bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting the Countryside
Authors: Yang Yingchuan
Published: October 2023

In the 1950s and 1960s, rural radio networks were erected all across China, operated and maintained by local residents who worked as technicians, correspondents, and broadcasters. This article introduces the radio network as a complex and diverse technological infrastructure for the socialist masses. The content of broadcasting was never uniform; rather, each county, town, village, and even the individual broadcaster had a say in what sounds came out of their loudspeakers. Accordingly, the Chinese socialist soundscape was not only peppered with quotation songs and political slogans but also contained music and traditional opera, useful information, and occasionally the relay of foreign radio stations. Radio networks brought people together as members and active builders of the new society. While the extant historiography understands the socialist masses as a political and social category, this article argues that it was also constructed as a technological one. The socialist citizenry was often defined by its involvement in state-led infrastructure projects such as the radio network; in turn, as people strove to build and run their own radio networks, they spontaneously took part in assembling and buttressing the infrastructure that underpinned the socialist state.
“A Natural History of Logistics” and Other Studio Briefs
Authors: Parikka Jussi
Published: October 2023

This article addresses the question of the planetary through three practices that relate to design and architectural pedagogy and research as well as the broader context of Anthropocene discussions. From Strelka Institute's Terraforming program to the Terra Forma book by Frédérique Aït-Touati, Alexandra Arènes, and Axelle Grégoire and a discussion of the Royal College of Art's architecture program's studio “Something in the Air: Politics of the Atmosphere,” the article focuses on framing of “problem spaces” (Celia Lury's term) through studio briefs as well as experimental visualization and mapping. While discussing methodological underpinnings of planetarity as a problem space, the article mobilizes the neologism “natural history of logistics” to analyze practices of scale in the critical design studio briefs and discourses at the center of the article. The term is pitched as a temporary conceptual anchor for a relation specific to the technological framing of a polyscalar Earth.
Gravity Line–Hip Axis Offset as a Guide for Global Alignment to Prevent Recurrent Proximal Junctional Kyphosis/Failure
Authors: Hyun Seung-Jae , An Sungjae , Park Byoung-Joo , Lee Jae-Koo , Yang Seung Heon , Kim Ki-Jeong
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Proximal junctional kyphosis/failure (PJK/F) is a potentially serious complication after adult spinal deformity (ASD) corrective surgery. Recurrent PJK/F is especially troublesome, necessitating fusion extension and occasionally resulting in irreversible neurological deficits. The gravity line (GL) offers valuable insights into global sagittal balance. This study aims to examine the postoperative GL–hip axis (GL-HA) offset as a critical risk factor for recurrent PJK/F.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with ASD who had undergone revision surgery for initial PJK/F at a single academic center. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: nonrecurrent PJK/F group and recurrent PJK/F group. Demographics, surgical characteristics, preoperative and postoperative parameters of spinopelvic and global alignment, and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores were assessed. We examined these measures for differences and correlations with recurrent PJK/F.

RESULTS:

Our study included 32 patients without recurrent PJK/F and 28 patients with recurrent PJK/F. No significant differences were observed in baseline demographics, operative characteristics, or Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores before and after surgery. Importantly, using a cutoff of −52.6 mm from logistic regression, there were considerable differences and correlations with recurrent PJK/F in the postoperative GL-HA offset, leading to an odds ratio of 7.0 (95% CI: 1.94-25.25, P = .003).

CONCLUSION:

Postoperative GL-HA offset serves as a considerable risk factor for recurrent PJK/F in patients with ASD who have undergone revision surgery. Overcorrection, with GL-HA offset less than −5 cm, is associated with recurrent PJK/F. The instrumented spine tends to align the GL near the HA, even at the cost of proximal junction.
Gerenciamento de impressão e o período de Lockdown: estudo em empresas do setor comercial da B3
Authors: Oliveira Francisca Keila dos Santos , De Souza Natasha Freitas , Silva Régis Barroso
Published: October 2023

Este estudo avaliou o comportamento, em termos de GI, das empresas brasileiras do setor comercial, listadas na B3 durante o período de lockdown. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa descritiva, quantitativa e documental, utilizando como campo de estudos os fatos relevantes divulgados durante o período de lockdown. O Gerenciamento de Impressão (GI) foi calculado utilizando como proxy o tom do discurso, e o período de fechamento das atividades econômicas se baseou no decreto de Emergência em Saúde Pública de Importância Nacional (ESPIN) do Governo Federal. Como resultados, comprovou-se a existência de relação proporcional entre o período de lockdown e o aumento do uso de GI com tendência de tom positivo. Esses achados colaboram para a melhoria do conhecimento relativo à qualidade da informação contábil divulgada pelas empresas de capital aberto.
Ensino de manejo da dor nas escolas médicas: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Gondim Andréa Silva , Rocha Caio César Otôni Espíndola , Peixoto Júnior Arnaldo Aires , Peixoto Raquel Autran Coelho
Published: October 2023

A prevalência de dor na população mundial é alta e há graves complicações relacionadas ao seu manejo inadequado. Lacunas no ensino de manejo da dor aparecem entre as causas do problema. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar revisão integrativa sobre o ensino de manejo da dor entre estudantes de Medicina. Métodos: No período de novembro de 2022 a janeiro de 2023, foram utilizadas as bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e Scielo para coleta de dados publicados no período entre 2012 e 2022. Utilizaram-se os descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): “knowledge OR Competence OR Skills”, AND “pain management” AND “medical schools”. Resultados: Foram encontrados 110 estudos nas bases de dados utilizadas. Destes, foram excluídos 88, por não se relacionarem ao tema central, e 14 por serem revisões ou em idioma não inglês, restando 8 para análise. Após análise dos textos, surgiram três eixos temáticos: a) Manejo da dor nos currículos médicos; b) Percepção de alunos e docentes; e c) intervenções no ensino de manejo da dor. Conclusões: Os currículos médicos devem ampliar o ensino de dor de modo integrado em situações clínicas multiprofissionais, para que os alunos estejam preparados para enfrentar não apenas o conhecimento clínico, mas também os desafios profissionais, pessoais e éticos que surgem ao cuidar de pessoas com dor.
Normingu määramisest: lühikese ülivõrde varieerumise juhtumiuuring
Authors: Siiman Ann
Published: October 2023

Siinse uurimuse esimene eesmärk on kirjeldada eesti vormistiku normimise uuemaid tendentse. Teine eesmärk on neist tulemustest lähtuvalt käsitleda lühikese ülivõrde tegelikku kasutust ja teha selle põhjal normimise ettepanekuid.
„Eesti kirjakeele normi rakendamise korra“ (RT I, 14.06.2011, 3) järgi on eesti kirjakeele norming määratud keelehooldeallikate kõrval ka Emakeele Seltsi (ES) keeletoimkonna otsustega ning soovin välja selgitada, kuidas on keeletoimkonna otsuseid põhjendatud ja otsuste põhjendamiseks andmeid kogutud. ESi otsuste analüüsi põhjal teen lühikese ülivõrde varieerumise juhtumiuuringu riigieksamikirjandite, Eesti Keele Instituudi (EKI) keelenõuandmebaasi, korpuse ja küsitluste abil. Andmekogumisviiside võrdluses järeldan, et küsitlused või üldisemalt katsed on sobivaim meetod normingu ja tegeliku keelekasutuse võrdlemiseks.
Jagan sõnad kahte rühma: normingu järgi lühikese ülivõrdeta ja normingu järgi diftongilise ülivõrdeta sõnad. Tulemusena selgub, et mõlema sõnarühmaga eelistatakse normingukohaseid vorme. Enamiku uuritavate sõnade ülivõrdemoodustus aga varieerub mingil määral ehk norming tuleb üle vaadata. Teen ettepanekud muuta diftongiline ülivõrre normingukohaseks kõigis muuttüüpides või ainult tubli-, oluline-, sepp-, padi- ja õnnelik-tüübis või tõsta üksiksõnu rööptüüpidesse.

Abstract. Ann Siiman: On the norm determination: A case study of the short superlative variation. The first goal of this study is to describe the newer tendencies of the standardization of the Estonian formal system. The second goal is to discuss the actual use of the short superlative based on these results and to make suggestions for normalization.
Since, according to Language Act, the standard of Standard Estonian is determined by the dictonaries and the language committee of the Mother Language Society (MLS), I aim to find out how the decisions of the language committee have been justified and data collected in order to substantiate the decisions. Based on the analysis of MLS’s decisions I make a short case study of superlative variation using national exam papers, a Institute of Estonian Language’s language counselling database, a corpus and surveys. Comparing the data collection methods, I conclude that surveys or experimental methods in general are the most appropriate method for comparing normative and actual language use.
I divide the words into two groups: words without short superlatives by normalization and words without diphthong superlatives by normalization. As a result, it appears that both groups of words give preference to standard forms. However, the superlative formation of most of the words studied varies to some extent, so the normalization needs to be reviewed. I propose to make the diphthong superlative standard in all inflectional types, or only in tubli-, oluline-, sepp-, padi-, and õnnelik-types, or to move individual words to parallel inflectional types.
Encontro entre quadrinhos e música: as bolinhas de Priscila Farias nas páginas da revista Animal (1988-1991)
Authors: Dos Santos Guilherme Caldas , Queluz Marilda Lopes Pinheiro
Published: October 2023

A segunda metade da década de 80 foi o período de circulação de um número expressivo de publicações voltadas para o segmento das histórias em quadrinhos (HQs) autorais. Resultantes, em larga medida, do processo de reabertura política iniciado na década anterior, essas HQs representaram uma forte instância de interação com seu público leitor. Foram, ainda, parte do processo dialógico de formulação e materialização de valores implicados numa reorganização da imprensa. Esta procurou manter-se a par das transformações políticas em curso no Brasil ao longo da década de 70 – quando pautas relacionadas à cultura e ao comportamento ganharam relevância no contexto das disputas políticas que iriam resultar no fim da ditadura militar.  O objetivo deste texto é refletir sobre as relações culturais entre quadrinhos e música constituídas nas propostas gráficas de Priscila Farias, publicadas na revista Animal. Para isso, foi feito um levantamento de todas as suas resenhas ilustradas, as chamadas "bolinhas", no período de 1988 a 1991, considerando-se o contexto de redemocratização do país. A produção de Priscila Farias destaca-se no suplemento da revista, Mau, representando as mediações construídas com os leitores, com as HQs e com outras manifestações culturais e políticas daquele momento.
Movimento, imagem e fronteira em Gonçalo M. Tavares: por uma literatura expandida
Authors: Fontes Ferraz Bruna , Rodrigues Moreira Maria Elisa
Published: October 2023

As práticas literárias contemporâneas têm se firmado como espaços cada vez mais expandidos, que tendem a cruzar diversas mídias e artes, para a constituição de objetos híbridos. Levando essa prática ao extremo, a obra do escritor português Gonçalo M. Tavares constitui-se como importante exemplo desse espessamento das fronteiras entre os mais diversos elementos, os quais são convocados em seus projetos de escrita. Por isso, neste artigo, tendo como eixo de discussão as ideias de “movimento”, de “imagem” e de “fronteira”, analisamos três obras do referido escritor — O bairro, Short movies e Atlas do corpo e da imaginação — para mostrar como elas constituem-se, cada qual à sua maneira, como espaços que cruzam saberes e movem as artes, ao proporcionar um contínuo contato, cujas fronteiras funcionam como zonas abertas de interface e de transição. Para isso, ancoramos teoricamente nossa reflexão nas considerações de Cássio Eduardo Viana Hissa, Florencia Garramuño, além do próprio Tavares, para citarmos alguns exemplos.
La investigación en trabajo social. Análisis de los trabajos fin de grado de la Universidad de Zaragoza
Authors: Romero-Martín Sandra , Esteban-Carbonell Elisa , De Pedro Herrera M.ª Dolores
Published: October 2023

La vertiente investigadora del Trabajo Social, aunque presente desde los orígenes de la profesión, no ha gozado del mismo protagonismo que la intervención social. Esta dinámica ha cambiado y, hoy en día, los Trabajos Fin de Grado constituyen un buen ejemplo de investigaciones en Trabajo Social. En este contexto, este estudio tiene por objetivos describir, clasificar y analizar la tipología de Trabajos de Fin de Grado en Trabajo Social realizados por el alumnado de la Universidad de Zaragoza entre los cursos 2011-2012 y 2017-2018. Se han analizado un total de 753 trabajos. Los resultados apuntan a la existencia de un gran número de trabajos centrados en colectivos, ámbitos y áreas de investigación "tradicionales" del Trabajo Social, además de nuevas temáticas emergentes, en función del momento social y de las inquietudes del alumnado.
La incidencia de indicadores socioeconómicos En la aplicación de medidas de protección ante el desamparo infantil en España
Authors: Miño María Gabriela , Gómez Raimundo Elias
Published: October 2023

El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer la importancia que tienen los condicionamientos socioeconómicos de calidad de vida en las decisiones de los Servicios Especializados del Menor en España. Mediante metodología estadística pudimos comprobar la incidencia de los indicadores de porcentaje de población en riesgo de pobreza relativa, porcentaje de paro de larga duración y porcentaje de personas con incapacidad de hacer frente a gastos económicos imprevistos en relación con el porcentaje de menores atendidos y el porcentaje de tutelas de cada Comunidad Autónoma. Los resultados de investigación muestran la necesidad de considerar las variables socioeconómicas estructurales de los contextos de participación de las familias en los informes psicosociales y en la evaluación del cumplimiento de los planes de trabajo.
Comparative effect of platelet- and mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles on human cartilage explants using an ex vivo inflammatory osteoarthritis model
Authors: Forteza-Genestra Maria A. , Antich-Rosselló Miquel , Ramis-Munar Guillem , Calvo Javier , Gayà Antoni , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana M.
Published: October 2023

Aims

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles secreted by all cells, enriched in proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids related to cell-to-cell communication and vital components of cell-based therapies. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived EVs have been studied as an alternative for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. However, their clinical translation is hindered by industrial and regulatory challenges. In contrast, platelet-derived EVs might reach clinics faster since platelet concentrates, such as platelet lysates (PL), are already used in therapeutics. Hence, we aimed to test the therapeutic potential of PL-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) as a new treatment for OA, which is a degenerative joint disease of articular cartilage and does not have any curative or regenerative treatment, by comparing its effects to those of human umbilical cord MSC-derived EVs (cEVs) on an ex vivo OA-induced model using human cartilage explants.

Methods

pEVs and cEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and physically characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), protein content, and purity. OA conditions were induced in human cartilage explants (10 ng/ml oncostatin M and 2 ng/ml tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)) and treated with 1 × 109 particles of pEVs or cEVs for 14 days. Then, DNA, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), and collagen content were quantified, and a histological study was performed. EV uptake was monitored using PKH26 labelled EVs.

Results

Significantly higher content of DNA and collagen was observed for the pEV-treated group compared to control and cEV groups. No differences were found in GAG quantification nor in EVs uptake within any treated group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pEVs showed better performance than cEVs in our in vitro OA model. Although further studies are needed, pEVs are shown as a potential alternative to cEVs for cell-free regenerative medicine.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(10):667–676.
Length of stay and discharge dispositions following robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus conventional technique and predictors of delayed discharge
Authors: Fontalis Andreas , Raj Rhody D. , Haddad Isabella C. , Donovan Christian , Plastow Ricci , Oussedik Sam , Gabr Ayman , Haddad Fares S.
Published: October 2023

Aims

In-hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge dispositions following arthroplasty could act as surrogate measures for improvement in patient pathways, and have major cost saving implications for healthcare providers. With the ever-growing adoption of robotic technology in arthroplasty, it is imperative to evaluate its impact on LOS. The objectives of this study were to compare LOS and discharge dispositions following robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RO TKA) and unicompartmental arthroplasty (RO UKA) versus conventional technique (CO TKA and UKA).

Methods

This large-scale, single-institution study included patients of any age undergoing primary TKA (n = 1,375) or UKA (n = 337) for any cause between May 2019 and January 2023. Data extracted included patient demographics, LOS, need for post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) admission, anaesthesia type, readmission within 30 days, and discharge dispositions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were also employed to identify factors and patient characteristics related to delayed discharge.

Results

The median LOS in the RO TKA group was 76 hours (interquartile range (IQR) 54 to 104) versus 82.5 (IQR 58 to 127) in the CO TKA group (p < 0.001) and 54 hours (IQR 34 to 77) in the RO UKA versus 58 (IQR 35 to 81) in the CO UKA (p = 0.031). Discharge dispositions were comparable between the two groups. A higher percentage of patients undergoing CO TKA required PACU admission (8% vs 5.2%; p = 0.040).

Conclusion

Our study showed that robotic arm assistance was associated with a shorter LOS in patients undergoing primary UKA and TKA, and no difference in the discharge destinations. Our results suggest that robotic arm assistance could be advantageous in partly addressing the upsurge of knee arthroplasty procedures and the concomitant healthcare burden; however, this needs to be corroborated by long-term cost-effectiveness analyses and data from randomized controlled studies.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):791–800.
Notes on Black Ekphrasis
Authors: Ford James Edward
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This essay argues for Phillis Wheatley and Scipio Moorhead as early contributors to the tradition of Black Ekphrasis. This essay frames "To S.M. [Scipio Moorhead], a Young African Painter, on Seeing his Works," as both an instance and a theorization of Black Ekphrasis. Wheatley's commentary leads to a consideration of the painter and poet's bond under the tyranny of slavery. By way of the Damon-Pythias myth, Wheatley links Black Ekphrasis to the collective pursuit of freedom.
Making Choices—Newborn Male Circumcision
Authors: O'Connor Shawn D.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Newborn male circumcision has potential benefits and advantages as well as disadvantages and risks. Families will at times have medical questions regarding newborn male circumcision that clinicians must be prepared to answer.
Preparation and SERS applications of Ta2O5 composite nanostructures
Authors: Mingjin Liu , Cheng Shuo , Du Xuejian , Li Jing , Peng Qianqian , Zhao Chenlong , Wang Yaoyang , Xiu Xianwu
Published: October 2023

Noble metal and semiconductor composite substrates possess high sensitivity, excellent stability, good biocompatibility, and selective enhancement, making them an important research direction in the field of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Ta2O5, as a semiconductor material with high thermal stability, corrosion resistance, outstanding optical properties, and catalytic performance, has great potential in SERS research. This study aims to design and fabricate a composite SERS substrate based on Ta2O5 nanostructures, achieving optimal detection performance by combining the urchin-like structure of Ta2O5 with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The urchin-like Ta2O5 nanostructures were prepared using a hydrothermal reaction method. The bandgap was modulated through structure design and the self-doping technique, the charge transfer efficiency and surface plasmon resonance effects were improved, thereby achieving better SERS performance. The composite substrate enables highly sensitive quantitative detection. This composite SERS substrate combines the electromagnetic enhancement mechanism (EM) and chemical enhancement mechanism (CM), achieving ultra-low detection limits of 10−13 M for R6G. Within the concentration range above 10−12 M, there is a good linear relationship between concentration and peak intensity, demonstrating excellent quantitative analysis capabilities. Furthermore, this composite SERS substrate is capable of precise detection of analytes such as crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB), holding broad application prospects in areas such as food safety and environmental monitoring.
Highly sensitive frequency upconversion detection from 1 to 3 THz with OH1 crystal
Authors: Guo Quanxin , Fan Shuzhen , Yin Xiaoqin , Jiao Binzhe , Mu Jiefeng , Ming Na , Guo Liyuan , Yuan Jiasheng , Wang Kaiyu , Zhang Xingyu
Published: October 2023

The wide applications of terahertz (THz) wave technology in the ∼1–3 THz range has resulted in a surge in the demand for the performance improvement of THz wave detection technique. In this study, a frequency tunable, highly sensitive frequency upconversion detection based on a 2-(3-(4-hydroxystyryl)-5,5-dime-thylcyclohex-2-enylidene) malononitrile (OH1) crystal at room temperature is demonstrated. Moreover, to effectively increase the signal-to-noise ratio in the low frequency range, a beam isolation enhancer is proposed and its effect is verified. The minimum detectable THz pulse energy reaches about 100 aJ at 1.9 THz. The frequency tuning ranging from 1 to 3 THz. Sensitivity comparison with a 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystal system shows that OH1 is a more suitable nonlinear crystal in the 1–2.4 THz range.
Semidiscrete optical vortex droplets in quasi-phase-matched photonic crystals
Authors: Xu Xiaoxi , Zhao Feiyan , Huang Jiayao , He Hexiang , Zhang Li , Chen Zhaopin , Nie Zhongquan , Malomed Boris A. , Li Yongyao
Published: October 2023

What we believe is a new scheme for producing semidiscrete self-trapped vortices (“swirling photon droplets”) in photonic crystals with competing quadratic (χ(2)) and self-defocusing cubic (χ(3)) nonlinearities is proposed. The photonic crystal is designed with a striped structure, in the form of spatially periodic modulation of theχ(2)susceptibility, which is imposed by the quasi-phase-matching technique. Unlike previous realizations of semidiscrete optical modes in composite media, built as combinations of continuous and arrayed discrete waveguides, the semidiscrete vortex “droplets” are produced here in the fully continuous medium. This work reveals that the system supports two types of semidiscrete vortex droplets,viz., onsite- and intersite-centered ones, which feature, respectively, odd and even numbers of stripes,N. Stability areas for the states with different values ofNare identified in the system’s parameter space. Some stability areas overlap with each other, giving rise to the multistability of states with differentN. The coexisting states are mutually degenerate, featuring equal values of the Hamiltonian and propagation constant. An experimental scheme to realize the droplets is outlined, suggesting new possibilities for the long-distance transmission of nontrivial vortex beams in nonlinear media.
Dispersion engineering in nonlinear multipass cells for high-quality pulse compression
Authors: Karst Maximilian , Benner Maximilian , Gierschke Philipp , Stark Henning , Limpert Jens
Published: October 2023

A dispersion-engineered multipass cell operating in the enhanced frequency regime is presented. Through the use of dispersive cavity mirrors, the nonlinear interaction is reshaped resulting in a smoother broadened spectrum, which yields a significant improvement in compressed pulse quality. The 70 W average power output of an Yb:fiber laser at 50 kHz repetition rate is compressed from 205 fs to 32 fs with more than 96% of the energy contained in the temporal main feature of the pulse. This first, to the best of our knowledge, experimental demonstration of a pulse quality improvement through enhanced frequency chirping in a multipass cell displays the opportunities for dispersion-tailored pulse compression.
Distributed fiber optic shape sensing with simultaneous interrogation of multiple fibers based on Rayleigh-signature domain multiplexing
Authors: Cappelletti Martina , Aitkulov Arman , Orsuti Daniele , Schenato Luca , Santagiustina Marco , Hayashi Tetsuya , Galtarossa Andrea , Palmieri Luca
Published: October 2023

We propose a method for shape sensing that employs Rayleigh-signature domain multiplexing to simultaneously probe the fibers or cores of a shape sensing setup with a single optical frequency-domain reflectometry scan. The technique enables incrementing the measurement speed by a factor equal to the number of multiplexed fibers at the expense of an increased noise floor in accordance with the Cramér-Rao lower bound. Nonetheless, we verify that the shape reconstruction performance of the proposed method is in very good agreement with that of conventional sequential core interrogation.
PARROT: Prediction of enzyme abundances using protein-constrained metabolic models
Authors: Ferreira Mauricio Alexander de Moura , Silveira Wendel Batista da , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: October 2023

Protein allocation determines the activity of cellular pathways and affects growth across all organisms. Therefore, different experimental and machine learning approaches have been developed to quantify and predict protein abundance and how they are allocated to different cellular functions, respectively. Yet, despite advances in protein quantification, it remains challenging to predict condition-specific allocation of enzymes in metabolic networks. Here, using protein-constrained metabolic models, we propose a family of constrained-based approaches, termed PARROT, to predict how much of each enzyme is used based on the principle of minimizing the difference between a reference and an alternative growth condition. To this end, PARROT variants model the minimization of enzyme reallocation using four different (combinations of) distance functions. We demonstrate that the PARROT variant that minimizes the Manhattan distance between the enzyme allocation of a reference and an alternative condition outperforms existing approaches based on the parsimonious distribution of fluxes or enzymes for both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further, we show that the combined minimization of flux and enzyme allocation adjustment leads to inconsistent predictions. Together, our findings indicate that minimization of protein allocation rather than flux redistribution is a governing principle determining steady-state pathway activity for microorganism grown in alternative growth conditions.
Cross-feeding affects the target of resistance evolution to an antifungal drug
Authors: Durand Romain , Jalbert-Ross Jordan , Fijarczyk Anna , Dubé Alexandre K. , Landry Christian R.
Published: October 2023

Pathogenic fungi are a cause of growing concern. Developing an efficient and safe antifungal is challenging because of the similar biological properties of fungal and host cells. Consequently, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance to prolong the efficacy of current molecules. A major step in this direction would be to be able to predict or even prevent the acquisition of resistance. We leverage the power of experimental evolution to quantify the diversity of paths to resistance to the antifungal 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), commercially known as flucytosine. We generated hundreds of independent 5-FC resistant mutants derived from two genetic backgrounds from wild isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Through automated pin-spotting, whole-genome and amplicon sequencing, we identified the most likely causes of resistance for most strains. Approximately a third of all resistant mutants evolved resistance through a pleiotropic drug response, a potentially novel mechanism in response to 5-FC, marked by cross-resistance to fluconazole. These cross-resistant mutants are characterized by a loss of respiration and a strong tradeoff in drug-free media. For the majority of the remaining two thirds, resistance was acquired through loss-of-function mutations in FUR1, which encodes an important enzyme in the metabolism of 5-FC. We describe conditions in which mutations affecting this particular step of the metabolic pathway are favored over known resistance mutations affecting a step upstream, such as the well-known target cytosine deaminase encoded by FCY1. This observation suggests that ecological interactions may dictate the identity of resistance hotspots.
Dispersal history and bidirectional human-fish host switching of invasive, hypervirulent Streptococcus agalactiae sequence type 283
Authors: Schar Daniel , Zhang Zhenyu , Pires Joao , Vrancken Bram , Suchard Marc A. , Lemey Philippe , Ip Margaret , Gilbert Marius , Van Boeckel Thomas , Dellicour Simon
Published: October 2023

Human group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections attributable to an invasive, hypervirulent sequence type (ST) 283 have been associated with freshwater fish consumption in Asia. The origin, geographic dispersion pathways and host transitions of GBS ST283 remain unresolved. We gather 328 ST283 isolate whole-genome sequences collected from humans and fish between 1998 and 2021, representing eleven countries across four continents. We apply Bayesian phylogeographic analyses to reconstruct the dispersal history of ST283 and combine ST283 phylogenies with genetic markers and host association to investigate host switching and the gain and loss of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes. Initial dispersal within Asia followed ST283 emergence in the early 1980s, with Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong observed as early transmission hubs. Subsequent intercontinental dispersal originating from Vietnam began in the decade commencing 2001, demonstrating ST283 holds potential to expand geographically. Furthermore, we observe bidirectional host switching, with the detection of more frequent human-to-fish than fish-to-human transitions, suggesting that sound wastewater management, hygiene and sanitation may help to interrupt chains of transmission between hosts. We also show that antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes were lost more frequently than gained across the evolutionary history of ST283. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance, clinical awareness, and targeted risk mitigation to limit transmission and reduce the impact of an emerging pathogen associated with a high-growth aquaculture industry.
The burden of vestibular disorders among military health system (MHS) beneficiaries, fiscal years 2018–2019
Authors: Sayegh M. Aaron , Banaag Amanda , Korona-Bailey Jessica , Madsen Cathaleen , Frank Amanda , Koehlmoos Tracey Pérez
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Vestibular disorders affect an estimated 33 million adults and 3.5 million children and adolescents in the United States. Previous research relying on self-reported symptoms versus actual diagnosis has limited the ability to provide prevalence estimates for specific vestibular disorders at the population level. This study seeks to describe the burden of vestibular disorders among children and working-age adult beneficiaries in the Military Health System (MHS).

Materials and methods

Using the MHS Data Repository (MDR), we conducted a cross-sectional study of all TRICARE Prime and Plus MHS beneficiaries aged 0 to 64 years from fiscal years (FY) 2018 to 2019. Study analyses included descriptive statistics of patient demographics and assessing the prevalence of vestibular disorders in pediatric and working-age adult beneficiaries.

Results

Of the 5,541,932 TRICARE Prime/Prime Plus MHS beneficiaries, 52,878 (0.95%) had a diagnosis of vestibular disorder during fiscal years 2018 to 2019, of which 1,359 were pediatric and adolescents (aged 0 to 17 years) and 51,519 were working-age adults (18 to 64 years). Vertigo was the most common diagnosis in both age-group populations (11.46 per 1,000 working-age adults; 0.52 per 1,000 children and adolescents), with benign vertigo being the most prevalent of the three diagnoses and occurring at a seven times higher rate in adults versus pediatric and adolescents.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using medical claims data to estimate prevalence compared to self-reported survey data and supports prevalence estimates of vestibular disease in <1% of children overall, but indicate much higher prevalence for adolescents.
Identification of preclinical dementia according to ATN classification for stratified trial recruitment: A machine learning approach
Authors: Koychev Ivan , Marinov Evgeniy , Young Simon , Lazarova Sophia , Grigorova Denitsa , Palejev Dean
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The Amyloid/Tau/Neurodegeneration (ATN) framework was proposed to identify the preclinical biological state of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We investigated whether ATN phenotype can be predicted using routinely collected research cohort data.

Methods

927 EPAD LCS cohort participants free of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment were separated into 5 ATN categories. We used machine learning (ML) methods to identify a set of significant features separating each neurodegeneration-related group from controls (A-T-(N)-). Random Forest and linear-kernel SVM with stratified 5-fold cross validations were used to optimize model whose performance was then tested in the ADNI database.

Results

Our optimal results outperformed ATN cross-validated logistic regression models by between 2.2% and 8.3%. The optimal feature sets were not consistent across the 4 models with the AD pathologic change vs controls set differing the most from the rest. Because of that we have identified a subset of 10 features that yield results very close or identical to the optimal.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates the gains offered by ML in generating ATN risk prediction over logistic regression models among pre-dementia individuals.
The impact of sustainable public procurement on corporate ESG performance—The Chinese evidence
Authors: Li Runyu , Cao Fuguo
Published: October 2023

Public procurement is an important bridge between public demand and market supply and may affect corporate behavior. However, in the advocacy of sustainable development, the extant research has rarely combined sustainable public procurement (SPP) with corporate ESG performance, to explore whether governments have contributed to the development of sustainable corporate performance through their sustainable procurement activities. This paper fills in the gap by matching the actual implementation of SPP of 42,369 projects in China over 2015~2020 with 20,125 corporate ESG performance data, to analyze the relationship between SPP implementation and corporate ESG performance. The results show that the implementation of SPP has a significant positive impact on corporate ESG performance. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact is stronger in China’s eastern and central regions than in other regions, and corporates at a mature stage are more likely to follow the government sustainable behavior. In addition, the implementation of SPP has a long-term effect on corporate ESG performance. The above findings have important policy implications: firstly, there is a better role for government to play as the “invisible hand”, to participate in the market economy; Specifically, SPP policy should be added to government policy tool box to improve corporate ESG performance in addition to disclosure requirement, and the SPP policy employed should in particular attend to the “missing sectors” of sustainability in SPP for the good of corporate ESG; secondly, the government should implement differentiated policies tailored to the region’s economic development conditions and corporate development characteristics; thirdly, a long-term evaluation mechanism should be established so that the government can play a more long-term demonstration and leading role.
Parent-reported child’s close contact with non-household family members and their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Woodland Lisa , Smith Louise E. , Brooks Samantha K. , Webster Rebecca K. , Amlôt Richard , Rubin Antonia , Rubin G. James
Published: October 2023

In England (UK), at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic the public were required to reduce their physical contacts to slow the spread of COVID-19. We investigated the factors associated with children having: 1) close contact with family members from outside their household (‘non-adherent behaviour’); and 2) low well-being (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale). We conducted an online cross-sectional survey, completed at any location of the participant’s choice between 8 and 11 June 2020 in parents (n = 2,010) who were aged eighteen years or over and had a school-aged child (4–18 years old). Parents reported that 15% (n = 309) of children had non-adherent contact and that 26% (n = 519) had low well-being. We used a series of binary logistic regressions to investigate associations between outcomes and child and parent characteristics. Children had higher odds of having non-household contact when they had special educational needs [adjusted odds ratio, 2.19 (95% CI, 1.47 to 3.27)], lower well-being [2.65 (95% CI, 2.03 to 3.46)], were vulnerable to COVID-19 [2.17 (95% CI, 1.45 to 3.25)], lived with someone who was over 70 years old [2.56 (95% CI, 1.55 to 4.24)] and their parent had low well-being [1.94 (95% CI, 1.45 to 2.58)]. Children had higher odds of lower well-being when they had special educational needs [4.13 (95% CI, 2.90 to 5.87)], were vulnerable to COVID-19 [3.06 (95% CI, 2.15 to 4.36)], lived with someone else who was vulnerable to COVID-19 [2.08 (95% CI, 1.64 to 2.64)], or lived with someone who was over 70 years old [2.41 (95% CI, 1.51 to 3.83)]. Many children came into contact with non-household family members, mainly for childcare. Factors relating to COVID-19, children’s well-being and education were also important. If school closures are needed in future, addressing these issues may help reduce contact.
Isolation, antimicrobial resistance and virulence characterization of Salmonella spp. from fresh foods in retail markets in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Qian Min , Xu Dingting , Wang Jiankang , Zaeim Davood , Han Jianzhong , Qu Daofeng
Published: October 2023

Salmonella can cause severe foodborne diseases. This study investigated the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in fresh foods in Hangzhou market and their harborage of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, antibiotic susceptibility, and pathogenicity. A total of 500 samples (pork, n = 140; chicken, n = 128; vegetable, n = 232) were collected over a one-year period. Salmonella was found in 4.2% (21) of samples with the detection rate in pork, chicken and vegetables as 4.3% (6), 6.3% (8), and 3% (7), respectively. One Salmonella strain was recovered from each positive sample. The isolates were identified as six serotypes, of which S. Enteritidis (n = 7) and S. Typhimurium (n = 6) were the most predominant serotypes. The majority of isolates showed resistance to tetracycline (85.7%) and/or ciprofloxacin (71.4%). Tetracycline resistance genes showed the highest prevalence (90.5%). The occurrence of resistance genes for β-lactams (blaTEM-1, 66.7%; and blaSHV, 9.5%) and aminoglycosides (aadA1, 47.6%; Aac(3)-Ia, 19%) was higher than sulfonamides (sul1, 42.9%) and quinolones (parC, 38.1%). The virulence gene fimA was detected in 57.1% of isolates. Gene co-occurrence analysis implied that resistance genes were associated with virulence genes. Furthermore, selected S. Typhimurium isolates (n = 4) carrying different resistance and virulence genes up-regulated the secretions of cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by Caco-2 cells in different degrees, suggesting that virulence genes may play a role in inflammatory transcription. In in vivo virulence test, microbiological counts in mouse feces and tissues showed that all included S. Typhimurium were able to infect mice, with one strain showing significantly higher virulence than others. In conclusion, this study indicates Salmonella contamination in fresh foods in Hangzhou market poses a risk to public health and it should be closely monitored to prevent and control foodborne diseases.
Assessing shared respiratory pathogens between domestic (Ovis aries) and bighorn (Ovis canadensis) sheep; methods for multiplex PCR, amplicon sequencing, and bioinformatics to characterize respiratory flora
Authors: Fox Karen A. , MacGlover Christopher A. W. , Blecha Kevin A. , Stenglein Mark D.
Published: October 2023

Respiratory disease is responsible for dramatic population declines in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), and respiratory pathogen diagnostics contribute to the management of bighorn populations. To create a comprehensive and consistent approach to bighorn sheep respiratory diagnostics, we created a culture-independent assay to detect and strain type Mannheimia haemolytica, Bibersteinia trehalosi, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. The assay also detects and characterizes the Pasteurellaceae leukotoxin A gene, and broadly assesses the bacterial composition of each sample based on 16S rRNA sequences. The assay is based on a three-step approach: 1) Multiplex PCR to amplify targets including eight loci for each bacterial species, the Pasteurellaceae lktA gene, and the 16S rRNA gene 2) Library preparation, barcoding, and short-read Illumina sequencing to determine the genetic sequences of each target, and 3) Bioinformatics in the form of automated software to analyze genetic sequences. The assay was designed to assess shared pathogens between domestic and bighorn sheep, but could be useful for many applications in bighorn sheep respiratory disease research and management.
Epigenetic weapons in plant-herbivore interactions: Sulforaphane disrupts histone deacetylases, gene expression, and larval development in Spodoptera exigua while the specialist feeder Trichoplusia ni is largely resistant to these effects
Authors: Somers Dana J. , Kushner David B. , McKinnis Alexandria R. , Mehmedovic Dzejlana , Flame Rachel S. , Arnold Thomas M.
Published: October 2023

Cruciferous plants produce sulforaphane (SFN), an inhibitor of nuclear histone deacetylases (HDACs). In humans and other mammals, the consumption of SFN alters enzyme activities, DNA-histone binding, and gene expression within minutes. However, the ability of SFN to act as an HDAC inhibitor in nature, disrupting the epigenetic machinery of insects feeding on these plants, has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate that SFN consumed in the diet inhibits the activity of HDAC enzymes and slows the development of the generalist grazerSpodoptera exigua, in a dose-dependent fashion. After consuming SFN for seven days, the activities of HDAC enzymes inS.exiguawere reduced by 50%. Similarly, larval mass was reduced by 50% and pupation was delayed by 2–5 days, with no additional mortality. Similar results were obtained when SFN was applied topically to eggs. RNA-seq analyses confirm that SFN altered the expression of thousands of genes inS.exigua. Genes associated with energy conversion pathways were significantly downregulated while those encoding for ribosomal proteins were dramatically upregulated in response to the consumption of SFN. In contrast, the co-evolved specialist feederTrichoplusia niwas not negatively impacted by SFN, whether it was consumed in their diet at natural concentrations or applied topically to eggs. The activities of HDAC enzymes were not inhibited and development was not disrupted. In fact, SFN exposure sometimes acceleratedT.nidevelopment. RNA-seq analyses revealed that the consumption of SFN alters gene expression inT.niin similar ways, but to a lesser degree, compared toS.exigua. This apparent resistance ofT.nican be overwhelmed by unnaturally high levels of SFN or by exposure to more powerful pharmaceutical HDAC inhibitors. These results demonstrate that dietary SFN interferes with the epigenetic machinery of insects, supporting the hypothesis that plant-derived HDAC inhibitors serve as “epigenetic weapons” against herbivores.
A foodborne outbreak linked to Bacillus cereus at two middle schools in a rural area of Chongqing, China, 2021
Authors: Li Tingting , Zou Qinpei , Chen Cheng , Li Qin , Luo Shuquan , Li Zhifeng , Yang Chuan , Yang Di , Huang Zhi , Zhang Huadong , Tang Wenge , Qi Li
Published: October 2023

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a common cause of foodborne illness. An outbreak of acute gastrointestinal illness occurred at two middle schools in a rural region of Chongqing, China, in 2021. This study aimed to elucidate the outbreak’s characteristics, identify risk factors, and determine the source of contamination. A retrospective cohort study and an environmental investigation were conducted. Vomit samples, anal swabs, and food samples were collected and tested by RT-PCR for 18 species of bacteria and viruses, including B. cereus. Positive samples of B. cereus underwent biochemical experiments and bacterial quantification. A total of 198 cases were reported in this outbreak, with an attack rate of 24.63%. The main symptoms were vomiting (100%), bellyache (83.33%), and dizziness (62.63%). The retrospective cohort study showed a significant association between the outbreak and rice noodles provided by a nearby food manufacturer (RR = 39.63, p < 0.001). B. cereus was detected in 20 vomit samples, three anal swabs, and seven rice noodles samples, with a count exceeding 103 CFU/g. These findings strongly suggested that the outbreak was linked to B. cereus-contaminated rice noodles. Enhancing food safety surveillance and promoting health measures among schools and food manufacturers in rural areas is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future in Chongqing, China.