bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage Pedants and Magisterial Nonsense
Authors: Zucker Adam
Published: August 2024

This chapter extends the ideas of Chapter 2 to reconsider the opportunities for communal understanding generated by Tudor and Stuart ‘pedant’ plays, including Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and Thomas Heywood’s How a Man May Choose a Good Wife from a Bad. The discussion returns to the problem of nonsensical language, here in the form of garbled Latin that appears in the early printings of both these plays, and in the term ‘honorificabilitudinitatibus,’ the Tudor period’s favorite ludicrous Latinate construction. In addition to anatomizing the ways the pedant figure embodies the comic, hopeful uselessness of scholarly labor, this chapter charts out early modern drama’s interest in noisy forms of unexpected, socially disruptive competency that are often occluded by unthinking acceptance of the codes of learnedness and semantic rigor. It concludes with a story about the author’s students learning unexpected lessons in Shakespearean improvisation.
Simon de Montfort and His Support
Authors: Coss Peter
Published: August 2024

This chapter begins with the established and current treatment of Simon de Montfort, centring on the idea of enigma, and moves to a reassessment. Central to this is the concept of charisma, which is explored in some depth, and that of iconic masculinity. The chapter then turns to the support accorded Montfort, beginning with the clergy, monastic and lay. It deals with clerical complaints against the crown, as well as the role of Montfortian bishops. Support within the towns is then highlighted, including the role of London politics. The eclectic nature of the support for Montfort is stressed. He is identified as a populist leader, exploiting national feeling and xenophobia, and as a master of propaganda. The chapter concludes with the Battle of Evesham and Montfort’s martyrdom.
Increased IFN-β indicates better survival in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yang , Hong Weifeng , Zheng Danxue , Li Zongjuan , Hu Yong , Chen Yixing , Yang Ping , Zeng Zhaochong , Du Shisuo
Published: August 2024

Preclinical data suggest that type I interferon (IFN) responsiveness is essential for the antitumor effects of radiotherapy (RT). However, its clinical value remains unclear. This study aimed to explore this from a clinical perspective. In cohort 1, data from 152 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received RT were analyzed. Blood samples were taken 1 day before and 2 weeks after RT. RT was found to increase serum levels of IFN-β (a subtype of IFN-I) in HCC patients (3.42 ± 1.57 to 5.51 ± 2.11 pg/ml, P < 0.01), particularly in those with favorable responses. Higher post-RT serum IFN-β levels (≥4.77 pg/ml) were associated with better progression-free survival (HR = 0.58, P < 0.01). Cohort 2 included 46 HCC patients, including 23 who underwent preoperative RT and 23 matched control HCC who received surgical resection without RT. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were obtained. Neoadjuvant RT significantly increased IFN-β expression in tumor tissues compared to direct surgery (8.13% ± 5.19% to 15.10% ± 5.89%, P < 0.01). Higher post-RT IFN-β (>median) indicated better disease-free survival (P = 0.049). Additionally, increased CD11c+MHCII+CD141+ antigen-presenting cell subsets and CD103+CD39+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were found in the higher IFN-β group (P = 0.02, P = 0.03), which may contribute to the favorable prognosis in higher IFN-β group. Collectively, these findings suggest that IFN-β response activated by radiation may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients undergoing RT.
Partisan Influences in Dutch Politics
Authors: Laméris Maite D , Grohmann Tobias
Published: August 2024

We investigate whether and how partisan politics played a role in the Netherlands. To do so, we review existing literature and prepare descriptive statistics from recent datasets. We focus on two related questions: (i) Are there effects of partisan politics in the Netherlands in the past 60 years? (ii) Do developments in party and voter behavior influence the relevance of partisan influences for Dutch governance? As we find that there is only limited existing research on partisan politics in the Dutch context, we empirically explore the relationship between government ideology and typical, country-level partisan outcome variables. We find mixed evidence for partisan policymaking in the Netherlands. Some findings are in line with partisan theory, some are counter-indicative. Exploring the role of party and voter movements, we document a shifting political landscape in which the potential for traditional partisan influences has become smaller.
Artificial Intelligence- and Physician-Interpreted Stool Image Characteristics Correlate With C-Reactive Protein Among Inpatients With Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rotondo-Trivette Sarah , Castelan Viankail Cedillo , Mathur Kushagra , Yasmeh Pauline , Kraus Asaf , Lynch Addison , McGovern Dermot P B , Melmed Gil Y
Published: August 2024

Background

Stool characteristics are used as a measure of ulcerative colitis (UC) disease activity, but they have not been validated against objective inflammation. We aimed to determine whether stool characteristics measured by trained artificial intelligence (AI) and physicians correlate with inflammation in UC.

Methods

Patients hospitalized with acute severe UC (ASUC) were asked to capture images of all bowel movements using a smartphone application (Dieta®). Validated AI was used to measure five stool characteristics including the Bristol stool scale. Additionally, four physicians scored each image for blood amount, mucus amount, and whether stool was in a toilet or commode. AI measurements and mean physician scores were rank-normalized and correlated with rank-normalized CRP values using mixed linear regression models. Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare median CRP values of images with and without mucus and with and without blood.

Results

We analyzed 151 stool images collected from 5 patients admitted with ASUC (mean age 42 years, 40% male). Overall, Bristol stool scale and fragmentation positively correlated with CRP, while stool consistency negatively correlated with CRP. The median CRP of images with mucus was higher than that of images without mucus.

Conclusions

Smartphone application AI measurements of Bristol stool scale, stool consistency, and stool fragmentation significantly correlate with CRP values in hospitalized patients with ASUC. Additionally, median CRPs are higher when mucus is seen. Further training of smartphone-based AI algorithms to validate the association of stool characteristics with objective inflammation may yield a novel, noninvasive tool for UC disease monitoring.
Advancing apple genetics research: Malus coronaria and Malus ioensis genomes and a gene family-based pangenome of native North American apples
Authors: Švara Anže , Sun Honghe , Fei Zhangjun , Khan Awais
Published: August 2024

Wild Malus species flourished in North America long before Europeans introduced domesticated apples. Malus coronaria and M. ioensis are native to the mid-western and eastern United States, while M. angustifolia and M. fusca grow in the southeast and west, respectively. They offer disease resistance, climate and soil adaptability, and horticultural traits for apple breeding. However, their utilization remains limited due to insufficient genomic resources and specific genetics. We report high-quality phased chromosome-scale assemblies of M. coronaria and M. ioensis, generated using long-read and conformation capture sequencing. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis indicated high relatedness between these 2 genomes and previously published genome of M. angustifolia, and lower relatedness with M. fusca. Gene family-based pangenome of North American Malus identified 60,211 orthogroups containing 340,087 genes. Genes involved in basic cellular and metabolic processes, growth, and development were core to the existence of these species, whereas genes involved in secondary metabolism, stress response, and interactions with other organisms were accessory and are likely associated with adaptation to specific environments. Structural variation hotspots were mostly overlapping with high gene density. This study offers novel native North American Malus genome resources that can be used to identify genes for apple breeding and understand their evolution and adaptation.
Mitral regurgitation evolution after transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions—a sub-analysis of the TriValve registry
Authors: Cannata Francesco , Sticchi Alessandro , Russo Giulio , Stankowski Kamil , Hahn Rebecca T , Alessandrini Hannes , Andreas Martin , Braun Daniel , Connelly Kim A , Denti Paolo , Estevez-Loureiro Rodrigo , Fam Neil , Harr Claudia , Hausleiter Joerg , Himbert Dominique , Kalbacher Daniel , Adamo Marianna , Latib Azeem , Lubos Edith , Ludwig Sebastian , Lurz Philipp , Monivas Vanessa , Nickenig Georg , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Pozzoli Alberto , Praz Fabien , Rodes-Cabau Josep , Rommel Karl-Philipp , Schofer Joachim , Sievert Horst , Tang Gilbert , Thiele Holger , Kresoja Karl-Patrik , Metra Marco , Stephan von Bardeleben Ralph , Webb John , Windecker Stephan , Leon Martin , Maisano Francesco , De Marco Federico , Pontone Gianluca , Taramasso Maurizio
Published: August 2024

Aims

Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) are increasingly used to treat patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The evolution of concurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) severity after TTVI is currently unknown and may be pivotal for clinical decision-making. The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of MR after TTVI and to identify predictors of MR worsening and improvement.

Methods and results

This analysis is a substudy of the TriValve Registry, an international registry designed to collect data on TTVI. This substudy included all patients with echocardiographic data on MR evolution and excluded those with a concomitant tricuspid and mitral transcatheter valve intervention or with a history of mitral valve intervention. The co-primary outcomes were MR improvement and worsening at two timepoints: pre-discharge and 2-month follow-up. This analysis included 359 patients with severe TR, mostly (80%) treated with tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER). MR improvement was found in 106 (29.5%) and 99 (34%) patients, while MR worsening was observed in 34 (9.5%) and 33 (11%) patients at pre-discharge and 2-month follow-up, respectively. Annuloplasty and heterotopic replacement were associated with MR worsening. Independent predictors of MR improvement were: atrial fibrillation, T-TEER, acute procedural success, TR reduction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter> 60 mm, and beta-blocker therapy. Patients with moderate-to-severe/severe MR following TTVI showed significantly higher death rates.

Conclusion

MR degree variation is common after TTVI, with most cases showing improvement. Clinical and procedural characteristics may predict the MR evolution, in particular procedural success and T-TEER play key roles in MR outcomes. TTVI may be beneficial, even in the presence of functional MR.
Incidence and outcomes of prosthetic valve thrombosis during peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Danial Pichoy , Zamorano Claudio , Carillion Aude , Barreda Eleodoro , Laali Mojgan , Demondion Pierre , D’Alessandro Cosimo , Bouglé Adrien , Pineton de Chambrun Marc , Combes Alain , Leprince Pascal , Lebreton Guillaume
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

In the context of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) following valve replacement surgery, it may be necessary to implant a peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pVA-ECMO). This procedure, however, carries a risk of prosthetic valve thrombosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the incidence and outcomes of prosthetic valve thrombosis after VA-ECMO support for PCCS and to report the associated risk factors.

METHODS

All consecutive adult patients who received pVA-ECMO for PCCS following a valve replacement procedure between January 2015 and October 2019 in our institution were included in this retrospective study. Outcome variables were prosthetic valve thrombosis, 30-day and hospital survival, pVA-ECMO-associated adverse events and surgery-related adverse events.

RESULTS

During the 4-year study period, 549 patients received pVA-ECMO for PCCS. Among them, 152 had undergone a valve replacement procedure and 9 of these developed prosthetic valve thrombosis. The incidence of valve thrombosis at 30 days was 7.5 ± 2%. The cumulative incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis was significantly lower with pVA-ECMO + intra-aortic balloon pump versus VA-ECMO alone (1.4 ± 1.4% vs 13.7 ± 4.7%, P = 0.021, respectively). Intra-aortic balloon pump use associated with pVA-ECMO (versus pVA-ECMO alone) was an independent protective factor against hospital death [odds ratio = 0.180 (0.068–0.478), P = 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

After PCCS following valve replacement surgery, peripheral femoro-femoral VA-ECMO is associated with a low risk of acute valve thrombosis especially when associated with an intra-aortic balloon pump.
Deep learning links localized digital pathology phenotypes with transcriptional subtype and patient outcome in glioblastoma
Authors: Roetzer-Pejrimovsky Thomas , Nenning Karl-Heinz , Kiesel Barbara , Klughammer Johanna , Rajchl Martin , Baumann Bernhard , Langs Georg , Woehrer Adelheid
Published: August 2024

Background

Deep learning has revolutionized medical image analysis in cancer pathology, where it had a substantial clinical impact by supporting the diagnosis and prognostic rating of cancer. Among the first available digital resources in the field of brain cancer is glioblastoma, the most common and fatal brain cancer. At the histologic level, glioblastoma is characterized by abundant phenotypic variability that is poorly linked with patient prognosis. At the transcriptional level, 3 molecular subtypes are distinguished with mesenchymal-subtype tumors being associated with increased immune cell infiltration and worse outcome.

Results

We address genotype–phenotype correlations by applying an Xception convolutional neural network to a discovery set of 276 digital hematozylin and eosin (H&E) slides with molecular subtype annotation and an independent The Cancer Genome Atlas–based validation cohort of 178 cases. Using this approach, we achieve high accuracy in H&E-based mapping of molecular subtypes (area under the curve for classical, mesenchymal, and proneural = 0.84, 0.81, and 0.71, respectively; P < 0.001) and regions associated with worse outcome (univariable survival model P < 0.001, multivariable P = 0.01). The latter were characterized by higher tumor cell density (P < 0.001), phenotypic variability of tumor cells (P < 0.001), and decreased T-cell infiltration (P = 0.017).

Conclusions

We modify a well-known convolutional neural network architecture for glioblastoma digital slides to accurately map the spatial distribution of transcriptional subtypes and regions predictive of worse outcome, thereby showcasing the relevance of artificial intelligence–enabled image mining in brain cancer.
Wildfire impact on soil microbiome life history traits and roles in ecosystem carbon cycling
Authors: Nelson Amelia R , Rhoades Charles C , Fegel Timothy S , Roth Holly K , Caiafa Marcos V , Glassman Sydney I , Borch Thomas , Wilkins Michael J
Published: August 2024

Wildfires, which are increasing in frequency and severity with climate change, reduce soil microbial biomass and alter microbial community composition and function. The soil microbiome plays a vital role in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling, but its complexity makes it challenging to predict post-wildfire soil microbial dynamics and resulting impacts on ecosystem biogeochemistry. The application of biogeochemically relevant conceptual trait-based frameworks to the soil microbiome can distill this complexity, enabling enhanced predictability of soil microbiome recovery following wildfire and subsequent impacts to biogeochemical cycles. Conceptual frameworks that have direct links to soil C and N cycling have been developed for the soil microbiome; the Y-A-S framework overviews soil microbiome life history strategies that have tradeoffs with one another and others have proposed frameworks specific to wildfire. Here, we aimed to delineate post-wildfire changes of bacterial traits in western US coniferous forests to inform how severe wildfire influences soil microbiome recovery and resultant biogeochemical cycling. We utilized a comprehensive metagenome-assembled genome catalog from post-wildfire soils representing 1 to 11 years following low- and high-severity burning to identify traits that enable the persistence of microbial taxa in burned soils and influence ecosystem C and N cycling. We found that high-severity wildfire initially selects for fast growers and, up to a decade post-fire, taxa that invest in genes for acquiring diverse resources from the external environment, which in combination could increase soil C losses. This work begins to disentangle how climate change–induced shifts in wildfire behavior might alter microbially mediated soil biogeochemical cycling.
Development of resistance monitoring for Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistance to pyramided Bt cotton in China
Authors: Ruan Jianqiu , Yang Yihua , Carrière Yves , Wu Yidong
Published: August 2024

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a significant cotton pest worldwide. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton producing Cry1Ac has been used since 1997 for the control of this pest in China and a significant increase in H. armigera resistance to Cry1Ac has occurred in northern China. To mitigate resistance evolution, it is necessary to develop and plant pyramided 2- and 3-toxin Bt cotton to replace Cry1Ac cotton. For sustainable use of pyramided Bt cotton, we used diet overlay bioassays to measure the baseline susceptibility of H. armigera to Cry2Ab in 33 populations collected in 2017, 2018, and 2021 in 12 locations from major cotton-producing areas of China. The lethal concentration killing 50% (LC50) or 99% (LC99) of individuals from the populations ranged from 0.030 to 0.138 µg/cm2 and 0.365 to 2.964 µg/cm2, respectively. The ratio of the LC50 for the most resistant and susceptible population was 4.6, indicating moderate among-population variability in resistance. The susceptibility of H. armigera to Cry2Ab did not vary significantly over years. A diagnostic concentration of 2 µg/cm2 was calculated as twice the LC99 from an analysis of pooled data for the field-collected populations. This concentration discriminated well between susceptible and resistant individuals, as it killed all larvae from a susceptible laboratory strain and 0%, 0%, and 23% of larvae from 3 laboratory strains with > 100-fold resistance to Cry2Ab. These baseline susceptibility data and diagnostic concentration for Cry2Ab will be useful for monitoring the evolution of H. armigera resistance to pyramided Bt cotton in China.
Land valuation in the metaverse: location matters
Authors: Goldberg Mitchell , Kugler Peter , Schär Fabian
Published: August 2024

In urban economics, transportation costs are a key determinant of land value. However, in virtual worlds, these costs are generally limited by the users’ ability to teleport. Drawing from urban and attention economic literature, we propose a theoretical model microfounded on user behavior. The model suggests that the relative value of land parcels hinges on their potential to attract visitors. Our empirical analysis supports this by demonstrating that location remains crucial in virtual worlds and highlighting the role of the teleportation threshold. We discuss the model’s general applicability, reaffirming the significance of location within most virtual worlds.
Racial and ethnic differences in second primary lung cancer risk among lung cancer survivors
Authors: Choi Eunji , Hua Yue , Su Chloe C , Wu Julie T , Neal Joel W , Leung Ann N , Backhus Leah M , Haiman Christopher , Le Marchand Loïc , Liang Su-Ying , Wakelee Heather A , Cheng Iona , Han Summer S
Published: August 2024

Background

Recent therapeutic advances have improved survival among lung cancer (LC) patients, who are now at high risk of second primary lung cancer (SPLC). Hispanics comprise the largest minority in the United States, who have shown a lower LC incidence and mortality than other races, and yet their SPLC risk is poorly understood. We quantified the SPLC incidence patterns among Hispanics vs other races.

Methods

We used data from the Multiethnic Cohort, a population-based cohort of 5 races (African American, Japanese American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and White), recruited between 1993 and 1996 and followed through 2017. We identified patients diagnosed with initial primary lung cancer (IPLC) and SPLC via linkage to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. We estimated the 10-year cumulative incidence of IPLC (in the entire cohort) and SPLC (among IPLC patients). A standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated as the ratio of SPLC-to-IPLC incidence by race and ethnicity.

Results

Among 202 692 participants, 6788 (3.3%) developed IPLC over 3 871  417 person-years. The 10-year cumulative IPLC incidence was lower among Hispanics (0.80%, 0.72 to 0.88) vs Whites (1.67%, 1.56 to 1.78) or Blacks (2.44%, 2.28 to 2.60). However, the 10-year SPLC incidence following IPLC was higher among Hispanics (3.11%, 1.62 to 4.61) vs Whites (2.80%, 1.94 to 3.66) or Blacks (2.29%, 1.48 to 3.10), resulting in a significantly higher SIR for Hispanics (SIR = 8.27, 5.05 to 12.78) vs Whites (SIR = 5.60, 4.11 to 7.45) or Blacks (SIR = 3.48, 2.42 to 4.84; P < .001).

Conclusion

Hispanics have a higher SPLC incidence following IPLC than other races, which may be potentially due to better survival after IPLC and extended duration for SPLC development. Continuing surveillance is warranted to reduce racial disparities among LC survivors.
Introduction to Guitar Techniques and Genres for the Utilization in Improvised Active Music Therapy
Authors: Kogutek Demian
Published: August 2024

Guitar is a popular instrument for music therapy clinicians and students because it is portable and musically versatile. Guitar training is increasingly shared through music therapy literature, professional conferences, and workshops. However, there is still a lack of literature regarding the use of guitar improvization techniques for beginner and intermediate-level music therapists. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide the first simplified and standardized guitar methodological system for beginner and intermediate-level music therapy students and clinicians for the use in Improvised Active Music Therapy sessions in neurological rehabilitation. Improving guitar skills is important to increase confidence among students and clinicians and to enhance clinical outcomes. The manuscript is divided into two groups of exercises. The first group consists of four exercises with chord progressions. The second group consists of six strumming exercises. The strumming exercises should be combined with the chord progressions in the first group to expand upon the first position and aesthetic qualities. The exercises incorporate extended, chromatic, and suspended chords in Rock & Roll, Blues, Hip-Hop and rap, Reggae, folk, country, Latin American, and Spanish styles in key of E major. The goal is to stimulate the skill of music therapy students and clinicians, and perhaps add some extra motivation and ideas for guitar improvization skills to enhance clinical outcomes.
Toll-like receptor agonists promote the formation of tertiary lymphoid structure and improve anti-glioma immunity
Authors: Shen Shaoping , Cui Yong , Li Mingxiao , Yu Kefu , Zhu Qinghui , Zhang Xiaokang , Shen Weicheng , Li Haoyi , Jiang Haihui , Li Ming , Wang Xijie , Zhao Xuzhe , Ren Xiaohui , Lin Song
Published: August 2024

Background

Glioma, characterized by limited lymphocytic infiltration, constitutes an “immune-desert” tumor displaying insensitivity to various immunotherapies. This study aims to explore therapeutic strategies for inducing tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) formation within the glioma microenvironment (GME) to transition it from an immune resistant to an activated state.

Methods

TLS formation in GME was successfully induced by intracranial administration of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists (OK-432, TLR2/4/9 agonist) and glioma antigens (i.c. αTLR-mix). We employed staining analysis, antibody neutralization, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), and BCR/TCR sequencing to investigate the underlying mechanisms of TLS formation and its role in anti-glioma immunity. Additionally, a preliminary translational clinical study was conducted.

Results

TLS formation correlated with increased lymphocyte infiltration in GME and led to improved prognosis in glioma-bearing mice. In the study of TLS induction mechanisms, certain macrophages/microglia and Th17 displayed markers of “LTo” and “LTi” cells, respectively, interaction through LTα/β-LTβR promoted TLS induction. Post-TLS formation, CD4 + and CD8 + T cells but not CD19 + B cells contributed to anti-glioma immunity. Comparative analysis of B/T cells between brain and lymph node showed that brain B/T cells unveiled the switch from naïve to mature, some B cells highlighted an enrichment of class switch recombination (CSR)-associated genes, V gene usage, and clonotype bias were observed. In related clinical studies, i.c. αTLR-mix treatment exhibited tolerability, and chemokines/cytokines assay provided preliminary evidence supporting TLS formation in GME.

Conclusions

TLS induction in GME enhanced anti-glioma immunity, improved the immune microenvironment, and controlled glioma growth, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for treating glioma in the future.
Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Substance Use Disorder Risk Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Enrolled in HIV Care in the United States: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Jain Jennifer P , Heise Megan J , Lisha Nadra E , Moreira Carlos H , Glidden David V , Burkholder Greer A , Crane Heidi M , Jacobson Jeffrey M , Cachay Edward R , Mayer Kenneth H , Napravnik Sonia , Moore Richard D , Dawson-Rose Carol , Johnson Mallory O , Christopoulos Katerina A , Gandhi Monica , Spinelli Matthew A
Published: August 2024

Background

Rising overdose deaths globally and increased social isolation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have disproportionately impacted people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) with substance use disorders (SUD). We examined trends in SUD risk among PWH before and after the COVID-19 shelter-in-place (SIP) mandate.

Methods

Data were collected between 2018 and 2022 among PWH enrolled across 8 US sites in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort. We evaluated changes in moderate/high SUD risk after SIP using interrupted time series analyses.

Results

There were 7126 participants, including 21 741 SUD assessments. The median age was 51 (interquartile range, 39–58) years; 12% identified as Hispanic or Latino/Latina, 46% Black/African American, and 46% White. Moderate/high SUD risk increased continuously after the pandemic's onset, with 43% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40%–46%) endorsing moderate/high SUD risk post-SIP, compared to 24% (95% CI, 22%–26%) pre-SIP (P < .001). There were increases in the use of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and decreases in prescription opioids and sedatives post-SIP. Further, there was a decrease in reported substance use treatment post-SIP compared to pre-SIP (P = .025).

Conclusions

The rising prevalence of SUD through late 2022 could be related to an increase in isolation and reduced access to substance use and HIV treatment caused by disruptions due to COVID-19. A renewed investment in integrated substance use treatment is vital to address the combined epidemics of substance use and HIV following the COVID-19 pandemic and to support resilience in the face of future disruptions.
Antibacterial activity of microwave-hydroxyapatite and cellulose blend
Authors: Kyeremeh Sheila Priscilla , Asimeng Bernard Owusu , Paemka Lily , Kojo Michael Ainooson , Annan Ebenezer , Tiburu Elvis K
Published: August 2024

The aim of the work was to synthesize a microwave-hydroxyapatite and cellulose nanocrystal (HApM/CNC) blend and investigate it for its antibacterial efficacy in water treatment applications. The blend was synthesized at varying ratios (100 : 0, 80 : 20, 60 : 40, and 40 : 60) and evaluated using disc diffusion, optical density (OD), and colony-forming unit (CFU) tests. Structural, functional group, and morphological analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity tests revealed enhanced antibacterial efficacy in the HApM/CNC blend. The inhibition zones for the blend measured 13.6 mm for E. coli and 17 mm for S. aureus, surpassing the 7.5 and 9.5 mm zones for pure HApM and the 10.5 and 10 mm zones for pure CNC, respectively. OD and CFU tests further corroborated these results, indicating a consistent pattern of increased antibacterial activity in the blends. XRD analysis revealed a calcium pyrophosphate phase associated with the employed microwave technique, further validated by FTIR spectra. SEM mophology confirmed the blend’s surface roughness, which improved antibacterial efficacy. The microwaved combustion created possible radical species thought to be the cause of the increased antibacterial activity seen. This study highlights the potential of HApM/CNC blends for effective antibacterial applications in water treatment.
ACA CO(J = 2–1) mapping of the nearest spiral galaxy M 33. II. Exploring the evolution of giant molecular clouds
Authors: Konishi Ayu , Muraoka Kazuyuki , Tokuda Kazuki , Fujita Shinji , Fukui Yasuo , Yamada Rin I , Demachi Fumika , Tachihara Kengo , Kobayashi Masato I N , Kuno Nario , Tsuge Kisetsu , Sano Hidetoshi , Miura Rie E , Kawamura Akiko , Onishi Toshikazu
Published: August 2024

The evolution of giant molecular clouds (GMCs), the main sites of high-mass star formation, is an essential process to unravel the galaxy evolution. Using a GMC catalogue of M 33 from the ALMA-ACA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array–Atacama Compact Array) survey, we classified 848 GMCs into three types based on the association with H ii regions and their H$\alpha$ luminosities $L\, (\rm{H}\alpha )$: Type I is associated with no H ii regions; Type II with H ii regions of $L\, (\rm{H}\alpha )$  $\lt 10^{37.5}$ erg s$^{-1}$; and Type III with H ii regions of $L\, (\rm{H}\alpha )$ $\geqq$ $10^{37.5}$ erg s$^{-1}$. These criteria yield 224 Type I GMCs, 473 Type II GMCs, and 151 Type III GMCs. GMCs show changes in their physical properties according to the types; mass, radius, velocity dispersion, and $^{13}$CO detection rate of GMCs systematically increase from Type I to Type III, and additionally, Type III GMCs are closest to virial equilibrium. Type III GMCs show the highest spatial correlation with clusters younger than $10\:$Myr, Type II GMCs moderate correlation, and Type I GMCs are almost uncorrelated. We interpret that these types indicate an evolutionary sequence from Type I to Type II, and then to Type III with timescales of 4 Myr, 13 Myr, and 5 Myr, respectively, indicating a GMC lifetime of 22 Myr by assuming that a Type II GMC has the same timescale as the Large Magellanic Cloud. The evolved GMCs are concentrated on the spiral arms, while the younger GMCs are apart from the arm, both to the leading and trailing sides. This indicates that GMCs collide with each other via the spiral potential, leading to the compression of GMCs and the triggering of high-mass star formation, which may support the dynamic spiral model. Overall, we suggest that the GMC evolution concept helps illuminate the galaxy evolution, including the spiral arm formation.
The complexity of volatile terpene biosynthesis in roses: Particular insights into β-citronellol production
Authors: Li Hongjie , Li Yueqing , Yan Huijun , Bao Tingting , Shan Xiaotong , Caissard Jean-Claude , Zhang Liangsheng , Fang Huiyi , Bai Xue , Zhang Jia , Wang Zhaoxuan , Wang Min , Guan Qian , Cai Ming , Ning Guogui , Jia Xiujuan , Boachon Benoît , Baudino Sylvie , Gao Xiang
Published: August 2024

The fascinating scent of rose (Rosa genus) flowers has captivated human senses for centuries, making them one of the most popular and widely used floral fragrances. Despite much progress over the last decade, many biochemical pathways responsible for rose scents remain unclear. We analyzed the floral scent compositions from various rose varieties and selected the modern cultivar Rosa hybrida “Double Delight” as a model system to unravel the formation of rose dominant volatile terpenes, which contribute substantially to the rose fragrance. Key genes involved in rose terpene biosynthesis were functionally characterized. Cytosolic geranyl diphosphate (GPP) generated by geranyl/farnesyl diphosphate synthase (G/FPPS1) catalysis played a pivotal role in rose scent production, and terpene synthases in roses play an important role in the formation of most volatile terpenes, but not for geraniol, citral, or β-citronellol. Subsequently, a series of enzymes, including geraniol dehydrogenase, geranial reductase, 12-oxophytodienoate reductase, and citronellal reductase, were characterized as involved in the transformation of geraniol to β-citronellol in roses through three successive steps. Interestingly, the β-citronellol biosynthesis pathway appears to be conserved in other horticultural plants like Lagerstroemia caudata and Paeonia lactiflora. Our findings provide valuable insights into the biosynthesis of rose volatile terpenoid compounds and offer essential gene resources for future breeding and molecular modification efforts.
On the Economic Origins of Concerns Over Women’s Chastity
Authors: Becker Anke
Published: August 2024

This article studies the origins and function of customs and norms that intend to keep women from being promiscuous. Using large-scale survey data from more than 100 countries, I test the anthropological theory that a particular form of pre-industrial subsistence—pastoralism—favoured the adoption of such customs and norms. Pastoralism was characterized by frequent and often extended periods of male absence from the settlement, implying difficulties in monitoring women’s behaviour and larger incentives to imposing restrictions on women’s promiscuity. The article shows that women from historically more pastoral societies (i) are subject to stronger anti-abortion attitudes; (ii) are more likely to have undergone infibulation, the most invasive form of female genital cutting; (iii) are more restricted in their freedom of mobility; and (iv) adhere to more restrictive norms about women’s promiscuity. At the historical society level, pastoralism predicts patrilocality, the custom of living close to the husband’s family after marriage, allowing them to monitor the bride. Instrumental variable estimations that make use of the ecological determinants of pastoralism support a causal interpretation of the results. I also provide evidence that the mechanism behind these patterns is male absence, rather than male dominance, per se, or historical economic development.
Tracking vigilance fluctuations in real-time: a sliding-window heart rate variability-based machine-learning approach
Authors: Xie Tian , Ma Ning
Published: August 2024

Study Objectives

Heart rate variability (HRV)-based machine learning models hold promise for real-world vigilance evaluation, yet their real-time applicability is limited by lengthy feature extraction times and reliance on subjective benchmarks. This study aimed to improve the objectivity and efficiency of HRV-based vigilance evaluation by associating HRV and behavior metrics through a sliding window approach.

Methods

Forty-four healthy adults underwent psychomotor vigilance tasks under both well-rested and sleep-deprived conditions, with simultaneous electrocardiogram recording. A sliding-window approach (30 seconds length, 10 seconds step) was used for HRV feature extraction and behavior assessment. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine how HRV related to objective vigilance levels. Stability selection technique was applied for feature selection, and the vigilance ground truth—high (fastest 40%), intermediate (middle 20%), and low (slowest 40%)—was determined based on each participant’s range of performance. Four machine-learning classifiers—k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine (SVM), AdaBoost, and random forest—were trained and tested using cross-validation.

Results

Fluctuated vigilance performance indicated pronounced state instability, particularly after sleep deprivation. Temporary decrements in performance were associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in time-domain heart rate variability. SVM achieved the best performance, with a cross-validated accuracy of 89% for binary classification of high versus low vigilance epochs. Overall accuracy dropped to 72% for three-class classification in leave-one-participant-out cross-validation, but SVM maintained a precision of 84% in identifying low-vigilance epochs.

Conclusions

Sliding-window-based HRV metrics would effectively capture the fluctuations in vigilance during task execution, enabling more timely and accurate detection of performance decrement.
Investigating iontophoresis as a therapeutic approach for Peyronie’s disease: a systematic review
Authors: Eslami Sahand , Tahmasbi Fateme , Rahimi-Mamaghani Alireza , Sanaie Sarvin , Bettocchi Carlo , Sedigh Omid , Soleimanzadeh Farzin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Iontophoresis therapy (IPT) is a noninvasive technique that uses electrical impulses to deliver charged molecules into the skin for controlled and targeted drug delivery. IPT has been explored as a noninvasive treatment option for Peyronie’s disease (PD), but the current literature in this regard is still scarce.

Objective

We aimed to systematically review the current literature on the application of IPT in the management of PD to provide a comprehensive evaluation and holistic outlook on the subject.

Method

A comprehensive search strategy was implemented in the following databases to retrieve research articles: PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science. Google Scholar was also manually searched. The search results were imported into Rayyan reference management for assessment based on the predefined inclusion criteria. The quality of the articles was evaluated by the proper JBI checklist (ie, per the study design), and the JBI grades of recommendation were used for grading the evidence.

Results

A systematic search yielded 451 publications, 11 of which met the criteria to be included in this systematic review. The results demonstrated that IPT, usually with verapamil and dexamethasone, has shown promising results in treating PD. These methods can reduce pain, plaque size, and penile curvature while improving sexual function and quality of life with no serious adverse events. However, most studies had moderate to low quality, indicating a weak recommendation for a certain health management strategy.

Conclusion

Based on the extant literature, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of IPT for the management of PD. Placing it in the forefront of research can facilitate the management choices for PD even further, given its therapeutic potential.
Cell-free synthesis of infective phages from in vitro assembled phage genomes for efficient phage engineering and production of large phage libraries
Authors: Kristensen Camilla S , Petersen Anders Ø , Kilstrup Mogens , van der Helm Eric , Takos Adam
Published: August 2024

Bacteriophages are promising alternatives to traditional antimicrobial treatment of bacterial infections. To further increase the potential of phages, efficient engineering methods are needed. This study investigates an approach to phage engineering based on phage rebooting and compares selected methods of assembly and rebooting of phage genomes. GG assembly of phage genomes and subsequent rebooting by cell-free transcription–translation reactions yielded the most efficient phage engineering and allowed production of a proof-of-concept T7 phage library of 1.8 × 107 phages. We obtained 7.5 × 106 different phages, demonstrating generation of large and diverse libraries suitable for high-throughput screening of mutant phenotypes. Implementing versatile and high-throughput phage engineering methods allows vastly accelerated and improved phage engineering, bringing us closer to applying effective phages to treat infections in the clinic.
‘This modern Cinderella’: Railway Queens, mass media, and British civic culture, 1925–75
Authors: Scott Conner Rivers
Published: August 2024

Between 1925 and 1975, the British railway industry elected beauty queens from the daughters of employees. Focusing upon the Railway Queens, this article will reveal the importance of beauty queens as ‘civic celebrities’, a novel role for public figures that emerged between the wars and helped to sustain a vibrant civic culture across the early to mid-twentieth century. It combined the traditional ceremonial function of ‘civic’ representative with the modern consumerist ethos of media ‘celebrity’. Despite the gendered constraints of such competitions, this article posits that serving as a beauty queen enabled young working-class women to become legitimate representatives of various civic communities for the first time, whilst also enabling participation in the media’s image-making of glamorous, consumerist femininities. As such, the role rendered civic and consumer cultures more inclusive and increasingly inextricable. This article further suggests that civic celebrities altered how communities were represented to themselves within British civic culture. If elites continued to represent hierarchical communities of authority and deference, then from the 1920s onwards, civic celebrities such as beauty queens began to represent relatively democratic communities of non-partisan inclusivity and consumer aspiration.
Air‐ventilated normothermic mechanical perfusion improves susceptibility to donation after circulatory death and cold preservation‐induced cholestatic liver injury through PPAR‐γ/UGT1A1 axis
Authors: Wang Yong , Tao Ruo‐Lin , Yu Dong‐Sheng , Wu Kai‐Wen , Bai Yang , Yang Dong‐Jing , Gu Yue , Guo Wen‐Zhi , Zhang Shui‐Jun , Jin Yang , Shi Ji‐Hua
Published: August 2024

End‐ischemic normothermic mechanical perfusion (NMP) could provide a curative treatment to reduce cholestatic liver injury from donation after circulatory death (DCD) in donors. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our previous study demonstrated that air‐ventilated NMP could improve functional recovery of DCD in a preclinical NMP rat model. Here, metabolomics analysis revealed that air‐ventilated NMP alleviated DCD‐ and cold preservation‐induced cholestatic liver injury, as shown by the elevated release of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, and γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the perfusate (p < .05) and the reduction in the levels of bile acid metabolites, including ω‐muricholic acid, glycohyodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) in the perfused livers (p < .05). In addition, the expression of the key bile acid metabolism enzyme UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), which is predominantly expressed in hepatocytes, was substantially elevated in the DCD rat liver, followed by air‐ventilated NMP (p < .05), and in vitro, this increase was induced by decreased GCDC and hypoxia‐reoxygenation in the hepatic cells HepG2 and L02 (p < .05). Knockdown of UGT1A1 in hepatic cells by siRNA aggravated hepatic injury caused by GCDC and hypoxia‐reoxygenation, as indicated by the ALT and AST levels in the supernatant. Mechanistically, UGT1A1 is transcriptionally regulated by peroxisome proliferator‐activator receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) under hypoxia–physoxia. Taken together, our data revealed that air‐ventilated NMP could alleviate DCD‐ and cold preservation‐induced cholestatic liver injury through PPAR‐γ/UGT1A1 axis. Based on the results from this study, air‐ventilated NMP confers a promising approach for predicting and alleviating cholestatic liver injury through PPAR‐γ/UGT1A1 axis.
Team Nursing Models as a Staffing Solution
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: August 2024

A new study questions their safety and cost-effectiveness.
An Introduction to the Crossover Trial Design
Authors: Capili Bernadette , Anastasi Joyce K.
Published: August 2024

Editor's note: This is the 23rd article in a series on clinical research by nurses. The series is designed to be used as a resource for nurses to understand the concepts and principles essential to research. Each column will present the concepts that underpin evidence-based practice—from research design to data interpretation. To see all the articles in the series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A204.
Implementing a Peer Support Program for Second Victims
Authors: Johnson Bernadette , New Luci , Ballister Michele , Brown Courtney , Scott Susan
Published: August 2024

The second victim phenomenon describes the distress frequently experienced by health care providers after an unintentional medical error or unexpected adverse event. However, few health care institutions have initiatives that proactively address this phenomenon. The pilot project discussed in this article aimed to create a peer support program for health care providers experiencing the second victim phenomenon. The project team validated the need for such a program among health care providers in the perioperative departments of two facilities within a large health care organization in the southeastern United States. To do this, they used a survey, the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool. Among survey respondents in the two departments, 80% and 87.6% indicated a strong desire to discuss their emotional challenges with a respected peer colleague after a traumatic event. The project team then developed and implemented a peer support program in three phases to 1) educate staff across the facility on second victimization, 2) recruit and train volunteer peer supporters, and 3) launch the pilot program by embedding these peer supporters in the two perioperative departments. A survey completed by participants in the pilot program showed that 80% of respondents found the peer support extremely beneficial, 20% found it very beneficial, and 100% would recommend peer support to a colleague. This successful pilot project could inform the establishment of peer support programs at other institutions to assist health care providers experiencing the second victim phenomenon.
Professional Licensure: Protecting Your Nursing Livelihood, Part 1
Authors: Brous Edie A.
Published: August 2024

Common misunderstandings about nursing regulation
Lower Risk of Upper GI Bleeding with Pantoprazole in Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: August 2024

According to this study:
Back to school
Authors: Best Nakia C. , Thomas Cassidie S. , Mosley-Williams Felicia , Chang Amanda , Nielsen Tiffany
Published: August 2024

Preparing for the new school year is an exciting and busy time. An important task for parents and caregivers during the back-to-school season is to ensure that their child or adolescent is up to date with their vaccines. NPs play a vital role in guiding parents and caregivers through the vaccination process, thereby ensuring that school-aged children and adolescents' health requirements are met. This article provides NPs with resources to assist in making decisions about child and adolescent immunizations. It also explores effective communication strategies to convey the benefits of vaccination to parents and caregivers, equipping NPs with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate vaccination complexities and advocate for the health and safety of school-aged children and adolescents.