bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rho-Kinase Is Differentially Expressed in the Adipose Tissue of Rodent and Human in Response to Aging, Sex, and Acute Exercise
Authors: Muñoz Vitor Rosetto , Vieira Renan Fudoli Lins , Katashima Carlos Kiyoshi , Gaspar Rafael Calais , Lino Marsel , Trombeta Joice Cristina dos Santos , Duft Renata Garbellini , Azevêdo Macêdo Ana Paula , da Silva Adelino Sanchez Ramos , Ropelle Eduardo Rochete , de Moura Leandro Pereira , Cintra Dennys Esper , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patricia Traina , Cavaglieri Cláudia Regina , Pauli José Rodrigo
Published: January 2024

White adipose tissue (WAT) controls energy storage, expenditure, and endocrine function. Rho-kinase (ROCK) is related to impaired thermogenesis, downregulation of preadipocyte differentiation, and adipokine production. Furthermore, WAT ROCK responds to metabolic stress from high-fat diets or diabetes. However, ROCK distribution in adipose depots and its response to aging and sex remain unclear. Thus, we aim to investigate ROCK function in adipose tissue of rodent and human in response to aging and sex. We observed specific differences in the ROCK1/2 distribution in inguinal WAT (ingWAT), perigonadal WAT (pgWAT), and brown adipose tissue of male and female rodents. However, ROCK2 expression was lower in female ingWAT compared with males, a fact that was not observed in the other depots. In the pgWAT and ingWAT of male and female rodents, ROCK activity increased during development. Moreover, middle-aged female rodents and humans showed downregulation in ROCK activity after acute physical exercise. Interestingly, ROCK levels were associated with several inflammatory markers both in rats and humans WAT (Nfkb1, Tnf, Il1b, Il6, and Mcp1). Induction of cell senescence by etoposide elevates ROCK activity in human preadipocytes; however, silencing ROCK1/2 demonstrates improvement in the inflammatory and cell senescence state. Using public databases, several pathways were strongly associated with ROCK modulation in WAT. In summary, WAT ROCK increases with development in association with inflammatory markers. Further, ROCK activity was attenuated by acute physical exercise, implicating it as a possible therapeutic target for metabolism improvement mediated by adipose tissue inflammatory state changes.
Preliminary Validation of the Acute Care Mobility Assessment as a Measure of Hospital Mobility
Authors: Brown Cynthia J , Loyd Christine , Richardson J Tyler , Boogaerts Garner , Zhang Yue , Kennedy Richard E
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite heightened interest, measurement of hospital mobility remains challenging. Available assessment tools lack patient input regarding level and frequency of hospital mobility. The purpose of this study was to validate a brief self-reported mobility assessment to measure out-of-bed activity during hospitalization.

Methods

We recruited cognitively intact hospitalized adults (age ≥ 65 years) who walked prior to admission, to wear an accelerometer for 24 hours, and to complete the Acute Care Mobility Assessment (ACMA), a self-report of mobility that ranges from bed rest to walking off the hospital unit in the prior 24 hours. For each mobility level from sitting in a chair to walking off the unit, patients reported the frequency of the activity and the need for help from another person or equipment. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated using several scoring algorithms to compare ACMA to accelerometer data.

Results

Fifty-one patients (mean age 74.3 [standard deviation 6.2] years, 63% female, 39% Black) had complete data. Steps taken in 24 hours ranged from 10 to 2 831. Correlation analyses identified strong associations between ACMA scores and total steps, and moderate correlations with total time walking using all algorithms. However, the unweighted frequency count using the 3 ambulation levels only (walking in room, in hall, and off ward) had the highest correlation with total steps (r = 0.84; p < .001) and total time walking (r = 0.66; p < .001).

Conclusions

ACMA is a valid measure of mobility among cognitively intact hospitalized older adults. The ACMA may add value to our current armamentarium of tools by adding patient reports of hospital mobility.
Unpacking the cost of the lunchbox for Australian families: a secondary analysis
Authors: Manson Alexandra C , Johnson Brittany J , Wolfenden Luke , Sutherland Rachel , Golley Rebecca K
Published: January 2024

Ninety per cent of Australian school children bring a home-packed lunch to school, with 44% of the food consumed during school hours being unhealthy. Among other factors, cost is a key consideration for food provision; however, the costs to Australian families are not well understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine what families are currently paying for school lunchboxes in Australian primary schools and to examine associations between food costs and socio-demographic factors with dietary quality. An audit of local retail outlets was used to determine the food costs of lunchbox contents. Costs (AUD) were adjusted for inflation as of early 2023. The lunchboxes of 1026 children aged 4–12 years at 12 Catholic primary schools in New South Wales, Australia, were assessed at the start of the day, using photography assessment methods and a validated School Food Checklist. The mean cost of lunchbox contents was $4.48 AUD (SD 1.53), containing a mean energy of 2699 kJ (SD 859), with 37.3% (SD 23.9) of energy sourced from unhealthy foods. Multiple linear regression analyses found that the strongest predictors of higher lunchbox cost (P < 0.05) were a higher proportion of energy from unhealthy foods (B = 0.016) and lower Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (B = −0.178), when controlling for child socio-demographics. The results indicated that lunchbox food costs to Australian families are comparable to alternative school food service models in Australia and internationally. Results demonstrate the cost of food is not the only barrier to providing a healthy school lunchbox. Demonstrating a need for cost-considerate systematic interventions addressing food provision challenges and socio-economic disparities faced by families.
Regulating short-term rental platforms: the effects of local regulatory responses on Airbnb’s operations in Europe
Authors: Wessel Michael , Schmidt-Kessen Maria José , Hukal Philipp
Published: January 2024

Many digital platforms offer services that affect real-world socio-economic processes. One example is the impact of short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb or Wimdu on cities and neighborhoods. Because these platforms often operate in a regulatory void characterized by absent, unclear, or poorly enforced laws and regulations, local governments in affected cities have begun experimenting with a variety of instruments to regulate the operations of short-term rental platforms. In this paper, we report how such locally implemented regulatory responses have affected Airbnb’s operations across 13 European cities over the period from 2015 to 2019. Using a difference-in-difference specification with synthetic controls, we assess the impact of different regulatory responses by disaggregating them into motivations, actions, targets, and outcomes. We find that the effectiveness of regulatory responses differs by type of regulation (restricting or clarifying), type of host (professional or private), as well as the enforcement (with or without the cooperation of the platform operator). Through this work, we add to the ongoing debate on the regulation of digital platforms by presenting both empirical evidence as well as an analytical framework.
Biomolecular profiles of Arctic sea-ice diatoms highlight the role of under-ice light in cellular energy allocation
Authors: Duncan Rebecca J , Nielsen Daniel , Søreide Janne E , Varpe Øystein , Tobin Mark J , Pitusi Vanessa , Heraud Philip , Petrou Katherina
Published: January 2024

Arctic sea-ice diatoms fuel polar marine food webs as they emerge from winter darkness into spring. Through their photosynthetic activity they manufacture the nutrients and energy that underpin secondary production. Sea-ice diatom abundance and biomolecular composition vary in space and time. With climate change causing short-term extremes and long-term shifts in environmental conditions, understanding how and in what way diatoms adjust biomolecular stores with environmental perturbation is important to gain insight into future ecosystem energy production and nutrient transfer. Using synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, we examined the biomolecular composition of five dominant sea-ice diatom taxa from landfast ice communities covering a range of under-ice light conditions during spring, in Svalbard, Norway. In all five taxa, we saw a doubling of lipid and fatty acid content when light transmitted to the ice–water interface was >5% but <15% (85%–95% attenuation through snow and ice). We determined a threshold around 15% light transmittance after which biomolecular synthesis plateaued, likely because of photoinhibitory effects, except for Navicula spp., which continued to accumulate lipids. Increasing under-ice light availability led to increased energy allocation towards carbohydrates, but this was secondary to lipid synthesis, whereas protein content remained stable. It is predicted that under-ice light availability will change in the Arctic, increasing because of sea-ice thinning and potentially decreasing with higher snowfall. Our findings show that the nutritional content of sea-ice diatoms is taxon-specific and linked to these changes, highlighting potential implications for future energy and nutrient supply for the polar marine food web.
Genotype-associated heritable rumen bacteria can be a stable microbiota passed to the offspring
Authors: Zang Xinwei , Sun Huizeng , Xue Mingyuan , Liang Shulin , Guan Le Luo , Liu Jianxin
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have reported that some rumen microbes are “heritable” (those have significant narrow sense heritability) and can significantly contribute to host phenotype variations. However, it is unknown if these heritable rumen bacteria can be passed to the next generation. In this study, the rumen bacteria from mother cows (sampled in 2016) and their offspring (sampled in 2019) were assessed to determine if vertical transmission occurred between the two generations. The analysis of relationship between host genotypes and heritable bacterial abundances showed that potential of five host genotypes can affect the relative abundances of two unclassified species level heritable bacteria (Pseudoscardovia and p-251-o5). The G allele of BTB-01532239 and A allele of ARS-BFGL-NGS-8960 were associated with a higher relative abundance of p-251-o5. The A allele of BTB-00740910 and BovineHD1300021786 and G allele of BovineHD1900005868 were associated with a higher relative abundance of Pseudoscardovia. The mother–offspring comparison revealed that the heritable rumen bacteria had higher compositional similarity than nonheritable bacteria between two generations, and the predicted heritable microbial functions had higher stability than those from nonheritable bacteria. These findings suggest that a high stability exists in heritable rumen bacteria, which could be passed to the next generation in dairy cows.
Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of posaconazole in paediatric leukaemia patients
Authors: Körholz Katharina , Holterhus Malcolm , Gordon Kathrin , Müller-Ohrem Charlotte , Müller Carsten , Groll Andreas H
Published: January 2024

Background

Little is known about the distribution of posaconazole in brain tissue and CSF. We therefore analysed trough concentrations of posaconazole in paediatric leukaemia patients in non-inflamed CSF.

Patients and methods

The study included paediatric patients <18 years of age with acute leukaemia in remission who underwent repeat therapeutic lumbar punctures as part of their anti-leukaemia treatment. CSF and blood were obtained 20–24 h after dosing, and posaconazole was measured by LC-MS/MS.

Results

Six patients (median age: 10 years; range, 6–14) with acute lymphatic (three) or acute myeloid (three) leukaemia were included who received posaconazole gastroresistant tablets at weight-banded doses (five) or the oral solution (one). In contrast to 14 control samples, posaconazole was detectable in all 11 samples of treated patients. CSF concentrations ranged from 8.3 to 42 ng/mL with a median CSF concentration of 13.6 ng/mL. Concurrent serum concentrations were between 965 and 5177 ng/mL with a median of 1716 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Trough concentrations of posaconazole in the CSF after systemic administration were low but detectable in all subjects. Concurrent serum concentrations were in the target range for prophylaxis and treatment in 100% and 90%, respectively.
A Quantile–Quantile Toolbox for Reference Intervals
Authors: Hawkins Douglas M , Esquivel Rianne N
Published: January 2024

Background

Parametric statistical methods are generally better than nonparametric, but require that data follow a known, usually normal, distribution. One important application is finding reference limits and detection limits. Parametric analyses yield better estimates and measures of their uncertainty than nonparametric approaches, which rely solely on a few extreme values. Some reference data follow normal distributions; some can be transformed to normal; some are normal or transformable to normal apart from a few extreme values; and detection and quantitation limits can lead to data censoring.

Methods

A quantile–quantile (QQ) toolbox provides powerful general methodology for all these settings.

Results

QQ methodology leads to a family of simple methods for finding optimal power transformations, testing for normality before and after transformation, estimating reference limits, and constructing confidence intervals.

Conclusions

These parametric methods have a particular appeal to clinical laboratorians because, while statistically rigorous, they do not require specialized software or statistical expertise, but can be implemented even in spreadsheets. We conclude with an exploration of reference values for amyloid beta proteins associated with Alzheimer disease.
Unveiling the cell wall-targeting mechanisms and multifaceted virulence modulation by a eugenol glycoconjugate against Aspergillus fumigatus: insights from in vitro and in ovo studies
Authors: Gupta Lovely , Verma Shalini , Goswami Lakshmi , Kamboj Himanshu , Sen Pooja , Bhattacharya Asish K , Vijayaraghavan Pooja
Published: January 2024

Aim

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the putative cell wall-associated targets of compound 6i, a glycoconjugate of eugenol, in Aspergillus fumigatus, while also evaluating its toxicity and assessing histopathologic alterations in the liver, heart, and kidney of compound 6i-treated embryos using an in ovo model.

Method

To achieve this aim, compound 6i was synthesized, and a series of biochemical assays were performed to determine its impact on the fungal cell wall. Additionally, quantitative real time-PCR and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analyses were conducted to investigate changes in gene and protein expression profiles associated with melanin biosynthesis, conidiation, siderophore production, transcriptional regulation of β-glucan biosynthesis, and calcineurin activity in A. fumigatus.

Results

The experimental findings revealed that compound 6i exhibited notable antifungal activity against A. fumigatus by perturbing cell wall integrity, hindering ergosterol, glucan, and chitin biosynthesis, and inhibiting catalase production. Moreover, relative gene expression and proteomic analyses demonstrated that compound 6i exerted both downregulatory and upregulatory effects on several crucial genes and proteins involved in the aforementioned fungal processes. Furthermore, increased expression of oxidative stress-related proteins was observed in the presence of compound 6i. Notably, the glycoconjugate of eugenol did not elicit cytotoxicity in the liver, heart, and kidney of chick embryos.

Conclusion

The current investigation elucidated the multifaceted mechanisms by which compound 6i exerts its antifungal effects against A. fumigatus, primarily through targeting cell wall components and signaling pathways. These findings underscore the potential of the eugenol glycoconjugate as a promising antifungal candidate, warranting further exploration and development for combating A. fumigatus infections.
Loss of the auxiliary α2δ1 voltage-sensitive calcium channel subunit impairs bone formation and anabolic responses to mechanical loading
Authors: Kelly Madison M , Sharma Karan , Wright Christian S , Yi Xin , Reyes Fernandez Perla C , Gegg Aaron T , Gorrell Taylor A , Noonan Megan L , Baghdady Ahmed , Sieger Jacob A , Dolphin Annette C , Warden Stuart J , Deosthale Padmini , Plotkin Lilian I , Sankar Uma , Hum Julia M , Robling Alexander G , Farach-Carson Mary C , Thompson William R
Published: January 2024

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) influence bone structure and function, including anabolic responses to mechanical loading. While the pore-forming (α1) subunit of VSCCs allows Ca2+ influx, auxiliary subunits regulate the biophysical properties of the pore. The α2δ1 subunit influences gating kinetics of the α1 pore and enables mechanically induced signaling in osteocytes; however, the skeletal function of α2δ1 in vivo remains unknown. In this work, we examined the skeletal consequences of deleting Cacna2d1, the gene encoding α2δ1. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and microcomputed tomography imaging demonstrated that deletion of α2δ1 diminished bone mineral content and density in both male and female C57BL/6 mice. Structural differences manifested in both trabecular and cortical bone for males, while the absence of α2δ1 affected only cortical bone in female mice. Deletion of α2δ1 impaired skeletal mechanical properties in both sexes, as measured by three-point bending to failure. While no changes in osteoblast number or activity were found for either sex, male mice displayed a significant increase in osteoclast number, accompanied by increased eroded bone surface and upregulation of genes that regulate osteoclast differentiation. Deletion of α2δ1 also rendered the skeleton insensitive to exogenous mechanical loading in males. While previous work demonstrates that VSCCs are essential for anabolic responses to mechanical loading, the mechanism by which these channels sense and respond to force remained unclear. Our data demonstrate that the α2δ1 auxiliary VSCC subunit functions to maintain baseline bone mass and strength through regulation of osteoclast activity and also provides skeletal mechanotransduction in male mice. These data reveal a molecular player in our understanding of the mechanisms by which VSCCs influence skeletal adaptation.
Rapamycin does not alter bone microarchitecture or material properties quality in young-adult and aged female C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Devine Connor C , Brown Kenna C , Paton Kat O , Heveran Chelsea M , Martin Stephen A
Published: January 2024

Advancing age is the strongest risk factor for osteoporosis and skeletal fragility. Rapamycin is an FDA-approved immunosuppressant that inhibits the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex, extends lifespan, and protects against aging-related diseases in multiple species; however, the impact of rapamycin on skeletal tissue is incompletely understood. We evaluated the effects of a short-term, low-dosage, interval rapamycin treatment on bone microarchitecture and strength in young-adult (3 mo old) and aged female (20 mo old) C57BL/6 mice. Rapamycin (2 mg/kg body mass) was administered via intraperitoneal injection 1×/5 d for a duration of 8 wk; this treatment regimen has been shown to induce geroprotective effects while minimizing the side effects associated with higher rapamycin dosages and/or more frequent or prolonged delivery schedules. Aged femurs exhibited lower cancellous bone mineral density, volume, trabecular connectivity density and number, higher trabecular thickness and spacing, and lower cortical thickness compared to young-adult mice. Rapamycin had no impact on assessed microCT parameters. Flexural testing of the femur revealed that both yield strength and ultimate strength were lower in aged mice compared to young-adult mice. There were no effects of rapamycin on these or other measures of bone biomechanics. Age, but not rapamycin, altered local and global measures of bone turnover. These data demonstrate that short-term, low-dosage interval rapamycin treatment does not negatively or positively impact the skeleton of young-adult and aged mice.
Gendered barriers and opportunities for scaling integrated pest management practices along the mango value chain in Kenya
Authors: Muriithi Beatrice , Franchini Rachael , Kolhoff Paige , Seekman Victoria , Grossman Lydia , Mulungu Kelvin , Kirscht Holger , Ledermann Samuel , Khamis Fathiya Mbarak
Published: January 2024

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important source of food and income in Kenya, but production is hampered by the proliferation of invasive fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis). The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and its partners have over the past 2 decades developed and disseminated an integrated pest management (IPM) package of interventions that effectively reduce fruit fly populations, but adoption is relatively low. In response to this low adoption, the authors conducted desk- and field-based qualitative and quantitative studies to better understand the gendered barriers and opportunities for scaling IPM practices along the mango value chain in Kenya. Twenty-four gender-disaggregated focus groups, 118 farmer surveys, and 63 key informant interviews with value chain actors were conducted. The results show that lack of access to IPM inputs, market constraints, and access to training are among the key barriers to and motivations for adopting IPM strategies in Embu County, Kenya.
Intestinal macrophages in pathogenesis and treatment of gut leakage: current strategies and future perspectives
Authors: Selvakumar Balachandar , Sekar Priyadharshini , Samsudin A Rani
Published: January 2024

Macrophages play key roles in tissue homeostasis, defense, disease, and repair. Macrophages are highly plastic and exhibit distinct functional phenotypes based on micro-environmental stimuli. In spite of several advancements in understanding macrophage biology and their different functional phenotypes in various physiological and pathological conditions, currently available treatment strategies targeting macrophages are limited. Macrophages' high plasticity and diverse functional roles—including tissue injury and wound healing mechanisms—mark them as potential targets to mine for efficient therapeutics to treat diseases. Despite mounting evidence on association of gut leakage with several extraintestinal diseases, there is no targeted standard therapy to treat gut leakage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies to treat this condition. Macrophages are the cells that play the largest role in interacting with the gut microbiota in the intestinal compartment and exert their intended functions in injury and repair mechanisms. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on the origins and phenotypes of macrophages. The specific role of macrophages in intestinal barrier function, their role in tissue repair mechanisms, and their association with gut microbiota are discussed. In addition, currently available therapies and the putative tissue repair mediators of macrophages for treating microbiota dysbiosis induced gut leakage are also discussed. The overall aim of this review is to convey the intense need to screen for microbiota induced macrophage-released prorepair mediators, which could lead to the identification of potential candidates that could be developed for treating the leaky gut and associated diseases.
Optimal individualized treatment rule for combination treatments under budget constraints
Authors: Xu Qi , Fu Haoda , Qu Annie
Published: January 2024

The individualized treatment rule (ITR), which recommends an optimal treatment based on individual characteristics, has drawn considerable interest from many areas such as precision medicine, personalized education, and personalized marketing. Existing ITR estimation methods mainly adopt 1 of 2 or more treatments. However, a combination of multiple treatments could be more powerful in various areas. In this paper, we propose a novel double encoder model (DEM) to estimate the ITR for combination treatments. The proposed double encoder model is a nonparametric model which not only flexibly incorporates complex treatment effects and interaction effects among treatments but also improves estimation efficiency via the parameter-sharing feature. In addition, we tailor the estimated ITR to budget constraints through a multi-choice knapsack formulation, which enhances our proposed method under restricted-resource scenarios. In theory, we provide the value reduction bound with or without budget constraints, and an improved convergence rate with respect to the number of treatments under the DEM. Our simulation studies show that the proposed method outperforms the existing ITR estimation in various settings. We also demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method in patient-derived xenograft data that recommends optimal combination treatments to shrink the tumour size of the colorectal cancer.
Automatic change-point detection in time series via deep learning
Authors: Li Jie , Fearnhead Paul , Fryzlewicz Piotr , Wang Tengyao
Published: January 2024

Detecting change points in data is challenging because of the range of possible types of change and types of behaviour of data when there is no change. Statistically efficient methods for detecting a change will depend on both of these features, and it can be difficult for a practitioner to develop an appropriate detection method for their application of interest. We show how to automatically generate new offline detection methods based on training a neural network. Our approach is motivated by many existing tests for the presence of a change point being representable by a simple neural network, and thus a neural network trained with sufficient data should have performance at least as good as these methods. We present theory that quantifies the error rate for such an approach, and how it depends on the amount of training data. Empirical results show that, even with limited training data, its performance is competitive with the standard cumulative sum (CUSUM) based classifier for detecting a change in mean when the noise is independent and Gaussian, and can substantially outperform it in the presence of auto-correlated or heavy-tailed noise. Our method also shows strong results in detecting and localizing changes in activity based on accelerometer data.
Post-COVID-19 Condition in Military Personnel
Authors: Hitchcock Stuart , Cintron Samantha A , Kasuske Lalon , J. Diaz Francisco , Pierce Janet
Published: January 2024

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals experienced persistent symptoms, collectively termed post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) by the World Health Organization. While civilian prevalence has been extensively studied, little is known about PCC in military personnel. This article highlights the need for increased awareness, documentation, and research on PCC within the military context, utilizing the Defense Health Agency database.

Materials and Methods

A keyword search of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was performed utilizing the keywords: military, post-COVID conditions, long COVID-19, and post-COVID19 syndrome. A five-stage integrative review framework was used to analyze 40 reports and research articles published from 2019 to 2023 to assess the current state of PCC research, including epidemiology, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants, pathophysiology, and prevalence in military personnel.

Results

Our review revealed a notable gap in research on PCC within the military population, with only a few mentions in the literature. A key finding was the association between immunization status, symptom severity, and ethnicity in PCC development.

Conclusion

To comprehensively address PCC in military personnel, it is imperative to foster both awareness and documentation. Creating a centralized Defense Health Agency-DoD repository for active duty service members with PCC diagnoses offers a valuable opportunity to conduct trend analysis, identify missed cases, and better understand the individual and military readiness implications of this condition. Additionally, to address the educational needs of clinicians, it is essential to develop continuing medical education and continuing nursing education programs focusing on PCC signs, symptoms, and their impact on readiness. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials and longitudinal experimental clinical trials are essential for monitoring service members over time, providing valuable insights into the course of PCC and potential interventions. These research endeavors collectively contribute to improving the health, readiness, and care of military personnel affected by PCC.
The Military Health History: An Educational Initiative to Improve Veteran Healthcare
Authors: Brands Michael , Martin-Klinger Caitlin , Raines Amanda M , Roig Randolph
Published: January 2024

Introduction

As a result of the nature of military service, veterans are a unique patient population with many special health considerations. For various reasons, measures are often not taken by clinicians to address such special considerations. This results in a healthcare disparity for veterans first described by Dr. Jeffrey Brown in 2012. To address this disparity, we introduced “the military health history” to third-year medical students at a large medical school in the southeastern United States. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of this educational intervention and determine its potential role in creating a future in which veteran healthcare is of the highest quality.

Materials and Methods

This study was approved as a quality assurance/quality improvement project by both Louisiana State University Health Science Center and Southeast Louisiana Veteran Healthcare System IRB offices. A short lecture outlining the components of the military health history was presented to 186 third-year medical students. The students were given the opportunity to answer five survey questions before and after the lecture. These questions assessed the students’ current confidence performing a military health history, perceived importance of doing so, and likelihood of future implementation. To determine useful retention of the lecture material, the post-lecture survey was readministered to the same population sample 6 months after the lecture. A series of repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to examine changes in mean levels of confidence, importance, and likelihood of ascertaining military history during a patient encounter at pre- and post-presentation as well as at the 6 month follow-up.

Results

Results revealed a significant effect of time on importance, Wilks’ Lambda = 0.74, F (2, 87) = 15.41, P < 0.001; confidence, Wilks’ Lambda = 0.61, F (2, 87) = 27.58, P < 0.001; and likelihood of ascertaining a military history during a future patient encounter, Wilks’ Lambda = 0.46, F (2, 88) = 50.58, P < 0.001. Results are demonstrated in detail in Table I of the manuscript.

Conclusion

The lecture resulted in a statistically significant increase over 6 months in both the likelihood and confidence parameters. The team believes that this result indicates that the students demonstrated useful retention of the lecture material. Our hope is that these students continue to employ the military health history throughout their years of clinical work. In the future, we plan to survey veterans immediately following Veterans Health Administration clinic visits with members of our study population to assess the patient’s perceived benefit of the military health history. The team will continue to investigate ways in which military health curricula can be implemented in undergraduate medical education.
Refractory Osteomyelitis in a Military Service Member Resolved With Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Spiro Jeffrey , Gedestad Michael , Wisniewski Piotr
Published: January 2024

Refractory osteomyelitis is typically defined as a chronic infection that persists or recurs despite definitive surgical management and antibiotic therapy. Cases often involve complex wounds or fractures and can be challenging to treat, resulting in multiple courses of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and numerous surgeries over periods of months to years. Adjuncts to improve resolution of these complicated infections are sorely needed. Here, we describe the case of a 47-year-old active duty military member who sustained an open right ankle fracture during a skydiving accident that was subsequently complicated by refractory osteomyelitis. The patient failed more than three courses of combined medical and surgical management over a 9-month period before undergoing adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), ultimately resulting in resolution of the infection. Adjunctive HBOT for treatment of conditions such as refractory osteomyelitis may be an underutilized resource in part because of a general paucity of high-quality data in the literature supporting its use, as well as a relative lack of availability of this resource. Nonetheless, the overall accumulating body of evidence indicates that the use of adjunctive HBOT in select patients with refractory osteomyelitis is safe and effective and further research may be warranted given its relevance and potential impact to military populations.
Radio jets in NGC 1068 with e-MERLIN and VLA: structure and morphology
Authors: Mutie Isaac M , Williams-Baldwin David , Beswick Robert J , Bempong-Manful Emmanuel K , Baki Paul O , Muxlow Tom W B , Gallimore Jack F , Aalto Susanne E , Dullo Bililign T , Baldi Ranieri D
Published: January 2024

We present new high-sensitivity e-MERLIN and Very Large Array (VLA) radio images of the prototypical Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068 at 5, 10, and 21 GHz. We image the radio jet, from the compact components north-east (NE), C, S1, and S2 to the faint double-lobed jet structure of the NE and south-west (SW) jet lobes. We map the jet between 15 kλ  and  3300 kλ spatial scales by combining enhanced-Multi Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (e-MERLIN) and VLA data for the first time. Components NE, C, and S2 have steep spectra indicative of optically thin non-thermal emission domination between 5 and 21 GHz. Component S1, which is where the active galactic nucleus resides, has a flat radio spectrum. We report a new component, S2a, a part of the southern jet. We compare these new data with the MERLIN and VLA data observed in 1983, 1992, and 1995 and report a flux decrease by a factor of 2 in component C, suggesting variability of this jet component. With the high angular resolution e-MERLIN maps, we detect the bow shocks in the NE jet lobe that coincide with the molecular gas outflows observed with ALMA. The NE jet lobe has a jet power of $P_{\rm jet-NElobe}\, =\,$ 6.7 × 1042 erg s−1 and is considered to be responsible for driving out the dense molecular gas observed with ALMA around the same region.
Revealing the kinematic puzzle of the AGN host NGC 3884: optical integral field spectroscopy unravels stellar and gas motions
Authors: Riffel Rogemar A , Riffel Rogério , Storchi-Bergmann Thaisa , Costa-Souza José Henrique , Souza-Oliveira Gabriel Luan , Bianchin Marina
Published: January 2024

We used optical integral field spectroscopy to analyse the stellar and gas properties of the inner 1.4 kpc radius of NGC 3884, a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (AGN) host. The observations were performed with Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS)-Integral Field Unit at a seeing of ∼0.85 arcsec (475 pc at the galaxy) that allowed us to map the stellar and gas emission structure and kinematics, for the first time in this galaxy. The stellar motions are consistent with rotation in a disc, with the kinematic position angle (PA) ranging from approximately 0° within 500 pc to 20° beyond 1 kpc, consistent with the photometric PA. We detected extended ionized and neutral gas emission throughout most of the GMOS field of view, with three kinematic components: (i) a disc component with a kinematic PA similar to that of the stars beyond ∼670 pc from the nucleus; (ii) a twist in the PA of up to 60° at a smaller radii that we attribute to gas inflow towards the nucleus; and (iii) an outflow detected as broad components to the emission lines (σ ∼ 250–400 km s−1), with a maximum mass outflow rate of 0.25 ± 0.15 M⊙ yr−1 and a kinetic power corresponding to 0.06 per cent of the AGN bolometric luminosity, possibly being powerful enough to suppress star formation in the galaxy. The observed gas kinematics thus reveals both inflows and outflows in ionized gas.
The Uchuu–SDSS galaxy light-cones: a clustering, redshift space distortion and baryonic acoustic oscillation study
Authors: Dong-Páez C A , Smith A , Szewciw A O , Ereza J , Abdullah M H , Hernández-Aguayo C , Trusov S , Prada F , Klypin A , Ishiyama T , Berlind A , Zarrouk P , López Cacheiro J , Ruedas J
Published: January 2024

We present the data release of the Uchuu–SDSS galaxies: a set of 32 high-fidelity galaxy light-cones constructed from the large Uchuu 2.1 trillion particles N-body simulation using Planck cosmology. We adopt subhalo abundance matching to populate the Uchuu-box halo catalogues with SDSS galaxy luminosities. These box catalogues generated at several redshifts are combined to create a set of light-cones with redshift-evolving galaxy properties. The Uchuu–SDSS galaxy light-cones are built to reproduce the footprint and statistical properties of the SDSS main galaxy survey, along with stellar masses and star formation rates. This facilitates a direct comparison of the observed SDSS and simulated Uchuu–SDSS data. Our light-cones reproduce a large number of observational results, such as the distribution of galaxy properties, galaxy clustering, stellar mass functions, and halo occupation distributions. Using simulated and real data, we select samples of bright red galaxies at zeff = 0.15 to explore redshift space distortions and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) by fitting the full two-point correlation function and the BAO peak. We create a set of 5100 galaxy light-cones using GLAM N-body simulations to compute covariance errors. We report a $\sim 30~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ precision increase on fσ8 and the pre-reconstruction BAO scale, due to our better estimate of the covariance matrix. From our BAO-inferred α∥ and α⊥ parameters, we obtain the first SDSS measurements of the Hubble and angular diameter distances $D_\mathrm{H}(z=0.15) / r_d = 27.9^{+3.1}_{-2.7}$, $D_\mathrm{M}(z=0.15) / r_d = 5.1^{+0.4}_{-0.4}$. Overall, we conclude that the Planck Λ CDM cosmology nicely explains the observed large-scale structure statistics of SDSS. All data sets are made publicly available.
The intrinsic alignment of galaxy clusters and impact of projection effects
Authors: Shi Jingjing , Sunayama Tomomi , Kurita Toshiki , Takada Masahiro , Sugiyama Sunao , Mandelbaum Rachel , Miyatake Hironao , More Surhud , Nishimichi Takahiro , Johnston Harry
Published: January 2024

Galaxy clusters, being the most massive objects in the Universe, exhibit the strongest alignment with the large-scale structure. However, mis-identification of members due to projection effects from the large-scale structure can occur. We studied the impact of projection effects on the measurement of the intrinsic alignment of galaxy clusters, using galaxy cluster mock catalogues. Our findings showed that projection effects result in a decrease of the large-scale intrinsic alignment signal of the cluster and produce a bump at rp ∼ 1 h−1 Mpc, most likely due to interlopers and missed member galaxies. This decrease in signal explains the observed similar alignment strength between bright central galaxies and clusters in the SDSS $\rm redMaPPer$ cluster catalogue. The projection effect and cluster intrinsic alignment signal are coupled, with clusters having lower fractions of missing members or having higher fraction of interlopers exhibiting higher alignment signals in their projected shapes. We aim to use these findings to determine the impact of projection effects on galaxy cluster cosmology in future studies.
Off-nuclear H2O maser and dense molecular gas in NGC 1068
Authors: Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Baan Willem A , Imanishi Masatoshi , Diamond Philip
Published: January 2024

The results of high-resolution spectral-line observations of dense molecular gas are presented towards the nuclear region of the type 2 Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068. MERLIN observations of the 22 GHz H2O maser were made for imaging the known off-nuclear maser emission at radio jet component located about 0.3 arcsec north-east of the radio nucleus in the galaxy. High angular resolution ALMA observations have spatially resolved the molecular gas emissions of HCN and HCO+ in this region. The off-nuclear maser spots are found to nearly overlap with a ring-like molecular gas structure and are tracing an evolving shock-like structure, which appears to be energized by interaction between the radio jet and circumnuclear medium. The scenario of the dynamic jet–ISM interaction is further supported by a systematic shift of the centroid velocities of the off-nuclear maser features over a period of 35 yr. The enhanced integrated flux ratios of the HCN to HCO+ line emission features at component C suggest a kinetic temperature Tk ≳ 300 K and an H2 density of ≳ 106 cm−3, which are conditions where water masers may be formed. The diagnostics of the masering action in this jet–ISM interaction region is exemplary for galaxies hosting off-nuclear H2O maser emission.
Nitric oxide sensor NsrR is the key direct regulator of magnetosome formation and nitrogen metabolism in Magnetospirillum
Authors: Pang Bo , Zheng Haolan , Ma Shijia , Tian Jiesheng , Wen Ying
Published: January 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role as signaling molecule in regulation of eukaryotic biomineralization, but its role in prokaryotic biomineralization is unknown. Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1, a model strain for studies of prokaryotic biomineralization, has the unique ability to form magnetosomes (magnetic organelles). We demonstrate here that magnetosome biomineralization in MSR-1 requires the presence of NsrRMg (an NO sensor) and a certain level of NO. MSR-1 synthesizes endogenous NO via nitrification-denitrification pathway to activate magnetosome formation. NsrRMg was identified as a global transcriptional regulator that acts as a direct activator of magnetosome gene cluster (MGC) and nitrification genes but as a repressor of denitrification genes. Specific levels of NO modulate DNA-binding ability of NsrRMg to various target promoters, leading to enhancing expression of MGC genes, derepressing denitrification genes, and repressing nitrification genes. These regulatory functions help maintain appropriate endogenous NO level. This study identifies for the first time the key transcriptional regulator of major MGC genes, clarifies the molecular mechanisms underlying NsrR-mediated NO signal transduction in magnetosome formation, and provides a basis for a proposed model of the role of NO in the evolutionary origin of prokaryotic biomineralization processes.
Outcome of immunosuppression in children with IgA vasculitis–related nephritis
Authors: Rohner Katharina , Marlais Matko , Ahn Yo Han , Ali Alaa , Alsharief Abrar , Novak Anja Blejc , Brambilla Marta , Cakici Evrim Kargin , Candan Cengiz , Canpolat Nur , Chan Eugene Yu-hin , Decramer Stéphane , Didsbury Madeleine , Durao Filipa , Durkan Anne M , Düzova Ali , Forbes Thomas , Gracchi Valentina , Güngör Tulin , Horinouchi Tomoko , Kasap Demir Belde , Kobayashi Yasuko , Koskela Mikael , Kurt-Sukur Eda Didem , La Scola Claudio , Langan Dean , Li Xiaozhong , Malgieri Gabriele , Mastrangelo Antonio , Min Jeesu , Mizerska-Wasiak Malgorzata , Moussaoui Nabila , Noyan Aytul , Nuutinen Matti , O'Gormon Jennifer , Okamoto Takayuki , Oni Louise , Oosterveld Michiel , Pańczyk-Tomaszewska Malgorzata , Parmaksiz Gonul , Pasini Andrea , Rianthavorn Pornpimol , Roelofs Joris , Shen Yunyan , Sinha Rajiv , Topaloglu Rezan , Torres Diletta Domenica , Udagawa Tomohiro , Wennerström Martin , Yap Yok Chin , Tullus Kjell
Published: January 2024

Background

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis with nephritis (IgAVN) is the most common vasculitis in children. Due to a lack of evidence, treatment recommendations are based on expert opinion, resulting in variation. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of an extremely large cohort of children with biopsy-proven IgAVN in order to identify prognostic risk factors and signals of treatment efficacy.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected on 1148 children with biopsy-proven IgAVN between 2005 and 2019 from 41 international paediatric nephrology centres across 25 countries and analysed using multivariate analysis. The primary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and persistent proteinuria at last follow-up.

Results

The median follow-up was 3.7 years (interquartile range 2–6.2). At last follow-up, 29% of patients had an eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2, 36% had proteinuria and 3% had chronic kidney disease stage 4–5. Older age, lower eGFR at onset, hypertension and histological features of tubular atrophy and segmental sclerosis were predictors of poor outcome. There was no evidence to support any specific second-line immunosuppressive regimen being superior to others, even when further analysing subgroups of children with reduced kidney function, nephrotic syndrome or hypoalbuminemia at onset. Delayed start of immunosuppressive treatment was associated with a lower eGFR at last follow-up.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective cohort, key features associated with disease outcome are highlighted. Importantly, there was no evidence to support that any specific immunosuppressive treatments were superior to others. Further discovery science and well-conducted clinical trials are needed to define accurate treatment and improve outcomes of IgAVN.
Polaron interfacial entropy as a route to high thermoelectric performance in DAE-doped PEDOT:PSS films
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Ye Caichao , Wei Genwang , Guo Liang , Cai Yuhang , Li Zhi , Wu Xinzhi , Sun Fangyi , Li Qikai , Wang Yupeng , Li Huan , Li Yuchen , Wang Shuaihua , Xu Wei , Guo Xuefeng , Zhang Wenqing , Liu Weishu
Published: January 2024

Enhancing the thermoelectric transport properties of conductive polymer materials has been a long-term challenge, in spite of the success seen with molecular doping strategies. However, the strong coupling between the thermopower and the electrical conductivity limits thermoelectric performance. Here, we use polaron interfacial occupied entropy engineering to break through this intercoupling for a PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(4-styrenesulfonate)) thin film by using photochromic diarylethene (DAE) dopants coupled with UV-light modulation. With a 10-fold enhancement of the thermopower from 13.5 μV K−1 to 135.4 μV K−1 and almost unchanged electrical conductivity, the DAE-doped PEDOT:PSS thin film achieved an extremely high power factor of 521.28 μW m−1 K−2 from an original value of 6.78 μW m−1 K−2. The thermopower was positively correlated with the UV-light intensity but decreased with increasing temperature, indicating resonant coupling between the planar closed DAE molecule and PEDOT. Both the experiments and theoretical calculations consistently confirmed the formation of an interface state due to this resonant coupling. Interfacial entropy engineering of polarons could play a critical role in enhancing the thermoelectric performance of the organic film.