bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The authoritarian narrator: China's power projection and its reception in the Gulf
Authors: Gurol Julia 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This article argues that transregional communication mechanisms and the diffusion of narratives are important co-drivers towards autocratization. Offering a look beyond the ‘material’ in the study of global authoritarianism, it makes two conceptual arguments. It shows show transregional authoritarian practices are often discursively reinforced. Moreover, it demonstrates how narratives and their transregional diffusion are a form of authoritarian image management and a tool for fostering authoritarian stability. Departing from the basic assumption of authoritarian diffusion, the article is guided by two questions: which narratives of supremacy are used by the Chinese government in the context of the pandemic? And how are these narratives received, reproduced and contested in the Gulf? Based on a qualitative analysis of more than 3,000 media outlets (March–May 2020) from China and the Gulf region, the article shows how China strategically promotes authoritarian narratives regarding its international role, by telling stories of supremacy and heroism and by narratively conjuring a new world order. Moreover, it shows how the Chinese narratives are diffused to Iran, Saudi-Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and depicts the different patterns of reception, reproduction and contestation.
The Iraq War 20 years on: towards a new regional architecture
Authors: Fawcett Louise 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The consequences of the Iraq War of 2003 continue to reverberate throughout the Middle East and wider world in multiple, if still underacknowledged, ways. Though subsequent regional developments have taken centre stage—notably those surrounding the Arab Uprisings and the subsequent civil wars and interventions in Libya, Syria and Yemen—the effects of the Iraq War remain powerfully present. A watershed event, it has generated major and irreversible changes at the international and regional level. It has empowered certain states and actors, and weakened others— notably Iraq itself—but its impact on both the regional and wider global security landscape cannot be underestimated. Arguing that the events surrounding the Iraq War and its outcome constituted a ‘critical juncture’, or major inflexion point in regional order, this article examines three interdependent features of the changing regional architecture. The first relates to the region's international alignments; the second to its balance of power; and the third to the changing institutional environment, which challenges and redefines the very boundaries of the Middle East.
A qualitative improvement program for minimally invasive mitral surgery: technical advancements ameliorate outcome and operative times
Authors: Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Nägele Felix , Höfer Daniel , Holfeld Johannes , Hirsch Jakob , Oezpeker Cenk Ulvi , Ruttmann-Ulmer Elfriede , Kilo Juliane , Hangler Herbert , Müller Ludwig , Grimm Michael , Bonaros Nikolaos 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOBJECTIVESMinimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has evolved over the last 2 decades. The aim of the study was to identify the impact of era and technical improvements on perioperative outcome after MIMVS.METHODSA tota of 1000 patients (mean age: 60.8 ± 12.7 years, 60.3% male) underwent video-assisted or totally endoscopic MIMVS between 2001 and 2020 in a single institution. Three technical modalities were introduced during the observed period: (i) 3D visualization, (ii) use of premeasured artificial chordae (PTFE loops) and (iii) preoperative CT scans. Comparisons were made before and after the introduction of technical improvements.RESULTSA total of 741 patients underwent isolated mitral valve (MV) procedure, whereas 259 received concomitant procedures. These consisted of tricuspid valve repair (208), left atrium ablation (145) and persistent foramen ovale or atrial septum defect (ASD) closure (172). The aetiology was degenerative in 738 (73.8%) patients and functional in 101 patients (10.1%). A total of 900 patients received MV repair (90%), and 100 patients (10%) underwent MV replacement. Perioperative survival was 99.1%, and periprocedural success 93.5% with a periprocedural safety of 96.3%. Improvement in periprocedural safety attributed to the lower rates of postoperative low output (P = 0.025) and less reoperations for bleeding (P &lt; 0.001). 3D visualization improved cross-clamp (P = 0.001) but not cardiopulmonary bypass times. The use of loops and preoperative CT scan both had no impact on periprocedural success or safety but improved cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times (both P &lt; 0.001).CONCLUSIONSIncreased surgical experience improves safety in MIMVS. Technical improvements are related to increased operative success and decreased operative times in patients undergoing MIMVS.
Current trends in managing TMJ ankylosis in children—summing it up with a case report
Authors: Prabhu Namdeo , Issrani Rakhi , Ganji Kiran Kumar 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis involves fusion of the mandibular condyle to the base of the skull. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis poses a significant challenge because of technical difficulties and a high incidence of recurrence. The experience of managing one such case is reported in light of a review of the literature on this condition. This report describes a case of a 7-year-old girl with inability to open her mouth, diagnosed with unilateral right bony TMJ ankylosis. Key management principles included adequate removal of the ankylotic mass, gap arthroplasty with interpositional temporalis myofascial grafting and post-operative physiotherapy. The patient maintains a satisfactory maximal incisal opening till the present day. A detailed history, clinical and functional examination, radiographic examination facilitating correct diagnosis followed by immediate surgical intervention, and physiotherapy might be beneficial to restore physical, psychological and emotional health of the child patient with TMJ ankylosis.
About the loss of a primordial atmosphere of super-Earths by planetesimal impacts
Authors: Lozovsky Michael , Prialnik Dina , Podolak Morris 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
We consider planets composed of water ice and rock, located far from a central star. In an earlier study, computing the growth of planets by continuous accretion, we found that a large fraction of the ice evaporates upon accretion, creating a water vapor atmosphere. Here, we consider accretion as a discrete series of planetesimal impacts (of the order of 108), at the same time-dependent accretion rate, and investigate the fate of the vapor, as a result of its interaction with the accreting planetesimals. We find that a large fraction of the vapor escapes. The remaining fraction may form an outer layer of ice after the termination of accretion and cooling of the surface. The escaped water mass may significantly alter the ice-to-rock ratio of the planet. We investigate the effect of different choices of parameters such as the ice-to-rock ratio, the planetesimal size distribution, and the impact velocities. We find that the planetesimal size distribution has a negligible effect and explain why. By contrast, the ice-to-rock ratio and impact velocities affect the fraction of retained water masses considerably.
Effectiveness and Safety of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in Patients With HIV-1 Infection and Ongoing Substance Use Disorder: The BASE Study
Authors: Havens Joshua P , Bares Sara H , Lyden Elizabeth , Podany Anthony T , Scarsi Kimberly K , Fadul Nada , Swindells Susan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundPeople with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and substance use disorder (PWH/SUD) are at higher risk of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) exhibits high rates of efficacy with a favorable adverse event profile. The BASE study (NCT03998176) is a phase 4, single-arm study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of B/F/TAF among PWH/SUD.MethodsViremic (HIV RNA &gt;1000 copies/mL) PWH/SUD initiated B/F/TAF once daily for 48 weeks (W). The primary endpoint was proportion of participants with HIV RNA &lt;50 copies/mL at W24. Secondary endpoints were proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA &lt;50 copies/mL at W48, safety, B/F/TAF adherence (dried blood spot [DBS] concentrations of emtricitabine triphosphate and tenofovir diphosphate [TFV-DP]), substance use (NIDA-ASSIST), and quality of life (SF-12).ResultsForty-three participants were enrolled; 95% reported methamphetamine use. Median age was 38 (range, 21–62) years; 21% were female, 81% White, 14% Black, and 16% Hispanic. Thirty-two (74%) and 21 (49%) participants had HIV RNA &lt;50 copies/mL (intention-to-treat) at W24 and W48, respectively. Seven participants (16%) experienced confirmed virologic failure through W48; 1 developed emergent drug resistance (M184V). Fifteen participants (35%) experienced grade ≥3 adverse events. Five participants (12%) reported suicidal ideation; none resulted in discontinuation. Median DBS concentrations were representative of 5–6 doses/week (TFV-DP, 1603 fmol/punches). NIDA-ASSIST scores declined from baseline to W48 with methamphetamine use decreasing most (−7.9 points; −29%), and SF-12 physical/mental scores increased 1.2 and 7.6 points, respectively.ConclusionsB/F/TAF among a high-risk population of PWH/SUD resulted in an initial 72% viral suppression rate at W24 before dropping to 49% at W48 as retention declined. One participant developed emergent drug resistance (M184V).
High cyclic electron transfer via the PGR5 pathway in the absence of photosynthetic control
Authors: Degen Gustaf E , Jackson Philip J , Proctor Matthew S , Zoulias Nicholas , Casson Stuart A , Johnson Matthew P 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The light reactions of photosynthesis couple electron and proton transfers across the thylakoid membrane, generating NADPH, and proton motive force (pmf) that powers the endergonic synthesis of ATP by ATP synthase. ATP and NADPH are required for CO2 fixation into carbohydrates by the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle. The dominant ΔpH component of the pmf also plays a photoprotective role in regulating photosystem II light harvesting efficiency through nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) and photosynthetic control via electron transfer from cytochrome b6f (cytb6f) to photosystem I. ΔpH can be adjusted by increasing the proton influx into the thylakoid lumen via upregulation of cyclic electron transfer (CET) or decreasing proton efflux via downregulation of ATP synthase conductivity (gH+). The interplay and relative contributions of these two elements of ΔpH control to photoprotection are not well understood. Here, we showed that an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ATP synthase mutant hunger for oxygen in photosynthetic transfer reaction 2 (hope2) with 40% higher proton efflux has supercharged CET. Double crosses of hope2 with the CET-deficient proton gradient regulation 5 and ndh-like photosynthetic complex I lines revealed that PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION 5 (PGR5)-dependent CET is the major pathway contributing to higher proton influx. PGR5-dependent CET allowed hope2 to maintain wild-type levels of ΔpH, CO2 fixation and NPQ, however photosynthetic control remained absent and PSI was prone to photoinhibition. Therefore, high CET in the absence of ATP synthase regulation is insufficient for PSI photoprotection.
A Compartmental Model for Xylella fastidiosa Diseases with Explicit Vector Seasonal Dynamics
Authors: Giménez-Romero Àlex , Moralejo Eduardo , Matías Manuel A. 
Published: February 2023

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is mainly transmitted by the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius in Europe, where it has caused significant economic damage to olive and almond trees. Understanding the factors that determine disease dynamics in pathosystems that share similarities can help to design control strategies focused on minimizing transmission chains. Here, we introduce a compartmental model for X. fastidiosa-caused diseases in Europe that accounts for the main relevant epidemiological processes, including the seasonal dynamics of P. spumarius. The model was confronted with epidemiological data from the two major outbreaks of X. fastidiosa in Europe, the olive quick disease syndrome in Apulia, Italy, caused by the subspecies pauca, and the almond leaf scorch disease in Mallorca, Spain, caused by subspecies multiplex and fastidiosa. Using a Bayesian inference framework, we show how the model successfully reproduces the general field data in both diseases. In a global sensitivity analysis, the vector-to-plant and plant-to-vector transmission rates, together with the vector removal rate, were the most influential parameters in determining the time of the infectious host population peak, the incidence peak, and the final number of dead hosts. We also used our model to check different vector-based control strategies, showing that a joint strategy focused on increasing the rate of vector removal while lowering the number of annual newborn vectors is optimal for disease control. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
The remarkable complexity of the brain microbiome in health and disease
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Mckenzie Chris-Anne , Smith Colin , Haas Juergen G. , Lathe Richard 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTMicrobes in human brain and their potential contribution to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have long been debated. We recently developed a new method (the electronic tree of life, eToL) based on small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) probes, further confirmed by large subunit rRNA analysis, to comprehensively address the spectrum of microorganisms in control and AD brain. We report a remarkable diversity of brain microbes in control brain. The most abundant are fungi, bacteria, and chloroplastida, and we report detailed identification of representative microbial species. The pattern is substantially conserved across different bilateran species fromDrosophilato human. In terms of diversity, the human brain microbiome appears to be a subset (~20%) of the gut microbiome. Adenovirus type C was the major virus found in human brain; other viruses were not well represented. However, the spectrum of brain microbes differed between individuals as well as between brain regions examined from single individuals (amygdala, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus); of these four regions, the highest microbial burden was in cingulate cortex. There was evidence of spreading of pathogens between brain regions in single individuals. Some microbes are over-represented in AD brain according to two measures: (i) absolute number of microbes normalized to endogenous human transcripts, and (ii) the number of brain specimens showing overabundance versus control. Species over-represented in AD brain according to both measures notably include bacteria (Streptococcus,Staphylococcus/Bacillus,Sphingomonas/Ralstonia) and fungi (Acrocalymma/Altenaria/Aureobasidiumof theAspergillusgroup;Komagataellaof theCandidagroup,Cortinariusof theSchizophyllumgroup, andTausoniaof theCryptococcusgroup), that are all related to known human pathogens. In addition, an uncharacterized chloroplastida (algae-related) species was more abundant in AD brain samples. Although these findings point to diverse microbial species, indicative of multiple causation, similar absolute levels of bacteria and fungi in AD brain samples could suggest synergy between pathogens. However, it is important to stress that not all AD samples were positive for these microbes, but this could be because the affected brain region(s) was not examined. These findings support the contention that infection, perhaps associated with declining immunity with age, may contribute to AD development.
Aortic regurgitation provokes phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells in the normal ascending aorta
Authors: Balint Brittany , Bernstorff Inés García Lascurain , Schwab Tanja , Schäfers Hans-Joachim 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundAortic complications are more likely to occur in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and concomitant aortic regurgitation (AR). AR may have a negative impact on the aortic wall structure even in patients with tricuspid aortic valves and absence of aortic dilatation. It is unknown whether smooth muscle cell (SMC) changes are a feature of AR-associated aortic remodeling.MethodsNon-dilated aortic samples were harvested intra-operatively from individuals with normal aortic valves (n=10) or those with either predominant aortic stenosis (AS; n=20) or AR (n=35). Tissue from each patient was processed for immunohistochemistry or used for the extraction of medial SMCs. Tissue and cells were stained for markers of SMC contraction (alpha-smooth muscle actin; ASMA), synthesis (vimentin) and senescence (p16/p21). Replicative capacity was analyzed in cultured SMCs from AS- and AR-associated aortas. A sub-analysis compared SMCs from individuals with either TAVs or BAVs to rule out the effect of aortic valve morphology.ResultsIn aortic tissue samples, AR was associated with decreased ASMA and increased vimentin, p16 and p21 compared to normal aortic valves and AS. In cell culture, SMCs from AR-aortas had decreased ASMA and increased vimentin compared to SMCs from AS-aortas. AR-associated SMCs had increased p16 and p21 expression, and they reached senescence earlier than SMCs from AS-aortas. In AR, SMC changes were more pronounced with the presence of a BAV.ConclusionsAR itself negatively impacts SMC phenotype in the ascending aortic wall, which is independent of aortic diameter and aortic valve morphology. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of AR-related aortic remodeling, and they provide a model for studying SMC-specific therapies in culture.
Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activation promotes osteogenic transition of valve interstitial cells and accelerates heart valve calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Authors: Csiki Dávid Máté , Ababneh Haneen , Tóth Andrea , Lente Gréta , Szöőr Árpád , Tóth Anna , Fillér Csaba , Juhász Tamás , Nagy Béla , Balogh Enikő , Jeney Viktória 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTAimsValve calcification (VC) is a widespread complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis. VC is an active process with the involvement ofin situosteogenic transition of valve interstitial cells (VICs). VC is accompanied by the activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway, but the role of HIF activation in the calcification process remains undiscovered.Methods and resultUsingin vitroandin vivoapproaches we addressed the role of HIF activation in osteogenic transition of VICs and CKD-associated VC. Elevation of osteogenic (Runx2, Sox9) and HIF activation markers (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) and VC occurred in adenine-induced CKD mice. High phosphate (Pi) induced upregulation of osteogenic (Runx2, alkaline-phosphatase, Sox9, osteocalcin) and hypoxia markers (HIF-1α, HIF-2α, Glut-1), and calcification in VICs. Down-regulation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α inhibited, whereas further activation of HIF pathway by hypoxic exposure (1% O2) or hypoxia mimetics (desferrioxamine, CoCl2, Daprodustat (DPD)) promoted Pi-induced calcification of VICs. Pi augmented the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased viability of VICs, whose effects were further exacerbated by hypoxia. N-acetyl cysteine inhibited Pi-induced ROS production, cell death and calcification under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. DPD treatment corrected anemia but promoted VC in the CKD mice model.ConclusionsHIF activation plays a fundamental role in Pi-induced osteogenic transition of VICs and CKD-induced VC. The cellular mechanism involves stabilization of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, increased ROS production and cell death. Targeting the HIF pathways may thus be investigated as a therapeutic approach to attenuate VC.Translational perspectiveOne in four hemodialysis-dependent CKD patients on DPD treatment experience a major cardiovascular event during a 2.5-year follow-up period. This work provides a possible explanation for this phenomenon and should initiate further studies to address whether DPD-mediated acceleration of valve calcification triggers the unbeneficial effect of DPD.
Cryo-EM Structure of a Human LECT2 Amyloid Fibril Reveals a Network of Polar Ladders at its Core
Authors: Richards Logan S. , Flores Maria D. , Zink Samantha , Schibrowsky Natalie A. , Sawaya Michael R. , Rodriguez Jose A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractALECT2 is a type of systemic amyloidosis caused by deposition of the leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) protein in the form of fibrils. In ALECT2, LECT2 fibril deposits can be found in the glomerulus, resulting in renal failure. Affected patients lack effective treatment options outside of renal transplant or dialysis. While the structure of LECT2 in its globular form has been determined by X-ray crystallography, structures of LECT2 amyloid fibrils remain unknown. Using single particle cryo-EM, we now find that human LECT2 forms robust twisting fibrils with canonical amyloid features. At their core, LECT2 fibrils contain two mating protofilaments, the ordered core of each protofilament spans residues 55-75 of the LECT2 sequence. The overall geometry of the LECT2 fibril displays features in line with other pathogenic amyloids. Its core is tightly packed and stabilized by a network of hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen-bonded uncharged polar residues, while its outer surface displays several charged residues. The robustness of LECT2 fibril cores is illustrated by their limited dissolution in 3M urea and their persistence after treatment with proteinase K. As such, the LECT2 fibril structure presents a potential new target for treatments against ALECT2.
Multiplexed Subspaces Route Neural Activity Across Brain-wide Networks
Authors: MacDowell Camden J. , Libby Alexandra , Jahn Caroline I. , Tafazoli Sina , Buschman Timothy J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCognition is flexible. Behaviors can change on a moment-by-moment basis. Such flexibility is thought to rely on the brain’s ability to route information through different networks of brain regions in order to support different cognitive computations. However, the mechanisms that determine which network of brain regions is engaged are unknown. To address this, we combined cortex-wide calcium imaging with high-density electrophysiological recordings in eight cortical and subcortical regions of mice. Different dimensions within the population activity of each brain region were functionally connected with different cortex-wide ‘subspace networks’ of regions. These subspace networks were multiplexed, allowing a brain region to simultaneously interact with multiple independent, yet overlapping, networks. Alignment of neural activity within a region to a specific subspace network dimension predicted how neural activity propagated between regions. Thus, changing the geometry of the neural representation within a brain region could be a mechanism to selectively engage different brain-wide networks to support cognitive flexibility.