bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent progress in two-dimensional material/group-III nitride hetero-structures and devices
Authors: Lin Tingting , Zeng Yi , Liao Xinyu , Li Jing , Zhou Changjian , Wang Wenliang
Published: February 2025

Two-dimensional (2D) material (graphene, MoS2, MXene, etc.) /group-III nitride (GaN, AlN, and their compounds) hetero-structures have been given special attention, on account of their prospective applications in remarkable performance broadband photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, etc. The utilization of advantages of the above two kind materials provides a solution to the dilemma of the degradation of device performance and reliability caused by carrier mobility, lattice mismatch, interface, etc. Therefore, the summary of progress of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures and devices is urgent. In this work, it elaborates on interface interaction and stimulation, growth and device of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures. Initially, it investigates the properties of the hetero-structures, combining the theoretical calculations on interface interaction of the heterojunction with experimental study, particularly emphasizing on interface effects on the hetero-structures performance. Subsequently, the growth of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures are introduced in detail. The problems solved by the advancing synthesis strategies and the formation mechanisms are discussed in particular. Afterwards, based on the 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures, devices extending from optoelectronics, electronics, to photocatalyst and sensors, etc., are reviewed. Finally, the prospect of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures and devices is speculated to pave the way for the further promotion.
A randomly structured composite PDMS/PTFE ferroelectret soft smart material
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Shi Junjie , Sun Xinlong , Yong Sheng , Beeby Stephen P
Published: February 2025

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based ferroelectrets are an attractive material for the fabrication of human-based applications given their soft and compliant mechanical properties. The typical fabrication approach is to exploit specifically engineered void geometries fabricated by moulding and bonding layers together. Charge instability can be addressed by the addition of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles but this prevents the bonding of PDMS films. This paper illustrates a new approach to obtaining PDMS ferroelectret with random voids by promoting and trapping bubbles to create cavities within a PDMS film. A mathematical model is presented to explore the connection between the percentage of trapped bubbles in the PDMS and the equivalent piezoelectric coefficient, d33e. The process is compatible with the addition of PTFE powder to the PDMS formulation and a ratio of PTFE to PDMS of 1:3 by weight was found to increase performance achieving an initial d33e of 384 pC/N which reached a steady state value of 186 pC/N measured after 2 months after poling. The energy harvesting potential of the random void PDMS/PTFE ferroelectret was explored by cyclically compressing with a force of 300 N applied at 1 Hz. The output of the ferroelectret was found to charge a 10μF capacitor to 0.26 V after 40 seconds. The ferroelectret's performance as a pressure sensor from 0 to 300 N was explored and the optimum formulation achieved a sensitivity of 25.2 mV/N, a nonlinearity of 4% and hysteresis of 4.2% demonstrating a considerable improvement over the pure PDMS ferroelectret.
Interplay between climate and carbon cycle feedbacks could substantially enhance future warming
Authors: Kaufhold Christine , Willeit Matteo , Talento Stefanie , Ganopolski Andrey , Rockström Johan
Published: February 2025

In light of uncertainties regarding climate sensitivity and future anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, we explore the plausibility of global warming over the next millennium which is significantly higher than what is usually expected. Although efforts to decarbonize the global economy have significantly shifted global anthropogenic emissions away from the most extreme emission scenarios, intermediate emission scenarios are still plausible. Significant warming in these scenarios cannot be ruled out as uncertainties in equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) remain very large. Until now, long-term climate change projections and their uncertainties for such scenarios have not been investigated using Earth system models that account for all major carbon cycle feedbacks. Using the fast Earth system model CLIMBER-X with interactive CO2 and CH4 (the latter typically not included in most models), we performed simulations for the next millennium under extended SSP1-2.6, SSP4-3.4 and SSP2-4.5 scenarios. These scenarios are usually associated with peak global warming levels of 1.5, 2 and 3°C, respectively, for an ECS of ∼3°C, considered the best estimate in the latest IPCC report. As ECS values lower or higher than this estimate cannot be ruled out, we emulate a wide range of ECS from 2 to 5°C, defined as the ”very likely” range by the IPCC. Our results show that achieving the Paris Agreement goal of a 2°C temperature increase is only feasible for low emission scenarios and if ECS is lower than 3.5°C. With an ECS of 5°C, peak warming in all considered scenarios more than doubles compared to an ECS of 3°C. Approximately 50% of this additional warming is attributed to positive climate–carbon cycle feedbacks with comparable contributions from CO2 and CH4. The interplay between potentially high ECS and carbon cycle feedbacks could drastically enhance future warming, demonstrating the importance of properly accounting for all major climate feedbacks and associated uncertainties in projecting future climate change.
Close encounters: Behavioral responses of migrating songbirds to the perceived risk of predation
Authors: Nemes Claire E , Lindsay Andrea M , DeGroote Lucas W , Cohen Emily B
Published: February 2025

Migrating birds face competing pressures to travel as quickly and efficiently as possible while minimizing the risk of predation en route. Despite the potential importance, antipredator behaviors in migrating songbirds have been little studied relative to time and energy tradeoffs, even as humans have introduced novel predators including free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) across the globe. Birds confronted with predators during stopover can employ antipredator behaviors to reduce their immediate mortality risk, but doing so may slow refueling or impose other costs that influence migration. We captured migrating Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) and exposed them to either a live cat, model hawk, or non-predator control in an aviary experiment to assess their behavioral responses. Birds moved lower after exposure to a model hawk but showed no significant behavioral changes in response to a cat. After release, we monitored activity levels of a subset of tagged individuals via the Motus Wildlife Telemetry System. Post-release activity level did not differ between treatment and control groups, indicating that brief predator exposure did not exert a persistent effect on this behavior. The lack of detectable responses to the cat may reflect birds navigating the tradeoff between antipredator behaviors, which are costly during migration, and reduction of predation risk. However, it could also indicate naïveté of young birds to this introduced predator, which may increase vulnerability to predation during migration. We encourage further investigation of the influence of prolonged or repeated exposure to domestic cats on songbird behavior and physiology, and ultimately migration success.
Stress T1 Mapping and Quantitative Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Suspected Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Borodzicz-Jazdzyk S , de Mooij G W , Vink C E M , van de Wiel M A , Benovoy M , Götte M J W
Published: February 2025

Aims

T1 mapping reactivity (ΔT1) has been proposed as a novel contrast-free technique to detect obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The aims of the study are: 1) to compare the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived ΔT1 with quantitative perfusion (QP CMR) measures; 2) to assess the influence of sex and comorbidities on ΔT1; and 3) to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ΔT1 to detect obstructive CAD diagnosed with the invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and/or fractional flow reserve.

Methods and results

This study retrospectively analyzed 51 patients with suspected obstructive CAD who underwent CMR including rest and adenosine stress first-pass perfusion and native T1 mapping (MOLLI). A moderate correlation was found between pooled rest and stress native T1 mapping and MBF (Pearson’s r=0.476; p<0.001). When stratified by MPR, ischemic myocardium had significantly lower stress T1 mapping values (p<0.001) and ΔT1 (p=0.005) vs. nonischemic myocardium. Male sex and history of diabetes were independently associated with lower ΔT1. The optimal cut-off value of Δ T1 to detect impaired MPR on a per-vessel basis was ≤5.4%, with an AUC of 0.662 (95% CI: 0.563-0.752, p=0.003), sensitivity of 84% (95% CI: 67-95) and specificity of 46% (95% CI: 34-58). When validated against ICA, stress T1 and Δ T1 did not reach statistical significance in detecting obstructive CAD.

Conclusion

ΔT1 is significantly influenced by sex and comorbidities and has poor diagnostic accuracy for detecting myocardial ischemia. Therefore, the clinical utility of ΔT1 in a real-world cohort of patients to detect obstructive CAD is limited.
Successful treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated fulminant myocarditis with abatacept and ruxolitinib: a case report
Authors: Wadden Elena , Lai Carol , Grivas Petros , Bhatia Shailender , Portuguese Andrew J , Salem Joe-Elie , Moslehi Javid J , Cheng Richard K
Published: February 2025

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a class of cancer immunotherapy with growing indications for treatment of various malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that block inhibitory pathways in immune cells, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4), programmed death 1 receptor (PD1), and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PDL1), to activate the immune system. However, these agents can disrupt self-tolerance and lead to immune-related adverse events. Fulminant myocarditis, a feared complication of ICIs, can be highly fatal, and there is a need for effective treatment options.

Case summary

A 70-year-old patient with recurrent metastatic disease of urothelial carcinoma subsequently developed fulminant myocarditis after receiving eight cycles of pembrolizumab. He developed cardiogenic shock and required inotropes and a percutaneous microaxial flow pump placement for temporary mechanical circulatory support. He received methylprednisolone initially and then was started on second-line immunosuppression agents, ruxolitinib and abatacept, for steroid-refractory myocarditis. Abatacept is thought to inhibit activation of T-cell CTLA4 and PD1/PDL1 pathways and reverse ICI-activated pathways. Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that impairs immune activation through suppressing cytokine sensing and production and T-cell activation. After these treatments, the patient subsequently clinically improved and his myocarditis resolved.

Discussion

This case highlights ICI myocarditis refractory to corticosteroids leading to treatment with second-line immunosuppression. As immunotherapies are increasingly applied to a broader range of cancers, further research is needed to evaluate the optimal treatment strategy for ICI-related myocarditis and other immune-related adverse events.
Little evidence that posttraumatic stress is associated with diurnal hormone dysregulation in Turkana pastoralists
Authors: Zefferman Matthew R , Baumgarten Michael D , Trumble Benjamin C , Mathew Sarah
Published: February 2025

Research in industrialized populations suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder may be associated with decreased cortisol or testosterone sensitivity, resulting in a blunted diurnal rhythm. However, the evolutionary implications of this association are unclear. Studies have primarily been conducted in Western industrialized populations, so we do not know whether hormonal blunting is a reliable physiological response to PTSD or stems from factors unique to industrialized settings. Furthermore, existing studies combine PTSD from diverse types of traumas, and comparison groups with and without PTSD differ along multiple dimensions, making it hard to know if PTSD or other life factors drive the blunted cortisol response. We conducted a study among n = 60 male Turkana pastoralists, aged between about 18-65 years in Kenya, exposed to high levels of lethal inter-ethnic cattle raiding. 28% of men in this area have PTSD symptom severity that would qualify them for a provisional PTSD diagnosis. Saliva samples were collected at three points to compare the cortisol and testosterone profiles of Turkana warriors with and without PTSD. Contrary to existing work, our preregistered analysis found little evidence for a difference in the hormonal profiles of warriors with high versus low PTSD symptom severity. Our results imply that the relationship between PTSD and hormonal diurnal variation may vary across populations and ecologies or that the association documented in Western populations stems from other correlated life factors. Studies in a wider range of populations and ecological contexts are needed to understand the evolutionary underpinnings of hormonal responses to trauma.
Exploring patient, informal caregiver and nurse experiences with home-based hospital-level care for decompensated heart failure: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lubbers-Wolterink Rinske , van Os-Medendorp Harmieke , Jansen Klomp Wouter , Kamphorst Kim
Published: February 2025

Aims

Hospitals are encouraged to provide care closer to patients’ homes. This study investigates how patients, informal caregivers and nurses experience home-based hospital-level care for decompensated heart failure.

Methods and results

This mixed-methods study employed semi-structured interviews with 11 patients and 4 informal caregivers, a questionnaire administrated to 16 nurses from the Intensive Care, Cardiac Care and general cardiology ward, and interviews with 4 nurses, supplemented by two group discussions.

A convenience sample was utilized, member checks were performed, and two researchers analysed the patient interviews using thematic analysis based on the Normalization Process Theory. Five overarching themes emerged: 1) Appreciation of personal environment, routines, and autonomy. 2) Quality of care. 3) Commitment to the treatment. 4) Influence of personal characteristics. 5) Changing role of informal caregivers.

Regarding nurse satisfaction, findings were mapped according to Proctor et al.’s implementation outcomes: Acceptability: hospital-at-home care increases job satisfaction, through increased autonomy, personalized care, and patient satisfaction; Appropriateness: hospital-at-home was perceived positively, although safety and adherence needed attention; Adoption: hospital-at-home was not particularly challenging but offered a refreshing change; Feasibility: On-call duty impacted personal commitments for some nurses; Fidelity: information folders with clear protocols were deemed helpful.

Conclusion

Patients, caregivers, and nurses generally favour home-based heart failure treatment over hospital-based treatment. Key conditions include comprehensive education on home treatment, adherence support like dietary restriction maintenance, prioritizing patient autonomy, recognizing caregiver burden, and exploring cost-effective strategies such as collaboration with home care organizations.
Visceral Adipose Tissue is Associated with Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Premature Coronary Artery Disease: Sub-analysis of the GEA study cohort
Authors: Medina-Urrutia Aida X , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Martínez-Sánchez Froylan D , Posadas-Sánchez Rosalinda , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Martínez-Alvarado María del Rocío , Jorge-Galarza Esteban , Juárez-Rojas Juan G
Published: February 2025

Background

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been related to coronary artery disease (CAD), but its association with recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in premature CAD (pCAD) has not been fully explored. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of VAT on recurrent MACE in patients with pCAD.

Methods

This was a retrospective sub-analysis of 853 patients with pCAD from the GEA cohort study. VAT was measured by computed tomography at baseline. The primary outcome was the recurrence of MACE over 5 years of follow-up. Likewise, the association of VAT with non-fatal and fatal MACE was analyzed as a secondary outcome. Cox regression models were fitted and adjusted by confounders obtained at baseline to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR).

Results

The median age of the patients was 53 years, and 80% were male, with a median follow-up of 4.9 years. Overall, 10% of the patients had recurrent MACE (6.5% non-fatal and 3.6% fatal) with an incidence rate of 18.5 (95% CI: 18.0-19.0) events per 1,000 person-years. VAT was positively associated with MACE. Those in the upper tertile (VAT ≥ 194 cm²) had the highest risk for total (aHR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.37-5.35; p=0.004) and non-fatal (aHR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.49-8.61; p=0.004) MACE. Fatal MACE was not statistically associated (aHR: 2.13; 95% CI: 0.72-6.35; p=0.174).

Conclusion

Among patients with pCAD, VAT increased the risk of recurrent MACE despite adequate pharmacological treatment. These results suggest that VAT could be considered an emergent risk factor and a promising target for residual cardiovascular risk reduction.
Parent-Child Disconnectedness and Older European Adults’ Mental Health: Do Patterns Differ by Marital Status and Gender?
Authors: Jessee Lisa , Carr Deborah
Published: February 2025

Objective

Disconnectedness from one’s adult child(ren) can undermine older adults’ well-being. However, the psychological consequences of disconnectedness may differ across marital contexts and by gender. Drawing on stress and normative violation frameworks, we examine the association between parent-child disconnectedness and European older adults’ depressive symptoms, and the extent to which these patterns differ by marital status (married; remarried; cohabiting; divorced; widowed; and never married) and gender.

Methods

We used pooled data from eight waves (2004-2022) of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, n=216,469) and multivariable pooled OLS regression to evaluate whether marital status and gender moderate the association between disconnectedness and depressive symptoms. Analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic, health, survey year, and contextual covariates.

Results

Disconnectedness rates range from 1 percent among older adults in their first marriages to 13-14 percent among divorced and remarried men and 17 percent among never married men. Men have consistently higher rates of disconnectedness than women. Parent-child disconnectedness is associated with heightened depressive symptoms in many marital and gender categories. However, moderation analyses show the strongest associations in marital contexts in which disconnectedness is rare (first marriage, especially among women). Disconnectedness also is associated with heightened depressive symptoms among widowed and divorced persons, yet has negligible effects among remarried persons.

Discussion

We discuss the implications of disconnectedness for older adults’ socioemotional and caregiving needs. We encourage interventions that focus on engaging older adults’ supportive familial or non-familial ties rather than re-establishing potentially distressing ties with a disconnected child.
Self-Reported Visual Difficulty and Mortality Risk Among Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Recurrent Falls
Authors: Xu Shu , Burr Jeffrey A , Song Qian , Ehrlich Joshua R
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Visual difficulty is associated with an increased risk of mortality, however the mechanisms accounting for the link between visual difficulty and mortality have not been described. This study examined the association between visual difficulty, recurrent falls, and mortality risk among Americans aged 65 and older.

Methods

This longitudinal study employed data from the 2015-2020 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N=7,039). Visual difficulty was assessed by questions regarding self-reported near and distance vision and the use of visual aids. Recurrent falls were defined as experiencing a fall more than one time within the last year. Discrete-time survival models with a structural equation modeling-based approach were estimated for the associations between visual difficulty, recurrent falls, and all-cause mortality.

Results

Among the respondents, 8.1% reported visual difficulty at baseline. Compared to those without visual difficulty, older adults with visual difficulty were more likely to experience recurrent falls. Having visual difficulty at baseline was associated with experiencing recurrent falls in the following wave (β (log hazard odds)=0.12, p<0.001) and with mortality in subsequent waves (β=0.39, p<0.001). The association of visual difficulty with mortality was mediated by recurrent falls (β =0.05, p<0.001).

Discussion

Compared to those with normal vision, older adults with visual difficulty are more likely to experience recurrent falls, which may in turn increase the risk of mortality. Future research should investigate other potential pathways to gain a more complete understanding of the relationship between visual difficulty and mortality risk.
Social Relations of Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities from a Life Course Perspective
Authors: van Heumen Lieke , Heller Tamar , van den Helder Claire
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives

Research has yet to seek a more complete understanding of how people aging with intellectual disabilities experience their social relations, and how their earlier life experiences impact the development of their social relations. This study investigated the experiences of older adults with intellectual disabilities with their social relations from a life course perspective.

Research Design and Methods

A process of paired recruitment generated a sample of 12 adults with intellectual disabilities age 50 and over with at least one key support person each. Data collection consisted of in-depth qualitative life history interviews with the participants and their key support persons using lifelines.

Results

Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts demonstrated that the participants’ social relations facilitated positive experiences in the first parts of their lives. The participants felt their lives were disrupted by several transitions as they reached young and middle adulthood such as moving out of the family home, parental divorce and the deaths of parents. Challenging social encounters such as abuse, bullying and conflicts caused distress and negatively impacted the participants’ well-being at various points in their lives. Finally, participants simultaneously expressed feelings of belonging and longing as central to their social well-being in late life.

Discussion and Implications

Study findings highlight complex experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities with their social relations across their lives. They promote further development of strategies for person centered planning such as social network mapping and life story work to better support adults with intellectual disabilities as they age.
Older LGBTQ+ Canadians’ Experiences of Prejudice and Discrimination over the Life Course
Authors: Hurd Laura , Mahal Raveena
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Amidst the growing global visibility of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals, the predominantly American research has established that they face continued prejudice and discrimination. Yet, few studies outside of the United States have examined their life course experiences, including those related to adverse events. Building on the existing research, the present qualitative study uses a life-course perspective to explore older LGBTQ+ Canadians’ experiences of prejudice and discrimination.

Research Design and Methods

We recruited and conducted multiple, in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 30 LGBTQ+ Canadian individuals, aged 65 to 83, about their life course experiences, including if and how they had been treated differently because of their gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages. Interview transcriptions were coded and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis.

Results

All 30 participants reported traumatic and adverse experiences in patterned ways across the life course. Whereas they often faced abuse and harassment in childhood and young adulthood, they frequently reported institutionally situated prejudice and discrimination in mid-life. Despite changing laws and social norms, in later life participants were subjected to targeted mistreatment and systemic neglect and exclusion as a result of their gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages.

Discussion and Implications

Findings from this study corroborate previous research and shed light on the ways that prejudice and discrimination have often permeated the lives of older LGBTQ+ Canadians. The research also points to the continued and urgent need to fight bigotry through education, policy, and progressive legislation.
Provincial distribution and factors associated with high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 years in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Osborne Augustus , Abu Alhaji Mustapha , Rogers Hassan S , Wongnaah Florence Gyembuzie , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: February 2025

Background

High completed fertility among married and cohabiting women has significant implications, such as burden on resources, exacerbating healthcare issues and educational and gender disparities. This study examined the provincial distribution and factors associated with high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 y in Sierra Leone.

Methods

Data for the study were sourced from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey. Our study comprised 2253 married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 y in Sierra Leone. Geographic variations in high fertility were presented using a spatial map. A mixed-effect multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with high completed fertility. The findings were presented as adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The national prevalence of high completed fertility among married and cohabiting women in Sierra Leone was 61.7% (58.9–64.5). Women whose partners had secondary/higher education (aOR=0.54, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.89) had lower odds of high completed fertility than those with no formal education. Women in the Northern province (aOR=0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.87) had lower odds of high completed fertility than those in the Eastern province. Women who indicated ≥6 as their ideal number of children had a higher (aOR=8.10, 95% CI 4.58 to 14.35) likelihood of experiencing high completed fertility compared with those whose ideal number of children was 0–3. Those who were using contraceptives at the time of the survey had a higher (aOR=2.09, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.41) likelihood of having high completed fertility compared with those who were not using contraceptives. Women in the poorer (aOR=1.70, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.72) and middle wealth index quintiles (aOR=2.09, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.41) had higher odds of high completed fertility than those in the poorest wealth index quintile.

Conclusions

A significant proportion (>60%) of married and cohabiting women aged 40–49 y in Sierra Leone have high completed fertility. Partner’s education, province, ideal number of children, use of contraceptives and wealth index were the factors associated with high completed fertility among women in Sierra Leone. Policymakers in Sierra Leone should increase access to and education on family planning methods to empower women to make informed choices about their fertility. The government and policymakers should support educational opportunities, particularly for men, because they are usually the heads of households and can influence fertility decisions. In-depth interviews should be conducted with women who use contraception to understand their motivations and experiences.
Self-growth suppression in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is caused by a diffusible antagonist
Authors: Sandhu Armaan Kaur , Fischer Brady R , Subramanian Senthil , Hoppe Adam D , Brözel Volker S
Published: February 2025

Microbes in soil navigate interactions by recognizing kin, forming social groups, exhibiting antagonistic behavior, and engaging in competitive kin rivalry. Here, we investigated a novel phenomenon of self-growth suppression (sibling rivalry) observed in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110. Swimming colonies of USDA 110 developed a distinct demarcation line and inter-colony zone when inoculated adjacent to each other. In addition to self, USDA 110 suppressed growth of other Bradyrhizobium strains and several other soil bacteria. We demonstrated that the phenomenon of sibling rivalry is due to growth suppression but not cell death. The cells in the inter-colony zone were culturable but had reduced respiratory activity, ATP levels and motility. The observed growth suppression was due to the presence of a diffusible effector compound. This effector was labile, preventing extraction, and identification, but it is unlikely a protein or a strong acid or base. This counterintuitive phenomenon of self-growth suppression suggests a strategic adaptation for conserving energy and resources in competitive soil environments. Bradyrhizobium’s utilization of antagonism including self-growth suppression likely provides a competitive advantage for long-term success in soil ecosystems.
Correlating phylogenetic and functional diversity of the nod-free but nodulating Bradyrhizobium phylogroup
Authors: Ling Lu , Camuel Alicia , Wang Sishuo , Wang Xiaojun , Liao Tianhua , Tao Jinjin , Lin Xingqin , Nouwen Nico , Giraud Eric , Luo Haiwei
Published: February 2025

Bradyrhizobium is a main rhizobial lineage of which most members nodulate legume plants using Nod factors synthetized by the nod genes. However, members of the Photosynthetic supergroup (phylogroup) within Bradyrhizobium are nod-free, but still capable of establishing nitrogen-fixing nodules with some tropical legumes of the Aeschynomene genus. These unusual findings are based on the genomic sequences of only 13 Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium strains, and almost all were isolated from Aeschynomene nodules. Here, we report that Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium supergroup members are more abundantly associated with rice root (endosphere and rhizosphere) compared to grassland, forest, and maize samples based on rpoB amplicon sequence analyses. We sequenced 263 new isolates of this supergroup mostly from two main subspecies of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L. spp. indica and japonica). The extended supergroup comprises three major clades with their diversity broadly covering the natural community of this supergroup: a basal clade with significant expansion of its diversity, a clade composed by two phylogenetically diverse strains including one newly isolated, and a new clade exclusively represented by our new strains. Although this supergroup members universally lack the canonical nod genes, all 28 assayed strains covering the broad diversity induced nodules on Aeschynomene indica. The three clades displayed important differences in the efficiency of symbiosis, aligning well with their phylogenetic divergence. With this expanded ecological, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, we conclude that the nod factor-independent nodulation of Aeschynomene is a common trait of this supergroup, in contrast to the photosynthetic trait originally thought of as its unifying feature.
Digitally Transforming Construction
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: February 2025

Bill Holden, Associate Director and Information Manager at AtkinsRéalis, talks to Grant Powell MBCS about the benefits of a digitally transformed construction industry.
Data Driven Building Modelling
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: February 2025

Martin Wilding, Head of BIM and Senior Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), explains the benefi ts and challenges associated with BIM.
Transforming Construction and Housing with Technology
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: February 2025

Cristina Sánchez Jiménez, BIM Manager, speaks to Grant Powell MBCS to explain how the construction and housing industry can be transformed using data and AI.
Digitally Proficient Construction
Authors: Sharp Matt
Published: February 2025

Matt Sharp, Partner and Chief Digital Officer at RLB in the UK, considers the importance of professionalism and professional standards in modern construction.
BCS Analysis: AI Opportunities Action Plan
Authors: Penketh Claire
Published: February 2025

As ITNOW went to press, the Government launched its plan to make the UK a global AI superpower. BCS experts and the community reacted, as Claire Penketh, BCS' Senior Policy and Public A airs Manager, reports.
Enterprise Architecture and Sustainability
Authors: Mitchell Ian
Published: February 2025

Ian Mitchell CITP FBCS, UKI STS — CTO Advisory Director, considers why sustainability is becoming one of IT's hottest topics and how making architectural changes can help businesses become greener.
Do We Need a New Discipline of AI Engineering?
Authors: Brown Alan
Published: February 2025

Software engineering is an established, decades old discipline. Professor Alan Brown FBCS asks whether the current rise of AI means there's a need to defi ne a new discipline for those who create it.
Computer Science Against Climate Change
Authors: Smith Georgia
Published: February 2025

Michael P. Jones talks to Georgia Smith MBCS about his ocean plastics project and interest in applying technology to sustainability.
Building an Ethical Digital Island
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: February 2025

With its unique regulatory framework and environmental credentials, the Isle of Man weighs its future as a leader in ethical and sustainable technology. Martin Cooper MBCS reports.
KDM6B preferentially promotes bone formation over resorption to facilitate postnatal bone mass accrual through CTHRC1-mediated PKCδ/MAPKs signaling
Authors: Liu Qian , Gan Ying , Hu Xingli , Liu Wei , Liao Xiaoxia , Zhang Jingyun , Li Xiaoxia , Zhou Jie , Wang Baoli
Published: February 2025

Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) plays a role in regulating osteoblast differentiation and fetal bone ossification. Nevertheless, its involvement in regulating postnatal bone homeostasis and bone mass accrual remains unclear. In this study, we generated mice lacking Kdm6b gene specifically in mesenchyme and osteoprogenitor cells using a conditional strategy. The adult mice of both mutant strains had decreased cancellous bone mass. The absence of Kdm6b in mesenchyme led to decreased numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, increased marrow adipocytes, as well as repressed bone formation and resorption. Additionally, Kdm6b-deficient bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) displayed impaired osteogenic differentiation and exerted an inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis. RNA-seq combined with gene expression analysis uncovered downregulation of collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) and a lower receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in BMSCs of the mutant mice. Further mechanistic explorations demonstrated that KDM6B epigenetically upregulated CTHRC1 expression by removing the repressive H3K27me3 mark from its promoter, thereby triggering PKCδ/MAPKs signaling to facilitate osteoblast differentiation. CTHRC1 was able to mitigate the dysregulated osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation induced by Kdm6b deficiency. This study provides evidence that KDM6B regulates postnatal bone homeostasis through balancing osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Given its predominant promotion of osteoblastic bone formation over osteoclastic bone resorption, KDM6B tends to promote postnatal bone mass accrual.
Gene-modified NK cells expressing CD64 and preloaded with HIV-specific BNAbs target autologous HIV-1–infected CD4+ T cells by ADCC
Authors: Tomescu Costin , Ochoa-Ortiz Adiana , Lu Lily D , Kong Hong , Riley James L , Montaner Luis J
Published: February 2025

Natural killer (NK) cells can efficiently mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of antibody coated target cells via the low-affinity Fc-receptor, CD16, but cannot retain antibodies over time. To increase antibody retention and facilitate targeted ADCC, we genetically modified human NK cells with the high-affinity Fc receptor, CD64, so that we could preload them with HIV-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNAbs) and enhance their capacity to target HIV-infected cells via ADCC. Purified NK cells from the peripheral blood of control donors or persons living with HIV were activated with interleukin (IL)-2/IL-15/IL-21 cytokines and transduced with a lentivirus encoding CD64. High levels of CD64 surface expression were maintained for multiple weeks on NK cells and CD64-transduced NK cells were phenotypically similar to control NK cells with strong expression of CD56, CD16, NKG2A, NKp46, CD69, HLA-DR, CD38, and CD57. CD64-transduced NK cells exhibited significantly greater capacity to bind HIV-specific BNAbs in short-term antibody binding assay as well as retain the BNAbs over time (1-wk antibody retention assay) compared with control NK cells only expressing CD16. BNAb-preloaded CD64-transduced NK cells showed a significantly enhanced capacity to mediate ADCC against autologous HIV-1–infected CD4+ primary T cells in both a short-term 4 h degranulation assay as well as a 24 h HIV p24 HIV elimination assay when compared with control NK cells. A chimeric CD64 enhanced NK cell strategy (NuKEs [NK Enhancement Strategy]) retaining bound HIV-specific BNAbs represents a novel autologous primary NK cell immunotherapy strategy against HIV through targeted ADCC.
Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines on Otitis Media among American Indian/Alaska Native children in the Southwest United States
Authors: Sergent Victoria , Sutcliffe Catherine G , Yazzie Del , Brasinikas George , Brown Laura B , Christensen Loretta , Clichee Demetria , Damon Shawnell , Dixon Sheri L , Grant Lindsay R , Harker-Jones Marcella , McAuley James B , Montanez Pierrette , Parker Riley Dennie , Reasonover Alisa , Rice Amy , Romancito Eugene , Salabye Charis , Simons-Petrusa Brenna , Tenequer Valerie L , Thompson Polly , Tsingine Minnie , Tso Carol , Weatherholtz Robert C , Hammitt Laura L
Published: February 2025

We assessed the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal otitis media (OM) among children living in Navajo and White Mountain Apache Tribal lands. During the PCV7 era (2000-2009), the proportion of vaccine-type OM declined. However, vaccine-type OM (predominantly 3, 19A, and 19F) persisted in the PCV13 era (2010-2019).
Jack of all trades: Reactive oxygen species in plant responses to stress combinations and priming-induced stress tolerance
Authors: Hendrix Sophie , Vanbuel Isabeau , Colemont Jasmine , Bos Calderó Laura , Hamzaoui Mohamed Amine , Kunnen Kris , Huybrechts Michiel , Cuypers Ann
Published: February 2025

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of heat waves, drought periods and flooding events, thereby posing a serious risk to crop productivity and global food security. In order to develop strategies to improve plant growth under adverse environmental conditions, in-depth molecular knowledge on plant stress responses is required. In this context, particular attention should be paid to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules known for causing oxidative damage, but also indispensable for intra- and intercellular signal transduction required for plant acclimation to a wide variety of stress conditions. As plants often encounter multiple stressors simultaneously and their responses to these conditions can generally not be predicted based on the effects of the individual stress factors, the first part of this review focuses on the involvement of ROS and cellular redox homeostasis in plant responses to combined and multifactorial stress conditions. The second part of this work provides an overview of the role of ROS in priming strategies aimed at improving plant tolerance to climate change-related stress conditions. Finally, approaches to advance our understanding of redox dynamics in plant responses to combined stress and priming are discussed.
How to write a good discharge summary: a primer for junior physicians
Authors: Ng Isaac K S , Tung Daniel , Seet Trisha , Yow Ka Shing , Chan Karis L E , Teo Desmond B , Chua Chun En
Published: February 2025

A discharge summary is an important clinical document that summarizes a patient’s clinical information and relevant events that occurred during hospitalization. It serves as a detailed handover of the patient’s most recent and updated medical case records to general practitioners, who continue longitudinal follow-up with patients in the community and future medical care providers. A copy of the redacted/abbreviated form of the discharge summary is also usually given to patients and their caregivers so that important information, such as diagnoses, medication changes, return advice, and follow-up plans, is clearly documented. However, in reality, as discharge summaries are often written by junior physicians who may be inexperienced or have lacked medical training in this area, clinical audits often reveal poorly written discharge summaries that are unclear, inaccurate, or lack important details. Therefore, in this article, we sought to develop a simple “DISCHARGED” framework that outlines the important components of the discharge summary that we derived from a systematic search of relevant literature and further discuss several pedagogical strategies for training and assessing discharge summary writing.
COR and CORONA: analysis of COVID-19’s subjective lasting impact on wellbeing, employing conservation of resources theory
Authors: Albo Yael , Leck Eran , Nathan Orly , Wolf Naama , Zaidise Eran
Published: February 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had widespread impact, with evidence indicating lasting effects on wellbeing. This study aims to examine enduring impacts through individual narratives, using Conservation of Resources (COR) theory that serves for studying crises.

Methods

Analysis of narratives from 1148 responses to an open-ended question about pandemic’s lasting effects, using qualitative and quantitative methods within COR theory framework including thematic analysis, Elastic Net Regression, word cloud visualization and sociodemographic analysis.

Results

About 42% of respondents reported lasting effects, with almost equal distribution between ‘Loss’ and ‘Gain’ groups, and 7% reporting mixed experiences. COR resources manifested as: work-finance and social bonds showed both disruption and strengthening; mental health, physical health and protective habits characterized loss narratives. Gain narratives were predominantly characterized by renewed perspective and personalized time investment. Women reported more physical health impacts. Resource combinations exemplified resource caravans. ‘Mixed’ group revealed complex balance of loss-gain dynamics. Work-life balance emerged as a sustained valued asset. The findings align with COR theory principles.

Conclusion

Three years post-pandemic onset, while lasting losses persist, narratives indicate shifting dynamics toward gains, predominantly reflecting transformed perspectives. Findings enhance COR theory in pandemic context and inform policy by highlighting emotional toll management and work-life balance preservation.
Single-cell transcriptome sequencing in synovial joint: insights of new progenitors and targets in joint development and disease
Authors: Wang Ziqian , Yang Xianni , Yu Haopeng , Zhu Songsong , Bi Ruiye
Published: February 2025

Synovial joints, such as knee, temporomandibular, and spinal joints, play a key role in human movement and postural maintenance. Biological research has focused on understanding their developmental process and disease mechanisms. In recent years, the rapid development of single-cell transcriptome sequencing has provided a powerful tool for revealing the mysteries of synovial joints. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing can accurately capture the gene expression profile of each cell, thereby revealing the heterogeneity and interactions of different cell types in synovial joints. During joint development, this technique contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of joint formation, cartilage differentiation, and synovial tissue construction. In terms of joint disease research, single-cell sequencing technology has been applied to the molecular pathology studies of various joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and intervertebral disk degeneration, providing new perspectives and strategies for early diagnosis, accurate treatment, and prognosis assessment of diseases.
Development of Virtual Reality Educational Content on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Sang Min
Published: February 2025

Through virtual reality technology, users experience challenging situations in a virtual world without physical experiences. This study aims to develop educational content using virtual reality to help patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging and evaluate its usability. This pilot study developed virtual reality educational content using the ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) model. An educational needs assessment targeted 20 experts and patients at a tertiary hospital. The content developed included pre–magnetic resonance imaging nursing, the magnetic resonance imaging process, and post–magnetic resonance imaging nursing. In pre–magnetic resonance imaging nursing, patients completed consent forms and received preparation instructions. The magnetic resonance imaging process included the environment, vision, and noise experienced during the examination. Post–magnetic resonance imaging nursing included precautions. An additional 12 experts and patients subsequently participated in virtual reality implementation and evaluation. Virtual reality evaluation included survey and semistructured face-to-face individual interviews. It scored 96.5 points out of 100 in usability, with little difference between experts’ and patients’ evaluations. In the qualitative evaluation, virtual reality educational content was revealed to be a useful approach, and the final virtual reality educational content was completed by reflecting the improvements suggested by participants. The findings offer tangible benefits for both healthcare professionals and patients by addressing the challenges associated with magnetic resonance imaging procedures through innovative educational interventions using virtual reality technology. Virtual reality educational content can be used as a practical training method in clinical settings.