Genotypic variability of SA‐mediated FEH regulation (transcript level and activities) was observed among five varieties of B. napus, suggesting different susceptibilities toward fructan‐accumulating pathogens.
Banks and financial crises: contributions of Ben Bernanke, Douglas Diamond, and Philip Dybvig*
Authors: He Zhiguo , Hu Yunzhi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe 2022 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was awarded to Ben S. Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond, and Philip H. Dybvig “for research on banks and financial crises”. This article surveys the contributions of the three laureates and discusses how their insights have changed the way that academics and policymakers understand banks and their roles in financial crises.
Ultrasonographic analysis of facial skin thickness in relation to age, site, sex, and body mass index
Authors: Jeong Kyung Muk , Seo Ji Yun , Kim Anna , Kim Young Chan , Baek Yoo Sang , Oh Chil Hwan , Jeon Jiehyun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundNumerous nonsurgical but invasive cosmetic procedures are performed blindly in the dermis or subcutaneous fat layer of the facial skin.ObjectivesTo measure the numerical skin thickness of the facial areas where dermatological procedures are performed by applying ultrasound techniques, and to make it possible to estimate the skin thickness by investigating the influence of several individual constitutional factors such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), so that these variables can be applied to estimate skin thickness.Materials and methodsSkin thickness was measured at eight different facial points using an ultrasound machine (Affiniti 50; Philips Inc.). Demographic data were gathered using questionnaires. Manual BMI was calculated from the weight and height of each participant, and individual BMI measurements were performed using a body composition analyzer.ResultsIn terms of whole skin thickness, the thickest point was the mouth corner, and the thinnest point was the lateral forehead. The thickest point in the epidermis was the chin, and the thinnest point was the nasolabial fold. The thickest point in the dermis was the corner of the mouth, and the thinnest was the lateral forehead. Full skin thickness and dermal thickness were mostly lower in females. Skin thickness was not significantly correlated with BMI.ConclusionThe skin thickness at different points on the face was variable, and realistic data about skin thickness can be obtained by in vivo ultrasonographic analysis of the skin.
Evolution of conflict management style during first year of paediatric residency
Authors: Kulesa John , Escalante Enrique , Olsen Nils , Lucas Raymond 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundFirst‐year residents frequently encounter conflict during their training. Residents' conflict management strategies can influence patient safety, quality of care and perceptions of performance on competency evaluations. Existing literature inadequately describes how first‐year resident conflict management styles evolve over time.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess if and how conflict management styles change during first year of paediatric residency in the United States.MethodsIn 2021–2022, we conducted a non‐experimental, longitudinal, survey study of first‐year residents from 16 US‐based paediatric residency programmes. Using the Thomas–Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, we scored first‐year residents' use of five conflict management modes twice, 6 months apart. We calculated the percentage of first‐year residents who experienced a change in predominant conflict management mode and assessed for changes in score and variance for each conflict management mode.ResultsFifty‐seven (18%) first‐year residents participated in the first survey. Of those, 45 (14%) also completed the follow‐up survey. Nonresponse bias analysis showed no significant difference in scores for early and late respondents or for second‐survey respondents and non‐respondents. Half of respondents experienced a change in predominant conflict management mode, but the distribution of predominant modes remained largely unchanged. When residents changed modes, they typically moved from one low‐assertiveness mode, such as avoiding or accommodating, to the other. Only the use of the compromising conflict management mode significantly decreased. Variance did not significantly change.ConclusionsThe overall lack of change in conflict management style may suggest the need for specific and focused educational interventions to help residents adjust their conflict handling strategies.
Patient and professional perspectives about using in vitro fertilisation add-ons in the UK and Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Armstrong Sarah C , Vaughan Emily , Lensen Sarah , Caughey Lucy , Farquhar Cynthia M , Pacey Allan , Balen Adam H , Peate Michelle , Wainwright Elaine 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesIn vitro fertilisation (IVF) add-ons are additional procedures offered alongside an IVF cycle with the aim of improving live birth rates. They are controversial because of the paucity of evidence to support their efficacy and safety, alongside the additional financial cost they often pose to patients. Despite this, they are popular. However, there is limited qualitative research regarding their use. The aims of the VALUE Study were to understand the decision-making process surrounding using or recommending add-ons; report sources of information for add-ons; and explore concerns for safety and effectiveness when considering their use.Design‘VALUE’ is a qualitative semistructured interview study using inductive thematic analysis of anonymised transcriptions.SettingParticipants were recruited from a broad geographical spread across the UK and Australia from public and private clinical settings.ParticipantsPatients (n=25) and health professionals (embryologists (n=25) and clinicians (n=24)) were interviewed. A purposive sampling strategy was undertaken. The sampling framework included people having state-subsidised and private cycles, professionals working in public and private sectors, geographical location and professionals of all grades.ResultsPatients often made decisions about add-ons based on hope, minimising considerations of safety, efficacy or cost, whereas professionals sought the best outcomes for their patients and wanted to avoid them wasting their money. The driving forces behind add-on use differed: for patients, a professional opinion was the most influential reason, whereas for professionals, it was seen as patient driven. For both groups, applying the available evidence to individual circumstances was very challenging, especially in the sphere of IVF medicine, where the stakes are high.ConclusionsThere is scope to build on the quality of the discourse between patients and professionals. Patients describe valuing their autonomy with add-ons, but for professionals, undertaking informed consent will be critical, no matter where they sit on the spectrum regarding add-ons.Trial registrationosf.io/vnyb9.
Prognostic value of spinal cord lesion measures in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lauerer Markus , McGinnis Julian , Bussas Matthias , El Husseini Malek , Pongratz Viola , Engl Christina , Wuschek Alexander , Berthele Achim , Riederer Isabelle , Kirschke Jan S , Zimmer Claus , Hemmer Bernhard , Mühlau Mark 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundSpinal cord (SC) lesions have been associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the relation of whole SC lesion number (SCLN) and volume (SCLV) to the future occurrence and type of confirmed disability accumulation (CDA) remains largely unexplored.MethodsIn this monocentric retrospective study, SC lesions were manually delineated. Inclusion criteria were: age between 18 and 60 years, relapsing-remitting MS, disease duration under 2 years and clinical follow-up of 5 years. The first CDA event after baseline, determined by a sustained increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale over 6 months, was classified as either progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) or relapse-associated worsening (RAW). SCLN and SCLV were compared between different (sub)groups to assess their prospective value.Results204 patients were included, 148 of which had at least one SC lesion and 59 experienced CDA. Patients without any SC lesions experienced significantly less CDA (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.1 to 19.8). SCLN and SCLV were closely correlated (rs=0.91, p<0.001) and were both significantly associated with CDA on follow-up (p<0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed this association for patients with PIRA on CDA (34 events, p<0.001 for both SC lesion measures) but not for RAW (25 events, p=0.077 and p=0.22).ConclusionPatients without any SC lesions are notably less likely to experience CDA. Both the number and volume of SC lesions on MRI are associated with future accumulation of disability largely independent of relapses.
Early prehabilitation in suspected locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Phillips Iain , Petrie Rebecca , Allan Lindsey , Hall Peter , Walton Abi , McMillan Debbie , Peacock Catriona , Primrose Lorraine , Vallet Mahéva , Mencnarowksi Julie , MacDonald Neil , Mackean Melanie , Barrie Colin 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesThe most common treatment for locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer is best supportive care. Patients with lung cancer are often comorbid with a high symptom burden. We wanted to assess whether early prehabilitation was feasible in patients with likely lung cancer.MethodsPatients were offered prehabilitation if they were attending the new patient respiratory clinic, had a CT scan suggesting stage III or IV lung cancer and undergoing further investigations. Patients receiving palliative care were ineligible. All prehabilitation patients were referred to a palliative medicine physician, registered dietitian and rehabilitation physiotherapist.Results50 patients underwent prehabilitation between June 2021 and August 2022. The median age was 72 years (range 54–89 years). 48 patients had lung cancer. 84% of patients attended all three interventions.Half of the palliative care consultations focused on pain. Half of the patients seen had a change in medication. 25% of patients’ weights were stable, 32% required a food-first strategy and 33% required oral nutritional supplements. 57% of patients discussed managing breathlessness with the physiotherapist.ConclusionsEarly prehabilitation is feasible alongside the investigation of locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer. Further work will aim to assess its impact on admission to the hospital, survival and treatment rates.
Sources of torsion in Poincarè gauge gravity
Authors: Wheeler James T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study sources for torsion in Poincarè gauge theory in any dimension, signature, and spin. We find that symmetric kinetic terms for non-Yang–Mills bosonic fields of arbitrary rank drive torsion. Our detailed discussion of spin-3/2 Rarita–Schwinger fields shows that they source all independent parts of the torsion. We develop systematic notation for spin-(2k+1)/2 fields and find the spin tensor for arbitrary k in n $$\ge $$
≥
2k+1 dimensions. For $$k>0$$

k
>
0

there is a novel direct coupling between torsion and spinor fields. We also cast the well-known gauge relation between the canonical and Belinfante–Rosenfield energy tensors in terms of different choices of independent variables.
Evaluation of the Physicochemical Characteristics of a Blend Fruit Juice Powder Mixed with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: A Comparison of Spray Drying and Freeze Drying
Authors: Aryaee Hadis , Ariaii Peiman , Zare Davood , Mirdamadi Saeed , Naghizadeh Raeisi Shahram 
Published: July 2023

The physicochemical properties and the survival of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum mixed with blend of fruit juice powders dried by spray and freeze drying methods were investigated. A formula containing maltodextrin 14% and malt extract 6% as a carrier and juices of red grape 20.4%, mulberry 75.6%, and strawberry 4.0% along with the bacterium (Lpb. plantarum) with

3
×

10

9

CFU/mL were dried by spray drying and freeze drying methods, separately. The physicochemical properties including color attribute, nutritional properties of the powders such as antioxidant, and phenolic content were measured. Drying efficiency of freeze-dried was 80.48%, which was higher than the spray-dried powders (50.84%). The higher antioxidant (87.95) and total phenolic content (3032.6 mg GAE/L) was achieved by freeze drying technique; however, lower moisture content and flowability as well as higher solubility and bulk density were obtained for spray-dried powders. The survival of probiotics in freeze-dried powders was higher than the spray-dried powders which can be related to mild conditions. The study indicated that the juice powders are suitable carriers for Lpb. plantarum and constitute good alternatives to highly acidic fruit juices.
Ultrasonographic Characteristics in the Fingers and Other Superficial Glomus Tumours
Authors: Takanashi Noboru , Asai Satomi , Ogase Yoko , Fujii Akiko , Atsumi Haruyo , Doi Mika , Kumaki Nobue , Mabuchi Tomotaka , Miyachi Hayato 
Published: July 2023

Glomus tumours are painful superficial tumours, and ultrasonography is an extremely useful and noninvasive diagnostic technique for superficial organs. In this study, we retrospectively examined glomus tumours using ultrasonography. Among 18 patients histopathologically diagnosed with glomus tumours via ultrasonography, we observed five different development sites: subungual areas or those surrounding the nail bed (12), other areas on the finger surface (3), abdominal wall (1), upper arm (1), and forearm (1). The ultrasonographic images revealed significant differences in tumour size, indicating that tumours on other body surfaces tended to be smaller than those on patients’ fingers (

p

< 0.01). The depth/width ratios of tumours on the other body surfaces were significantly higher than those on the fingers (

p

< 0.05). The tumours showed a regular shape (72.2%) and clear border (100%). Furthermore, most tumours were low-echo tumours with a diameter of up to 15 mm, clear margins, and no lateral shadows. Abundant blood flow and vessels in and out of the tumours were also observed. In conclusion, our study describes the ultrasonographic characteristics of glomus tumours and reveals that they cannot be ruled out when diagnosing small painful subcutaneous tumours.
Preclinical Efficacy of LP-184, a Tumor Site Activated Synthetic Lethal Therapeutic, in Glioblastoma
Authors: Lal Bachchu , Kulkarni Aditya , McDermott Joseph , Rais Rana , Alt Jesse , Wu Ying , Lopez-Bertoni Hernando , Sall Sophie , Kathad Umesh , Zhou Jianli , Slusher Barbara S. , Bhatia Kishor , Laterra John 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common brain malignancy with median survival &lt;2 years. Standard-of-care temozolomide has marginal efficacy in approximately 70% of patients due to MGMT expression. LP-184 is an acylfulvene-derived prodrug activated by the oxidoreductase PTGR1 that alkylates at N3-adenine, not reported to be repaired by MGMT. This article examines LP-184 efficacy against preclinical GBM models and identifies molecular predictors of LP-184 efficacy in clinical GBM.

Experimental Design:
LP-184 effects on GBM cell viability and DNA damage were determined using cell lines, primary PDX-derived cells and patient-derived neurospheres. GBM cell sensitivities to LP-184 relative to temozolomide and MGMT expression were examined. Pharmacokinetics and CNS bioavailability were evaluated in mice with GBM xenografts. LP-184 effects on GBM xenograft growth and animal survival were determined. Machine learning, bioinformatic tools, and clinical databases identified molecular predictors of GBM cells and tumors to LP-184 responsiveness.

Results:
LP-184 inhibited viability of multiple GBM cell isolates including temozolomide-resistant and MGMT-expressing cells at IC50 = approximately 22–310 nmol/L. Pharmacokinetics showed favorable AUCbrain/plasma and AUCtumor/plasma ratios of 0.11 (brain Cmax = 839 nmol/L) and 0.2 (tumor Cmax = 2,530 nmol/L), respectively. LP-184 induced regression of GBM xenografts and prolonged survival of mice bearing orthotopic xenografts. Bioinformatic analyses identified PTGR1 elevation in clinical GBM subtypes and associated LP-184 sensitivity with EGFR signaling, low nucleotide excision repair (NER), and low ERCC3 expression. Spironolactone, which induces ERCC3 degradation, decreased LP-184 IC50 3 to 6 fold and enhanced GBM xenograft antitumor responses.

Conclusions:
These results establish LP-184 as a promising chemotherapeutic for GBM with enhanced efficacy in intrinsic or spironolactone-induced TC-NER–deficient tumors.