bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of failure rate of molar tubes with a modified bonding technique: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hasan Nawar M , Yassir Yassir A
Published: July 2023

Background

During orthodontic therapy, bond failure of molar tubes may delay treatment. With the high failure rate of molar tubes, alternative bonding techniques were tested to improve bond strength.

Objectives

To compare the failure rates of molar tubes bonded with conventional and alternative bonding techniques by adding a layer of compomer adhesive at the molar/tube interface.

Trial design

Single-centre, single-blinded, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Patients aged 12 years or older, who required fixed appliance orthodontic treatment without extraction and with no occlusal interference were eligible to participate. They were allocated randomly using a simple non-stratified split-mouth design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Blinding was only possible for the patients and data analysts. Molar tubes bonded with the modified bonding technique had an additional layer of compomer at the occlusal molar/tube interface. The patients were followed-up for nine months. Outcome measures included the survival time of molar tubes and the number of molar tubes debonded. The bond failure of molar tubes was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis (P < 0.05).

Results

Thirty patients were recruited, randomized, and analyzed (mean age 20.33 years). The failure rate of molar tubes bonded with the modified bonding technique was 4.2 per cent and that of molar tubes bonded with the conventional bonding technique was 6.7 per cent. This difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The dental arch and molar type were found to be as significant predictors for molar tube failure rate. No harm was detected during treatment.

Limitations

The effect of compomer to reduce enamel demineralization was not tested.

Conclusions and implications

The modified bonding technique did not significantly reduce the failure rate of molar tubes. The molar tubes bonded on the upper arch and second molars are more susceptible to debond.

Registration

The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 21 May 2022 (Registration number: NCT05391386).

Funding

This research did not receive any funding.
A novel indicator of selectionin utero
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Bruckner Tim A , Gemmill Alison , Casey Joan A , Margerison Claire , Hartig Terry
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Selection in utero predicts that population stressors raise the standard for how quickly fetuses must grow to avoid spontaneous abortion. Tests of this prediction must use indirect indicators of fetal loss in birth cohorts because vital statistics systems typically register fetal deaths at the 20th week of gestation or later, well after most have occurred. We argue that tests of selection in utero would make greater progress if researchers adopted an indicator of selection against slow-growing fetuses that followed from theory, allowed sex-specific tests and used readily available data. We propose such an indicator and assess its validity as a dependent variable by comparing its values among monthly birth cohorts before, and during, the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden.

Methodology

We apply Box–Jenkins methods to 50 pre-pandemic birth cohorts (i.e., December 2016 through January 2020) and use the resulting transfer functions to predict counterfactual values in our suggested indicator for selection for ten subsequent birth cohorts beginning in February 2020. We then plot all 60 residual values as well as their 95% detection interval. If birth cohorts in gestation at the onset of the pandemic lost more slow-growing fetuses than expected from history, more than one of the last 10 (i.e. pandemic-exposed) residuals would fall below the detection interval.

Results

Four of the last 10 residuals of our indicator for males and for females fell below the 95% detection interval.

Conclusions and implications

Consistent with selection in utero, Swedish birth cohorts in gestation at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic included fewer than expected infants who grew slowly in utero.
Community-acquired antimicrobial resistance among Syrian refugees and the local population in Türkiye
Authors: Yıldız Serap Süzük , Hekimoğlu Can Hüseyin , Sucaklı Mustafa Bahadır , Bakkaloğlu Zekiye , Çevik Yasemin Numanoğlu , Ünaldı Özlem , Arslantürk Hayal , Zikusooka Monica , Keçik Melda , Nellums Laura , Elci Omur Cinar
Published: July 2023

Background

The long-standing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pandemic has proven difficult to resolve and is becoming more complex, especially in the context of increasing forced migration, with little evidence around patterns of AMR in migrant communities. This study aimed to determine the frequency in the carriage of common types of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between Syrian refugees and the local communities in Türkiye: extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Methods

We collected nasal swabs and stool samples from the study participants, the local community members, and refugees, between September 2020 and March 2021. We screened clinical samples for the presence of ESBL, MRSA and VRE. Antimicrobial-resistant bacterial isolates were tested by phenotypic analysis to determine the AMR status.

Results

The study included a total of 3960 participants: 1453 individuals in the local community (36.2%) and 2525 Syrian refugees (63.8%). Overall, a significantly greater proportion of refugees (6.7%) carried MRSA compared to the local community (3.2%) (P < 0.001). The ESBL-positivity rate was 17.9% in Syrian refugees and 14.3% in the local community (P = 0.041). Carbapenemase activity was detected in three isolates from Syrian refugees. No VRE was detected in Syrian refugees or the local community.

Conclusions

This large, community-based study on the frequency and the distribution of AMR among Syrian refugees and the local population is the first study in Türkiye.
Inscription, the Embossed Surface and the Ceremonial Sip: The Traubenpokal of Bernkastel-Kues, 1661–2001
Authors: Stielau Allison
Published: July 2023

This article relates the biography of a seventeenth-century gilt-silver cup from its origins in Nuremberg in the 1630s to its use in civic drinking rituals in the small town of Bernkastel-Kues on the Moselle River during the twentieth century. It investigates in particular two of the cup’s physical features, its 1661 inscription and the lobate forms populating its surface, which facilitate different modes of social relation and offer distinct orientations to permanence and the historical past. Recounting the cup’s history over centuries occasions discussion of the shifting significance of ceremonial drinking (Ehrentrunk) and council plate or civic plate (Ratssilber) in German cities and towns.
Bakery waste supplementation to late gestating Bos indicus-influenced beef cows successfully impacted offspring postnatal performance
Authors: S. Izquierdo Vinicius , L. Silva João V , Palmer Elizabeth , Ranches Juliana , Bittar João H J , Santos Giovanna C M , Pickett Autumn , Cooke Reinaldo F , Vendramini João M B , Moriel Philipe
Published: July 2023

This study evaluated the growth and immune function of beef calves born to cows supplemented with bakery waste containing two concentrations of crude fat. On day 0 (~90 d before calving), 108 multiparous Brangus crossbred cows were stratified by body weight (BW; 551 ± 65 kg) and body condition score (BCS, 5.5 ± 0.9) and randomly allocated into 1 of 18 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (6 cows and 4.3 ha per pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (6 pastures per treatment) and consisted of no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP) and isocaloric and isonitrogenous supplementation of low-fat (LFAT; 6.4% crude fat) or high-fat (HFAT; 10.7% crude fat) bakery waste from days 0 to 70 (1 kg DM per cow per day). Calves were weaned on day 292 (201 ± 17 d of age). Then, 15 heifers per treatment were randomly selected and assigned to drylot pens from days 300 to 345 and vaccinated against respiratory pathogens on days 300 and 315. Cow BCS near calving (day 70) was the least (P ≤ 0.05) for NOSUP cows and did not differ (P = 0.12) between LFAT and HFAT cows. Cow BCS at the start of the breeding season (day 140) was greater (P = 0.05) for HFAT vs. NOSUP cows and intermediate (P ≥ 0.35) for LFAT cows. Plasma concentrations of total polyunsaturated fatty acids in HFAT cows did not differ (P ≥ 0.76) compared with LFAT cows but were greater (P ≤ 0.05) compared to NOSUP cows on day 70. Final pregnancy percentage did not differ (P ≥ 0.26) among treatments, but a greater percentage of HFAT cows calved (P ≤ 0.05) their second offspring during the first 21 d of the calving season compared to NOSUP and LFAT cows (bred by natural service). Weaning BW was the greatest (P ≤ 0.05) for LFAT and least for NOSUP calves. Maternal treatments did not impact (P ≥ 0.11) postweaning growth and total DM intake of calves. Average plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.03) for NOSUP vs. HFAT calves and intermediate for LFAT calves (P ≥ 0.26). Serum titers against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine respiratory syncytial virus were greater or tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.08) for HFAT vs. LFAT calves and intermediate (P ≥ 0.27) for NOSUP calves at the end of preconditioning. Thus, supplemental fat concentration fed to late-gestating beef cows had variable effects on calf performance. Low-fat bakery waste led to the greatest calf preweaning growth, whereas high-fat bakery waste enhanced maternal reproduction and had minor benefits to calf humoral immune function.
Comparing tryptophan:lysine ratios in dried distillers grains with solubles-based diets with and without a dried distillers grains with solubles withdrawal strategy on growth, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat iodine value of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Spinler Mikayla S , Tolosa Andres F , Gebhardt Jordan T , Tokach Mike D , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Coble Kyle F , Woodworth Jason C
Published: July 2023

A total of 6,240 finishing pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 22.5 ± 1.00 kg), divided into two groups, were used in a 119 or 120 d study comparing increasing Trp:Lys ratio in diets containing dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or a DDGS withdrawal strategy (removing all DDGS from the last phase before marketing) on growth performance and carcass fat iodine value (IV). Pigs were randomly allotted to one of seven dietary treatments with 30 to 36 pigs per pen and 26 replications per treatment. Diets were fed in four phases, approximately 23 to 44, 44 to 71, 71 to 100, and 100 kg to market. Diets included a control corn–soybean meal-based diet (no DDGS) formulated to a 19% standardized ileal digestibility (SID) Trp:Lys ratio, four diets with 30% DDGS fed in all four phases and formulated to provide SID Trp:Lys ratios of 16%, 19%, 22%, or 25%, and two DDGS withdrawal strategy diets: 19% SID Trp:Lys with 30% DDGS in phases 1 through 3 and then 0% DDGS in phase 4 with either a 19% or 25% Trp:Lys ratio. Overall, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed ratio (G:F) increased (linear, P < 0.05) as SID Trp:Lys ratio increased in diets with 30% DDGS fed in all phases. Simultaneously, hot carcass weight (quadratic, P = 0.014), carcass yield (quadratic, P = 0.012), and backfat depth (linear, P = 0.040) increased with increasing Trp:Lys ratio. Pigs fed the 19% SID Trp:Lys ratio withdrawal strategy diet had similar ADG and ADFI as those fed the control diet, the 25% Trp:Lys withdrawal diet, or the 30% DDGS diets with 25% Trp:Lys ratio throughout the study. Pigs fed the control diet had decreased (P < 0.05) carcass fat IV compared to pigs fed the DDGS diets throughout the study, with pigs fed the two DDGS withdrawal strategy diets intermediate. In summary, increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in diets with 30% DDGS resulted in a linear increase in ADG, ADFI, G:F, and BW but did not influence carcass fat IV, with most of the benefits observed as diets increased from 16% to 19% Trp:Lys. Removing DDGS from the diet in the last period reduced carcass fat IV and increased growth rate during the withdrawal period compared to pigs fed with 30% DDGS throughout, indicating value in a withdrawal strategy.
Safety of Re-dosing Nirsevimab Prior to RSV Season 2 in Children With Heart or Lung Disease
Authors: Domachowske Joseph B , Chang Yue , Atanasova Victoria , Cabañas Fernando , Furuno Kenji , Nguyen Kim A , Banu Irfana , Kubiak Robert J , Leach Amanda , Mankad Vaishali S , Shroff Manish , Takas Therese , Villafana Tonya , Wählby Hamrén Ulrika
Published: July 2023

In children with congenital heart disease and/or chronic lung disease entering their second respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season, 200 mg nirsevimab had a similar safety profile to that of palivizumab and resulted in nirsevimab serum exposures associated with efficacy in healthy infants, supporting efficacy in this population at risk of severe RSV disease.
Development of a prediction model for head and neck volume reduction by clinical factors, dose–volume histogram parameters and radiomics in head and neck cancer
Authors: Ishizawa Miyu , Tanaka Shohei , Takagi Hisamichi , Kadoya Noriyuki , Sato Kiyokazu , Umezawa Rei , Jingu Keiichi , Takeda Ken
Published: July 2023

In external radiotherapy of head and neck (HN) cancers, the reduction of irradiation accuracy due to HN volume reduction often causes a problem. Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) can effectively solve this problem; however, its application to all cases is impractical because of cost and time. Therefore, finding priority cases is essential. This study aimed to predict patients with HN cancers are more likely to need ART based on a quantitative measure of large HN volume reduction and evaluate model accuracy. The study included 172 cases of patients with HN cancer who received external irradiation. The HN volume was calculated using cone-beam computed tomography (CT) for irradiation-guided radiotherapy for all treatment fractions and classified into two groups: cases with a large reduction in the HN volume and cases without a large reduction. Radiomic features were extracted from the primary gross tumor volume (GTV) and nodal GTV of the planning CT. To develop the prediction model, four feature selection methods and two machine-learning algorithms were tested. Predictive performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Predictive performance was the highest for the random forest, with an AUC of 0.662. Furthermore, its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 0.692, 0.700 and 0.813, respectively. Selected features included radiomic features of the primary GTV, human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer and the implementation of chemotherapy; thus, these features might be related to HN volume change. Our model suggested the potential to predict ART requirements based on HN volume reduction .
Coal phase-out pledges follow peak coal: evidence from 60 years of growth and decline in coal power capacity worldwide
Authors: Lægreid Ole Martin , Cherp Aleh , Jewell Jessica
Published: July 2023

Transitioning to net-zero carbon emissions requires phasing-out unabated coal power; however, recently it has only been declining in some countries, while it stagnated or even increased in others. Where and under what circumstances, has coal capacity reached its peak and begun to decline? We address this question with an empirical analysis of coal capacity in 56 countries, accounting for 99% of coal generation in the world. The peaks in national coal power have been equally spread per decade since 1970. The peaks are more likely to occur in country-years with high levels of electoral democracy, higher GDP per capita, slower electricity demand growth, and with low levels of political corruption. Normally, peaking coal power preceded rather than followed political coal phase-out pledges, often with long time lags. We conclude that though the cost of coal alternatives are declining and concerns over climate change increasing, coal power does not automatically peak even in situations with low demand growth, aging power plants and high import dependence. A quick and decisive destabilization of coal regimes requires, in addition, having sufficient economic capacities and strong democratic governance.
Gene Expressions Preferentially Influence Cortical Thickness of Human Connectome Project Atlas Parcellated Regions in First-Episode Antipsychotic-Naïve Psychoses
Authors: McGuigan Bridget N , Santini Tales , Keshavan Matcheri S , Prasad Konasale M
Published: July 2023

Altered gene expressions may mechanistically link genetic factors with brain morphometric alterations. Existing gene expression studies have examined selected morphometric features using low-resolution atlases in medicated schizophrenia. We examined the relationship of gene expression with cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), and gray matter volume (GMV) of first-episode antipsychotic-naïve psychosis patients (FEAP = 85) and 81 controls, hypothesizing that gene expressions often associated with psychosis will differentially associate with different morphometric features. We explored such associations among schizophrenia and non-schizophrenia subgroups within FEAP group compared to controls. We mapped 360 Human Connectome Project atlas-based parcellations on brain MRI on to the publicly available brain gene expression data from the Allen Brain Institute collection. Significantly correlated genes were investigated using ingenuity pathway analysis to elucidate molecular pathways. CT but not SA or GMV correlated with expression of 1137 out of 15 633 genes examined controlling for age, sex, and average CT. Among these ≈19%, ≈39%, and 8% of genes were unique to FEAP, schizophrenia, and non-schizophrenia, respectively. Variants of 10 among these 1137 correlated genes previously showed genome-wide-association with schizophrenia. Molecular pathways associated with CT were axonal guidance and sphingosine pathways (common to FEAP and controls), selected inflammation pathways (unique to FEAP), synaptic modulation (unique to schizophrenia), and telomere extension (common to NSZ and healthy controls). We demonstrate that different sets of genes and molecular pathways may preferentially influence CT in different diagnostic groups. Genes with altered expressions correlating with CT and associated pathways may be targets for pathophysiological investigations and novel treatment designs.
Long-Term Outcomes and Growth Analysis of Costochondral Grafts for Hemifacial Microsomia: 24-Year Experience of a Single Surgeon
Authors: Barrero Carlos E. , Villavisanis Dillan F. , Wietlisbach Larissa E. , Pontell Matthew E. , Wagner Connor S. , Salinero Lauren K. , Swanson Jordan W. , Taylor Jesse A. , Nah Hyun-Duck , Bartlett Scott P.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Costochondral grafts (CCGs) can be used in mandibular reconstruction of Kaban-Pruzansky IIB/III hemifacial microsomia (HFM). Their growth is variable, occasionally necessitating secondary surgery. This study examined one surgeon’s 24-year experience to better quantify long-term outcomes and surgical care required in CCG reconstruction of HFM mandibles.

Methods:

Serial 3-dimensional computed tomography scans, from preoperative to most recent, were analyzed in patients with a minimum of 4 years of clinical follow-up after CCG reconstruction. Graft/ramus height, length, volume, bilateral mandibular body length, and chin deviation were measured. Changes in measurements were analyzed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at the most recent imaging before secondary surgery, and at the most recent imaging overall. Growth rates per measure were calculated using scans after CCG but before secondary surgery.

Results:

Thirteen patients were analyzed. Median (SD) clinical follow-up was 10.0 (5.1) years. One patient developed temporomandibular joint ankylosis secondary to stacked-graft malposition, which was repaired without further complications. CCG reconstruction led to immediate improvement in graft/ramus height (P = 0.03), length (P = 0.002), and volumetric symmetry (P = 0.02). No difference was found between graft and native ramus height (P = 0.4) or length measures (P = 0.5), whereas graft volume and the affected mandibular body grew significantly more slowly. According to the latest imaging, 63% of patients required secondary surgery, including distraction osteogenesis or orthognathic surgery, due to differential graft or hemimandible growth behavior. Based on the most recent clinical follow-up, this proportion increased to 93%.

Conclusions:

CCGs provide significant short-term mandibular and facial symmetry improvement in HFM IIB/III. Long-term analysis reveals frequent undergrowth requiring secondary intervention to promote and maintain symmetry.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Impact of microbiota on female fertility and gynecological problems
Authors: Kumar Manish , Jiang Luhan , Lai Hoi-Lam , Lee Cheuk-Lun , Ng Ernest H. Y. , Yeung William S. B. , Lee Kai-Fai
Published: July 2023

The uterus was previously considered a sterile environment for embryo implantation and fetal growth; however, evidence showed that different microorganisms in the female reproductive tract may regulate human fertility. The Lactobacillus family is among the most prevalent bacteria in the vagina and uterus of the female reproductive system. Interestingly, a Lactobacillus-dominated (LD) uterine environment is associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which an LD environment improves pregnancy outcomes is unknown. In the uterus, many commensal bacteria (eg, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Enterobacter, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus) produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, butyrate, and propionate. SCFAs are crucial in modulating cytokine production (eg, IL-6 and IL-10) and immune cell populations (eg, T cells and macrophages) during embryo implantation and gynecological diseases. This minireview provides an overview of the roles of lactobacilli and SCFAs in female fertility and related diseases.
Stress relaxation after low- and high-rate deformation of polyurethanes
Authors: Commins Tom , Siviour Clive R.
Published: July 2023

Polymers possess a wide range of mechanical behaviours depending upon the temperature and loading rate. An often-overlooked aspect is relaxation, important because it acts over a wide range of time periods and begins as soon as the polymer is loaded. In the research presented, the relaxation behaviour of two polyurethanes (PUs) following deformation was investigated at low-rate, 10
−3
 s
−1
, and dynamic, 10
3
 s
− 1
, loading rates, with the former exploring temperatures from 20°C to −60°C. These are compared to a predictive Prony series model calibrated using mastercurves produced by applying time-temperature superposition to data obtained using a dynamic mechanical analysis machine. For relaxation after dynamic loading, a recently proposed analysis was used to account for the movement of the bars during relaxation. The model could predict the stress-time response after low-rate deformation to strains of 2%, at all temperatures. As the strains increased, irrecoverable deformation was observed and the model became less accurate. In the dynamic experiments, the model accurately predicted the early stages of relaxation for both PUs but deviated later on. A modification was suggested to account for these observations. Further characterization of the mechanical response under large strain compressive loading is also reported.
Self-similarity of spectral response functions for fractional quantum Hall states
Authors: Andrews Bartholomew , Möller Gunnar
Published: July 2023

Spectral response functions are central quantities in the analysis of quantum many-body states, since they describe the response of many-body systems to external perturbations and hence directly correspond to observables in experiments. In this paper, we evaluate a momentum-averaged dynamical density structure factor for the fermionic

ν
=
1

/

3

fractional quantum Hall (FQH) state on a torus, using the continued fraction method to compute the dynamical correlation function. We establish the scaling behaviour of the screened Coulomb structure factor with respect to interaction range, and expose an inherent self-similarity of structure factors in the frequency domain. These results highlight the statistical properties of spectral response functions for FQH states and show how they can be efficiently approximated in numerical models.
Colony size buffers interactions between neonicotinoid exposure and cold stress in bumblebees
Authors: Easton-Calabria August C. , Thuma Jessie A. , Cronin Kayleigh , Melone Gigi , Laskowski Madalyn , Smith Matthew A. Y. , Pasadyn Cassandra L. , de Bivort Benjamin L. , Crall James D.
Published: July 2023

Social bees are critical for supporting biodiversity, ecosystem function and crop yields globally. Colony size is a key ecological trait predicted to drive sensitivity to environmental stressors and may be especially important for species with annual cycles of sociality, such as bumblebees. However, there is limited empirical evidence assessing the effect of colony size on sensitivity to environmental stressors or the mechanisms underlying these effects. Here, we examine the relationship between colony size and sensitivity to environmental stressors in bumblebees. We exposed colonies at different developmental stages briefly (2 days) to a common neonicotinoid (imidacloprid) and cold stress, while quantifying behaviour of individuals. Combined imidacloprid and cold exposure had stronger effects on both thermoregulatory behaviour and long-term colony growth in small colonies. We find that imidacloprid's effects on behaviour are mediated by body temperature and spatial location within the nest, suggesting that social thermoregulation provides a buffering effect in large colonies. Finally, we demonstrate qualitatively similar effects in size-manipulated microcolonies, suggesting that group size
per se
, rather than colony age, drives these patterns. Our results provide evidence that colony size is critical in driving sensitivity to stressors and may help elucidate mechanisms underlying the complex and context-specific impacts of pesticide exposure.
Dogs’ expectations about occlusion events: from expectancy violation to exploration
Authors: Völter Christoph J. , Tomašić Ana , Nipperdey Laura , Huber Ludwig
Published: July 2023

Previous research on human infants has shown that violations of basic physical regularities can stimulate exploration, which may represent a type of hypothesis testing aimed at acquiring knowledge about new causal relationships. In this study, we examined whether a similar connection between expectancy violation and exploration exists in nonhuman animals. Specifically, we investigated how dogs react to expectancy violations in the context of occlusion events. Throughout three experiments, dogs exhibited longer looking times at expectancy-inconsistent events than at consistent ones. This finding was further supported by pupil size analyses in the first two eye-tracking experiments. Our results suggest that dogs expect objects to reappear when they are not obstructed by a screen and consider the size of the occluding screen in relation to the occluded object. In Experiment 3, expectancy violations increased the dogs' exploration of the target object, similar to the findings with human infants. We conclude that expectancy violations can provide learning opportunities for nonhuman animals as well.
Modelling the emergence of synchrony from decentralized rhythmic interactions in animal communication
Authors: Jadoul Yannick , Ravignani Andrea
Published: July 2023

To communicate, an animal's strategic timing of rhythmic signals is crucial. Evolutionary, game-theoretical, and dynamical systems models can shed light on the interaction between individuals and the associated costs and benefits of signalling at a specific time. Mathematical models that study rhythmic interactions from a strategic or evolutionary perspective are rare in animal communication research. But new inspiration may come from a recent game theory model of how group synchrony emerges from local interactions of oscillatory neurons. In the study, the authors analyse when the benefit of joint synchronization outweighs the cost of individual neurons sending electrical signals to each other. They postulate there is a benefit for pairs of neurons to fire together and a cost for a neuron to communicate. The resulting model delivers a variant of a classical dynamical system, the Kuramoto model. Here, we present an accessible overview of the Kuramoto model and evolutionary game theory, and of the 'oscillatory neurons' model. We interpret the model's results and discuss the advantages and limitations of using this particular model in the context of animal rhythmic communication. Finally, we sketch potential future directions and discuss the need to further combine evolutionary dynamics, game theory and rhythmic processes in animal communication studies.
RECOMBINE Uncovers Concise Marker Sets for Hierarchically Connected Cell
Authors: Li Xubin , Nguyen Justin , Korkut Anil
Published: July 2023

Biological function is dictated by the hierarchical organization of diverse cell identities within tissue ecosystems. Identifying interpretable marker sets that both discriminate and define the hierarchical connectivity of cell identities is essential to decode biological function but remains a major challenge. Here, we developed RECOMBINE, an algorithm that maps marker sets to hierarchically connected but distinct biological identities based on single cell transcriptomics data. Validations with simulation and biological data demonstrated that RECOMBINE identifies discriminative markers with increased accuracy compared to other methods, including differential gene expression analysis. The applications of RECOMBINE resulted in a resource of marker sets in cell populations from 50 disease or healthy tissue types covering 242 RECOMBINE detected cell identities. In the mouse visual cortex, RECOMBINE identified key markers of cell types and generated an accurate gene panel for targeted spatial transcriptomics. RECOMBINE uncovered markers of CD8 T cell states, including GZMK+HAVCR2- effector memory cells associated with anti-PD-1 therapy response. RECOMBINE also identified a rare cell subpopulation with specific markers within mice intestine as well as tumor heterogeneity in breast and skin cancers. Finally, RECOMBINE successfully identified concise, discriminative markers of cell types across a comprehensive set of human tissues based on the Tabula Sapiens data. In conclusion, RECOMBINE provides a robust, data-driven approach for optimized selection of concise markers, enabling the discovery and validation of cell identities in diverse tissues.
Inferring and comparing metabolism across heterogeneous sets of annotated genomes using AuCoMe
Authors: Belcour Arnaud , Got Jeanne , Aite Méziane , Delage Ludovic , Collén Jonas , Frioux Clémence , Leblanc Catherine , Dittami Simon M. , Blanquart Samuel , Markov Gabriel V. , Siegel Anne
Published: July 2023

Comparative analysis of genome-scale metabolic networks (GSMNs) may yield important information on the biology, evolution, and adaptation of species. However, it is impeded by the high heterogeneity of the quality and completeness of structural and functional genome annotations, which may bias the results of such comparisons. To address this issue, we developed AuCoMe, a pipeline to automatically reconstruct homogeneous GSMNs from a heterogeneous set of annotated genomes without discarding available manual annotations. We tested AuCoMe with three data sets, one bacterial, one fungal, and one algal, and showed that it successfully reduces technical biases while capturing the metabolic specificities of each organism. Our results also point out shared and divergent metabolic traits among evolutionarily distant algae, underlining the potential of AuCoMe to accelerate the broad exploration of metabolic evolution across the tree of life.
Association between job satisfaction and current smoking and change in smoking behavior: a 16‐year longitudinal study in South Korea
Authors: Baek Seong‐Uk , Lee Won‐Tae , Kim Min‐Seok , Lim Myeong‐Hun , Yoon Jin‐Ha , Won Jong‐Uk
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Previous studies have found that job satisfaction is closely associated with various health outcomes of workers. Our study measured the association between job satisfaction and current smoking and change in smoking behavior.

Design

Data from the longitudinal Korea Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS) that consist of nationally representative samples were used. The repeated measures analysis was conducted.

Setting

South Korea, 2005–2021.

Participants

In total, 21 154 workers in Korea followed from 2005 to 2021 (145 120 observations) were included as study participants.

Measurements

The main predictor variable, job satisfaction, was assessed using a five‐item general job satisfaction questionnaire. Job satisfaction was classified into ‘dissatisfied’, ‘neutral’ and ‘satisfied’, according to the tertiles of the sum of scores. The outcomes of interest were current smoking and initiation and cessation of smoking in the subsequent year.

Findings

Compared with those with a neutral level of job satisfaction, those who reported dissatisfaction with their job had an increased risk of smoking initiation [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.22)]. Workers satisfied with their jobs were associated with a decreased likelihood of current smoking (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94–0.98) and smoking initiation (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81–0.99). There was a positive relationship between cumulative years of job dissatisfaction and smoking risk: > 4 years of experiencing job dissatisfaction was positively related to current smoking (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.06–1.24) and smoking initiation (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.00–1.49) and negatively related to smoking cessation (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72–0.99).

Conclusions

In Korea, job dissatisfaction appears to be associated with an increased risk of smoking initiation.
Towards adaptive and transparent tourism recommendations: A survey
Authors: Leal Fátima , Veloso Bruno , Malheiro Benedita , Burguillo Juan C.
Published: July 2023

Crowdsourced data streams are popular and extremely valuable in several domains, namely in tourism. Tourism crowdsourcing platforms rely on past tourist and business inputs to provide tailored recommendations to current users in real time. The continuous, open, dynamic and non‐curated nature of the crowd‐originated data demands specific stream mining techniques to support online profiling, recommendation, change detection and adaptation, explanation and evaluation. The sought techniques must, not only, continuously improve and adapt profiles and models; but must also be transparent, overcome biases, prioritize preferences, master huge data volumes and all in real time. This article surveys the state‐of‐art of adaptive and explainable stream recommendation, extends the taxonomy of explainable recommendations from the offline to the stream‐based scenario, and identifies future research opportunities.
‘Our faces change, but it's always the same story’: Crises of social reproduction among informal recyclers in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Parizeau Kate
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the gendered dynamics of informal recycling in Buenos Aires, Argentina at a moment of transition in the governance of this work. I argue that there is a strong gender binary apparent in this type of informal work, and that the public nature of informal recycling can exacerbate the gendered crisis of social reproduction experienced by many women recyclers through inviting interventions into their work. This research is based on an extensive survey of informal recyclers and a series of interviews conducted between 2007 and 2011. In Buenos Aires, women's informal recycling work has had a more collective, social, and domestic image as compared to masculine industrial versions of this work. On average, women had more geographically limited experiences of the city and earned less money than men. Women carrying out social reproduction in public spaces were positioned as both needing assistance and deserving of it. The entwining of work and social reproduction for many women informal workers requires that any interventions to improve their work take into account the particular challenges associated with publicly performing the double burden of labor that they bear.
Human Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells prevent pregnancy loss in a rat by JAK/STAT‐mediated immunomodulation
Authors: Ding Xiaoying , Wu Rongrong , Jin Beibei , Zhu Chunyu , Zhang Yuquan , Yang Xiaoqing
Published: July 2023

Aim

Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a multiple‐original syndrome with immune imbalance as one of its major risk factors. As Wharton's jelly‐mesenchymal stem cells (WJ‐MSCs) are considered to be able to prevent abortion, this study aims to explore the currently poorly understood underlining molecular signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms of WJ‐MSCs in pregnancy maintenance.

Methods

Abortion mode is established by subcutaneous injection of bromocriptine in rat on day 9 and abortion prevention is achieved by WJ‐MSCs injection via tail vein. WJ‐MSCs were cultured with/without the inhibitors of JAK/STAT or NF‐κB. The uterus was collected on the 14th day of gestation and the rate of embryo absorption was calculated. The expression of Th1/Th2/Th3 cytokines in decidual, placental tissue, and peripheral blood was analyzed.

Results

WJ‐MSCs treatment significantly reduced the abortion rate in bromocriptine‐treated pregnancy such that it was not significantly different from a normal pregnancy. JAK/STAT inhibition abolished pregnancy preserving effects of WJ‐MSCs but NF‐κB inhibition did not. The levels of Th1‐related cytokines and mRNA levels in the bromocriptine abortion model were significantly higher than the normal pregnancy group and ethanol control group, while levels of the Th2‐related cytokines and mRNA levels significantly decreased. WJ‐MSCs transfusion into the abortion model restored cytokine profiles such that they were not significantly different from the normal pregnancy group and ethanol control group. JAK/STAT inhibition of WJ‐MSCs prevented their effect on cytokine and mRNA levels, but NF‐κB inhibition did not.

Conclusions

WJ‐MSCs significantly lower the rate of embryo resorption of spontaneous abortion by reducing Th1‐related cytokines while increasing Th2 and Th3‐related cytokines in JAK/STAT‐dependent manner.
Narratives and expert information in agenda‐setting: Experimental evidence on state legislator engagement with artificial intelligence policy
Authors: Schiff Daniel S. , Schiff Kaylyn Jackson
Published: July 2023

Are narratives as influential in gaining the attention of policymakers as expert information, including for complex, technical policy domains such as artificial intelligence (AI) policy? This pre‐registered study uses a field experiment to evaluate legislator responsiveness to policy entrepreneur outreach. In partnership with a leading AI think tank, we send more than 7300 U.S. state legislative offices emails about AI policy containing an influence strategy (providing a narrative, expert information, or the organization's background), along with a prominent issue frame about AI (emphasizing technological competition or ethical implications). To assess engagement, we measure link clicks to further resources and webinar registration and attendance. Although AI policy is a highly technical domain, we find that narratives are just as effective as expert information in engaging legislators. Compared to control, expert information and narratives led to 28 and 34 percent increases in policymaker engagement, respectively. Furthermore, higher legislature professionalism and lower state‐level prior AI experience are associated with greater engagement with both narratives and expert information. Finally, we find that policymakers are equally engaged by an ethical framing of AI policy as they are with an economic one. The findings advance efforts to bridge scholarship on policy narratives, policy entrepreneurship, and agenda‐setting.
Low-energy quasi-circular electron correlations with charge order wavelength in Bi
2
Sr
2
CaCu
2
O
8+δ
Authors: Scott Kirsty , Kisiel Elliot , Boyle Timothy J. , Basak Rourav , Jargot Gaëtan , Das Sarmistha , Agrestini Stefano , Garcia-Fernandez Mirian , Choi Jaewon , Pelliciari Jonathan , Li Jiemin , Chuang Yi-De , Zhong Ruidan , Schneeloch John A. , Gu Genda , Légaré François , Kemper Alexander F. , Zhou Ke-Jin , Bisogni Valentina , Blanco-Canosa Santiago , Frano Alex , Boschini Fabio , da Silva Neto Eduardo H.
Published: July 2023

Most resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) studies of dynamic charge order correlations in the cuprates have focused on the high-symmetry directions of the copper oxide plane. However, scattering along other in-plane directions should not be ignored as it may help understand, for example, the origin of charge order correlations or the isotropic scattering resulting in strange metal behavior. Our RIXS experiments reveal dynamic charge correlations over the

q
x
-q
y

scattering plane in underdoped Bi
2
Sr
2
CaCu
2
O
8+δ
. Tracking the softening of the RIXS-measured bond-stretching phonon, we show that these dynamic correlations exist at energies below approximately 70 meV and are centered around a quasi-circular manifold in the

q
x
-q
y

scattering plane with radius equal to the magnitude of the charge order wave vector,
q
CO
. This phonon-tracking procedure also allows us to rule out fluctuations of short-range directional charge order (i.e., centered around [

q
x

= ±
q
CO
,

q
y

= 0] and [

q
x

= 0,

q
y

= ±
q
CO
]) as the origin of the observed correlations.
Supplemental Material: Offshore-onshore record of Last Glacial Maximum–to–present grounding line retreat at Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Nichols Keir A. , al. et
Published: July 2023

Detailed description of the methods used in this study, as well as sample locations, analytical data, exposure ages, and linear thinning rates. 
Reducing the residue of retractions in evidence synthesis: ways to minimise inappropriate citation and use of retracted data
Authors: Bakker Caitlin , Boughton Stephanie , Faggion Clovis Mariano , Fanelli Daniele , Kaiser Kathryn , Schneider Jodi
Published: July 2023

The incorporation of publications that have been retracted is a risk in reliable evidence synthesis. Retraction is an important mechanism for correcting the literature and protecting its integrity. Within the medical literature, the continued citation of retracted publications occurs for a variety of reasons. Recent evidence suggests that systematic reviews and meta-analyses often unwittingly cite retracted publications which, at least in some cases, may significantly impact quantitative effect estimates in meta-analyses. There is strong evidence that authors of systematic reviews and meta-analyses may be unaware of the retracted status of publications and treat them as if they are not retracted. These problems are difficult to address for several reasons: identifying retracted publications is important but logistically challenging; publications may be retracted while a review is in preparation or in press and problems with a publication may also be discovered after the evidence synthesis is published. We propose a set of concrete actions that stakeholders (eg, scientists, peer-reviewers, journal editors) might take in the near-term, and that research funders, citation management systems, and databases and search engines might take in the longer term to limit the impact of retracted primary studies on evidence syntheses.
Using routine health data to evaluate the impact of indoor residual spraying on malaria transmission in Madagascar
Authors: Hilton Emily R , Rabeherisoa Saraha , Ramandimbiarijaona Herizo , Rajaratnam Julie , Belemvire Allison , Kapesa Laurent , Zohdy Sarah , Dentinger Catherine , Gandaho Timothee , Jacob Djenam , Burnett Sarah , Razafinjato Celestin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are cornerstone malaria prevention methods in Madagascar. This retrospective observational study uses routine data to evaluate the impacts of IRS overall, sustained IRS exposure over multiple years and level of spray coverage (structures sprayed/found) in nine districts where non-pyrethroid IRS was deployed to complement standard pyrethroid ITNs from 2017 to 2020.

Methods

Multilevel negative-binomial generalised linear models were fit to estimate the effects of IRS exposure overall, consecutive years of IRS exposure and spray coverage level on monthly all-ages population-adjusted malaria cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic test at the health facility level. The study period extended from July 2016 to June 2021. Facilities with missing data and non-geolocated communes were excluded. Facilities in IRS districts were matched with control facilities by propensity score analysis. Models were controlled for ITN survivorship, mass drug administration coverage, precipitation, enhanced vegetation index, seasonal effects and district. Predicted cases under a counterfactualno IRSscenario and number of cases averted by IRS were estimated using the fitted models.

Results

Exposure to IRS overall reduced case incidence by an estimated 30.3% from 165.8 cases per 1000 population (95% CI=139.7 to 196.7) under a counterfactual no IRS scenario, to 114.3 (95% CI=96.5 to 135.3) over 12 months post-IRS campaign in nine districts. A third year of IRS reduced malaria cases 30.9% more than a first year (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.578, 95% CI=0.578 to 0.825, p<0.001) and 26.7% more than a second year (IRR=0.733, 95% CI=0.611 to 0.878, p=0.001). There was no significant difference between the first and second year (p>0.05). Coverage of 86%–90% was associated with a 19.7% reduction in incidence (IRR=0.803, 95% CI=0.690 to 0.934, p=0.005) compared with coverage ≤85%, although these results were not robust to sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that non-pyrethroid IRS appears to substantially reduce malaria incidence in Madagascar and that sustained implementation of IRS over three years confers additional benefits.