bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut virome alterations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liu Yue , Huang Qingsong , Zhuang Zhenhua , Yang Hongjing , Gou Xiaoling , Xu Tong , Liu Ke , Wang Jun , Liu Bo , Gao Peiyang , Cao Feng , Yang Bin , Zhang Chuantao , Chen Mei , Fan Gang
Published: May 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The gut microbiome, particularly the bacteriome, has been demonstrated to contribute to the progression of COPD. However, the influence of gut virome on the pathogenesis of COPD is rarely studied. Recent advances in viral metagenomics have enabled the rapid discovery of its remarkable role in COPD. In this study, deep metagenomics sequencing of fecal virus-like particles and bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on 92 subjects from China to characterize alterations of the gut virome in COPD. Lower richness and diversity of the gut virome were observed in the COPD subjects compared with the healthy individuals. Sixty-four viral species, including
Clostridium phage
,
Myoviridae
sp., and
Synechococcus phage
, showed positive relationships with pulmonary ventilation functions and had markedly declined population in COPD subjects. Multiple viral functions, mainly involved in bacterial susceptibility and the interaction between bacteriophages and bacterial hosts, were significantly declined in COPD. In addition, COPD was characterized by weakened viral-bacterial interactions compared with those in the healthy cohort. The gut virome showed diagnostic performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 88.7%, which indicates the potential diagnostic value of the gut virome for COPD. These results suggest that gut virome may play an important role in the development of COPD. The information can provide a reference for the future investigation of diagnosis, treatment, and in-depth mechanism research of COPD.

IMPORTANCE

Previous studies showed that the bacteriome plays an important role in the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the involvement of the gut virome in COPD. Our study explored the disease-specific virome signatures of patients with COPD. We found the diversity and compositions altered of the gut virome in COPD subjects compared with healthy individuals, especially those viral species positively correlated with pulmonary ventilation functions. Additionally, the declined bacterial susceptibility, the interaction between bacteriophages and bacterial hosts, and the weakened viral-bacterial interactions in COPD were observed. The findings also suggested the potential diagnostic value of the gut virome for COPD. The results highlight the significance of gut virome in COPD. The novel strategies for gut virome rectifications may help to restore the balance of gut microecology and represent promising therapeutics for COPD.
Supplemental Material: Structural and metamorphic architecture of the Zanskar Himalaya, Suru Valley region, NW India: Implications for the evolution of the Himalayan metamorphic core
Authors: Cawood I.P. , et al.
Published: May 2024

Methods, detailed descriptions of lithostratigraphic units, observations of fabric-defining metamorphic mineral assemblages, and extra mineral growth-deformation fabric relationships. Figures S1–S7 consist of collated pressure-temperature and geochronological datasets from previous studies across NW India, simplified geological maps highlighting different sets of structural data, and additional field and petrographic photographs that illustrate the relationship between mineral growth and the development of deformation fabrics.
Ocular findings in patients with histiocytosis and association with clinical and molecular features
Authors: Francis Jasmine H , Reiner Anne S , Canestraro Julia , Rampal Raajit K , Abramson David H , Diamond Eli L
Published: May 2024

Background/aims

Ocular manifestations of histiocytosis and their genetic underpinnings are poorly characterised. This study characterises ocular sites of histiocytosis, notate genetic alterations and correlates to histiocytosis clinical features including subtype and sites of disease.

Methods

Prospective registry-based study of predominantly adult histiocytosis patients at a single-institution tertiary referral centre. 180 eyes of 90 patients (46 males, 44 females) with histiocytosis (Erdheim-Chester disease 34, Rosai-Dorfman 20, xanthogranuloma 7, mixed histiocytosis 13, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) 15, ALK-positive histiocytosis 1). Ocular findings were categorised by the structure involved. Histiocytosis subtype, sites of disease and genetic status were correlated to ocular findings.

Results

Ocular disease was present in more than half the histiocytosis patient cohort and occurred with other disease sites. Ocular findings were statistically significantly different across histiocytic subtypes with LCH subtypes having the lowest proportion of ocular findings (7%) and all other subtypes having rates of ocular findings which were five times that of patients with LCH (p=0.0009). Of patients with ocular findings, 41% of patients reported ocular symptoms and were significantly more in the group with ocular disease present versus those patients without ocular involvement. The presence of ocular findings was not statistically different by
BRAF
V600E,
MAP2K1
or
RAS
isoform mutational status.

Conclusions

Ocular disease is a common feature of histiocytosis with significant visual symptomatology and occurrence in tandem with multisystem sites. Ocular findings vary by histiocytic subtype. The mutational profile of the cohort reflects known mutations in this clinical population, with no specific driver mutation associated with ocular disease.
Integrating interventions supported by development assistance for health into local health system: evidence from a China–World Bank–UK rural health system strengthening project (1998–2007)
Authors: Huang Aidan , Zhao Yingxi , Cao Chunkai , Lyu Mohan , Tang Kun
Published: May 2024

Introduction

To empirically investigate sustainability of development assistance for health (DAH), we conducted a retrospective case study on the Basic Health Services Project (BHSP) for rural health system strengthening, supported by the World Bank and the UK in China between 1998 and 2007. Specifically, this study examines the integration of the BHSP interventions into China’s health system.

Methods

From December 2021 to December 2022, we reviewed 64 published papers and project or policy documents, and conducted semistructured interviews with 22 key informants, ranging from managers of donor agencies and the government to township-level hospital directors. From February to March 2023, the data were analysed under an analytical framework for integration of targeted health interventions into health systems.

Results

Evidence of the BHSP shows that the integration outcomes can vary by the levels of integration (national or subnational), geographical coverage (project areas or both project and non-project areas) and approach to integration (policy or routinisation). The country’s health system reform facilitated the integration of the interventions relevant to the reform policies, as the BHSP was one of the pilot schemes. However, interventions incompatible with this broad context were integrated to a limited extent. This integration occurred through embedding the project within the existing system, with a higher degree of embeddedness leading to smoother integration. Cross-sectoral leading groups and a technical support system heightened the project visibility and enabled contextualised local adaptation, contributing to the smooth integration of the project interventions.

Conclusion

The DAH-supported interventions can achieve sustainability by being integrated into the local health system. This integration can take various forms to improve health outcomes, including being accepted and internalised, modified as well as innovated and expanded. The host country and development partners can promote DAH sustainability by contextually integrating these interventions within the project scope.
A qualitative exploration of challenges recruiting older adults forBeing Your Best,a co-designed holistic intervention to manage and reduce frailty: lessons learnt amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Saleem Ahsan , Appannah Arti , Meyer Claudia , Hutchinson Alison M , Mills Amber , Smit De Villiers , Boyd Leanne , Rose Michael , Sutherland Fran , O'Keefe Fleur , Lowthian Judy A
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Researchers face numerous challenges when recruiting participants for health and social care research. This study reports on the challenges faced recruiting older adults forBeing Your Best, a co-designed holistic intervention to manage and reduce frailty, and highlights lessons learnt amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A qualitative study design was used. Referrer interviews were conducted to explore the recruitment challenges faced by the frontline workers. An audit of the research participant (aged ≥65) database was also undertaken to evaluate the reasons for refusal to participate and withdrawal from the study.

Setting

Hospital emergency departments (EDs) and a home care provider in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Frontline workers and older adults.

Results

From May 2022 to June 2023, 71 referrals were received. Of those referrals, only 13 (18.3%) agreed to participate. Three participants withdrew immediately after baseline data collection, and the remaining 10 continued to participate in the programme. Reasons for older adult non-participation were (1) health issues (25.3%), (2) ineligibility (18.3%), (3) lack of interest (15.5%), (4) perceptions of being ‘too old’ (11.2%) and (5) perceptions of being too busy (5.6%). Of those participating, five were female and five were male. Eleven referrer interviews were conducted to explore challenges with recruitment, and three themes were generated after thematic analysis: (1) challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) characteristics of the programme and (3) health of older adults.

Conclusion

Despite using multiple strategies, recruitment was much lower than anticipated. The ED staff were at capacity associated with pandemic-related activities. While EDs are important sources of participants for research, they were not suitable recruitment sites at the time of this study, due to COVID-19-related challenges. Programme screening characteristics and researchers’ inability to develop rapport with potential participants also contributed to low recruitment numbers.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000533998; Pre-results.
Childbirth Acquired Perineal Trauma study (CHAPTER): a UK prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Hodgetts Morton Victoria , Man Rebecca , Perry Rita , Hughes Terry , Tohill Susan , MacArthur Christine , Magill Laura , Morris R Katie
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Childbirth-related perineal trauma (CRPT) is the most common complication of childbirth affecting 80% of women overall after vaginal birth. There remains a lack of comprehensive evidence relating to the prevalence of subsequent health problems. Current evidence is related to short-term outcomes, for example, pain, but there is less known about longer-term outcomes such as infection, wound dehiscence, pelvic floor function and psychological outcomes. This is a protocol for a cohort study assessing outcomes of women after CRPT.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, prospective UK cohort study aiming to include 1000 women. All women who have sustained CRPT will be eligible for inclusion and will be followed-up for 12 months after childbirth. The primary outcome will be perineal infection at 6 weeks post-birth. Secondary outcomes will include antibiotic use for perineal infection, wound breakdown, use of analgesia, the requirement for admission or surgical intervention, urinary and faecal incontinence, anxiety and depressive symptoms, sexual function and impact on daily activities. Outcomes will be measured at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post partum, with some outcomes being measured at all time points and others at selected most appropriate time points only. Outcome data will be obtained from a review of clinical notes and from patient questionnaires. Simple descriptive statistics will be used to summarise characteristics and outcomes, with categorical variables expressed as percentages and continuous variables as mean averages, alongside the corresponding standard deviatons.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Council with reference 23/WA/0169. Data collected from the Childbirth Acquired Perineal Trauma (CHAPTER) cohort study will highlight the prevalence and type of complications after CRPT and which women are more at risk. After the conclusion of this study, findings will be used to work with governmental organisations and Royal Colleges to target resources and ultimately improve care.
Trio-based whole-exome sequencing reveals mutations in early-onset high myopia
Authors: Ye Lu , Guo Yi-Ming , Cai Yi-Xin , Wei Junhan , Huang Juan , Bi Jiejing , Chen Ding , Li Fen-Fen , Huang Xiu-Feng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Myopia, especially high myopia (HM), represents a widespread visual impairment with a globally escalating prevalence. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic foundations associated with early-onset HM (eoHM) while delineating the genetic landscape specific to Shaanxi province, China.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis of whole-exome sequencing was conducted involving 26 familial trios displaying eoHM. An exacting filtration protocol identified potential candidate mutations within acknowledged myopia-related genes and susceptibility loci. Subsequently, computational methodologies were employed for functional annotations and pathogenicity assessments.

Results

Our investigation identified 7 genes and 10 variants associated with HM across 7 families, including a novel mutation in theARR3gene (c.139C>T, p.Arg47*) and two mutations in theP3H2gene (c.1865T>C, p.Phe622Ser and c.212T>C, p.Leu71Pro). Pathogenic mutations were found in syndromic myopia genes, notably encompassingVPS13B,TRPM1, RPGR,NYXandRP2. Additionally, a thorough comparison of previously reported causative genes of syndromic myopia and myopia risk genes with the negative sequencing results pinpointed various types of mutations within risk genes.

Conclusions

This investigation into eoHM within Shaanxi province adds to the current understanding of myopic genetic factors. Our results warrant further functional validation and ocular examinations, yet they provide foundational insights for future genetic research and therapeutic innovations in HM.
Physical environmental roadway interventions and injury and death for vulnerable road users: a natural experiment in New York City
Authors: Roberts Leah E , Bushover Brady , Mehranbod Christina A , Gobaud Ariana N , Fish Carolyn , Eschliman Evan L , Gao Xiang , Zadey Siddhesh , Morrison Christopher N
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study examined the effectiveness of three physical environmental roadway interventions (enhanced crossings, speed humps, and turn traffic calming) in preventing crashes involving pedestrian and cyclist injury and mortality in New York City.

Methods

We examined crashes that occurred within a 100-foot radius of intervention and control sites from 2015 to 2019. We used a staggered difference-in-difference design to estimate the association between each intervention type and pedestrian and cyclist crash outcomes.

Results

Estimates for enhanced crossings and speed humps included the possibility of no association with crashes, but estimates for turn traffic calming interventions showed reduced odds of crashes involving pedestrian injury by 16% (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.95) and crashes involving pedestrian fatality by 80% (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.47). When stratifying by street segment length as a proxy for areas with high speeding risk, turn traffic calming treatments appeared to be most effective at intersections connected to long street segments.

Discussion

Turn traffic calming may substantially reduce crash risks for pedestrians. Municipalities can prioritise this physical environmental intervention, especially at turns near long street segments, as a low-cost intervention with substantial public health impact.
‘Mrs. Don’t Care’: refusing modern Black motherhood in Nella Larsen’sQuicksand
Authors: Hemming Matty
Published: May 2024

This essay examines the portrayal of modern Black motherhood in Nella Larsen’s Harlem Renaissance novel,Quicksand(1928). Writing in a cultural landscape dominated by discourses of racial uplift, scientific motherhood and eugenics, I argue that Larsen critiques and ultimately refuses the limited literary, medical and political terms available for representing Black motherhood in the early twentieth century. My readings centre Larsen’s understudied career as a nurse; prior to becoming a writer, Larsen worked as Head Nurse at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and as a public health nurse for the Department of Health in the Bronx. I consider how this professional experience informed her fictional depiction of modern Black motherhood, drawing on archival materials to demonstrate how her novel complicates contemporaneous medical and cultural attitudes towards Black motherhood and resists the eugenic demands delineating what constitutes ‘good’ and ‘bad’ motherhood. Engaging contemporary Black feminist theories of refusal and Black motherhood, I show howQuicksandis not only a critique of racist stigmatising discourses and practices but also of how racism limits the ways in which Black mothers’ complexity has historically been represented.
Efficacy and safety of Ferrous iron on the prevention of Vascular cOgnitive impaiRment among patients with cerebral Infarction/TIA (FAVORITE): rationale and design of a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Jia Qian , Lei Peng , Sun Li , Jia Wei Li , Pan Yuesong , Yuan Baoshi , Wang Yinkai , Zhou Qi , Meng Xia , Jing Jing , Lin Jinxi , Wang Anxin , Zhang Shuting , Hong Zhen , Yang Yu , Xiong Yunyun , Li Zixiao , Wang Yilong , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun
Published: May 2024

Background

The incidence of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is high in patients suffering from ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or with vascular risk factors. Effective prevention strategies for VCI remain limited. Anaemia or low haemoglobin was found as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes after acute stroke. Anaemia or low haemoglobin was possibly associated with an increased risk of poststroke cognitive impairment. Whether supplement of ferrous iron to correct anaemia reduces the risk of VCI and improves adverse outcomes in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease remains uncertain.

Aim

We aim to introduce the design and rationale of the safety and efficacy of Ferrous iron on the prevention of Vascular cOgnitive impaiRment in patients with cerebral Infarction or TIA (FAVORITE) trial.

Design

FAVORITE is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial that compares supplement of ferrous iron with placebo for recent minor stroke/TIA patients complicated with mild anaemia or iron deficiency: Ferrous succinate sustained-release tablet 0.2 g (corresponding to 70 mg of elemental iron) once daily after or during breakfast for 12 weeks or placebo with much the same colour, smell and size as ferrous iron once daily during or after breakfast for 12 weeks. All paticipants will be followed within the next year.

Study outcomes

The primary effective outcome is the incidence of VCI at 3 months after randomisation and the primary safety outcome includes any gastrointestinal adverse event during 3 months.

Discussion

The FAVORITE trial will clarify whether supplement of ferrous iron to correct low haemoglobin reduces the risk of VCI in patients with recent ischaemic stroke or TIA complicated with mild anaemia or iron deficiency compared with placebo.

Trial registration number

NCT03891277
Ecosystem structure and function of the North Water Polynya
Authors: Bryndum-Buchholz Andrea , Herbig Jennifer L. , Darnis Gérald , Geoffroy Maxime , Eddy Tyler D.
Published: May 2024

The North Water Polynya is one of the most productive Arctic regions on Earth, sustaining the world's northernmost Inuit communities for millennia. The polynya is a large and persistent region of open water surrounded by sea ice and exhibits high primary productivity, is a biodiversity hotspot, and is a key habitat and migration corridor for Arctic species. Many aspects of the ecosystem structure and the role of resident species in the North Water Polynya remain uncertain. To shed light on these, we developed the first representation of the North Water Polynya food web using the Ecopath modelling framework. Modelled trophic flows indicated that pelagic and benthic communities were primarily connected by Age 1+ Arctic cod ( Boreogadus saida), walrus ( Odobenus rosmarus), and ringed seal ( Pusa hispida). Large copepods, Age 1+ Arctic cod, and bivalves were key prey species. Overall productivity in the North Water Polynya was higher compared to Western Baffin Bay and Western Greenland, corroborating expectations of relatively high productivity within the polynya. This model provides a baseline description of the North Water Polynya ecosystem structure and function prior to future climate-driven food web changes and the emergence of large-scale commercial fisheries.
An NJL model analysis of a magnetised nonextensive QCD medium
Authors: Islam Chowdhury Aminul
Published: May 2024

We investigate the effect of a background magnetic field when applied to a nonextensive QCD medium in a $$2+1$$

2
+
1

flavour Nambu— Jona-Lasinio model. The effect of a constant as well as an eB-dependent coupling is considered. For the constant coupling, the well-known magnetic catalysis effect is observed with reduced strength in both the condensates and the transition temperatures compared to the standard extensive medium. In the case of a field-dependent coupling, we observe a competition between the nonextensive parameter, q and eB. With sufficiently high q-values, the phenomenon of inverse magnetic catalysis —, a well-known trait in effective models featuring eB-dependent coupling, appears to be eliminated within the range of magnetic fields examined in our present study.
Cross sections and gamma cascades in $$^{77}$$Ge needed for background reduction in $$0\nu \beta \beta $$ experiments on $$^{76}$$Ge
Authors: Grabmayr Peter
Published: May 2024

The compound nucleus model is employed to calculate neutron capture on $$^{76}$$

76

Ge and the consecutive $$\gamma $$
γ
decay. Total, inelastic and capture cross sections are compared to experiments in order to restrict model parameters. The respective $$\gamma $$
γ
cascades are analyzed for possible background suppression schemes in future $$0\nu \beta \beta $$

0
ν
β
β

decay searches with germanium detectors. Neutron energies in the range from 0.2 keV to 5 MeV are investigated. The spin dependence of the $$\gamma $$
γ
cascades is proposed to be employed for determining the spin of thermal resonances.
SPINAS: spinor amplitude subroutines for constructive diagram evaluations
Authors: Christensen Neil
Published: May 2024

SPINAS is a C++ package created for the implementation and numerical computation of phase-space points of constructive amplitudes in particle physics. This package contains a suite of classes and methods for handling particles, propagators, spinor products, and processes. SPINAS is structured to offer straightforward usability while ensuring maximum efficiency. This is achieved through a design that emphasizes the storage and reuse of intermediate results within amplitude calculations for each phase-space point. We include a user guide describing how to use the components, a complete example of how to use SPINAS for a scattering amplitude, a discussion of the design and implementation useful for those wishing to contribute, and a discussion of our validation of this package, including both a validation of individual components of the package and a comparison of a complete set of Standard Model processes with Feynman diagrams.
Constraining $$f({\mathcal {R}})$$ gravity by Pulsar SAX J1748.9-2021 observations
Authors: Nashed Gamal G. L. , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: May 2024

We discuss spherically symmetric dynamical systems in the framework of a general model of $$f(\mathcal{R})$$

f
(
R
)

gravity, i.e. $$f(\mathcal{R})=\mathcal{R}e^{\zeta \mathcal{R}}$$

f

(
R
)

=
R

e

ζ
R

, where $$\zeta $$
ζ
is a dimensional quantity in squared length units [L$$^2$$

2

]. We initially assume that the internal structure of such systems is governed by the Krori–Barua ansatz, alongside the presence of fluid anisotropy. By employing astrophysical observations obtained from the pulsar SAX J1748.9-2021, derived from bursting X-ray binaries located within globular clusters, we determine that $$\zeta $$
ζ
is approximately equal to $$\pm 5$$

±
5

km$$^2$$

2

. In particular, the model is capable of producing stable configurations for SAX J1748.9-2021, encompassing both its geometric and physical characteristics. We show that, within the framework of $$f(\mathcal{R})$$

f
(
R
)

gravity, the Krori–Barua ansatz establishes semi-analytical connections between the radial ($$p_r$$

p
r

) and tangential ($$p_t$$

p
t

) pressures, and the density ($$\rho $$
ρ
). These relations are described as $$p_r\approx v_r^2 (\rho -\rho _{I})$$

p
r

≈

v
r
2

(
ρ
-

ρ
I

)

and $$p_t\approx v_t^2 (\rho -\rho _{II})$$

p
t

≈

v
t
2

(
ρ
-

ρ

II

)

. In this context, $$v_r$$

v
r

and $$v_t$$

v
t

denote the sound speeds in the radial and tangential directions, respectively. Meanwhile, $$\rho _I$$

ρ
I

pertains to the surface density, and $$\rho _{II}$$

ρ

II

is derived from the model parameters. These connections are consistent with the equations of state derived from the best-fit solutions identified in the ongoing investigation. Notably, within the framework of $$f(\mathcal{R})$$

f
(
R
)

gravity where $$\zeta $$
ζ
is negative, the maximum compactness, denoted as C, is inherently limited to values that do not exceed the Buchdahl limit. This contrasts with general relativity or $$f(\mathcal{R})$$

f
(
R
)

gravity with $$\zeta $$
ζ
positive, where the compactness has the potential to asymptotically reach the black hole threshold ($$C\rightarrow 1$$

C
→
1

). The model predictions suggest a central density that largely exceeds the saturation nuclear density, which is $$\rho _{\text {nuc}} = 3\times 10^{14}$$

ρ
nuc

=
3
×

10
14

g/cm$$^3$$

3

. Also the surface density $$\rho _I$$

ρ
I

surpasses $$\rho _{\text {nuc}}$$

ρ
nuc

. We obtain a mass-radius diagram, corresponding to the boundary density, which is consistent with other observational data.
Study of compact objects: a new analytical stellar model
Authors: Das Shyam , Chakraborty Koushik , Rahaman Farook , Majumder Shreya
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we obtain analytical solutions of Einstein field equations for a spherically symmetric anisotropic matter distributions. For this purpose physically meaningful metric potential corresponds to $$g_{rr}$$

g

rr

and a particular choice of the anisotropy has been utilized to obtain the solutions in closed form. This class of solution has been used to characterized observed pulsars from different aspects. Smooth matching of interior spacetime metric with the exterior Schwarzschild metric and in addition with the condition of vanishing radial pressure across the boundary leads us to determine the model parameters. Pulsar $$4U1820-30$$

4
U
1820
-
30

with its current estimated data for mass and radius (Mass $$=1.58 M_\odot $$

=
1.58

M
⊙

and radius $$=9.1$$

=
9.1

 km) has been allowed for testing the physical acceptability of our developed model. We have graphically analyzed the gross physical features of the observed pulsar. The stability of the model is also discussed under the conditions of causality, adiabatic index and generalized Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov (TOV) equation under the forces acting on the system. Few more pulsars with their have been considered, to show that this model is compatible with observational data, and all the requirements of a realistic star are highlighted. Mass-radius (M–R) relationship have been generated for our model. The impact of anisotropy on the gross physical features of stars have been explored with the graphical presentation.
Performance and Navigation Behavior of using Teleportation in VR First-Person Shooter Games
Authors: Prithul Aniruddha , Lynam Hudson , Folmer Eelke
Published: May 2024

Teleportation has been adopted as the preferred mode of navigation in many virtual reality (VR) experiences due to its ability to allow users to easily move beyond the limitations of the tracking space while minimizing the risk of inducing VR sickness. Teleportation instantly translates the user’s viewpoint to a user-selected destination and therefore eliminates any optical flow generation that could cause visual-vestibular conflict. Though teleportation is a discrete navigation method unique to the domain of VR, most VR experiences are modeled after three-dimensional experiences found on desktop/console platforms that use continuous locomotion. How the use of teleportation affects the performance and navigation behavior of its users, especially in competitive first-person shooter environments is unknown, yet it could have a significant effect on gameplay design. We conducted a user study (
n
=21) that compares teleportation versus continuous locomotion using a VR first-person shooter game with other players being simulated using AI agents. We found significant differences in performance, navigation behavior, and how both locomotion methods are perceived by its users. Specifically, using teleportation, players traveled farther but during combat were found to be more stationary and as a result got hit more frequently. These differences were profound and carry the potential to impact multiplayer games. We discuss possible strategies to balance gameplay.
Treating Symptoms or Treating Causes? Therapeutic Video Games for Mental Health
Authors: Reay Emma
Published: May 2024

This short viewpoint piece poses the question, ‘what are the ethical implications of designing video games that address the societal causes of mental illness rather than an individual's symptoms?’
Trustworthy AI using Confidential Federated Learning
Authors: Guo Jinnan , Pietzuch Peter , Paverd Andrew , Vaswani Kapil
Published: May 2024

The principles of security, privacy, accountability, transparency, and fairness are the cornerstones of modern AI regulations. Classic FL was designed with a strong emphasis on security and privacy, at the cost of transparency and accountability. CFL addresses this gap with a careful combination of FL with TEEs and commitments. In addition, CFL brings other desirable security properties, such as code-based access control, model confidentiality, and protection of models during inference. Recent advances in confidential computing such as confidential containers and confidential GPUs mean that existing FL frameworks can be extended seamlessly to support CFL with low overheads. For these reasons, CFL is likely to become the default mode for deploying FL workloads.
User-Centric Sustainability
Authors: Shenoy Prashant
Published: May 2024

The past few columns of Energy Viewpoints have discussed a range of topics related to decar-bonization of the grid and various types of infrastructure such as cloud data centers. In this column, I'd like to delve into how individuals can make a difference by contributing to various decarbonization efforts.
Outer Membrane Vesicles Derived from Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli Induce Inflammatory Response and Alter the Gene Expression of Junction-Associated Proteins in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nadalian Bahareh , Nadalian Banafsheh , Zali Mohammad Reza , Yadegar Abbas
Published: May 2024

Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) pathobionts, which are characterized by their ability to adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells, are associated with the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released by AIEC strains can facilitate the interaction of these bacteria with host cells through delivering bacterial effectors. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of OMVs derived from AIEC strain LF82 to induce the host immune response, leading to production of proinflammatory cytokines and also altering the gene expression of junction-associated proteins in the human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line. OMVs were extracted from AIEC strain LF82, and the cell viability of Caco-2 cells treated with these vesicles was assessed by MTT assay. The morphology and size distribution of vesicles were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, respectively. Gene expression of occludin, ZO-1, claudin-2, E-cadherin, TLR-2, and TLR-4 in response to OMVs was assessed in Caco-2 cells by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the secretion of IL-8 and TNF-α into the supernatant of Caco-2 cells upon treatment with OMVs was measured using ELISA. Our results demonstrated that OMVs upregulated the gene expression level of TLRs and also altered the gene expression level of junction-associated proteins. OMVs derived from AIEC may play a major role in the promotion of intestinal inflammation and epithelial barrier dysfunction. However, further investigations are needed to elucidate the putative role of OMVs in the pathogenesis of AIEC and IBD.
Experiences of Children and Young People with a Disability in Out‐of‐Home Care in Australia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gatwiri Kathomi , McPherson Lynne , James Samara
Published: May 2024

Children with disabilities in out‐of‐home care (OOHC) are an overrepresented group in Australia, yet little is known about their circumstances, needs, and experiences within OOHC. Utilising a systematic scoping review methodology, we explored the state of knowledge about the experiences of children and young people with a disability in out‐of‐home care in Australia. Findings in this review speak to the unmet needs and challanges that children with disabilities face in child welfare systems and how systemic failures can lead to institutional pipelines of further maltreatment, adversity, and marginalisation. The review discusses the key themes in the literature, including (i) compounding trauma and placement failures, (ii) concerns of safety, stability, and neglect, (iii) limited control and choice, and (iv) disability and multisystem involvement.
Properties of a Linear Operator Involving Lambert Series and Rabotnov Function
Authors: Salah Jamal
Published: May 2024

This work is an attempt to apply Lambert series in the theory of univalent functions. We first consider the Hadamard product of Rabotnov function and Lambert series with coefficients derived from the arithmetic function σn to introduce a normalized linear operator JRα,βz. We then acquire sufficient conditions for JRα,βz to be univalent, starlike and convex, respectively. Furthermore, we discuss the inclusion results in some special classes, namely, spiral-like and convex spiral-like subclasses. In addition, we extend the findings by incorporating two Robin’s inequalities, one of which is analogous to the Riemann hypothesis.
Genetic Characterization of Criolla and European Grapevines Recently Found in Chile: A Key Step for Their Rescue and Conservation
Authors: Meneses Marco , Castro María Herminia , Hinrichsen Patricio
Published: May 2024

Genetic erosion of grapevine is becoming a serious worldwide problem and preserving its germplasm is an urgent task. Chile is not an exception to this scenario, where diverse factors led by the replacement of traditional varieties by renown cultivars have reduced the vineyard diversity. Therefore, discovering and characterizing minor varieties were the main objectives of this study. In addition to the official catalogue of around 100 grapevine varieties used to produce wine, we present here 89 genotypes not previously described as present in Chile, widely dispersed in the main wine valleys, which were retrieved from vineyards, small collections, and city gardens. Strikingly, we found 49 grapevines with allele patterns not described before. Ten of these may be old European varieties; the other 39 have allele patterns similar to Criolla varieties (e.g., descendants from the crossing of European varieties born in America). A parentage analysis performed with 15 SSR markers in these 39 N.N. samples revealed that most of them are descendants of the so-called foundational varieties Listán Prieto and Muscat of Alexandria, plus others in lower proportion such as Mollar Cano and Muscat à petit grains blancs, as well as known Criollas varieties such as Italiona and Moscatel Rosado. The 89 genotypes not described in Chile structured in three distinguishable groups: Criolla varieties, Central European varieties, and a third group enriched in Iberic varieties. The prevalence of each Criolla accession was quite variable, some corresponding to a single or a few vines found at a single place, while others were spread in several vineyards, even in different valleys, suggesting they were positively selected and propagated at some time. All the new Criolla varieties were different than the recently described Criollas found in Argentina. The discovery, rescue, and documentation of this rich heritage of Vitis vinifera L. genotypes found in Chile is the first step of a long-term work that should be continued with the evaluation of their enological characteristics, yield, and optimal management systems, aiming for the diversification of the local wine industry.
Moral Distress, Burnout, Turnover Intention, and Coping Strategies among Korean Nurses during the Late Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Lee Jae Jun , Ji Hyunju , Lee Sanga , Lee Seung Eun , Squires Allison
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties nurses face, resulting in higher turnover rates and workforce shortages. This study investigated the relationships between nurses’ moral distress, burnout, and turnover intention during the last stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also explored the coping strategies nurses use to mitigate moral distress. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this study analyzed data from 307 nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in acute care hospitals through an online survey conducted in November 2022. Our data analysis encompassed quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics and path analysis, using a generalized structural equation model. For the qualitative aspect, we examined open-ended responses from 246 nurses using inductive content analysis. The quantitative findings revealed that nurses’ moral distress had a significant direct effect on turnover intention. In addition, burnout significantly mediated the relationship between moral distress and turnover intention. Qualitative analyses contextualized the relationships uncovered in the quantitative analyses. The qualitative analysis identified various positive and negative coping strategies. Positive strategies included a commitment to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks, adopting a holistic approach amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, voicing concerns for patient safety, engaging in continuous learning, and prioritizing self-care. Conversely, negative strategies involved adopting avoidance behaviors stemming from feelings of powerlessness and adopting a passive approach to one’s role. Notably, some participants shifted from positive to negative coping strategies because of institutional barriers and challenges. The findings underscore the importance for hospital administrators and nurse managers to acknowledge the impact of the pandemic-related challenges encountered by nurses and recognize the link among moral distress, burnout, and turnover intention. It highlights the essential role of organizational and managerial support in fostering effective coping strategies among nurses to address moral distress.
Performance Evaluation of School Enterprise Collaborative Innovation and Practice of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Based on the Improved AHP Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Authors: Yu Yingxia , Gu Haoyu , Liang Bin , Chen Xiuwen , Chen Zemeng , Wang Lin
Published: May 2024

Under the influence of the COVID‐19, great changes have taken place in China’s economic structure and market subjects and college students are facing difficulties in employment. By carrying out collaborative innovation between schools and enterprises, cultivating high‐quality talents to meet social needs has become an important way to solve difficulties. Based on the input‐process‐output principle, a performance evaluation index system for collaborative innovation is constructed, which includes 3 primary indicators and 22 secondary indicators. The weights of each indicator are determined using improved AHP. A mathematical model for evaluating the performance of school enterprise collaborative innovation is established using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The evaluation value of the innovation and entrepreneurship education case project is 0.82, indicating that the overall operation is in good condition. The cooperation between schools and enterprises has created a favorable atmosphere and accumulated rich experience for carrying out innovation and entrepreneurship education. Good results have been achieved in talent cultivation and scientific and technological output, but there are also problems such as low conversion rates of scientific and technological achievements. Based on the evaluation results, the article proposes suggestions to improve the performance of collaborative innovation between schools and enterprises. The research results provide theoretical reference for the performance evaluation of school enterprise collaborative innovation and the practice of innovation and entrepreneurship education.
Systematic Review of Utilized Ports in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Pushing the Boundaries
Authors: Alshammary Shadi A. , Boumarah Dhuha N.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Surgical procedures have undergone a paradigm shift in the last 3 decades, with minimally invasive surgery becoming standard of care for a number of surgeries, including the treatment of benign gallbladder diseases. By providing a thorough and impartial summary of the earlier published systematic reviews, the current systematic review is the first to present comparison results. This review illustrates the data of intraoperative and postoperative results of each laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique. Materials and Methods. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was meticulously followed to conduct the present systematic review. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science were searched for eligible publications, and a total of 14 systematic reviews were included. A newly developed extraction table was utilized to obtain the predefined parameters from eligible systematic reviews, including operative time, conversion rate, estimated blood loss, bile leak, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, and cosmetic results. All statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26.0. The analysis of dichotomous results was summarized using relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and continuous results were summarized using mean differences and 95% CIs. The proportions were compared using a single proportion z-test. Results. The analysis of our primary and secondary outcomes revealed a statistically significant improvement in aesthetic results after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) in comparison to the multiport approach of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This, however, is accompanied by extended operative timing and subsequently, prolonged exposure to anesthesia. Conclusion. Patients should be carefully selected for SILC to minimize technical difficulties and prevent complications both intraoperatively and shortly after the procedure. This trial is registered with CRD42023392037.
Analysis of an Aqueous Extract from Turkish Galls Based on Multicomponent Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Combined with Network Pharmacology and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Zeng Ya , Zhao Lu , Hao Meng , Maimaiti Mirzat , Li Zhi , Zhang Minghui , Ma Xuan
Published: May 2024

The current quality control method for Turkish gall (TG) is limited to assessing total tannin or gallic acid (GA), which offers a basic level of quality control but does not fully capture the true quality of TG. Therefore, it is essential to establish a comprehensive method that utilizes multiple indicators to assess the intrinsic quality of TG. This research utilized UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology to qualitatively analyze the chemical composition of TG. Subsequently, the potential main active ingredients, targets, and pathways of TG in treating recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) were explored and analyzed using network pharmacology technology. Quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS) was then employed to quantify the primary pharmacodynamic components in TG. Finally, chemometrics analysis was utilized to interpret the measured results and identify the markers of scavenging quality. The study identified 36 chemical components in TG, highlighting ellagic acid (EA), GA, and so on as key components in treating RAU. A method for simultaneously determining GA, EA, 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TEGG) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PEGG) in TG was established. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the content of these 4 components across 14 batches of TG, with GA and PEGG identified as the primary contributors to the variations. This study determined a quality index for TG, providing a reference for quality evaluation and introducing a cost-effective and efficient quality control method. Furthermore, it addressed the challenge of developing new Chinese medicine by overcoming the lack of reference substances.