bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shale reservoir rock physics modeling and “sweet spot” prediction based on digital core
Authors: Huang Can , Qin Xilin , Chang Deshuang , Zhu Douxing , Zheng Jianxiong
Published: September 2024

With the increasing advancement in shale exploration and development, the complex pore structure and organic-rich characteristics of shale have gradually become the focus of rock physics models. This study combined digital core technology to obtain detailed information on the shale mineral composition, content, pore and crack contents, and composition. The isotropic self-compatible approximation (SCA) model was used to couple the shale minerals and hard pores to construct a brittle mineral framework. The VRH model was used to mix kerogen and clay, and the SCA-DEM (differential equivalent medium) model was used to add organic pores to construct a clay organic matter mineral framework. The anisotropic SCA model treated the clay organic matter mineral framework as an inclusion added to the brittle mineral framework to construct the shale mineral framework. The Eshelby–Cheng model was used to add fracture to the mineral framework and establish a physical shale model. This model was used to optimize the selection of sensitive elastic parameters for physical properties such as brittle mineral and kerogen content, fracture density, and porosity, and the optimization results were combined to construct an explanatory quantity template. In addition, according to actual data from a study area in southwestern China, we combined to the interpretation chart established by the model to perform isotropic inversion. Then, we analyzed and interpreted the brittleness index and total organic carbon content of the reservoir and predicted the sweet spot area of the shale reservoir.
Resource selection of den sites for bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Northern Great Plains, United States
Authors: Morrison Erin E , Lehman Chadwick P , Neiles Brady Y , Rota Christopher T
Published: September 2024

Dens play a crucial role in the survival of young and can ultimately affect population dynamics for felid carnivores. However, little is known about Bobcat (Lynx rufus) den site selection. Therefore, this study aimed to identify environmental correlates of Bobcat den sites in the Black Hills, South Dakota, United States. Our objectives for this study were to compare environmental characteristics of Bobcat dens to random sites at coarse (3.14 ha) and local (0.05 ha) spatial scales. Female bobcats were radio-collared (n = 35) and dens (n = 27) were located using ground telemetry. Bobcats selected for high horizontal cover and terrain ruggedness at the coarse scale, as well as high horizontal cover at the local scale, which could provide concealment from predators. In less rugged areas land management practices that promote increased tree and shrub habitat as horizontal cover may provide habitat for Bobcat dens and ensure the survival of this ecologically and culturally important species.
Doubly robust machine learning-based estimation methods for instrumental variables with an application to surgical care for cholecystitis
Authors: Takatsu Kenta , Levis Alexander W , Kennedy Edward , Kelz Rachel , Keele Luke
Published: September 2024

Comparative effectiveness research frequently employs the instrumental variable design since randomized trials can be infeasible. In this study, we investigate treatments for emergency cholecystitis—inflammation of the gallbladder. A standard treatment for cholecystitis is surgical removal of the gallbladder, while alternative non-surgical treatments include managed care and pharmaceutical options. We use an instrument for operative care: the surgeon’s tendency to operate. Standard instrumental variable estimation methods, however, often rely on parametric models that are prone to bias from model misspecification. Thus, we outline instrumental variable methods based on the doubly robust machine learning framework. These methods enable us to employ machine learning techniques, delivering consistent estimates, and permitting valid inference on various estimands. We use these methods to estimate the primary target estimand in an instrumental variable design. Additionally, we expand these methods to develop new estimators for heterogeneous causal effects, profiling principal strata, and sensitivity analyses for a key instrumental variable assumption. We conduct a simulation to identify scenarios where more flexible estimation methods outperform standard methods. Our findings indicate that operative care is generally more effective for cholecystitis patients, although the benefits of surgery can be less pronounced for key patient subgroups.
The effect of stellar rotation on black hole mass and spin
Authors: Ghodla Sohan , Eldridge J J
Published: September 2024

The gravitational wave signature of a binary black hole (BBH) merger is dependent on its component mass and spin. If such black holes originate from rapidly rotating progenitors, the large angular momentum reserve in the star could drive a collapsar-like supernova explosion, hence substantially impacting these characteristics of the black holes in the binary. To examine the effect of stellar rotation on the resulting black hole mass and spin, we conduct a one-dimensional general relativistic study of the end phase of the stellar collapse. We find that the resulting black hole mass at times differs significantly from the previously assumed values. We quantify the dependence of the black hole spin magnitude on the hydrodynamics of the accretion flow, providing analytical relations for calculating the mass and spin based on the progenitor’s pre-collapse properties. Depending on the nature of the accretion flow, our findings have implications for the black hole upper mass gap resulting from pair-instability supernovae, the maximum mass of a maximally rotating stellar black hole, and the maximum effective spin of a BBH formed in a tidally locked helium star–black hole binary.
Amphiphilic shuttle peptide delivers base editor ribonucleoprotein to correct the CFTR R553X mutation in well-differentiated airway epithelial cells
Authors: Kulhankova Katarina , Cheng Anna X , Traore Soumba , Auger Maud , Pelletier Mia , Hervault Maxime , Wells Kevin D , Green Jonathan A , Byrne Addison , Nelson Benjamin , Sponchiado Mariana , Boosani Chandra , Heffner Caleb S , Snow Kathy J , Murray Stephen A , Villacreses Raul A , Rector Michael V , Gansemer Nicholas D , Stoltz David A , Allamargot Chantal , Couture Frédéric , Hemez Colin , Hallée Stéphanie , Barbeau Xavier , Harvey Mario , Lauvaux Coraline , Gaillet Bruno , Newby Gregory A , Liu David R , McCray Paul B , Guay David
Published: September 2024

Base editing could correct nonsense mutations that cause cystic fibrosis (CF), but clinical development is limited by the lack of delivery methods that efficiently breach the barriers presented by airway epithelia. Here, we present a novel amphiphilic shuttle peptide based on the previously reported S10 peptide that substantially improved base editor ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery. Studies of the S10 secondary structure revealed that the alpha-helix formed by the endosomal leakage domain (ELD), but not the cell penetrating peptide (CPP), was functionally important for delivery. By isolating and extending the ELD, we created a novel shuttle peptide, termed S237. While S237 achieved lower delivery of green fluorescent protein, it outperformed S10 at Cas9 RNP delivery to cultured human airway epithelial cells and to pig airway epithelia in vivo, possibly due to its lower net charge. In well-differentiated primary human airway epithelial cell cultures, S237 achieved a 4.6-fold increase in base editor RNP delivery, correcting up to 9.4% of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) R553X allele and restoring CFTR channel function close to non-CF levels. These findings deepen the understanding of peptide-mediated delivery and offer a translational approach for base editor RNP delivery for CF airway disease.
Structural and mechanistic insights into a mesophilic prokaryotic Argonaute
Authors: Tao Xin , Ding Hui , Wu Shaowen , Wang Fei , Xu Hu , Li Jie , Zhai Chao , Li Shunshun , Chen Kai , Wu Shan , Liu Yang , Ma Lixin
Published: September 2024

Argonaute (Ago) proteins are programmable nucleases found in all domains of life, playing a crucial role in biological processes like DNA/RNA interference and gene regulation. Mesophilic prokaryotic Agos (pAgos) have gained increasing research interest due to their broad range of potential applications, yet their molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we present seven cryo-electron microscopy structures of Kurthia massiliensis Ago (KmAgo) in various states. These structures encompass the steps of apo-form, guide binding, target recognition, cleavage, and release, revealing that KmAgo employs a unique DDD catalytic triad, instead of a DEDD tetrad, for DNA target cleavage under 5′P-DNA guide conditions. Notably, the last catalytic residue, D713, is positioned outside the catalytic pocket in the absence of guide. After guide binding, D713 enters the catalytic pocket. In contrast, the corresponding catalytic residue in other Agos has been consistently located in the catalytic pocket. Moreover, we identified several sites exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity through alanine mutagenesis. These sites have the potential to serve as engineering targets for augmenting the catalytic efficiency of KmAgo. This structural analysis of KmAgo advances the understanding of the diversity of molecular mechanisms by Agos, offering insights for developing and optimizing mesophilic pAgos-based programmable DNA and RNA manipulation tools.
The Rural Economy in Zambia
Authors: Nyanga Progress H. , Nchungo Josephat , Nsama Priscilla , Lipalile Mufana , Umar Bridget Bwalya , Chibamba Douty
Published: September 2024

This chapter provides an exposition of Zambia’s rural economy during the colonial and post-independence period. It occasionally delves into the decade before the colonial period to explain developments during the colonial period. A two-phased post-independence era comprising a state-led rural economy landscape from 1964 to 1990 and a market-driven neoliberal phase from 1991 to 2000 is described in detail. The chapter explores trends in the socio-economic aspects of Zambia’s rural environment. Actors and drivers in the Zambian rural economy are identified and discussed in terms of their respective roles and associated effects. Additionally, the chapter narrates the overarching policy frameworks and rural development approaches used from 1924 to 2021 with the respective outcomes such as food security. Special reference is made to the main pillars of the rural economy: the contribution of forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and wildlife resources. Furthermore, the chapter elucidates on rural developments in terms of challenges and opportunities before raising a conclusion.
Trade Policy in Zambia
Authors: Mudenda Dale S. , Mpande-Chuulu Chawe P.
Published: September 2024

This chapter characterizes Zambia’s trade policy and considers its impact on growth, export composition, and destinations. The chapter shows that the country successfully reformed its trade policy from an inward-looking to an export and outward-oriented economy anchored on unilateral, bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade preference schemes. Trade policy has evolved over the years to include behind-the-border trade-related policies like Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Trade Facilitation, Competition Policy, Standards, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQAMT), Government Procurement, Investment and Business Regulation Reform, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures, E-Commerce, Citizen and Economic Empowerment, gender, and youth. During the reform years, trade stimulated economic activities and growth during super-cycles albeit with minimal impact on poverty reduction. Further, the trade structure has remained concentrated on few products and few destinations. Trade remains constrained by high trade costs, nontariff barriers, arduous business regulation, underdeveloped productivity, manufacturing and value addition, and complex rules of origin within regional schemes. The chapter proposes that Zambia’s trade negotiations must focus on trade facilitation, elimination of trade barriers, and capacity-building efforts to improve the competitiveness of exporting firms.
Unravelling the Direct Tax Puzzle in Malawi
Authors: Ligomeka Waziona
Published: September 2024

Malawi, like many countries in Africa, is a low-income country with a tax administration that operates below international standards, and with a larger informal sector that could provide a substantial source of revenues than other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, especially from direct taxes. The chapter explores this issue by updating, validating, and testing the colonial legacy theory as suggested by Mkandawire (2010), and reviews the colonial and post-colonial tax issues for Malawi and other countries in SSA to answer two interconnected questions: (a) What are the reasons for Malawi’s current high reliance on direct tax? (b) How far back in history does Malawi’s reliance on direct tax extend? The findings show that Malawi’s history, its economic structure, and the close surveillance of major taxpayers by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) significantly contribute to explaining the country’s high reliance on direct taxes relative to other SSA countries.
The Politics of Interstate Migration in India
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Dhar Shashwat
Published: September 2024

While there is a vast scholarship on the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of internal migrants in India, we know relatively little about their participation in elections and politics. According to various estimates, India has over 450 million internal migrants, accounting for over a third of its population of 1.4 billion. Between 100 and 200 million of these migrants engage in short-term seasonal and circular work. As tragically highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic, it is this segment of short-term migrants that faces relatively greater bureaucratic, political, and policy barriers to expanding its livelihood opportunities and exercising its voting rights. Building on insights from Myron Weiner’s seminal work on ‘sons of the soil’ and emerging research on migrant’s political exclusion and the rise of ‘competence politics’ in Indian cities, this chapter explores the paradox that while migration is guaranteed as a fundamental right by the Indian constitution, internal migrants are not only denied the right to vote and participate in the electoral process, but also face virulent forms of nativist politics in destination areas. The chapter further identifies emerging patterns and dynamics within the politics of interstate migration in contemporary India. It concludes by proposing new directions for future research.
Political Finance in India
Authors: Vaishnav Milan
Published: September 2024

The rising costs of elections pose a challenge to democracies the world over, raising difficult questions about the ‘free’ and ‘fair’ nature of these polls. Despite the presence of one of the world’s most powerful elections bodies, India has often struggled to counter the rising tide of money in politics as regulation has failed to keep pace with spiralling campaign expenditure. This chapter provides an overview of the structural, contextual factors that have led to the establishment of a suboptimal, corrupt equilibrium in managing the myriad challenges posed by the deluge of money in politics. It examines the basic components of political finance—contributions, spending, and the role of political parties—and their evolution over time. It pays special attention to recent changes in law and regulation governing political finance, which have arguably made murky financial flows even more opaque. It concludes with a discussion of the broader implications of India’s political finance regime for Indian political economy.
ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5-mediated light signaling promotes shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chen Yu , Ince Yetkin Çaka , Kawamura Ayako , Favero David S , Suzuki Takamasa , Sugimoto Keiko
Published: September 2024

Injured plant somatic tissues regenerate themselves by establishing shoot or root meristems. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a two-step culture system ensures regeneration by first promoting the acquisition of pluripotency and subsequently specifying the fate of new meristems. Although previous studies have reported the importance of phytohormones auxin and cytokinin in determining the fate of new meristems, whether and how environmental factors influence this process remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the impact of light signals on shoot regeneration using Arabidopsis hypocotyls as explants. We found that light signals promote shoot regeneration while inhibiting root formation. ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), the pivotal transcriptional factor in light signaling, plays a central role in this process by mediating the expression of key genes controlling the fate of new meristems. Specifically, HY5 directly represses root development genes and activates shoot meristem genes, leading to the establishment of shoot progenitor from pluripotent callus. We further demonstrated that the early activation of photosynthesis is critical for shoot initiation, and this is transcriptionally regulated downstream of HY5-dependent pathways. In conclusion, we uncovered the intricate molecular mechanisms by which light signals control the establishment of new meristems through the regulatory network governed by HY5, thus highlighting the influence of light signals on plant developmental plasticity.
The Imitation Game: The Imitation Game: How Encouraging Renegotiation Makes Good Borrowers Bad
Authors: Flynn Sean , Ghent Andra , Tchistyi Alexei
Published: September 2024

We show that commercial mortgage borrowers behave opportunistically to attempt to obtain principal reductions. We develop a model in which lenders cannot perfectly observe borrowers’ use values and renegotiation is costly. We then exploit a tax rule change that reduced the cost of renegotiation. Consistent with the model predictions, borrowers with high private use values of the property are more likely to transfer into special servicing when lenders have a higher capacity to negotiate principal reductions after the rule change. Our results suggest adverse consequences of principal forgiveness for lenders.
Cross-border philanthropy
Authors: Weil Simon
Published: September 2024

Focusing on the UK, this article explores optimal ways of effecting cross-border giving in the wake of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2023. In turn, I examine donations by resident taxpayers to foreign charities, the taxation of foreign charities within the UK and the transfer of funds from UK charities to foreign charities.
Leveraging telementoring platforms to enhance PA capacity and education
Authors: Madhavpeddi Adrienne R. , Williams Elisabeth , Felix Kaitlyn N. , Mayer Gregory K.
Published: September 2024

Telementoring is a valuable workforce development resource that connects subject matter experts with healthcare providers via videoconferencing. This technology can deliver training, education, and ongoing technical support to build workforce capacity. Arizona State University (ASU) has leveraged a widely used telementoring platform, Project ECHO, to disseminate best practices in palliative medicine. The model has increased clinician knowledge and confidence, and the learning network may provide protective factors for clinician wellness. The replicable and inclusive nature of telementoring platforms creates educational opportunities to align learners across the didactic and clinical years of medical training, as well as into early- and midcareer for physician associates/assistants (PAs). Telementoring programs can be used across the PA learning continuum, including in PA training programs.
Relationship between short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide and emergency ambulance dispatches due to cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bai Xuerui , Qu Hongying , Ye Zebing , Wang Ruoting , He Guanhao , Huang Zhongguo , Jiang Zhiying , Zhang Changfa , Li Shuai , Li Guowei
Published: September 2024

Background:

The relationship between sulfur dioxide (SO2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains inconclusive. We aimed to clarify the association between short-term exposure to SO2 and emergency ambulance dispatches (EADs) due to CVD.

Methods:

We collected daily data on the number of EADs due to CVD, air pollutants, and meteorological factors between October 2013 and June 2018 in Guangzhou, China. We used the quasi-Poisson generalized additive model combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model to estimate the short-term effect of SO2 on EADs due to CVD in multivariable models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Results:

A total of 37,889 EADs due to CVD were documented during the study period. The average daily SO2 concentration was 12.5 μg/m3. A significant relationship between SO2 and EADs due to CVD was found, with a relative risk of 1.04 (95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.06) with each 10 μg/m3 increment of SO2 at lag 0-1. The relationship was stronger in males, for participants aged ≥65 years, and in the cold season; however, no significant modification by subgroup was found in the association between SO2 and EADs due to CVD. Similar results from sensitivity analyses to the main findings were observed.

Conclusions:

Short-term exposure to SO2 was significantly associated with increased EADs due to CVD.
Exchangeable copper for patients with Wilson disease at follow-up: Rethinking normal ranges or changing methodology
Authors: Mariño Zoe , García-Solà Clàudia , Ríos José , Bono Ariadna , García Sonia , Miralpeix Anna , Andreu Rocío , Aguado Cristina , Forns Xavier , Torra Mercè , Berenguer Marina
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim:

Determining suitable copper parameters for monitoring Wilson disease remains a topic of ongoing discussion. International recommendations currently rely on the combination of urinary copper excretion and nonspecific liver markers when considering therapy and time elapsed since diagnosis. The emergence of exchangeable copper (CuEX) as a novel measurement reflecting the “free copper pool” held promise as a valuable target to ensure metabolic stability during follow-up, although the validation of target ranges remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate CuEX quantification in repeated samples from 92 real-world patients with Wilson disease during a 2-year period.

Approach:

Patients were classified as “stable” if a diagnosis had been made more than 1 year before and were compliant with stable anti-copper drug and dose. Otherwise, patients were classified as “nonstable.”

Results:

Two hundred and thirteen CuEX samples were obtained per clinical practice. Overall, 57% of CuEX measurements fell below the reference “range of normality,” whereas only 34% were within and 9% were above normal levels. There was no association of CuEX levels with therapy, elapsed time from diagnosis, or clinical stability, although most of the samples above normality corresponded to nonstable patients. Only 23.4% of the CuEX samples were aligned with data obtained from concomitant urinary copper excretion.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that CuEX is a suboptimal tool for assessing copper homeostasis when used alone and should be used with caution if no additional information is available. Normal reference intervals for Wilson disease–treated patients should be redefined, as most CuEX quantifications fell in the lower range, with no sign of overtreatment in these patients.
Finite nucleos(t)ide analog therapy for functional cure in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: Recent development in the paradigm shift
Authors: Liaw Yun-Fan , Papatheodoridis George
Published: September 2024

Long-term nucleos(t)ide analog (Nuc) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may lead to HBV suppression, ALT normalization, improvement of histological lesions, and prevention of liver disease progression, but rarely achieve HBsAg loss, the hallmark of functional cure. HBeAg-negative patients with CHB have often been recommended to continue Nuc therapy until HBsAg loss, which usually means indefinitely. However, long-term/lifelong Nuc therapy is associated with increasing costs and concerns of adverse outcomes subsequent to poor adherence and/or self-cessation/loss-to-follow-up. Hence, 2012 Asian-Pacific guidelines recommended that HBeAg-negative patients with CHB can stop Nuc therapy after ≥12 months of HBV DNA undetectability. Subsequent Asian and few European studies have found the strategy of finite Nuc therapy to be feasible and reasonably safe. In 2016–2017, stopping Nuc was also included as a conditional strategy for HBeAg-negative patients with CHB in the American and European guidelines. Furthermore, progressively increasing HBsAg loss rates with prolongation of off-Nuc follow-up were documented, being higher in Caucasians and more apparent beyond years 4–5 in Asian patients. Recently, a large study in patients with HBV cirrhosis showed not only higher 10-year HBsAg loss rate (15.3% vs. 1.6%) but also ~50% lower 10-year HCC incidence (16.5% vs. 29.5%) and 60% lower liver-related mortality/transplantation rate (6.1 vs. 15.1%) after Nuc cessation, as compared with well-matched patients continuing Nuc therapy. Since novel drug development aiming for functional cure has not been satisfactory, the strategy of finite Nuc therapy in HBeAg-negative CHB seems to be the current best realistic option for functional cure today.
Therapeutic Rest as an Intervention in Early Labor: A Literature Review
Authors: Coston Jeilyn N. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Kuller Jeffrey A. , Craig Amanda M.
Published: September 2024

Importance

The latent phase of labor poses a challenge for pregnant patients due to the limited options available for pain relief and management. Therapeutic rest, an intervention involving medication administration during this phase, has shown promise in addressing prelabor discomfort and anxiety.

Objective

To emphasize the significance of therapeutic rest during early labor, describe methods of administering this intervention, review data on efficacy and maternal/fetal outcomes, and determine appropriate criteria and timing of utilization.

Evidence Acquisition

Articles were obtained from a thorough PubMed literature search; relevant articles were reviewed.

Results

Studies have shown that delaying admission to active labor benefits maternal and fetal outcomes. Pregnant patients admitted in the latent phase are at greater risk for obstetric interventions and have heightened emotional challenges. However, administering therapeutic rest during this phase has shown promising outcomes without significantly increasing the risks of adverse events. Randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic rest on subsequent admission rates for patients in active labor.

Conclusions

Therapeutic rest offers a favorable approach to managing pain and discomfort in early labor. Although there are criteria and contraindications, the interventions have shown effectiveness without substantial adverse effects, providing a potential outpatient management strategy for the latent phase of labor.

Relevance

This review offers insight into potential interventions and outcomes for managing the latent stage of labor in pregnant patients.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After reading this article, the provider will be better able to explain the concept and significance of therapeutic rest in the context of early labor; identify target populations eligible for receiving therapeutic rest during the latent phase of labor; and describe the different pharmacologic regimens and interventions used for analgesia and rest for patients during early labor.
Role of Genetic Analysis of Products of Conception and PGT in Managing Early Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Kutteh William H. , Papas Ralph S. , Maisenbacher Melissa K. , Dahdouh Elias M.
Published: September 2024

(Abstracted from Reprod Biomed Online 2023;49(1):103738)

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined by 2 or more failed clinical pregnancies before 20 weeks’ gestation, affects 2% to 4% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. The recommended workup for RPL includes karyotypes in both partners, imaging of the uterine cavity, and testing for endocrine and autoimmune disorders; however, these evaluations result in an explanation for fewer than 45% of all patients.
Development and Validation of the Satisfaction Concerning Stoma Care Questionnaire (SSCQ)
Authors: van der Storm Sebastiaan L. , Barsom Esther Z. , de Haan Rob J. , Schijven Marlies P.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this research was to develop the Satisfaction Concerning Stoma Care Questionnaire (SSCQ) and evaluate its structural and convergent validity and internal reliability.

DESIGN:

Instrument development and evaluation of validity and reliability.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

A preliminary 22-item SSCQ was administered in a larger web-based survey to members of 2 ostomy-related patient associations with members throughout the Netherlands. The data of patients who underwent surgery within 2 years were selected for analysis.

METHODS:

The development of the SSCQ was informed by a preexisting survey that focused on the experiences of stoma patients with general health care. Structural validity and homogeneity of the SSCQ were assessed using explanatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s α coefficients. Convergent validity was also evaluated.

RESULTS:

The final SSCQ comprised 20 items covering 3 domains: “preoperative care and information,” “postoperative care and guidance,” and “contact with and ostomy nurse.” The SSCQ demonstrated structural and convergent validity and internal reliability. The Cronbach’s α value of the SSCQ was 0.95, whereas the independent domains retrieved a high α coefficient ranging from 0.90 to 0.93. The SSCQ and independent domains were able to distinguish between high and low patients’ ratings for satisfaction concerning the received stoma care.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SSCQ demonstrated structural and convergent reliability, along with internal consistency. It may be used to measure the satisfaction of patients with ostomies concerning stoma care. Future prospective studies using the SSCQ are needed to generate additional insights into providing optimal care for ostomy patients.
Management of Pain in People Living With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Woo Kevin , Murphy Christine , Gregg Emily , Moralejo Joshua , LeBlanc Kimberly , Brandys Tim
Published: September 2024

Peripheral artery disease is a complex health condition. It is associated with atherosclerotic occlusive lesions in the arteries limiting normal blood flow, mostly involving the lower extremities, leading to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Chronic unrelenting ischemic leg pain can be debilitating and distressing, contributing to poor health-related quality of life. Comprehensive management of pain associated with CLTI requires multimodal approaches that draw on a range of strategies and specialist treatments delivered by an interdisciplinary team across various health care settings. We recognized a significant gap in evidence-based strategies that are accessible, appropriate, acceptable, effective, and safe for the elderly with CLTI-associated pain. We therefore conducted an umbrella review or overview of multiple existing reviews that employ a rigorous and transparent method to comprehensively identify and synthesize relevant literature including systematic, scoping, and narrative reviews. The purpose of this umbrella review was to aggregate and compare various management options to inform best practices and quality indicators for the management of ischemic pain in older patients with peripheral artery disease.
Chicks produce consonant, sometimes jazzy, sounds
Authors: Maldarelli Gianmarco , Dissegna Andrea , Ravignani Andrea , Chiandetti Cinzia
Published: September 2024

Several animal species prefer consonant over dissonant sounds, a building block of musical scales and harmony. Could consonance and dissonance be linked, beyond music, to the emotional valence of vocalizations? We extracted the fundamental frequency from calls of young chickens with either positive or negative emotional valence, i.e. contact, brood and food calls. For each call, we calculated the frequency ratio between the maximum and the minimum values of the fundamental frequency, and we investigated which frequency ratios occurred with higher probability. We found that, for all call types, the most frequent ratios matched perfect consonance, like an arpeggio in pop music. These music-like intervals, based on the auditory frequency resolution of chicks, cannot be miscategorized into contiguous dissonant intervals. When we analysed frequency ratio distributions at a finer-grained level, we found some dissonant ratios in the contact calls produced during distress only, thus sounding a bit jazzy. Complementing the empirical data, our computational simulations suggest that physiological constraints can only partly explain both consonances and dissonances in chicks’ phonation. Our data add to the mounting evidence that the building blocks of human musical traits can be found in several species, even phylogenetically distant from us.
Christopher Martin Dobson. 8 October 1949—8 September 2019
Authors: Robinson FRS Carol V. , Robinson Colin G.
Published: September 2024

Christopher Martin Dobson was a distinguished biophysical chemist who earned an international reputation for his work on protein folding, misfolding and aggregation. Protein folding is a crucial process in biochemistry where a protein transitions from a disordered state to a structured, three-dimensional form after being synthesized by a ribosome. This transformation is essential for the protein to attain its biological functionality. The intricate folding pathway is guided by various interactions between amino acids within the protein chain. When protein folding goes awry, it can lead to misfolded proteins, which are associated with various disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The study of protein folding and misfolding has significant implications for both basic science and medical research. Chris's career spanned almost five decades, resulted in more than 870 publications and established a legacy that will influence the lives of many for decades to come. His outstanding mentorship resulted in some 100 of his former students and post-docs taking up independent positions at academic institutions in all parts of the world, while his research work has left a lasting imprint on the biophysical sciences and inspired an entire generation of research scientists.
Exploring the control of whole-body angular momentum in young and elderly based on the virtual pivot point concept
Authors: Firouzi Vahid , Mohseni Omid , Seyfarth Andre , von Stryk Oskar , Sharbafi Maziar A.
Published: September 2024

While walking, ground reaction forces point from the centre of pressure to the neighbourhood of a focal point, namely the virtual pivot point (VPP), that adjusts angular momentum around the centre of mass (CoM). This study explores how age and speed affect the VPP quality and position during walking. Analysing an experimental dataset reveals high quality of the VPP in the sagittal plane for both young and elderly groups, regardless of speed. However, in the frontal plane, the VPP quality decreases with increasing speed, with elderly participants exhibiting significantly lower quality. Although not a direct measure of balance, VPP quality reflects changes in whole-body angular momentum owing to ageing and speed. Additionally, a template model is used to reproduce the VPP quality and position trends observed in the experiment. Simulation results highlight the sensitivity of VPP quality to leg force feedback and show that changing VPP height has minimal effect on gait speed. Furthermore, energy redistribution occurs through increased hip extension and leg damping, associated with a greater horizontal VPP distance from the CoM, observed in elderly walking. This study shows promise for analysing gait based on VPP, potentially aiding clinical interventions and supporting locomotion in the elderly.
Chimpanzees utilize video as reference in a spatiotemporally distant search for hidden food
Authors: Xu Shenwen , Tomonaga Masaki , Adachi Ikuma
Published: September 2024

Referring to things that are displaced in space and time is one of the defining features of human language. In order to better understand the evolution of human language, it is therefore important to explore how widely the ability for displaced reference is shared in animal kingdom. In this study, we explored whether chimpanzees are capable of utilizing video as a displaced reference in a spatiotemporally distant task. We used video to inform chimpanzees about an otherwise unobservable food-hiding. We examined the extent to which chimpanzees would make use of video as a source of information to guide their retrieval of hidden food from a target container. We found that when the event of observing food-hiding and the event of retrieving hidden food were close in space and time within the same room, all chimpanzees solved the task. Some chimpanzees continued to solve the task even when the two events were distant and separated spatiotemporally, in which they had to move to the next room between the events. Our findings suggested that chimpanzees can utilize video as a displaced reference to retrieve hidden food later when solving real-life problems.
Mapping threatened Thai bovids provides opportunities for improved conservation outcomes in Asia
Authors: Horpiencharoen Wantida , Muylaert Renata L. , Marshall Jonathan C. , John Reju Sam , Lynam Antony J. , Riggio Alex , Godfrey Alexander , Ngoprasert Dusit , Gale George A. , Ash Eric , Bisi Francesco , Cremonesi Giacomo , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben , Yindee Marnoch , Shwe Nay Myo , Pin Chanratana , Gray Thomas N. E. , Aung Saw Soe , Nakbun Seree , Manka Stephanie G. , Steinmetz Robert , Phoonjampa Rungnapa , Seuaturien Naret , Phumanee Worrapan , Hayman David T. S.
Published: September 2024

Wild bovids provide important ecosystem functions as seed dispersers and vegetation modifiers. Five wild bovids remain in Thailand: gaur (
Bos gaurus
), banteng (
Bos javanicus
), wild water buffalo (
Bubalus arnee
), mainland serow (
Capricornis sumatraensis
) and Chinese goral (
Naemorhedus griseus
). Their populations and habitats have declined substantially and become fragmented by land-use change. We use ecological niche models to quantify how much potential suitable habitat for these species remains within protected areas in Asia and then specifically Thailand. We combined species occurrence data from several sources (e.g. mainly camera traps and direct observation) with environmental variables and species-specific and single, large accessible areas in ensemble models to generate suitability maps, using out-of-sample predictions to validate model performance against new independent data. Gaur, banteng and buffalo models showed reasonable model accuracy throughout the entire distribution (greater than or equal to 62%) and in Thailand (greater than or equal to 80%), whereas serow and goral models performed poorly for the entire distribution and in Thailand, though 5 km movement buffers markedly improved the performance for serow. Large suitable areas were identified in Thailand and India for gaur, Cambodia and Thailand for banteng and India for buffalo. Over 50% of suitable habitat is located outside protected areas, highlighting the need for habitat management and conflict mitigation outside protected areas.
Research on longevity and associated age data of South American anurans: trends, gaps and recommendations
Authors: Brum Amanda J. C. , dos Santos Tiago G. , Cechin Sonia Z.
Published: September 2024

Longevity is one of the most important characteristics in the life history of organisms. It is directly associated with growth, reproduction and age of sexual maturity. Despite this, little is known about longevity in South American anuran species, a region considered as a hotspot of world diversity. Thus, we carried out a literature review of publications on longevity of South American anurans that used the skeletochronology method to identify the main publication trends, as well as to point out the main information gaps and suggest future directions. We found clear biases when we analysed temporal, spatial and taxonomic patterns in publications on longevity: (i) studies are recent (mostly from 2015 onwards), (ii) bufonids and leptodactylids were the most studied groups, (iii) medium to large species are the most studied, (iv) species with wide geographic distribution, low risk of extinction, (v) the studies are concentrated in Brazil and Argentina, and (vi) most studies are in the Chaco biogeographical sub-region. We suggest that future work prioritizes little explored families and with high species diversity, small-bodied species, with restricted distribution, threatened with extinction, in order to expand the representation of different evolutionary lineages along the biogeographical units of South America.
Evaluation of an optimal agar medium for detecting hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae using string test
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Masuda Akari , Watari Tomohisa , Otsuka Yoshihito , Yamagata Kazufumi , Fujioka Miyuki
Published: September 2024

Graphical abstract
Tissue distribution and transmission of Rift Valley fever phlebovirus in European Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes following intrathoracic inoculation
Authors: Gardela Jaume , Yautibug Karen , Talavera Sandra , Vidal Enric , Sossah Catherine Cêtre , Pagès Nonito , Busquets Núria
Published: September 2024

Rift Valley fever virus (Phlebovirus riftense, RVFV) poses significant economic challenges, particularly in African nations, causing substantial livestock losses and severe haemorrhagic disease in humans. In Europe, the risk of RVFV transmission is deemed moderate due to the presence of competent vectors like Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, along with susceptible animal vertebrate hosts across member states. This study investigates RVFV infection dynamics in European mosquito populations, aiming to enhance our understanding of their vectorial capacity and virus transmission, which can be useful for future investigations to improve RVFV surveillance, control programmes, and preventive treatments. Intrathoracic inoculation of European Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus with an RVFV virulent strain (RVF 56/74) enabled the assessment of virus tissue distribution and transmission. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed widespread RVFV infection in all analysable anatomical structures at 5 and 14 days post-inoculation. Notably, the ganglionic nervous system exhibited the highest detection of RVFV in both species. Cx. pipiens showed more frequently infected structures than Ae. albopictus, particularly in reproductive structures. The identification of an RVFV-positive egg follicle in Cx. pipiens hints at potential vertical transmission. Saliva analysis indicated a higher transmission potential in Cx. pipiens (71.4%) compared to Ae. albopictus (4.3%) at the early time point. This study offers the first description and comparison of RVFV tissue distribution in Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens, shedding light on the susceptibility of their nervous systems, which may alter mosquito behaviour, which is critical for virus transmission. Overall, enhancing our knowledge of viral infection within mosquitoes holds promise for future vector biology research and innovative approaches to mitigate RVFV transmission.
Pervasive Induction of Regulatory Mutation Microclones in Sun-exposed Skin
Authors: Menon Vijay , García-Ruiz Alejandro , Neveu Susan , Cartmel Brenda , Ferrucci Leah M. , Palmatier Meg , Ko Christine , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Nakamura Mio , Kim Sa Rang , Girardi Michael , Kornacker Karl , Brash Douglas E.
Published: September 2024

Carcinogen-induced mutations are thought near-random, with rare cancer-driver mutations underlying clonal expansion. Using high-fidelity Duplex Sequencing to reach a mutation frequency sensitivity of 4×10-9per nt, we report that sun exposure creates pervasive mutations at sites with ∼100-fold UV-sensitivity in RNA-processing gene promoters – cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) hyperhotspots – and these mutations have a mini-driver clonal expansion phenotype. Numerically, human skin harbored 10-fold more genuine mutations than previously reported, with neonatal skin containing 90,000 per cell; UV signature mutations increased 8,000-fold in sun-exposed skin, averaging 3×10-5per nt. Clonal expansion by neutral drift or passenger formation was nil. Tumor suppressor gene hotspots reached variant allele frequency 0.1-10% via 30-3,000 fold clonal expansion, in occasional biopsies. CPD hyperhotspots reached those frequencies in every biopsy, with modest clonal expansion. In vitro, tumor hotspot mutations arose occasionally over weeks of chronic low-dose exposure, whereas CPD hyperhotspot mutations arose in days at 1000-fold higher frequencies, growing exponentially. UV targeted mini-drivers in every skin cell.
42-parameter mass cytometry panel to assess cellular and functional phenotypes of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage of Rhesus macaque
Authors: Makatsa Mohau S. , Kus Anna , Wiedeman Alice , Long S. Alice , Seshadri Chetan
Published: September 2024

This Optimized Multiparameter Immunofluorescence Panel (OMIP) reports on the development of a mass cytometry panel for broad immunophenotyping of leukocytes from bronchoalveolar lavage from rhesus macaques. Using this panel, we were able to identify myeloid populations such as macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs, basophils and lymphoid cell lineages including B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, γδ T cells, CD4 T cells, CD8□β T cells, CD8 □□ T cells, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). We also included markers for defining memory, differentiation (CCR7, CD28, CD45RA), homing potential (CXCR3), cytotoxic potential (perforin, granzyme B, granzyme K), cell activation/differentiation (HLA-DR, CD69, IgD) and effector function (CD154, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL4 and CD107a). This panel was optimized on cryopreserved, bronchoalveolar lavage and splenocytes collected from rhesus macaques. The antibodies selected in this panel are human-specific antibodies that have been shown to cross-react with non-human primates except for CD45 clone D058-1283 which is specific for non-human primates.
Bacopa monnieri phytochemicals as promising BACE1 inhibitors for Alzheimers Disease Therapy
Authors: Sangeet Satyam , Khan Arshad
Published: September 2024

Alzheimers disease (AD) remains a formidable challenge, necessitating the discovery of effective therapeutic agents targeting β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). This study investigates the inhibitory potential of phytochemicals derived from Bacopa monnieri, a plant renowned for its cognitive-enhancing properties, in comparison to established synthetic inhibitors such as Atabecestat, Lanabecestat, and Verubecestat. Utilizing molecular docking and advanced computational simulations, we demonstrate that Bacopaside I exhibits superior binding affinity and a unique interaction profile with BACE1, suggesting a more nuanced inhibitory mechanism. Our findings highlight the promising role of Bacopa monnieri phytochemicals as viable alternatives to synthetic drugs, emphasizing their potential to overcome limitations faced in clinical settings. Furthermore, the development of the SIMANA (https://simana.streamlit.app/) platform enhances the visualization and analysis of protein-ligand interactions, facilitating a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved. This research not only underscores the therapeutic promise of natural compounds in AD treatment but also advocates for a paradigm shift towards integrating traditional medicinal knowledge into contemporary drug discovery efforts.