bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attribution analysis of the persistent and extreme drought in southwest China during 2022–2023
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Chen Wen , Cai Qingyu , Dong Zizen , Wang Lin , Hu Peng , Gao Lu , Garfinkel Chaim I
Published: September 2024

Southwest China experienced a severe drought during winter 2022–spring 2023. This drought mainly struck Yunnan Province and surrounding regions (21°–30° N, 97°–106° E), with precipitation deficit lasting for about 8 months from Oct 2022 to May 2023. The area-mean precipitation and surface soil moisture in the study region during the drought were both the lowest recorded for the same period since 1950. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) also reached its lowest level since 1950 at −2.76. Quantitative analysis shows that precipitation deficit and potential evapotranspiration (PET) increase contributed 71.36%, and 28.64% to the SPEI, respectively. Of the raw contribution of PET, 7.05% can in turn be attributed to the changes in precipitation. Using data from the CMIP6 Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP), we found that anthropogenic forcing increased the likelihood of a PET anomaly such as the one during the drought by about 133 times, with a fraction of attributable risk (FAR) of 0.99 [0.98, 1.00]. For the precipitation anomaly, we obtained a FAR of 0.26 [−1.12, 0.70], suggesting that anthropogenic forcings may have little impact. The extreme drought also increased the risk of fires, with the Fire Weather Index reaching its second-highest value since 1950 and abnormally high burned areas observed by satellites.
Enhancing assessment of direct and indirect exposure of settlement-transportation systems to mass movements by intergraph representation learning
Authors: Dimasaka Joshua , Selvakumaran Sivasakthy , Marinoni Andrea
Published: September 2024

Amidst the intensifying extreme rainfall patterns due to climate change, global early warning systems for mass movements (e.g. landslides, avalanches) need to provide not only the coarsely aggregated danger reports, but also the necessary fine details to understand its potential implications on critical infrastructures such as transportation systems. In this study, we introduce a novel ‘intergraph’ method that enhances the exposure information using a graph-based machine learning implementation on the hydrological and geological characteristics of mass movements and the underlying connectivity of settlement-transportation systems. Demonstrating the entire country of Norway and the 2020 Gjerdrum quick clay incident as a case study, we integrated the assessment of both direct and indirect exposure information of settlement-transportation systems and their daily 1 km-by-1 km susceptibility map, which were derived from the 68 934 mass movement incidents since 1957 and the connectivity information of 4778 settlements and 257 000 km road networks. Our findings achieved 86.25% accuracy, providing a distribution of improved susceptibility estimates and identifying critical settlements in near-real-time. By interacting the graphical representations of the shared causal drivers of susceptibility and the settlement-transportation system connectivity, our study extends our understanding of the exposure of multiple interacting settlements with a high granularity degree in a unified approach.
Symmetries and Wigner representations of operational theories
Authors: Ohst Ties-A , Plávala Martin
Published: September 2024

We develop the theory of Wigner representations for general probabilistic theories (GPTs), a large class of operational theories that include both classical and quantum theory. The Wigner representations that we introduce are a natural way to describe the theory in terms of some fixed observables; these observables are often picked to be position and momentum or spin observables. This allows us to introduce symmetries which transform the outcomes of the observables used to construct the Wigner representation; we obtain several results for when these symmetries are well defined or when they uniquely specify the Wigner representation.
Categorical claims about voluntary renewable energy actions are not supported by categorical evidence
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Eric
Published: September 2024

Voluntary renewable energy procurement by retail electricity customers could play a critical role in achieving clean energy objectives. Research could optimize that role by providing accurate and nuanced information about how different voluntary actions most effectively drive renewable energy deployment. Recent literature has made categorical assertions that broad classes of voluntary actions are weakly or not impactful. This Perspective argues that these categorical assertions are not supported by equally categorical evidence. A closer examination shows the evidence is less conclusive and less generalizable than stakeholders may presume. Voluntary renewable energy buyers would benefit from more nuanced analysis of the impacts of different energy procurement actions across distinct contexts.
Prediction of typical gas components in cigarette smoke based on transformer
Authors: Zhu Huaiyuan , Cao Yi , Dong Huilin , Wu Changjian , Yan Xinke , Yang Song , Hou Shicong , Zhou Jiancheng
Published: September 2024

Harm reduction of cigarette products has become one of the primary objectives of the entire tobacco industry. The prediction of typical gas components (TGC) and dynamic adjustment of process parameters are crucial for cigarette coke reduction and harm reduction. In this study, a deep learning (DL)-assisted TGC prediction framework is proposed to predict CO and NI simultaneously. Firstly, a large number of experimental and simulation parameters of cigarette process are collected as the data base for subsequent model construction. Then, the feature importance analysis of the process parameters was carried out by combining the mechanism of the combustion process through the mutual information method. Finally, DL models based on Multilayer Perceptron, One-Dimension Convolutional Neural Network and Transformer (TF) was developed as data-driven surrogate models to establish the mapping relationship between process parameters and TGC. The results show that TF model generalizes best and can predict TGC quickly and accurately with R2 over 0.99. This work will provide a valuable predictive and decision-making tool for cigarette harm reduction.
Entering the Public Sphere, 1882–1886
Authors: Korstvedt Benjamin M
Published: September 2024

In the mid-1880s, Bruckner continued to seek performances for the Fourth and to find a publisher for the symphony. This chapter describes the challenging musical landscape he faced in Vienna as well as new opportunities he found in Germany. Hermann Levi, the Hofkapellmeister in Munich, became a key ally. With the aid of the young Bavarian archduchess Amalie Marie, Levi did much to help secure the publication of the Fourth. This chapter outlines Bruckner’s unsuccessful efforts with German publishers, his agreement with a Viennese publisher, and his decisions about the symphony in 1886. It also discusses the significance of Bruckner’s name for the Fourth, the “Romantic” Symphony, and his comments on the music’s programmatic content, before concluding with an account of the successful performance of the Fourth in Vienna in January 1888.
The Third Version, 1887–1888
Authors: Korstvedt Benjamin M
Published: September 2024

The third version of the Fourth, which Bruckner performed in 1888 and published the following year, was widely rejected as inauthentic during much of the twentieth century. This chapter considers the reasons for this development. These began with the efforts of scholars and critics to reclaim Bruckner’s “original versions” during the 1930s, an undertaking that was heavily influenced by the cultural politics and ideology of Nazism. In the postwar era, the rejection of the third version became an article of faith in the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, as this chapter shows, when all the available evidence is considered, little reason exists to doubt that the third version is not only authentic but was regarded by Bruckner as his final version of the Fourth. The collaborative origins of the existing manuscript of this version and Bruckner’s final revisions are explained as well.
Toward a Synoptic View: Bruckner’s Pursuit of Effectiveness
Authors: Korstvedt Benjamin M
Published: September 2024

Bruckner’s different versions of the Fourth present a picture that is fascinating as well as perplexing. Scholars, editors, and commentators have tried in various ways to understand the complex relationships between these versions. This chapter argues that Bruckner’s ongoing efforts to perfect the Fourth were driven by his desire to create a version of the symphony that would, as he put it, best “make its effect.” An analysis of the successive versions of a key passage in the first movement shows how the presentation of its essential musical idea evolved. The chapter concludes by reconstructing the logic of Bruckner’s reworking of the final portion of the second movement, particularly its coda, by drawing on a fragmentary sketch he made of this passage.
Retracted: Differences in Presentation of Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: McDermott Clodagh , Seminer Allie , Reddin Catriona , Krewer Finn , O'Donnell Martin
Published: September 2024

Background

Stroke is the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide. Stroke is diagnosed by the combination of clinical symptoms and signs, and neuroimaging. Clinical features may differ between the subtypes of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. We investigated whether there are differences in clinical presentation of acute ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA statement. Inclusion criteria were (1) cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, randomised controlled trial, systematic review or meta-analysis; (2) consecutive admissions of adult individuals with an acute ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, confirmed by neuroimaging and (3) comparisons possible between stroke subtypes in acute stroke symptom(s). A random-effects model was used for our analyses.

Results

We included 58 studies (n=12,878,716; ischaemic stroke=10,814,293; haemorrhagic stroke=2,064,423). The mean age of participants was 65.54+13.84 with 44.98% women. In haemorrhagic stroke, altered GCS occurred more frequently than in ischaemic stroke (OR, 3.93 [95% CI, 2.81–5.49]; AIS/ICH=382,110/59,877, 40 studies), as did headache (OR, 3.34 [95% CI, 2.68–4.17]; AIS/ICH=22,413/6,018; 43 studies), seizure (OR, 2.42 [95% CI, 1.62–3.65]; AIS/ICH=10,427,262/2,004,681; 20 studies), vomiting (OR, 3.82 [95% CI, 2.62–5.57]; AIS/ICH=7,736/3,225; 25 studies), neck stiffness (OR, 5.21 [95% CI, 2.22–12.21]; AIS/ICH=511/168; 3 studies), syncope (OR, 2.95 [95% CI, 2.12–4.12]; AIS/ICH=2,427/494; 6 studies) and dizziness (OR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.05–1.68]; AIS/ICH=4,730/1,213; 11 studies). Hemiplegia occurred more frequently in ischaemic stroke (OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49–0.91]; AIS/ICH=15,857/4,338; 31 studies) than haemorrhagic stroke, as did ataxia (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.61–0.86]; AIS/ICH=7,741/2,244; 8 studies) and morning onset (OR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.32– 0.54]; AIS/ICH=2,721/495; 4 studies).

Conclusion

This review focused on synthesizing existing evidence on differences in clinical presentation between ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. It suggests there are substantive differences in stroke symptoms between these subtypes. These results may provide insights into future directions for clinical prediction tool development.
Social Interaction Anxiety in Developmental Prosopagnosia: Prevalence, Severity, and Individual Differences
Authors: Kirsch Leah , Evans Travis C , Fry Regan , Campbell Alison , DeGutis Joseph
Published: September 2024

Objective

Although elevated social anxiety in developmental prosopagnosia (DP) has been reported in anecdotal and qualitative studies, the current study sought to better quantify the prevalence, severity, and moderators of social anxiety in a large DP sample.

Method

A total of 88 DPs and 58 controls completed the validated Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and assessments of face recognition, autism traits, personality (Big Five Inventory), and coping strategies.

Results

DPs reported greater social anxiety symptoms (M = 30.25) than controls (M = 17.19), with 44% of DPs above a probable clinical cutoff compared with 14% of controls. Exploratory analyses revealed that DPs’ social anxiety was more specific to items pertaining to mixing socially or interacting with unfamiliar people. Notably, several DPs reported minimal social anxiety, which was associated with being more extraverted and having fewer autism traits. A follow-up survey revealed that extraverted DPs more openly disclosed face recognition inabilities than introverted DPs, which may be a factor in their reduced social anxiety.

Conclusion

These results better quantify the potential serious psychosocial consequences of DP and highlight the importance of individual differences as well as targeted intervention.
Jasper V Wall
Authors: Peacock John
Published: September 2024

Remembering Jasper V Wall, the final director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory
Testing the mean and variance by e-processes
Authors: Fan Yixuan , Jiao Zhanyi , Wang Ruodu
Published: September 2024

We address the problem of testing the conditional mean and conditional variance for nonstationary data. We build e-values and p-values for four types of nonparametric composite hypothesis with specified mean and variance as well as other conditions on the shape of the data-generating distribution. These shape conditions include symmetry, unimodality and their combination. Using the obtained e-values and p-values, we construct tests via e-processes, also known as testing by betting, as well as some tests based on combining p-values for comparison. Although we mainly focus on one-sided tests, the two-sided test for the mean is also studied. Simulation and empirical studies are conducted under a few settings, and they illustrate features of the methods based on e-processes.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in paediatric patients for primary vs. secondary prevention
Authors: Thuraiaiyah Jani , Philbert Berit Thornvig , Jensen Annette Schophuus , Xing Lucas Yixi , Joergensen Troels Hoejsgaard , Lim Chee Woon , Jakobsen Frederikke Noerregaard , Bække Pernille Steen , Schmidt Michael Rahbek , Idorn Lars , Holdgaard Smerup Morten , Johansen Jens Brock , Riahi Sam , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , De Backer Ole , Sondergaard Lars , Jons Christian
Published: September 2024

Aims

The decisions about placing an ICD in a child are more difficult than in an adult due to longer expected lifespan and the complication risk. Young patients gain the most years from ICDs, despite higher risk of device-related complications. The secondary prevention ICD indication is clear, and device is implanted regardless of potential complications. For primary prevention, risk of sudden cardiac death and complications need to be evaluated. We aimed to compare outcomes for primary and secondary prevention ICDs.

Methods and results

Retrospective nationwide cohort study including paediatric patients identified from the Danish ICD registry with ICD implanted at an age ≤ 15 from 1982–21. Demographics, complications (composite of device-related infections or lead-failure requiring re-operation, mortality because of arrhythmia, or unknown cause), and mortality were retrieved from medical charts. Endpoint was appropriate therapy (shock or anti-tachycardia pacing for ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation). Of 72 receiving an ICD, the majority had channelopathies (n = 34) or structural heart diseases (n = 28). ICDs were implanted in 23 patients for primary prevention and 49 for secondary prevention, at median ages of 13.8 and 11.6 years (P-value 0.01), respectively. Median follow-up was 9.0 (interquartile ranges: 4.7–13.5) years. The 10-year cumulative incidence of first appropriate therapy was 70%, with complication and inappropriate therapy rates at 41% and 15%, respectively. No difference was observed between prevention groups for all outcomes. Six patients died during follow-up.

Conclusion

In children, two-thirds are secondary prevention ICDs. Children have higher appropriate therapy and complication rates than adults, while the inappropriate therapy rate was low.
Genealogical asymmetry under the IM model and a two-taxon test for gene flow
Authors: Mackintosh Alexander , Setter Derek
Published: September 2024

Methods for detecting gene flow between populations often rely on asymmetry in the average length of particular genealogical branches, with the ABBA-BABA test being a well known example. Currently, asymmetry-based methods cannot be applied to a pair of populations and such analyses are instead performed using model-based methods. Here we investigate genealogical asymmetry under a two-population Isolation with Migration model. We focus on genealogies where the first coalescence event is between lineages sampled from different populations, as the external branches of these genealogies have equal expected length as long as there is no post-divergence gene flow. We show that unidirectional gene flow breaks this symmetry and results in the recipient population having longer external branches. We derive expectations for the probability of this genealogical asymmetry and propose a simple statistic (Am) to detect it from genome sequence data. Am provides a two-taxon test for gene flow that only requires a single unphased diploid genome from each population, with no outgroup information. We use analytic expectations and simulations to explore how recombination, unequal effective population sizes, bidirectional gene flow and background selection influence Am and find that the statistic provides unambiguous evidence for gene flow under a continent-island history. We estimate Am for genome sequence data from Heliconius butterflies and Odocoileus deer, generating results consistent with previous model-based analyses. Our work highlights a signal of gene flow overlooked to date and provides a method that complements existing approaches for investigating the demographic history of recently diverged populations.
DRED: A Comprehensive Database of Genes Related to Repeat Expansion Diseases
Authors: Shi Qingqing , Dai Min , Ma Yingke , Liu Jun , Liu Xiuying , Wang Xiu-Jie
Published: September 2024

Expansion of tandem repeats in genes often causes severe diseases, such as fragile X syndrome, Huntington’s disease, and spinocerebellar ataxia. However, information on genes associated with repeat expansion diseases is scattered throughout the literature, systematic prediction of potential genes that may cause diseases via repeat expansion is also lacking. Here, we develop DRED, a Database of genes related to Repeat Expansion Diseases, as a manually-curated database that covers all known 61 genes related to repeat expansion diseases reported in PubMed and OMIM, along with the detailed repeat information for each gene. DRED also includes 516 genes with the potential to cause diseases via repeat expansion, which were predicted based on their repeat composition, genetic variations, genomic features, and disease associations. Various types of information on repeat expansion diseases and their corresponding genes/repeats are presented in DRED, together with links to external resources, such as NCBI and ClinVar. DRED provides user-friendly interfaces with comprehensive functions, and can serve as a central data resource for basic research and repeat expansion disease-related medical diagnosis. DRED is freely accessible at http://omicslab.genetics.ac.cn/dred, and will be frequently updated to include newly reported genes related to repeat expansion diseases.
Ethical considerations on the moral status of the embryo and embryo-like structures
Authors:   Writing Group of the ESHRE Ethics Committee, Pennings Guido , Dondorp Wybo , Popovic Mina , Chuva de Sousa Lopes Susana , Mertes Heidi
Published: September 2024

The current article provides an ethical reflection on the moral status of the human embryo, which is a crucial factor in determining permissible actions involving embryos and the extent of their protection. It advocates for the extension of the research period for embryos to 28-days post fertilization. It also states that integrated embryo-like structures (ELSs) should not currently be given the same moral status as natural embryos. However, if they pass the relevant tests, they should be subject to the same rules as natural embryos.
Large multimodal models: boon or burden for low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Malpani Rohit , Moodley Keymanthri
Published: September 2024

Large multimodal models, a type of generative artificial intelligence (AI), could contribute to wider government efforts to achieve universal health coverage if ethical challenges are proactively addressed during the design and deployment of these AI technologies. The World Health Organization has published new guidance to highlight the risks and benefits of large multimodal models and recommendations to effectively govern this technology.
Microbiome–induced increases and decreases in bone matrix strength can be initiated after skeletal maturity
Authors: Liu Chongshan , Cyphert Erika L , Stephen Samuel J , Wang Bowen , Morales Angie L , Nixon Jacob C , Natsoulas Nicholas R , Garcia Matthew , Carmona Pablo Blazquez , Vill Albert C , Donnelly Eve , Brito Ilana L , Vashishth Deepak , Hernandez Christopher J
Published: September 2024

Recent studies in mice have indicated that the gut microbiome can regulate bone tissue strength. However, prior work involved modifications to the gut microbiome in growing animals and it is unclear if the same changes in the microbiome, applied later in life, would change matrix strength. Here we changed the composition of the gut microbiome before and/or after skeletal maturity (16 weeks of age) using oral antibiotics (ampicillin + neomycin). Male and female mice (n = 143 total, n = 12-17/group/sex) were allocated into five study groups: (1) Unaltered, (2) Continuous (dosing 4-24 weeks of age), (3) Delayed (dosing only 16-24 weeks of age), (4) Initial (dosing 4-16 weeks of age, suspended at 16 weeks), and (5) Reconstituted (dosing from 4-16 weeks following by fecal microbiota transplant from Unaltered donors). Animals were euthanized at 24 weeks of age. In males, bone matrix strength in the femur was 25%-35% less than expected by geometry in mice from the Continuous (p = 0.001), Delayed (p = 0.005), and Initial (p = 0.040) groups as compared to Unaltered. Reconstitution of the gut microbiota led to a bone matrix strength similar to Unaltered animals (p = 0.929). In females, microbiome-induced changes in bone matrix strength followed the same trend as males but were not significantly different, demonstrating a sex-dependent response of bone matrix to the gut microbiota. Minor differences in chemical composition of bone matrix were observed with Raman spectroscopy. Our findings indicate that microbiome-induced impairment of bone matrix in males can be initiated and/or reversed after skeletal maturity. The portion of the femoral cortical bone formed after skeletal maturity (16 weeks) was small; suggesting that microbiome–induced changes in bone matrix occurred without osteoblast/osteoclast turnover through a yet unidentified mechanism. These findings provide evidence that the mechanical properties of bone matrix can be altered in the adult skeleton.
The evolution of silk production in Crustacea
Authors: McKim Siena A , Turner Thomas L
Published: September 2024

Spun silk is found only in arthropods, where it plays critical roles in feeding, protection, and reproduction. It has evolved repeatedly within the arthropods, providing an opportunity for comparative analyses to reveal the mechanisms driving convergent evolution within this taxon. Silk in crustaceans has received much less attention than silk in arachnids and insects but may have unique and useful properties. We combine data on the morphology of silk and silk systems with ancestral state reconstruction and find that silk has likely evolved convergently at least six times within Crustacea. We also break down the components of crustacean silk as a composite trait by discussing the silk properties, the silk production systems, and the silk genes. We find that amphipod and tanaid silks are similar to silkworm and spider silks but have their own unique silk system morphology. Much remains unknown about the origins and diversification of silk in crustaceans; we propose that the molecular investigation of silk genes and systems will provide a path forward. By investigating the evolution of silk production in crustaceans, we may discover insights into predispositions for silk production in arthropods and valuable substrates for biomaterial research.
The gravity of distance: evidence from a trade embargo
Authors: Al-Malk Afnan , Maystadt Jean-François , Zanardi Maurizio
Published: September 2024

On 5 June 2017, an airspace blockade was imposed on the State of Qatar by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (neighboring countries), and Egypt. We exploit this exogenous increase in air transportation costs toward non-blockading countries to examine the effect of increased travel distance, due to re-routing, on bilateral trade. Based on a gravity model estimated using a Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood estimator, we find a distance elasticity of imports between −0.3 and −0.5. Overcoming the limitations of cross-sectional studies and taking advantage of this quasi-natural experiment, our findings are robust and revise downward previous estimates of the distance elasticity.
Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Metacephalus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with description of seven new leafhopper species
Authors: Prando Jádila Santos , Takiya Daniela Maeda
Published: September 2024

Metacephalus Delong and Martinson, 1973 includes leafhopper species from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador (new record), Guyana, French Guiana (new record), Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. In the present revisionary study, we describe seven new species of Metacephalus, propose one species synonymy (M. cinctus as junior synonym of M. facetus), and provide new country records for species, considerably expanding knowledge about species distributions. The study also provides redescriptions and photographs of diagnostic characters for 12 previously described valid species and an identification key to all 21 species of Metacephalus. Molecular phylogenies of Metacephalus species are hypothesized based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of 1,387 bp of mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rDNA and nuclear histone H3. Results of the molecular phylogeny generated herein provided a base for understanding character homologies when presenting morphological diagnoses of Metacephalus species and exposed a high level of convergent characters in color pattern and male genitalia morphology usually used in morphological taxonomy of this group of leafhoppers.
Attractiveness, longevity, and release rates of multilure wafers for trapping males of the oriental fruit fly and melon fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Shelly Todd , Fezza Thomas , Cook Peter , Cook Dylan
Published: September 2024

Invasive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose a serious threat to the production and export of many commercially important fruits and vegetables. Detection of the agricultural pests Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) relies heavily on traps baited with male-specific attractants. For B. dorsalis, traps are typically baited with liquid methyl eugenol (ME), and for Z. cucurbitae, traps are baited with liquid cue-lure (CL). Operating large-scale trapping networks is costly, consequently, there is much interest in identifying ways to maintain network sensitivity while reducing costs. One cost-cutting approach is the possibility of combining different male lures in the same dispenser, thus reducing the number of traps requiring servicing. The chief objective of this study was to compare captures of B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae males in Jackson traps baited with polymeric wafers impregnated with both ME and raspberry ketone (RK, a hydrolyzed form of CL) versus traps baited with liquid ME or CL freshly applied to cotton wicks. Captures were measured when the ME/RK wafers had been weathered for 12, 18, or 24 wk. Captures of B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae males were similar between fresh lure and weathered wafers over all trapping periods, with a single exception apparently due to the lessened potency of the associated killing agent. The residual amount and release rate of ME and RK from the wafers were also measured to examine possible relationships between wafer chemistry and trap catch. The possible implications of the present results to area-wide trapping programs are discussed.
Guardians of the clams: a decadal monitoring effort of endangered giant clams by citizen scientists
Authors: Neo Mei Lin
Published: September 2024

Giant clams are highly conspicuous marine bivalves in the tropical oceans because of their large shells and colourful outer mantle tissues. This makes them an appropriate iconic species for both trained and untrained citizen science surveys. In Singapore, because of good public awareness of giant clams, they are often reported by citizen scientists, who document marine species using photography. Furthermore, these opportunistic records are captured in a comprehensive public blog (Wild Shores of Singapore; https://wildshores.blogspot.com) with specific details of the field surveys. This study presents the first feasible effort in establishing a long-term dataset based on citizen science observations to report giant clam species-level population status and trends over time. Between 2011 and 2020, citizen scientists covered 8.53 km2 of intertidal reef areas and consistently recorded only two giant clam species (Tridacna squamosa and T.  crocea) annually. Despite the more comprehensive coverage and sampling of reef areas, the citizen scientists did not encounter the other native species: Hippopus hippopus, T.  gigas and T.  maxima. Also, the respective densities of T.  squamosa and T.  crocea were 0.00120 and 0.00034 individuals per 100 m2, which makes them the smallest known giant clam populations in the Indo-Pacific region. Regardless, the sampling efforts of citizen scientists were generally similar across the years, but future surveys could adapt different survey protocols for the respective giant clam species. Findings from this study also support the marine conservation efforts in Singapore, such as using active intervention measures to protect their giant clams. Additionally, lessons learnt from these citizen science observations can be harnessed to encourage monitoring of giant clams throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Efficacy of Probiotics Compared With Pharmacological Treatments for Maintenance Therapy for Functional Constipation in Children: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Harris Rebecca G , Neale Elizabeth P , Batterham Marijka
Published: September 2024

Context

There has been an increase in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing probiotics with various maintenance therapies, such as polyethylene glycol, lactulose, and mineral oil, to treat functional constipation in children.

Objective

The aim was to compare probiotics with all other oral maintenance therapies for functional constipation in children and rank all treatments in terms of effectiveness in a network meta-analysis.

Methods

RCTs were identified through systematically searching the MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, trial registries, and forward and backward citation searching. Within-study risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and confidence in the estimates was assessed using the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis) framework. Random-effects network meta-analyses were conducted.

Results

Data were pooled from 41 and 29 RCTs for network meta-analysis of defecation frequency and treatment success, respectively. Probiotics did not significantly increase the number of bowel movements per week when compared with any conventional treatment or placebo. A combination of mineral oil and probiotics was the most effective treatment for increasing defecation frequency (mean difference: 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64, 5.63). The most effective treatments for increasing the risk of treatment success as compared with placebo were mineral oil (relative risk [RR]: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.53, 3.81) and a combined treatment of polyethylene glycol and lactulose (RR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.97). Confidence in the estimates ranged from very low to moderate.

Conclusion

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that probiotics should be used as a standalone treatment for functional constipation in children. More high-quality studies are needed to evaluate different strains of probiotics and their potential benefit as an additional treatment component to conventional treatments. Mineral oil and polyethylene glycol were the most effective treatments to increase defecation frequency and treatment success rates and should remain the first line of treatment for children with functional constipation.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no.

 

CRD42022360977 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=360977).
Unveiling the Effects of Cruciferous Vegetable Intake on Different Cancers: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Sicong , Yan Jielin , Wang Jiaxin , Wang Xinyi , Kang Yea Eun , Koo Bon Seok , Shan Yujuan , Liu Lihua
Published: September 2024

Context

Epidemiological studies indicated that cruciferous vegetable intake is associated with positive health outcomes. However, the role of cruciferous vegetables may have differential impacts on various cancers.

Objective

This meta-analysis aims to review recent epidemiological studies on the link between cruciferous vegetables and various cancers. It seeks to identify the optimal intake dose and timing of cruciferous vegetables influencing their association with cancer risk.

Data Sources

Studies on cruciferous vegetables and cancer were searched in PubMed, NCBI, Web of Science, and Elsevier databases from 1978 to June 2023.

Data Extraction

Extracted data from 226 relevant case-control and cohort studies were expressed by standardized mean difference and 95% CI, followed by the subgroup analysis to eliminate heterogeneity.

Results

Intake of cruciferous vegetables can prevent cancers, with an odds ratio of 0.77 and risk ratio (RR) of 0.96. The intake levels of cruciferous vegetables associated with the risk of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancer, gynecological cancer (ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer), bladder cancer, renal cancer, and prostate cancer were found to be 5.41 servings/week, 5.41 servings/week, 5.5 servings/week, 7.4 servings/week, 5.5 servings/week, 4.85 servings/week, and 3 servings/week, respectively. In a cohort followed for 2 to 15 years, limited consumption of cruciferous vegetables was correlated with a higher cancer RR. In the Asian population, cruciferous vegetables had a significant relationship with lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and esophageal cancer. Conversely, cruciferous vegetables are predominantly associated with colorectal, renal, gynecological, and prostate cancer in the American population.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complex link between cruciferous vegetables and cancer, influenced by factors such as cancer type, region, intake level, and follow-up duration.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Venom Allergen-Like Protein BxVAP1, Triggering Plant Defense-Related Programmed Cell Death, Plays an Important Role in Regulating Pinus massoniana Terpene Defense Responses
Authors: Feng Yuqian , Li Yongxia , Liu Zhenkai , Wang Xuan , Zhang Wei , Li Dongzhen , Wen Xiaojian , Zhang Xingyao
Published: September 2024

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pine wood nematode, PWN), a migratory plant-parasitic nematode, acts as an etiological agent, inflicting considerable damage to pine forests worldwide. Plant immunity constitutes a crucial factor in resisting various pathogenic invasions. The primary defensive responses of host pines against PWN infection encompass terpene accumulation, defense response-related gene expression, and programmed cell death. Venom allergen-like proteins (VAPs), as potential effectors, are instrumental in facilitating the successful colonization of PWNs. In this study, we investigated the inhibition of B. xylophilus VAP ( BxVAP1) expression by RNA interference in vitro. Following BxVAP1 silencing, the reproduction rate and migration rate of the PWN population in Pinus massoniana decreased, the expression of the α-pinene synthase gene was induced, other terpene synthase and pathogenesis-related genes were inhibited and delayed, the peak times and levels of terpene-related substances were changed, and the degree of cavitation in P. massoniana was diminished. Transient expression of BxVAP1 in Nicotiana benthamiana revealed that BxVAP1 was expressed in both the cell membrane and nucleus, inducing programmed cell death and the expression of pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity marker genes ( NbAcre31 and NbPTI5). This study is the first to demonstrate that silencing the BxVAP1 gene affects host defense responses, including terpenoid metabolism in P. massoniana, and that BxVAP1 can be recognized by N. benthamiana as an effector to trigger its innate immunity, expanding our understanding of the parasitic mechanism of B. xylophilus.
Spatial transcriptomic analysis deciphers adipocyte-to-fibroblast transformation in bleomycin-induced murine skin fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Yixiang , He Jiahao , Xie Fangzhou , Shan Shengzhou , Qin Jiaqi , Wang Chuandong , Li Qingfeng , Xie Yun , Fang Bin
Published: September 2024

Background:

Scleroderma is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, predominantly occurring in the skin and extending to various parts of the body. The pathophysiology of scleroderma is multifaceted, with the current understanding including endothelial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibroblast activation in its progression. Nonetheless, the mechanism of cellular interactions and the precise spatial distribution of these cellular events within the fibrotic tissues remain elusive, highlighting a critical gap in our comprehensive understanding of scleroderma’s pathogenesis.

Methods:

In this study, we administered bleomycin intradermally to the dorsal skin of four individual murine models. Subsequently, skin tissues were harvested at predetermined intervals for comprehensive spatial transcriptomic analysis to determine the spatial dynamics influencing scleroderma pathogenesis. To validate the possible results from bioinformatic analysis, further in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted.

Results:

Analysis of the spatial transcriptome revealed significant alterations in cell clusters during the progression of scleroderma. Gene Ontology analysis identified disruptions in lipid metabolism as the disease advanced. Pseudotime analysis provided evidence for a phenotypic transition from adipocytes to fibroblasts. In vitro studies demonstrated increased expression of Col1a1 and α-SMA as the disease progressed. These fibroblasts have been identified as key contributors to the increasing inflammation. Co-culturing TGF-β induced adipocytes with RAW264.7 cells resulted in overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the RAW264.7 cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed adipocyte loss and fibroblast formation, with transformed fibroblasts showing pronounced pro-inflammatory characteristics, highlighting their crucial role in the disease mechanism.

Conclusions:

Our study showed the spatial distribution and dynamic alterations of various cell types during scleroderma progression. Crucially, we identified the transformation of adipocytes into fibroblasts as a key factor promoting disease advancement. These emergent fibroblasts intensify inflammation, indicating that research on these cell clusters could reveal key scleroderma mechanisms and guide future therapies.
Resilient emergency medical systems for 21st-century complex world
Authors: Goniewicz Krzysztof , Ratnayake Amila S. , Khorram-Manesh Amir
Published: September 2024

The 21st-century global health landscape presents unprecedented challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, mental health issues, and the rapid spread of infectious diseases due to urbanization and mobility. The Sendai Framework and initiatives such as Singapore’s analytics in combating dengue exemplify the push for disaster risk reduction and advanced preparedness. The recent pandemic has underscored the vulnerabilities of health systems, highlighting the need for telehealth and improved emergency response capacities. Military-civilian partnerships and psychological support for healthcare workers have emerged as some critical components. Embracing an all-hazard approach and prioritizing environmental and psychological resilience are key to a robust, culturally sensitive global health strategy, emphasizing the importance of open-access research for comprehensive global preparedness.
Dynamic Changes of Growth and Thyroid Function in Young Children With Chronic Hepatitis B Treated With Peginterferon Monotherapy
Authors: He Qiufeng , Mao Chuangjie , Chen Zhili , Duan Fangfang , Huang Liang , Hu Rong , Deng Yang , Cheng Jun , Yang Song , Zeng Yilan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Peginterferon (PegIFN) has shown promising results in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PegIFN α-2b on growth and thyroid function in young children with CHB.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed by extracting clinical data from children with CHB who received PegIFN α-2b monotherapy at the Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu between June 2017 and December 2020. Mean, SD, independent samples t test and 1-way repeated analysis of variance were used to evaluate relevant data.

Results:

A total of 62 children were included in this study. Overall, significant differences were observed in the weight-for-age z score (WAZ), height-for-age z score (HAZ) and body mass index-for-age z score (BAZ) at different time points (P < 0.001). WAZ, HAZ and BAZ were not affected by PegIFN α-2b at 24 weeks of treatment (all P > 0.05). WAZ, HAZ and BAZ at the end of treatment and 48 weeks after treatment; WAZ at 96 weeks after treatment were lower than baseline levels (all P < 0.05). No statistical differences were found in HAZ and BAZ at 96 weeks after treatment compared with baseline. Thyroid dysfunction developed in 17.7% of children during the treatment. Thyroid dysfunction was transient and had no effect on growth.

Conclusions:

PegIFN α-2b has inhibitory effects on growth and can increase the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in young children with CHB. These effects are generally reversible with the cessation of therapy, although WAZ had not returned to baseline after 96 weeks of observation.
Outpatient Laboratory Monitoring for Antibiotic-related Adverse Events in Children With Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis
Authors: Rosiji Felicia O. , Joseph Marritta , Sommer Lauren M. , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Vallejo Jesus G. , McNeil J. Chase
Published: September 2024

Monitoring for antibiotic-related lab abnormalities (ARLA), including hematologic, renal, and/or hepatic toxicity, in pediatric osteomyelitis is common. In 240 cases of osteomyelitis with outpatient laboratory monitoring, ARLA occurred in 13.3% with the most common finding being neutropenia. ARLA impacted antibiotic therapy in <1% of subjects, however, raising questions about the value of such monitoring being performed routinely.
Measuring Self-Care
Authors: Riegel Barbara , De Maria Maddalena , Barbaranelli Claudio , Luciani Michela , Ausili Davide , Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Jaarsma Tiny , Matarese Maria , Stromberg Anna , Vellone Ercole
Published: September 2024

Background

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in attention paid to the patient-reported outcome of self-care. Many investigators have used one of the families of self-care instruments freely available on the website www.self-care-measures.com. These self-care measures have been translated into many languages, which are also available on the website. The measures include both disease-specific and generic instruments, which are based on a common theoretical framework, the Middle Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to illustrate similarities among the instruments and to standardize their scoring, analysis, and use. We describe the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, the Self-Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory, the Self-Care of Hypertension Inventory, the Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory, the Self-Care of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory, the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory, and the Self-Care Inventory. Detailed guidance on scoring, translation, and analysis is provided. Complementary measures of self-care self-efficacy and those used to measure caregiver contributions to patient self-care are briefly described.

Conclusions

Many of the common questions of instrument users are answered in this article. Following this guidance will facilitate consistent use of the instruments, which will enable users to compare their results to those of others worldwide and facilitate future reviews and meta-analyses.

Clinical Implications

This review, emphasizing standard scoring and interpretation, is useful for clinicians and researchers across various populations and settings.
Prophylactic intra-abdominal drainage during pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Lufeng , Yang Yuxin , Liu Zhiqiang , Peng Tao , Wang Chunyou , Wu Heshui , Gou Shanmiao
Published: September 2024

Background:

Prophylactic abdominal drainage during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a common treatment strategy for pancreatic fistula. However, its benefits and safety have been the subject of debate. The objective of this meta-analysis and system review is to assess the effects of prophylactic drainage, various types of drainage (active and passive), and the timing of drainage removal (early and late) on the postoperative outcomes of PD.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases as of April 28, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic abdominal drainage, different drainage patterns, and the timing of drainage removal after PD were included, and the postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to aggregate dichotomous outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed- and random-effects models.

Results:

Nine RCTs, including a total of 1638 patients, were incorporated in our study.

The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes between the closed-suction drain (CSD) group and the passive drain to gravity (PDG) group. Compared to the late drain removal (LDR) group, the early drain removal (EDR) group had a significant reduction in the incidence of Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) (OR=0.39, 95% CI=0.20 to 0.79; P=0.009), morbidity (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.20 to 0.84; P=0.01) and intra-abdominal infection (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.22 to 0.75; P=0.004). For the group of present of drainage and the group of absent of drainage, the patient inclusion criteria of the included studies were too heterogeneous, making meta-analysis inappropriate.

Conclusion:

The existing evidence is insufficient to negate the necessity of prophylactic drainage after PD. The meta-analysis did not show superiority of any specific approaches of drainage tube. But this review did indicate that patients benefit from EDR in terms of CR-POPF, morbidity and intra-abdominal infection. EDR was recommended for low/intermediate risk patients.