bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHO CAN AFFORD TO BE HUMAN? Struggling for Affordable Housing in East London
Authors: Adscheid Toni
Published: January 2025

In this article I expand contemporary political‐economic analyses of housing affordability. Specifically, I engage with urban geography research around biopolitical logics within processes of housing financialization and contribute to debates of ‘making live’ and ‘letting die’ by mobilizing Sylvia Wynter's anticolonial scholarship to emphasize alternative narrations of human life emerging alongside (bio)political‐economic rationales that enable the modern human, Man. In this study, which centres on three years of ethnographic research with the Focus E15 housing campaign in the East London borough of Newham, I stress the human as field of political struggle within debates around housing affordability. Situating my research in the struggle of Focus E15 campaigners against the inhuman conditions of Newham's temporary accommodation residents, I reveal how debates around housing affordability within Newham's urban development become constituted through narratives of mixed/balanced communities, the shifting of responsibilities and coproduction efforts. I argue that these debates rely on Man's narrative of homo oeconomicus, which legitimizes the expulsion of temporary accommodation residents from Newham. In contrast, I highlight how the Focus E15 Campaign imagines affordability beyond political‐economic rationales, thus spatializing an alternative way of being human, homo narrans. Consequently, I foreground the human as contested grammar within urban geography research on housing affordability to move beyond Man's geographies of managed life and death.
Honey, What's for Dinner? Dietary Overlap and Size Dimorphism Between Female and Male Joro Spiders (Trichonephila clavata)
Authors: Grabarczyk Erin E. , Tillman P. Glynn , Querejeta Marina , Schmidt Jason M.
Published: January 2025

Selection on body size tends to favor larger males that outcompete smaller males to mate with females, and larger, more fecund females. For many web‐building spiders in the Nephilidae family, reproductive success increases with body size, which in turn, is related to diet. The diet of female spiders may overlap with males who share her web, but diet patterns could depend on size if certain males have better access to prey ensnared in the web. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) dietary patterns are sex‐specific and related to body size and condition. We combined morphometric size analysis with molecular gut content analysis via DNA metabarcoding and high‐throughput sequencing to characterize male and female Joro spider diets from 60 webs at 25 locations. Female Joro spiders were larger than males and their diets were more diverse. While male Joro spiders consumed the same prey taxa as females, more than 50 additional taxa were detected in female diets, which led to significant dissimilarity in prey composition between sexes. As male body size increased, diet diversity and body condition decreased, suggesting a potential trade‐off between time spent foraging versus active defense of their position on the web. Female and male spiders captured from the same web shared prey taxa. However, the proportion of prey overlap was not related to male size. Combined, Joro spiders show sex‐specific dietary patterns, and males appear to have less access to the diverse food captured in female webs.
The effectiveness of real‐life cognitive and physical interventions on cognitive functioning in healthy older adults: A systematic review of the effects of education and training duration
Authors: Vafa Samira , Thanaraju Arjun , Chan Jee Kei , Harris Hanis Atasha , Chan Xiou Wen , Todi Khushi , Arokiaraj Annette Shamala , Chia Yook Chin , Jenkins Michael , Marzuki Aleya A.
Published: January 2025

Physical and cognitive interventions are deemed the primary methods of improving cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is still debated. This systematic review, synthesised findings from the literature on four different types of interventions: physical activities, cognitive training, cognitive stimulation and a combined intervention. We searched six databases for each intervention category. Findings demonstrated that 65% of the studies across all intervention groups reported improvement in the experimental group following the intervention. Furthermore, memory, executive and global cognitive functions were the most reported improvements post‐intervention. Additionally, participants with higher education benefited more from cognitive training (an intervention that targets a specific cognitive domain), while those with lower education gained more following cognitive stimulation (an intervention that targets general domains). Lastly, in sub‐types of physical activity, cognitive stimulation and combined category, longer durations (more than 20 sessions) were associated with significant cognitive improvements. Conversely, in cognitive training, having less than 20 sessions led to significant results. Findings indicated an interaction of education and intervention duration with significant outcomes post‐intervention. In conclusion, this review demonstrated the importance of intervention type, duration and education in understanding cognitive improvement post‐intervention.
Implementation of a national programme to train and support healthcare professionals in brief behavioural interventions: A qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: Meade Oonagh , Aehlig Lena , O'Brien Maria , Lawless Agatha , McSharry Jenny , Dragomir Anda , Hart Jo K. , Keyworth Chris , Lavoie Kim L. , Byrne Molly
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Behaviour change interventions offered opportunistically by healthcare professionals can support patient health behaviour change. The Making Every Contact Count (MECC) programme in Ireland is a national programme to support healthcare professionals to use brief behavioural interventions. The aim of this study was to gain an in‐depth understanding of the enablers of, and barriers to, embedding MECC across the healthcare system.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Methods

We conducted individual semi‐structured interviews to understand barriers and enablers to MECC implementation. Our sample was 36 participants (11 health promotion and improvement officers, 9 nurses, 15 allied health professionals and 1 training instructor) who have a direct role in either supporting or delivering brief interventions to patients. Data were analysed using a Framework Analysis approach guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

Eight theoretical domains influenced MECC implementation: environmental context and resources, intentions/goals, beliefs about the consequences of MECC delivery, knowledge, healthcare professionals' beliefs about their capability to deliver MECC interventions, social and professional role and identity, and reinforcement and skills. Environmental context and resources was the most strongly endorsed domain with key influencing factors including consultation type/setting, making MECC a routine part of clinical practice, a multi‐professional approach, access to/visibility of resources/services, management support/expectations, impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the salience of the MECC programme and the strategic fit of MECC with other health service initiatives.

Conclusions

While individual factors influence national implementation of behaviour change interventions, creating enabling environments for healthcare staff is crucial for widespread adoption across healthcare systems.
Language about gender/sex should be used intentionally and flexibly
Authors: Morgenroth Thekla
Published: January 2025

In their paper, ‘Conceptualizing transgender experiences in psychology: Do we have a ‘true’ gender?’ Jackson and Bussey (British Journal of Psychology, 115, 723) critique the idea of having a ‘true’ gender and propose that the term ‘transgender experience’ may be more appropriate than ‘transgender identity’. In this commentary, I reflect on the usefulness of the terms transgender identity and transgender experience and argue that both hold value and can contribute to a more nuanced discussion of gender/sex. I use the discussion of these two terms as a springboard to make a broader point: As researchers, we should use language about gender/sex flexibly and intentionally. As psychologists, we are trained to use clear operationalizations for the constructs we study, yet it is often unclear whether authors refer to biological sex, gender identity, social perception, or socialization when they speak of ‘women’ and ‘men’. I encourage researchers to be more mindful in their language use and to engage with the nuanced terms that gender scholars (including Jackson and Bussey) have put forward when discussing gender/sex – both in the context of transgender identities and experiences and when discussing cisgender identities and experiences.
Right‐wing authoritarianism and perceptions that minoritized groups pose a threat: The moderating roles of individual‐ and country‐level religiosity and marginalization
Authors: Farkhari Fahima , Scharbert Julian , Kroencke Lara , Schwarzer Christin , Koch Jonas F. , van Zalk Maarten H. W. , Schlipphak Bernd , Back Mitja D.
Published: January 2025

Right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) refers to an adherence to conventional values and authorities with the power to penalize groups that are perceived to challenge the cohesion of ingroup norms. Correspondingly, RWA has repeatedly been linked to negative perceptions of minoritized groups, such as refugees or religious minorities. To investigate whether and how sociocultural factors add to and moderate how RWA influences perceptions that minoritized groups pose a threat (i.e. threat perceptions), we examined (a) the value of RWA, religiosity and perceived societal marginalization in predicting these threat perceptions across countries, (b) potential moderating effects of individual‐ and country‐level religiosity and marginalization on the RWA‐threat link and (c) the robustness of cross‐sectional findings when daily threat perceptions were assessed longitudinally. We used cross‐sectional survey data from Germany N = 1896; Study (1) and Europe N = 3227; Study (2) and global cross‐sectional and longitudinal daily diary data N = 3154 individuals; N >52,447 assessments; N = 41 countries; Study (3). Our studies point to the significance of contextual conditions and the generalizability of cross‐sectional findings to day‐to‐day assessments of threat perceptions.
Actions of dexmedetomidine in regulating NLRP3 in postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice via the autophagy–lysosome pathway
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhang Li‐na , Wu Ting , Pan Xu , Li Le , Yang Xin , Zhang Miao , Liu Ying , Liu Yong
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

Autophagy–lysosomal pathway dysfunction leads to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Dexmedetomidine (Dex) improves POCD, and we probed the effects of Dex on autophagy–lysosomal pathway dysfunction in a POCD model.

Experimental approach

A POCD mouse model was established and intraperitoneally injected with Dex. Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze/open field test/novel object recognition assay. Levels of neurotransmitters/inflammatory cytokines in hippocampus, and NLRP3/ASC/Cleaved Caspase‐1 proteins were determined by ELISA/Western blot. NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated microglial activation/astrocyte A1 differentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region were assessed by immunofluorescence assay. BV‐2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Dex and/or the NLRP3 inflammasome activator Nigericin, and transfected with si‐TFEB for co‐culture with primary reactive astrocytes (RAs) to verify the function of Dex in vitro.

Key Results

Dex alleviated cognitive dysfunction in POCD mice and repressed NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated microglial activation and astrocyte A1 differentiation. NLRP3 inflammasome activation partially reversed the protective effect of Dex on the POCD condition. In vitro experiments verified the inhibitory properties of Dex on microglial activation and astrocyte A1 differentiation. Dex induces TFEB nuclear translocation, microglial autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. By activating the autophagy–lysosome pathway, Dex regulated NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated microglial activation, inhibited astrocyte A1 differentiation and alleviated POCD in vivo.

Conclusion and implications

Dex regulates NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated hippocampal microglial activation by promoting TFEB nuclear translocation and activating the autophagy–lysosome pathway and inhibits astrocyte A1 differentiation, thereby alleviating POCD.
CHOP‐Mediated Disruption of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Neuronal Activity Contributes to Chronic Pain‐Related Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Meng Qingsheng , Su Songxue , Lei Lei , Zhang Yubing , Duan Jiabin , Ren Xiuhua , Song Yihang , Hu Xiaoyu , Chen Shiyue , Zang Weidong , Zhang Zhen , Cao Jing
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced protein homeostasis perturbation is a core pathological element in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to clarify the unique role played by C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) as a biomarker of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the etiology of chronic pain and related cognitive impairments following chronic constrictive nerve injury (CCI).

Methods

The memory capability following CCI was assessed utilizing the Morris water maze (MWM) and fear conditioning test (FCT). Activation of the UPR was quantified by assessing levels of CHOP and key ER stress sensors. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay and the levels of cleaved caspase‐3 were utilized to assess apoptosis level. Synaptic plasticity was assessed via a modified Golgi‐Cox staining method, and long‐term potentiation (LTP) measurements were taken. Neuronal activity was determined by immunofluorescence and fiber photometry. Knockdown of CHOP and alleviation of ER stress were selectively induced by LV‐Ddit3‐shRNAs and the chemical chaperone 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA), respectively.

Results

Mice subjected to CCI displayed enduring pain and cognitive impairments evident on Days 21–28 post‐surgery. Following CCI, changes in the dorsal CA1 (dCA1) manifested as ER dilation, upregulation of CHOP and upstream signaling molecules, reduced dendritic spine density, and PSD95 levels, and impaired LTP. Additionally, the co‐localization of CaMKIIα/c‐Fos and CaMKIIαdCA1‐mediated calcium signaling was significantly reduced, while the activation of CaMKIIα was found to mitigate cognitive impairments in CCI mice. Selective knockdown of CHOP enhanced synaptic plasticity and CaMKIIα neuron activity, while 4‐PBA treatment alleviated ER stress, synergistically improving cognitive deficits associated with chronic pain.

Conclusion

CCI‐induced CHOP upregulation impairs dCA1 synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity, leading to chronic pain‐related cognitive deficits.
Mining social media data via supervised topic model: Can social media posts inform customer satisfaction?
Authors: Huang Yinghui , Li Mei , Tsung Fugee , Chang Xiangyu
Published: January 2025

Customer satisfaction is crucial for any firm. Traditional methods of measuring customer satisfaction, such as customer surveys, are resource‐intensive despite their effectiveness. We develop an innovative approach that leverages social media posts to evaluate customer satisfaction. Specifically, we augment survey data with social media content and propose a supervised topic model to predict customer satisfaction. Method‐wise, our model accommodates texts from various social media platforms, with or without explicit customer ratings. In addition, we address the challenges associated with integrating multiple data sources. To empirically validate our approach, we utilize data from various social media platforms combined with customer surveys from target firms in seven essential industries in Hong Kong. Our model exhibits higher prediction accuracy compared to baseline methods. This research provides a cost‐effective and efficient tool for transforming vast amounts of social media posts into valuable insights on customer satisfaction.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the structure–property relationship in PCS‐derived Si–C ceramics
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Qiuyan , Guan Kang , Fan Xiaoli , Zeng Qingfeng , Bai Longteng , Yang Xiaohui
Published: January 2025

Polycarbosilane (PCS) pyrolysis is a common method for synthesizing silicon carbide (SiC). However, the relationship between structure and properties during PCS pyrolysis is not well understood, and monitoring thermomechanical properties during the process is challenging. Few studies have examined the evolution of PCS performance during pyrolysis. Therefore, investigating the evolution of the structure–property relationship during PCS pyrolysis is essential. In this study, a reliable model was developed to track crosslinking, inorganic transformations, and gas release during PCS pyrolysis. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to elucidate the evolution of the structure–property relationship in PCS‐derived Si–C ceramics. The results show a direct correlation between the microstructure and properties of Si–C ceramics, with our predictions closely matching experimental data. This indicates that these models can effectively estimate thermomechanical properties that are difficult to measure experimentally. Furthermore, our work offers a systematic approach to quantifying the structure–property relationship based on the primary reactions in the pyrolysis system, facilitating the tailoring of the structure to meet specific performance criteria.
Effect of the maternal sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea on feto‐placental Doppler: A systematic review
Authors: La Verde Marco , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Palma Marica , Pisani Davide , Russo Diana , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

Literature evidenced an association of maternal sleep disturbances and maternal obstructive sleep apnea with significant obstetric complications. Moreover, the maternal sleep disturbances effect on feto‐placental circulation had not been extensively examined. Our objective is to explore the possible maternal sleep disturbances impact on the feto‐placental indices evaluated through the Doppler study. A systematic review of the following databases was performed: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from the beginning to June 2024. Only studies that enrolled pregnant women with signs and symptoms of maternal sleep disturbances or obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, which analysed the feto‐placental Doppler parameters, were considered eligible (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024553926). We included a total of four studies with 1715 cases of pregnant women. Various instrumental and non‐instrumental diagnostic methods were adopted for detection of maternal sleep disturbances. The ultrasound exam was performed mainly in the third trimester of pregnancies, and all the studies explored the uterine Doppler parameters. Only two studies explore the foetal Doppler parameters. Only one study disclosed that maternal sleep disturbances are related to altered uterine Doppler indices with probable placental dysfunction. This review did not evidence a significant influence of maternal sleep disturbances and obstructive sleep apnea on foetal Doppler indices. Moreover, one large prospective study showed a possible impact of maternal sleep disturbances on uterine Doppler with a potential impairment of the placentation function. Additional studies with detailed data and larger samples are needed to throw light on this relationship and its impact on the foetal outcomes.
Exploring how structural forms of power shape the training of intraprofessional collaboration between family physicians and specialty physicians in outpatient workplace settings
Authors: Wong René , Whitehead Cynthia R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Intraprofessional collaboration between family physicians (FPs) and specialist physicians (SPs) is posited to improve patient outcomes but is hindered by power dynamics. Research informing intraprofessional training on hospital wards often conceptualizes power at an interactional level. However, less is known about how social structures make these power dynamics possible. This study explores how structural forms of power shape how FP and SP supervisors engage with and teach intraprofessional collaboration in outpatient settings and to what effect.

Methods

Using diabetes as a case study of intraprofessional collaboration, we conducted a discourse analysis of formal documents (written to guide how collaboration should be practiced) and interview transcripts with 15 FP and SP supervisors. Informed by governmentality and the sociology of professions, we analysed how discourses governing diabetes care shape FPs' and SPs' clinical and teaching behaviours, implications for jurisdictional boundaries and the nature of their collaborative relationships.

Results

Discourses of evidence‐based medicine construct a hierarchical social structure in medicine that permeates how physicians engage with and teach intraprofessional collaboration. FPs and SPs enact and teach these hierarchical roles when collaborating in the referral‐consultation process in ways that establish and reinforce jurisdictional boundaries. The interactions at the intersection of these boundaries foster a form of collaboration characterized by SPs surveilling and regulating FPs' practices.

Discussion

As currently constructed, intraprofessional collaboration in outpatient settings may be practiced and taught in ways that reinforce asymmetric power dynamics between FPs and SPs. Without awareness of this unintentional effect, educational attempts to advance this constructed notion of collaboration may ironically impede the achievement of collaborative ideals. Outlining the processes by which structural power permeates FPs' and SPs' collaborative behaviours opens space for educators to acknowledge and mitigate the effects of social structures on intraprofessional training in other clinical and educational contexts.
Barriers to and enablers of modifying diet after metabolic bariatric surgery: A systematic review of published literature
Authors: Yousefi Reyhaneh , Bacon Simon L. , Boucher Vincent Gosselin , Acosta Patricia F. C. , O'Neill John , González‐González Manuela , Raymond Florence Coulombe , Lorencatto Fabiana
Published: January 2025

This is a qualitative systematic review in which we investigated barriers and enablers influencing dietary behavior change after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). Database searches retrieved publications reporting perceived factors influencing dietary behavior change post‐MBS. Data (quotes, survey results, interpretative summaries) were extracted and analyzed using combined deductive and inductive thematic analyses. The generated barrier/enabler themes mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and then behavior change techniques to identify potential strategies to improve post‐operative dietary behavior. Thirty‐four publications were included. Key barriers fell within the domains of ‘Environmental Context and Resources’ (e.g., insufficient and unreliable healthcare services), ‘Behavioral Regulation’ (e.g., lack of self‐discipline), ‘Emotions’ (e.g., eating as a strategy to overcome negative emotions), ‘Beliefs about Consequences’ (e.g., the extent of realistic expectations from MBS), and ‘Social Influences’ (e.g., challenge of eating at social events). Key enablers were also identified within ‘Environmental Context and Resources’ (e.g. self‐access internet‐based resources), ‘Behavioral Regulation’ (e.g. learning how to develop new dietary strategies), ‘Beliefs about Consequences’ (e.g., positive impacts of surgery‐induced food intolerances), and ‘Social Influences’ (e.g., support from social/group sessions). Potential strategies to change postoperative dietary behavior include social support, problem‐solving, goal setting, and self‐monitoring of behavior. This provides insight into the targets for future post‐operative nutrition‐focused interventions.
Treatment outcomes in adult patients experiencing dental anxiety: A comparative retrospective study
Authors: Becker Talia , Kuperberg Mishel Kleinerman , Domb David
Published: January 2025

Aims

To assess and compare the effectiveness of pharmacological and cognitive‐behavioral modalities—behavioral methods (BM), nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (NOIS), and premedication with Diazepam—for alleviating anxiety during dental treatment, using completed treatment sessions and adverse outcomes as indicators.

Methods and results

For 239 patients (515 dental records), 18–53 y/o, who underwent dental treatments under anxiety reduction measures, sessions under NOIS were categorized as “nitrous group” (456 sessions) versus premedication with Diazepam or behavioral strategies (control, 59 sessions). Outcomes were completed treatment sessions considering demographic and clinical parameters, and adverse outcomes during and between sessions.

Adjusted logistic regression showed significantly higher odds of completing treatment sessions after NOIS (p = 0.014) as compared to controls. Univariate analyses demonstrated failure of anesthesia was higher in the control versus the nitrous group (p < 0.001). Adverse outcomes were more frequent in controls (p = 0.005). No significant effects of age, gender, and general health condition on completion rates of treatment plans were demonstrated. The complexity of the treatment plan had a significant effect on its completion (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

NOIS modality yielded significantly superior outcomes as compared to BM and premedication with Diazepam, with no significant effects of age or gender on the completion of treatment plans.
The Last Twenty-One Years of Landscape Management in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone: Case of Ngoro Municipality in Cameroon
Authors: Cedric Chimi , Karol Lavoine Mezafack , Parfait Nkontcheu Kamta , Stelle Pougom Vartant Djeukam , Banabas Neba Nfornkah , Serges Ndzie Okala , Nyong Princely Awazi , Kevin Tchemmoe Fokou , Katty Claudia Chiteh , Bumtu Kamah Pascal , Tanougong Armand Delanot
Published: January 2025

In recent decades, environmental challenges have increased with climate change, which is strongly linked to the pressure of human activities with a consequence on natural landscape change. Based on the forest-savannah transition zone of Cameroon, the aim of this study is to analyze the last twenty-one years management of the Ngoro municipality landscape by the government; and also, analyze the local people impact on these landscapes. The spatio-temporal dynamics of the Ngoro landscape was measured using two Landsat images (TM 2000 and OLI from 2021) downloaded free and analysed with ENVI software based to the supervised classification algorithm. The cartographic approach was combined with surveys conducted with 152 key informants through a questionnaire. Results revealed that, the natural forest cover has experienced a regressive dynamic over 21 years (2000–2021). Seven land cover classes were identified namely old forest, shrubland and grassland, bare soil/slash and burn areas, plantation/agroforestry systems, urban, water surface and croplands. Forests and savannah which are the natural landscape have decreased in the twenty-one years under study, at a rate of -165 ha/year and -525 ha/year respectively, while bare soil and slash and burn areas (+183 ha/year), and crop land (+229 ha/year) have increased. Concerning landscape management, in the twenty-one years under study, 8% of the area has been allocated as community forest. The remaining 92% that has not been allocated is managed by the community. The community established farms (44%), inherited their parents’ farms (37%), bought land (10%) or received land as a gift (8%). The Ngoro municipality with its High Conservation Value potentials, harbours several endangered species, requires further empirical studies that can help identify biodiversity hotspots which will be beneficial for conservation. There is also the need to integrate indigenous Cameroonian initiatives that enhance sustainable landscape management practices.
Stability of Tollmien–Schlichting Modes in Magnetohydrodynamic Boundary Layer Flow in Porous Medium: Energy Budget Analysis
Authors: M. C. Bharathi , Kudenatti Ramesh B.
Published: January 2025

Linear temporal and spatial stability analyses of the magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow over a wedge embedded in a porous medium have been carried out to analyze the effects of pressure gradient, Hartmann and Darcy numbers. First, we determine the base state velocity profiles by imposing suitable similarity transformations on governing boundary layer equations and then find linear perturbed equations involving Reynolds number and disturbance wavenumber using Fourier modes. The Chebyshev spectral collocation method which provides insight into the complete structure of the eigenspectrum is used. The effect of Hartmann and Darcy numbers on the boundary layer is to stabilize the flow for all adverse pressure gradient parameters while only unstable modes are noticed in the absence of these effects. The noticed unstable modes are always part of the wall mode for which the phase speeds are found to approach zero. The eigenspectrum for all involved parameters has a balloon-like structure with the appearance of wall mode instability. The critical Reynolds number is found to be increasing for increasing pressure gradient, Hartmann and Darcy numbers. For an adverse pressure gradient, the energy budget shows that the energy production due to Reynolds stress dominates the viscous dissipation which results in destabilization of the flow, while the kinetic energy due to magnetic field and porous medium plays a role in stabilizing the flow. The physical dynamics behind these interesting modes are discussed.
Identification and functional characterization of a fructose-inducible phosphotransferase system in
Azospirillum brasilense
Sp7
Authors: Rai Sushant , Singh Vijay Shankar , Gupta Parikshit , Tripathi Anil Kumar
Published: January 2025

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium
Azospirillum brasilense
Sp7 utilizes fructose efficiently via a fructose phosphotransferase system (Fru-PTS). Its genome encodes two putative Fru-PTS, each consisting of FruB (EIIA), FruK (Pfk), and FruA (EIIBC) proteins. We compared the proteomes of
A. brasilense
Sp7 grown with malate or fructose as sole carbon source, and noticed upregulation of the constituent proteins of Fru-PTS1 only on fructose. Inactivation of
fruA
gene of both the Fru-PTS showed that Fru-PTS1 is the main PTS involved in fructose utilization. Overexpression of
fruA1
in
A. brasilense
Sp7 enhanced its growth on fructose showing improved consumption of fructose. This suggested that fructose utilization in
A. brasilense
Sp7 is limited due to the limitation of EIIBC component. A FruR-type regulator, encoded divergently to the Fru-PTS1 operon, was required for chemotaxis toward fructose. Although not an absolute necessity for the growth of fructose, FruR was required for the optimal growth of fructose. The
fruB1
promoter was activated by fructose and repressed by malate, but FruR does not seem to regulate its expression. A 27-nucleotide stem-loop structure located between the −125 and −99 promoter proximal region of
fruB1
was involved in fructose inducibility and malate repression. Fructose also upregulated several proteins involved in the biogenesis of a Type 6 secretion system. Here, we have shown that
A. brasilense
Sp7 was able to inhibit the growth of
Escherichia coli
and
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
in the presence of fructose, and that an intact T6SS was required for contact-dependent growth inhibition of the two Gram-negative bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Azospirillum brasilense
, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, has limited ability to utilize carbohydrates and sugars. Although it is known to utilize fructose via a fructose phosphotransferase system (fructose-PTS), the genes involved in fructose utilization and the role of fructose in its biology were not well characterized. This study has shown that out of the two units of fructose-PTS encoded in its genome, fructose-PTS1 plays the major role in fructose utilization. Overexpression of the membrane component (EIIBC) improved the growth of
A. brasilense
on fructose. The ability of fructose to induce proteins of the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) enables
A. brasilense
to cause contact-dependent inhibition of the growth of
Escherichia coli
as well as
A. tumefaciens
. This is the first report on the fructose inducibility of T6SS in
A. brasilense
, which may provide a handle to control the growth of undesirable bacteria using T6SS of
A. brasilense
in a mixed culture.
Structural conservation and functional role of TfpY-like proteins in type IV pilus assembly
Authors: Qaderi Ikram , Chan Isabelle , Harvey Hanjeong , Burrows Lori L.
Published: January 2025

Type IV pili (T4P) are important virulence factors that allow bacteria to adhere to and rapidly colonize their hosts. T4P are primarily composed of major pilins that undergo cycles of extension and retraction and minor pilins that initiate pilus assembly. Bacteriophages use T4P as receptors and exploit pilus dynamics to infect their hosts. Some bacteria encode pilin accessory proteins that post-translationally glycosylate major pilins to evade phage binding. TfpY is an accessory protein of unknown function that is widespread and structurally conserved among T4P-expressing bacteria. Here, we use
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
as a model to characterize the functional role of TfpY and its homologues in pilus assembly. TfpY expression is required for optimal pilus assembly and function; however, it does not provide phage defence, unlike previously characterized accessory proteins. TfpY can cross-complement twitching in strains expressing heterologous
P. aeruginosa
pilins, suggesting TfpY and its homologues play a common role in pilus assembly. We showed that TfpY likely interacts with the major pilin and specific minor pilins but is not incorporated into the pilus itself. We propose that TfpY, along with the minor pilins at the pilus tip, primes pilus assembly. We identified two unique gain-of-function mutations in T4P regulatory genes that non-specifically restore twitching in
tfpY
mutants by increasing levels of cAMP and expression of T4P components. This study enhances our understanding of the complex functional and regulatory relationships between pilin and accessory proteins.

IMPORTANCE

Type IV pili are surface filaments that enable versatile pathogens, like
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, to adhere to and colonize surfaces. Pili are composed of diverse proteins called pilins, which serve as host receptors for phages.
P. aeruginosa
uses specific accessory proteins to glycosylate pilins to evade phage infection. Here, we show that TfpY is a conserved accessory protein that does not mediate phage defence. Instead, we propose a mechanism where TfpY facilitates efficient pilus assembly and function. A better understanding of TfpY function will provide insight into how its associated pilins have evolved to resist phage infection in the absence of post-translational modification, how some phages overcome this barrier to infection, and how this can guide the design of phage-based therapeutics.
Association of gestational day with antenatal management and the mortality and respiratory outcomes of extremely preterm infants
Authors: Kwok T'ng Chang , Fiolna Magdalena , Jones Nia , Walker Kate , Sharkey Don
Published: January 2025

Objective

Perinatal epidemiological studies and outcomes are often reported on gestational week thresholds. This study aims to quantify and investigate the association of each gestational day at birth on antenatal management, mortality and respiratory outcomes of extremely preterm infants.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using National Neonatal Research Database.

Setting

England and Wales.

Patients

26 098 infants born <28 weeks of gestational age (GA) and admitted to neonatal units from 2010 to 2020.

Interventions

Antenatal care and outcome measures for each gestational day were described with 95% CI determined using Agresti-Coull method. χ2test for trend assessed the trends across gestational day. Analysis of means assessed if outcome on each gestational day differed from the overall outcome for that gestational week.

Main outcome measures

Mortality and respiratory disease.

Results

Neonatal admissions peaked at the start of each gestational week. Caesarean section was the most common birth mode from 26+1to 26+4weeks GA. Mortality and severe respiratory morbidity decreased with each day of gestation within the gestational week threshold (p<0.01). Mortality at the beginning and end of each gestational week differed from the overall mortality for that gestational week (p=0.03 to <0.001) in infants <27+0weeks GA. Mortality was higher in infants <26+0weeks GA born to mothers without complete antenatal corticosteroid course or born in centres without neonatal intensive care units.

Conclusions

Each day of gestation is important for extremely preterm infant outcomes. Perinatal decision-making, counselling and reporting should avoid broad gestational weeks and include day of gestation.
Factors influencing virtual reality use in paediatric acquired brain injury upper limb rehabilitation: a qualitative study
Authors: Rathinam Chandrasekar , Farr William , Ray Daniel , Gupta Rajat
Published: January 2025

Objective

Upper limb movement difficulties in children with acquired brain injury (ABI) result in longer recovery times compared with lower limb. Intensive neurorehabilitation promotes a good long-term functional outcome. Virtual reality (VR) and video game technologies are invaluable adjuncts to traditional neurological rehabilitation as they help to motivate, engage and gain children’s compliance in goal-directed therapy. However, this technology is not routinely used in the National Health Service, UK; it requires embedding to benefit children and their families. VR implementation in rehabilitation practice requires development. The associated influencing factors require further exploration before routine use can be established. This project aimed to understand the factors influencing the use of VR in upper limb rehabilitation in children.

VR implementation in rehabilitation practice requires development. The associated influencing factors require further exploration before routine use can be established. This project aims to understand the factors influencing the use of VR in upper limb rehabilitation in children.

Design

An interpretative qualitative study used focus groups and 1:1 semi-structured interviews conducted in person and online to explore participants’ experiences. These were analysed for inductive overarching themes, particularly focusing on the views of professionals and young people regarding the use of VR in upper limb rehabilitation.

Setting

Two neurorehabilitation services located in two children’s hospitals in England, UK.

Participants

Three physiotherapists, five occupational therapists, a play worker and four members from the Young Persons’ Advisory Group took part. Four focus groups with 2–4 participants in each group and two 1:1 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to create the model participants described as the factors that influenced the use of VR in neurorehabilitation.

Results

Five closely related major themes and thirty associated subthemes were developed: training, knowledge, promotion, consideration of barriers and family factors. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding about the use of VR, its limitations, and the clinicians’ motivation to use it. Training packages with available VR equipment, clinical indicators and scientific evidence are required. Staff need frequent training, logistics (uninterrupted Wi-Fi, software, hardware) and simple instruction manuals.

Conclusion

To introduce VR into the routine rehabilitation of children with ABI, investment in improving knowledge, frequent training and positive behaviour change among health professionals is needed.
Cross-sectional study of workplace violence on work engagement among Chinese nurses: the mediating role of psychological resilience
Authors: Chen Miao , Liao Xiaoli , Xie Hao
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the status of workplace violence, psychological resilience and work engagement, and explore the potential mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between workplace violence and work engagement among Chinese nurses.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of clinical registered nurses.

Setting

A convenience sample of clinical registered nurses was recruited from affiliated hospitals of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine.

Participants

A total of 1725 questionnaires were received, of which 1571 were deemed valid, resulting in an effective response rate of 91.07%. The final sample consisted of 1571 clinical registered nurses with a mean age of 31.65±7.16 years.

Outcome measures

Data were collected through an online questionnaire comprising a general information form, the Workplace Violence Scale (WVS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software.

Results

This cross-sectional investigation recruited a convenience sample of 1571 clinical registered nurses, who encountered multiple types of workplace violence in the past year. Pearson correlation analysis indicated negative associations between workplace violence and work engagement (r=−0.505, p<0.01), as well as between workplace violence and psychological resilience (r=−0.523, p<0.01). Mediation analysis revealed that psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between workplace violence and work engagement, with the mediation effect accounting for 66.67% of the total effect.

Conclusions

Nurses exposed to workplace violence demonstrated decreased work engagement, while psychological resilience acted as a protective factor to mitigate the adverse impacts of workplace violence on work engagement. These findings provide a theoretical basis for interventions that equip nurses with resilience to combat workplace violence and improve work engagement.
Trials and tribulations: a qualitative exploration of researcher perspectives on navigating the challenges of health system implementation research
Authors: Morrow April , Tyedmers Elijah , Debono Deborah , Chan Priscilla , Steinberg Julia , Tiernan Gabriella , Hogden Emily , Taylor Natalie
Published: January 2025

Objective

While researchers are crucial to the successful delivery of implementation trials, their perspectives are rarely captured in the evaluation of these trials. This qualitative study aimed to capture the experiences of a small research team coordinating a large, multisite implementation trial (the Hide and Seek Project) in the Australian healthcare setting.

Design

A qualitative approach was used, whereby members of the Hide and Seek Project research team were invited to take part in semistructured focus groups led by an external facilitator. The focus group guide was developed to explore the experiences of the research team (including challenges and lessons learnt) as they moved through key study activities. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Barriers and facilitators identified within themes were deductively coded to domains of the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Setting

Participants were recruited from a research organisation based in Sydney, Australia.

Participants

A total of seven researcher and administering institution participants took part in four focus groups.

Results

Analysis highlighted the following themes: navigating bureaucracy, distinguishing implementation trials from clinical trials, the impact of COVID-19, balancing rigour and pragmatism in implementation trials, data access and complexity of analysis, and key learnings and future directions (subthemes: building relationships with ethics committees, communicating implementation concepts, streamlining of the implementation and research approach).

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for streamlining current administrative and ethical review processes, as well as procedures that allow greater flexibility for researchers to respond to challenges as they arise. Lessons learnt by the Hide and Seek Project team hold potential relevance for fellow researchers involved in coordinating implementation trials across diverse contexts.
Investigating male factors and their relationships with reproductive health outcomes: a case-control study protocol for Towards Optimal Fertility, Fathering, and Fatherhood studY (TOFFFY) in Singapore
Authors: Ku Chee Wai , Pek Jun Wei , Cheung Yin Bun , Tharmalingam Durgahshree Melissa D/O , Chan Melinda , Lee Yie Hou , Godfrey Keith , Yap Fabian , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Loy See Ling
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Despite the global prevalence of low fertility rates, male contributions to fertility and reproductive health outcomes have been understudied. This study aims to investigate the male contribution to fertility and explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Specifically, we aim to (1) identify male factors associated with successful pregnancy, (2) develop a fertility index incorporating modifiable factors for both males and females to predict pregnancy rate and (3) explore the relationship of male modifiable factors with semen parameters and molecular characteristics.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct an unmatched case-control study involving 240 couples with impaired male fertility (cases) and 240 couples with normal male fertility (controls). Between July 2024 and June 2026, we will recruit 480 eligible couples from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore. Male and female participants will complete questionnaires on sociodemographics, general health and lifestyle factors, and their anthropometry and body fat composition will be measured. Blood and semen samples from the male participants will be collected for biochemical, molecular and semen analyses. Predictive male factors will be identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method, accounting for female factors. We will construct a logistic regression model incorporating both male and female factors to derive a fertility index, which will be evaluated using cross-validation on subsets of the study population. Multivariable linear regression will be used to explore relationships between male modifiable exposures and semen parameters.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has received approval from the Centralised Institutional Review Board of SingHealth (2024/2120), Singapore. Participants will provide written informed consent. Study results will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT06293235.