bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of pradofloxacin, florfenicol, and tulathromycin and response to treatment of steers experimentally infected with Mannheimia hemolytica
Authors: Foster Derek M. , Halleran Jennifer L. , Jacob Megan E. , Hempstead Stephanie , Borst Luke B. , Negrao Watanabe Tatiane T. , Enomoto Hiroko , Papich Mark G.
Published: December 2024

Background

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an economically important disease in the beef industry, and a major driver of therapeutic antibiotic use. Pharmacokinetic data of these drugs is relatively limited in diseased animals.

Hypothesis/Objective

To determine the concentrations of pradofloxacin, florfenicol, and tulathromycin in the airways, plasma, and interstitial fluid (ISF) of steers with a clinically relevant model of bacterial respiratory disease.

Animals

Twenty‐four Holstein and Holstein/Jersey cross steers ranging in age from 6 to 15 months.

Methods

A randomized, blinded clinical trial was performed. After transport stress, steers were inoculated with Mannheimia hemolytica to induce BRD. Upon onset of clinical disease, steers were treated with pradofloxacin, florfenicol or tulathromycin. Blood, ISF, and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) samples were obtained for drug concentration determination. Clinical exams and thoracic ultrasound examinations were conducted daily. Animals were euthanized at the end of the study period to assess lung lesions.

Results

Pradofloxacin Cmax in PELF was 0.81 μg/mL (CV = 49.02%) and penetration into the PELF was 203.58% (72%). Florfenicol Cmax in PELF was 2.94 μg/mL (42.1%) and penetration was 230.08% (78.82%). Tulathromycin PELF Cmax was 0.9 μg/mL (45.03%) and PELF penetration was 518.97% (56.59%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There are differences in penetration of the drugs into the ISF and PELF compared to one another and previous data from healthy steers demonstrating the effect of disease on the PK of these drugs.
A Genetic Polymorphism Underlying Alternative Reproductive Tactics in Eurycea Salamanders
Authors: Kalki Yatin , Pierson Todd W.
Published: December 2024

Alternative reproductive tactics are discrete, intrasexual differences in reproductive behaviour within a population. In some cases, these complex phenotypes are determined by autosomal supergenes or sex chromosomes—both of which exhibit reduced recombination and thus enable the linked inheritance of co‐adapted alleles from multiple loci. Most alternative reproductive tactics in amphibians are plastic (and reversible), environmentally determined and lacking morphological differentiation, but a striking exception is found in the two‐lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata) species complex. In some populations, two distinct male phenotypes coexist: ‘searching’ males have mental glands, protruding premaxillary teeth and elongate cirri used in terrestrial courtship, while ‘guarding’ males lack these traits and instead have hypertrophied jaw musculature used in mate guarding at aquatic nesting sites. These tactics differ in many morphological and behavioural phenotypes, but their proximate cause has not yet been described. Here, we generated genome‐wide SNP data from > 130 Eurycea cf. wilderae collected from Highlands Biological Station. We provide evidence for an XY sex determination and for a Y‐linked polymorphism underlying alternative reproductive tactics in this population. We then develop and validate a PCR‐based genotyping assay and apply it to characterise the sex ratio and relative frequency of male tactics from a sample of larvae. Our results add to the growing body of literature exploring the importance of supergenes and sex chromosomes in complex intraspecific polymorphisms, and we highlight opportunities for future work to continue exploring the genomic architecture of these traits.
Bisphosphonate therapy for persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation—A case report
Authors: Sin Ho‐Kwan , Lo Kin‐Yee , Lo Man‐Wai , Chan Shuk‐Fan , Lo Kwok‐Chi , Wong Yuk‐Yi , Ho Lo‐Yi , Kwok Wing‐Tung , Chan Kai‐Chun , Kwong Joy Melody , Mak Siu‐Ka , Wong Ping‐Nam
Published: December 2024

Post‐transplant hyperparathyroidism (PT‐HPT) is common in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and can cause nephrocalcinosis and graft dysfunction. Cinacalcet is commonly used for treating PT‐HPT but may induce calciuria and exacerbate nephrocalcinosis. The concurrent use of bisphosphonates with cinacalcet to prevent this complication has not been reported. We report a case of PT‐HPT‐associated graft dysfunction. The patient had ESRD due to IgAN. She had been on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for 7 years before undergoing kidney transplantation (KT). Pre‐KT intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was 101 pmol/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 205 IU/L, Ca 2.40 mmol/L and PO4 2.2 mmol/L. There was immediate graft function after KT and the existence of persistent hyperparathyroidism (Cr 72 μmol/L, eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, Ca 2.85 mmol/L, PO4 0.6 mmol/L, ALP 315 IU/L, iPTH 16.4 pmol/L). Progressive renal impairment ensued over the next 10 months (Cr 146 μmol/L, eGFR 34 mL/min/1.73 m2, Ca 2.77 mmol/L, PO4 0.9 mmol/L, ALP 142 IU/L, iPTH 24.4 pmol/L). Graft biopsy at 10 months post‐KT revealed widespread tubular calcifications and no evidence of rejection. Intravenous pamidronate 60 mg was given quarterly for 3 doses in addition to cinacalcet therapy. ALP decreased from 147 to 81 IU/L despite refractory PT‐HPT and renal function improved. Total parathyroidectomy was performed 1 month after the last pamidronate dose. Renal function remained stable for up to 4 years post‐KT (Cr 151 μmol/L, eGFR 33 mL/min/1.73 m2, Ca 2.19 mmol/L, PO4 1.3 mmol/L, ALP 70 IU/L, iPTH < 0.1 pmol/L). Our case report highlights the therapeutic potential of pamidronate in addition to cinacalcet in the management of PT‐HPT‐associated nephrocalcinosis.
Begonia corazoniae (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new endemic species from southeastern Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Arcebal K. Naive Mark , Norman D. Medina Milton , Villegas Jhonnel P.
Published: December 2024

A new Begonia section Petermannia species, Begonia corazoniae Naive, discovered in the forest ecosystems of Davao Oriental, southeastern Mindanao, Philippines, is herein described and illustrated. It closely resembles B. rieckei, but is easily recognized by having paniculate inflorescences with prominently winged ovary and capsule. A comprehensive morphological description, geographic distribution, ecology, phenology and a discussion of similar species is provided. In addition, we assessed this species as ‘Endangered' (EN B1(iii) + 2(iii)) following the criteria of the IUCN.
Biomechanical Characteristics of First Coronal Reverse Vertebrae in Lenke Type V Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Study Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Shang Zhenguo , Hou Zhiyong , Chen Wei , Chang Hengrui , Xu Jiaxin , Zhang Di , Wang Hui
Published: December 2024

Objective

Whether first coronal reverse vertebrae (FCRV) can directly cause biomechanical changes in adjacent segments remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the biomechanical changes in adjacent discs of the FCRV to better understand the stress distribution of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

According to the plain CT scan data of T8–T10 segment of an AIS patient, T9 was the FCRV, and a three‐dimensional FE model was established accurately. The T8–T9 segment disc was defined as the adjacent upper disc (UD), axial section as half of the upper disc (HUD). Similarly, T9–T10 segment disc was the adjacent lower disc (LD), axial section as half of the lower disc (HLD). The biomechanical changes in adjacent discs of the FCRV under different loads were assessed.

Results

The maximum Von‐Mises stress values of the LD were greater under various loads than those of the HLD, UD, and HUD. The average stress on the LD was greater than that of the other discs under the left lateral bending (LLB) or right lateral bending (RLB) load. It was noted that the concave side of the LD was subjected to greater stress under the neutral standing or LLB load compared with convex side. Additionally, the concave side of the LD was subjected to greater stress under the LLB or RLB load compared with that of other discs. Interestingly, the same trends were observed for the convex side of the LD.

Conclusions

FCRV caused LD to take on greater stress magnitudes. The stress showed a trend of local concentration, which was in the concave side of the scoliosis. These findings could contribute to further treatment planning for the patient and aid physicians' management decision‐making.
Impact of Fasciola hepatica Infection and Triclabendazole Treatment on Humoral Immune Response in Cattle
Authors: Costa Monique , Saravia Anderson , Ubios Diego , Paolazzi Claudio , Capozzo Alejandra , Freire Teresa
Published: December 2024

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite of significant veterinary and public health importance, causing economic losses in livestock due to liver damage, weight loss and reduced milk production. Although triclabendazole (TCZ) is available for treatment, it does not prevent the disease or reinfection. Infected animals exhibit strong immunoregulation, increasing susceptibility to secondary infections and altering vaccine‐induced antibody responses. This study investigates the humoral immune response in cattle infected with F. hepatica at different stages of infection and evaluates the effect of TCZ treatment on this response. It also examines how fasciolosis affects the antibody response induced by bacterial vaccines during early and chronic infection stages. Experimental infections in steers were conducted, with faecal and plasma samples collected at various intervals. The results showed a decrease in parasite‐specific antibody avidity during infection. However, F. hepatica infection did not substantially modify antibody response to bacterial vaccines. This study underscores the need for further research on the impact of fasciolosis and its treatment on livestock vaccination efficacy.
Incidence of adverse events related to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in children
Authors: Côté Jade , Chaloult‐Lavoie Mathilde , Poulin Élisabeth , Hayes Laurence A. , Singbo Mahukpe Narcisse U. , Ouellet Pierre , Pelland‐Marcotte Marie‐Claude
Published: December 2024

Background

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is used in the treatment of pediatric diseases, although data about IVIG‐related adverse events (IVIG‐AEs) are limited. Objectives of this study were to document the incidence of IVIG‐AEs in pediatric hospitalized patients and to identify risk factors for IVIG‐AEs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients <18 years old who received IVIG therapy while admitted at a Canadian pediatric tertiary care center between 2016 and 2020. Patients and IVIG‐perfusions characteristics were collected, as well as IVIG‐AEs. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore predictors of IVIG‐AEs.

Results

We included 228 children, totaling 478 IVIG perfusions. Indications included treatment for inflammatory (52.6%), autoimmune disorders (35.5%), and immunoglobulin replacement (11.8%). A total of 213 IVIG‐AEs were reported. Fever (13.6%) and headache (6.7%) were the most frequent IVIG‐AEs. Most IVIG‐AEs were mild (57%) or moderate (31%) in severity, but 12% were severe reactions. The following factors were predictive of IVIG‐AEs in univariate analyses: older age (OR 1.14 [95% CI: 1.07–1.21]), dehydration (OR 2.55 [95% CI: 1.43–4.55]), concurrent allergies (OR 2.87 [95% CI: 1.26–6.56]), first perfusion (OR 1.53 [95% CI: 1.02–2.30]), and higher dosage (OR 2.14 [95% CI: 1.39–3.33]). Concurrent steroids decreased the risk of IVIG‐AEs (OR 0.43 [95% CI: 0.19–0.96]). Older age and higher IVIG dose remained independent predictors of IVIG‐AEs in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

Mild IVIG‐AEs are frequent in children, and serious reactions may occur. Prospective studies are needed to confirm risk factors for IVIG‐AEs and to evaluate how to best prevent them.
Healing of diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers receiving standard treatment in randomised controlled trials: A random effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Coye Tyler L. , Bargas Ochoa Miguel , Zulbaran‐Rojas Alejandro , Martinez Leal Bernardo , Ouattas Abderrahman , Tarricone Arthur , Chung Jayer , Najafi Bijan , Lavery Lawrence A.
Published: December 2024

This meta‐analysis aimed to systematically assess and synthesise healing rates within a 12‐ to 24‐week treatment period among patients with diabetic foot ulcers receiving standard‐of‐care interventions in randomised controlled trials. This meta‐analysis included 32 randomised controlled trials conducted between 1996 and 2023, with sample sizes ranging from 9 to 169 patients. A random‐effects model was applied to estimate pooled healing and infection rates. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. The results revealed a pooled healing rate of 33.15% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 31.18%–35.11% and an average healing time of approximately 50.14 days (standard deviation: 31.10 days). The infection proportion was determined to be 17.4% (95% CI: 12.2%–22.5%). Subgroup analysis indicated marginally higher healing rates in the ‘Saline Gauze’ group compared to the ‘Alginate’ group, although the latter exhibited a reduced infection proportion. Sensitivity analysis affirmed the robustness of these findings whereas Egger's test suggested the presence of potential publication bias concerning the healing outcomes. The standard‐of‐care interventions for diabetic foot ulcers demonstrate limited effectiveness, with only about one‐third of patients achieving wound closure. The significant heterogeneity and publication bias observed necessitate a cautious interpretation of these results. The findings highlight the need for advanced wound care strategies and personalised treatment plans to improve outcomes in diabetic foot ulcers management. Future research should focus on conducting high‐quality, well‐reported randomised controlled trials to better understand effective treatments for DFUs.
Decisionmakers’ Assessment of Science Communication and Scientific Media Coverage. A Qualitative Study Focussing on Materials Science
Authors: Voicu Dumitrita D.
Published: December 2024

Science communication and media coverage of scientific topics have been extensively researched over the past few decades, yet gaps remain in terms of focus areas and study design. Here I examine the case of materials science based on data from 22 semi-standardised interviews with experts from the political-administrative field as well as from science and industry. Materials science plays a key role in the development towards a sustainable future and its public perception today might impact science policy. Therefore, I analyse how German decisionmakers position themselves towards science communication and what their views are on the media portrayal of materials science. Their main argument for enhancing communication practices is the maintenance of democracy and support for scientific work, which implies empowering the lay public to enter into a dialogue with scientists in the field, as postulated by the dialogue model. Most respondents are critical of the media coverage of science topics, though they acknowledge its role in shaping public opinion and, to some extent, influencing policymakers' agendas. However, the impact arises from the interplay of various factors, and direct media influence on decision-making processes is perceived only in particular situations.
Octonionic Hahn–Banach theorem for para‐linear functionals
Authors: Huo Qinghai , Ren Guangbin
Published: December 2024

Goldstine and Horwitz introduced the octonionic Hilbert space in 1964, sparking extensive research into octonionic linear operators. A recent discovery unveiled a significant characteristic of octonionic Hilbert spaces: an axiom, once deemed insurmountable, has been found not to be independent of other axioms. This discovery gives rise to a novel concept known as octonionic para‐linear functionals. The purpose of this paper is to establish the octonionic Hahn–Banach theorem for para‐linear functionals. Due to the non‐associativity, the submodule generalized by an element is no longer of the form . This phenomenon makes it difficult to apply the octonionic Hahn–Banach theorem if the theorem holds only for functionals defined on octonionic submodules. In this paper, we introduce a notion of para‐linear functionals on real subspaces and establish the octonionic Hahn–Banach theorem for such functionals. Then we apply it to obtain some valuable corollaries and discuss the reflexivity of Banach ‐modules.
Rolling Element Bearing Fault Diagnosis by the Implementation of Elman Neural Networks With Long Short-Term Memory Strategy
Authors: Salunkhe Vishal G. , Khot S. M. , Yelve Nitesh P. , Jagadeesha T. , Desavale R. G.
Published: December 2024

Bearing clearance is a common issue in mechanical systems due to unavoidable assembly errors, leading to weak fault features that are challenging to detect. This study introduces a novel diagnostic technique for detecting bearing clearance faults using the Elman neural network (ENN)-based long short-term memory (LSTM). The raw vibration data from an accelerometer are processed using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to extract frequency-domain features. ENN is employed to identify clearance faults under various operating conditions, while LSTM captures temporal dependencies in the data. This hybrid ENN-LSTM approach eliminates the need for manual feature extraction, reducing the risk of errors associated with expert-driven methods. The proposed method demonstrates robust generalization performance and achieves an average fault identification accuracy of 99.16% across different operating conditions. This research offers valuable insights for improving fault diagnostics in rotor-bearing systems.
Freeman Scholar Lecture (2021)—Sharp-Interface Immersed Boundary Methods in Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Mittal Rajat , Seo Jung-Hee , Turner Jacob , Kumar Sushrut , Prakhar Suryansh , Zhou Ji
Published: December 2024

Immersed boundary methods (IBMs) have evolved over the past 50 years from a specialized technique in biofluid dynamics and applied mathematics to a cornerstone of computational fluid dynamics. Many recent advancements in immersed boundary methods have centered on sharp-interface immersed boundary methods, which offer enhanced accuracy and fidelity for flow simulations. This paper outlines the key principles that have driven our own efforts in the development of sharp-interface immersed boundary methods over the past 25 years. We also highlight the power and versatility of these methods by showcasing a range of applications, spanning biolocomotion (i.e., swimming and flying), physiological flows, compressible aerodynamics, fluid–structure interaction (FSI), and flow-induced noise.
Design Process for Scaled Model Wind Turbines Using Field Measurements
Authors: Jauregui-Correa Juan Carlos , Franco-Piña Jesus Alejandro
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a method for designing wind turbine-scaled models based on field data. The scaling process requires careful consideration of the system's physical laws and similarity criteria. Scaling methods depend on the prototype's operating conditions (full-size wind turbine) and the experimental conditions (scaled model dimensions and wind tunnel capabilities). The data from a field turbine are the input for creating a scaled model and testing it in a wind tunnel. There are few field data available. The task is not straightforward since most operating conditions must be satisfied, and the similarity criteria could result in different scaled models and wind tunnel conditions. The drawback of the scaling models is their inability to reproduce all the operating conditions. The method presented here considers most of the recommended similarities, including the dynamic modeling of the system and two additional similarities, one related to the blade's natural frequencies and the other to the rotor's moment of inertia. The additional similarities allow the designers to define the blade's mass and stiffness. The final scaled-model design was obtained by modifying the blade profile to reproduce similar power, pitch momentum, and trust coefficients, keeping the same twist angle as the prototype. Since the possible profiles are too large, the best approximation was obtained by comparing the coefficient curves of different blade profiles with the prototype's curves. The curves were calculated using the blade element momentum (BEM) method. It was found that the scaled model has an entirely different design.
Strengths-Based Media Coverage of Disability: Can Viewing the Paralympic Games Change Attitudes Toward Disability?
Authors: Carr-Kirby Kelly , Weir Patricia , Horton Sean
Published: December 2024

Strengths-based media coverage of people with disability challenges deficits-based perceptions of impairment that are elicited through a traditional, medical model. As an evaluation of strengths-based media coverage, we examined the impact of viewing Paralympic media coverage on explicit attitudes toward people with disability. University students (N = 135, Mage = 20.2 years) were assigned to a 12-day experimental condition of viewing either (a) Paralympic events (n = 47), (b) Olympic events (n = 48), or (c) no media coverage (n = 40). Attitudes toward disability were assessed pre- and postintervention using the Attitudes to Disability Scale. Repeated-measures profile analysis with a doubly multivariate design did not reveal improved attitudes toward disability after viewing Paralympic media coverage. Supporting previous work that questioned the ability of the Paralympic Games to alter perceptions of disability, these results suggest that the International Paralympic Committee is not achieving their intended legacy of inclusion.
Association Between Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Knee Loading During 180° Pivot Turn in Female Players
Authors: Leppänen Mari , Parkkari Jari , Krosshaug Tron , Vasankari Tommi , Kannus Pekka , Pasanen Kati
Published: December 2024

Sufficient muscle strength is suggested to reduce frontal plane knee loading during change of direction maneuvers. However, it is currently not thoroughly understood if lower extremity strength is associated with increased frontal plane knee biomechanics during change of direction in youth female team sport players. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the influence of maximal muscle strength on knee valgus angle and knee abduction moment during 180° pivot turn in 106 youth female team sport players. Lower hip abductor strength, lower knee extensor strength, and higher knee flexor strength were associated with increased knee valgus. Higher knee flexor and leg press strength were associated with increased knee abduction moment. The study found associations between both decreased and increased lower extremity muscle strength and frontal plane knee biomechanics. However, these associations could explain only 20% of the variance in frontal plane knee biomechanics at best.
The Distance Effect and Dual Task on Attentional Focus Cues During a Bimanual Task
Authors: Yamada Masahiro , Ansari Omid , Emami Ali , Saberi Kakhki Alireza , Iwatsuki Takehiro
Published: December 2024

Motor performance has been shown to be superior when focusing on a physically farther environmental cue (external focus-far, EF-far) instead of a cue proximal to the body (EF-near). However, little is known about whether these foci affect bimanual tasks. Further, the effect of visual information on attentional focus is unclear. In the present study, healthy young participants were assigned to one of the internal focus (IF; n = 17), EF-far (n = 17), or EF-near (n = 17) groups and completed a tracking task on one day and two dual tasks on another day. During the dual-task tests, participants responded to auditory or visual stimuli while performing the primary tracking task. Results showed that both EF groups outperformed the IF group. Our results revealed that the EF groups improved in movement time and error, but the IF group did not improve in errors across the experiment. No distance effect was found. Also, the EF benefits over IF did not appear until later blocks of trials. Regarding the effect of vision, the distance effect was evident only during the auditory dual task condition, but not during the visual dual task condition when the primary task was distracted by the visual secondary task.
Taking Steps Toward Open Data in Motor Control, Learning, and Development
Authors: Lohse Keith R.
Published: December 2024

Data sharing is increasingly becoming a scientific norm due to its potential to accelerate discovery and reduce research waste. Despite significant investment in biomedical research, much of it fails to produce actionable knowledge, with timelines to impactful outcomes often exceeding 15 years when successful. Limited access to existing data contributes to this inefficiency, leading to redundant data collection and poorly designed studies. Governments are implementing policies that encourage data sharing for federally funded research, but all research stands to benefit from data sharing regardless of the funding source. Although data sharing practices have improved in some fields, their adoption remains minimal in areas like motor control, learning, and development. This editorial discusses the advantages of data sharing, including accelerating discovery, enhancing collaboration, and improving transparency and reproducibility. The editorial acknowledges concerns related to privacy, recognition for data sharing, and the risk of data misuse or misinterpretation, discussing productive ways to ameliorate these concerns.
Socioeconomic Status and Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the J-SHINE
Authors: Matsushita Munehiro , Takagi Daisuke , Kamada Masamitsu
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aimed to examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and optimal movement behaviors including sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), regular leisure-time PA, and less sedentary behavior. Methods: We used data from the Japanese Study on Stratification, Health, Income, and Neighborhood conducted in 2012. Activity patterns and SES were measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Version and other self-administered questionnaires. Activity pattern outcomes assessed were sufficient total volume of moderate-to-vigorous PA (≥150 min/wk), regular leisure-time PA (≥1 d/wk), less sedentary time (≤4 h/d), and optimal movement behaviors (meeting all criteria). SES variables were equivalized annual income, educational attainment, and occupation. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. Results: We included 731 men and 852 women. Lower income levels were associated with less leisure-time PA among men and women (men, odds ratio [OR]: 0.60 and 0.65 for Q2 and Q1 [lowest], respectively; women, OR: 0.53 and 0.56 for Q2 and Q1 [lowest]). Lower SES groups associated with less sedentary time (men, OR: 1.82 for blue-collar; women, OR: 1.44 for Q1 income level, 1.61 and 1.53 for junior college, technical school, and high school/junior high school, respectively; 1.89 for unemployed). SES was not significantly associated with optimal movement behavior in both sexes (in men, OR for those with high school or junior high school education vs those with university or graduate school education = 0.81 [0.43–1.53]). Conclusion: Activity patterns varied by SES, with lower income associated with less leisure-time PA and white-collar workers associated with more prevalent sedentary behavior among both sexes.
Temporal Decomposition Analysis of Noncommunicable Disease Burden: The Interplay of Population Aging, Population Growth, and Low Physical Activity, 2010–2019
Authors: Lu Ming , Lu Bin , Wang Le
Published: December 2024

Background: To analyze global trends in the noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) burden attributable to low physical activity, considering the impacts of population aging and growth. Method: Based on the Global Burden Disease 2019 Study, the NCDs-related death and disability-adjusted life years attributable to low physical activity (defined as <3000 metabolic equivalent-min/wk) were obtained from 2010 to 2019. The average annual percent change was calculated using the joinpoint analysis. Decomposition analysis was applied to assess the separated contributions of 3 components (population aging, population growth, and death change due to all other factors) on the overall change in NCDs death attributed to low physical activity. Results: From 2010 to 2019, the average annual percent change of age-standardized rates of NCDs due to low physical activity was −0.09% for death and −0.06% for disability-adjusted life years. However, the global absolute number of deaths from NCDs attributable to low physical activity increased from 672,215 to 831,502, and disability-adjusted life years rose from 12,813,793 to 15,747,938. This rise was largely driven by population aging and growth, contributing to a 13.0% and 14.7% increase, respectively. The most significant impact of population aging on NCD deaths was observed in high-middle socio-demographic index countries (17.6%), whereas population growth had the greatest effect in low socio-demographic index countries (24.3%). Conclusions: The reduction in NCDs death rates attributed to low physical activity is insufficient to counteract the effects of population aging and growth. Targeted interventions for physical activity promotion should focus on the older population with special attention to diseases most sensitive to physical inactivity.
Sponge Mats, but not Taekwondo Mats, Reduce Landing Impact From Heights of 0.45, 0.90, and 1.35 m in Taekwondo Gyeokpa Players
Authors: Moon Jeongeun , Kim Geon-Tak , Park Jihong
Published: December 2024

Context: This study compared landing impact between 3 landing heights on 3 landing surfaces by quantifying vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) profile and knee joint angle. Design: Crossover. Methods: Nineteen healthy male college Taekwondo (TKD) Gyeokpa players (age: 20.7 [2.6] y, height: 1.73 [0.05] m, mass: 65.5 [7.1] kg, and athletic careers: 5.9 [3.2] y) performed 2-leg landings from 3 different heights (0.45, 0.90, and 1.35 m) on 3 different surfaces (uncovered force plates on the ground, a 2-cm thick TKD or a 14-cm thick sponge mat over the force plates). Peak vGRF, time to peak vGRF, and knee joint angle in the dominant leg were analyzed using analysis of variance and functional data analysis (α = .05). Results: There was a height by surface interaction in peak vGRF (F4,144 = 2.54, P = .04) and time to peak vGRF (F4,144 = 7.62, P < .0001), but not for knee joint angle (F4,144 = 0.51, P = .73). Increased peak vGRF and shortened time to peak vGRF were observed as landing height increased on each landing surface (P < .0001 for all tests). Functional data analysis revealed that landing on the TKD mat increased vGRF by 0.4× body weight (P < .0001) at a landing height of 0.90 m or higher, whereas landing on the sponge mat reduced vGRF (<0.9× body weight), delayed time to reach peak vGRF (<30 ms, P < .0001), and maintained knee flexion angle (<10.3°, P < .01), compared with landing on the ground. Conclusions: The TKD mat was ineffective in reducing the landing impact as similar landing biomechanics were observed between landing on the ground and the TKD mat. We recommend the use of the sponge mat to reduce landing impact as it attenuated vGRF, delayed time to reach peak vGRF, and maintained sagittal plane landing posture, as compared with landing on the ground and the TKD mat.
Prediction of 12-Month Clinical Outcomes Postsurgery Based on 3-Month Knee Examination After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kim Jin Seong , Hwang Ui Jae , Chung Kyu Sung , Kwon Oh Yun
Published: December 2024

Context: Active management of modifiable factors during the early rehabilitation stage can help patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction successfully return to sports. This study aimed to determine predictors for performance on the single-leg hop test and Tegner activity score 12-month post-ACL reconstruction, based on knee function assessed 3-month postsurgery. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Ninety-one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were recruited. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of the one hop test and Tegner activity score 12-month postsurgery, based on a knee examination performed 3 months after ACL reconstruction. Factors evaluated at 3 months included the Biodex balance system anteroposterior and mediolateral indexes; Y balance test anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reaches; knee extensors and flexors peak torque per body weight; and knee extensors and flexors average power per body weight. Results: The knee extensor peak torque per body weight (PT/BW) and Biodex balance system-mediolateral index with cutoff values of 132 N·m/kg and 0.45, respectively were identified as predictors for achieving a limb symmetric index within 10% on the hop test. Furthermore, achieving a Tegner activity score over 6 was predicted by Y balance test-posteromedial reach and knee flexors average power per body weight, with cutoff values of 92.5 cm and 122 W/kg, respectively. Conclusion: Three months following ACL reconstruction, knee extensor peak torque, and mediolateral balance predicted performance on the hop test, while dynamic posteromedial balance and knee flexors average power predicted rotational ability, at the 12-month assessment.
The Movement Competency Screen Shows Improved Injury Predictive Ability Compared With the Functional Movement Screen in Ballet and Contemporary Dance Populations: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Callahan Evyn , Mangum L. Colby
Published: December 2024

Clinical Scenario: Ballet dancers exhibit a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries with around 75% of all injuries attributed to overuse injuries. The high prevalence of chronic injuries suggests contributions caused by abnormal biomechanics in combination with repetitive stress common to ballet. Traditional sports settings implement movement screening tools including the Movement Competency Screen (MCS) and functional movement screen (FMS) to identify factors predisposing athletes to injury. However, unique training demands and movement patterns of ballet and contemporary pose challenges for fundamental movement screenings. Identifying relationships between movement screening scores and injury incidence in dancers may allow for early injury risk factors detection and injury prevention programs implementation to reduce overall injury rate. Clinical Question: Does implementation of the MCS improve prediction of injury incidence compared with use of the FMS™ in collegiate, preprofessional, and professional ballet, and contemporary dancers? Summary of Key Findings: Three studies met the inclusion criteria for critical appraisal. One study utilized the MCS while the other 2 implemented the FMS™ to assess ballet and modern dancers. These studies concluded the MCS may predict injury when implemented as a preseason screening in ballet and contemporary. The FMS™ did not demonstrate predictive capability for injuries in ballet and contemporary dancers. Clinical Bottom Line: While the MCS shows injury prediction potential, a dance-specific movement screening more accurately representing dance-related movement patterns may improve validity in this population. Continuation and standardization of dance injury research is imperative to understand movement compensations predisposing individuals to injury and injury prevention measures. Recommendation: Grade B evidence suggests potential predictive ability of the MCS in identifying dance-related injury, while no association exists between the FMS™ and dance injuries. Additional research regarding dance-specific movement application to functional screenings shows potential for accurate and reliable injury prediction methods for ballet and modern dancers.
Adaptive evolution of extensive drug resistance and persistence in epidemic ST11 KPC-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
during antimicrobial chemotherapy
Authors: Li Tinghua , Zhu Yiwei , Xiang Guoxiu , Xu Ziyang , Yang Haihui , Li Min , Shen Zhen
Published: December 2024

The global rise of carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, including strains producing
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) types, poses a significant public health challenge due to their resistance to critical antibiotics. Treatment options for infections caused by KPC-producing
K. pneumoniae
(KPC-KP) are increasingly limited, particularly as these strains develop resistance to last-line antibiotics such as ceftazidime/avibactam and colistin. This study investigates the evolution of antibiotic resistance and persistence in a series of clonally related ST11 KPC-KP strains isolated from a single patient undergoing extended antimicrobial treatment. The patient, a 47-year-old male with a history of kidney transplantation, developed multiple KPC-KP lung infections during his hospital stay. Resistance to colistin and ceftazidime/avibactam emerged during treatment with these antibiotics. Key resistance mechanisms identified included the integration of IS
Kpn26
into
mgrB
gene, leading to
mgrB
inactivation and colistin resistance, and the emergence of novel
bla
KPC-2
variants (
bla
KPC-71
and
bla
KPC-179
) that confer resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam. Despite the development of colistin resistance in a ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant KPC-KP strain following combination therapy, the patient’s clinical condition significantly improved. Phenotypic assays showed that
mgrB
disruption in KPC-KP resulted in increased biofilm formation and higher susceptibility to phagocytosis. In mouse models, KPC-KP strains with
mgrB
disruption showed reduced virulence, increased lung colonization and persistence, and a lower inflammatory response, suggesting that
mgrB
disruption facilitates the transition from acute infection to colonization. This study highlights the complex interplay between antibiotic resistance and bacterial fitness, offering insights into why some patients experience clinical improvement despite severe drug resistance and incomplete bacterial clearance.
Evaluating the stability of nursery-established arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal associations in apple rootstocks
Authors: Zhang Huiting , Wang Wanyan , Honnas Loren , Mazzola Mark , Somera Tracey
Published: December 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are promoted as commercial bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture. Little is known, however, about the survival of AMF inoculants in soil and their impacts on native or pre-established AMF communities in root tissue. The current study was designed to assess the stability of pre-existing/nursery-derived AMF in apple rootstocks after being planted into soil containing a known community of AMF with a limited number of species. Root-associated endophytic communities (bacteria and fungi) are known to differ depending on apple rootstock genotype. Thus, an additional aim of this study was to explore the effect of apple rootstock genotype on AMF community structure. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in which a variety of apple rootstock genotypes (G.890, G.935, M.26, and M.7) were inoculated with a commercially available, multi-species AMF consortium. Nursery-derived AMF communities were sequenced, and changes to AMF community structure following cultivation in pasteurized soil (inoculated and non-inoculated) were assessed using a Glomeromycota-specific phylogenetic tree, which included 91 different AMF species from 24 genera. Results show that inoculant colonization potential was limited and that apple rootstocks serve as a significant source of inoculum from the nursery where they are produced. Rootstocks established relationships with introduced AMF in a genotype-specific manner. Regardless of colonization success, however, the inoculant caused alterations to the resident AMF communities of both Geneva and Malling rootstocks, particularly low abundance taxa. In addition, phylogeny-based analysis revealed a unique, well-supported clade of unknown taxonomy, highlighting the importance of using phylogenetic-based classification for accurate characterization of AMF communities.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the impacts of introduced AMF on residential AMF communities is essential to improving plant productivity in nursery and orchard systems. In general, there is a dearth of data on the interactions of commercial AMF inoculants with pre-established AMF communities living in symbiosis with the host plant. The interplay between apple rootstock genotype and the endophytic root microbiome is also an area where more research is needed. This study demonstrates the potential for nursery-established AMF associations to be maintained when transplanted into the field. In addition to providing insight into rootstock/AMF associations, our study calls attention to the current issues attendant with relying on web-based databases for determining AMF identity. The use of phylogenetic tools represents one possible solution and may be of value to industry practitioners in terms of improving product composition and consistency.
Infection-induced trained immunity: a twist in paradigm of innate host defense and generation of immunological memory
Authors: Bahl Aayush , Pandey Saurabh , Rakshit Roopshali , Kant Sashi , Tripathi Deeksha
Published: December 2024

In contrast to adaptive immunity, which relies on memory T and B cells for long-term pathogen-specific responses, trained immunity involves the enhancement of innate immune responses through cellular reprogramming. Experimental evidence from animal models and human studies supports the concept of trained immunity and its potential therapeutic applications in the development of personalized medicine. However, there remains a huge gap in understanding the mechanisms, identifying specific microbial triggers responsible for the induction of trained immunity. This underscores the importance of investigating the potential role of trained immunity in redefining host defense and highlights future research directions. This minireview will provide a comprehensive summary of the new paradigm of trained immunity or innate memory pathways. It will shed light on infection-induced pathways through non-specific stimulation within macrophages and natural killer cells, which will be further elaborated in multiple disease perspectives caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The article further elaborates on the biochemical and cellular basis of trained immunity and its impact on disease status during recurrent exposures. The review concludes with a perspective segment discussing potential therapeutic benefits, limitations, and future challenges in this area of study. The review also sheds light upon potential risks involved in the induction of trained immunity.
Diagnosis of
Plasmodium
infections using artificial intelligence techniques versus standard microscopy in a reference laboratory
Authors: Nagendra Sanjai , Hayes Roxanna , Bae Dayeong , Dodge Krystin
Published: December 2024

Diagnosing malaria using standard techniques is time-consuming. With limited staffing in many laboratories, this may lead to delays in reporting. Innovative technologies are changing the diagnostic landscape and may help alleviate staffing shortages. The miLab MAL, an automated artificial intelligence-driven instrument was compared with standard microscopy at LabCorp reference laboratories. Four hundred eight samples submitted for parasitic examination were prepared with thick and thin smears and Noul’s malaria platform miLab MAL, and evaluated for positivity, negativity, percent positivity, and species identification. Of 408 samples, 399 samples were manually negative, while 397 were negative by miLab MAL. Two samples initially classified as negative manually were found positive by miLab MAL. In all nine cases,
Plasmodium falciparum
was identified by both methods. Percentage parasitemia was higher in the manually calculated method, especially when >1%. miLab MAL was accurate in identifying the absence of
Plasmodium falciparum
and exhibited higher sensitivity than the manual method. All positive samples detected by microscopy were also identified with miLab MAL. All positive
Plasmodium
cases were correctly identified by miLab MAL. However, the number of positive samples was limited to only
Plasmodium falciparum
. Although parasitemia by the manual method was on average six times higher than with miLab MAL, this may be due to sampling variability. The findings show that miLab MAL can be used to screen out negative
Plasmodium falciparum
samples. Further studies assessing parasitemia between methods and identification of non-falciparum samples are necessary to assess the reliability of this new technology.
From viral assembly to host interaction: AFM’s contributions to virology
Authors: Ray Ankita , Simpson Joshua D. , Demir Irem , Gisbert Victor G. , Gomes David B. , Amadei Federico , Alsteens David
Published: December 2024

Viruses represent a diverse pool of obligate parasites that infect virtually every known organism, as such, their study is incredibly valuable for a range of fields including public health, medicine, agriculture, and ecology, and the development of biomedical technologies. Having evolved over millions of years, each virus has a unique and often complicated biology, that must be characterized on a case-by-case basis, even between strains of the same taxon. Owing to its nanoscale spatial resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) represents a powerful tool for exploring virus biology, including structural features, kinetics of binding to host cell ligands, virion self-assembly, and budding behaviors. Through the availability of numerous chemistries and advances in imaging modes, AFM is able to explore the complex web of host-virus interactions and life-cycle at a single virus level, exploring features at the level of individual bonds and molecules. Due to the wide array of techniques developed and data analysis approaches available, AFM can provide information that cannot be furnished by other modalities, especially at a single virus level. Here, we highlight the unique methods and information that can be obtained through the use of AFM, demonstrating both its utility and versatility in the study of viruses. As the technology continues to rapidly evolve, AFM is likely to remain an integral part of research, providing unique and important insight into many aspects of virology.